Beads, Ink and Creative Inspiration by Heidi

Creative Play

Recently, I've had lots of opportunities for creative play.  With the fast approaching Winter Crop Weekend, I had to make some samples for the Art Jewelry Class that I am teaching with my friend Jenn.  Jenn and I have been plotting, planning and exchanging multiple emails daily of new ideas for class!  Jenn will be demonstrating how to make a ring and earrings using stamped images on shrink plastic (aka "Shrinky Dinks").  These are super easy, a lot of fun and look so very elegant once put together.

I'll be demonstrating how to make a bracelet using brads - yes, brads, those things that hold paper together.  For this specific class, we will be using the Build-a-Brads from Stampin' Up!  For my sample, I was inspired by the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday.

Once I got started, I fell in love with the idea of making bracelets using brads.  Of course, it certainly helped that I came across these other fabulous brads during my last shopping trip to Michaels. Add in a few extra beads, and I've now got a great piece of jewelry that I've been wearing almost all the time and have received more compliments than I can count!  People are amazed when I try to explain that they are just brads...

But the fun hasn't stopped there... My cousin and his wife are expecting their first child in March.  This past weekend, we attended the baby shower.  As part of the gift, I painted a child's rocking chair.  It was a huge hit not only with my cousin and his wife, but also with the rest of my family and the other guests.

 

Song of the Day:  Rain by Creed
Currently Reading:  The Gingerbread Man by Maggie Shayne
 

 

 

What are you reading?

 

I know that I'm a little late, as most people have already experienced their "year in review" but I was enjoying my time off, spending it with family and friends - something I don't do nearly as much as I would like.  I also got to catch up on some much desired reading.

I love to read.  I am an avid reader.  I am an obsessed reader!  Years ago before it was cool to be reading eBooks, I stumbled upon eReader.com.  At the time I had a Palm Pilot and much to my amazement I discovered that I could carry entire libraries around with me in my little electronic device!  I am the type of person that can not be without something to read - ever.  If I finish a book, I have to have another to start, right there and then.  Before eBooks, it was a real pain to have to carry around multiple hardcover and paperback books, if I was the nearing the end of one, or if I would be away from home for any amount of time.

Now there are devices out there specifically made for reading eBooks and many of them were the hottest selling item this holiday season!

I haven't crossed over to that level of obsession - yet - but I do have eReader installed on not only my iPod Touch but also my Blackberry.  No matter where I am, I always have instant access to something to read.  

Nothing can beat the smell and feel of a real book.  I won't ever give up my countless hours of wandering in bookstores or the library, and it is certainly safer to be reading a paperback while lounging in the pool than my iTouch.  But if you haven't tried reading an eBook, I highly recommend the experience!

This past year, my reading list seems to be a little short.  I'm sure that there are a few more books that were read, that I didn't mark down and have forgotten about. Oh well, maybe next year I'll keep track better or just read more!

Below is my 2009 reading list.  They are sorted by author.  Maybe you've already read some and just maybe, something will jump out at you to pick up the next time you're in a bookstore. (or maybe you'll use one as your test run into the eBook adventure!)

