Altered Book Box Class at Creativebug

Learn how to make a customizable keepsake box, ideal for storing your loose art journal pages and small works of art in my newest class from Creativebug: Make an Altered Box.

This class is a continuation of my two other current classes at Creativebug:

 

Art Journaling: Mixed Media on Paper 

and Art Journaling with Gelatos

Here's what students are saying about my classes...

 

Not a Creativebug member? Wanna try it out? Follow this link!

New members will get their 1st month of Creativebug + 1 class to keep forever for just $1. They’ll also receive 30% off at Jo-Ann Fabric.

When you sign up through this link  you’ll receive a welcome email from Creativebug, then a second email with the coupon code to use either online or in-store at Jo-Ann Fabric.

Book Review: Martha's Flowers

Like every Martha Stewart publication, Martha's Flowers is a visual treat! Based on Martha's own experiences in gardening, this book provides easy-to-understand guidelines to growing, gathering and arranging flowers. While these gardens are most specific to the north-eastern region of the US, the planning and care tips she provides are applicable to gardens anywhere. 

The book is divided into three sections by season with fourteen chapters focusing on Daffodils to Dahlias. Not only does the reader gets a detailed look into what varieties grow well together but also when to pick them and to how to display them in harmony.

If you are an avid gardener, you'll love this book. And if you are not a gardener, you would still enjoy the gorgeous photographs of the gardens and the arrangements in this book. It's a delightful addition to any library!
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Seeking color on a drab day

It's so cold here and drab outside that I decided I need some color! The most colors are found in my studio, so I figured I would organize some of my projects - put some out for display and put some away in boxes for the time being. And then I wanted to take you on the journey with me. So, here are some Sizzix projects I have created and loved over the years...

I hope they bring some color to your day if you too are eagerly waiting for the sun and the spring!

Book Review: How To Be Married

The book had me at its front cover... dragging your partner, holding on for dear life, stumbling into unforgettable (good and bad) shared experiences and I wanted to read How To Be Married by Jo Piazza. The author's candid and hilarious insights into the first year of her marriage along with invaluable wisdom from women around the world made me laugh, cry and think, 'That's so me! Yikes!' A great read not only for brides-to-be, newly weds but for anyone who wonders about the mysteries of a marriage!

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. 

Creativations 2018 - Tim Holtz Blog Hop and Give Away!

Creativation 2018 just took place in Phoenix, Arizona. Many manufacturers showcased their newest releases at this craft trade show. I was one of the few very lucky (happy dance!!!) people to be given the opportunity to design some projects with the brand new Sizzix dies designed by THE Tim Holtz! 

If you are following this blog hop, you are probably coming from Audrey Pettit's blog. If you are new here, WELCOME! If you are revisting, then welcome back!

Let me share with you the projects I made for the show. I'll also list the dies that I used in each project, so you can make your own list of the must-haves. For each of these projects, I used an Etcetera Tag by Tim Holtz as my base/ surface/ substrate - whatever you like to call it.

 

Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 15PK - Funky Floral #2

Sizzix Bigz XL Alphabet Die - Cutout Upper 

Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 17PK - Funky Floral #1

Sizzix Bigz XL Alphabet Die - Cutout Upper

Sizzix Bigz XL Alphabet Die - Cutout Lower

 

Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 15PK - Funky Floral #2

Sizzix Bigz XL Alphabet Die - Cutout Upper 

Sizzix Bigz XL Alphabet Die - Cutout Lower

Sizzix Thinlits Die - Paper-Cut Bird

Sizzix Bigz XL Alphabet Die - Cutout Upper 

Sizzix Bigz XL Alphabet Die - Cutout Lower

Use your die cuts with coloring mediums of your choice, add doodles, make them your own and have FUN!

Be sure to join in this blog hop to get oodles of inspiration. Your next stop is Richele's blog.

And do not miss out on the GIVEAWAY.

GIVE AWAY DETAILS

PRIZES, PRIZES,PRIZES!

We have a few prizes to give away just leave a comment on ALL the different blog hop posts for a chance to win!
Remember, the more blogs you leave comments on, the better your chances of winning a giveaway.

Comments must be posted by midnight PST on Tuesday, February 6th. 

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, February 7th on Richele's blog (californiaARTgirl.blogspot.com) 

Good luck!

Limited Edition Big Shot from Sizzix

Say hello to the Limited Edition Big Shot from Sizzix!

It's mint with silver geometric pattern and is BEAUTIFUL! 

Watch the unboxing video here 

The purchase window for the Limited Edition Big Shot is very small - January 14-17, 2018 or while supplies last. 

Don't miss out!

Note: I'm a Sizzix designer and was given the Limited Machine Big Shot machine for promotional purposes.

Book Review: The Startup Way

I had read Eric Ries's The Lean Startup as part of an online business class book list. Being new to such ideas, I was quite impressed. When I saw The Startup Way, I was curious to know more even though it's targeted towards business leaders. My business is tiny but I work with bigger businesses and every now and then stumble upon 'impossibles' because bigger organizations cannot make adjustments readily. And I have seen even big businesses fold as the industry changes. The Startup Way offers insight and advice about how entrepreneurial strategies can be used in businesses as they grow. It sites case studies and offer action plans to grow and scale innovation teams inside large and established organizations focusing on the power of making entrepreneurship a core function inside every organization so it can adapt to industry changes. Again, I'm not in this league of business, so I don't have a critical overview but it was an interesting read.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.