Still Thankful - although I forgot to post this prior to Thanksgiving!

Ok...so you probably are totally laughing at me - since Thanksgiving was LAST week...but perhaps you will still enjoy this video and find some techniques that you could use on some holiday gifts...(except for the quirky turkeys).



I LOVED seeing Tim Holtz make those cute turkeys... you can check his blog out here....I made a few modifications because my computer is off being fixed and I couldn't print his pattern out to make the heads...so I had to just "punt" and draw my own. I think they turned out cute.

I also have an idea for a way to use the rosette die for some Christmas projects so I will be back with a tutorial on those soon. Also - I totally will be using this basic card design with some of Tim's Mover and Shaper Dies that are Christmas themed...

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving...and for those of you that reside outside of the US...I am sure that you have days (perhaps not a holiday specifically) where you stop and focus on all the blessings you have in your life. I am thankful for each of you!

Before You Were My Dad

Here is a video I did showing a gift I made for Dad a few years ago. He was a professional baseball player...and had quite a collection of pictures and news stories that I was able to use in making the mini.



I used a medical file folder...it's construction is VERY sturdy...and I love the long fasteners that make it easy to add additional pages...I think I am going to have to create another project with a medical file folder as a base so I can do a tutorial for you guys.

Hope you are all headed towards a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have so much to be grateful for...and know I count you as a huge blessing in my life!

{{hugs}}

Jann

Dad

I love this picture of my Dad. It was taken soon after he graduated from college...and around the time that he and my mother married. Dad finished his freshman year of college and then was drafted into the Army...and served in Korea. He finished up college when he returned...I think he looks so dapper!

My Dad was always super healthy. He played professional baseball - and even as he got older he had the physique of an athlete. I think that is what has made the past 10 months so hard. At 84 he was totally embracing life...traveling, hunting with his brother and playing golf several times a week. Back in January he had a regular doctor's appointment and his bloodwork came back with a total surprise...Dad was diagnosed with leukemia. He was referred to an oncologist - but the doctor sent word to Dad's doctor that he didn't really need to see him - the leukemia was so advanced that he would not recommend any chemo therapy for someone as old as my Dad. Even today, that both makes me smile...and a little MAD! *smile* Just goes to show that none of us know EVERYTHING! (I especially need to be reminded of that myself on a regular basis).

We insisted that the doctor actually SEE Dad before he made his final prognosis. When he walked into the examining room and took a look at Dad, his first words were, "you certainly are not what I expected!" Dad began a journey that day ... and he approached it much like he approached teaching me math! "This isn't going to be FUN - but we're gonna do it the right way!"

Dad continually surprised his doctors - he withstood three rounds of chemo...and began to get stronger. They would just shake their heads...he wasn't doing what they expected - but my sister and I were not really all that surprised...Dad always did the unexpected!

Because Dad was a fighter...we were blessed to have 10 very special months with him. He lived in Dallas and I live in Nashville - but I was able to make several trips home to see him...and we spoke daily on the phone. We had some priceless late night conversations...and every night we would end the conversation with me saying, "good night Dad - I love you!" and he would respond, "I love you too sugar!" Those words had the ability to take this 50 year old woman and transport her back to an eight year old little girl.

Dad finished his journey on Thursday morning - November 3rd. We were blessed to have home hospice there for the last few days of his life. I will always remember one of his nurses, Quinita. She is a very special lady. Her care for my Dad was gentle...like she was caring for her own father. She was always aware of what was going on...and just took care of things - allowing Ruby (my Dad's wife), my sister and me to just spend our time together loving on him. Very precious hours.

I know I have been absent for a while but I am hoping to be back soon with some fun projects to share with you. Life just got a bit overwhelming between the death of Jess (husband to one of my best friends here in Nashville) and then Dad's health deteriorating so quickly. I hope to have some quick last minute Thanksgiving projects to share...I made some fun cards, Thanksgiving dinner place cards and a little accordian mini with tags for each person at dinner to share what they consider their greatest blessing of the past year. I made them prior to heading to Dallas because a friend of mine and I were going to to have a booth in a local craft fair. She was super sweet and took the projects that I already had completed and sold them along with her own delightful home decor and holiday gifts. I have the BEST friends!

I have missed you all - and I am looking forward to being back with you in my studio soon! Hope you are headed towards a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am certainly counting my blessings...and you all are right there on the list!

We are sad....

 My very dear friend and co-worker lost her husband yesterday.  He was a young man (remember I think you are still "young" if you are within 5 years of my age...yes it is a sliding window - but I'm ok with that!)  - and full of life and love for his wife, his children, his grandbaby girl and his work.