1. Black Friday by Alex Kava
2. Cutting Edge by Allison Brennan
3. Fatal Secrets: A Novel of Suspense by Allison Brennan
4. Bloodroot by Bill Loehfelm
5. Abandoned: A Thriller by Cody Mcfadyen
6. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
7. Moscow Rules [Gabriel Allon Series Book 8] by Daniel Silva
8. The Defector [Gabriel Allon Series Book 9] by Daniel Silva
9. The Marching Season by Daniel Silva
10. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
11. Cemetery Dance by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
12. In Silence by Erica Spindler
13. The 4400: The Vesuvius Prophecy by Greg Cox
14. The 4400: Welcome to Promise City by Greg Cox
15. 24 Hours by Greg Iles
16. Dead Sleep by Greg Iles
17. Devil's Punchbowl: A Novel by Greg Iles
18. Sleep No More by Greg Iles
19. Blue Mercy [Kay Delaney Series Book 1] by Illona Haus
20. Blood Game by Iris Johansen
21. Edge of Evil [Ali Reynolds Series Book 1] by J.A. Jance
22. Fire and Ice [J.  P.  Beaumont Series Book 18] by J.A. Jance
23. Hand of Evil [Ali Reynolds Series Book 3] by J.  A.  Jance
24. Trial  by Fire: A Novel of Suspense [Ali Reynolds Series Book 5] by J.A. Jance
25. Web of Evil [Ali Reynolds Series Book 2] by J.A. Jance
26. Alex Cross's TRIAL [Alex Cross Series Book 15] by James Patterson
27. Cross Country [Alex Cross Series Book 14] by James Patterson
28. I, Alex Cross [Alex Cross Series Book 16] by James Patterson
29. The 8th Confession [The Women's Murder Club Series Book 8] by James Patterson
30. The Messenger: A Novel by Jan Burke
31. Dexter  by Design [Dexter Series Book 4] by Jeff Lindsay
32. Praying for Sleep by Jeffery Deaver
33. The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffery Deaver
34. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
35. The Lovers by John Connolly
36. A Plague of Secrets [Dismas Hardy Series Book 13] by John Lescroart
37. The Prettiest Feathers by John Philpin & Patricia Sierra
38. Wicked Prey [Prey Series Book 19] by John Sandford
39. Bones [An Alex Delaware Novel] by Jonathan Kellerman
40. Evidence by Jonathan Kellerman
41. Fire and Ice: A Novel by Julie Garwood
42. I'm Watching You by Karen Rose
43. Undone: A Novel by Karin Slaughter
44. 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs
45. Made to Be Broken [Nadia Stafford Series Book 2] by Kelley Armstrong
46. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson & Joseph Grenny & Ron McMillan
47. White Witch, Black Curse [Rachel Morgan Series Book 7] by Kim Harrison
48. Lethal Legacy [Alex Cooper Series Book 11] by Linda Fairstein
49. Fear the Worst: A Thriller by Linwood Barclay
50. No Time For Good bye by Linwood Barclay
51. Too Close to Home by Linwood Barclay
52. Evidence of Murder by Lisa Black
53. Wicked Pleasure by Lora Leigh
54. Locked In by Marcia Muller
55. Acts of Mercy: A Mercy Street Novel by Mariah Stewart
56. Cry Mercy: A Mercy Street Novel by Mariah Stewart
57. Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly
58. The Eleventh Victim by Nancy Grace
59. Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts
60. Fan Mail by P. D.  Martin
61. The Killing Hands by P. D.  Martin
62. Fugitive by Phillip Margolin
63. Intervention by Robin Cook
64. Whispers of the Dead [Dr.  David Hunter Series Book 3] by Simon Beckett
65. Jericho's Fall by Stephen L.  Carter
66. The Siege by Stephen White
67. Breaking Dawn [The Twilight Saga Book 4] by Stephenie Meyer
68. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
69. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
70. Dark of Night [Troubleshooters Series #14] by Suzanne Brockmann
71. Hot Pursuit: A Novel by Suzanne Brockmann
72. In the Woods [Cassie Maddox Series Book 1] by Tana French
73. The Likeness [Cassie Maddox Series Book 2] by Tana French
74. BoneMan's Daughters by Ted Dekker
75. Blind Rage [Bernadette Saint Clare Series Book 2] by Terri Persons
76. Blind Sight [Bernadette Saint Clare Series Book 3] by Terri Persons
77. Blind Spot [Bernadette Saint Clare Series Book 1] by Terri Persons
78. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferris

Song of the Day:  Even Angels Fall by Jessica Riddle
Currently Reading:  Sketching Evil by Donna Anders

Holiday Decorating and a Winter Wonderland

 

 

 

Song of the Day:  Superman Tonight by Bon Jovi
Currently Reading:  Blood Game by Iris Johansen

   

My Unravelling

Time slips by so quickly and before I know it, almost another month has past since I last posted. There have been many things that I could say have hindered my posting...projects at work, my dad being ill and in the hospital... Too busy.  Too much stress.  Not enough time.  All excuses.

