I'm back....I think...

Like many of my friends in the creative world, I lost my mojo awhile back. Partially due to ill health and the other getting my feet back into education. I've been substitute teaching for the past few months. I love every minute of it. Somewhere down the road, I will student teach and FINALLY become certified even though subbing does have its perks.

Hopefully, in the next couple of days I will have a post of my Christmas cards. In the meantime please allow a moment to share a conversation I had with my 12 year old niece, Taylor. We were catching up the other day on the phone. Randomly, mentioned her school needed baked goods. I asked for what and when. In typical pre-teen fashion, she says "Oh I don't know some Cookie Walk thing." I told her if I knew when she needed the cookies; I'd make the family favorite, Oatmeal M&M cookies. To which she replied, "What? What about the fundraiser for "Taylor's Tummy"? That made me laugh so hard....I explained that the batch made so much I would set some aside for her. She said, "Thank you for making the goal for Taylor's Tummy! Now it won't be (uh) so empty." Well, she's a dancer and can afford the cookies.

What warms my heart so much is the special relationship I have with each of my nieces and nephews. They are all so different, but so much fun!

Do you have a "Kids Say the Darndest Things" story?

Happy Birthday Nina!!!

This is a quick and very simple card I made for my brother's mother-in-law. Nina celebrated her 70th birthday yesterday. We play Hold 'Em with her once a month. Tyler and Nina surely like to flirt and bet big (bragging rights really). I've been pounding my head for a few days as far as layers etc...and nothing came to me that I would be happy with on the fly. You know me....last minute.

The stamp is from Inkadinkado, ribbon from Michael's and some Stickles. Fast, simple, fun...my kind of card. Enjoy!!

3:52 PM: Images Inkadinkadoo 2008

ZOINKS!!!! I really DO need to spend time with my camera. Sorry about the poor quality of the photo.

PRICED TO SELL!!!

ITEMS ARE PRICED TO SELL!!! SOLD ITEMS REMOVED 9/3/08!!!

General Information:

• Most of the stamps are gently used. They may have ink stains on the wood or rubber, but this does not affect the quality of the stamped image. They are stored in a smoke free and pet free home.
  
• A few of these items are brand-new and unopened (stamp sets un-mounted), and these are marked "NEW".

To order: Email me with your selections, preferred shipping method, and preferred method of payment. I will total everything, calculate shipping cost, and reply to you with your total. FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE FOR ALL ORDERS.

Payment Methods:

• I accept Visa, MasterCard, eCheck, or PayPal (all processed through PayPal and fees are responsibility of the buyer factored into total). Orders will ship once your payment is deposited into my PayPal account.
• I will also accept personal checks from any customer that I have dealt with personally in the past, and your order would then ship once the check clears.
• Money orders also accepted. Items shipped upon receipt of payment. This is highly recommended to avoid additional fees with PayPal.
  

Shipping Options:

• Choose USPS Priority Mail, or USPS Parcel Post. I will automatically add insurance if your order is worth $25 or more. You pay the full cost of shipping, including insurance ($25 or less), but I do NOT charge a handling fee.
• Consider Flat Rate Priority Shipping and opting out of having stamps shipped in original case or combining cases as I will be able to fit more into the box. This tends to be cheaper than shipping Parcel Post in most instances.
  
• Local customers may also choose to pick up their order from my home in Manchester, NH or arrange a reasonable meeting place.

NEW SETS (Unmounted marked-UM)

A is for Adorable $8 (UM )
Classic Numbers $3
Delight in Life $3
The Fine Print $5
Painted Posies $5
Springtime Stems (UM) $5

Gently Used

Alphabits $3
Alpha Shadows $3
Best Blossoms $4
Bold Invitation $3
Little Shapes $3
Stippled Stencils $3
Sunflower (not sure of name...small set DD) $3
Tags and More $6
Watercolor Minis $5

Accessories

Grograin Chocolate Ribbon (like SU!, but not SU!...about 30 available) 5yds for $1
Grograin Coral Ribbon (same as above) 5 yds for $1
Grograin Grey Ribbon (same as above) 5yds for $1



HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Retired Stamp SALE!!!

