Buying Frenzy!

I have sold a few cards lately, so I had some money I could spend on craft supplies. Here are some things I bought this weekend. 

First I went to Hobby Lobby. I bought a 3-pack of Copic markers in shades of green for coloring Poinsettia leaves. I also found a white Prismacolor pencil to try on a new shading technique.  I was happy to be able to use a coupon on those Copic markers!

Here is a quick shot of my coloring. I watched a couple of You Tube videos to get some tips on shading the red.  

Then it was on to Michael's. Where I found silver Cardstock on sale. I thought I had picked up 5 sheets, but it really stuck together. So when I got to the checkout, I actually had 10!  The man behind me had to make a few remarks, but the Michael's worker was very gracious. I also picked up this glimmers red. It's not glittery, but it shines beautifully. The paper has an almost suede like quality. I don't have anything specific in mind for it, but I look forward to playing with it. I had been wanting to add to my Stickles collection, so when I found this Studio G glitter glue, I was quite excited.  Picked up red and gold for holiday fun!

I was on the hunt to find a specific type of ribbon, so I stopped by JoAnn's as well.  Here it is. It's an emerald green. Half is sheer, the other half satin, and it has a metallic line right down the middle. This ribbon is quite inexpensive, but I love the look. 

I have been on the search for some distress inks. I want to use them in a starry night background. I could never find the exact colors, but I think these will work. I was delighted to discover they were on sale!  (The colors are Tumbled Glass and Faded Jeans.)

I also picked up this Mister Huey's mask. It's called "circles mask."  I have a card in progress that needed something. This may be it!

Finally, last week when I sat down on my work chair, it suddenly dropped all the way down!  Startling!  I tried using a folding chair, but it wasn't high enough. So Mike took me to Staples and we found this beauty!  Good thing my craft room is pink!  I thought the salesman told me it was $50, but it turns out it was $15. And there was a discount on the total purchase, so it ending up being $13!  Mike says I need to go back and get another. When he moves out, it could be my guest chair. Seems like a plan. 

I purchased some more fun items on-line. I'll share when they come.  For now, I'm looking forward to finishing the card I mentioned earlier, and working on a Christmas card order!

Ta for now!  Go do something amazing!

CiCi

Challenging Myself

I have an abundance of paper crafting supplies!  In my current efforts to simplify, I am acutely aware of how much paper and how many stamps I possess. I tell myself it's time to purge, yet something keeps me from it. I suspect this is related to my desire to create additional income through my creations. 

This struggle needs to be resolved. I either need to use these supplies, or I need to let them go. So, I have given myself a challenge. This morning I stumbled upon The Deconstructed Sketch website. Here there is a treasure of card sketches. I printed off sketches 1-40. Now I am challenging myself to create a card a day based on these sketches. 

Here is my take on Sketch 1. 

I have been so anxious to use this DSP from Stampin' Up that I have refused to put it away!  So my color decisions and stamp choices were based on that paper. 

I am pleased with this card. To improve it, I would do something more with the corners of the blue rectangle. Also, my placement of the white border was a bit wonky. I do like the colors, balance, and flow. 

:):  it's your choice!

Cathy

New Beginnings

"And suddenly, you know, it's time to start something new and to trust the magic of new beginnings."

- author unknown

I am living alone again.  Emily and Thomas have moved to their own home for the first time in over a year. I am happy for them, but selfishly, I know I will miss their company. I spent the weekend crying and feeling sorry for myself. But, now it is Monday morning and time to accept life on my own. I acknowledge it as a gift. However, frankly, it can also be a bit of a chore!  

This morning I have begun the process of reclaiming my spaces. The cat food bowls are now back on their mat. I have changed the pictures in the dining room to better reflect the season. (I was able to do that because I can get in the closet again!). I feel confident that it can slowly expand and feel comfortable in the whole house.  

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

I believe I have taken that step.