I found some give aways!

Real Quick...........
Ellen, one of my recent features in having a giveaway!

I also received a message from Vannessa about a giveaway on her site. Cute vintage stuff.

All Sorts! ~ Jenny B. Harris

All Sorts is one of those crafty blogs that basically helps you make the assumption that she's been at this crafty thing awhile. It's more than a hobby for her, she has made a full blown career out of it. One of her illustrations.....love the energy, colors and all the directions it takes the eye.
Jenny is one of the forerunners of the craft blogs but she remains humble and unsuspecting of the depth of how talented she really is. Sure, she probably has figured out that she can whip out a few illustrations, but come on..........once you visit her site, you'll understand what I mean. Jenny is an illustrator....her list of clients is unbelievable, it's a mile long. Once again, I had NO idea that I have been oogling her work for a very long time.
All places we crafty decorating mad women like to shop. And I don't mean mad as in angry. :)
Cute garland she did last year. So festive.

I have a feeling even her foot prints in the snow would be a work of art.

This below goes right along with the garland. Is that not the cutest little elf shoe you've ever seen? You could do a really cute table setting, or a mantle setting......or if you had a few, you could do a mobile. CUTE!

I love seeing how crafty people store their supplies. What a darling idea and so perfect for her decor to use those jelly jars with the gingham top.


She has FREEBIES! You can download these from her site.
I also fell in love with her interactive activities. You can decorate a gingerbread house! Yes! You can place the jellybeans where ever you want. Very addictive.

And if you not already green with envy........Look!
Wouldn't you just die for a fireplace in your bedroom? I'd love to see more of her home. It looks stunning.



Wipe the drool off your face and head to Jenny's site ALL SORTS!
You know what I'm going to say don't you? Don't forget to tell her how you found her!

While I'm........

thumbing through my future feature file looking at what inspires me today, I thought I would take a quick moment to see if any of your young school age children (6-10yrs) want to send a postcard or letter to my son for this school penpal program. I mentioned this a while ago, but it got put on the back burner. My poor son was so upset when he realized that he addressed his letter to his cousin......but with OUR address. He was afraid to tell the teacher. LOL He's also afraid his letter won't reach them in time for a timely return. They are collecting postcards from all over the world / USA. We received some from Malaysia a while back......Thank you!
Here's the school's address.
JDZ Elementary
Mrs. Wiest's Class
Lucas
841 NE 22nd Ave
Camas WA 98607

Thanks everyone. He'll write your kids back if you leave an address.

Teresa McFayden ~ My MiNuTia

I wanted to find a blog that got us thinking in the Christmas direction.......maybe a project we crafty girls could do. So of course I went straight to the Advent Calendar Cookie Sheet girl! TERESA McFAYDEN from My MiNuTia. I have had it saved since last year. I even went so far to buy some cookie sheets last year to do this project..........I just didn't yet. But, maybe this year.

I just couldn't help myself. It's just too good...... I know she says to not reproduce her images.........I'm asking permission, I really am. I just couldn't help myself.

Teresa makes the most wonderful items. To me, she is the Advent cookie sheet girl. I can't help but to think about these amazing most wonderful Advent calendars when I hear her name or visit her site. But she is so much more than just those. She designs for Autumn Leaves, she teaches lots of crafty classes. Even though I visit her blog about once a month, I had NO idea just how she has made such a niche in the paper craft industry. She has really made a career out of her craft. I couldn't quite figure it out, but I think she is the brain child behind Silver Bella. Or she's at least VERY involved.

My DUH moment...........while digging around a bit more on her site, I found this:

Teresa believes in sharing her passions, be it a passion for paper arts, family photos and scrapbooking, or telling life stories. Teresa first established her niche in the paper industry hosting a TV Show, Stamping and Scrapping with Teresa McFayden. After the shows 18 month streak, she ventured into designing for craft manufacturers in the scrapbooking industry. Fulfilling a life long dream of owning her own line, she founded Foof a La, a paper arts company. After selling her paper arts wares for three years, she sold the Company to Autumn Leaves and continued to design the line. Presently, Teresa produces unique Paper Arts Kits and artwork for Paper Bella, her latest venture. She also does freelance design work for manufactures in the paper arts industry. Her work has been featured in several magazines over the years, such as Creating Keepsakes, Making Memories, Somerset Studio, and Scrapbook Answers. Her artwork has also been featured in The Look Book and The Foof a Life (Autumn Leaves). Teresa lives in the heartland of America, Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and three children. She invites you to visit her blog at

If there are typo's, it's because my jaw keeps hitting the key board.