Hello All,

With new the Stampin' Up! year approaching....comes an overhaul of my stamp room!! Not to mention my A*Muse Art Stamp ADDICTION is beginning to take up some space. (Sorry, I won't be letting go of any of those!) Look for my list of retired sets coming up the week of July 21st (newly retiring August 10th not included).

My upline Elissa Moise has some on sale as well. She has a really neat offer for her stamps. Basically, each set is priced $1 per stamp in the set. So, if the set has 6 stamps (regardless of value) she is selling it for $6. I am going to follow her plan with one tweek. Since I HOARD anything and everything, I have a LOT of unmounted stamps. THOSE will be priced a smidge higher than the others...possibly $2 per stamp OR 50% off. ( I will kick in a thank you with your purchase as well.) You might want to check out her $10 Gift Certificate BLOG CANDY that ends TODAY at 10pm.

Also, Fashion Flips is hot here in NH and expanding. If you are in the area, I will be at the Pittsfield Old Home Days in Pittsfield, NH, Saturday July 19th. The theme is a Mexican Fiesta. The festivities begin around 10am and end around 4pm. I will have some in stock reversible bags available $24-$60. FREE gift with every purchase. Custom orders are taking 4-6 weeks for delivery. Sign up on my mailing list for a chance at my FREE raffle ($50 value). Book a home boutique event receive a special gift in addition to typical Hostess benefits with qualifying sales. Fall fabrics are coming SOON!!!

Have a great weekend!!!

Lazy Days of Lynn...

Yup....that's me. Lazy Lynn void of creativity since APRIL! AHHH!!! Well, it's only part true. I have had a creative slump, but I've been preoccupied with other things as well. I have taken on a part-time job at Target close to home. The hours are ideal and the pay is OK for what I am doing. Basically, I am responsible for setting sections of the store for new goods that seem to arrive DAILY. Pretty much what I did when I worked for Gap, Inc. back in the day just not responsible for the team. My days of retail management are pleasantly behind me.

Except of course with my Fashion Flips and Stampin' Up gigs, I am a one woman show. So, I am a fashion designer, stamping enthusiast and educator in both realms. I've been told that being a jack of all trades and master of none is a good thing. I try to remember that when Lazy Lynn peaks her head out now and then.

Actually, I had a VERY creative weekend. BUT, I am not posting here. My dear friend Elissa is posting 2 cards I created this weekend. Also, she has some really neat samples she made for the workshop I attended at her home this weekend. She is so much better at staying in the game than I am. Her blog is www.stampwithelissa.typepad.com .

Hope you are all having a wonderful summer!

Lookie...I made something....

how long has it been???? Too long...I know. Some generous soul on SCS sent me a gift certificate to All That Scraps. So, I bought a Copic Air Brushing System. It is a whole lot of fun, but dangerously expensive for the first run. (Yeah, I've used a whole can just messing around.)

Each of these boxes are filled w/embellishments and other surprises for a Secret Friend SWAP. I think I like the box on the left the best. The bold colors just fit together so well. The most unlikely color combination really just does something for me. The box on the right...did not come out the way I had hoped. The air brushing dries a bit "tacky". So, my finger prints got all over the top. Hence, the card attached to the top. I loved using my Love and Happiness Rub-Ons for the final touch. They saved me a lot of time figuring out what stamps to use.

Been cleaning out the craft room...AGAIN....what can I say...I'm fussy. The sun motivates my creative flow. Since, it shines more each day...there's more fun things on the "horizon". What a lovely metaphor!!!

Images Copyright Stampin' Up 2008

Opening Day 2008

Dear Friends,

It's been quite a while since my last post. Things have been crazy between that nasty bug infecting my family, hoping that Spring is here to stay, Fashion Flips taking off and the 2007 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox kicking off their season opener at Fenway Park...there's been little time for correspondence. Tyler and his brother, John decided to celebrate Opening Day at Game On right in Fenway Park while I watched the festivities on NESN. As most of you know, we are sports fans to the very core.

