A Passion for Scrapbooking, Decorating and Shopping

Matchbook party favors...

Inspired by our Stampin' Up! rep., Nancy, I created some girly party favors using a memo pad styled matchbook (available at Vippies). 

 photo by Denise

On pink Bazzill cardstock, I stamped a crown using Versamark ink and embossed it with Tim Holtz's Distress Embossing Powder in Black Soot.

It was a quick and easy way to create party favors, personalizing it to your satisfaction. 

My goal was to keep it simple because when you are mass producing, I did not want to over-complicate things which has a tendency to make me feel overwhelmed. 

I was happy with the outcome and glad to have had the opportunity to use my heat gun for the first time (I purchased it 5 years ago).  At least I had it when I needed it.  And that is what I have to say about any craft supply purchase I make.  You never know when you are going to need it, right!?

Birthday party decor...

Decorating for a birthday party allows us to get festive with our decor.  And that is what we did this weekend in honor of someone very special to us, celebrating a momentous occasion.

We did not want our friend to forget that this birthday is a milestone worthy of signage as it was pretty much in her face most of the evening. 

And this special someone's favorite color is pink, but we decided to throw in a little black just because we wanted to rub-in the fact she is entering a new decade and is now entitled to AARP benefits.

Champagne was in order for a celebration of this magnitude.  So we lined up the flutes and dropped a raspberry in each glass and began pouring-in the bubbly.

All photos by Tammy

We toasted to love, health & happiness to our dear friend and ended the evening with very fond memories to sleep on.

Out of respect to this very dear friend of mine, I will not be naming names here.  She did though take it all in with humor and laughter. 

And we were are thrilled to be a part of this special time in her life.  Happy Birthday, sweet friend of mine.

Scrap for a Cause...

Are you doing anything on May 2?

Will you be in the northern Virginia area on May 2?

Do you like to crop?

If your answer is yes to all these questions, go to Scrap for a Cause's website to learn more about this charitable crop.  Spend time with friends indulging in your favorite hobby while helping to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  

 

And there's nothing like cropping with friends.  

Our friend, Korie has begun rallying together friends to join this fabulous fundraiser.  It simply boils down to friends helping friends. 

Awareness is important too.  So don't forget to check out the American Cancer Society website to learn more. 

Blooming...

As I muddle through typical winter ailments, I thought sharing a cheery photo taken by my best friend of last year's Cherry Blossoms in DC would perk things up around here.

Those awesome blooms are just around the corner with the peak approaching around the first weekend in April.  It is such a sight to see.

To me, it's the official sign of Spring in this region.  We've even begun some small outdoor projects which I intend to share more on very soon. 

And sandal-weather is not too far off. 

Now that is something to get excited about.

A sale at the Nest Egg...

My absolute favorite local home decor shop is hosting a sale this week, The Nest Egg.  They are in the process of closing down their Brambleton location and consolidating their wares into one shop at their original location in Fairfax Corner. 

I popped into the Brambleton store today and found the ideal table lamp for the foyer.

My entire visit was spent browsing and taking it all in.  Just dreaming up the possibilities of what I'd love to adopt for our home.  I was having a hard time keeping track of what I saw and where it was located because I walked around the shop so many times. 

Some of my favorites were the Sid Dickens tiles (not on sale though) and a classic-style coffee table.  If I had the space for it, it would have been very tempting for me.  Just look at the detail around the perimeter of the table itself. 

I have been told that a visit to their Fairfax location is a must as they have many items on sale as well. 

I'm sorry to see their Brambleton location close but am happy we still have their Fairfax shop to look to when in need to fulfill my hunger for design.

Classy & Fabulous...

Thanks to a touch of insomnia, I am entertaining myself with the discovery of some rooms that are quite inspiring.

If I may, I'd like to share them with you.

An eye-catcher here.  Layering this bedroom in neutral colors is very appealing to me.

This living room room is amazing.  The dentil moulding and neoclassical mirror along with a neutral palette are great classics.

And the "x" design in the cabinetry of this kitchen island is incredibly classy and fabulous.  The architectural detail is what makes it so attractive.

You want to know what else is classy & fabulous? 

These stamps from Stampin' Up!.