In fact, he was in the middle of a presentation at work - and collapsed.  Such a shock to everyone - and we will all miss him very much.  Jess played soccer on one of the teams in Spain when he was younger - and I enjoyed learning a lot about the sport during the World Cup - Jess was a very patient teacher (up until I met Jess and Carole - I only had a working knowledge of Football and Baseball and a willingness to watch Basketball with my nephew) - but Jess sucked me into this sport that was totally foreign to me.  I am sure I will be tuning in the next time the World Cup Tournament is being played - although it just won't be as fun since I won't have Jess available to explain the difference between yellow and red cards...and why certain guys on the team can't go past some of the lines on the field!

Jess always had his priorities straight.  He loved God (he was a pastor for many years and then worked to equip and resource pastors around the US). He loved his wife (he would just pop into the office to say hi or to surprise Carole for lunch) - and they were married for more than 30 years. He loved his kids. His eldest is a policeman and is married to a wonderful woman and they have a precious little girl whom Jess adored.  He has two beautiful daughters...and they are a reflection of their Mom and Dad - caring, sweet lovely girls. And then there was the bond between Jess and Buddy...his dog.  Yes - Buddy was clearly Jess's dog.

Jess will be missed. We know that He has gone to spend eternity with his God...and we know we will see him again. But for now - we are sad...we miss him...and there is a Jess shaped hole in our hearts.

I also need to let you know that those of you who have purchased items from my previous blog post that I did not get them packaged up yesterday or today - everything that was on my "to do" list just needed to be set aside so that I could spend time with Carole...love on her and support her in any way that I could.  I am hoping that I can get things packed up and shipped out on Monday or Tuesday.  Thank you for your patience - I appreciate it!

I have been especially reminded over the past couple of days that I want to live every moment of every day as if it might be my last.  I want to tell the people that I love - that I LOVE THEM!  So - dear blog following friends - thank you for hanging out with me - for encouraging me - for challenging and inspiring me.  Know that I love you...and feel blessed to be your friend.

A Few Things That Need A Good Home!

Ok...this post is long overdue...but I finally have taken all the pictures. It is going to be a bit long - so hang with me here. 

When I was doing the BIG STUDIO overhaul - I found a few kits or collections that were left over from classes that I have taught over the past year.  As you all know, I teach at local scrapbook stores and scrapping retreats, and I almost always end up with an extra kit or tool because someone cancelled or I had to buy a certain number of a product.  I am getting ready for the fall and spring round of classes - and need to move these things  out to make room for the new inventory. I would love for them to go to a good home...could it possibly be yours? *smile*  I only have one or two oftmost of these kits... If you click on one of the Buy Now Buttons and I have already sold it, you will get a message that it is sold out - and you can come back to this post and keep shopping. (shipping will be added at check out)

My Mind's Eye Haunted Halloween Kit - $25

October Afternoon: 5 & Dime Complete Collection Kit - $60

Contains:
14 Pattern Papers
2 Cardstock Sticker Sheets
1 Die Cut Page
3 Alpha Cardstock Sticker Sets

2 Rubons
Mini Tag Album
Word Stickers
Label Stickers
Buttons
Rubber Charms
Sprinkers - Spray Ink
Chip n Stick

1 Pkg Miscellany

Melissa Francis Fall Mini Album Kit - $ 35

Contains:
10 Pattern Papers + 5 Coordinating Cardstock
2 Sticker Sheets
1 Melissa Francis Mini Album blank
Buttons
3 Glitter Tubes
Rubons
1 October Afternoon Fall Stamp Set
1 Pkg Fall Melissa Francis Chipboard Shapes

Graphic 45 A Proper Gentleman Paper Pack - $10

Basic Grey - Periphery Collection Pack  - $8

Basic Grey: Infuse Collection Pack - $8

Basic Grey: Phoebe Collection Pack - $8
This pack has two letter stickers missing.

Basic Grey: Stella Ruby Collection Pack - $8 SOLD

Cosmo Cricket - Social Club Crafting Kit - $18

Cosmo Cricket - Odds and Ends Collage Kit - $35

Contains:
Mini Deck - 36 Papers
2 Tiny Type Alpha Sticker Sets
Button Pack
16 Designer Papers
Cut Apart Ephemera
                                                            Cardstock Stickers

Perfect Pearl - Confection Collection - $12.50 SOLD

Contains:
Pink Gumball
Sour Apple
Grape Fizz
Blue Raspberry
2 Brushes
Perfect Medium Ink Pad

Imaginisce - iRock Tool - $13

Imaginisce - iTop Brad Maker - $15

Grab Bag - $50

Every one will be different, but filled with at least $75 worth of products....these are incomplete kits that I will combine together to create a one of a kind collection of paper crafting goodness.