Personally, I think more women need to embrace sports. Baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer and even NASCAR continue to flourish in our culture. This is evident among New England fans. We are loyal to our home teams through thick and thin. Jimmy Fallon, star of Fever Pitch, truly captured the essence of a true Red Sox fan. Honestly, that movie was not exaggerated. We ARE that passionate about our teams.

As I watched from home, I wept as select "Champions of Boston" walked onto the field with their respective trophies from years past. Naturally, I am talking about legends from the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics and my New England Patriots. Modern technology allowed me to share my moment with Tyler via text message. It went a little something like this...
"I'm crying right now. My Patriots are there."
Silence for 15 minutes, the Sox receive their rings, then Johnny Pesky a true Red Sox legend for 67 years raises the 2007 banner...I get this message.
"Now I'm crying."-Tyler
"Aww...babe...Johnny Pesky got to you didn't he?"
"Yup."-Tyler

So, my tough husband became a sentimental fool over baseball...even better...the Boston Red Sox. It doesn't stop there. My nephew Andy, age 10, calls me to tell me about his Social Studies project on 2 states. He lives in Florida. He picked NH and MA. The teacher wants to know how the state got its name, the state capital and important places. So, I quizzed him..."Quick.. name an important place in Boston." Without hesitation, he replies, "Fenway Park". And the love is passed down once again. (Which reminds me...he should include Gillette Stadium.)

PLAY BALL!!!

Happy Easter!

Many blessings to your family this Easter. Hope the Bunny was good to you too!!
Love,
Lynn and Tyler

TAG...I'm IT!!!

Although I am not one for chain letters/e-mails, my friend Heather, Ink On My Ear, is a good egg. How can I not contribute to this blogging madness? It's good filler in between projects too.

I am supposed to tell you seven interesting things about me that someone might not know. I can't say I've had the most thrilling life, but I can sure make something sound like I have.

Seven interesting things about me...

1. High School Varsity Boy's Basketball manager...basically, I kept stats and score book. I am not skilled in any sport, but managing the team helped me get my varsity letter.
2. I've been crafting it seems since birth. Love it, love it, love it.
3. I got to slap a guy in high school on purpose without getting in trouble. I played the lead female role in All My Sons .....by Arthur Miller. The guy played my husband and he was naughty. I totally was in character and smacked him GOOD. Apparently, my performance was viewed by future classes as a model for the director's drama students.
4. I met my husband at a Bible Study group just 6 short months after a disastrous relationship. The Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years that season.
5. I never met a strawberry I didn't like.
6. Had a belly button ring before it became as common as getting your ears pierced. YES, it HURT!! Only time I nearly passed out b/c I was in such pain.
7. I would love to go on Carsen Kressley's show "How to Look Good Naked" simply for a good bra fitting and new skivvies. (HA HA!)

Who's next? As the "rules" state...I must "tag" 7 more someone's and so on!

WAStamper, Bucky Girl, Sally N., MommyMonk, Cathy L., Manda_Dex, Kelli Jo "HO"

BLOG CANDY TO THOSE WHO POST A LIST!!! It does not have to be as detailed as mine.

Good luck!

Lyndsey's Angels

This is Lyndsey. She is 3 years old. She is a happy go lucky little girl. She lives in Tewksbury, MA with her Mom (Jeanie), Dad (Keith) and big sister Lauren. While bathing Lyndsey, Mom noticed small blood blisters on her neck. She took her to the doctor’s the next day. Within 48 hours, her family received devastating news that little Lyndsey has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). She is receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA. Her prognosis is good as this is the most curable form of Leukemia.

However, with the diagnosis comes not only emotional and
physical strain, but financial burden too. Insurance will not cover all expenses. It seems unjust for such a hard working family. Her Auntie Michelle, a dear family friend, Gramma Yvonne and others are working hard raising funds for the family and Children’s Hospital.

My commitment to Lyndsey’s Angels through Fashion Flips…

• $1 donations accepted w/ every purchase
• I will donate $3 with The Stephanie Collection purchase.
• $5 donated for boutique events scheduled and held in April, May or June.
• These offers are only available through Lynn Monk-Treadway. Online inquries should be filtered to me directly.
  