Below is something you can pick up from her Paper Bella site. So cute!

I also ran across this cute photo of some thank you notes she helped her son with. (which by the way, she has a gorgeous family) Do these stars look like paper to you? Here is the template she used here. She says it's easy. I'll let you know............

Love the idea of adding something glittery to my front door Christmas display.

You will find so much when you visit her. Make sure you've got at least 15 minutes to look around. And don't forget to tell her how you found her. Then maybe she won't be too mad at me for using her photos. :) I just couldn't help myself.

Crafts by Louly

Crafts by Louly!
I chose Louly for a variety of reasons...........I call my son Louly, his real name is Lucas, I think she's cute..........and most of all because I think her crafty skills are really really good.

The girl has some really interesting cards. Cards that take a lot more patience and skill than I ever have when I'm crafting. And, I think I read that she has children.......maybe even a baby! How in the world does she do it? I bet she doesn't ever sleep. Her attention to detail is remarkable. It's no wonder why she's on so many design teams. I wish I had that in me..........but I can be the laziest craft person ever. If I can't reach it, I won't use it. :) Sad, but it's true about 80% of the time.

Would you look at this idea below? A purse card? It even opens. Wouldn't this be the cutest holder for a gift card? I'm sure most of us are in "gift " mode by now........this is ideal.

Love this idea below!

Another word I would use to describe Louly, is resourceful! Would you look at what she did with these bottles? Yes, these two glass items used to be bottles. A beer bottle and a wine bottle! I can honestly say, I have never seen that before...........or even thought of it. Growing up in Oregon, I am very aware of the bottle bill, but this takes recycling to a whole new level. Great job!

These would make pretty patio candle holders too.

While I'm bragging on how resourceful she is..........look at what she did with this necklace below. See the leaves? Remember the leaves.

TaDa! Will you look at that?

Do you send Christmas Cards? Do you make them? I made mine last year and I'm kind of making them this year. Are you wondering what that means? You'll see. But while we have Christmas cards on our minds, look at this way cool card below. I would frame that.

See that can?
Oh yes she did!

She waved her magic recycling wand and made a useful storage item for a few elements that we crafty people like to finger.

Brilliant!

Go pay Louly a visit..........yes, I know her name is really Louise, but I like Louly. Go pay her a visit and see what her first photo is. It will knock your socks off.

For Crying in a Bucket!

Let me first apologize for not getting you a Creative Blog fix. It all started out so innocently..........I thought I would be proactive in updating my virus scanning program. I wasn't a fan of the one we had, so I researched and found one that came highly recommended. I downloaded it and that's when the problems started. Do NOT buy BitDefender! I could not get a internet connection for the life of me. I was on the phone with BitDefender.........NO HELP at all. Then I called Comcast.... Clayton has become my new best friend in Alberta Canada. He was so pleasant for the full 2 hours we were on the phone.........even though he couldn't figure it out........well he probably could have, but it had nothing to do with comcast. So I call DELL. Now I have another best friend in India. His name is Joseph. We spent 3 hours together with several reboots! He even told me at the end that I actually made HIS day! I guess people don't usually send smooches through the phone, but I did. What a nightmare! Since I have to add a photo, Treva always brings a smile to my face......and she's cool as a cucumber on the phone to AAA.

BitDefender still denies it was their product...........whatever. And the kicker? While talking to Clayton, he informed me that as a comcast customer, I get FREE McAfee virus protection. Who knew?!