"A girl should be two things:  classy and fabulous"
  - Coco Chanel

I could not agree more with Coco Chanel's quote.  It reminds me of what my Father used to tell us gals while growing up.  "Be a Lady however painful."

And he was usually repeating that when we were doing something un-lady-like. 

Sharing a little bit of home decor mixed in with a small bit of stamping.  It's nice when the two worlds collide. 

Get a grip with Grip-it...

A product you can find in the grocery store is helping me in the craft room.

Grip-it Twister Grips are just enough in size to help keep my drawer organizers from shifting when I open the drawer.

Can you see the Twister Grip in between the two drawer organizers? 

When I would open the drawer, the organizer would shift and I was having to move them back into place. 

I also used some shelf liners made with the same material to hold these organizers in place in their respective cubbies.  (I also use them in our kitchen drawers.)

The drawers can now open without much shifting and moving around.

I also used the shelf liners in the drawer that houses a collection of punches.

Every time I open the drawer, there is no movement of punches and everything remains in order.

And they work great with seat cushions so your tuckus doesn't go sliding off the chair.

If you have any other ideas where to use Grip-it, please do share!

The little things...

Not too long ago I posted a photo from Traditional Home magazine:

I was completely inspired by the idea of hanging a mirror on a bulletin board.  

In an attempt to "use what we have" I found 2 little sunburst mirrors we purchased from the Bombay Company years ago and hung them on the board in my craft room.

 

Little things mean a lot to me.  Simply by hanging a couple mirrors on the bulletin board has given my entire weekend the feeling of completion.  You know, a sense of accomplishment. 

It may be the only thing I accomplished this weekend aside from the usual loads of laundry.  I am happy though I was able to add a little something to my craft room without spending a cent. 

That is what I call a fabulous weekend.  Hope you enjoyed yours.

A directory with inspiration...

On my way out the door after checking out at the grocery store last weekend, I grabbed the latest New Home Directory (it's free) to get a pulse on new home construction and to perhaps be inspired by the interiors of model homes featured in this directory.

It has been a long time since I've toured model homes so this booklet is the next best thing. 

There was one ad that triggered a design thought:

A glass-top table in the center of the foyer with a flower arrangement (or possibly a sculpture) as the focal point.  I like it.  I think the glass-top allows the piece of furniture to look less bulky, especially if you are dealing with a small foyer.

This is not a project I will be pursuing for our home in the near-term.  As much as I would like to see results sooner vs. later, it is nice though to have goals and implement them at some point down the road when the budget says it's OK to proceed.   

I keep a file with ideas such as this one but in an effort to conserve paper and be "green", I am filing it here under "home goals".  Using this site as an organizing resource is not a bad idea.  I wish I had thought of it sooner. 

Before I go, let me share with you a design blog I discovered today thanks to Blog Watch in the Home section of The Washington Post.  It is called My Notting Hill and is filled with all sorts of design inspiration.  Enjoy the wonderment of it all.

Packet organizer...

$8.99 x 2 = organization happiness.

Our packets of oatmeal and seasonings are happy in their new home (resource:  Organize.com).

Life is good when my surroundings are in proper order.

More fashionable cards...

Our favorite Angela's instructor, Symone, spent last Sunday introducing me and my friends to more colors in the Copic family as we dressed up our pretty stamped images.

We layered colors and colored till our heart's content (check out the highlights in the girl's hair below). 

Symone has a great ability to coordinate colors and mix & match patterns. 

I'd like to hire her as a wardrobe consultant and help me coordinate my own outfits. 

Below is my favorite card.  I call it "Who'll Stop the Rain"...you know, CCR?  Great song.

And to have Symone's guidance in putting together patterned paper & cardstock for layouts (I miss It Kit Studio already) would help me scrapbook more often.  I waste more time staring at papers & cardstock than working on the layout itself. 

I know one thing, I appreciate Copic markers more and more with every class I take.

Friends who enable & influence...

If I may, I'd like to first share a fundraiser on behalf of my friend, Marirosa.  She volunteers with the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization (NILMDTS).  It's a very heartfelt way for photographers to donate their skills and time to families where they find their newborn will not survive the world they just entered into.  The NILMDTS photographer/volunteer captures images of precious moments that parents in these situations have but only a little time with their newborn.  

