COPING, COPICS AND CREATIVITY

Here is my little love, my Sylvia. Since I have had her, I have had little time for crafting, or any of my other hobbies. Sometimes it is frustrating. She is not the reason for this frustration; for, she is only joy and love. The reason is my lack of coping with that part of the mommy 'job'. I think most moms have these moments of frustration because they "just need a minute to themselves". I hope I am not alone in this, or I will need to take a serious look at myself!

Coping with frustrations is a learned skill. How do you cope? I would love to know! I am still learning, depending upon the situation. I have been a mommy for just a bit more than 17 months, so I am new to coping with the frustrations that can accompany being a mommy. Mostly, being a mommy brings unimaginable happiness. So, why the frustration? Is it selfishness? Is it lack of sleep? Is it misconceptions and unrealistic expectations? I think it is likely something different for everyone.

How to cope with very little alone time when you are a mommy, is what I am learning. It is important to remember we are not alone. Daddy's don't get a lot of alone time either, unless they aren't all that involved. Sylvia's daddy is very involved and devoted to her. I know that I need to remember this when I am feeling desperate for a moment alone. Perhaps it is about finding balance and compromise? I think that is something I will practice. Some of my frustration might come from knowing that if we were back in Seattle, there would be loads of people wanting to babysit for us. She would be taking turns staying the night at Granny's and other family member's homes. Mommy and Daddy would get, not just alone time for themselves, but alone time together. We are fortunate to have very nice friends and neighbors here, and they have been helpful. I am thankful for that, but it still isn't the same as being able to call Granny at a minutes notice.

I love our little girl, and I remind myself every day that she is my dream come true. Yes. I still need to keep what makes me, 'Tracy', and have a part of me that is separate from being 'Mommy'. At the same time, this is the time in my life when most of my moments will be about being 'Mommy'. I need to do more than cope with not having much time to myself, I need to remember to enjoy every second as a Mommy because it will not last forever. I will always be her Mommy, but she will not always need me as she needs me now. And, actually, I enjoy being needed by her.

This is my life. I accept and love that this is my life. Sometimes, it just gets a little difficult to cope when I am tired, sick, or just needing a moment to myself to catch my breath. This is okay. This is normal. I think?

One way of coping is by crafting! Well, not that I am always in need of something to use to cope....I am really saying: one way to get in touch with me and enjoying being 'Tracy'....is by crafting. I just liked the alliteration of the first sentence!

One type of crafting I enjoy is stamping. What goes hand in hand with stamping? Copic markers, or course! Yesterday, I got certified to teach Copics for crafters! Color me all sorts of Copic colors of excitement! Sally Lynn MacDonald was the instructor, and she was fun! I now know how to Cope with Copics! Heheheheee.

I am looking forward to finding time to design an entry level class creating scrapbook pages with Copics. It is likely it will involve a little Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and something Tim Holtz!

I would love to continue reflecting and writing, but my little love is up from her nap.

Mid-Week Pinks....

*This was supposed to be posted last night, but I had internet connection issues*

What am I talking about: mid-week Pinks?

I wanted to be more positive, so I decided Pink was more Cheerful than Blue (insert giggles here).

I am feeling that mid-week anticipation for the weekend. That, along with: "Where has the week gone?"; "I just haven't accomplished anything this week."; "Why can't it be Friday?".

Rather than focus on that sort of 'Blue' mentality, I am choosing to be Pink! What does it mean to be Pink? Why do I chose Pink? First, it is my favorite color. I look at it and feel good. I feel comfort. So, naturally, I would rather feel Pink than Blue. Wouldn't you? Unless, of course, Blue is your 'happy' color.

I want to see mid-week as a good time. It can be a time to evaluate what has already been done, and what needs to be done. It is closer to the weekend than Monday. And, simply, it is just another day and time of the week.

Why should we want to hurry time, considering it naturally slips so quickly past us. Every day should be lived with vitality. Why not? Right?

Here it is. I am not always good about living each day fully. I am thinking I am not alone in this? In fact, today I was feeling quite down. I have been sick a lot this year. Taking care of a sick toddler while you are also sick, is draining and unimaginable (until you have lived it). I thought I was going to 'lose-it' because of my fatigue. I focused on all the yuck, rather than what was good. Why did my husband have to work late? Why couldn't he just stay home from work so I could sleep? Why? Why? Why?

