Remember the popular book by that name a few years ago? Recently I was perusing their website when this phrase slapped me: "what’s actually going on when we are overbusy, overspending, overeating – and overwhelmed – and how we can get back to “enough” when it’s all too much…"
I ruminated on that phrase as I shelled out $280 for an overpriced fruit juice guaranteed to cure all. It lurked in the back of my mind as I spent $125 for a set of Copic markers that complemented the several dozen markers I already own. I pondered it standing in line at the supermarket - the few "essentials" I picked up totaled $139 and some change. Of course, there's nothing wrong with any of those expenditures, but none of them bought me what I really wanted.
I wanted health. Most reasonable people know that health is purchased at a cost of exercise, good nutrition, adequate sleep, and a handful of medical screenings for early detection. Most reasonable people know that a daily dose of juice won't replace any of those other things.
I wanted to express creativity. For me, creativity ranges from "making cute stuff" to communicating an inner emotion using everyday items in unusual ways (that kind of "art" is never blog-worthy when I do it, but its fun for me anyway) Granted, a certain number of tools are required for crafting projects, but I have cupboards stuffed with enough supplies for a millennium-long outpouring of creative expression.
I wanted to fill my refrigerator with a selection of goodies to satisfy any appetite. For goodness sakes, two fat adults shouldn't be spending either money or time satisfying their food cravings. What was I thinking?
Obviously, I wasn't thinking. I was reacting. So, I have a plan to stop the over-consumption that is robbing me of time and peace-of-mind. I'm going on a 28 day "Enjoy What I Already Own" challenge. As part of the challenge, I'm not buying anything except the most basic materials needed for a quality life. Clearly, the phrase "quality life" lends itself to interpretation. My plan is to buy nothing from any store, except a grocery store.
At the grocery store my plan is to only buy the absolute essentials necessary to make meals using food in my freezer or cupboard. I'm certainly not giving up butter, wine, or toilet paper, but since I have a few cases of each of those things, my shopping list should be quite minimal. No clothes, books, magazines, hair gadgets, art supplies, cleaning supplies, etc. I already have enough of everything and I want to enjoy what I own.
I hypothesize that if I don't spend a single second shopping online, in stores, in magazines etc., then I will find the time I need to enjoy a better quality of life. That's my challenge, and I'm totally jazzed about it.
Wednesday
Vintage Valentine and More to Adore
In keeping with my New Year's Challenge (similar to a resolution, but without the pressure,) no new products were purchased for this year's Valentine's projects. If I hope to actually use up the stash of paper I've been hoarding, I will probably have to give Valentines to total strangers. I normally give exactly three each year. One to my husband and one to each of my two children. To accomplish my goal of giving 3 Valentines per year, I've purchased 8 sets of stamps, 11 individual stamps, 7 punches, 2 embossing folders and an assortment of stickers. Many of these products have never been used.
I'm a tidy hoarder, so I will never attract Oprah's attention; however,I do believe using up the stash and resisting the urge to add to it pushes me to the healthier end of the spectrum.
These cards were made with:
CTMH Vintage Valentine and Butterfly kiss
CTMH More to Adore paper packet and Chocolate ribbon
Martha Stewart border punch, Marvy punches, Spellbinders, and Sizzlets
Happy Crafting!
Monday
In the Pink: Purse and Cards
Hmmm. Apparently my photography skills haven't improved much through the months. Oh well, a good opportunity to use our imaginations. Can you imagine this purse as black faux aligator? The template is another of Becky Robert's delightful creations. Check out her blog: Inking Idaho - her templates are wonderful!
Tuesday
Monday
Christmas Card Workshop
A Christmas card workshop has suddenly precipitated out of my recent Jingle obsession. The cost of the workshop is $10 (free with a $50 order placed on the day of the workshop) We will be using an assortment of stamps and techniques.
Just a quick reminder: November is STAMPAGANZA month (buy two stamps get one free) Yes, it is a stamp lovers extravaganza. PLUS if you order $50 worth of stamping and scrapping goodies, you will get the November stamp of the month for $11.48. In other words, you can get a lot of Jingle for your jangle. Haaaa haaa haaa aaa haaaa.
