day 168 to 194 - oops

Okay..... I have been crafting every single day.  Too much in fact.  I was trying to catch up from being sick and crafting my heart out in some major Christmas swaps.  Those are all done.  I am now in 2 on the mb and a few private swaps.  Much more manageable for sure.  I need to try the daily posting thing again.  I just made another wreath for my mother for Christmas.  Should have four more done. ...but we will see at least I got that one done. 

I have started on a few projects for the all homemade swap on the cmb and I have to say I am loving how they are coming out.  I like really having the time without feeling rushed.  :) 

I'll post more pics soon.  Who knows...maybe I will get back in the habit of posting daily.  One could only hope.

DAY 155 - 167 I AM BACK - COMPUTER FIXED

YIPPPPPPEEEEE!   I can post pics again.  I have been a crafting fiend lately.  I just love how my latest project came out.  I made it for the 12 days of Christmas Swap for 2 turtle doves. That is a hard swap to come up with ideas to fit the themes.

I think I am getting my crafting mojo back....here it is  (Il  still stink at taking pictures) K

Day 133 - 154

Wow, three weeks have gone by since I last posted.  I need to get back into the habit of posting daily.  I apologize.  Well computer issue was a little more complicated that the card reader stopped working.  The motherboard went out.  So I am to get it back next week.  It will be nice to start posting projects again.

I ended up being sick for about three and a half weeks - so during that time I didn't get a whole lot of crafting done.  I would usually go in and do 5 minutes or so and then be done.  I did do each day though.  It was tough to convince myself to do it.  I did finish quite a few swaps in the last three weeks though.  I am still not happy with my dress forms - I don't think it was up to my par, but it is too late to do anything about that now.

I have learned through this process too much is a good thing and I am pretty swapped out.  I have few more swaps to finish, then I am going to take a break for a little while.  I will do a private swap I have already committed to though.  I think what I may switch to for a while is the challenges on the circle mb blog and on the regular board.

My initial goals I wanted to create more - check; use stash - yes and no (I have been buying more than I am using - but I am definitely using) - trying new techniques - not as much as I would like to.

I just hosted a scavenger hunt on the mb.  Everyone looked for techniques and tutorials on projects.   My goal will to be to start trying some of them that appeal to me.

I will try to get better at posting.

Kel

Day 127 - 132 Sunday

This was not a good week for crafting.  I have been sick all week.  I think mainly I have gone in the craft room for a minute or two to do something very small.  I kept with my plan to do something crafty each day - but day I stuck a halloween sticker to a piece of cardstock. 

Day 119 - Day 126 Monday

I am sorry to do this to you guys.  I am doing one giant combined post for the last week.  I think I have it figured out what is wrong with my computer, I just need to figure out how to fix it with out spending a ton of $$$$.  It is a rundll32 error.  I need to get that fixed so I can post pictures of swaps I received and projects I have been making.

So I have been crafting daily.  I have had several major swaps due this week.  I was feeling sick and so I didn't have my major mojo going. Today...there is just nothing left.  I will do one little thing, but that is about it. Here are some highlights from the week.

I made a sign of sorts out of wood blocks spelling Autumn and using the fall line from BoBunny - you can check out Jewels fall swap - Nan (my partner posted a pick) along with my spooky banner I made her.  I have had the blocks a while and I wish I had done this project sooner.  If I would have known how fun this project was and easy too, I would have done more.  They do not have anymore of the blocks and are not going to order more :(.  So sad.

I made a frame of sorts from an ATC artists tray for a halloween swap. That was kind of fun.  I think I could have done more to it if I had just felt a little better.  It was a big weekend for swaps and with having waking pnemonia and a bronchial infection - I was not at my finest. :(  I still think it came out cute.  I also made this partner a cool black box with a white tile inset in the center on the lid, with a red and black gem flourish decorating the top along with her initial (wow what a run-on sentence :))  Inside I put in all the tools and supplies she would need to start making chunky charms.  I gave her some different pliers and wire cutter, dangles, charms, findings, beads, clasps, etc.

I made a ton of bottle caps last week.  That was one of my major projects.  I made 3 groups of 6 and 1 group of 5 (there are 3 to each) Over 80 bottle caps and tags for each set.  I did have fun making them though.  The steam punk ones - funky as they are - are my fave.  I used to turn my nose up at vintage and dare I say it ....graphic 45.  Now I am a huge fan.

I also worked on a ton of small little projects along with paper flowers.  I just received flowershoppe in the mail today.  I might just have to make some tomorrow if I am feeling better.

On top of this, I had a huge work project.  I think rather than quanitity....and yes I have said this before...I am going to scale back on the swaps and just be able to enjoy creating for my partner.  I am so excited, because things are going to slow here quickly.  I can start on a banner in the next day or two for a sister on the mb.  I have set hers aside while I finished some swaps.  She sent me a wonderful banner and I want to do the same for her so I have been planning it out for a while now.  I want it to be absolutely perfect for her.

So coming up in the next two weeks, my plan of attack is to

1. Make some flowers for projects
2. Dressform banner
3. Dressform Swap
4. Christmas Pin Swap
5. Pincushion Swap

Then I have a couple of junk journals and bird cage swaps to do for November, then onto Christmas :)

I have received some wonderful things in the mail lately.

I received a wonderful vintage box from Lana today in a fall theme.  It is beautiful. Oh my is it ever.  I also have received great boxes from other partners that I so need to get some pictures up of.


ps  can you believe I have hit the 4 month milestone of crafting every day?  Amazing huh?  I have the creating each day thing down now. I have challenged myself to get out of my box and try new things - swaps ( I have made altered boxes, dressforms, charms, bottle caps, just to name a few).  Now in the next four months, I want to work on my techniques more and broaden my horizons.  I want to create more stunning pieces than quantiites of good pieces.


Kel

Day 118 Sunday

With working yesterday and today, fitting in studying for the exams, hanging out with  Josh - I still managed to get a little bit of crafting in today.  I worked on bottle caps today.  I have three of the groups nailed down - just need to make the tags.  The fourth group I am a little torn, but I will get there.

I will be posting pictures soon.  I think next weekend I will go buy a new cord - it I cannot find mine before then.