Tomorrow begins a new adventure.  Learning to look at myself and the world differently.  Who knows what I'll discover... the possibilities are endless!

Tomorrow I begin Susannah Conway's Unravelling Course.  Susannah is a talented, amazing, awe-inspiring photographer and writer.  I stumbled upon Susannah's blog at a time when my creative soul needed nourishment.    I've had the pleasure of purchasing some of her photographs, which are visual reminders of the beauty of life.

Check out her blog and follow Susannah on Twitter.  You won't be disappointed.  Be sure to sign up for her mailing list... you're going to want all the details for her future courses.  The Autumn 09 Unravelling course sold out in 83 minutes!  (and I was lucky enough to get in!)

In one of those moments when all seems to come together at the right time, my new glasses came in and I was able to pick them up today.  Just in time to begin seeing life in a whole new way.  Kinda symbolic, don't you think?

  
Song of the Day:  You Wait for Rain by Kyler England
Currently Reading:  The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Dirty Little Secret

I must admit that I have a dirty little secret...a new obsession...but it's SO good, I just have to share...     Etsy!
Etsy is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell items that are handmade, as well as vintage goods and crafting supplies. 
Now, I had heard of Etsy before - I may not get out much, but if it's craft related, there is a pretty good chance I know about it - but I had not visited the site, nor had I heard of any fellow crafters (in my small circle) that had an Etsy shop.  Through the wonderful world of Twitter, not only has my circle of creative friends grown, but I've had the chance to discover some amazing items for sale on Etsy. 
This is good and bad.  Good because I enjoy helping to support other creative types, but bad because there are just so many things that I find I just have to have! 

Below are some photos of my recent purchases, along with the information to direct you to the lovely ladies who created them.  Enjoy and happy shopping!

caughtREDhanded
caughtRedhanded's Etsy Shop
Follow caughtRedhanded on Twitter  

These pendants are made from vintage wooden game pieces and sealed to become durable and waterproof.  They each come in their own little tin.  I can't wait to create some jewelry with these!




Heather Braun  of Dalkullan Jewelry
Dalkullan Jewelry's Etsy Shop
Follow Dalkullan Jewelry on Twitter

Heather's jewelry is one of a kind.  She is a master at wirework and each piece brings out her incredible creativity.

Ada from Geminiartworks
Geminiartworks' Etsy Shop

These cupcakes are simply delicious!  Made from polymer clay, they are the perfect addition to a necklace or charm bracelet.  Check out the detail on the strawberry and orange slice toppings!

Marisa Haedike of creativethursday
Creative Thursday's Etsy Shop
Follow Creative Thursday on Twitter

Marisa's art is not only creative but brings out the child in all of us. From prints, nightlights and ceramics, there is sure to be something to delight.  Vibrant colors and just so darn cute. (and wait until you see the awesome box it comes delivered in!)


Stayed tuned for future info from my very own Etsy Shop.
 
Song of the Day:  Everything Falls Apart by Dog's Eye View
Currently Reading:  The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles

Making A Difference

Sometimes you just don't realize how important our support is for something until it has a direct impact on our lives.  We've all done it... made a donation to a charity because it was the right thing to do, or because it made us feel good, or because we knew we could use the tax credit.

But what about when someone we love is in need of one of those charities, or benefits from an organization's goodwill.

Recently, a very dear friend of mine was in such a situation.  His 7 1/2 month old son, was fighting a devastating and rare cancer.  They were in and out of the hospital...chemo, surgery, IV fluids for dehydration.  Every week they would make the trip to the hospital, and depending on traffic it might take anywhere from 1-2 hours just to get there.  While my friend and his wife were able to stay at the hospital with their son, the conditions were less than perfect.  Space was tight, typically they only had access to a recliner chair, and when the rare opportunity came for sleep, it was interrupted for nursing checks, or medications.  When he was doing well, his chemo would be on an outpatient basis and they would be making the 1-2 hour drive to get there and then back later in the day.

