just can't stop asking...

Why?

Why? Why? Why?

That is the theme of my mind.

and I'm tired of it. 

but I can't stop.

I want to know why

life is so tough even though I try so hard

there are so many really hungry people when there is so much wasted opulence

people can't get healthcare in so so many countries

and americans bitch about the healthcare we have

sadness is everywhere I look

people scare me and frustrate me and don't see me

the mirror is so harsh

 beauty and normalcy have such a narrow space

and so many don't fit in between the margins of that space

I can't find the happiness I thought was out here somewhere

really really nice, kind and generous people are minimized

truth is undervalued and made flexible

honesty is painful

integrity has become expendable

and why oh why oh why

do I have more questions now then ever before?

I have alot more questions than that. 

And they don't all start with why. 

I used to think I had some answers.

I only have one. 

Jesus.

I'm counting on Him having the rest of the answers. 

Jesus.

stepping out

     Well, a new location and lack of stamping friends is causing me to drop from the ranks of Stampin' Up! demonstrators. I will miss the connection as I miss the friendships, fellowship and teaching and coaching others to create. I've always been my own best customer but I can't really justify being my only customer!

      On the bright side, in the past I have considered that focusing on one catalog and company may have been stifling my creativity in some ways. Possibly. So... I will be stepping further out into some other styles and product lines along with continuing Stampin' Up! products. After all, SU really does have excellent quality paper and stamps.

      So, that said. Here are a couple samples of some Tim Holtz products. If you like grunge and steam punk he has a whole line of inks, stamps, paper and more at   www.timholtz.com  

and the inside...

and another...

Hmmm. New stuff, same style. Gonna have to fiddle around with this more!

Sounds kinda like my life. 

How about you? Still fiddling with the same style but wishing for new, different or just a change?

Well, let's keep at it. No telling what direction we may go!

just another monday thought and creation

     Some days I don't think I have an original or creative thought in me. This is one of those days. So I shall share a thought of someone much more profound. 

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again

and expecting different results."

Albert Einstein

Have a happy week.

Monday Monday

     What is it about music that brings you back to a certain time or place or experience or emotion? Just typing in Monday Monday did that for me. Back many many years to a young, dreamy me sitting on my bed looking out a window on a rainy, dark morning and wishing for more.

     Well, that wasn't at all what I was thinking this Monday! Out my window this morning it is warm and sunny and there is a gorgeous fella in a t-shirt climbing ladders and washing windows at my brothers house...happy Monday!

     And I have a couple new creations to share. Too hot outside so I might as well stamp inside!

This pretty bird is from the Stampin' Up! hostess set Simply Sketched. Love this set!

These birdies are from the Stampin' Up! set called Wetlands. SU can make an artist out of all of us! 

And if you like these stamps or want to see more choices and ideas you can go here:

www.janebuchanan.stampinup.net

Have a great Monday and I hope you see beauty out your window today, also!

Smiling anyway!

     You know how you know you better just stay away from people because you can't drag up a smile to put on your face? So, I sat my cranky self in front of the computer.

      I messed around with this blog to come up with a fresh look and in spite of my mood it looks kind of cheery to me. How'd that happen? Not sure the fonts and colors are the best for reading. We'll see.

       Here's a little quote to put a smile on your face.

     "Doing service is like wetting your pants. Everyone can see what you've done but only you can feel the warmth." I don't know the author but it made me smile.

       I've been digging through some of my old stamps I love. So I made this to make my mom smile.

And here's a cheery little flower!

And here's someone who can always make me smile! 

Hope you find a reason to smile today, too.

Explosion box tutorial on you tube

     Hi!

     I've been searching youtube videos on the explosion box to find my favorite one...the one I used for instructions on the explosion box scrapbook I posted a few days ago. So, for a quick link and so I won't ever have to search again either ;0 here is the link!

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYCUdE_Rtcc

     There are actually 3 videos where this lady takes you through start to finish with lots of tips and ideas by the end of the 3rd one but this link is for the measurements for cutting and scoring your cardstock. The other 2 video links you can find along side the video. OK?

     NOW I am going to go start a new explosion box scrapbook. See ya!

If only. If only?

      If only life were simple and decisions were easy and choices were between good and better. You know?And by the way, isn't the phrase "if only" kind of weird? We don't really want our choices to be few or our decisions made for us or to not have options in our life. If only? Ah well. I'm just plugging along, hoping my choices and decisions turn out right in the end. Grateful for grace and believing for redemption.