So, my dear ladies...........I will probably not have a post for you until tomorrow. I'm so sorry, but after 5 hours on the phone, playing a computer geek, I am fried. I was typing in all kinds of geekiness. RENEW, FLUSH......bla bla bla

Anyone up for a martini?

ahhhhhhh

I can finally breath. The dinner went fine..........except I burned my finger and had to eat with my finger in a bowl of ice..........it was cute little bowl. The kind you see Martha using for spices when she's cooking.

I have a few more photos on my ScrapToMyLu site if you're interested.

I should be able to post a Creative Blog today. The only thing on my agenda today is RELAXATION! After getting ready for Thanksgiving, and having to teach two classes on Friday, then take my mother shopping.........2 hour wait in the Kohl's line. No we didn't stay. I am ready to chill. I'm taking Lucas to a movie.........that's pretty much my day.

I hope you all had a great holiday and successful shopping.

Check back later.

Oh........did you know they don't make revitalizer from Orange Glo anymore? It left too much build up and people were having a hard time getting it off the floor. It would leave the floor cloudy if it got wet..........I did notice this a few times, but would just scrub it off. Now I know.......

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you to all you creative souls. I have been inspired more than I ever imagined by the blogs I have found. I have met so many web friends the past few months with Today's Creative Blog.

I hope everyone has the Thanksgiving they all wish for. Eat the pie, don't worry about calories.

I should have my table set this evening, and the last few preparations done around the house.........cuz you know......all decorating fools always redecorate something the night before an event.

I am posting now, since I doubt I will have time or the mindset to feature a blog tomorrow.

Enjoy!

Cathy Zielske ~ Bits & Pieces

Cathy Zielske with Bits & Pieces. (oops, I forgot to add the link for the first 20 min of her post......sorry guys)
This woman makes me laugh.........out loud.........really. LOL! I'm not just typing that. She really does. And with all the sick prep work I'm doing for Thanksgiving, I really needed that today.Once again, I know so many of you already know about her blog, but there are so many that may not. I mean........ I know and she knows that "she's somebody", but I really must share her with others that may not know her. Others that may not read Simple Scrapbooks where she is the Creative Director. Another heavy hitter in the world of scrapbooking. It's funny, 3 people I have featured here all work for Simple Scrapbooks. I love that magazine. I didn't even realize they all work for the same mag until recently. Simple is good. I wonder if they have ever used my latest scrap technique.......only use what you can reach. That would be called Lazy Simple Scrapbooks, probably not a big seller, but it works for me.

What I love about Cathy is she really keeps this crazy industry, the scrapbooking industry in perspective. There is so much to her that has nothing to do with her craft. Sure her blog has a few layouts here and there, but mostly I go back for her witty personality and writing. The girl seriously gets me giggling a few times a week. I get her.

We both like Old Greg..........yes, we must both have odd sense of humors. It's kind of creepy the first time, but after that, it's pretty darn funny.She's a bit obsessed with a certain Neil Finn..........

Even when she's making this cute bags, her photos of Niel is close by.

Make sure you tell Cathy how you found her, if she's new to you. And have a good look around.......she's funny.

Would you look at this?! ME! Featured.........on Linda's site. Restyled home. I feel so silly.
Linda was a feature a few months ago. She always has great ideas for decorating on her site.

busy as a bee..

It's that time again. This weekend is when I go into full mode on getting the house ready for Thanksgiving. Shampooing carpets, washing slipcovers........etc....We host dinner and my in laws are the kind of people who have homes that are NEVER messy. Everything has a place, everything in it's place. I have fantasies of having a home like that. But would anyone else enjoy living in it? Would my son have fun playing with that over hanging feeling of "oh no, I better not make a mess?" I remember going to a neighbors house when I was in my early 20s. She had this huge home in the Irvington area of Portland. Beautiful historic area. I thought her house was amazing. Simple, decorated with kids art, simple furnishings, etc... She said to me "You either have a nice clean home, or you have children." What she didn't realize was that her house was nice, and I don't remember thinking it was dirty. So what if you have a cluster of blocks on the floor, or finger prints on the sliding glass door. My husbands mother is an amazing house keeper. I have to admit I get worked up wanting my house to be perfect when she visits, but I also remember him telling me a story about how his friends would tease him about growing up in a museum and that no one was allowed inside. They had to play on the porch. In defense of my MIL, she was living in an era that designated her value on her home and how she kept it. My husband also told me that if he wanted his house perfect at all times, he would have married a housekeeper.
Below is a normal day where Lucas and his friend have taken over the hallway with a "mess." But they at least cleaned this one up. Well, my planned little post has turned into a therapy session for me........but like all crafty decorators..........off I go to fuel my sickness.......... to fluff my nest and make it perfect..........even if for one day, Thanksgiving.
So what I really meant to say was, there may not be any new posts this weekend.

