I didn't know ...

Hey, y'all. First, I've got to beat around the bush a little here and share a little background.

A long ago, I saw a television program that showed how various Silicon Valley (CA)companies adopted the theory that it was beneficial to allow the their employees (computer techies, etc.) to "decorate" they cubicles as an outlet for all the brain power and intellectual energy that flowed in those tight spaces. The program in itself was rather interesting and to see just how the different ones "decorated" their spaces was amazing. I'm thinking there may be a similar kind of video on the subject on YouTube. I'm going to check and if I find it and can figure out how to attach it here, I will.

Anyway, as has become my habit since I began creating, I, from time to time bring in my creations (knitted or crocheted items, mini quilts in progress, dolls, and now my cards, etc.) and display them in and around my work space, because I'd also heard somewhere that since most people spend more than 1/2 of their waking hours away from home at at a place of business (including getting to and from), we should surround ourselves with the things we love in and around our work areas to enhance a feeling of familiarity.

Well, the office manager happened by my station and chanced to see my latest - a "milk carton" decorated for Easter. It was my "sample", but she loved it. And, as she was walking away, she commented: "I had been expecting to get a little Valentine Day gift, but I guess I'm going to have to wait for St. Patrick's Day. I had given all my co-workers little Halloween and Christmas Treat Holders with candy inside.

I thought they were cute, and that it was a nice jesture to give them as trinkets, but I didn't know, what an impact they actually made.

See, this is why I love creating so much. Not only do I get joy from it, and would do it regardless, but it's an extra special insentive that others appreciate my talents as well.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...
demarys

I think I've found it ...

From my first creation for submission to a card challenge I have been wanting to create a list of the various challenges and even better, create a list of the challenges by the day.

Well, I may not have to because I think I've found just that kind of list over on Raven B's Blog, but I haven't had time to check it out fully. I will though, once I get off work.

Anyway, as part of her sidebar, she has quite a comprehensive list of different challenges that appear to be listed by the day of the challenge. I'm really hoping so, and if it is, I intend to make good use of the info. I'm so excited, I can hardly wait to start checking them out.( Thanks, Raven.)

Ok. (sigh) On to the other main reason for this post. Raven is having a blog candy give-away. She's been helping Spring along by doing some "spring cleaning" and has decided to give away a bit of blog candy.

Wouldn't you like to be the winner of this blog candy? You could if you follow a few simple rules. So, why don't you take a few minutes and check out the Blog Candy Give-Away over at "Love 4 Stamps" and while you're there, check out Raven's creations too.

Have a Great Day!
De

*FYI*

A short post today. Still tired and still stuff to do. Just wanted to share a little, hopefully useful, info. We had a mildly successful shopping trip. As always, I found tons of stuff that wasn't on my list [that I just couldn't live without], but this trip I found a lot things that I had been looking for on list once or twice prior. And what really makes that special is that I got those things on a "double" discount. How? Well, *I found out that if you use an AC Moore coupon at Michaels you get an extra 10% off -- 40% off becomes 50%, automatically.* Now, I don't know if that works for Joann's coupons, but regardless, I'm never using Michaels coupons at Michaels again. LOL

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...

You Can't Force Creativity ...

After getting my grandson settled-in and myself prepared to start a new day, Xavier and I retreat to my studio and both begin to pla ... he with his toys and me with my cards.

I spend the better part of the morning trying to finish the "Dream" card, but my mind just won't focus ... my mind just kept racing toward the tons of other things I've got to get done today.

I guess it's true -- you can't force creativity, it just has tao flow. And, that's exactly what happened. Try as I may to focus onthe "Dream" card, nothing I tried as inspiration helped me to figure what to do. Oh, I got ideas, but for a different card altogether. I tried to ignore it but finally went with the flow. [I'll post a picture in the next couple of days.]

Anyway, after a few hours of play, satisfied that I had at least created something, and with new ideas fresh in my head and listr in hand, Xavier and I are heading out to run my errands.

One Track Mind ...

I stayed to work late again last night, but this time for my own personal benefit. I needed to use the computer at the office top woprk on the internet because my PC is not working.

