If It's Groovy!

So If It's Groovy is going to be having a BIRTHDAY! Yay! The best part is that IIG is going to have a FANTASTIC Birthday Celebration, and you're invited!
Who: You, of course, and ALL of your friends
What: A Birthday Bash
Where: If It's Groovy
When: January 4-10, 2010


Now, you can most definitely check out my blog on the 4th for a challenge and a special, surprise prize package. I am out of state currently, so there's been limited blog access for me.

But I will be travelling home on the 5th and will be showing you a project on the 4th that's birthday themed for sure. Please take a minute and visit If It's Groovy, it's a wonderful site and I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time! It's full of really talented people.

Happy Creating and Happy Holidays!

JYC: Manifesto, Intro page AND some cool pages

Once you take a class, it's hard to stop, right? I'm now addicted. I have tons of blogging for scrapbookers posts to still add, but I thought I would maybe break them up a bit, so I've decided to show you something else I came a little late to but still ended up being awesome:

I'm taking Journal Your Christmas with Shimelle. My second Shimelle class in a month, LOL. Oopsie! Seriously, though, I wasn't certain about taking it. First, I'm not really huge into Christmas, and to be honest, things for Christmas this year were looking very bleak...Insanely bleak. As you may or may not know, I go to California to visit my Grandmama for Christmas every year. Since we're being laid off at work from December 14-28, I decided to take off until the first week in January. I decided I needed it. While I'd love to get into a few things with that (rants, raves and all other manner of weirdness), I'm just going to say that I love going out to California and seeing my Grandmama, and my father. And it's good to see a few friends out there and have awesome experiences. I'm truly blessed.

Second, a whole lot of people that I follow (thank you, Google Reader) are doing it. And I figured, if they could do it, I could too. I mean, after all, my Christmas experience is my Christmas experience. So it's relevant.
Okay, and seriously, if you take this class, you pay one fee and can do it for-EVER! (the word 'forever' is in my head like in that movie 'The Sandlot' where the kids are talking about something ominous, but obviously in this class it's not ominous, but more like a hyperbole--you know, exaggeration for effect). There are digi-downloads for hybrid or digi scrappers, printables and prompts every day. Yes, EVERY day. It's seriously a really cool class and I started looking forward to it. I'm allowing myself to think it's awesome (cue Grinch music and see my heart grow a few sizes...).

So I'm a few days behind, but I have a few ideas and actually started to do a few things last night, despite there being a billion other things that needed done (house stuff and organization--and SLEEP!). I wanted to get an 8x8 AC Modern Album, so I could play with the front and be awesome. However, I'm working with a budget here and so I just went with what I had on hand, which is an 8-1/2 by 11 AC album covered in cloth. It's black and there's a small slot in the front for a card or index label or something. Right now it looks totally ghetto, but it can change later, and I'm not sweating that for the time being.

This is my Title page. Now, as I understand it, Shimelle doesn't do title pages until later. I'm cool with that, but I got inspired by this Making Memories paper (which reminds me that I have to go to target before I leave and pick up some more of these paper packs and other embellies)--it's the Tinsel line. I love that the diecut looks like an ornament. I used a scrap of paper next to it from the same patterned paper package and then layered a cutout from Jen Allyson's card set and made a little subhead type of thing. The cardstock base is from Couture Cardstock--love the shade and weight of it! The stickers that say 'Xmas' are from last year's Making Memories Christmas line, too. And the 'Nicole K' is thickers. I ::heart:: these thickers, and wonder if anyone knows that font (they're the black stickers), because I'd rather buy more Christmas embellishments other than thickers to complete this...

Next up is my manifesto page. Or rather, my 'manifest-O!' page. I wanted it to be simple, plan on adding something else eventually, but I just really liked the combination of my favorite thickers, the blue paper from MM (from that Tinsel line), and the K&Company trim which reminded me of a garland. It's on the back of my title page, so it's on the same piece of Couture Cardstock--which by the way is FANTASTIC. I cannot say enough about this wonderful company.

