I Got To Remove One From My List!

And boy did that feel good!!!  But then my OCD kicked in and feels the need to fill the empty spot from where I removed the Idea Book from my list that I showed you yesterday.  When will it ever end?  At least it's an ongoing list of fun things to do - and not something terrible like clean the toilet.





Okay, okay, so I found a moment of time this evening after dinner and was able to finally sprinkle on some glitter.  Let me back up just a little bit.

I found an old sketch book that was practically new.  I took a computer art class many years ago.  The very first thing that the instructor had us do was get a sketch book and "carry it with us to be sketching all the time".  Well, I bought the book and I think I attempted to sketch a few things before I said forget this and promptly dropped the class.  You see, I cannot for the life of me sketch anything!  I have never really understood the need for sketching when you are dealing the photography.  I mean I'm not going to go out and sketch a shot I would like to take before I take it.  That would be a little strange.

I have decided to put this book to good use.  I collect images.  I always have.  I collect them and use them for inspiration.  Now, I have a home for those little images that I cut out of magazines.  You know a pair of shoes that I like, or color combinations that look good, or soft lighting that I would like to try in a photograph someday.  Now, they will all go in my brand new Idea Book.  Yeah!

And, this project used several items from my newly reformed hoarding ways.  Two birds with one stone . . . or some such thing.

It has already taken up residence on top of a file cabinet next to my desktop file organizer.  I love it and cannot wait to start putting in some great ideas.

And on to the rest of the project

Here is the whole purpose of this two part project, my new desktop file folder sorter (thingie).

The finished project.

I finally found a home for my M.  Do you remember this?
I made it at the distressing class and have been waiting for just
the right piece to add it to.  Well here it is.  Love it!

An M with a knot.  How can you go wrong?

Gotta add some bling - pearls, chunky glitter and rhinestones
on buttons the perfect touch!

I just had to sneak in some purple!  Love it with these
wonderful metal accents.

Both finished projects.

And here it is . . . A Little Joy

So, I'm hoping that you don't hate me too much for my little tease yesterday.  And hopefully it was well worth the wait for here is the finished project.

My tabletop Joy display.

I initially planned on making it all red, black and vanilla.  But once I got started, I really liked the idea of sticking with just black and vanilla with some sparkle added in.  A little bit of ribbon, glitter, silver and pearls.  All the things any crafting girl needs to have on hand.

 I love all the textures here.  From the chunky glitter to the embossed card stock (from the Big Shot - lovin' it!) to the ribbon.

And for the O I just felt like a lot of circles were in order.  The ribbon slide and the 3 black brads were just the perfect items to add on here.

And the Y was a little trickier so I decided on a "dot" at the end, made out of paper flower, button and some pearls for the center of that flower.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my Joy project as much as I enjoyed making it.  Happy crafting everyone!

Don't tell Santa but . . .

I'm feeling a little naughty.  This is a family show, so let's not go there, but I am going to be teasing you a little.  Or, I guess I should say I am going to be giving you a tease in just a moment. 

But first, a little bit about my week so far . . .

After my super busy end of the week last week, which kept me very busy over Halloween weekend and still on Monday (something that does not make this Halloween crazy girl all to excited - to be super busy during that time).  I am so happy to say that things seem to have settled down - like totally.  Of course I did just jinx myself.  But it would seem that I have gotten a pretty good handle on my new work load for my "day" job and have actually had an opportunity to get some other, more fun projects going.  Some have just been started, some are in the thinking stages and some are actually completed.  And I am very pleased with the outcome of the completed one. 

You know, there is nothing more satisfying than feeling like you have accomplished something during the day.  And still have energy left over for some reading before your eyes are just begging you to go to sleep!  And what is even better is that I accomplished several things that I enjoy doing.  I have completed all work for my "day" job in a very timely manner - yeah!  I worked on some photos for the week, processing and have even booked a family portrait session with two other inquiries on the table - double yeah!  And I crafted a fun Christmas project that I really look forward to displaying in my house - triple yeah!

And so now for the tease . . . I am going to share the Christmas project . . . well sort of . . .

Do you remember me talking about going shopping and to lunch with my friend Diana?  Well, she is such a wonderful crafter and very inspiring.  I love checking out her projects and seeing what she is up to.  (And love sharing caramel apple pies that almost set off the smoke alarms at the restaurant.)  We went to a local craft store.  Dare I say where?  Sure why not.  We went to Michael's.  She was looking for a specific frame for a project she was going to be working on - and I will be making a little bit later too (so check back for that beauty!)  Anyway while there, we saw these totally cute place card holders.  You know for putting on your table to let people know where to sit?  Well, c'mon, I live the in the Southwest, we don't get that formal here.  So, we decided on another use for these totally cute decorative items.  And that is where the tease comes in.  I'm going to show you what I used to create mine . . . and then tomorrow you will get to see the finished product.  I know, I'm totally mean, but you still love me anyway don't you?