My commitment through Just Monkin’ Round (coming soon)…

• Special Edition Lyndsey’s Angels handmade note cards in a decorative box available for $15.00… 100% profits goes directly to Lyndsey’s Angels. Images courtesy of Elzybells NA © A*Muse Art Stamps 2008.
• Any donated items graciously accepted for future fund raising events (silent auction/raffle items). I hoping my creative sisters out there can lend a hand.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Lynn Monk-Treadway

Fashion Flips

www.fashionflips2.com

LynnMTreadwayfashionflips@gmail.com

I am still here...

trying to finish 150 of those tiny nugget purses. It's been slow going to say the very least. I hope to be up and running by next week. Thanks for your patience...or not...could be "talking" to air right now!! Ha, Ha...it's all good.

Grand opening success...

I made it through my first Fashion Flips event yesterday. I was so busy...I didn't get really great pictures of my displays. I made my cost of my product kit plus some extra to spend on STAMPS!! WOO HOO! You'll notice on one picture (barely) tiny little purses made out of paper w/Hershey nuggets. I got the idea from SCS, but I am not sure who gets the credit. I am going to do a follow up post tomorrow w/ the fabrics from the bag selection and the purses I made out of paper that compliment them. They really are darling and easy to make. My niece Taylor made me a bunch the night before. I can't believe how easy they were...I sort of fumble with paper so small.

I have a HUGE event coming up in March with a bunch of scrappin' ladies. The display will rock the house. Oh, there will be loads of pictures then.

Be well my friends!!

For my Valentine...

Tyler leaves for a week on business. So, we are celebrating Valentine's Day tomorrow. I decided to make him a small photo keepsake with a wedding photo and our wedding song (I Could Not Ask for More by Edwin McCain) printed on the back. It's a little bigger than a wallet size, but small enough for him to travel with it. The laminator is heating up as I type. I love my A*Muse Art Stamps so much. Aren't they just adorable? Not a whole lot of embellishing needed...could have been a little steadier w/the Exacto knife, but I think the card is just darling. Where is my hubby right now...at the mall buying my card!!??!! He really is the best. I am a lucky lady.

Artwork A*Muse Art Stamps 2008

Are they not the cutest???

While searching through wedding photos sent by various family members, I found this picture of my bridal party plus one ring bearer who was happy as can be hanging with the ladies. Are they not precious? I mean... how could Tantie get married and only choose one or two of these little darlings? I could just squeeze them.

The ring bearer is my oldest and dearest friend's little boy. (His big sister is the third girl in from the right.) He preferred hanging with the ladies rather than the big boys. He's 3 1/2 in the picture. Yesterday, he celebrated his 5th birthday. His birthday request??? "Ingin (Ninja) Turtles and bad guys...I like bad guys." So, I got him a couple TMNT's w/bad guys. And he's such a sweet boy...just so long he's playing and using his imagination for the greater good...nothing wrong with being the good guy defeating the bad guys.

$1 Treasures

don't you love it when you find a deal that you have to shout it from the rooftops? Or in this case, you find it "Just Monkin' Round". I hit the jackpot at my local DOLLAR TREE. The cards come 3 in a package for $1. The adhesive ribbon come in 3 color combinations for $1. For $1, you get what you pay for as the sticky shows through. So, I just used some flowers and Martha Stewart $1 ric-rac I found on clearance at Mike's. The patterned paper came from the Dollar Tree. Just a package of 4x6 sheets w/ 5 patterns and 5 sheets each for...yup... A DOLLAR. Last but certainly not least, the stamps are courtesy of the $1 Studio G Easter and Valentine's Day series. Oh, one more thing, the Dollar Tree had super cute mini-albums w/cute covers and not so cute covers, but with a little thought, a great alterable item!! What $1 treasures have you found?

Congratulations....

to the New York Giants to a game well played. They definitely out played my Patriots. Yes, I am very somber, but I am slowly gaining my momentum again. I think I am more upset that football season is over. So, here's to basketball season, NASCAR, hockey and baseball. Giants fans you have lots to celebrate...enjoy...until NEXT year.