My manifest is handwritten with Pilot Choose (.7) purple ink. I got that pen from Jetpens.com. It's lovely. Have a white one too, that I haven't yet used, though. My manifest talks about the fact that Christmas seems to have lost its magic for me, but that I want to memorialize and perhaps reflect on older Christmases while still rocking the present one. And I also want to refine and even FIND my style. I plan on using a bunch of different pages, sizes, etc.
I thought I'd show you a pair of my element pages. These were acrylic clear pieces, part of an album from Pat Catans. I simply covered them with some of the MM Tinsel paper and went to town. They will have something on the pages, probably a picture or a fond memory (left the back blank so that I could do something with journalling and it wouldn't show through). The red paper has holly on it, and there are even glittery berries. Yay! The green paper reminds me of something from the MM Passport line. Oh, and there are some lovely bits from the Vintage line I got at Michaels from MM on there, spells out 'Fun'. I hope to get some envelopes, maybe some other little things there, too.

Wow! I can't believe I wrote all of this about the album that I wasn't necessarily all happy about. Weirdness, eh? I think it just goes to show you that stranger things can happen. The girl who hasn't been all Christmas-y can suddenly take a minute and say 'wait a second, I want Christmas back!'...

What about you? Are you Christmas-y? Why or Why not?

So that's all I have right now. Thanks for checking this out, and thanks for sharing your JYC projects--they're fantastic! Happy Creating!

Ildi Co Wednesday

It's Wednesday again, which means a reveal featuring some really cool images from Ildi Co.
Yay!

Did you know that when I was in school I thought Wednesday was the most perfect day ever? Because it was halfway from the weekend and halfway to the weekend. It was perfect. And Ildi Co. day is just as cool as that!

So, without further ado, let me show you my card.

Cardstock: Couture Cardstock part of )))) line. The color is:

Paper: Making Memories Tinsel (found at Target!)
Stickers: Making Memories holiday line (Last year, at Target!)

Adhesive: Tombow Mono Permanent Runner
Punch: EK Success Corner Rounder (also at Target!)

Stickles by Ranger

Copics: R29 Lipstick Red, YG17 Grass Green, YG03 Yellow Green, R00 Pinkish White, B05 Process Blue, r39 Garnet, Y15 Cadmium Yellow, E55 Light Caramel, E09 Burnt Sienna

I used a digital file from TwoPeasinaBucket (Jen Allyson) called Cut Out Card. This was featured on katrina werner's blog a while back, but as soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted it. The card can be cut out on nearly any digital cutter, or it can be cut out by hand. The red cardstock was cut out, and so was the piece of white cardstock that had the digital stamp on it.

All and all, it was a lot of fun, and I've already gotten a few people interested in it at work. Thank you very much for stopping by, happy creating!

Ch-ch-ch... CHANGES!!!

So if you check out my blog on the actual blogger site, and not a reader, you can see that I changed it up a little bit. I got a new layout template thanks to Template-Mama. The Template-Mama site has tons of layouts for all sorts of blogging needs. I like a lot of this color scheme, it's bright and happy, but I'm thinking that I might switch it up in the near future, but will have to check the details on that, and whether it fits within the site's terms of use (Template-Mama, that is).

It seems like people are clicking the little boxes at the end of posts to let me know what they think of that post. Thank you very much! It's greatly appreciated.

I still have a lot of work to do. I want to make the page load quicker, want to get some pages on my linkbar for things ON the blog (found a workaround on a site, more later), better maintain and streamline my links...the list goes on and I'm sure I'm not just done with the list either.

Is this easier to read on the white background versus the black?

More later--and the announcement of ANOTHER class and then we'll be going through those posts and then back to your regularly scheduled awesomeness. Happy Creating!

Ildi Co Reveal Tomorrow

Hey there, blogging world!
I have a card I'm really happy about to reveal to you, featuring a brand spankin' new Ildi Co. Digi Stamp image.
And I shall be revealing it to you, my blogging friends, tomorrow evening. I won't say too much about it, but I will say that this features 2 of my favorite Ildi Co. types of characters.

Now, if you've read my blog, you should be able to guess what types of characters I like best, although ALL of Ildi's images are great. I challenge you to guess what characters my card features. You can check out the Ildi Co store to guess--whoever guesses correctly will be entered to get a postcard from me during my upcoming vacation!!!

You have until I post the image of my card tomorrow night--let's say 10 PM eastern time. Good luck!