So tired as I was, I couldn't seemto stay asleep. I've been working on this card for challenge that is really giving me grief. Oh, not the challenge itself, but rather the colors and embellies I chose. See, beyond using sketch and/or color challenges, I have decided to give myself a personal challenge to work with colors I don't particularly care for to try something new to make myself step outside my comfort area to use(or maybe I should say "use up") some of the extras I have amassed in my studio.

Well there I was, laying in bed thinking of what I could do or shouldn't do to finish this card, I hear this pounding on my door. To my surprise, it's my daughter with my youngest grandson, Xavier. I've got babysitting detail ... on top of everything else I had planned to do today. Good thing I love that little munchkin so much. LOL

Woooo Hoooo, It's Friday ...

Well, I'm here at work early. I have a cardmaking get together this evening with my to-be daughter-in-law, Nikki, this evening and I want to leave work a little early.

I'm here, but I really don't know how I managed to do that. I didn't get to sleep until late. It seems my body's on some new kick where even once I finally fall of to sleep, I don't sleep well. One thing's for sure, if I don't start getting some sleep at night, I'm going to just keel over into my scrap pile.

Wait a minute ... on second thought, I don't know if that would be such a bad thing. Hahahahaha

Seriously, though ... this morning I'm extra tired. Yesterday was a temendously long and extremely busy day. Of course, I had to work my "9 to 5", but once I got home, I also had 2 card orders that I had to finish - and I did! Anyway, I wound up staying late at work, but on the upside, I received an order for 2 more cards from one co-worker, a request to make a "school girl"-type cloth doll from another co-worker, and it was also suggested/offered by yet another co-worker to host not one, but two separate "home parties" - one for my cards and one for my dolls. Wow! I didn't see that coming ... LOL

Strange how things happen ... Staying at work last night was on my own time (unpaid), but the day turned out to be quite "fruitful" nonetheless. I got some extra work done and I got requests to create.

I feel so blessed to have the things I love making praised and appreciated by others and I am going to receive monetary compensation for doing what I love: making cards and dolls. But you know, more than that (getting the money, I mean), what gives me encouragement and insentive to continue with what I do is the fact that people really like what I do.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...
De

Mojo Monday #126

I decided to not just make cards based on various challenges but to begin actually submitting the cards I create at the time I create them. I had been a little hesitant, but I've shown my cards to family, friends and co-workers and they have greatly encouraged me. The confirmation that not just I think my cards are good, but that others like them and even have requested that I make some for them to give to their loved ones is inspiration in itself to continue doing this craft I love so much.

Here is the card I made for submission based on the February 15, 2010 Mojo Monday #126 Sketch.


I have to admit that with this one I am rather proud of myself. Although I love the color teal, it has always been a color I found hard to work with ... not just in cardmaking, but in area of decorating and even clothing. I tend to want to pair it with coral or peach. Yes, I know that's a dated combination -- used it way back in the day in my bedroom once. Then I could see the colors working together -- I actually did it much before it became trendy. But now, I have trouble with it. Plus, peach has become one of my least liked colors. So, trying to use teal had me really in a bind. I even had to stop working on this card, take a break (cat-nap) and then, voila. The light(s) went on in my head -- woke me in the middle of the night -- but I had to get at it right then and there (3:30 am). Monochromatic! That was the way to go. Some things are just worth the trouble.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by.
De

Here's the Picture for Mojo Monday Sketch #125

Here's the card I created from the Mojo Monday #125 Sketch.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...
demarys

Ugggh!

I was all prepared to upload my MojoMonday #126 card so that I could submit it, but wouldn't you know it ... I had the wrong USB cord. So, I'm going to have to wait yet another day. Ugggh!

"Dang!!!" that Snow Storm ...

Last week I created a card based on Mojo Monday #125 that I had planned to submit last night, but a series of mishaps -- one crazy snow storm/blizzard (more than 2 feet that put the town at a standstill), my laptop hard drive crashing, and yet another snow storm (this time only about a foot and a half LOL) managed to derail that train. But, I'm not discouraged!!! Especially after reading that I can still submit the card. Oh, I know it won't be in the running for a prize or anything, but no matter -- my work will get viewed ... and that's probably the more important thing,-- at least, I think so.