Who wants it more?

It depends on who you ask? My faves the New England Patriots want to lock into a perfect season and reach for their next goal most Super Bowls won by a single team. I think Tom Brady has at the very least one more record to break in his pocket. The Giants, well, they want to beat the Pats. It's been a LONG time since we've seen the Giants in the playoffs let alone the Super Bowl.

How do I feel about all the press leading up to today? It's any given Sunday when The New England Patriots play. I have my attire ready to wear and my stomach is in knots as usual. Whatever the outcome, I will be sad as football season is much too short. Sigh...I'll miss it that's for sure.
Have a "Super" fun day!!

Meet my friends...

Taylor, Betty, Nikki and their pal "The Signature" bag from Fashion Flips. I met them a couple weeks ago at a Fashion Flips home boutique event. I love them because they are reversible and custom designed just for me. OK, I designed a "Signature" bag with a different fabric selection, but these lovelies are just a sample of the many options Fashion Flips has to offer. Each bag is crafted with your choice of fabric (interior and exterior), handles, buckles and other embellishments at an affordable price.

Fashion Flips was started over a year ago by two women from Shrewsbury, MA. Darcy and Karen decided they wanted accessories that you couldn't find in any store. (Did I mention they also have reversible headbands and belts?) So, they started designing and crafting their own handbags. While they do not make the bags themselves anymore, Fashion Flips products are made in the USA. Being a creative person, I admire their savvy in bringing this "one-of-a-kind" concept into people's homes. Fabrics and embellishments are contantly changing to maintain the intergrity of a custom design.

Naturally, their enthusiasm rubbed off on me and I signed on as their first Design Advisor in NH. But, I don't want it to stop there. I want EVERYONE to know about Fashion Flips. I love the idea that I don't put on a demonstration. The product sells itself leaving me time to help guests design a custom accessory that reflects their individuality. One can also order online, but with a limited fabric selection. It does take 4 weeks for delivery since the bags are hand sewn to specifications.

I realize that many of you are spread across the country. If this is something you are interested in pursuing, feel free to order online and put my name in the "Comments" area. Another option, I would consider a "tour of the USA" for those who might want to host a boutique event. Still not sure, but want more information about Fashion Flips? Please contact me at my business e-mail LynnMTreadwayfashionflips@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for letting me share this opporunity with you. I will post a picture of my "Signature" bag when I receive it. I'll continue to post specials as they arise.

February: Purchase a Taylor Tote, get a FREE Pouchee. (Oh, you HAVE to check out the Pouchee/purse organizer.)
My grand opening event: February 17th, 2008.

The letter "S"...

is sassy, slinky and smart...it is curvacious and fits most anywhere. I think it might even be the second most used letter of the alphabet. Some of my most favorite words (yes, words...love them, where they came from or how a word evolved from a region...like soft drinks are called soda here in NH , but in other regions it is called "pop" or "tonic"...I mean how did THAT happen?) ANYWAY...where was I? Ah yes, my favorite "s" words, savvy, serendipity, special, succulant, supple...without "S", we wouldn't have scabs, skirts, or SHOPPING...nah...we'd find another word for that.Then, there are some of my favorite people, my sister "Sheila", my friend "Sarah", "Sue", and lest not forget "Sally"...for whom this post is really dedicated to...she's a nag when I don't post enough, supports when things don't always go my way and makes me smile each and every time we speak. We've never met face to face, but she is a soul sister through and through. So Sally, this "S" is for you coming your way in some sort of SURPRISE designed with gratitude and appreciation for your friendship. Now quit bugging about the next time I post these things take TIME!

The "S" was super easy to make...chipboard, sticky tape (red tape) and some small beads. I did use a heat tool to set the adhesive.

The big "secret" is still scheduled for tomorrow evening!! Have a great day!

It's 6pm...do you know where...