A closeup look at one of three place card holders



The set as they came right out of the box.

Does this inspire you?

So, I started pulling out embellishment items that I would like to possibly use on this project.  Most of them did not get used, but that does not mean they did not help to inspire me.  Any guesses as to which products got used and which ones did not?  I'm not telling.  But, be sure to check back tomorrow and see the finished project for yourself.  See you then . . . for I am off to read for a bit before I go to sleep!

Pursuit of Happiness

There are many things that get me really excited about getting creative.  I love to look at things.  I mean really, really look at things.  One of my brothers has accused me of seeing the world as if through a camera lens.  And he's right.  I do, do that.  When I am driving around I look at things as if I were taking a photo of it, mentally trying to remember where I am so that maybe someday I can come back and capture it properly.

I also love to listen.  There is very little in this world that can move me as much as music does.  We have had a wonderful love affair for as long as I can remember.  Some of my earliest memories are of listening to my brothers records and 8 track tapes.  Being around 5 years old, riding in the back of my brother's Chevy Nova and singing all the words to Moody Blues or The Who.  Music has always moved me. 

I've added a little something that I hope you will enjoy.  Today is Music Monday.  In the top right side of the blog, there is now a link to a YouTube video.  Really, I just want you to check out the song.  This particular song gives me goosebumps.  And, it will only be on the site until I decide to share another song.

The song for today is Pursuit of Happiness by Nuno.  He's from a band that was pretty popular in the early 90's called Extreme.  (They did a little song that some of you may remember called More Than Words.)  Anyway, check out the song.  I think the best one to listen to is the top choice there, with a picture of four guys.  So, let me know what you think.

Last Friday I was able to go stamp at my friend Marlene's home for a class. We made four really fun cards.  Well, I don't have those cards ready to post yet.  Instead, I'm going to share another of Marlene's cards with you.  First of all, here's a close-up of the card.  I love this paper, from the Holiday Mini Catalog - it already has the glitter on it!  How great is that?

Marlene & I stop for a picture moment during class.

Her full card.  Too cute.

Stamp Set:  A Cute Christmas (Winter Mini Catalog)

Ink:  Basic Black

Paper:  Garden Green, Real Red, Whisper White, Candy Cane Christmas DSP

I still have a little photo work to do before going to bed, and my eyes are getting a little droopy.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Monday and will see you tomorrow!

Let's Keep This Short & Sweet

I'm gonna start off with a bang:

And then I'm gonna finish pretty quickly.  It is definitely Wednesday.  Halfway through the week - and I am feeling it.  Lots to do to get ready for my class on Saturday, along with all the other stuff life is bringing my way.  Been a pretty steady week and I am tired and ready for some sleep.  So, instead of rambling on and on, I will show you another card that is a possible choice for my class on Saturday.  I really like this card.  I have fallen completely in love with these new Glimmer Brads from the Holiday Mini.  If you haven't gotten them yet - you must!  They are beautiful!  Since I already gave you a sneak peek, here's the rest of the card.  Enjoy!

And I hope you are having a great week.  See you tomorrow!

Glitter, glitter everywhere - stamping and nails - such fun

And, speaking of glitter and things that sparkle . . . here is a card that has plenty of shine.  But first, a teaser:

I redo my nails at least once a week. And sometimes two or three times. It just depends. You see, I am really hard on a manicure, so it's a good thing that I do them myself. I couldn't afford it otherwise. And sometimes I get just plain bored with the color that I have on at the moment. At this particular moment, I am wearing a beautiful silver sparkly color. I'm not sure what it's called. It's from OPI and was a part of their Christmas Collection. They are the cutest little bottles of polish. And at the time I thought they were just perfect for trying out some new colors. All the colors were glittery, and it included red, silver and purple. Now, I could not possibly be expected to turn down a purple shade, could I?  I really do wish that I had bought full size bottles, but oh well what can you do. 

Since I was wearing glittery silver on my nails, I guess I felt inspired to add some glitter to a card that was sitting on my desk.  It is the glitter that I showed you yesterday.  Fun, fun stuff.  On this card I attached it with Sticky Strip.  Man oh man do I love me some Sticky Strip!!!

But, before I get ahead of myself . . . first here are what my nails look like currently.  I'm pretty sure they will get changed sometime this weekend.

Please don't be too critical of my polishing job.  I love this color.  Mostly because it looks like it should be rough to the touch like glitter is.  But it isn't.  It's smooth, smooth smooth!  Love it!!!!