    Well, that bit of philosophizing done, how about checking out a couple new card creations?

This is using the stamp set from Stampin' Up! called By the Tide, and their new in colors including coastal cabana, crisp cantaloupe and pistachio pudding. 

The new in colors speak oceans and seas to me. 

 

 

This little pretty is made using SU's Simply Fabulous stamp set with the Simply sent card kit. I backed it with Tangerine Tango. Easy, fast and beautiful. If I do say so myself :)

Well, if life doesn't make sense and your stress feels too much...create something pretty. Right?

www.janebuchanan.stampinup.net

That's where you can go to check out the Stampin' Up! catalog with all the great products used to make these cards! 

Go create something.

Name that flic...

     Here's a quote from one of my favorite movies. "Whatever else anything is it ought to begin by being personal."

     So, what's the movie?

     While you think I'll show you a couple new little pretties.

     Have you thought of it yet? OK, here's another quote. "oh yeah, right, a snap... to find the one single person in the world that fills your heart with joy."

     And here is another cute creation. There are some very wonderful one of a kind you just gotta try but you'd never know how awesome it is til you see it products in the last 2/3 of the new Stampin' Up! catalog. This is a gift box made of very sturdy kraft cardstock and it comes with thick acetate sleeves, all prescored and ready to put together and match up with the cute tag kit. The price is very reasonable and  the size is just right for gifts.

     Figure that movie out yet? OK, one more quote. "Is there someone else?" "No, but there is a dream of someone else."
      Well, if you haven't guessed yet, this is the quote that will give it away. "Don't cry shopgirl, don't cry."
    Yeah, I have probably watched You've Got Mail  about 89 times. Something about it I just love.

     So, what's the movie you watch over and over again and never get tired of? You know there is one! 

Explosion box time

     I love this cool explosion box. Originally, I planned to make it for my daughter. But by the time I was done I just couldn't part with it! It is not a difficult design, in fact it's quite simple. Even "easy peezy" as I have been know to say. But this time I mean it!

     Imagine the possibilities! Any occasion, any color scheme or picture theme! My grandson had a mustache themed first birthday. I see all kinds of ideas in my head for that explosion box.

     The base is a piece of 12 x 12 sturdy cardstock cut in 4" x 12" strips. 2 strips criss cross and then each layer gets smaller by 1/4" in each direction. Choose your theme, then your paper with contrasting colors and patterns. Then choose some embellishments that match your theme and start experimenting with placement before you glue anything down. Take your pictures and crop them to fit.

     Tip #1: have some pictures developed wallet size. The fit is much easier.
     Tip #2: Use sturdy cardstock for the base and the lid.
     Tip #3: Browse through your scraps of paper, ribbons and left over embellishments. This is the perfect size project to use them!
     Tip #4: If you have rubber stamps, think about your theme and stamp a few that match your ideas on your scraps. Then play around with the placement to fit the picture, paper or embellishment before you adhere them.
     Tip #5: After you finish the first box and you love it (which you will!) start your second and third one at the same time. Cut for two boxes at a time. This will decrease your time involved and then you will have one to give away. Otherwise you'll never have one to give away!

     For full instructions to make an explosion box search you tube "explosion box template" and there are quite a few options to choose from. If you need to order any stamping or scrapbooking supplies I would love for you to shop here:
www.janebuchanan.stampinup.net

     Thanks for stopping by my blog. Have a fabulous Sunday!

Still playing with paper!

Oh how I love playing with paper...and thinking about playing with paper...and reading about playing with paper...and seeing what other people do when playing with paper! Here are some of my latest creations.

     Some of my favorite go to techniques for what I consider to be great cards are using embossing folders with my big shot for the texture and layers. Layers really help the colors pop and and the card look more finished.

     Mailing cards with embellishments like brads and ribbons requires that you take your card to the post office and have it hand cancelled to mail. It costs a little more but if your card is for someone special and the embellishment is fantastic, well, it's worth it!! I have started making cards more without the bulky add ons due to the mailing process. More because I have to go to the post office than the cost. So, when making your cards, try a couple with and a couple without so you have options when you need just the right card.

     Check back soon because I am going to post pix of an explosion box and some great tips on making it. Have a fabulous day!