internet ... blog ... crafty inspirations

Well, I'm back at trying my blog.  My goal is to be a bit more realistic.  Start off by updating my blog once a week on Wednesdays and then see if I can't work my way up to twice a week - adding in a Saturday or a Sunday blog. 

Speaking of Sunday - last Sunday I was up before the rest of my sun-burned family and hit my craft room to try out something I had found when bloghopping the internet.  I found this project over at Cinnaberry Suite and I think my little version turned out just dandy! 

here is the link to Cinnaberry Suite's blog and this project.
 http://cinnaberry-suite.blogspot.com/2010/06/im-supposed-to-be-guest-posting-this.html

 I did not have an old book that I wished to use -- I'm already displaying most of my old books.  So, I took a small book that I didn't want to get rid of, used craft paper to make a book cover; stamped some images on the craft paper.  I had a narsty looking blue metal frame -- tossed the frame and kept the easel and glass.  A little ribbon and tulle and a stamped, distressed tag and viola!  The snapshot of my husband's parents on their wedding day is much more lovingly displayed. 

I love this look!  My photo collage is showing the front view (bottom and top - I couldn't get it all in to one view) then a partial side view showing the book and the back view.  I only used a bit of adhesive to attache the easel to the book cover -- just to ensure there was no slippage.  My arm is absolutely sore from patting myself on the back over how well this turned out!  Bad me!  I know. 

Conversations with Myself

As I was scrap booking yesterday I was patting myself on the back thinking - 'wow!  other then your monthly scrap club purchases* you have done a great job using up the paper and supplies you already have!'  And to further my self-righteousness I was giving myself mental high fives and pats on the back.

Oh how the mighty must fall!!!!!  I'm taking my daughter to the mall today.  Temptation is lurking ... the Archivers store is calling my name.  The sweet siren's song of paper and scrap booking supplies.  I'm already planning on caving and buying paper!  Oh - the lack of self control!  I seriously am feeling myself getting giddy at the thought of spending time - practically unlimited time - in the store!!  (Remember, I'll be dropping off my daughter and then going to pick her up or meet her after a bit -- I do not have to supervise every moment).

Yes, I'm eating my words.  My own conversation has done me in.  {sigh}  Oh well.  I really am quite giddy with anticipation!!

* I receive a paper pack and stamps every month as Close to My Heart consultants can/do promote a monthly special.  So technically I'm still buying paper.  (ahh -- I am weak, I admit it!)

Christmas in July (Holiday Happenings)

Happy Birthday United States!!  Here's hoping everyone is having a great Independence Day.  I'm afraid that we will not be seeing fireworks tonight.  The day has been wet and rainy and the radar does not show that it will be clearing up anytime soon.

I am working on my latest obsession, scrapbooking.  I have completed the 3 page layout I showed in my post from yesterday and am working on another 3 pages -- all still from the 4th of July last year.  I am bound and determined to get caught up.

Of course, being so obsessed with my scrapbooking is leaving me little time for my other crafting and I must say that at times I do feel I'm being a bit maniacal about it.  Bwah-hahahahah [my evil laugh] - I just cannot get enough.  However, I will have to move on to something else and soon.  I have a dead spot coming up soon.  Let me explain.  I have this lovely little pre-lit evergreen tree I purchased a number of years ago at Target -- for the purpose of having a smaller Christmas tree because we do have to celebrate Christmas at odd times.  I now decorate the tree for different seasons and occasions.  It is currently decorated for the Independence Day Holiday.

My holiday tree unlit and lit.

I will now have to get up off of my dead, lazy bum and figure something out for the rest of the summer.  I really do not have anything until I start to decorate for fall.  How I have managed to not get a summer theme going all these years I have no idea.  I do have some ideas on what to make and yes I am going to make something.  I have enough craft supplies to feed a small army of crafters ... OK I really don't but it sounds good.  Either way, only a few more days and the 4th of July holiday items will have to come down.  I really do like this tree.