Here is WHY. He has to work to support our lifestyle--my being a stay-at-home mom. We are fortunate that he has a job during these financial times. He can't stay home because he is in training for a new position at work. That is a good thing. We are fortunate that he is a hard worker and continues to be successful in his career.

What about our little girl? Yes. I am exhausted. Sure. I feel yucky. Yet, a few years ago, I wasn't even sure we would have her. Struggling with infertility, and being fortunate enough to have had success with medical assistance, makes me fortunate. Hey. There is that word again: FORTUNATE. Yes. FORTUNATE. Fortunate, in that, I have her to care for, even while I am sick. My sickness is temporary. That itself is fortunate.

That is why I decided to make this Wednesday, mid-week, a 'Pink' day. I think I will continue this Wednesday-is-a-Pink day idea! It is a good reminder to me to look at all that I have that makes me fortunate.

I hope that all you, have something that makes you feel fortunate.

Pages In Progress--that make me HAPPY!

Just wanted to share some pages in progress....
I am a huge fan of Tattered Angels, and LOVE their Glimmer Mist. It is some of the most awesome stuff out there. I had wanted to design my own pattern on plain cardstock, using masks and Glimmer Mist. Please excuse the poor photo. After I finish the page, I will update with a new photo. So, it is a simple start, but here it is:


Cardstock: Prism
Stamps: Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesdsay
Masks: Heidi Swapp Hearts
Glitter, Sticker Letters: Little Yellow Bicycle
AND....GLIMMER MIST!
~
The next set, of 2-page layouts, I created while on the Sisterhood of the NH Scrapbook Cabin retreat in Vermont. They too are unfinished, though I mostly need only add photos. The goal of these layouts was to use two pieces of designer cardstock to create multiple layouts. I accomplished this by using Prism cardstock in single colors as a base. What fun these were to create!


Cardstock: Prism
Designer Cardstock: Colorbok
Stamps: Heidi Swapp
Embossing Powder: Zing
American Crafts Ribbon *Chipboard Embellishment is painted with Ranger Acrylic Paint Dabber in Pearl & sprayed with Glimmer Mist


Cardstock: Prism
Designer Cardstock: Colorbok
*Chipboard embellishment decorated with Ranger Acrylic dabber in Pearl & sprayed with Glimmer Mist.


Cardstock: Prism
Designer Cardstock: Colorbok
Ribbon: American Crafts
Embossing Powder: Zing
Embossing Pen: VersaMark
*Chipboard decorated with Ranger Acrylic Dabber in Pearl & sprayed with Glimmer Mist *Fiskars' edge tear ruler used to create the wavy line of the designer cardstock.
*Embossing used to border the chipboard embellishment and where the designer cardstock meets with the plain cardstock. Details below.


If you look closely, you can see that the embellishment has been outlined with an embossing pen, followed by Zing Embossing powder. Just a simple highlighting technique.


Same here...if you look super close, you can see the embossing along the edge of the designer cardstock. Again, a simple addition to create a subtle highlight. Every small detail makes a difference!

I will be attempting to finish these before the end of the week, if I continue to recover quickly from this flu thing I have had. I am also working on some layouts using super cute designer cardstock by The Girls Paperie! It is some of the cutest paper I have EVER seen. Lots of pink and shabby CHIC.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Monday, Monday.....

Monday is coming to a close, and I can't say that I am sad. I really don't want to be that way, but I am sick for the third time this year. What is going on? Perhaps I need to get more rest, eat better, and exercise more often? I take my daily vitamins, I eat fairly well, and I rest as much as I can. Somehow, I am sure it isn't enough. After I recover from this flu/cold thing, I am setting out on a new routine. Can't change over night, but will do it a step at a time.

What do you do to stay healthy? Activity? Vitamins? Meditation? Massage Therapy?