Okay on to the card.  I do believe this card will be made in my Christmas Card class next Saturday.  If you are in the area, and would like to come you better get yourself signed up.  It will be a fun one.

Here's the info if you need it again:

Christmas Cards Here We Come!

Saturday September 18, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
RSVP by Thursday September 16.

Join me for a Christmas Card Class!
We will be making 4 wonderful Christmas cards. Stamp Sets include Big on Christmas, Holiday Hoopla and Curly Cute to name a few. We will also be using these accessories Jolly Holly Designer Series Paper, Jewels, Glitter Brads and much more.

Sign up early, with payment to secure your spot.
Bring a friend and you take the class for only $10!!!

Email me for more info or to sign up - mlharper@qwestoffice.net

And, if you missed it, I already shared one card from the class. It was posted on Tuesday September 7, 2010. Titled - September Stamp Class - a break from Halloween cards.

Now these are the only kind of snowflakes that I like.  That's why I live in the desert.  I know I'm a wimp, but it's true.  I do not like the cold temperatures.  I lived in them for over half of my life and now that I'm the grown-up, I get to say no more!

And here it is, the full card.  Lots of embossing shine, and glitter shine and some fun ribbon.

Thanks for checking in with me.  I'm getting a little tired and will be turning in soon.  But first, to get some reading in.  It's getting really good in Return of the Jedi.  That's my favorite movie of them all and so far the book is too.  Although, I only just began chapter three.

I Am A....

(Gasp!) Blogger!  When did this happen?  How did this happen?

I've been rethinking things a bit here and came to the realization that I am a blogger.  Never in a million years did I think that would happen.  But here I am.  And what's even better, I actually enjoy it.  So much so that I have a couple blogs going.  That's right more than one.  What on earth am I thinking?

A little background.

I also realized that I started this blog and sent out an email to friends and family telling them to check it out.  Well, I have others that have been viewing this sight, coming to see my stamping samples and such.  And so I thought, well maybe I should introduce myself a little more.  Would you like that?  Maybe get to know the person putting these posts out there.  So, I think it only logical to start at the beginning.  Not the very beginning . . . I was born blah, blah, blah.  But at the blogging beginning.

I have been blogging for just over two years now.  I started a blog for my family.  Well, more specifially for my in-laws to see what was going on with our lives.  To be able to watch their grandson grow up.  To see what kind of activities he was into and such.  And I have been posting on that sight ever since.  It's personal and for close family and friends.  It's been very fun to look back over the past few years on that blog.

At the same time I started blogging my photography work.  And have since launched my own website for photography work and blog.  And that has taken on a life of it's own but is all about photography stuff and how it relates to everything in my life. 

And that leads me to this new blog.  I started it to be about everything in my stamping life - since I have just recently become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator again.  I was one for over eight years and took two years off.  And this July became one again.  But, that didn't feel quite right to me.  I mean, I do want to have a place to share my stamping ideas and creations, but I would like it to be more than that.

And so here I am.  After almost two months of blogging here at Melz Place, I am changing it up a bit.  I want this to be a place that I can share all my creative endeavors, my thoughts and finds in this world that we all live in.  To - Embrace Life Through Creativity.

I hope that you will enjoy this new change.  Because it's all just a journey and a learning experience.

And so I will begin with something that makes everyone just a little happier!  GLITTER.  Doesn't adding a little sparkle to your day make things just that much better?  I think so.  If you don't agree with me, or understand what on earth I'm talking about than I say to you - TRY IT!  Sprinkle a little glitter on something and then try to tell me that it didn't make you smile at least just a little bit.

This is Stampin' Up!'s new Silver Glass Glitter. It's chunkier than other glitter. Has a little more substance to it. It is in the new Winter Mini Catalog and available until January 3, 2011.



Here it is on some black circles.  Totally Glitterlicious!

And, so I leave you for today.  Until tomorrow...

It was a Dark & Dreary Night...

...That's how a friend from college would start out every story.  The first time he did it, we were all huddled around a campfire in the middle of the woods.  It was a fun group of gals and guys - all just friends that went and did all sorts of things together.  Well, Jim, who was a really great friend, decided that we needed to tell ghost stories around the campfire and that was what he said to get the mood going and then get the other guys to tell scary stories.  He was one of the last to tell a story and he started out the same as all the others...It was a dark and dreary night...only his story took a funny turn and ended up with his shoe getting caught in the escalator at the mall and how he had to pull his foot out of the shoe at the last minute as everyone watched the toe of it being stuck in the and of the escalator.  He was great at telling stories and had us all laughing. 

