Where has the summer gone?

Ok, give me the big L for being such a lame blogger. I've been so busy this summer and yet, can't really think of what I've done. CKU Provo comes to mind as a highlight, but my mom and I have both had some health issues.

Part of me is still waiting for summer to start and the work-side of me is already into the holidays (publishing and advertising). Anyhoo, had some time to slow down and catch some simple fun outtings. I'll have to post soon about the CKU happenings.

However, I wanted to post this simple truth that my son said that I often repeat to myself several times a week (since I am naturally somewhat of a cynic and have a circling-the-drain perspective a lot). He's 3-1/2 years ago. I asked him if he was happy. He said, "Yes!" I asked him why and expected an answer like he had fun playing with his friends, or liked his toys or something along that line. But he looked at me quizzically and said, "Because I WANT to."

Choose happiness. It's always there, you just need to let it in.

My Twins - Separated at birth??

Hmm.. who would have thought that I would be a cross between Glenn Close and Ang Lee! Hayden Panettiere? Yeah, right! lol...

Whenever my hairstylist wants to cut my hair short, I tell her I can't because I'll be mistaken for Pat.

Thanks for fun collage, Jessica!

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

Cards

Here are those super simple cards I made for the birthday party. White cardstock base with patterned paper cut into quads. Coordinated paper circle-scallop punched, edges inked. Another coordinated PP, circle punched, couple different layers of stamping, edges inked. Inside had a coordinated side strip border and punched butterflies flapping around inside-giving the inside some dimension.

Also, included a photo puzzle for each attendee-packaged in clear cello. Heard some really nice comments from parents about these since they were toddlers and just starting to be exposed to puzzles. Had a lot of fun doing these.

Cut, Take 8

Sheesh! How many paper trimmers does a person need? I hope it's not 9 since I just purchased #8. It's the X-acto Laser Trimmer.















How many times have I cut something off that I needed, or trimmed it a hair off, then when re-trimming, it became jaggedy? Or trimmed it whanky?

This has a red laser light that you hand-calibrate, then it shows you the trim line! Oh, when the lighting it dim, this will be a life saver!

I thought the Create-A-Cut would be the last trimmer I would ever need. But this beauty...ah, can't wait for it to come in!

More

I forgot to include these cute notepads and decorated tape from Mike's. Who would have thought Scotch tape could be so cool? Still looking for that damask tape, though.

I also spent a lot of time making Thank You cards for the Tman's birthday. How much time would you spend on handmade cards for 3-year-olds? Is it OK to have non-handmade cards if you're into the paperarts?! And, worst yet, what if they found out! You give out store-bought cards and then someone finds out your a paper artist/craftsy type. Maybe this has more dire implications than if you didn't give a card at all!

Black & White and read all over.....

Oh my. My latest find at OfficeMax. Now if I wasn't a 12x12 girl, I could definitely see these as album-potential.

Right now, I'm just going to use them as organizers. Got the idea from Simplify101--although I did order the wonderful russell+hazel binders--love those!

I digress.

Here is the surprise. You open them and it's beautiful on the inside, too!

Sorry, the photography is lacking. I don't get those beautiful shots with natural lighting when I'm usually doing this at midnight or so... sigh...

But wait, there's more. Of course, I got the ridiculously overpriced Post-Its and tags. I'm thinking of using these for journaling... I dunno, I just like looking at them right now!

I think these would go great with Teresa Collins' new line! Check out this video from CHA in Anaheim.

Leave me a comment if you've found anything great lately, too! I'm still looking for that Damask tape that was all the rage a few months ago! Take care and happy Tuesday!

Those office supplies...not just for paper crafts

So Kyle, the oneredpaperclip guy, came by yesterday and gave a great talk based on his book. He is self-deprecating, as well as dry and witty, which made him a hit with me right away. You can see him on this video. Unfortunately, he didn't wear his Cintas shirt. I liked that he was thinking differently and that it wasn't about the trade or sell. It was about the people he'd meet, the adventure he was on and the lives he might change. It also made me think about bartering since he got his start on this wacky ride from Craigslist. If you're interested in bartering, here is the associated trading site.

First Fling at Flimsy Film

What was that called in English Lit? Alliteration? You know, where you repeat the first consonant over and over. I guess they thought that was pretty much 'the bomb' back then. Oil lamps and alliteration!