I like to think of paper crafting as a way to stay healthy--kinda like art therapy. In college, I worked for the Director of the Hospital Arts Program. I assisted her in organizing a convention on 'Arts in Healthcare'. It was refreshing, and motivating, to see so many nurses, doctors, artists, and others come together to share and learn. They were sincerely dedicated to incorporating art programs into medical care. Think about it. You are stuck in a hospital bed, physically weak, and potentially becoming emotionally weak. You are given the opportunity to express yourself in a non-restricted, completely personal manner. Couldn't this help boost your immunity by way of boosting your mood? I am not a professional, and I have never had a terminal illness. I only know what I have seen and experienced. And, I know this topic is much deeper than what I can explore here...

A few months back, I took a wonderful Art Journal class, with Jenn Shurkus, at Colorful Creations on the Cape. There were no boundaries, no pre-set designs, and no restrictions, other than any you might create. It was about learning technique to apply to making your own Art Journal. I don't know if my hands have ever been so ink/paint stained in my life! I was the messiest person there. I thought about nothing other than what I was feeling at the moment, and put that into how I applied ink, or whatever other medium or ephemera I was using. I am at a loss for words in how to explain what I felt; yet, it was a release, a sort of meditation, and just fun. My life is good, and everything at the time was great, but it still made me more relaxed. I felt more in touch with me. I recommend it!

Just taking this moment to write about how I feel at this moment has been therapeutic. Sure. I am still sick. My body still aches. Still have a fever, etc...... Yet, my mind feels less tense. I just might be able to get some good sleep tonight.

Take some time for you, to express 'you' with no restrictions. Allow yourself to be freed of all that confines and suffocates you.

Monday, Monday...maybe you aren't so bad after all? You are just another part of the life that makes me who I am....

Basic Grey Page of the Month Class: March-May

If you are a Basic Grey fan, but have never heard of their Page-of-the-month kit, I highly recommend looking into it.

I have been lucky, and happy, to teach one of the four sessions of the Basic Grey Page-of-the-Month Class at The NH Scrapbook Cabin. Thank you, Mandy, for giving me this wonderful opportunity!

Basic Grey has long been one of my favorite paper craft companies. They constantly offer beautifully designed, high quality paper and card-stock. So, when given the chance to teach this monthly class, I was thrilled.

Each month, Basic Grey sends us generous kits, with more than enough paper and embellishments, to create vibrant/original 2-page layouts. Along with all this, we get pictures and instructions, to use to create these pre-designed layouts. Even though these pre-designed layouts are fantastic, I am a fan of 'making-it-my-own'. No matter what it is, a Round Robin, a Sketch, or pre-designed craft, I absolutely NEED to put my twist to it, and 'make-it-my-own'. So, I encourage everyone else to do the same.

Here is what we have been up to.....

March Page Layout:

Origins Paper Collection

For March, I changed only the title, and the way that I cropped the tags. I also added some slight distressing to the photo matting edges. The two lines, one on each page, vertical at the tops of the pages, are shadows (I photograph my pages on my window sill).

The subject for my layout was my best friend, Michelle, and me--Forever Friends. These are photographs of us at various locations at the Pike Place Market and Seattle Waterfront. These were taken after I had moved from Seattle to New Hampshire, and was visiting Seattle as a 'tourist'.

~

April Page Layout:

Kioshi Paper Collection

I exercised a bit more of 'making-it-my-own' for April's layout. I used different paper in a few places, rounded various corners, edged with chalk ink, and sewed white lines onto various areas of the layout (rather than using a white pen, as suggested).

My dear friends', Sandra and Pascal's, wedding is the subject on this layout. It was a fairytale wedding in the South of France, near their home in Montpellier. When I saw this paper, I knew it was perfect for these fairy tale photos!

~

May Page Layout:

Green at Heart Paper Collection

So, this layout had called for tearing of paper. I love that distressed/torn look; however, tearing paper, for me, is a struggle. It seems I end up wasting a lot of paper because I can't get it to be the correct size. I applaud those of you who are experts at tearing! Can you teach me your trick?

To avoid tearing, I used a Fiskar's ruler designed for tearing (called Tear Edgers) wavy edges. If you have never used one of these, they are fantastic. You align the area of the paper you want torn along the desired side of the ruler, and tear it. Simple! Beautiful!

I followed by distressing the edges with my Tim Holtz' Distresser. I did this on all paper except the base pages. After distressing them, I inked the edges with Stampin' Up pens in various colors. Sometimes, I prefer to use pens rather than ink pads for edging. It has a more controlled outcome.

