Spring is nearly here!

I'm sitting here enjoying a cup of chai tea after beginning my spring cleaning.  I have a glassed in front porch that I love to sit in on nice days and rainy days.  This is my quiet spot for contemplation, meditation and naps.

As busy women, we are need of "a room of one's own."  I have a few spiritual books currently "Eat, Pray, Love" and a Simplify Journal.  I sometimes get so busy with my business and work, I forget to breathe.  My special place gives me a space to recharge and reflect in.  I have a few candles, a couple blankets and my fiance's Mother's rocking chair.  My collection of angels sits near a table my sister hand-painted.  The wicker chairs were a dumpster dive from a friend's apartment complex.  She died of cancer in 2006, and I think of Lori every time I sit in one of our rescued chairs.  All the items in this room are very special - the stained glass picture is from my daughter and son-in-law.  The small collection of minature vases were my Mom's.  So my room is filled with thoughts of friends and family, those here and those who have passed on.  Do you have a special place in your home to dream?

Keep it simple

I am not good at doing anything with moderation.  I've always been a "more is better" kind of girl.  That kind of thinking can get you into lots of trouble!!  So today I strive to keep some balance in my life.  I try not to let my life get cluttered with "stuff", either the physical or the mental.  I love the message on this card and I wanted it to be the main focus.  Shadow inks are great for creating a soft background.  I stamped the scroll in a soft wheat colored ink.  The Serenity Prayer was stamped in black ink.  In order to cut down on all the white space, I took a small dauber brush and lightly tapped some linen ink into the background.  For a final touch, I punched the corners and added some white pearls.  This card says serenity to me - which I haven't had  lately.

We are all connected

I wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to the people of Japan.  This horrible disaster is a reminder of how fragile life is and how little we can actually control things.  I thought this morning about how a simple note sent to a friend or family member can impact their day.  Whether someone is celebrating a special occassion or going thru the dark night of the soul, a card can let someone know they are not alone.  We all need each other on this planet.  We are all connected - members of this thing called the human race.  I think when someone receives a card in their mailbox or finds one on their desk at work, they are reminded that someone cares.  In a very personal way - because someone took the time to write a word of encouragement or sent words of congratulations.  So today, I will try to be aware of those around me who need a kind word or a reminder that their life is important to me.  Love and blessings.....Sharon

My little blessings

Just wanted to post a few pictures of my precious little grandsons and my incredible future husband.  While I get frustrated trying to figure out this new world of blogging, facebook and etsy, I hope it will all make sense someday!!  If anyone saw the TV show Detroit last night - I could totally relate to the one older detective who was totally baffled by tweeting, friending and blogging!!  But I love a good challenge - so I decided to start this blog.  You're never to old to learn!!

Create an embellishment

There are times when I just don't have the right embellishment to add to one  of my cards.  I was making a card today with an Asian theme.  I got out my box of Asian doo-dads, and found some covered wire I bought.  Then I went thru my floss boxes (this is where I keep most of my brads, buttons, jewels, etc.) and found some little buttons I got on sale.  I cut off the back of the button and attached it to the silver strand which I tied into a bow.  A few mini glue dots to secure it all, and I had the perfect embellishment for my Good Luck card!!

Bits and pieces

Ever wonder what to do with the leftover punches and diecuts you have?  I pulled a few things out of my jar of leftover scraps.  The butterfly was colored with distress ink  to the color I needed.  I added a little gel pen dots to the scallop.  A few more scraps out of my paper boxes and voila!!  So check out those punch outs laying around.  Can you add some color or glitter? 

First time shoppers

I am offering a 15% off coupon in my Etsy shop for all first time shoppers.  Just use the code lilaccards to receive your first time buyers discount!!

Tip for Today - check out the clearance shelves and racks

I work in retail and our store like others has clearance items.  Check with your favorite stores, and find out when they mark down items.  Being friendly with sales people helps - I always chat with sales staff and thank them for their help.   I bought 3  packages of clear stamps orginally priced $9.99 for $.97 each!!  These stamps had been marked down a few times, but I waited until I knew the price would be at it's lowest.

From scraps to cards

I wanted to share a card I created for Valentine's Day using some scraps of paper I had.  I gathered a few pieces of printed black paper and started trying out different combinations of patterns and prints.  I liked how the polka dots and music and flowers combined together without overpowering each design.  I cut out a red heart from leftover card stock using my cricut cartride George and Basic Shapes.  I then embossed the heart using a cuttlebug embossing folder and my Big Kick Sizzix machine.  I added a red satin ribbon and punched a white scallop.
One of my favorite embellishments are pearls available at most craft stores. I used two small red metallic pearls on this card.  The base of the card is white.