edited to add: SWEET SWEET MAN
My husband ran to our local Fred Meyer to pick up the shampoo for the rugs. I had asked him to pick up some floor revitalizer from Orange Glo too............I just got a call saying they didn't have it, but he would run to Target if I wanted him too. Isn't that sweet? This man does not do Target, let alone on a Saturday.........but he probably knew if he went it would cost a lot less.

Endless Possibilities ~ Kim Wheeler

Since my mind has been on Monograms, I couldn't help it. I had to share

Kim's Endless Possibilities blog with you.

She has some really cute Monograms painted on Canvas and has developed a small business doing so. She'll even do the whole name.

Now where she has time, I don't know. She has 3 small children (twins and a single) with one on the way...........all under age 3! But if painting these pretties keeps her sane and home with her children, then for the love of God, go order one!

Very cute for a little princess room.
So we know she's talented with the alphabet..........but look!......she also decorates. She did a great tutorial........oh I love those..........on making this wreath below. Who couldn't use a beautiful wreath like that?

And she paints furniture! I LOVE THAT! So far, a tutorial on something crafty and a furniture re-do...........If I only had a margarita on my desk, I would be in hog heaven. And why don't I have one? Well, because tonight is the Family Fun Night at the school and it probably wouldn't look too well with a PTA board member having too much fun........if you catch my drift.

Didn't she do a FABULOUS job? I love it! LOVE IT!And look who has some pumpkin topiaries? We Kim's think alike. I should post another photo of mine. You can never get enough of pumpkin topiaries.

She has since moved from her home that had this kitchen. I'm a sucker for glass cabinets. Adorable kitchen. I love the apple idea across the window sill.Kim also has a personal blog that charts her busy life with her cute kids. Head over, take a peek.

Polka Dot Creations!

Poor Lisa Clarke........Polka Dot Creations..........I had meant to feature her awhile ago. I thought I featured her. I didn't believe her when she said she hadn't been featured when I asked her if I had sent her the featured blinkie code............DUH! I even had to look along my featured list, I could have bet $1 that I did feature her. But it's not there.

So, today is her day! Lisa is a Polymer clay artist. She makes all kinds of trinkets with this stuff. Talk about attention to detail. Lisa is a witty girl. I love all her comments. She's a crafty mom who keeps her children busy with cool crafts, cooking and whatever she can think of. I also love that she lives a "green life." She's way ahead of me, even though I'm an Oregonian. She's already taking her own canvas bags to the grocery. Good girl!

These earrings are to die for. Love those. Very original.And this necklace..........they kind of go together don't they?.....I must have subconsciously went on a little shopping trip. And a watch. What doesn't she make?

Barrettes? Yes, she makes those too.

Stunning necklace. And you all know by now that I'm a sucker for tutorials. She explains color........and how she puts them together. Very interesting. I love learning how people work. There is always something to learn.

Buttons! She makes buttons too. And you know what she does with them? I'll show you........later.

She has recently taken up sewing. She started off by making napkins because she said they were easy. I bet I could still make that hard. They now only use cloth napkins.......no more paper. Going green. (I'm still using paper.......bad girl)

She's been also making a skirt to match the holidays. Isn't that cute? What a great idea. I bet her kids love that.........except they won't realize just how much until they're 36.Remember the buttons? Well, she uses them on these scarves she's been making. I love her fabric combinations.

Her blog/website if FULL of information. Take your time. Tell her I'm sorry for not featuring her earlier.