Hint: The image is not yet up on the store, but if you check my past Ildi Co. posts and cross reference it with the subject names (ex: Emotibots, Cuddles, etc.), you might be able to guess. One of them, I've posted quite a bit of.

Also, I will go ahead and set this up so that it stays on top for a day--good luck! I have a few other posts scheduled.

So

I seem to be able to write a 50k word novel in a month, just can't make it on here to post every day. eeek!

I had the best of intentions, but a glass casserole dish exploded in my hands (and on dinner last night, darn it). Still fighting the cold, but it almost feels like it's nearly gone (shh! Don't say it too loudly). Fighting with Direct TV, who offered me three months of free service, but apparently didn't take care of that and now I'm being billed.

Oh, 'Heathers' with Winona Ryder and Christian Slater is on tonight, so I'm going to watch that, finish unpacking boxes and then prepare for a lot of sleep this weekend.

Ordered a few things this week, including Tim Holtz's Distress Crackle Paint in Rock Candy (yes, his 12 days of Christmas is very addictive!)--I keep trying to get up enough energy to sit down and try some of the techniques he uses. Thanks Simon Says Stamp--hopefully I will get it soon.

Oh, and I placed an order with a certain veggie site--as the stuff that I want is nowhere to be found locally. This is what I got:
Jack (Night Light Collection, October Afternoon)...I love the back of this paper--the paper-y looking part. Really wanted to try this out and do SOMETHING with it, maybe an altered book.
Will keep you updated. I know I've had problems tracking this particular paper down, and I've never tried October Afternoon before, so this will be interesting.

Katie (Night Light Collection, October Afternoon) If you can't already guess, I'm a reader. So this paper (the back) looked pretty literary. Part of me wants to grab this paper when it gets here and start reading it, see what it is. The other part of me wants to figure out it's place on a layout. Who will win??? Only time will tell.

Louie (Night Light Collection, October Afternoon). This is the one paper out of this whole collection I've REALLY been wanting, even checked it out on ebay. Aren't these monsters cute? I got 2 sheets of this one, because I just really love the paper. Don't know if part will be an accent to a card or what. I actually used the 'contact me when in stock' feature a few times for this, before finally snagging today.

Falling Flakes (Colorful Christmas, My Mind's Eye) I've never bought a single My Mind's Eye paper, so I have no idea if it's awesome or not. I'm heavily relying on the notebook tutorial I saw on Mish Mash (Michelle W's blog). I thought the whole line looked really fun and the notebooks looked really easy to do, but I 'm not sure if I'm doing a notebook thing, I just really love the colors of these papers--they make winter look fun versus the way it normally is (icey and NOT fun!)

Frosty Pines (Colorful Christmas, My Mind's Eye). Again, a cute little paper with those holiday colors I like. I almost want to decorate a tree, well...okay, we HAVE a tree up, but I'm not the one who did it. In fact, I think I only had to deal with one or two of the ornaments with this particular tree.
This paper kinda reminds me of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation when they go to pick out a tree. In a good way, with less digging, I guess.

Merry Dots (Colorful Christmas, My Mind's Eye) Why can't Christmas papers be more like this line. Of course, I'm saying this with the paper sight unseen and it really could end up terribly. I could hate the texture or the weight of the paper or something, or then again I could fall in love. If you look closely, there are little doodles on some of the dots, which are totally cute. I almost think I'll find something in the paper if I stare at it long enough--anyone remember those Magic Seeing Eye Puzzle/prints from a few years ago? I could NEVER see any of those--my eyes just wouldn't work with them.

Glittered Chipboard Elements (Colorful Christmas, My Mind's Eye). I splurged on these, I rarely buy chipboard, but I saw these on Mish Mash for her notebook tutorial and I just fell in love. I mean, those little kids are so CUTE. And there's a Polar Bear. AND A PENGUIN! Who needs an excuse to pick up something with pretty colors AND A PENGUIN? I mean, seriously. They're glittery and a lot of fun and they make that cold weather look cool--and if they can do that for me, living in North Eastern Ohio, I think they can do anything--including look awesome on my page!