Whew!  Sorry, it took so long for me to get this done...I know some of these supplies were getting REALLY lonely! LOL  Have a great day!

Good Things Come In Small Packages

Hello sweet friends...

Hope you have had a great weekend - and are looking forward to the week ahead!

I just got a notice on my phone that middle Tennessee is likely to experience frost tonight!  Woo Hoo - I think that may mean that FALL is actually on its way here! YEAH!

I was able to re-tape the video tutorial on the mini canvases - it was a little frustrating having to tape it with the camera off to the side - so I am really hoping to get back to using my computer and the overhead camera again soon! I apologize for the number of times I was demonstrating something out of frame or the goofiness of telling you to "look at something" that you clearly COULDN'T see because my left hand wasand was in the way! LOL.  Oh well - I learned a lot by doing this one and hopefully will do better on the next one.

This afternoon, I got to start on the project I told you about in the video...the mini album that we want to send  to the family of the kidney donor Royce received last October 8th.  We want to share with them our gratitude - but want to be mindful that the gift we received came at the cost of the life of their loved one.  We take that sacrifice to heart - and want them to know that Royce cherishes that gift - and throough his life, their loved one is continuing to influence the lives of others. This is one of those opportunities where I can use my art to express what is in my heart! I hope that you find an opportunity to do the same!  Have a great week - and I will be back to share the progress I am making with our mini albums.

I am SO NOT scared of small canvases

So they are a GREAT place to spend a little Creative Play time. These first two tiny canvases ended up being small thank you gifts for two sweet friends.  I found several of these small canvases (they are approximately 2.5 - 3.5 inches) back in the art department at JoAnn's - I think they were no more than $1.  They are wood framed and are basically square or ATC (artist trading card) sized. Small...and totally un-intimidating.

I used Distress Stain (yeah - I can't seem to stop playing with that stuff) on the blue one and on the autumnal version, I used acrylic paint and acrylic washes.  The dandelions were stamped and then I used Sakura gel pens to add some dimension to the canvas.  I stamped the pumpkins with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored them with Copics  - but you could use colored pencils or Bic pens - hey - you might even try crayons...remember we're just playing so anything goes! I cut the pumpkins out and popped them up on dimensionals. Even when working on something small like these canvases - remember to use the same design principles you would incorporate on a scrapbook page, a card or larger canvas.  Even though there is plenty of room to center the pumpkins on the canvas - I felt that letting them hang off the right edge created a lot more visual interest.  What do you think?

I had no idea where I was going when I started out - but these two little canvasses with splattered paint began to take on a life of their own. Once I had added the butterflies and the dandelion stamp I just knew that it needed to be a little "thank you" for a sweet friend of mine.   I so liked the pumpkin version (the stamp is by CC Designs) that I think I will do a season series so I can change them out with the seasons.  Stay tuned for those - I will share them when I get them done. I added a loop of thin satin ribbon so they can be hung or placed on a small easel.

The thing is - a big canvas somehow makes me think I have to do something SIGNIFICANT with it - but now that I have had some fun playing on smaller versions, I don't think I will be as intimidated when I get around to doing something with a larger version.  So the Creative Play Principle is: Start small and gain confidence.

Now I want to give you a sneak peek at my other small canvas.

This one was OUTRAGEOUSLY fun to create....and I am going to do a video to show you what all I did to create all the texture on the basic canvas.  I actually taped the process of making this one - kind of like I did on the painting faces video...but didn't get it edited before my computer died...and I am afraid all of that is lost...so I will be recreating it with another canvas to share with you.  Again - I just stayed in "creative play mode" and when I stopped playing - I liked the end result enough to add a few embellishments to make it into a piece of art that I now have sitting on my desk in my studio reminding me to "Be Courageous!"

 Friends, I do apologize for the delay in our Creative Play Series. I am working on an alternative method to shoot and edit videos until I get my computer back.  Don't you hate having to deal with the "downside" of technology!?!?!  I mean - I love all that computers allow us to do, but when they stop working it puts a real kink into my productivity!  Grrrr!

 I hope you all are having a great week...and that you are finding time for some Creative Play!  See you soon!



Digi Me...

Happy Saturday...

I had a great time seeing many of my scrappy friends here in Nashville today.  Once a year, I do a scrapbook yard sale to help me clean out my studio and guest room (affectionatly named "the warehouse!" *smile*). Because I teach classes throughout the year and at retreats, I often end up with an extra kit or two...from someone who cancelled at the last minute or I just ended up with more product than I needed.

It was a gorgeous day! I even ended up with a bit of a sunburn...I didn't notice the time passing - you know how it is when you are hanging out with other creative people...you just start sharing ideas and before you know it an hour has passed.  What a great way to spend a Saturday.

