Leadership

I have been thinking a lot lately about leadership. God has been taking me on this journey of learning to be a leader, and not just any old kind of leader, but a leader that is confident because my strength is in Him. This relates to my teaching, my apartment manager position, a few ministries at church, and other areas of life. With all learning and growing experiences, the pain and struggles have come full force and I realize over and over how hard it is to be out in the front leading. I saw this quote on a blog I stumbled on and it really made me think.

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."-Theodore Roosevelt

I just want to add something my pastor said in a sermon a few months back. This is my remembering of it so it might not be an exact quote--"God calls us to be obedient, not necessarily to be successful" Whether we succeed or fail, if we are following hard after God we are on the right path.

eP friend!!!

When Joy first showed me the Changito stamps that they were going to sell in the eP store I knew I would be hooked. I mean, who can resist a cute little monkey? Stampendous has not failed to to impress me. Each time they have new Changito stamps I fall more in love! Summer is basically over, but I thought I could still use the Changito Chef one more time. Isn't he cute??? The sentiment is called Chef's Choice--Let's Ketchup . The sentiment is actually only 2 lines on the stamp, but I used a marker to ink the sections so it would fit on the circle.

This simple card is my first sample as the eP friend of the week! I have to tell you that Joy and Daisy are my friends in real life as well as through their store. It is hard NOT to point you to their store for crafting supplies when I share my creations because I love their stuff, their prices, and their customer service is great too! So check out my blog this week for more cards and projects made with the fun products you can buy at Eclectic Paperie! I have some very fun projects to share!

DETAILS
stamps: Changito Chef, Chef's Choice--Let's Ketchup
ink: Palette Hybrid--Noir Black, Copic Markers
paper: Stampin' Up
other: stampin' up circle and scallop circle punches

Kids Class round 2

The school I substitute at has an enrichment program for the elementary students. The enrichment classes meet one hour, one day a week, for 5 weeks. Students get to choose from many different fun classes. I taught a craft class for 2nd and 3rd graders last spring and decided to do that same class (tweaked a little) this fall.

In April I showed this picture of the covered notebook and beaded pen that the kids did the first class. I hope to do this again, but I learned that this is way too much for 12 young girls to all finish in an hour!

I also plan on doing cards one class, altering a wooden picture frame, making clear marble magnets and decorating t-shirts. Should be a lot of fun and I hope to take more pictures this time around.

One Touch

I was standing at the checkout counter at Target searching my purse for enough money to pay when the cashier started talking about reading "the book"...I thought he was talking to someone else until he kept talking and I looked up and realized he was looking at my shirt that had a cross on it. He said something about how he had read part of the Bible once and he had a sadness in his eyes when he said that he wasn't where he should be, he wasn't living life how he should. I have to admit that I was a little bit at a loss for words. I don't know exactly what I said, (later I thought about all of the things I "should" have said), but I tried to share in the minute that I had that no matter how far away we are from God, He is always there waiting for us to return. There is no place that we can go that is too far for God to rescue us from. He just looked at me like he couldn't believe it and told me he was too far away. I left that day with a sadness in my heart for the lack of hope in this young man's life.

In the Bible Jesus often went to those that others considered "hopeless," people that probably had lost hope themselves, and He healed them. He often healed their physical ailments, but He also healed their spiritual ailments. There was no one too dirty, too sinful, too hopeless to heal.
He still heals today.

Nicole C Mullen was another one of the singers/speakers at the Women of Faith conference. One of the songs she performed was called "One Touch." It is a song about the story from Luke 8:43-48, where a woman who had been struggling with a bleeding problem for 12 years reached through a crushing crowd just to touch the hem of Jesus' garment and be healed. But the song isn't just about that Bible story, it is also about people today. People who are pushed down by their issues and are longing for some hope. Reach out and touch him, He is right there waiting, He will make you whole again.