Last, I used different embellishments than those suggested.

My subject of focus for this gorgeous layout is my dd, Sylvia. She was having a tough time waking up, and I couldn't resist documenting this 'everyday moment'.

Now. I know it is tough to compare my interpretation of the layouts, without photos of the suggested/pre-designed layouts. I will try to find some to link here.

Each kit contains more than enough product for the 2-page layout. I enjoy experimenting and finding how many projects I can complete with the left-overs.

Here are a few:

March Extras:

Here is a Basic Grey brown board book covered with Origins paper and Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist. It is not yet finished. I will add photos, ribbon, journaling, and whatever else suits it:)

April Extras

Here is a card made with Kioshi paper, Clear and Simple stamps, Zing embossing powder, and American Crafts gems. I am working on another project with Kioshi left-overs, and will post it when it is closer to being completed.

I have even more left-overs from each month's kit waiting to be torn, distressed, inked, and made into something fun!

I am looking forward to using June's paper, Cappella. It is absolutely, completely, beautiful!

Basic Grey Rocks the paper world!

Solo Saturday

GOOD Morning!

What is Solo Saturday, you ask? It is a Saturday to yourself! Time to yourself. Alone time on a Saturday! Whether you are at home alone or with the family, you can still have some Solo Saturday time. Find a space to escape, and do a little something for yourself. Maybe a page layout, a card, or an ATC quickly worked in your craft-room? Locking yourself in the bathroom while taking a bubbly? Hiding out in the backyard with sun hat and shades, and, of course, a good read! Whatever it is you are able to do, enjoy and treasure it:)

Early Saturday morning, and I am having a Solo Saturday all day! What to do? I just might accomplish that scrapbook page layout from yesterday!

I was having trouble uploading photos to my blog, or I would have added recent scrapbook pages. I will do this before the end of the weekend. My dh, Ted, the computer GEEK, solved my photo uploading issues late last night.

Even though I didn't add any scrapbook page layouts to my blog, I was able to add a slide-show of a class I taught: The Bo Bunny mini album. I had fun both designing and teaching this class. I look forward to more classes!

So, my husband and daughter are doing a 5k run/walk today, and I am at home sick. I wish them fun and success! I miss you, but will do my best to enjoy this time alone;)

Happy Solo Saturday to all!

Catching up with ATC...

With the exception of a few (hiding somewhere in the depths of my craft-room), these are the ATC's I have made (so far) this year (and towards the end of last year).

Below is an ATC I created for a "Rainbow" themed ATC Round Robin at The NH Scrapbook Cabin. It wasn't my 'first draft'. And, while I enjoyed the theme, I struggled with how to express it. I decided to play with techniques, rather than focus on images/composition. For this, I played with my brayer; it is my new crafting, 'love interest'.

Applying ink to my brayer, I rolled out each color, one at a time (while blending it with the next), at a diagonal on my white cardstock. Does that make sense?

My not-so-new 'love interest' is heat embossing. I had struggled with it, until I discovered Zing embossing powder and Ranger's Distress Embossing Ink. Versamark Dazzle is also quite good and gives great results.

ATC INGREDIENTS:

Stampin' Up Ink

Zing Embossing Powder

Ranger Distress Embossing Ink

Generic White Cardstock

Best Creations' Glitter Sticker Sheet, Pink

Martha Stewart Raindrop Punch

Creative Cafe Green Ribbon (?)

Unity Stamp

~

Here is my first attempt to make a "Rainbow" themed ATC:

ATC ingredients:

Canson Art Paper

Zing Embossing Powder

Ranger Distress Embossing Ink

Creative Cafe Ribbon

Unity Stamp

Stampin' Up pens

~

Next is a pair of ATC's that I did last year. The theme was 'Black and White'. I strayed slightly and added some lavender--oh my! Can't help it, but I am forever a rebel!

I did two versions of it, to see which looked better, White on Black or Black on White.

I liked my goal of creating a pocket with a pocket stamp, just not sure I like the final results.

I think I like the White on Black best. How about you?

