Simplicity

I find myself trying to simplify my life in as many ways as I can. I'm decluttering--a slow and occasionally painful process--which is somehow liberating at the same time. As I write I this, I have spent most of the day working on a backlog of projects trying to get them out of my hair. It feels good to either let go or get it done and over.

I find that though the trends in scrapbooking and card making are often cyclical (I've seen decorative scissors at least twice as well as crowded backgrounds, simple backgrounds, diecuts, etc.), I tend to gravitate to clean, simple designs.

I've become this way in many areas of my life. I've simplified my taste in my dishware (plain white is a classic), home decor (as much as I love the elegance of Queen Anne furniture, I love the simplicity of Shaker and Scandinavian designs even more). And in my home I have a somewhat unifying color scheme that is manifest in each room. The overall effect is calming to me. (Greens, Yellows, Browns and Reds--all earth tones that I love in nature).

This is a very simple card, but it speaks to my need for simplicity right now.

I love it, and I hope you do to.

Every Girl Should Take Edward's advice

One of the things I love about Twilight is Edward telling Bella that she doesn't see herself clearly. The implication here is that she has more to give and more value as a person than she knows. I remember life as a teenager and being unsure about a good many things about myself.

So we created the locker mirrors stickers. I believe all girls should see themselves clearly. They should see the magnificent creatures they are and the strong women they can become.

If you're interested in purchasing one, they are just $1.00 plus the cost of a stamp.

Girl Power!

Sweet Tidings

Crystal Effects has many uses, (I'll tell you my favorite one in a minute). I love how it creates a smooth shiny surface. It was the perfect accent for the glass in the gumball machine for this card.
I tried to get a close up of the crystal effects here. It wasn't the best light, but it was the best shot I could get.

Now my favorite use for crystal effects...

I had a cabinet door where the screw had come loose. We had tried putting the screw back in a few times, but it always worked its way out again. Eventually it stripped the wood inside a little. I remembered a tip from a SU! convention when I had a similar problem with the rolling suitcase/backpack they gave us. So I pulled out my crystal effects, filled in the hole a little, let it set up just a tiny bit and then screwed the hinge back on.

It hasn't budged since.

:D

Let me know if you have another unusual use for crystal effects.

My Twilight Family

We did these in a high-tack vinyl, but we apparently need a clear cover to go over them as well so we don't lose eyes and noses. Look for these to be available in the future.

Fresh Start

I looked at my blog yesterday and realized I had just a handful of posts for last year. It was kind of a testament to the year my family had. We dealt with health issues (mostly mine), multiple miscarriages, challenges with kids (I now have 2 diagnosed ADHD), 2 surgeries, etc. I could go on, but it would probably bore you.

And you may have had a year as tough as mine.

If I learned anything at all this last year it is 1) Trust in God, and 2) Get on with life.

So I'm moving past last year and I'm going to work on being more regular in my posting on this blog. Right now I'm shooting for about every 2 weeks. I may on occasion post more frequently than that, but I think 1 post every 2 weeks is doable for me. I know I lost a few readers last year because I was so infrequent in posting, and I hope if you were one of them and you found me again, that you'll forgive my lapse.

I look forward to sharing ideas with you in the future.

Another Twilight Party idea.

It's been a while since I've posted any ideas (personal and family issues), but here's another one. This time we put Twilight on the backside of the plate (using a reverse cut) so your guests can still eat off the plate and you don't have to worry about the vinyl being food grade or not.

New Moon Event

The New Moon Event in Salt Lake City...

Myself and a good friend of mine.

Bella's truck

There was an Edward look-a-like who had a booth and was taking pictures with people. I took one with my sister, Meridith--the Anne from Lizzie Anne Designs. We shared our booth there.

Edward played the piano quite well and he was really sweet with all the little girls who came up to him.

Alice's yellow Porsche.

The event had different "rooms" from Forks and LaPush. This was the Cullen's living room complete with Bella's cake.

There was even a broken vase with scattered flowers...

And even a smattering of blood!

An awesome cake decorator made this cake of Forks and ...

Of LaPush.

Billy's house. By the way, guess who made the signs... Yep! we did.

More Twilight Ideas

Every good party needs a centerpiece and what better way to decorate than a vase with Bella & Edward's initials? The vase I chose is a bit more modern, because it's what I envision Alice would choose when decorating for Bella's birthday.

Twilight Themed Party Goods

It's shockingly been nearly a year since my last post. I've had a number of challenges this last year, including various health issues. I'm doing better at the moment, and I'm trying to get back on top of things.

My sister told me the other day about her friend's complaint that there is a lack of Twilight themed party goods. It put a little bee in my bonnet, and well, you can see the result. I bought an inexpensive black charger plate at a local big box store, cut the book titles out of vinyl and applied. I photographed it with a plain white plate.

And again with a red acrylic plate in the center (playing off the red, black and white theme of the books). I'm pretty happy with the results.

The labels are removable if I want to use the chargers for something else (acrylic chargers are NOT food grade plastic, so you do need to put a plate on top of the charger).

We're actually going to be at the New Moon Experience Event at the South Towne Expo Center and we're thinking we might sell sets of these vinyl labels (in sets of four), for anyone who wants an easy way to create a Twilight-themed party.

We've Arrived

Well, we're here in the house, but we're still digging our way out of all the boxes and paper. (See below--there are actually three children in there). I've got my machine here, but haven't found the keyboard for the computer it hooks up to. Wish me luck--I've got to dive back into the unpacking.

BTW, the table is only in the family room because the floors were recently refinished. (Lots of fun and smell :D ). We haven't moved it yet.