Tube Socks (The Boyfriend, Cosmo Cricket) This is the line that I've been asking all over for locally. This is the line I've called Archiver's about (which, okay, I don't understand why they carry Earth Love but not this one, because Earth Love is ALWAYS in stock over there and it doesn't seem like too many people are buying it locally. I might, but only if it's on sale and I can justify it--which I probably won't do because I picked up the Boyfriend. Still on the wishlist, though? The mini stack. On this paper, aren't the colors lovely? And the back has a SCAN TRON sheet. Remember those?

Homework (The Boyfriend, Cosmo Cricket). I really think this collection reminds me of the 80s. Sorta like 'Freaks and Geeks.' Have you heard of the show? Have you seen the show? It's positively one of my favorite shows of all time--and unlike Murder, She Wrote and CSI:Crime Scene Investigation (which I love, don't get me wrong. They hold special places in my heart), I DON'T MAKE FUN of 'Freaks and Geeks.' Try and watch it, if you can. It's just a really well-written and heartfelt show and the acting in it is fantastic. Just really, a diamond in the rough.

Fitting In (The Boyfriend, Cosmo Cricket) Just a fun and random paper in the collection. I think, though, if we get a really great deal on a washer and dryer I'm going to be using this paper to make a layout. Yes, we've been washer less for about 5 months--dryer less for about 1 month. What does that mean? We go over to his family's house to do laundry. Even I won't go into the local laundromat (there are some strange characters that walk in there, and the police seem to even avoid the place, which I hate. Other communities seem to have good places, not so much around here. Yuck! But I don't have to save quarters, so I guess that's cool!

Stickers (The Boyfriend, Cosmo Cricket). Another thing I really loved in the 80s (other than the Atari/Commodore and other geekish things) was STICKERS! I had tons of stickers, all sorts of kinds. And so, like many other papercrafters, I love stickers even in adulthood. Maybe that's why we do this thing, huh? We all just want a justification for a sticker album. LOL. There are a lot of things I could do with these though, not just retro. See the sunglasses sticker? There's a guy I remember from high school who was a friend, but I'm not sure if he was more or wanted to be more or what. We were both awkward and geeky and he used to make up song lyrics--he also used to sing this song. My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades. Weird.

Icon Rubons (The Boyfriend, Cosmo Cricket) LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! I have a sunglasses habit (always wear them, almost even in the dark). Found our old Atari during the move, too. I want to curl up under a blanket and watch Sixteen Candles with Jake Ryan now--and actually curl up WITH Jake Ryan. Jake Ryan is, in my opinion, the most perfect boyfriend/man you could ever ask for. He was attainable, honest, funny and probably the best kisser on the planet. The 80s make me happy thinking of them, they were full of promise. Retro/nostalgia must do this to EVERYONE. For a while, I was all about rubons, but I haven't been lately. Maybe this will rekindle that love.

Ildi Co Sketchy Thursday

So it’s Ildi Co Wednesday… Yay!
I’m still sick, a little, in the house by myself and have a bunch of stuff to clean, so that’s a little bit why this was late.

I decided that I was going to devote a little more time to sketch-related pursuits and challenges, thanks to the lovely ‘Blogging for Scrapbookers’ and so I decided what better way to showcase an adorable Ildi Co stamp than with a sketch. So here it is!

This is using a K and Company trim, Copic markers (Dandy Boy and Lolita Girl) and an Stampendous sentiment. Here is the original sketch from Sketchy Thursdays:

I switched it up a little bit, but wanted to bring out the colors and the ‘happy’ of things. I’m intending to hide this card around the house—I will be leaving for california on the 15th and will be gone until the 5th or so of January.

Blogging for Scrapbookers: Prompt Three

Prompt Three is involving a post of favorites, so I decided to post about my 5 favorite books. I'm working on a layout to go with this, but can't wait any longer... So I'm just posting the list...

No particular order...

The Melancholy Death Of Oyster Boy and other stories by Tim Burton is a cute, odd and fun book--similar to the style of Edward Gorey. It can be bleak at times, but really, it's just something that sticks in your mind. It's obviously not for everyone, but I looked forever for this edition and finally snagged it and was so happy when I got it. It's a popular, but hard-to-find edition. If you're a fan of Burton's work, you'll like this one.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is something I read every year, and have since I was about ten. I remember watching the movie with my Mom and then on my own, and it's just a book that seems to keep me on an even keel. It taught me humility, and that it was okay to have my own thing going on. It taught me that there are people that have things worse than I ever did and still managed to keep up their spirits. It's just lovely, and I had a lot in common with Francie (even reading ALL library books).