 

By voting in the National Charity Model Search, each vote is $1 and raises money for the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization.  If you'd like to help, you may go to www.sandypucvotes.com and look for the Washington, D.C. region.

I'm always amazed by the stories Marirosa has shared concerning her experience with this organization.  It truly is heartbreaking.

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OK, I have 2 recommendations in the world of papercrafting tools:

The Wild Card Cricut Cartridge.  It started with one friend who recommended it and prompted many of us to seek it out.  And another friend referred us to ScrapbookPal.com where they offer free shipping for orders over $25 and have very competitive prices on Cricut cartridges, adhesive among many other tools and supplies.

Our orders were placed on a Friday and promptly received the cartridge on Monday.  Now that is service!

The cartridge creates a variety of cards in numerous sizes along with decorative envelopes.   I think I may have found my resource for holiday cards this year.

Note that you have the ability to use this cartridge on the Cricut up to a certain size, depending on the shape of the image.  The Cricut Expressions is able to accommodate larger size cards and envelopes.

The new Fiskars Premium Crafter's Trimmer.  Again, a friend's influence prompted a number of us to purchase one.  Actually, it was my best friend's mission and we jumped on the bandwagon.  I'm glad I did.

Features include a 6" wide deck base and the ability to lock the rail.  It's lightweight and is now designated as my portable trimmer.

 

It has a wire the blade runs against when trimming. 

 

And a lock for the bar so it doesn't flip open in your tote bag.

We actually found the trimmers at our local stamp store, Angela's yesterday and wiped them out of their stock in a matter of minutes.  Scrapbook.com has a great notification system that will email you when the product is in stock.  And trust me, my best friend has searched high and low for this trimmer locally and online. 

One more thing.  I just learned that Cathy Zielske is teaching a class at Big Picture Scrapbooking that involves one's use of Twitter and/or Facebook.  Truly, I am very intrigued by this class as there are many using some form of social networking.  It is definitely worth looking into.

Have I influenced enough? Look at it this way, I am circulating the information.  So pass it on! 

Because Kelly told me to...

A different twist to a blog tag by Kelly (soulmates we are yet we've never met in person) has me taking photos of myself in the mirror. 

Truthfully, I've never personally done this before.  An amateur for sure.

Let me try this again...

I see tissue, a camera strap and a fluffy belly.  Lovely.  Oh and the white paint on the cuff of my CKU sweat jacket.  Thank goodness this mirror is not full-length.

OK, I feel like I am playing peek-a-boo with the camera.
 

I finally figured it out.  If I can see my reflection in the camera lens, then I know I am on target.

It's off center but at least I got into the frame shot.

My Sunday-lazy-day attire.  Sweats are on, hair is up and my flip-flops are on. 

Now turning to my friends:  Paula (because she is having some good hair days lately), Jennifer (I haven't seen much of her lately and want to reconnect) and Tammy (because she's had lots to smile about lately).

The rules of this tag are:

1. Take a picture of your self right now, no primping or preparing. Just snap a picture.
2. Load onto your blog.
3. Tag 3 people to play...remember if you are tagged on another blog we will all be heading to yours to see if you played along.

How was my self-portrait debut?  It's a good thing this request did not come on a day where I recently returned home from the dentist, numb from novocaine and drool on my chin.

Have a productive yet fun week!

Friday night...

Tonight is spent delighting in the little things...

...like shopping at Target for my Father-in-law (including a beverage for myself)

...and finding girly Viva paper towels for the craft room

...grocery shopping at Costco and sampling a bottle of their own champagne (it's quite tasteful)

...listening to the washing machine beep several times before I finally get off my bum and tend to it

...listening to iTunes and trying to drown out the beeping sound of the washing machine

...amongst all the chaos, taking time out to peruse the latest issue of Decor magazine (found at Costco), absorbing every inspiring photograph.

The most exciting thing about Friday night is the opportunity to sleep-in tomorrow morning.  How heavenly.  

Have a lovely weekend and may you enjoy doing what you are doing.  :)

Domino Magazine...