Wow, that was quite the trip down memory lane there.  And what does it have to do with stamping & stuff?  Well that is the name of the stamp set that I used for the fun dinner/swap/stamping evening that I went to last night.  Dark & Dreary.  I really have enjoyed using this set.  And will be using it in my Halloween class in October.

If you didn't know, Halloween is my favorite time of year.  I love everything about it!  And have always loved stamping for it.  So, this is a time you will not want to miss.

Last night was great fun.  It was so good to meet up with stamping friends and laugh and stamp and have some really yummy food!  Diana and I even got the Creme Brulee - which I have never tried before.  It was fab - thanks Diana!!!

Here is the card that I took to swap and have others stamp last night.  Okay, it was a bit confusing, but I will see if I can explain how things worked last night.  We met for dinner at Keegan's.  The food was great and the staff was so wonderful for letting us loud and giggly ladies take over an entire room of the restaurant.  I got an open-faced veggie sandwich.  And honestly, I have no idea how anyone could have eaten that as a sandwich.  It was definitely a knife and fork event and even then, I could not eat it all.  YUM!  Then we came prepared with materials for 8 people to make our cards.  Since there were 19 people attending total, we pre-made the rest of the cards and just swapped with the other 11 people.  So, I got to actually stamp 8 projects but came home with my 19 new samples to share!  Woohoo!!! What a great evening.  I was so excited about it that I couldn't wait to share with you and am posting this morning instead of tonight.

The larger version of this card did not photograph as well as I would have liked.  There is glitter in certain areas and if you look closely you can see it on this card.  Just enough to highlight the baubles on the candelabra and the spiderweb.

I was going for a monochromatic look in the beginning.  At the last minute decided to add the red for the candles.  It made me think of all my Twilight friends, which made me smile.

Stamp Set:  Dark & Dreary (winter mini catalog)
Paper:  Basic Black, Basic Gray, Silver and Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Gray, Real Red
Accessories:  Black lace ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter and Aqua painter

Well, I am off to get some yoga in before finishing up my work.  There were so many great projects from last night and I will be sharing those over the next few days.

This just in . . .

Yesterday came the most wonderful knock on the door. It was the UPS man coming to bring me some new goodies. I mentioned the other day that I joined a swap.  It is featuring items from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog.  One of the items that I ordered in include on my swap are these beauties right here!  I couldn't wait to share them with you.

I designed my swap today and am pretty excited to get going on that.  I also already cut out all the cardstock  for it too.  Now comes all the fun - stamping, stamping and more stamping!  And sorry, you are just going to have to wait until  after I get the swaps back to see the final card.  Although, I may be enticed to show you a "sneak peek" of it, or part of it before then.  But, you will have to let me know you'd like to see it.  So, leave me a comment and let me know if you'd like to see something of my first official swap.  I can't wait to see all the wonderful cards that I will be getting back too.

So, it's been a fun week so far.  My health challenge is going well.  I haven't lost any pounds yet.  But I feel better.  More energy.  And even better than that I feel in charge.  Like I'm actually doing something good for myself.  I have been easing back into working out.  I am one of those weirdos that really enjoys working out.  I mean it.  Strange, I know.  But true.  I look forward to them.  This week I have worked out with weights and a stability ball on Monday and Wednesday and have done yoga everyday this week.  On the weight days, I did a lighter yoga.  Tomorrow morning the plan is to get an hour in before I shower and meet up with a wonderful friend for some much needed girl chit-chat time.  Hopefully I will at some point lose some pounds.  I just really want to have to go shopping for new clothes because the ones I have now just do not fit anymore.  Wouldn't that be awful.

And, my little boy started 6th grade yesterday.  That's been pretty exciting.  He's a smart kid, schoolwork isn't a problem for him.  But, he really does not enjoy school.  He loves learning things.  Discovery channel and the likes are always on at our house.  I'm not sure what it is either.  Well, his first day went really well.  He came home with a smile and in a great mood, so I will take it!  I'd like to keep that trend going.  Here he is on his first day of school.

Thanks for stopping in.  See you soon!

Unique

I took a break from cleaning out my stamp stuff. And let me tell you, there is quite a bit that is ready for pricing and selling!!! While taking a break, I decided to do something fun - and what could that be? Stamping of course!

I broke out my favorite colors - purple, red and black.  I swear someday I am going to have a room decorated in those colors.  Ahhh, what a dream.  Anyway, back to reality.  I was feeling a little sparkly so threw in some chunky glitter.  A simple card, yet fun.

Stamp Set:  Define Your Life
Paper:  Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant and Shimmery White
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant and Real Red
Accessories:  Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Fire Rhinestone Brads and Red Chunky Essentials Glitter