Click to listen to ONE TOUCH by Nicole C Mullen

Women of Faith

I had the opportunity to go to a Women of Faith Conference with my friend Brooke this weekend. The conference has phenomenal speakers. I think that most of them could also be classified as comedians, but I have to say my favorite comedian of the group is Anita Renfroe. She is so funny! She often shares a popular song that she has "rewritten" Check out this post from last year to see the song she performed last time I went. This year she shared a remake to Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," called "Before I Eat." Hil-ar-ious!

Anita Renfroe--Before I eats Video

Sandi Patty also sang and talked at the conference. I remember listening to Sandi's music when I was a kid, but believe me, she can still belt it out and rock a stadium! She has a new book out that is on my have-to-read list. It is called Layers.

This is what the description on her website says:

Looking through the layers of failures, disappointments, shame, and fear, women find who God created them to be.

Every woman struggles with the feelings hidden deep within her. Coping with issues ranging from a poor body image to worries about past mistakes, she covers her guilt and pain with layers of behaviors and beliefs that keep God's grace from penetrating her heart.
In Layers, singer and WOF speaker Sandi Patty gets real by candidly revealing her own struggles. Peeling back the layers of poor choices and excesses, she shares with readers how to find the peace that comes only when she learns to be content with who God has created her to be.

I can't talk about the singing without mentioning another woman--Natalie Grant. WOW! I have her "Relentless" album and love it, but hearing her sing and speak in person was a special experience. Listening to her sing "In Christ Alone," brought tears to my eyes. I am not sure who wrote the song, but it is beautiful.

In Christ Alone


In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand


In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live


There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ


No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

Next time I will share a few more must see/hear singers and speakers from the conference and maybe another video. :)

Apartment pictures

For those of you who have been begging...I mean asking for pictures of my new place here they are. I didn't take pictures of the kitchen because for one it is pretty ugly (The countertop is pink) and also I hope to put a washer and dryer in it at some point, but right now it looks pretty empty.

Here is the left side of the living room from the front door. Note the couch without arms. That is all that would fit in my old place. At some point I will get a bigger couch and maybe a chair.

Right side of living room and looking into the hallway.

"master" bedroom. Looking in from the door. The wall you can't see across from the bed has a closet. For a picture of the other bedroom look back to my moving day post. The room with all the boxes is my "office." This is the sign outside my door. Pretty cool, huh? ;)
A picture of me in my office, just for fun.

What my yearbook photo would have looked like in 1950...

I found this really funny yearbook picture maker link over on Julie's blog. You load your picture and it shows what you would have looked like in the 50s, 60s, all the way to present time. Here are a few of my favorites. :) Then go make your own at http://www.yearbookyourself.com/

Here is me in the 1950s--ooh stylin'!
1960--I like these glasses MUCH better! ;)1962--I think this hairstyle should make another round.
1970--Gotta love the necklace.
1984--yup that is definitely 80s hair!
And 2000--I am pretty sure I have a yearbook photo that looks similar to this.

Moving pictures

When I first decided I was moving I was excited. I was eager to go through my stuff and organize. Of course the first few days of packing was fun. I had a pile for the thrift center, a pile of things to throw away, and boxes to take with me. The first boxes were all neatly packed and labeled--so fun! But if you have moved you know that things don't always fit neatly into boxes. So after the neatly packed boxes came many boxes not so neatly packed and I will admit a few too many that were labeled "junk," and on moving day a few things ended up getting thrown into garbage bags and shoved in my car.

And now comes the task of unpacking. Just like packing the first few days are fun. I have a feeling I will have a few unpacked boxes for a while.

Here are a few pictures from moving day.

A BIG HUGE thanks to my friends B, L, and A who made what could have been a stressful day fun and who carried even the heaviest items without complaining.