One of the ladies that came out to the yard sale challenged me to do some digi scrapping. I love a challenge...so I decided to work on a project I think is going to be part of our next series after we complete the Creative Play Series. So many times, those of us that create the family scrapbooks forget to include pictures and stories about ourselves.

So here is my idea (yes I know we have a LOT more to accomplish in our Creative Play Series - but I love letting an idea run around in my head for a while before we actually start on it): I want us to create an "All About Me" album.  I have talked with Scott at BlueMoon Scrapbooking, and he has said that he is happy to put together a kit that is just available here through my blog - for those that want to use the same supplies...but of course you will be able to use any products that you want to - and I will be creating some templates that will be exclusives for those that are participating in the series.  I am planning on using the "All About Me" paper crafting kit from Webster's Pages. I got a pre-release kit - and WOW is it gorgeous.  I will take some pictures and post it for you when I get back from my trip towards the middle of the week.  I am also looking into maybe doing the "All About Me" via UStream...so that we can talk and interact while we are doing it.  Let me know what you think about the idea...and if it sounds like something that would be intriguing to you.

I thought I would also let you know that I have six or seven kits (each one of them is from a different class that I taught) that I didn't sell today.  I will take some pictures of them and post them in the next few days.  You know I am not about using my blog to SELL stuff...but they are pretty cool kits - October Afternoon 5 & Dime (lots of embellies from the line are included), Cosmo Cricket Odds and Ends, Melissa Frances (Fall project kit) and a 7 Gypsies mini album kit - and they need to go to nice homes - LOL.  I know there are a couple more so I will take some pictures and let you know more specifics!

Ok...I need some sleep...so I am gonna head to bed.  Hope you have a good rest of the weekend - and for sure...save time for some CREATIVE PLAY!

Creative Play Series: Doing What You Think You Can't

Happy Friday!

I am super excited to be sharing this post with you today... because it is an opportunity for me to be totally TRANSPARENT and show you that I am on this journey to creative freedom right along with you!

Today's video is about learning to BE BRAVE and try the things that you think you can't do -- or can't do as well as others!  Success is in the trying!  And I clearly will show you that if you watch the video.  The thing I chose - was painting faces...because that is something that I see other people do and do WELL and I just KNOW that mine wouldn't come out that cute.  So having said that...and because I can't encourage YOU to do something I am not willing to do myself...I decided to share my VERY FIRST attempt at painting a face.  Ok...so I am not even going for a Mona Lisa - kind of face...I just want to make one of those whimsical - mixed media kinds of faces....and I am even going to give myself a boost by using a STENCIL as a starting point!  Hey - the point is to TRY... and to use Creative Play as a safe place to try new things.  Did it turn out PERFECTLY? ummmmm that would be a NO....but do I love it?  Yes, I do...in fact I stayed up last night in order to finish editing the video so you could see it today!  I am going to keep using some of my Creative Play time to practice - and I will come back and show you the kind of progress I am making.  Even though it is FAR from perfect, I am really pleased that I tried.  I feel stronger and more confident...I feel BRAVE!  I hope that you will be a bit brave this week and try something you have been hesitant to try as well - and then please come share it with us on Mr. Linky!

I will be traveling over the weekend...and into the first part of the week...so it will be next week before I can do another episode of Creative Play - but I will be watching for your posts on Mr. Linky and can't wait to see what you do!  And I will be planning our next adventure!

If you are interested in the stencils and paints I used, you can find them here:
Stencils
Paints

Have a great weekend!

Jann

Creative Play Series: Playful Backgrounds

Hello Friends...

I am really glad to be back with another installment for our Creative Play series.

If you are just now joining us...skip down a few posts and  catch up with us...or just jump in where we are...it is all good! *smile*

Last time we talked about overcoming the paralysis of perfection by asking the question - "What if...?" and letting your natural curiosity take over.

Today's method for helping you find that 5 year old that is hiding inside of you that just wants to CREATE is to spend some time "Creating for No Apparent Reason."  Sometimes the pressure of having an end product in mind shuts down our freedom...and when that gets shut down, we are less likely to create our best art.  So one of my ways of keeping myself "playful" is to take a few minutes when I may not have time to create a whole project - and use it to just make some backgrounds that I might use on another project....or not!

Have fun watching the video...and then GO PLAY!  When you are done, please come back and leave us a link to what you have made down on the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post.  Have fun - I can't wait to see what you create my dear ARTIST friends!





Products I used:
Tim Holtz Distress Stains
Crafter's Workshop Stencils
Pumice Distress Ink
Acrylic Paint
Watercolor Paper