When: November 7th 1:00 - 4:00 p.m
Cost: $10 (free with $50 order placed the day of the workshop)
Email me (tlkaiser-1@msn.com) to register.
See the calendar for more information.
Happy Crafting
Wednesday
CTMH Jingle: The Creation Continues
This paper has certainly captured my imagination. The above card was inspired by Paper Cupcakes. It required quite a bit of "stuff" to make. The tag and holly leaves are Cricut, the embossing is Cuttlebug (of course) candy cane- Sizzix. The edge punch is Fiskars, paper is CTMH Jingle, the snow flake is CTMH Dimensional Elements - Flurry; stamp - CTMH Say it in Style.
I know I've seen a card similar to this somewhere - but I can't find it anywhere. So, if it looks like something you've made, send me an email and I'll give you credit. This one was really simple.
I know what you're thinking: "who has time to embroider their Christmas cards?" Honestly, it took less than three minutes and the embroidery floss from CTMH matched EXACTLY. Besides, when your friends and loved ones see that you've embroidered on the cards, they will think you're a rock star and they will forever consider you the Crafting Queen. (Martha Stewart, move over)
Happy Crafting!
Tuesday
CTMH Jingle
I wasn't sure I was going to love this paper, but I've fallen to it's charms. A few years ago I was caught up in the disturbing trend toward pink Christmas cards. I churned out snowmen clad in pink caps and scarves set against pink plaid backgrounds by the dozen. They were tied with hemp to balance their"pinkness" and stamped with a sentiment wishing the recipient "toasty toes and a frosty nose" or something along those ridiculous lines. I thought they were delightful and I was endlessly impressed with myself, even though they'd been shamelessly copied from an idea book.That experience purged my creative soul of the need for pink. Until now. I spent many unproductive hours staring at the packet waiting for the muse. Finally, a card happened. Then another. I believe pinkish Christmas cards may be in my future. In this case, the pink is balanced with other colors like tulip and juniper. I think I love this paper.
Above is the tri-fold shutter card opened and closed. I might replace these photos with better ones tomorrow. I think I need better photo editing software.
Saturday
Twitterpated Thank You
I never have enough thank you notes, so I got on a roll and made several of them using Twitterpated. The blue table cloth doesn't show them to their best advantage, but sometimes that's the compromise - get it done with the readily available tools (like a blue sheet/tablecloth) or wait another week and have a better setting.
The stamp set is CTMH Thoughtful Seasons. If I'm ever stranded on a desert island and can only save one stamp from the ship before it goes down, I will try to save Thoughtful Season. It's the best all-purpose stamp set CTMH sells. It includes sentiments and images for all occasions (most occasions) I'll try and salvage some markers, scissors, adhesive, and a paper packet from that sinking ship, and use my isolation to accomplish some of my paper crafting goals. Wouldn't be lovely to arrange a good stranding?
Happy Crafting!
Wednesday
Twitterpated - Kit of the Month
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new Twitterpated. I've already made a mountain of cards and some scrapbook pages, and I can't wait to make some more Twitterpated goodies! You just gotta see this paper in person!
You can purchase Twitterpated by itself for $12.95 anytime, but for the month of October you can buy the Workshop on the Go Kit which includes
- Twitterpated Level II paper pack
- Exclusive Stampset (super cute) Can't get it anywhere else - only with this kit
- Chocolate Ribbon Assortment
- Workshop on the Go idea booklet and cutting guide
All for only $29.95
Monday
Halloween
Curiously, I never tire of making adorable little outfits for my candy. I wish I'd invented the idea - it's such a clever notion.
Nugget holders - delightful! I first saw the idea of putting stamped labels on Nichole Heady's website. She has the best ideas!
Here are the Card and Treats class samples for Halloween. Last year the class was such a hit that I'm going to offer it twice this year - Sat. Oct. 17, and Wed. Oct. 21. You can mix and match making any or all of the cards and treat holders.
For more information see the calendar on my CTMH website.
Until next time,
Happy Crafting!