YOUR PARENTS ARE??? Goodness, it's funny how roles change when you become an adult. Granted, my family and I are well connected. We seem to know where everyone is or how to reach one another at any given moment. When those avenues don't work, we go into survival mode. I needed my Dad's help with something. I couldn't reach him on his cell or at home. My mother is visiting my sister down South. First, I think I am not dialing correctly. Then I call my brother to see if he has Dad's work number. I mean why would I need that. His first response, "why...you couldn't get a hold from him EITHER?" I hear my sister-in-law in the background, "she can't FIND HIM?" I mean, he's only 62 and can take care of himself. Still, lines were not connecting...WHERE IS HE? IS HE OK? Silly huh? Sigh, the ending of this story, Dad is fine. He's going to babysit the kiddos tonight and help me with my project. Whew...so glad he's OK...just funny how my brother and I went into search and rescue mode. I guess I know how my parents felt back in the day without cell phones.

Have a great weekend!!

Ever have one of those weeks...

when you are just spinning your wheels? You have all these appointments and day-to-day tasks. You are just on the go, go, go. Then, when it is all said and done... you feel like you've accomplished NOTHING!! I've had an amazing week (except for an unpleasant trip to the dentist), so far. I've met new people and caught up with old friends. The Pats are AFC Champions and well on there way to another Super Bowl Victory. (Still, I am keeping my fingers crossed and holding my breath as usual. Don't want to get cocky. Ha...like I am a huge influence on the way they play football.) I just found out I am going to make it to a Celtics game this year and a Sox vs. Yankees in NY this summer. Sigh...there is one special thing I so want to share with all of you, but I can't reveal until February 1st.

Note to family: There are no little Treadways on the way. Geez...one track minds.

What's everyone else up to?

An A*Musing afternoon...

while paying my weekly visit to The Paper Tree I was duped into taking an A*Muse class starring {creative chick} herself, Jenn Shurkus. She is native to NH, and now resides on the Cape. I mean, I really couldn't say "no." Look at the cute card I made. Made 4 others, but I am not loving my photo editing software right now. I'll make nice another day. You can see them on SCS in my gallery. One day, I will have albums available for all to view. Hmmm...I could use Photobucket...nope...slideshow mess up. So want to show you my first experience with "Fun Flock."

ANYWAY, as much as I love my Stampin' Up!, these little bears are just too darn cute. It was so simple and made me think a bit outside the box when coordinating patterns and colors. I hope everyone is having an interesting day.

Artwork A*Muse Art Stamps (c) 2008

Stamps A*Muse Art Stamps Boy/Girl Bear and Love Blooms

A*Muse Notecards

A*Muse Gingham Ribbon

Marvy Scalloped Circle Punch

Try this...

I hate to redirect you to another link but click on Photobucket. Put in lynnmt0906 just like it is written here and the album will pop up. I am so sorry. I will take comments here for the viewing challenge. Thanks so much!

READ 1/19/07 post for the teaser I mentioned on SCS.

Technical difficulties beyond my control...

sorry about the slideshow not coming up. I am going to work on it tomorrow. Thanks for checking things out.

Here's something I thought was pretty neat...instead of typing my blog link...I "Googled" my link instead...MY BLOG SHOWS UP ON A GOOGLE SEARCH. OK...I am a little silly about it...still it was fun for me.

Big shout out to my AFC CHAMPIONS...THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. Hopefully, I'll be going to Foxboro, MA to the Patriots Pro Shop tomorrow. WOO HOO!

Voila, my craft room!!

It has been a labor of love getting this space in order. As Tyler says, it is an event that happens every 3-4 months. Well, change is good. Right? I think a good purge and reorganization keeps the creativity flowing.

I am most proud of my candy stick display found at a going out of business sale. I hope to re-label the jars w/yummy candy flavors. I might change the black to "OREO" instead of "LICORICE". Not really a flavor for candy, but I certainly like it better than licorice. Oh look, I am in need of some yellow ribbon.

My other find is an old tackle box/shelf thing I found at a flea market years ago. I had other plans until my A*Muse addiction kicked in. Now, it will show off my A*Muse stamps. First order of business, dress that baby up with some paper, chipboard letters and other embellies. Make it POP.