Move-in day

Tomorrow is move-in day for my new apartment. Yeah!! I am so thankful for the friends that are going to come and help me move my stuff. I know it probably isn't on their top ten list of things they want to do with a free Saturday. I have great friends :) Before they come I have to finish boxing up all of my stuff. I have officially concluded that I am a packrat (if you ask my family they have known this information all along). I moved out here with all of my stuff in a car--how could I have accumulated so much more stuff since then?!?

The next few days will be pretty busy and it might take some time for my internet to get hooked back up, but I will try to take some pictures and share my new place with all of you as soon as possible.

More Random thoughts from Jen...and some news.

Blogging has taken a back seat this summer as living life has become more important than telling others about it. I have also been pondering the question--Why do I blog?
I blog to tell my family and out of town friends about what is going on in my life...but they are busy and rarely read this blog. (don't worry I still love you guys). I blog to share my crafting projects and stamping...but I have been on a shopping freeze for the past year and my supplies are not cutting edge, my stamps have mostly retired. Also some crafters get irritated with blogs that share things other than stamping. (Sorry guys this blog is not for you then). I blog to share my views on the world, I blog to share "me"...but there are creeps out there and I don't want to share too much info. So I have really been thinking about what I want to do with my blog, where I want it to go. If I am writing to/for myself maybe I should just keep a journal?!?!?!

Until then I think I will just keep on blogging my life...bits and pieces of many things.

With that being said :) I have news! I am moving. I am just moving across town, but it is very exciting for me. I am going to be an apartment manager. In Southern California, with the price of housing and rent this job is golden! So in a few weeks I will be in a new location...

And after I unpack my new "stamping room" maybe I will have a few fun items to share.

Camp Dunamis and SERVE

June is Camp Dunamis time in my life every year. For a short explanation about what Camp Dunamis is about see this post from last summer or just e-mail me because I love to talk about camp! Here are a few pictures from this year.

This coming Saturday starts a new adventure in my life this summer. My church is hosting a SERVE group. During SERVE we will have 125 high school youth and their leaders join us from all over the US and Canada for a week of living out their faith though service. These kids/ adults take a whole week off of work or their summer plans to serve God. This week is all about knowing God and making Him known. The participants will split up and go work in our neighborhood and surrounding area. Some will be pulling weeds, painting, and cleaning. Others will be making meals and handing food out to those in need. Some might do light construction work. I am excited to see what God will do in and through these teenagers.

Pictures and more details will definitely be coming!

no title

I am still alive! Things have been crazy busy with work and the church ministries I am involved in. I just have to realize that for this season (for the next month or two) stamping needs to take a back seat to the more important things in life. Maybe I can actually send some of the cards I have made instead of hoarding them!
I do have a few projects from the kids craft class that I plan on sharing when I get to taking pictures.

And since a post really isn't a post without a picture here is a fun pic from my cousin's wedding last weekend. I love this picture. We look like we could be sisters.

Busy Busy

This weekend was busy, and I feel like I got a lot done. Saturday morning I proctored the SATs at a local high school, I did some cleaning because one of my cousins is coming to visit this week, and I did 2 scrapbook pages in honor of National scrapbooking day. {On a side note I don't know why I am always inspired to create things and come up with great ideas when I am supposed to be cleaning. hmmm.} I also cleaned my carpets this weekend which makes my house look SO much better!

While taking breaks from cleaning I played this fun game that sees how many countries you can name in 5 minutes. I have been playing for the past week trying to raise my brain power and score and I am up to 84 countries. That means I am still missing like 186 countries. Play this game and then come back and tell me how you do!

84

I am charging my batteries for my camera now so look for pictures of a scrapbook page and a few cards coming soon (hopefully tomorrow).

Quotes

A few quotes to ponder:

"Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure. "
George Edward Woodberry

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. "
Winston Churchhill

Return of the Weekend Question

A while back I did a weekend question each weekend to get to know my readers more or sometimes to get opinions or advice about issues. This week I just want to know you better. I filled out a "finish the sentence" survey. Pick one of the sentence starters and write your sentence in my comments section. Or fill the whole thing out, post it on your blog, and leave me a link. To my family: this challenge is for you too!