Thanks, K

Day 117 Saturday

So I decided since we were not going to mail the boxes out until Tuesday - I would try to do a little somehting to the box.  It looks good now....I added pearls (half) along the bottom of the box in the front and the back and  a single row along the top edge of the box.  I also added some flowers.  It looks pretty good now - I really like it.  I am not normally foo foo - but I really do like this box - I hope my partner likes it.

I took pictures of this and will post when I get a new cord.

Day 116 Friday

I decided to make something special to put inside the vintage box I made.  Did I mention I made a vintage box.  I like it - but not in love with it.  Guess what I made - a junk journal - surprise surpsrise.  I did it in the Pink Paisely Butterfly paper.  I am loving how it is coming out.  I need to seriously get a new camera cord.

K

Day 115 Thursday

Finished working on banner.  It looks ok, but I am not in love with that paper pack - I like more subtle tones.  I hope my partner likes her gift....oh I hope she really likes it.

Day 114

I am a banner girl tonight.  I love making banners.  I have made several for a few swaps now and I really like them.  It usually takes a few hours to make or sometimes two evenings - but I love how they come out.

Day 113 Tuesday

Started another junk journal today - they are addicting.  These are not even for my junk journal swap.  I am really enjoying making them.  I like to put in lots of pattern paper, tags, line paper, graph paper, ledger paper, and tons of pockets.  There is tons of room for pictures, ephemera, journaling, etc.  They are a fun and unique gift.  I am in love with them right now.

112 Monday

Received my chunky charm swap today.  Beautiful charms.

Josh had his toe surgery today...they ended up working on 7 toes.  Arg.  Poor thing.  Tomorrow I will work from home while taking care of him. 

I started to clean up my room tonight.  It is definitely a two night job.  I just puttered around tonight.  I know I should be finishing up things....but I needed a break from  unfocused time just to play.  Tomorrow after working it will be serious crafting time...provided Josh is feeling better.  K

111 Sunday

Worked, went to Shanna's house.  Made the beginnings of two junk journals.  I love how they are starting to come out.  I have a ways to go on them yet.

Found some great beads at Walmart.  We also went to the "good" Joanns.  Had so much fun in the store...it is like a wonderland.  So sad...they had a rack of flowershoppe cartridge and fancy frames for $19.99 each - they were all gone.  They didn't have anymore in the warehouse and they couldn't get anymore.  SO SAD. 

Kel

110 Saturday

Finished wrapping and packing box.  Got it shipped - yay.
Packaged two match box swaps - mailed double yay.
Mailed out all the paperclips and clothes pins - hurray!

Painted a wood box and started covering it.  Syped with Pam and Cindy.  Much fun.

I so freak out when using Modge Podge.  When I see bubbles my heart sinks a little, then all is fine.

Had to stop to get some work done.

K

109 Friday

Thank goodness craftwarehouse has a 40% off coupon this week. Josh and I made a trip - he felt so bad when he found out.  Arg.  Nothing like having to buy something twice. :(  I want my sister to have a good box, so it is important that I do so.  She is an awesome partner, so she is worth it :)  Ooops...how come I bought more stuff than what was thrown away.  I am so bad.

So tonight I started an altered container...not loving it..put it aside.  Started wrapping and tagging gifts.

108 Thursday

I definitely need to figure out where that cord is.  I need to post pictures :)  I love how the  __________ _________ came out.  So that album is done.  Oh my goodness I am surrounded by stuff today.  Everytime I start a swap, I work up a crafting hurricane that just sweeps across the whole room.  By the time I finish, the room could be declared a disaster area.  Ooooh, I made an altered wood box that I just loved how it came out.  It was just one of those little purse ones.  I made it to hold the little bottles of liquid pearls in all the colors of the rainbow. 

Disaster struck...I am sick to my stomach and I have to go to bed.  I just noticed, a bag of craft goodies is missing.  I had it on the floor....oh crap...Josh took out trash and the trash bag is still here.  He took out the bag of stuff I had for my shoebox swap.  I want to cry.  Luckily it was just a few items and not everything.  Sick to my stomach - going to bed.

107 Wednesday

Embellished ____________ ______________ for sis today.  Love it.....it needs a little more...but I am not sure what.   Tomorrow is another day.  

Creative thought...this is the first time I made a _____________  ____________ and it was totally addicting.  I have several more to make for other swaps, but I am loving them.

Kel

106 Tuesday

I worked on the _________ _________ again for Sis.  I managed to get it put together.  It looks pretty good.  It has some flaws, but it is supposed to for a ______________ ____________.  Now it just needs to be HEAVILY embelished.  I will do that tomorrow.  I really like how it looks so far though.  Wow, more time than I planned on for one project, but I think it will be well worth it.

Question of the Day:

   Have you ever started a project thinking  it would take you x amount of time and it took you much longer?  Was it worth the extra time?

For me the answer is yes on both accounts.  What is your answer?

day 105 Monday

I started working on a _________ _______ for my partner for the Shoebox swap.  Wow - to think I would have that completed in one night - who was I kidding.  Everything is cut though, shaped, inked.

That is enough for one night.  I am pooped. K

day 104 Sunday

Let's see I finished all three altered match boxes, the flowers, the stick pins, and the chunky charms today.  It was good to feel productive.  I didn't accomplish all I wanted to,  but I have to stay on track.

Goals for this week:

Finish Shoebox swap by Thursday night
Redo the cornucopia paperclips (so not loving how they turned out) Tomorrow
Vintage box with homemade items - already made a few of the homemade items.  Need to finish. by saturday morning - want to have done by Friday (less trips to post office)

Mail out 2 match boxes  -  I already gave Shana hers.  It came out pretty cool.  I have to get some pics out.  We decided to do coffins instead for the Halloween match box.  I had fun with it.

Mail out paperclips

Mail out shoe box swap

Mail out vintage box.

Day 103 Saturday

Got up early and worked, went to water aerobics, went to post office, came back made lunch, cleaned craft room, skyped with Cindy and FINISHED the paper clip swap.  Oh if I ever sign up for that one again, someone please spank my hand.  Please don't get me wrong it is a good swap with an excellent hostess ....but I have a tendency to sign up for all groups in a swap.  I just did 5 groups of 10, 2 groups of 12, and 1 group of 12 clothespins.  I think if I ever see another paperclip for a while ( at least until I get them back) I will go nuts. :)

Off to work on match boxes. 