Overall, I think each space reflects all things that are important to me. So, if this inspires you to recreate your space...think about what makes you...well...YOU!!!

Enjoy my pics. Since I cleaned up, I found some treats that need a good home. The first eight comments will receive a grab bag as a thank you.

One more thing....GO PATS!

Simple gifts for special friends...

I loved putting these jars together for some special friends. These little surprises reflects a favorite color or one that compliments a color they like to use in their card making and other paper creations. I think the monogram signifies taking the time creating something just for them. If you hoard crafting supplies like I do, putting together the right items was not complicated. If you find yourself "artistically challenged", the tags take no time at all with the right tools. The jars came from IKEA but you can find some that are simliar at Michaels or ACMoore. You can fill them with paper clips, favorite candy, bath salts, beads or any other item that reflect the person you wish to suprise with your special talent.

It was hard for me to send these off since they look so yummy. Reminds me of candy...hmmm....is blog candy on its way? Maybe. Have I found my new favorite alterable item that will make my craft room look like a candy store? Most definitely! Stay tuned for the Craft Room Slide Show reveal!!!

Monogram Treat Jars:

Artwork Stampin' Up! (C) 2008

SU! Best Friend Alphabet Upper

Scalloped Punch

Ribbon

W.White Cardstock

Designer Patterned Paper

SU! Classic Ink Pads

Sticky Tape

Jars from IKEA

Filling of choice

The pressure is on....

I am not talking about the New England Patriots, but my survey results, thus far, shows a demand for creative inspiration. Now, I have not had an overwhelming response, but I am motivated each day the comments I receive. I look to my SCS comrades for encouragement and get the word out. My family and friends, I hope you find some enjoyment reading my posts. I feel like I can stay connected without looking for a stamp or send a bulk e-mail that may or may not be read. While I do feel the art of letter writing is beginning to wane, a blog does keep me fresh and focused on details in my life that I may have otherwise taken for granted.

With that being said, I am responding to my public. Creatively speaking, I was enlightened by this lovely SCS sister's blog Simply Stamping. Tricia has a wonderful tutorial about coloring and shading. She truly makes this technique look easy. I think simple might be the best word to describe it. I can't wait to give it a try. Now back to that craft room...can't share ideas if I don't have the space to create.

Someone requested a picture of me. Here it is in a comfy chair from Jordan's Furniture that I hope will become a part of my home one day.

"Monkin' round"...huh?

For those of you who don't know, my maiden name is Monk. OK...it's a play on words right? Yup, but it does not end there. My sister-in-law is Lynne (crazy...yeah we know). Well, we have dream to start a business together one day. What will it be??? Who knows? I call her my "secret square" when someone wants a bulk purchase of notecards, favors, invitations what have you...she helps me assemble and/or work on a design. So, we wanted a name that reflects both of us. We are forever searching for new ideas, product, or whatever makes us smile. Her husband (my baby brother) and I had variations of nicknames growing up, Monk, Monkey, Monker and even Monchhichi (a couple boys from school called me that...w/Limberger at the beginning...not very attractive I know...I think they liked me). Why not keep up the trend?

Photo: Brett, and his 3 little "Monk-eys"

Coming soon...Valentine's Day Kit and my craft room makeover (I so don't want to take before pictures...so scared right now.)

Patiently waiting for game time...

ha...that's a good one. So far, I have not bitten my nails to the bone or pulled out all my hair waiting for the big game against the Jacksonville Jaguars tomorrow night. This is such an exciting year for the New England Patriots. Yes, Tom Brady now holds the record for touchdown passes, Randy Moss most touchdown receiving passes and the Pats have scored the most points in a regular season. But, it's not over yet. Some say they've reached perfection, I believe that can only happen with a completed season and another Super Bowl trophy. So, I am taking it one game at a time...if I didn't I wouldn't be able to type...while "bald may be beautiful" I like a full head of hair.

Until game time has come and gone, I've added a poll that will stay open for the next week. Then, we'll see about a "blog candy challenge" for my creative friends out there. Hmm...maybe a dedication to my favorite football team???