Yes, I am having difficulty getting over the demise of Domino Magazine.  In reading Terri Sapienza's article in today's Washington Post, I know that I am not alone.

You will see from the article that there are blogs dedicated to Domino, sharing what they were inspired by from the magazine as well as saving the magazine.

I was thrilled to see a feature on Federal Style in their March 2009 issue (their last issue).

Their book is filled with all sorts of design inspiration, including sketches of some glamorous and chic rooms.

 

The cover alone is worthy of accessorizing your coffee table.

As a subscriber and a fan, Domino Magazine will surely be missed in our home.

A Craftacular...

The folks at BUST Magazine asked if I would share information regarding their upcoming Craftacular. There are vendoring opportunities, and if your plans include a visit to Brooklyn on May 17, this event sounds like the place to be. 

CALLING ALL CRAFTERS!

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Vendor applications are due April 11 for BUST Magazine’s 2009 Spring Fling Craftacular!

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ONE DAY ONLY! SUNDAY, MAY 17TH, 2009 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Happening at: THE WARSAW Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 261 Driggs Avenue.

BUST Magazine’s Spring Fling Craftacular is set for Sunday, May 17, and it's a grand ole’ Garden Party! So dress in your best florals, don a pair of dainty white gloves, and top it off with a whimsical straw hat to get into the real spirit of Spring! While shopping, sip on spring-y cocktails and nosh on pierogies, learn about guerilla gardening, how to grow your own food and supporting local farms. Get your groove on with rockin’ DJs, while you curtsy around in dainty white tea-time gloves and twirl through the garden of crafty delights. A $2 admission gets you into the Garden Party, and also gives you a chance to win the BUST spectacular Craftacular raffle featuring a special Singer Quilting machine! BUST is literally growing green and showing you how to host a true Garden Party in style. So be sure to don your gardening gloves, your snazziest straw hat and flirtiest floral skirt, and we’ll see you at the Spring Fling! If you are a crafter, you should apply stat, as sign-up starts now! Independently owned and operated, BUST Magazine has been a leader in the crafting movement since 1993. Now in it’s 15th year, BUST continues to support and influence the handmade revolution though constant editorial coverage, sponsorships, and events such as the Holiday Craftacular. Always on the cutting-edge, BUST is a revered and trusted authority in the DIY and crafting community.

How to apply… 1. Fill out our online vendor application, which can be found at http://www.bust.com/craftacular/apply.html Applications will only be accepted online and must be submitted by April 11, 2009. 2. Pay the required non-refundable $10 application and processing fee that is payable at the time you submit your application. Checks and money orders should be made payable to BUST Magazine (78 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011, Attention: BUST Spring Fling Craftacular 2009) and must be postmarked by April 11, 2009 for your application to be considered. We will notify all applicants of their status on Friday April 17, 2009. If you are accepted as a vendor, your deposit will go towards the full booth fee of $225 due by April 24, 2009. All application and processing fees are non-refundable. For a list of frequently asked questions, go to http://www.bust.com/Craftacular/FAQ-NYC.html Got questions? E-mail us at craftacular@bust.com. Be a spring chicken and tell all your crafty pals about BUST' Magazine’s 2009 Spring Fling Craftacular by forwarding this email widely! See you in the spring sunshine, BUST Magazine

Serenity...

Finding a great sense of calm in your surroundings can come in many forms.  For me, it is neutral color and texture. 
Source:  Bernhardt Furniture

I've had an attraction to neutrals for a very long time.  (Source:  www.whiteport.com.au)

I admire the mixing of dark woods and neutral fabrics.

Source:  BHG

And a pop of color is not a bad thing in my book.
Source:  BHG

Doing it in moderation suits me fine.

And having a serene bedroom to retreat to each evening would help transition one's self from a busy day to a peaceful rest. 
Source:  BHG

My favorite moment is waking up to the sunshine with the light bouncing off ivory cream-colored bedding.  It is such a delightful way to start the day. 

Also, it's a wonderful way to relax and rest each evening.  And so the serene sheets are beckoning me.

Goodnight and rest well.

Tuesday's gone with the wind...

Does that tune sound familiar?  If it does, then we're probably in the same age group. 