ATC INGREDIENTS:

Bazzill Bling Cardstock

AMuse Cardstock

Unity Stamps

American Crafts, gems

Shimmerz in Lilac

StazOn Opaque Cotton White Ink

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

~

Next is an ATC that I created for the last AMuse Addicts Get-Together that I attended. It isn't my typical style, but I had fun making it. And who wouldn't love this adorable wheel barrel/flower stamp???? Thank you to my friend, Geri, who let me borrow this stamp. I can't believe I have not yet added it to my collection!

ATC INGREDIENTS:

Bazzill Bling Cardstock

AMuse Cardstock

Prism Cardstock

AMuse Stamps

AMuse Ribbon

Sakura Gelly Roll Pens

Ranger Glossy Accents

Memento Ink

~

Back to ATC's created for our Monthly ATC Round Robin at The NH Scrapbook Cabin.

First, here is January's ATC with the 'Red, Green, and Gold', theme. I was avoiding using these typically Christmas colors to make a Christmas-type ATC. Where else might we find these colors? Nature! Right?! And, I had a gorgeous butterfly stamp by, Rubber Stampede, Inc , that I had been wanting to ink up. Thank you to my neighbor, Cara, who gave me this stamp!

ATC INGREDIENTS:

Rubber Stampede Inc. Stamp

AMuse sentiment Stamp

Canson Art Paper

Core'dinations Cardstock

Zing Embossing Powder

Stampin' Up Ink

Versafine Ink

Martha Stewart Gem

American Crafts Brad

~

Last, and my favorite, is my 'Harlequin' ATC. I couldn't find a stamp of a joker in time for our monthly Round Robin, so I printed one from clip art. I enjoyed this theme. Is that because I chose it? Naaaahhhh ;) This theme presented multiple options for expression. For example, my friend, Carolyn, used a picture of Fabio to make a play on the idea of the Harlequin Romance novel. Big 'shout-out' to Carolyn for being clever and using humor!

How do you like the ribbon I used on my ATC? I added it at the last moment, and hadn't been sure about it matching. In the end, I was pleased; and, I decided it didn't have to be 'matchy-matchy'.

ATC INGREDIENTS:

Clip Art Image

Just Rite Stamps sentiment

Impression Obsession Stamp

American Crafts Ribbon

Zing Embossing Powder

Ranger Distress Embossing Ink

StazOn Black Ink

AMuse Cardstock

Canson art paper

~

There you have it!

Next up....scrapbook pages....

14 May 2010: FUN FRIDAY CHALLENGE!

Salut Friends!

Today is what I like to call 'Fun Friday'. Friday begins with anticipation for Saturday, right? Why not enjoy, Friday, and make the most of this day of 'anticipation'. Friday can be just as fun as the weekend? Maybe?

Let's start this 'Fun Friday' with a challenge. Sure it is a busy day, and we have lots to do. How about we do at least one scrapbook page layout before midnight? The challenge is that you might not have a lot of time, but make it a quick one. Make it simple. Sometimes something simple without TOO much thought can be wonderful. I will post at the end of today, if I complete the challenge;)

Enjoy your Friday, and remember to take a little time for yourself!

Time to update!

I was sincere that I wanted to keep my blog up-to-date. It is a great way to journal and keep track of life's daily happenings. For me, it is also supposed to be my creative journal.

Once again, I am attempting to start daily postings. I believe I will be more successful because my dd, Sylvia, is now a toddler. She plays happily with her toys, can feed herself, and loves to color and look at books. Plenty a fun things to keep her occupied and happy at the same time.

What has been keeping me busy? Besides my sweet Sylvia, I have been participating in a monthly ATC Round Robin at The NH Scrapbook Cabin. I am also teaching one of the Basic Grey monthly layout classes. In addition, and very happily, I taught my first class of something I designed. That was a wonderful afternoon. The ladies were fun, and it was like having a play-day:) I hope they enjoyed the afternoon as much as I.

Photos of all my creations to follow....

I went on my first Scrapbook retreat this past month. It was organized by Mandy of the NH Scrapbook Cabin, and it was held at the Mountain Meadows Lodge in Killington, Vermont. Well organized event, lovely location, and yummy food. The staff at the lodge was fabulous. I felt like I was at home. They even made me a special sandwich with no mustard or mayo! I call that SUPERB care! They didn't even tease me for my EXTREME dislike of mustard:)

Photos of the event and my projects to follow...