Taking time for me...

yesterday, I spent the day with my friend Michelle, creative soul behind The Paper Tree in Manchester, NH. We planned to work on a creation for our workspace. Needless to say, we didn't accomplish what we set out to do. However, Michelle and I were very content doing what we each felt needed priority. We are both thinking of others before ourselves as usual. Michelle worked on restocking the store and ordering items for her devoted customers. We sang out loud when some of our favorite 80's tunes played on the radio. Took me back to my high school days. We had some laughs over her persistance in separating small packages of paper flowers to look like they actually came 50 to a package. You must stop by there. Michelle has some fabulous classes and is cutting edge with the newest products. "Grunge" paper arrived while I was there. Can't wait to check that out.

Anyhow, I made some note cards. I had some over do thank you's from the holidays. This design had been brewing in my thoughts for some time. I am so thirlled with the end result. Just some paper, punches and one tiny stamp kept me busy for hours. It was a work in progress. I felt a sense of accomplishment that I haven't felt in some time. The time spent with Michelle at The Paper Tree was time well spent (hmmm...I think that's the name of a SU! stamp set). Focusing on creating in great company was a fantastic day for me. What's been going on with you?

Note: Below is the recipe for the card. Also, some of my favorite places are listed below. Did you know that I am an Independent Demonstrator with Stampin' Up (R)? More on that in future posts and a poll about "Blog Candy".

"a little note" card
"a little note" stamp by A*Muse
Sahara Sand card stock, Soft Sky Ribbon and Hodgepodge Hardware by Stampin'Up!
"For Peep's Sake" Patterned Paper by Imaginisce

White Gel Pen

Bazzill Sparkle cardstock
Prima flowers
A*Muse "candy"/bling

Artwork A*Muse Art Stamps(C) and Stampin' Up! (C) 2007

History in the making...

Today was particularly thrilling for me. I voted in the NH Primary. In years past, I can honestly say I never took the primary seriously. Then again, I don't think my priorities were the same. Now, I am concerned for the welfare of our country as are many other NH residents. The woman who helped me register said that this was the largest turn out since the last election. How exciting it was to see first time voters or the elderly woman handing out ballots to voters. Oh the sites she must have seen. Children could even participate in Kids Voting, a national organization that educates kids about voting in America. The energy I felt really made me proud to be a part of something bigger than myself. It made me think about others from non-democratic societies who do not have this gift. A gift to choose a leader who will do what is best for the greater good. Think about it this way, your vote is your choice and it counts....democrat, republican, independent or Mickey Mouse...your gift as an American!! Whatever the outcome, you will be a part of history.

Thanks to those who have viewed thus far. I am making progress. I posted a picture. Also, anyone can leave a comment. You do not need a Google account. Sorry about that!!

Is this thing working???

One of my resolutions for 2008 is to get on the blog bandwagon. So, here I am trying out all the bells and whistles that go along with blogging. So far, I figured out how to post a picture and write my first post.

I've been an avid crafter for many years. My Tante Gusti brought me into the world of handmade creations when I was a child. I remember making chenille Easter bunnies using styrofoam balls, googly eyes and tacky glue. (Oh how I still love my tacky glue.) She introduced me to my first hot glue gun as well. Tante was so patient and allowed us to make whatever our hearts desired. My Uncle Cy would complain about her cluttered "junk room", but dutifully helped her with all her craft fair endeavors. My last project with her was a fabric covered photo album that she ended up finishing for me. I think I was frustrated making the fabric look even. Tante gave me credit for design concept. I wish I had a photo to share. But, this was before the Internet, scanners and digital cameras. Not sure my "Kodak Disc" would have produced the best image either to be scanned today.

Yes, she has passed on, but guides me from heaven with Uncle Cy by her side as I continue to share my passion for crafting with my darling nieces, nephews, friends and students. And now my husband Tyler complains about my clutter, but loves me and all my creative energy just the same.

2008 is full of possiblities. Please be patient as I develop this blog with pictures, maybe some craft tutorials and favorite sites. Now I ask you what gets your creative juices flowing?