Tuesday is almost gone and am summarizing here my thoughts, inspirations and just plain ordinary stuff that is filling my brain today.

I won't bore you with the details of my work day but will share that I am a big fan of a wine club I belong to at our local WineStyles shop.  Each month I get 2 bottles of red (you can do 1 red and 1 white or both white as well), sampling wines that I would not ordinarily go out of my way to purchase.  And I keep a wine journal, only tracking those I like. 

My guy did suggest I track those I do not like because I do not want to run the risk of purchasing a bottle I do not care for.  Good idea.  Perhaps I should create a wine journal of wines I do not like.  Well that is a project for a rainy day. 

There are a number of retailers in our neighborhood that we are trying to frequent as often as possible.  With the economy in the shape that it is, we have found a number of local businesses will or have closed.  So we really strive for supporting our local economy as much as we can. 

So in support of our local economy, I decided to pick-up dinner tonight at zPizza (and I will use any excuse not to cook).  Oh how I love their wheat thin pizzas.  Mine is topped with roma tomatoes and black olives with extra sauce.  It is so delish and is not over the top when it comes to filling the tummy.

With a full tummy, I began hanging a shelf that fits just right in between the two closets in my craft room. 

Previously, decorative plates were hung in this spot.

I decided though that utilization of every nook & cranny was what I needed.  The Making Memories Embellishment Center was just a little too wide for the space so I opted for the shelf shown in the photo.

It's a good thing the photo is not too crisp and clear as I have not vacuumed in this room for some time now.  When my guy vacuums, he typically avoids this room.  He says it makes him claustrophobic.  It's on my to do list this weekend.

We are nearly half way through the week.  I hope your week is filled with productivity as well as creativity.  It's the best of both worlds. 

Enjoy!

Project Foyer - lamp selection...

I've come across some very nice lamps while seeking one for our foyer's secretary.  And if I may, I'd like to share them here.

Urns are a design favorite in my book.  And this urn-shaped table lamp is quite tempting, particularly since Lamps Plus is hosting a sale at the moment.
 

Murray Feiss, one of my favorite lighting manufacturers, has created one lovely Opera table lamp.  Again, I do like the urn shape.

Another Murray Feiss table lamp with the same shape but different pattern of open body style.

Martha Stewart offers a nice line of lamps with her Milk Glass collection that I am in awe of.

I am enamored with this glass trophy lamp from Williams-Sonoma Home.  And it too is on sale.

Ballard Designs carries a lamp with a great classic shape in bronze.

Look at this table lamp by Uttermost.  It stands out but not in a flashy sort of way.  I do like it.

I hope you enjoyed this journey through Lamp Land.   Placing emphasis on lighting, not just on the lamp itself but on the purpose it serves (layers of lighting...ambient, task, accent, etc.) is important.  It's something I learned from Candice Olson and her many episodes of Divine Design.

It is still nice to have your lighting serve a decorative purpose on the exterior as well as it's lighting features.  Now scale is a whole other ballgame for me. 

And so the journey continues for the table lamp of my dreams, size permitting.

The best of the best...

...in decor catalogs is Ballard Designs.  If you agree, you must read yesterday's blog entry by Cote de Texas whose site always provides the eye candy and inspiration any decorating enthusiast could want.  She shares how designer James Swan (who also has a Cafe' Press site offering architecture prints in monogram form) teams up with Ballard Designs Style Studio featuring rooms he put together using items from their catalog.

The first thing my eye focused on was the print. 

Such a unique print.  I do like it. 

The sunburst mirror is another favorite.

Ever since I first laid eyes on Baker's version of a Sunburst mirror, I have been obsessed with finding one within my price range.

That is why Ballard Designs is a favorite destination of mine.  When I need inspiration and/or have a design need to fulfill, I make my way to their online site.  And when their catalog arrives in the mail, I like to settle into a cozy chair and curl-up while perusing each and every page.

You can even find their goods on Amazon, which makes it way too convenient for me. 

I do miss the presence of Helen Ballard Weeks, but do still live by her motto as I mentioned in an entry here long ago.

Please see it all for yourself and let me know what you think.  The design inspiration awaits.