Have a great night.

day 102 Friday

Took a break from actual swaps today and played.  I played with distressing techniques for ideas that I have for some swaps.  Played with inks and a distress tool.  Wadded up paper and inked over the creases.  I just had fun with it.  I think I needed that break to be creative!  Sometimes we have to break out of the mondane....a project we have been working on for a while...to get a fresh perspective.  It was just what I needed. Went to bed early.

Kel

day 101 Thursday

Worked on swaps....feeling very non creative today.  Not doing much tonight. :(

DAY 100!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wednesday

Today is a great day for several reasons:

A.  I received the most beautiful dress form banner from Kathy (Heaven).  She did such beautiful work - I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.  My card reader on the computer isn't working- I need to find the cable so I can post pics.  I am going to have to work really hard on hers to make hers just as beautiful.

B.  I received a wonderful batch of dominoes from the Domino swap on the Cricut MB.

C. I got to scrap/skype with Cindy. Awesome - she was making an awesome _________ for her swap partner.  BEAUTIFUL.

D.  Today is day 100 on my crafting challenge - I can really see a difference in my creativity, crafting ability, and desire to be creative from when I started this challenge to myself.  I kept putting it off, I am glad I stopped procrastinating...now only if I could stick to a diet as well.

Finished up projects for one swap and getting boxed up to mail tomorrow - to the UK.  Awesome. 

I didn't get as far as I wanted to in my plan....so here is what I have done and here is what I need to finish:

1.  Some homemade items for shoebox swap - did some, have some in project, need to start others.  All the purchased items are bought.

2.  Match boxes - match boxes and coffin are painted - need to cover, make stickpins, chunky charms, and  flowers.

3.  Make 5 junk journals.  I need to get at least 2 done possibly 3 and I can wait on the other 2.

4.  Finish 3 sets of altered paperclips - one is started.

99 Tuesday

Mini again - sensing a theme here.  I am trying to get caught up with swaps, study, work extra from home.  I need to get caught up on everything before I start school again.  I was also watching YouTube for some inspiration.  I have made 3 mini's pretty much the same for this swap and the fourth mini will be different.  I hope she will like it.  I cannot give too much away - I don't want to spoil the surprise.

K

Day 98 Monday

Ok...Monday Monday I wish it were a Sunday!

I did a bit of work on mini's.  Looking forward to new shows.

Brief post - sorry.

K

97 Sunday

I worked on one mini and I went a got a few things with coupons today and some other things on sale for the swaps.  The problem with being in so many swaps is that it adds up.  I love the swaps so I have done the following things to help keep the $$$$'s lower. 

1.  Use from stash first.
2.  If need to buy
       a. Check for sales
       b. Check locally to see if I can buy with 40% coupon at Michaels
       c. Check for the best deals online and on Ebay

The rest of the day I spent with Josh!

Kelley 

96 Saturday

Today I split my time between hanging out with Josh and crafting.  We had french toast this morning...yum.  I am usually working on the weekends, so he was excited to have me home and be able just to hang out.  I was also super crafty today....I tried to post pics but the card reader isn't working right now. I will have to look for the cable tomorrow if I cannot get it to work.  So I didn't work on mini's today.  However, I did get 4 of the 7 altered paper clips sets done (10 each) and the 12 altered clothes pins done.  I do have three paper clip groups to finish, but I do have one started.  I just started making stupid mistakes...like ink smears and decided to give it up for the night.  Tomorrow is a new day.

I don't think I am going to make it through my entire wish list of getting things done this weekend Howver I am making a huge dent in it. We will see what tomorrow holds.

95 Friday

Finished up stuff for auditors...unless they need something else.  Went home early.  Josh and I hung out for a bit then, up to the craftroom I went.  I finished off the fairy album, 90% completed a pet album.  Just need to decorate the front cover a bit more and embellish the album itself a little bit more as well.  I made the accordian portion for the other two albums.  I am pleased with the progress, I just want to get them done, so I can send.  I hope my partner likes them.  I will post pictures after she receives. I also painted 4 match boxes and my 2 coffins.


What made the time crafting more enjoyable was talking with Cindy and Pam (conf call) while they skyped.  It made it even more fun.

93 thursday

Auditors all day....bummer I am exhausted.  I pulled ribbon out of my ribbon box.  it was atangled mess I started putting them in groups and there on the floor it sits.  I made a couple of graphic 45 bottlecaps. 

92 Wednesday

So sad...I thought the auditors would finish early...they are coming back tomorrow.  Tomorrow will be crazy busy.  On the craft front I did some repair work to a journal I received in a swap that was damaged in shipping.  Nothing a little trimming, inking, and gluing didn't fix.


So here is my wishlist of things to complete this weekend....I know - good luck is in order.

At least get done
Finish the four mini's I have started
3 match boxes, 1 coffin, 4 chunky charms, 12 stick pins, 8 flowers
A billion (ok not quite a billion - but it seems like it right now) altered paper clips
Complete the STSB items for the swap
Start on vintage fall box
Make a homemade item for SS

So my deal is I want to get as much done, but do quality work.  I do not want my partners to ever feel they got cheated or thought one of my projects was rushed.  I never want to send something out that I wouldn't be willing to received.

I can do this....what are your plans......


Kel

Day 91 Tuesday

Oh so tired....day two down.  When will it ever end.  I made another stick pin.  They are fast and easy and I need sleep.  Sorry to dissappoint.  I look like a zombie right now. Good night.

Day 90 Monday

Day 1 Audit....exhausted....went to work at 4 am and worked late.  Took a bit of a break then pulled an all nighter.  i had to spend time on the MB first and then I made a stick pin.  Sorry...I told you the next couple of days posts would be absolutely lame.

Day89 Sunday

Let me apologize now....the next  couple of days posts will be pretty lame.  I am in the middle of audits this week....so that means very little crafty time.  Had to work the most of today, but I fiddled around with a couple of minis....please stick with me until next weekend.  I'll have the weekend off to craft my little heart out (hopefully).  K

Day 88 Saturday

Oh the day is a total blurrrrrrrrr......it was packed full.

