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?