Sunday, December 30, 2012 at 03:36PM It's a silly little exercise, but so fun to see the year in review like this. I realize that moments with family and friends are what make up a good life. All the other stuff is there, but the moments are the good stuff. Happy New Year!
Monday, December 10, 2012 at 09:51PM I can have it all in life, just not all at the same time. That's my motto and I really do believe it. I see life as a series of chapters each with it's own story that all string together to create a full life. Every new chapter holds a unique combination of adventure, happiness, challenge, triumph, bitter and sweet moments. I'm entering a new chapter and it's been a bit of a challenge to be patient and open enough to the possibilities to allow this chapter to unfold.
I planned to go back into social work. Kyle's in his senior year and has one foot out of the nest. My plan was to go back to work full time, add to my retirement, ease my way into the empty nest thing, and of course help pay for college. I should know better. Life never ever follows my plan. Getting back into government work is crazy right now, nobody is hiring. Kyle got mono this fall and has been home for the majority of the semester. I'm glad I was able to be here to get through all of that. He went back to school right after Thanksgiving.
So, I decided to step back and allow. Being in control is an illusion, there is very little in this life that we can control. My yogi friend, Jen, gently reminds me to expect nothing and allow everything. When I did, the perfect new adventure began. I'm working with a wonderful company in the crafting industry that happens to be headquartered locally. I'll be doing a bit of traveling and a bunch of fun things with Clover Needlecraft USA in the new year. I can't wait to see what this chapter brings!
Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 06:25PM ;)
Life sometimes throws in a little curve ball and it takes longer than I expect to get things finished. My sweet husband had an unexpected week off work, so we ran away for a much needed impromptu camping trip. While we were gone our son had a relapse of mono. It's been a crazy couple of weeks, but I finally have my sample earrings made up for the Phoenix Craft Rave on November 17th!
I'm really excited about all the vintage goodies I used to make these little cuties. The base of the earrings are Rummikub pieces from games I've been treasure hunting for a long while. I have scavenged enough to make at least 100 pair of earrings. You'll have to get there early to get your favorite numbers, since these are all limited. I plan to bribe my Dad with a pound of his favorite See's Fudge for a little drill press time to get these all ready for jump rings.
I have a beautiful jar of vintage buttons that you'll be able to dig through to find the perfect choice for your design at the rave. There's just something magical about running my hands through a jar of buttons that makes me feel like a kid again. The thread is a beautiful Royal Irish Linen Thread that is lucious to work with. I think these will come together quickly and I'll have a cute little bag to package up your finished earrings for a perfect handmade $10 gift ready to go for anyone on your list this holiday season.
I hope to see you there!
Make and Take, game pieces, jewelry in Jewelry, Kit, Thrifty Treasures 
Monday, October 15, 2012 at 05:18PM 
I'm thrilled to teach a make and take at my first ever rave! Join me at The Phoenix Craft Rave 2012, a make and take marathon, on November 17th 2:00pm-midnight in Scottsdale, AZ. My dear friend, Angela Daniels, is also teaching at this rocking event. We're so excited we can't stand it. I'm working up my sample this afternoon using my favorite vintage game pieces; you know how I love games. Angela is working with one of her favorite supplies: soda bottle caps.
It's going to be an exciting night to get your craft on for holiday gift giving. Admission is $5, and then you choose make and takes you'd like to join priced $5 to $15. Mark your calendar for a night of crafting, prizes, food, and music!
Friday, August 31, 2012 at 01:27AM 
My dad is such a special guy. I think he's saved every card I've ever given him. He appreciates the cards I make more than anyone else, so I took special care on this one. He's an avid fisherman like my husband and son. I inked up a few of the old PSX fishing stamps I've collected to make cards for my favorite guys.
My dad can fix anything, so I included a piece of screen in the back and a piece of burlap leftover from an upholstery project across the front. The flies are stamped on a natural color coffee filter representing the coffee he drinks every morning. There's a piece of frayed denim there for the man who always wears jeans. My dad saves everything and recycles the rest, so I stamped the sentiment on piece of a cardboard box. I didn't explain all these things to him, but I know he noticed. He's a detail guy, and I'm certain I inherited that gene.
Happy Birthday Dad!