Got up at 5 am (was up until 1 the night before).  I decided I didn't care for the dress forms I made for the chunky charm swap.  They weren't bad, I just did not like them very much.  I wasn't feeling the pink and pale green.  So I decided to redo them all - and they had to be mailed that morning.  Loved this version so much more.  So glad I redid them.  I mailed out three swaps. Woot Woot.  Worked on a mini.  I also made my cupcake bra. 


Went to get ready for the wedding and the blue hairspray didn't show up on my dark hair. Went to three different stores to find a wig.  Found one.  Then went to wedding it was a lot of fun.  Took lots of pictures.  By the time I was done. .... I was pooped.  Then I spent a few hours chatting with a crafty friend and making posts.

Have to work on Sunday.  Not wanting to.  :( 

Catch up with you all later. K

Day 87 Friday

I chatted with a "new" friend tonight over skype and by phone.  I love crafting with people.  I worked on a mini that I was doing.  Then I went to a late movie with a friend.  Constantly going.

Day 86 Thursday

So I went to work today and worked most of the day....but I was exhausted half way through the day. I left a little early and took a rest.  I am hoping tomorrow that I will be raring to go.  I think I will go in around 5 to catch up on some work.  I know what I will be doing Sunday.


Tonight I worked on the mini I started yesterday...almost done.  Need to just embelish it a bit more and work on the outside.  I am doing a series of mini's in the same style, but different themes.  I think they will come out pretty cool.  It is a big change for me because these are small in size compared to my MONSTER not-so-mini mini albums come out as.  I need to mail some swaps tomorrow.  Postage is killing me.  I really need to slow down on the swaps, but they are addicting.

K

Day 85 Wednesday

Still sick....Worked half a day and went home.  I was super crabby today.  I rested for a while then I started on a mini album for one of my swap buddies.  I did some work on some dress forms and added another charm to some chunky charms I made.  In alll my haziness I did another blunder.  THAT FAN GETS THE BEST OF ME SOMETIMES.  So not feeling well is my excuse.  I had the fan on full blast - so hot.  I was working with glitter.....even two showers later I still glimmer. 

K

Day 84 Tuesday

Oh my goodness.....Under other circumstances today would have been a perfect day to craft all day.  Too bad I was sick.  Grrrrr.  I ended working from home (in bed)  this morning.  I then proceed to sleep the rest of the day away.  I cheated on dinner tonight - I ordered Domino's Pizza - I just didn't feel like making a mess tonight.  After almost 3 months of continous crafting, I wasn't going to let being sick get in my way of making my goal.  So I drug myself into the craft room.  Armed with zero mojo and a killer headache, I managed to make a small altered journal. 

I must of been completely out of it today though, I didn't even hear the mailman come to the door with a package.  I found it at the door this evening, when I went to get the mail.  I was so excited to find a package from FamilyScrapper (Susan) from the Cricut MB with a Fall Theme.  It was filled with Awesome Goodness: 

Homemade Items:
1. Altered Journal
2. Altered Frame
3. Stickpins
4. Note Cards
5. Flowers

Purchased Items
1.  Three spools of Ribbon
2.  Cuttlebug Folders - match the Happy Hauntings Cartridge
3.  Script Stamp
4.  Viva Decor Pen and Orange Stickles
5.  Metal Book Plates and Embellies

  

Day 83 Monday

I needed to split my time between working, Josh, and completing swaps despite not feeling well. What I really wanted to do was spend the day in bed. When Josh wants to hang out, I will drop everything if possible.  So we watched Limitless today.  So for those who have never seen it, the premise is that average person uses around 20% of their brain function. The main character takes a pill that allows him to use 100% of his braiin function.  What he is able to do is amazing.  Can you imagine the projects you could come up with if you had that ability.

I did manage to some crafty things today.  I am posting pictures of  a few things that I accomplished this weekend.  I don't really want to post some of the swap ones yet, because I think those partners look at my blog:)  I have just one more project to finish for the Fall swap. If I decide to finish the mini, I will need to do some more work on it.   I need to get some sleep tonight, I really don't feel well now.  

Have a good night.  Kel

Day 82 Continued - Sunday

Wow it's late (I know it is really Monday....but since I have not been to bed yet I am still counting this post as Sunday). 

Oh my goodness went shopping today for the costume to wear to the wedding.  I have some serious putting together in the next week to do.  I am going as Katy Perry...cupcake bra and all.  That will be a sight to see.  I am changing up the outfit a bit ( just so I am covered)  I will have the blue hair though.  I will wear a light colored shirt under the bra and crop style jeans instead of daisy dukes.    I think everyone will thank me for that one. 

So today was crafty. In addition to the costume.  I decided to skip working on the mini today and I made an altered box.  I just need to add something to the top and then I will post pictues.  I created compartments on the inside with covered chipboard to hold a sew easy and the heads.  I am tired of them getting all over the place in my drawer.  Back to swap items tomorrow.

Have a good night

BLOG CANDY WINNER FOR DRESSED TO THE NINES....

Josh picked the winner for me - random between all those posted.  Winner is Amy (AmyMLT) from the message board.  Congratulations.

Kel

Day 82

I will probably do 2 posts for today...I forgot something I wanted to share.  Friday when I came home from work....there was an awesome package waiting for me from Sharon from the cricut mb.  She was my SS fromt he all homemade swap - color combo.  The package was amazing and she did amazing work.  I couldn't believe all the wonderful things she made for me.  It was truly wonderful and special.  THANK YOU AGAIN SHARON.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!  I will be able to use everything.  The TP album...perfect, the flowers, stickpins, charm, note pads all wondeful.  Brownies and the pail....AWESOME (the brownies did not last long :) )   Woot Woot there was also a butterfinger bar wrapped super wonderful.  I think I am going to have to borrow that idea for another swap.   I really loved what she did with the pail for the brownies as well.

Here are some pics

Day 81 Saturday

I got up early before everyone else.  I went on the mb and cought up with a bunch of posts and studied some MQ's of partners.  I started working on the mini again...still not loving it.  Then when everyone got up we made pancakes...yum.  Shanna brought over fresh blackberry compote for the  pancakes - DELICIOUS!!!!  Then we went shopping - using those holiday coupons.  By the time we got back we were so tired and hungry we took a break for lunch.  I was pooped and lost mojo.  Then I checked my mail.....YIPPEE SKIPPY.  My friend Cindy sent me a package of good stuff as a belated birthday present.  It was amazing...it was just what I needed to regain my mojo.  She sent me a wonderful card, an amazing envelope min album, great flowers, a really fun magnet, it was just all wonderful and in my favorite color....ORANGE.  THANK YOU CINDY....YOU ARE AWESOME.  Thank you also for being my friend.