Finish the sentence...
Maybe I should get off my computer and get some cleaning done.
I love the smell of fresh baked cookies.
People would say that I'm creative, but I don't feel creative at all.
I don’t understand how people can deny there is a God.
When I wake up in the morning my first thought is, “I wish I could sleep longer.”
I lost a $20 bill in the water at the beach one time.
Life is full of love.
My past is history.
I get annoyed when people are rude.
Parties are fun even though I don’t go to many anymore.
I wish I owned a house.
Dogs are loving and cuddly animals...usually.
Cats annoy me.
Tomorrow is a new day.
I have low tolerance for pain.
I’m totally terrified of the future. Not really totally terrified, but I couldn’t think of anything else.
I wonder why we don’t have a roadmap for life.
Never in my life have I been to Europe.
High school was fun, but I am glad it is over.
When I’m nervous I make stupid jokes.
One time at a family gathering I giggled with my cousins…actually that is most every family gathering J
Take my advice: don’t base your decisions on what other people think.
Making my bed only happens when guests come over.
I'm almost always on time to places.
I’m addicted to checking my email.
I want someone to help me clean my house.

Loads of fun Sushi set

I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but I *love* punny sayings that go with stamps. When I saw Joy and Daisy's Sushi Combo Platter with 3 Stampendous sets Sushi Party Bowl, Sushi's Favorite Words, and Loads of Sushi I knew I HAD to have it! I haven't really had time to stamp lately so I popped out this quick card in between work and meetings and visiting with out of town friends. The washer is from Loads of Sushi. I drew in the clothes instead of having a fish inside the washer. You can't tell from the picture, but the window of the washer has Crystal Effects on it to make it to give a glassy look. The blue "wallpaper" is from an old paper stack that I had laying around. The "floor" paper is from a simply scrappin' kit from Stampin' Up.
This card is going to a good friend who is "loads of fun" and lets me do my laundry at her house when I need it.

kids class

I started teaching an after school craft class for 2nd and 3rd graders. The class meets one afternoon a week for 5 weeks. The enrichment program has many options of classes so the kids that are taking my class are the ones that chose it and like art/crafts.

I wanted to start the first class with a project that the girls (I only have girls) would be excited about so I chose a covered notepad and beaded pen. I also chose this project to help the girls practice stamping. On these items the placement of stamps isn't important and mistakes aren't really noticeable.

If anyone would like to know how to make either of these let me know and I will make a tutorial.

stamps: Best Blossoms (SU) paper: Rose Red, Regal Rose, white ink: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery Other: RSVP pen, micro beads, oh so sticky tacky sheet, ribbon from Fabric Barn

StampMania 5

Don't worry I am still alive and healthy. I just haven't had the time or energy to update my blog. My days have been long and busy for the past 3 weeks and it doesn't look like that is going to change anytime soon. Life is good though.

This weekend I have several stamping friends in town for StampMania 5. StampMania is a huge stamping gathering in Southern California. Joy, Jami, and Emily organize this event and I think this year was the biggest and best yet! Many of us ladies live in California, but women come from all over the US (and a few from Canada) to join us (because us So.Cal. gals are the coolest ;) )

Pictures coming soon :)

sweet, blessed, loved

sweet****blessed****loved

My mom is extremely crafty and good at sewing. When I was little she would make outfits for me or fancy up my clothes with ribbons and bows. I am so excited to have nieces so I can make girly stuff for them.
I used Fabrico ink (in Bubble Gum and Cherry Pink) to decorate a t-shirt and onesies. It was really simple and easy
step 1: make sure cloth has been washed (to take out the shrinking) and put a piece of cardboard in between the front and back of the shirt so the ink doesn't bleed.
step 2: pick out any stamps. It works better with bold stamps, not ones with thin lines. For the t-shirt I used Island Blossoms and So Very.
step 3: gently dab stamp in ink. Make sure stamp is coated, but be careful not to get too much ink on it as the ink is a little "gushy" and you don't want to have extra spots.
step 4: let ink dry. I only waited 20 minutes, but I am sure overnight would be a better idea.
step 5: use an iron to set the ink. I put a towel on top of the t-shirt and ironed on top of that. I also kept the cardboard in between the layers while ironing.

wa-la you are finished!

