Goals & Holidays

Yes, I was hijacked by the holidays.  It happens every single time.  I have great intentions and then the holiday schedule takes over.  Seems I don't get much crafting done this time of year.  But that's not what this post is really about.  It's about my goal.

This month I set a lofty goal for myself.  The good news is that I've almost reached it.  The bad news is that I'm not quite there.  To the tune of $97.00.  Now, I need help.  I've learned over the years that asking for help isn't really such a bad thing.  Most folks don't know you need it until you ask.  So, I'm asking.

Please help me reach my goal!  I'm giving everyone who contacts me with an order (big or small) 10% off, plus free shipping, plus an exclusive mini stamp set, plus a handmade thank you card to keep or give away.  That's better than my Black Friday email special!  Every little bit helps, but I need to have the orders in no later than the end of this month.  Let's call it 11:30 pm EST, shall we?  That gives me a good 1/2 hour to make sure all my ducks are in a row.

I can't begin to thank you all enough in advance for your support.
You're the best!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Today I  plan to stuff my face (well, in moderation so I don't have to pay for it later), watch some football (go Lions!), plan out the shopping extravaganza and shop until I drop - literally.

I'm so thankful to have a wonderful family that I live close to and can spend time with on the holidays.  I'm thankful that we never have to worry about our basic needs being taken care of.  We are clothed, fed, sheltered and warm on a daily basis.  We have so many other things and luxuries in our lives that we sometimes take for granted.  It's this time of year that I'm reminded of those who don't have as much as we do.

This weekend, I'll be working through the house decorating for the holidays, cleaning and purging as I go.  My little buddy will be by my side helping me to sort through our items and picking out what we can donate to those less fortunate.  The little man will also be going through his massive stash of toys and giving what he doesn't play with anymore to "the children who don't have toys."  That is his phrase folks.  I believe that it's important for him to know how fortunate he really is and how to give of himself.  Right now, that's his old toys.  As he grows, I hope he will learn the value of donating his time, services and how to pay things forward.

I'm thankful for so much more than I could begin to list here.  What are you thankful for?

Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend,

Craft Show Recap

Well folks, I never did make it to posting some of my booth items before the show.  Turns out I was busy up to the last second - literally!  :)  I was really pleased with how my tables turned out since it was the first time for everything.  Wanna take a peek?

I had so much fun just being there and seeing all the amazing crafts everyone makes.  There was a great turnout and my little booth did well.  Of course, the thing that I thought would be the slowest seller was the hottest item!!  I nearly sold out and had tons of requests for my twirled paper ornaments.  Looks like I'll be making more of those for this holiday season and next!

There was a drawing for everyone who signed up for my email list.  $20.00 in free product or booth items - your choice.  Today, my expert helper (Ben) drew the name.....Congrats to Shari Plaisier!!

I do have items left from the sale and will be posting pictures and prices to the blog over the next couple weeks or so.  When you see something you like, just let me know and I'll get it shipped out to you.  Gotta clean out the stash to make room for new stuff for next year!

I'm also taking suggestions and ideas for next year.  So, if there's anything you'd like to see at my booth or on my blog, please comment or send me an email.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see me on Friday night.
Have a great weekend,

Christmas Workshop

Don't forget to check out my Christmas Card Workshop/Kit.  The deadline to sign up to attend or have the kit mailed to you is Saturday, November 19th.  To see the cards, check out this post.  To sign up for the workshop or the kit, just head to this form here.

I hope to be back tomorrow with some of the things I've been making for my upcoming craft show.  I'm up to my eyeballs in paper.  :)

I Survived!

Today was my first day as a mom of 2-ish.  No, I didn't have a baby.  I'm babysitting my SIL/BIL's kiddo while they are at work.  I figure that makes me a mom of 2-ish...at least during the day when I've got both little ones.  Aren't they sweet?!

Believe it or not, my 3.5 yr old did that on his own!  He's such a good big cousin.

My nephew cracks me up.  First, he did his best "Blue Steel" impression from the movie Zoolander.

Then, he spent a good 30 minutes talking, laughing and cooing at his toes.

Toes really do rock.

Now, on to frantically trying to get everything together for my weekend retreat this weekend.  Yep, panic mode time.  :)

Have a good one,

A Door...able-ish

Look-ie what I found!!!  Eeeeeeee!!!

Ok, before you think I'm crazy or have posted the wrong picture, I'm not and yes, you're looking at a door.  Let me explain my excitement for Bessie.  Yep, I named it too - read on.  :)

First you need to know that we are remodeling our 70's-esque basement.  The 70's were cool, but 4 color plaid carpet really is not in style anymore.  :)  One of the rooms we are creating will be my new scrap studio and have space for all my besties to come over and crop with me.  Plus space for classes and such with much better lighting than my dining room.  :)  This is why I need a door.

The wall behind Bessie is what my room looks like now.  Yes, studs.  In true Gloria fashion, I've gotten ahead of everything and put the door before the room.  I do it all the time - it drives my husband crazy - just ask him.  I can't help myself.  My brain is always ALWAYS 5 miles ahead of everything else.

I've named my newly acquired door, Bessie.  I don't know what you think of when you hear a name like that, but for me it brings to mind a big old dairy cow.  This solid wood door has 5 panes of glass in it.  Now, think of moving that out of a re-find shop, into my car...

...out of my car, and down into my basement.  This is why her name is Bessie.  If you're wondering, I drive a Santa Fe.  Bessie fits in the mini SUV and leaves enough room for me to drive.  She's so kind.

Eventually I will fix her scratches, repaint her, add hardware and label her with a lovely vinyl phrase courtesy of my Cricut.  Then, most likely decorate her with a cute banner as well because this is the entrance to a craft haven my friends.

Here's the best part...  You all know how cheap frugal thrifty creative I am with my budget, right?  A door with a similar style at my local big box hardware joint would have run me upwards of $300.00 and I would have to saw off the bottom just like I'll be doing to Bessie.  (Sorry darlin' but you're livin' in the basement and I'm not moving a whole mess of furnace vents to fit you in your spot.)  Bessie was $39.00.  That fits my budget and my style for the new room.

I hope we'll be making some progress on the basement this winter and I'll be able to share photos of my room in progress.  I'm really excited for everyone to see the final results!  It's hard to share the vision that lives inside my head right now, but I think it rocks and I hope you'll get to see the real life version soon.  :)

Have a great weekend everyone,

Christmas Workshop 2011

It's finally here!  The debut of my 2011 Christmas Cards & Gifts Workshop.

This year, there are two paper choices and three embellishment level choices in each paper packet.

Believe - Level 1

Believe - Level 2

Believe - Level 3

Wonderland - Level 1

Wonderland - Level 2

Wonderland - Level 3

I'm also including three gift packages in this years workshop.  Here they are in the Believe papers for now.  Closeups and designs in both papers will come later this week...it's late folks.  :)

"Need" to have these cards and want to be a part of this year's workshop?  It's so easy!  Just click the new tab at the top of the page that says "Christmas Workshop" and fill out the form.  You can even choose to have it mailed to you if you're not local and/or not able to attend the workshop on December 2nd.

On a personal note - I'm feeling better!  Thanks to those who sent well wishes.  I'm no where near 100% yet but will be as soon as I can stop coughing and blowing my nose.  That said, it didn't stop me from stamping for a little while yesterday!  Granted, I was surrounded by some unusual guests at my desk.  My water bottle, a box of tissues and my hand sanitizer (don't want anyone else getting this!!) are not usual fixtures in my stamp room.  However, if it lets me get in my creative fix, they are welcome for now.

Have a great day,