The afternoon was much more productive.  Shanna finished an entire swap - WOOT WOOT.  I decided to put the mini aside again after I was just not feeling it and made another banner.  I am really liking those.  I would really like one of those for myself.  Once I get through some of these swaps....I am going to have to do some projects for myself and for family.

I have decided a few things after reflecting:

A.  I am a swap junkie.....I love the thrill of deadline and pressure and the what seems impossible is what I really thrive on.  I am in over 27 swaps...multiple groups and partners...it comes out to like 47 actual swaps.  Crazy I tell you...but I love it.  I feel like I do my best work like this.

B.  That being said, I have decided I do need to tone back some of my signing up.  I do not need to sign up for everything.  So I thought about what I really liked about the swaps and made a list of priorities.

a.  Preference will be given to homemade item swaps versus all purchased.
b.  Is it something I really want in return or to do.
c.  If I am doing an all purchased swap  or a half made-half bought...what is the spending limits?
d.  Do maybe only one or two purchased swaps at a time.
e.  I need to slow down a little so I can enjoy the process more.  I really love the homemade gifts more than the purchased.  My reasoning is I can go into the store or purchase on line something I really want.  I cannot go and purchase something that someone to took the time,effort, care, and love into something that was made especially for me and my tastes.  That to me is more of  why I do these swaps in the first place and it why I like to do this for other people.

I did some planning for the next swap I am working on and decided after all the time and effort put into the mini - to give it a second chance before throwing it into the heap.  I will try to embelish it more tomorrow to give it some life.  Hopefully by Monday I will have some pictures to put up.  I spent the rest of the evening cleaning up the craft room.  I don't know what it is...I start every project (swap) with a cleaned up area.  Everything is all organized, but by the end....I cannot even move.....I am surrounded by snips of this and that all over the floor with buckets, bins, trash, paper...my work are has been crowded in where I have a teeny tiny place to work and half of everything I need is burried.  Then it takes for ever to clean everything up to prepare for the next one.  It is like I get consumed in the project and don't realize the total mess I am making in the process.  Anyone else like this?  Are you a messy scrapper or do you keep things tidy along the way?  Do you clean up after every project...or do you work in a constant state of chaos? 

Well I am all cought up for now.  Before I post for today...Sunday....I have a busy day ahead.  I started this morning at 5:am.  I worked for two hours, showered, met a friend for coffee, came back, worked for another little bit, cought up on some posts for the board that I didn't get to at 1 in the morning this morning.   Now I need to go and getty ready to find my costume for the wedding I am in next week.  Yes, I said costume.  I had a black dress for the wedding, but now everyone needs to dress up as Rock in Roll character and the theme of the wedding is Rock and Roll glam.  I know that Josh (my son) wants to either go as Gene Simmons in the whole Kiss theme or as Slash.  For me....being um dimensionally challenged (short and wide) my choices might be somewhat limited. Thank goodness it is Halloween time and my ability to find something might be a little easier.  My mom is going to go shopping with Josh and I.  It should be a fun afternoon.  Looking forward to it.   I will post more tonight (Sunday....Kel)

Day 80 Friday

Today was a much better day.  The work didn't go away, but things seemed much better.  We also a had a pizza party today and let employees go home early...so that was nice.  I brought a big bag of work home for the weekend....but tonight is my night.

I went to the craft store and purchased a few things with a coupon for swaps.  It was really fun I enjoyed myself because the store wasn't real busy and I could just take my time and really just look at everything. 

I skyped with Cindy...I always look forward to our time to do that.  Sometimes we don't talk much because we are so engrossed in our projects, but still have fun doing that.  I had a special surprise too from my friend Shanna.  Her and her family came over and spent the night.  The boys hung out and she and I crafted until late.  Emily cracked us up as usual.  I put the mini aside and worked on a few other things - stick pins, tags, altered journal, then worked a little a on the mini.  I wasn't really loving how it worked out so far. 

Tomorrow is another day.  It was definitely time for bed. K

Day 79 Thursday

I said yesterday was a day from heck....today even worse.  All of 2011 on one of our accounting programs (thank you for not being the main one) was over ridden with a prior year (including on the back up).  We have to recreate all 8 months of work before we can close the month.  Did I mention I had an audit coming up on the 12th.  And this was the smallest thing that happened today.  I had to just breathe and say mistakes happen or else I think I would have exploded or cried.  So I have ten times the work to get ready for this audit...craziness.  In addition, I have the wedding next week so next weekend is going to be a little busy so I have a lot to get done in the next week.

On the crafting front.....
So, back to the drawing board....I was really worried because working from your stash - sometimes you just have just the right amount of supplies with out any thing to spare.  I am not about to give a mini album or any project that I think is sub-standard.  I may not always be the best at something.  However, when I give something out it always needs to be something that I am at least proud of that I did my best.  This was not my best.  I was debating about recovering the whole album with a different paper line.  I decided to go through my stash first to see if I could find a paper from a different line that could coordinate with the one that I already used so I would only have to redo that one two page layout.  Guess what I found????????  I had purchased a couple sheets in that same paper line because I did like the one page because it had owls.   WOOT WOOT....same paperline and then I had enough to do picture mats with the other side of the paper.  I felt like I had a mini victory.  I needed a win..

TTYL Kel 

Day 78 Wednesday

Ok...this day was the day from heck - it is month end so work was really busy and I am really tired.  I did craft.  I worked on the mini a little and realized I made a boo boo in covering one of the letters.  I was coordinating the paper so when you opened it up both sides had matching paper so it was like a two page layout.  I papered the wrong side of a letter and I didn't have any more of that paper. Arg......so I figured I was done for the night, then I laid a page on an open ink pad and had a huge blotch.  I never make these mistakes.  I figured it was time to go to bed. 

Kel

Day 77 Tuesday

I am going keep some of these next posts somewhat brief as I am trying to make up for not posting this week - Where did this week go?