After months of this, they decided to see if they could stay at the Ronald McDonald House near the hospital.  This would save them 3 hours every day in driving and would allow them to be closer to the hospital, should they need to go back for any reason.

Unfortunately, life's challenges continue and before they were able to utilize the services of the Ronald McDonald House, their son required additional surgery and inpatient chemo. 

Since 2003, Stampin' Up! has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities in their "Making A Difference" program.  Not only does Stampin' Up! donate a considerable amount every year to RMHC, they also design an exclusive stamp set to promote the partnership with RMHC, and donate a portion of the proceeds from the each sale of that set.




This year's set is called "Very Thankful".

It is a great set, that I know everyone will find a reason to use time and again.

I urge everyone to purchase this set.  At $14.95 it's a steal, but for every set purchased, $2 is donated to RMHC. 


Everytime you use this stamp set, think of all the families that you are helping... families with precious little girls and boys.  I know that I will.

In Loving Memory of...

Grant Edward Aug

December 2, 2008 to July 21, 2009






To learn more about Stampin' Up!'s "Making A Difference" Program, click here.
 
If you would like to purchase this stamp set, and add your donation to the RMHC, click here.

Last Call for the Summer Crop Weekend

Looking to get away without the husband & kids this summer??????  Are you close enough to northern New Jersey to get away??  Do you need a little adult girl time to catch up on your scrapbooking (and maybe enjoy a massage and a glass or two of wine)??  Yes, yes, & yes???

Well, then join us for our Summer Crop Weekend - August 14-16!!!  It's going to be a great time!!  Check out the details at the link below to see all the fun stuff we have planned!!  And check back, because there are more things that we haven't even announced yet!

All the details can be found here , but hurry!!  Registration closes TODAY!!!!!

Start Your Own Business for Only $85

Do you love rubber stamping and scrapbooking?  Do you already have lots of Stampin' Up! products?  Would you like to turn your craft into a business?

For a limited time, sign up to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and take advantage of the Mini Starter Kit for only $85! 

Have fun helping friends and family create exciting projects, while earning free products and even a little extra cash!

The Mini Starter Kit contains the following products:

Item Code	Page #*	Description	Retail Value**
115360	118	For All You Do stamp set	$28.95
115658	155	Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115656	155	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115659	155	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115654	155	Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115655	155	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115657	155	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
100730	155	Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$7.50
115315	155	In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$7.95

*All page numbers refer to the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog

You will also receive all the business supplies to start your business.

In addition to the above, when you join my group,you receive support from me and my upline!

The Mini Start Kit is only available until August 31st.  Email me today for more information! 


Song of the Day:  Wait for Me by Theory of a Deadman
Currently Reading:  Undone by Karin Slaughter

A New Take on Place Cards

A friend of mine is getting married this weekend, and knowing that I love an opportunity to make "stuff", she asked if I would create her place cards. 

She had seen a sample online and described it to me. Based on that, I came up with samples for her.  The end result is below.

Her wedding colors are light pink, white and a chocolate chip brown.  The flowers are made entirely from paper, with a large brad in the center.

I used scrapbooking paper and the Sizzix Flower Layers #3 Original Die.

It was fun making them and I know they are a unique addition to her wedding, that her guests can enjoy afterwards.  Some may even find their way to becoming scrapbook embellishments!


Song of the Day:  Her Diamonds by Rob Thomas
Currently Reading:  BoneMan's Daughters by Ted Dekker

Deal of the Week : Heart to Heart Punch

You're going to LOVE our Heart to Heart punch, especially July 27-31 when it's just $10.99—that's more than 30% off the regular price of $15.95!

  

 To order yours, click on the link below:

      Shop Stampin' Up! Now