The weekend following the retreat, I volunteered at, and attended, the Manchester Creating Keepsakes Convention. Mostly, it was a nice time. I volunteered Thursday evening at the bookstore, and Friday morning as a teacher's assistant. I enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes of the event. I had worked for a vendor the first few years I attended. While I had a wonderful time working for Judy of American Traditional those two years, I hadn't had much time to explore the show or take a class.

While I wasn't completely pleased with my volunteer experience this year, I would do it again. If you have a volunteer, and you are a paid employee, you should value/appreciate your free help. In addition to the lack of appreciation I felt as a volunteer, there appeared to be a lack of organization. I heard that there were several, very new, Creating Keepsakes employees, which would explain some of the disorganization. I hope to see better things next year; all in all, it is a great show.

On the other side of the show, the vendors, there were great things. I had the chance to do many beautiful 'make-and-takes'. I even did two of the Tattered Angels 'make-and-takes'. If you know me well, you know I LOVE Tattered Angels. Their products/projects are just the right mix of shabby and chic. They also have the perfect balance of 'bling' without being tacky. Tattered Angels: I love you, and someday I want to work for you!

I did a super cool 'make-n-take' with Melissa Frances. Yes, literally, with Melissa. She was very nice, and great at teaching her 'make-n-take'. Thank you, Melissa! I love your products:)

Photos of 'make-n-takes' to follow....

Most of my money was spent on Tattered Angels product, which means that I should be posting some projects with that 'too' cool stuff! I also got some new stamps for my JustRite wood stamp base, carrying case for my Zutter Bind-It-All, and lots of colorful, enticing paper (mostly by Teresa Collins)....

If I don't post photos of projects using my purchases soon, give me a nudge!

Other than my crafty life, I continue to enjoy being a mommy. Sylvia is my heart(and the heart is an important thing!). She is the perfect child, and will always be that to me. I love all of her with no condition. Sure. She has been known to throw a fit, refuse naps, repeat 'no' several times, and display other 'less-than-perfect' behavior; but, that is all part of growing up. She is still perfect to me.

I was able to get in a bit of game playing this past weekend. Even though I am not a GAMER-GEEK like my husband, I would say that I am a gamer with a small case 'g'. I love games, and I would play them daily if given the time. My dh, Ted, has a super friendly/fun group of guys with whom he games weekly. I had met them all previously, but was able to meet some of the wives and kids this past weekend. They were equally as friendly and fun. I felt at home with them immediately. What an awesome feeling....

On the subject of games, we recently purchased the Wi, and the Wi Fit. I have been wanting to get a routine going with it, if only I could stay well. This year has started rough in relation to wellness in our home. My dd had pneumonia, and I had some sort of chest/sinus thing. Both of us had two rounds of antibiotics and lots of other symptom-soothing meds. I am now feeling sick again. What is up with that? I take fairly good care of myself. The only element missing from self-care would be regular sleep. I am a mommy. Regular sleep doesn't show up in the definition of, 'mommy'.

On a happier note, my dd got me a laptop! Today the carrying case for it should be delivered. I am anxiously awaiting FedX. It is a bright pink Kipling bag! I also ordered the bright pink monkey key chain to match it!!!! This is exciting! I haven't had my own laptop since college, about 13 years ago(it was all black and white....very old one). AND, I have NEVER had a laptop bag! Thank you, Ted (dd). You are the best! Not just because you bought me the laptop, but because you knew how much joy it would bring me. You enjoy seeing me have fun, and that is always the inspiration for your gifts. It isn't about the objects, it is about the feelings they bring. You know I love to kick back on the couch and play games on the laptop, write emails to my friends far away (while on the couch being comfy), and edit photos of our beautiful little Sylvia (and that can take hours, so comfort is needed!). Thank you. I love you.

Summer is approaching, and with it comes lots of fun stuff. Sylvia and I will be taking swim lessons at the Y, Ted has a birthday, and Granny will be visiting. Sylvia's granny/my momma. I am sure there is a lot more to add, but that is a start. I welcome Summer. I hope Summer welcomes us with great big, shiny, warm arms:)

I am off to prepare some photos for posting.

Take care fellow crafters, and don't let a day go by without doing something creative. Even if, it is just arranging your drapes differently than usual!

T