I started a mini album.  I haven't done a word album in ages.  I purchased nothig for this project....all from the STASH.  It is a good feeling to use things you already have.  It isn't junk stuff, it was good paper, everthing is of quality, and so I can feel really good about giving it.  My challenge on this so far is I used to be really good at word albums when they were all the rage - I did a lot of them.  I am out of practice, and I actually struggled with this one a bit.  So I decided to put down the craft knife and come back to in the morning.  Has anyone else been good at something, then only to come back to it after not doing it for a while and feel like there is a whole new learning curve?

Have a great day,

Kel

Day 76 Monday

Another swap item down.  I will post more tonight (Tuesday) when I get home.  Going to the movies with the family to go see the Help.  Excited.

Day 74 Sunday

Here is a project I made for a swap on Sunday...I also made a bunch of stick pins not pictured and started a couple of dominoes.

Day 73 Saturday

Soooooo......I wasn't as productive today as I planned.  I took some swaps and blog candy to the post office today.  I  then went with my friend who is getting married and did manicures and pedicures.  If you knew me, you would have a really hard time believing that statement.  I really don't care for girly girl type of activities.  However, it wasn't sooooo bad.  I have painted toenails and fingernails....go figure.

Now let's get to the fun part.  I worked on something for a swap....I won't say who for, but I am in quite a few so it shouldn't give it away.  I loved this project - it was so much fun, and I don't want to give it away.  It matches my craft room and I want to keep it!  Oh well, can always make another one.

72 Friday

Oops...I edited a post, but I didn't post for last night.  Last night I finished up a couple of things to mail out for swaps.  Nothing too exciting.  I promise more tomorrow. (today) :) K

Day 71

Ok I worked on a bunch of different things tonight...hush hush some are for swaps.  I will be doing lots of study, crafting, blog hopping this weekend.  So hope to have tons of pictures.  Check out the Dress to the Nines blog hop this weekend...it will  be awesome.  Tons of blog candy.  So come join in the fun. Kel

Day 70

Short post tonight - so sleepy.  Long day.  Worked on dress form tags tonight - what else?  :)  I will post pictures on the blog hop post in the next day or two.  I added Tinkerbell and Sonny and Cher to the line up.  Not liking the S & C one very much.  I think it is way too late to turn back now. 

Thanks,

K

DRESSED TO THE NINES - DRESS FORM BLOG HOP

Thanks for stopping by on the "Dressed to the Nines" blog hop tour.  I am sure you are loving all the creations so far.  If you have missed one, please click on the link below and it will take you there.  These ladies are AMAZINGLY talented.  The order of the hop is below (this blog is #7):

1. Simply My Crafts
2. Lil Red’s Craftin’hood
3. Planlady19
4. The Kraft Lab
5. Just Jean’s
6. Cindy32 – Guest blogging at Simply My Crafts
7. Paper Scraps N More
8. Addicted2Paper
9. Scrappin Diva
10. Scrapping Under the Influence

Welcome to my blog!  As you can tell by the title of my blog, I am addicted to paper and paper crafting.  That being said, I am not a girly girl so to speak.  When I so the swap for the dress form tags, I so skipped over it because there was no way  I would be interested in that.  To me it was like playing with paper dolls. Then Cindy32 convinced me to join.  When I join something, I cannot do just one so Craft Old Bat shared one of hers with me.  Oh my goodness....they were so addicting.

For my first famous person tag, using the Tim Holtz Sewing Room Floor die and an d the Graphic 45 paper, I made Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.  The challenge was the dress as I didn't want it the total shape of the dress form.  I added ribbon lace and hand cut the bottom part of the dress and formed it so it had fullness.  For my second tag, it was designer's choice.  I started making a butterfly dress form, but didn't love it.  I loved the look and colors of Graphic 45's Le' Cirque paper, so I decided to a trapeze artist dress form.  That was a lot of fun....but there were some funny moments along the way.  I had decided to add feathers after much deliberation, add that with glue, and a fan on high speed - you probably get the picture.  I felt like I should have been in a I love Lucy episode.

Being the compulsive person I  can be, Jana was so kind to share a couple of her tags with me.  If she could only sitting there on my knees begging for more:)  I  did a halloween one.  I liked the concept of the tag I did, but not sure I loved the outcome of this one like I did the previous two.  I wanted to make them into trick or treaters, so I used the dressform from Nifty Fifty's and made the dress forms super small.  I then only used pieces of them to conform to my costumes.  For the next famous tag, I made Charlie Chaplin (I gave up on Sonny and Cher - too much on one tag). The other famous tag I made from Graphic 45 as well is Tinkerbell.

My wicked sense of humor had me going all over the place with this swap.  There were so many dress form opportunities and so little time.  I was on the verge of maybe not being politically correct, or thought that maybe some might find my humor a little offensive, so for the swap purposes I kept it relatively safe.  Some other ideas I came up with were Madonna's cone bra, Lady Gaga's bubble suit or meat dress, Monica Lewinsky's blue dress with a stain, two brides (Ellen D. & Portia), etc.  These dress forms are limitless, and you do not have to be a girly girl to love doing them.  I hope you enjoy the pictures and the other blogs along the hop.

In the mood for some sweet treats that will not add to your waist line?  How bout some blog candy?  How do you win - Just do the following:

1.  Become a follower on all of the blogs in the Dressed to the Nines blog hop.
2.  Make a comment on each blog for the blog hop.  Be sure to leave your email address so you can be contacted if you win.

I will draw a winner at random on the Monday following the blog hop.   Thank you for stopping by!!!!

Day 69

Ok....just a few more late nights, then I need to start getting more sleep.  I think I need serious help...I am addicted to the swaps on the MB.  I keep saying I need to pull back, but then before I know it....I am signing up for everything.  I did decide to sit out one swap this round, but signed up for a bazzilion other ones.  I love the thirill and anticipation of waiting for a partner.  I love to meet new people and trying new things.  Once in a while I am intimidated by their choice at first, but eventually figure it out.  The first time I got a partner that liked vintage, I freaked out.  I didn't know what to do....it went great though.  Now I need to figure out what victorian is.  Wow...definitely a challenge.  Tomorrow is going to be busy....I have to finish one dress form and then do another and get ready to mail on thursday. 