I am not really a big fan of April 1 as April Fools Day. I feel like I am holding my breath all day waiting to see what pranks will be pulled. And as a teacher I probably heard about 200 April Fools jokes today that weren't all that funny ;)

BUT I found this website of the top 100 April Fool's Day pranks pulled and I think some are pretty funny (maybe it is because they weren't pulled on me?!) Check it out.

I think my favorites are 1, 8, and 39. What are yours?

vacation photos

Here are a few photos from the past 2 weeks...
Debra and me. Her sweater shows that the weather was cold. I believe there was snow on the ground outside. There is nothing like shocking your system by going from 80 degree weather to
the 30s.

D. also flew out for Brad and Christy's wedding. This photo and the next one show my photo taking skills. It is hard to hold out a camera and take a picture of yourself with other people ;)

I am so blessed. I have all four of my grandparents alive yet. My grandpa in this picture will turn 91 next month and my grandma will turn 87!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Every time I come into town we need an ice cream outing. Coldstone is soooo yummy and if you have never eaten their ice cream I urge you to go look up the closest one. Getting to take my niece was a blast.

This little one isn't old enough for ice cream yet, but I love her anyways ;) She has been giving big smiles and there is nothing that melts my heart like smiles from my nieces.

Debra's card

While I was in Michigan for Brad and Christy's wedding I had the opportunity to spend some time with my friend Debra. The day I came Debra was teaching a SU! club class so I got to join in on the fun. I will probably embarrass her by saying this, but Debra is one of the sweetest people I know and I am so glad that we got to connect while I was in town! Debra just started a blog called Debra's Stamp Life. Be sure to check it out and welcome her to the blogging world!

Here is one of the cards we made at her class. It is a shaker card. I know it isn't the best picture, but I was in a hurry and the memory card was full. I love the design of this card. It is so pretty!

Stamps: Together Forever, Forever Flowers, All Holidays
Paper: Purely Pomegranate, Regal Rose, Shimmery white, Cert. Celery
Ink: Black stazon, black cart, basic black, markers--regal rose, celery, rose red
Accessories: Pomegranate ribbon, scallop punch

bunny cartoon

I laugh everytime I see this cartoon.

sewing throw pillows

My birthday was yesterday. I got to spend my birthday with family for the first time in about 5 years. It was sweet.

It is funny. I always looked at people in their late 20s and I thought they had it all put together. I thought that was the perfect age. Now I am laughing...and wondering what age I will be when I really feel like a adult.

A few months ago I decided I wanted to make throw pillows for my couch. I searched for the perfect fabric that I had envisioned in my head (think something like the patterned paper I used in my March Divine Design card). I didn't find exactly what I had in mind, but I think I came pretty close and I am happy with the results.

Here is a close up of the fabric:

Here is the pic of the finished product:

Beautiful wedding

The card I am sharing today was made for friends of mine that got married this past weekend. I got to go to Michigan and share in their special day. What a God-centered and beautiful wedding it was! I loved all the personal touches they added to make the wedding fit their personalities.
If you are married, what is one thing you loved about your wedding? If you aren't married yet, what is one thing you know for sure your wedding has to have?

I think this card is one of my favorites I have made in a while. I love the set Together Forever...so many possibilities! Also, all of the white cardstock is shimmery so it is really elegant looking. A special thanks to Debra for the color combo and for letting me use her supplies...well and for pretty much helping me make the card :)

stamps: Together Forever
paper: shimmery white, Regal Rose, Purely Pomegranate, Certainly Celery
ink: Basic Black, Staz-on black, and markers--Rose Red, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery
other: photo corner punch, pretties kit, taffeta ribbon

Divine Design: March--Rejoice, Prayer, Peace

I am back-dating this post since I am late for the challenge...again. One of these months I will be on time!