When I'm able to get to a working computer, I'll upload the card here and over at Mojo Monday (#125)for you to see. Maybe you can leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Until next time, Have a Great Day! And, thanks for stopping by.

This bright "Feel Better Soon" card is sure to bring a bit of cheer to that one feeling out-of-sorts or under the weather. And little Owlie is there with flower in hand to help the recovery along.

The inside has been left blank so you can add your own personalized message for that special someone.

Buy Now.

Get Ready for Valentine's Day ...

This OOAK (One of a Kind) Valentine's Day Card. measures 5.5” x 4.25’’ (A2 size) and was created by hand from red and white designer cardstock - the red cardstock was wet-embossed with gold over handstamped "Hugs & Kisses" (Xs and Os) images; the white was dry-embossed with hearts and has gold brads along the corner edge. For further embellishment there is a mulberry paper envelope with a loving sentiment printed on vellum paper. And lastly, to tie it all together, there is a key attached to braided cord tied in a bow.

Although there is a sweet sentiment inside the litte envelope on the outside, there is still an opportunity for a personalized message for that special someone because the inside has been left blank.

Buy Now

Get Well Card

A bright cheery card sending well wishes to that special someone who has been feeling out-of-sorts or a bit under the weather.

Buy Now

I Just Got A Call ...

Hi, again.

My son's girlfriend called me a few minutes ago. It's already begun to snow where I live, but it didn't appear to be snowing here where I work. Then, about 15 minutes after I hung up with her, the office manager came around saying the office would be closing early at 2 o'clock. From my workstation looking out the window of a nearby office, it didn't look like it was snowing, but when went to take a closer look ... OMG!

Well, needless to say ... I'm out of here. Sidenote: This will be the first time in all the years that I've worked for this firm that I am actually leaving at the time the office is closing early. I told you ... I don't play when it comes to having to drive in snow. The best place for me a times like this is snug at home.

Until next time, thanks for stoping by.

The Vigil Is On ...

Hi, Bleeps ...
I got myself focused and made it in to work (it's about 10:30 am). No snow, yet. Well, we know at least the forecast regarding the timing of the was a bit off. Now this may sound weird coming from one who doesn't like snow, but I wish it would start already. Reason: I'm afraid I'm going to have to admit it's going to sound a bit self-serving, but I'm at work and will have to stay at work until the snow begins and appears to be getting bad. If the snow starts or becomes storm-like too close to evening, it will already be dark and I don't do snow well in broad daylight, so there's no doubt I'll have a bear of time trying to make it home. [sigh]

Still Nothing ...

Well, I guess I'd better go on to work. It's after 9:00 am and still no snow. Don't get me wrong ... I not hoping for it ... quite the contrary. I really, reallly, realllly don't like the snow.

Truth told - I've never liked the snow. Not even as a child. It's pretty ... when the flakes are falling and when it's laying undisturbed on a lawn, but I live in a rural area - and that makes for not such a pretty sight.

Not Yet ...

Well, I checked at 7:30 and it looks and feels like snow, but nothing yet. I'm going to wait at home for a little while to see what's going to happen. I don't want to be on my way to work only to have to turn right around once I get there.

The Snow Is Coming ...

Well, they've predicted a really bad snow storm for my area. It went from 10-12" to 24-26". And from beginning sometime around 3-4pm tomorrow to starting aroung 9:00 am. I, for one, am not looking forward to either outcome.

I Evidently Didn't Move Far South Enough ...

I am a New Yorker transplanted (on purpose) to Maryland. One of the things I felt was so good about the move is that I wouldn't have to deal with the kind of crazy snow storms we always got in New York.

WRONG!!! The first winter here was a big storm! [SIGHHHHHH!] And, although we have had snow until now there hadn't been anything quite like it. But, it's baaaacccckkkk! And, woorrrssee! It hasn't even stopped yet -- and they say it isn't anytime soon -- and already there's more than a foot on the ground. It started yesterday afternoon and this stuff is supposed to continue all day until night (or longer). And, once it stops in a couple of days it's supposed to do it again.

All I can say is I'm glad I have the stash of paper and embellishments, etc. that I have, 'cause I'm going to be a card making somebody. LOL

Have A Great Day! and thanks for stopping by.