I was proud of myself today though, instead of running to the store to buy something I wanted for the dressform tag...I made something that would work using my stash.  It actually came out kind of cool.  I will post pics hopefully tomorrow or Thursday depending on time.

Kel

DAY 68

So working on tags.  I had to make a few more of the cirucs tags.  I snipped the feathers - not thinking about the fan being on - oh man - what a sight to see.  Little pieces of feathers were flying every where.   This is not the first time either...you would think I would get a clue especially when I have glue on my fingers.  I get so involved in a project that sometimes I don't even think beyond what I am doing right in the moment.  I do love being so engrossed in a project....for just  a brief moment nothing else matters....not a bad day....not deadlines...just the pure joy of creating something with your hands.

So I will be working on tags until Wednesday, mail on Thursday. Then I am doing a blog hop...not quite sure what that is yet, but I guess I will figure it out.  I need to have my post ready Thursday night.  Thursday night is my big study night so I will probably do that before and after the study session.  I think for crafty time on Thursday I am going to keep it small and add one more thing to each of my chunky charms.  I need one more Tim Holz item on each and I think I am going to put a small metal flower on each.  Then this weekend I would like to get the chunk charm dress form finished and my half made half bought swaps finished for my Halloween and Fall partners. Then onto vintage flowers and a mini album.

I need a vacation just to craft.  

Day 67

So today was pretty productive.  I didn't get everything done I planned, but I did pretty good.  I worked on the circus tags..made a few more.  Made the halloween tags, now I just have two more sets to do.  I have the ideas down, the dressforms cut....just have to get it all put together.  Tomorrow shall be a productive day.  This one needs a little something more, just don't know what yet. K

Day 65

So I delivered the wedding "cake" to my nephew's reception.  I was a little nervous, but it was a big hit.  What a RELIEF.  So tomorrow is going to be a busy day.  I am going to work in the morning then work on the tag swap tomorrow.  I took on three more tags...but I love them - so it will all work out. (By the way I have until the 25th to mail - of AUGUST)  Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking when I take on big projects, trying to study for the exam and have a busy work schedule. But I love it.  I love the thrill of deadlines....I am a junkie that way. 

So I did some foofing on the cake today - counts as my crafty thing.  I am going to play a little in the craft room tonight. 

So I thought I would do a little look back at the last 65 days of this crafting journey.  I have not missed one day.  I am surprised that I have kept at it with my schedule, but I look forward to that time each day even if it is only for a little while to have that creative release.  Through the swaps and youtube I have tried things that I have not or would have even thought to try before.  So I made altered dominoes - loved it, I made a gatefold album, making dress form tags, bottle caps, altered boxes, just to name a few things.  I am loving learning new techniques and styles.  At first, I admit, I was a little intimidated about the different styles.  I feel like I am breaking out of a creative rut.  I am also meeting great people on the board.  It has been a blast so far....looking forward to the next 300 days.

K

DAY 64

OMG!!!!! I am FINALLY done.  It was a real labor of love.  The paper wedding cake for my nephew's wedding reception is DONE.  Woot Woot.  I cannot take all the credit though...Shanna came over tonight and helped me assemble and put the final touches on - otherwise I would have absolutely no sleep and I would be adhering flowers on my way there in the car.

So here is my craftiness for the last few days......

Have a good night. K

Day 63

Worked, studied for the exam and worked on CAKE.  So I have everything cut from the Cricut.  I liked the box in general on the Sweet Tooth cartridge, but I didn't think it was elegant enough for what I was doing so I ditched the two "cake" pieces  for the side and decided to make the body cake colored, add one small strip or ribbon for filling, a strip to the back for icing and emboss the top and back piece.  It is looking pretty good.  I am starting to assemble.  I like it I think.  I wanted more variation in the layers, but I think it still looks good.  The bottom layer pieces are huge.  I whish I could keep them the same size but not be so tall.  Oh well it is almost done.  Hopefully pictures tomorrow or saturday morning.  I don't have to leave for the reception saturday until 5pm.  So that is awesome.

I want to be done with cake so I can work on swaps.

Have a great night.  Kel

Day 62

So I am working like crazy on boxes.  I am almost done for tonight.  I will pick it up again tomorrow.  The next couple of days will be crazy.  I will put blog candy in mail on Monday.  That is usually the only day I can sneak away from work long enough to get things mailed.  I am hoping the finished product is beautiful.  I will post pictures Saturday (the day of the wedding reception).  In case you are new to the post I am making a six layer paper wedding cake.

Have a good night.

K

Day 61

Congratulations Shanna - first to post winner of blog candy.  I can give you your gift in person.
MamaC and Crafty Starkie I have something for each of you too if you email me your address.  Kelley_Rooks@yahoo.com.

So today is one of those days....

I took on three more dress tags...woot woot have some ideas brewing
I went to start on the paper cake (had to go buy paper yesterday - order didn't come in) and I couldn't find the cartridge booklet or overlay.  It took Josh two hours to find - it was the only one not put away.  I found it inside my paper trimmer (the making memories one that folds in half).  I meanwhile was studying (and stewing).

So I cut a few test runs on the cricut out of not good paper to get a feel for the size of boxes I want - now to mass produce tomorrow.

K

Day 60

Two months...yep I have done something crafty each day for two months.  To celebrate, the first person to post a comment will get some blog candy....woot woot.  So I am starting on the paper cake tomorrow - wish me luck.  Now....do the tags look better with or without the feathers....

Have great night...

Kel

Day 59 Sunday

So I worked on the rest of my tags for a little bit today.  I didn't get a whole lot done-I am stuck as I don't think it looks finished.  I really think it needs those feathers.  I have realized one things in doing these swaps.  I want to do by my best work. If I can improvise with something in my stash that should be my first option, but if the project needs something that I don't have it is okay to go get it.  I realize we all don't have the same tastes, I just want what I send out to be something I am proud of.  So yes after much deliberation, I am going to get black feathers tomorrow.  Now I just have to have self control and only buy feathers. 

One other thing I did crafty related was rediscovering my stash.  I started going through my embelishment containers....I had flashes of "cool I forgot I had this" to "what was I thinking."  I found some great things that I can use on swaps without having to justify more shopping.

