Looking for Sparks of Joy in 2016

How many organization ideas have I tried?  How many have failed?

On my last trip to the bookstore (and by the way I am not a paid sponsor for this book), I came across this book:  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, so I thought I'd take a peak.  The first thing that caught my eye and spoke to me was this quote:

We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of... take each item and ask:  "Does this spark joy?"  If it does, keep it.  If not, dispose of it.

As one of those "creative types" -- I hate to throw anything away for fear that later on I could use it in some clever way.  But, the time has come to start purging... so I bought the book (kind of ironic that I added one more thing to my home when I should be purging, huh?)

With that, I have purged one thing from my closet so far... lol.  My journey continues.  I am determined, nonetheless.

Have you purged lately?  What successful technique do you have for organization?

Wishing you joy this 2016!

Up to 60% Off on Stampin Up Products

The end of the year Stampin Up sale is winding down with only a few more items left.  If you are looking to get a head start on next year's Holiday preparations, or if you are looking for a great deal, you will want to check out the sale.

Even though some items may look like they are strictly holiday season-ish, they can be used for so much more.  One of my favorite products introduced  (and now on sale -- was $5.00 now only $3.50!) was this black glimmer paper.  At first, I thought it was only for Halloween themes.  

But, when I saw how it could be used for a dark sky, the impact of the glimmer was stunning.  The photo of the "Oh What Fun" card does not do the glimmer paper justice.  It really makes a "WOW" impact - take my word!

I also made the base of this card clear to add extra shine.  Can there be too much shimmer and sparkle for one card?  Nah!  :)

Anyway, go check out the sale for yourself.  You may just find something you could use to finish off that project that has been sitting around for too long.

Have a creative day!

Sigh... Christmas Is Only 363 More Days Away

The festivities are winding down as my sweet Rexie cozies up on the tree skirt quilt.  What a whirlwind.  Every year I say I'm going to get my Christmas cards made in July.  Sigh...


Here's an cute and simple idea that I found on Oakfield Crafts.  Since, I am loving everything hexagon this year, I was inspired to make my own version:

When do you make your Christmas cards?

Side Note: Hexagon Quilt Update

So, a couple of months ago, I decided to start a hexagon quilt.  My first thought about hand sewing a hexagon quilt was that it would take too long to complete that it would wind up in that unfinished project pile.  But, I found that there is something very meditative about sewing these pieces together.  There is no deadline.  There is no pressure... and I love it.

Here's my update on this quilt.  Since October's post, I've been able to create 300+ hexagon basted shapes:

And, after deciding that I want to have a value quilt (i.e. light color that goes into darker shades), I started arranging the hexagon pieces into flower shapes to be sew together.

And, for the sewing... So far, I have about 50 heart flower shapes sewn together.  They are sewn into these shapes because it is so transportable this way and easy to group 7 hexagons together at a time.  When they are finally all put together as a quilt, there should be no sign of a flower shape, since I'm (for the most part) randomly placing fabric patterns together.

Until the next update...

My Little Appreciation Gifts

What do you get for a wonderful group of people who take care of tweens & teens during lunch time?

I wanted to create something from the heart for all that they do and if money was no object, the sky would be the limit.  Unfortunately, the purse strings are tighter this year.  So, here's my version of "Homemade Christmas Fudge."

I printed the Christmas Fudge Poem (circulating on Pinterest) onto Stampin' Up card stock (of course).  Then I used the Delicate Ornaments Thinlit Dies and cut each poem into an ornament shape.  I hoped a carefully cut ribbon and an ornament would add that special touch.  Inside… well, a helping of chocolate kisses for the recipient.

Thanks for stopping by.  I am attaching a link (below), so you can print the fudge poem on a large sheet of card stock.  Try Pear Pizzaz Cardstock for a light enough shade of green whereas the black ink will be displayed well.

Merry Christmas and Enjoy!

Free download of poem.

Festival of Trees in Glittery Glimmer and Shine

Nothing quite makes a card as special as glitter!  But, the spare getaway flecks also makes my face, fingers, hair clothes shine in ways I don't want, which is why some of my favorite Stampin Up products are the shades of glimmer paper.  No glue, no mess and lots of shimmer.

So, here's how this card was made:

1. Punch a large circle in Lost Lagoon.
2. Punch a large circle (edge only) from Glimmer paper.  Trace a hill and valley (on the back) and trim.
3. Punch a tree from the Glimmer paper
4. Stamp two trees and sponge the outside of the circle.
5. Adhere the Glimmer hill to the bottom of the circle.
6. Use a dimensional to adhere the tree to the circle... with part of the tree over the edge of the circle.
7. Add a star punched Blackberry Bliss panel (along with a silver baker twine & charm) to the Lost Lagoon base of the card.
8. Adhere the circle to the card with dimensionals.
9. Add a sentiment and enjoy the sparkles.

Thanks for stopping by.
Enjoy and happy paper crafting!

All is Bright Stamp Camp Project

If you missed our Holiday Stamp Camp in November, here is one of the projects we made using Stampin Up's Festival of Trees stamp set.  I punched out the trees then sponged a lighter shade from the center of the tree to give more depth.  The red tree in the back was punched out, so that it looked smaller in the distance.

I love texture, so I used the lines stamp from the Gorgeous Grunge set to criss cross randomly on the hill.  Afterward, I sponged the edge of the hill.  A sparkly banner on top and a chunky one on the bottom finish of the card.  I enjoyed using trendy colors instead of the traditional red and green.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you found some inspiration here.  I appreciate your comments.

Have a wonderful day,

Luci