Read more about the Divine Design challenge HERE.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

This Bible passage is one of my favorites (and one that I needed a reminder about) for a few reasons. Here are a few of my thoughts about it:

Philippians was written by Paul, an apostle that was run out of town, beat up, whipped,and jailed for preaching about the good news of Jesus--if anyone would have an excuse to be down about life it would be this guy--who wants to rejoice about being hurt and rejected? Yet he still rejoices in the Lord always and urges us to rejoice. He doesn't just say it once, but twice to be sure we got it.
He continues by telling us not to be anxious about anything, but to take everything to God. Sometimes our worries seem silly or we think they are small. I believe God cares about even the little things that worry us. Sometimes our worries are so big we feel we can't give them up. Trust God with them!
The last part talks about a peace that passes understanding. When we give everything up to God he gives us a peace that we might not even understand. An inexplainable peace. A peace that guards our hearts and minds.
Try it. Give your worries to God.

Everything

I can describe this YouTube Video in one word--Powerful. Watch and tell me what you think.

Life Lesson-Rock and Sand

Why is it that life seems to get more and more busy each week? Is it that last week is over so we don't remember how busy it really was or do our lives really get more busy with each passing day?
One of the things I am learning to do is prioritize my life. Deciding what is really important and what isn't is hard to do. Some of the things we love to do are the things we need to say "no" to when we prioritize life. So these last few weeks have included less tv, less computer time, no stamping. More working on relationships, more planning with a few ministries I am involved in, more time with God. It has been good.
And back to the issue of being busy, I once heard a good analogy. The speaker had a large jar that symbolized our day and he had sand and rocks symbolizing the things that we have to do each day. The sand was all the adult things we "HAVE" to do--pay the bills, work, take care of our kids, go to meetings, go grocery shopping (add things you have to do during the day). The rocks were things like spend time with God, reading our Bible, praying, church, etc. The goal was to fit all the things into the jar like we try to fit the things we need to do into a day. He poured the sand in first because those are the things we feel we have to get done, that can't wait. Then he tried to add the rocks to the jar, the stuff that often gets set aside for the "more important things". He couldn't fit all the rocks in the jar! He then took everything out and started with the rocks. When he put the rocks in first, then the sand, the sand filled in the cracks and they both all fit. The point was when we make time for God in our day the other things fall into place and will fit in also. Sometimes our priorities change and things we thought were important aren't as important anymore and sometimes I think God just miraculously makes everything we need to do fit into our day. I think he honors that we give him priority in our life.
So are you going to put sand first or rock???

1 John 4:7-8

Back in January Lori Craig challenged us to join her for a year long challenge called Divine Design 2008-the Bible verse challenge. The challenge is a way for participants to get into God's word, memorize Bible verses, and hold each other accountable. All you need to do is focus on one Bible verse/passage a month and make a project with it. What a great idea! Thank you so much for this challenge Lori. I know it will change the lives of the people involved and others too!

Here were Lori's instructions in case you are interested in joining also (It isn't too late!):

We'll each create an on-going altered journal, rolodex card, scrapbook page, ATC or recipe card project... Each month we will choose a verse and get to stamping. We'll add that piece to our collection. We are going to work on the 8th of each month, at the end of the year, we'll have a wonderful keepsake to inspire or gift to give.

a few items of housekeeping

1. Must have a Bible verse printed, stamped, hand-written or computer generated as a focus of your project.

2. Upload with the scripture reference as your project title (i.e. John 1:14)

3. Use the Bible Verse Challenge keyword(This is for sharing on Splitcoast): BVC08 (same keyword all year) - While I do appreciate all kinds of inspirational messages, poems and quotes, for the purpose of this challenge, please respect the scripture reference guideline. Do not use this keyword if you have not used a Biblical scripture on your project.