I think that not getting my paper order for the paper cake this weekend was a blessing in disguise.  I spent time with Josh today instead of being obsessed over getting that done.  I will be that way x 10 during the week.  Today we watched "Paul"  it was a stupid funny movie.  Just the thing I needed to get out of a funk. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Kel

Day 58 Saturday

So I crafted with Kristin from the Cricut mb. It is fun to meet new people. I also skype crafted with Cindy this morning.  So I slept on the tags and I am not quite ready to give up on them.  I think it needs black feathers.  Does someone have an idea of how I can make these better with something I might have in my stash?

So I think I am on crafter overload.  I am wiped out.  I should be working on my nephew's paper wedding cake for his party favors for Saturday...again no delivery.  The company said the order went out and I should of had it Friday or today. Arg....if it doesn't come by Monday I will just have to go to craft warehouse.  It is such a bummer.  I really wanted to work on it this weekend.

Have a great night.

K

Day 57

Sorry I didn't post this last night, but by the time I got done...I was exhausted.  After work yesterday I went to the cemetary to visit my dad.  Then Josh and I honored him by going and seeing the Planet of the Apes movie.  My dad and I used to watch the tv show when I was a kid.  So then I decided since I was having a new craft buddy come over I needed to clean my craft room.  I also worked on the dress form swap - just cannot get it to the way I want...maybe it is time to cut losses and go back to the butterfly tags.

Kel

Day 56

So tonight was a study night...long day at work...I think for my one crafty thing tonight I am just going to do one stick pin and then head to bed.  Tomorrow it's tags.  Kel

day 55 - Wednesday

Oh I got a bit of crafting in tonight.  Imade new dress form tags and got the design down.  I just have to rework the outfit for the dress form.  I then need to embelish the tag a little more...then done.  I can think of so many ideas if I just had this or that.  You know those feelings....followed by a big trip to the craft store...I am just trying to find something in my stash that would work.  I wish I had a big bag of black feathers in my stash - that would make the tag perfect.  That is the only hint you get for now.  I have to see if they work out first, before I go to my next plan....So it will probably be Friday before I finish these.  Arg...so much to do...so little time.

Kel

additional post

Day 54 - Tuesday

We are headed towards the two month mark....woot woot.  I have to make this post fast because it is almost bedtime.  I have to package up a few swaps tomorrow, but they are ready to mail...

Mini Album for Disney Swap - Angeled
Altered Matchbox and things
Dominoes
Imagine Swap - finished tonight (Woot Woot x 2)

I almost had my second set of tags (90% complete for the tag form swap).  I changed my mind.  I had an idea that if it came out it would be awesome, but instead I decided to go the safe route.  I decided tonight to through caution to the wind and pullled the tags apart...because part of them are beautiful and I will use for my chunky charm swap, but this idea if I can pull it off will be awesome...at least really neat anyway.  We shall see....tomorrow is another day.  I have to fit some studying in here soon and a big trip to the post office so I can send these out.

You should check out Shanna's blog at inkyedges.blogspot.com - she is awesome.  Jealous about the layout of her blog - it is beautiful.


Kel

Day 53 Monday

I skyped with Cindy.  Didn't know what to work on.  I tried working on my Imagine swap but was struggling with printing full page.  I think I need to run the updates, so I decided to wait until Tuesday to do that because I didn't want it to interfere with the skype call.  Soooooo I decided to work on my other dress form.  I have the tag cut and assembled.  I have the dress form done and decorated.  I just need to embellish the tag and add a pocket to the back.  I did make six of them though, so they are close to being done. 

What I need to accomplish this week:

Finish dress form for tag swap
Do TH tag - already did chunky charm
Imagine Swap
Half made/Half bought swap - make at least one thing
This weekend - 6 layered paper cake for nephew's wedding

Next week:
Vintage Flowers
Half made/Half bought  Swap finish

Then start on mini albums

Then I have two boxes to make with homemade items
Bottle caps
12 days of christmas

Then I would like to finish items in my incomplete box.

Ambitious huh?  I better work have a great day....Kel

Day 52 Sunday

I just realized Saturday's post was dated Sunday - hmmmm it was certainly a late night.  Sunday I got up super duper early and was ambitious on only 2 hours sleep.  I made seven Wizard of Oz tags.  One was for Shanna.  Then everything caught up to me...mojo was running on zero.  I went and took a nice long nap and then decided to call it a day.  I think Shanna was dissapointed, but I had nothing left.  I had more fun than an old broad can handle. 

Day 51

Today was scrappy dappy day with Shanna.  We angeled a DisneySwap.  I made stick stick pins, dangles, and chunky charms.   Today was fun.

 

day 50 Friday

Skype crafted with Cindy today.  She is awesome.  I cleaned the craft room up a bit.  Cut some stuff for my tags. I didn't get a whole lot done.  Looking forward to crafting with Shanna tomorrow.

Kelley

Day 49 Thursday

So tonight was productive...I have every thing cut and ready to assemble for my tags....I got one assembled...i am not sure if it is done yet.  I may have to do a little more to it. The craft room is an utter pit.  I can barely move....either I am going to get reported for hoarding (slight exageration) or I am going to be found burried alive under craft rubble.  I have a tendency to get very into a project and make a HUGE mess.  I certainly did this time especially.

Have a good night.

Kel

Day 48 Wednesday

Oh, I did not feel so good today.  I have not been getting much sleep as the neighbor has been on a different work schedule and he wakes me up everynight right around 3 am.  I would love to get a whole night sleep please.  It caught up with me and I left work early today and went home and took a nap.  I so needed a little shut eye. 

Tonight my friend stopped over with dinner - Subway - yum and we crafted for a little bit.  I finished decorating my cuts for the imagine swap on the Cricut MB.  I just have to print my whole sheets.  I need to figure that out first.  I cut the dress forms and tags using the TH dies for the Tag swap on the MB.  I am going to Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz as my famous person.  I just couldn't figure out how to make a meat dress that wouldn't stink after a few hours. :)

I hope to be done with those two swaps by the end of the week on Sunday. 

Have a great night.  Kel

Day 47

Didn't have much time to working on crafting with studying and working.  I used glossy accents to highlight parts of my cuts.  That's all I could muster for tonight.

Kel

day 46 monday

Tonight is working on the imagine swap  woot woot. K

day 45

Shanna came over and we crafted it up - another swap down!!!!!!