Thursday
Christmas Gifts
Quality on a budget - that's this year's Christmas theme. I've made several of these purse and card sets. They're surprisingly quick to make and many of the people I know appreciate receiving handmade cards for gifts.
I like the purse because I can refill it with cards and they stay in good condition (no bent corners like the ones I stuff in drawers) Also, it looks cute on my desk or shelf. This paper design is Bella. Silhouette is my other favorite paper for this set.
I like the purse because I can refill it with cards and they stay in good condition (no bent corners like the ones I stuff in drawers) Also, it looks cute on my desk or shelf. This paper design is Bella. Silhouette is my other favorite paper for this set.
Sometimes I get caught up in the card creating moment and continue adding details and layers to the card late into the night. While I enjoy the process of making the 6-hour $450 card, sometimes the practicality of limited resources (mostly time) dictates a 20-minute card which is mostly stamped on the surface as opposed to stamping every image separately, cutting them all out and piecing them together for the delightful 3-dimensional experience I crave.
Above is a case in point: The flower is cut out. Each little petal loving released from the cardstock. The button - trimmed, it's edges inked, and it's center laced with waxy flax. Such fun - it nearly bordered on a spiritual experienced as I lost myself in the joy of trimming and inking. Until I'd done about 30 of them. That's when the cramping in my hands disrupted the Nirvana. I decided flat flowers and buttons stamped directly on the card would convey all the necessary sentiment to the recipient without crippling my hands.
Click here for a tutorial to make it on your own. Or join us for a class.
When: Nov. 1 from 1:00 - 4:00
Cost: $18.00 includes paper, use of stamps, inks, etc. (there will be plenty of paper left over for other projects)
For more information, see the calendar on my CTMH website.
Happy Crafting!
Above is a case in point: The flower is cut out. Each little petal loving released from the cardstock. The button - trimmed, it's edges inked, and it's center laced with waxy flax. Such fun - it nearly bordered on a spiritual experienced as I lost myself in the joy of trimming and inking. Until I'd done about 30 of them. That's when the cramping in my hands disrupted the Nirvana. I decided flat flowers and buttons stamped directly on the card would convey all the necessary sentiment to the recipient without crippling my hands.
Click here for a tutorial to make it on your own. Or join us for a class.
When: Nov. 1 from 1:00 - 4:00
Cost: $18.00 includes paper, use of stamps, inks, etc. (there will be plenty of paper left over for other projects)
For more information, see the calendar on my CTMH website.
Happy Crafting!
Wednesday
Heritage Scrapbook Workshop: Vintage Travel
Vintage Travel Heritage 8-page WorkshopCost: $30.00 + S&H and tax
When: during any Open Workshop.
To see available workshop days: http://paperescape.myctmh.com/
"Open Workshops" are offered on a couple of Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons each month. When you purchase your workshop materials from me, you can come to any of the open workshop days and complete your project in the studio. If you don't finish in one session, you can return until you're finished.
Tuesday
Majestic Blue
I had a very short but relaxing visit with my son in Eugene this summer. We spent a day driving along the coast. With no particular agenda, we just drove until something caught our interest. It drizzled all day, so we spent more time in the car than walking along the beach. His football and college schedule doesn't leave much time for days like that and I'm very glad he could spend it with me. I look at these pictures and it is quite clear: my little boy is all grown up!
The Majestic Paper packet from CTMH is perfect for beach pictures.
Happy Crafting!
Moon Doggie 8-Page Workshop
Moon Doggie 8-page WorkshopCost: $30.00 + S&H and tax
When: during any Open Workshop.
To see available workshop days: http://paperescape.myctmh.com
"Open Workshops" are offered on a couple of Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons each month. When you purchase your workshop materials from me, you can come to any of the open workshop days and complete your project in the studio. If you don't finish in one session, you can return until you're finished.
Monday
Emporium 8 Page Workshop
To see available workshop days: http://paperescape.myctmh.com/
"Open Workshops" are offered on a couple of Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons each month. When you purchase your workshop materials from me, you can come to any of the open workshop days and complete your project in the studio. If you don't finish in one session, you can return until you're finished.
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