My collection will be a 6 x 6 book. I will coil bind it at the end of the year to hang on the wall.

I am late for sharing this on the 8th of the month, but I am still going to share. February I decided to stick with the traditional theme of love...only not the love between two people, but the love of God towards us and our responsibility to love others.I already have this verse memorized because I learned it in a song as a kid, but it is so good to have the reminder. God loves us so much that He sent his son to die for our sins. We need to pass that love on to others and not just keep it to ourselves.

Is there someone that you need to show love to? Someone you might have a hard time loving? I have found that usually the people that we find it hardest to love are those that need to feel God's love the most. Who are you going to show love to today?

Paper from CHA

As a person who scrapbooks along with making cards I was very interested in the new paper lines introduced at CHA this year. I have to say I absolutely love the colors that are popular this season. And with that here are a few pictures...

Cosmo Cricket is the company that makes one of my favorite paper lines--Dutch Girl. They didn't disappoint with their new papers. Here are pictures of Get Happy and Cogsmo. See the Cosmo Cricket Blog for more info about their new lines.

This company I hadn't heard of before, but be sure you check them out! I only got one picture, but don't worry...check out Dream Street Papers to see more. Be sure to come back and tell me your favorite paper.

This next company is relatively new (I first became aware of it after summer '07 CHA)and is becoming popular quickly. I wish I had taken more photos at this booth. They also have very cool clear stamps and I think I remember some pretty cool rub-ons too. I can't find an updated website, but keep an eye out for this company!

Ribbon galore!

Have you ever seen the scene in the movie Patch Adams where Patch fills a swimming pool with noodles for the older lady to "swim" in? I feel like a pool full of ribbon would be just as cool...which is why todays post, a continuation of CHA fun, is all about ribbon.


May Arts ribbon has been popular since the beginning and for good reason. I don't know if this particular ribbon is new or not, but it caught my eye as I walked by and I just had to take a picture to remember it until I can purchase some for myself!


Another booth with great ribbon was called Beaux Regards. I can't share a link because right now they don't have a website yet, but this ribbon is pretty stinkin' cool. I was told all of their ribbon is imported from France so you can imagine it is a little pricey. Here are a few samples...This polka dotted ribbon is double sided and looks just as good on both sides--it would be great for bows.

Paper crafting meets food...

This week I will be featuring a few of the products that I enjoyed seeing at the CHA Convention in Anaheim. I missed the opening of CHA yesterday because I was out of town at a conference. Have no fear though, I went today full of energy and excitement, ready to scour the floors in search of new and innovative (or steadfast and forgotten) crafting items.

I found some new delicious paper lines, yummy ribbon, a few fun new tools...but I have to say my favorite booth of the day wasn't a paper crafting one. At the end of the day as we weaved our way towards the doors we ran into this great little booth that was kind of in between the papercrafting and food sections. The product being introduced was called Edibow by Sugarveil. This is edible frosting was like nothing I have ever seen before. It was thin, soft, and pliable and could be made into different shapes. The cool part was it was thin enough to use a regular papercrafting punch on it to make different shapes or punch a fancy border! Here are a few pictures so you get the idea.

You can see the frosting package in the background of this picture. It comes as a powder that you mix with boiling water. You put it on a mat and comb it with a special comb to make a thin layer. After the frosting dries you can peel it up and that is where the fun begins!

Check out the "lace" made for this cake...

and I have never seen better dressed gingerbread cookies!

They even had a picture of a wedding dress made entirely out of this frosting...interesting ;)

Is this stuff cool or what?!?!?!?

Oldies but Goodies

I don't have any new cards or crafts to share. Things have been extremely busy with work and the ministries I am involved in. I am hoping to have a few things to share later on in the week. For right now here are few cards I shared a while ago. I like them a lot.