Prep: A Novel by Curtis Sittenfeld is almost autobiographical, and I've spoken with other people who feel the same way about this author. She's managed to get me involved with sympathizing with Laura Bush (American Wife) as well as transport me back into my high school/college days with Prep. I am in love with this novel, it's the debut that made me want to read each and every thing this writer ever writes. I love when you get inside of a character.

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving is the book everyone calls Irving's best and I think that, in itself, made me not want to read it. However, I loved Garp and I loved Hotel New Hampshire and even Widow for One Year, but this one felt a little different and almost like a fine chocolate. It's the first book in a long time I couldn't just start and finish. I kept savoring it, and really, it was fantastic. People read it a lot younger than I did (this year).but I think I appreciated it more because I was older.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is another book that is considered a 'classic' that I just read over the summer. Now, I've always been a reader and usually in the faster/higher reading classes in school, but this was not given as a requirement to our class. How terrible that I missed this treasure, but I think, when I was younger, I wouldn't have appreciated this. I saw the film and loved it (Robert Redford was perfect for Gatsby!), and devoured this short novel, then picked up 'The Love of the Last Tycoon' which is also fantastic.

Now you've read my favorite list, what about yours? What are your 5 favorite books?

Blogging for Scrapbookers: Prompt One

New House... Have the spare room to pursue bookish, writerly and all manner of creative things. Originally, I was just going to store the table and not use it, but the guy set it up, thinking he was helping... And really, there's enough room in the room for it, so he DID help. It's in between my dresser and the closet door. There's natural light to the left from a big picture window and a really nice (and bright) overhead light. There is a bookshelf to the left, more bookshelves and a desk to my back (while I'm sitting at the desk) and a wall to my right with the door and the guest twin bed.

A few weeks or a week ago, I signed up for Shimelle's class Blogging For Scrapbookers. It's Fab! I recommend it to anyone--from those of you who haven't taken the blogging plunge to those who have blogged for years. It's a FANTASTIC class with lots of great people (just ask my Google Reader--it's really busy with all the new and fantastic stuff I read!), great resources (thanks to Shimelle's hard work) and even some really cool blog-related things--like how to update templates and the like. I've gotten some experience with web design throughout the years, but Shimelle even taught me a few things--so really, the class is money well spent.

Hello to all of those new people from the class, I'm Glad you're joining me. I know I'm a bit late to teh game, but I've spent the last 2-3 weeks writing a novel, closing (in 5 days) on a new house and then moving into said house--but all looks done and A-okay now (keeping my fingers crossed). And really, that's just another awesome point on the value of Shimelle's class--it's completely self-led to better fit your schedule!

My intentions for this class are:

• to become a regular blogger (scheduled, too!).
• to produce quality, popular content to make people want to read my blog.
• to make time to comment on each of YOUR blogs regularly (I read everyone I follow).
• to make a more cohesive layout that better reflects my personal style.
• to (document and) USE my supplies!

So that's prompt one, all tied up in a little pretty package. I do have a few things I'm thinking about in regards to the blog, so I will update you soon. And thank you for starting this journey with me!

Trying something new

Trying Windows Live Writer right now, so that maybe I won’t have to deal with Blogger scheduling issues. This is my first post via this format…I’m still sick and we’re still moving, The end is in sight, but my motivation is severely lacking. Need to run over tomorrow and clean up two rooms hardcore, then maybe the bathroom. Tons of things need done, and I hope they will be. Eeek!

 

Also, I’ve been fighting with the internet service provider (RoadRunner)—I FINALLY think I have it, after having at one point three trucks at night in front of my house, lights blazing. Craziness.

Oh, Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate. Check out this link from Songbird Avenue for a digi mosaic template.

A New Chapter

We're about halfway to 2/3 of the way into the new house--of course, it's going to be weeks before I get my books and crafty stuff the way I like it, but we're closer to being in the house. The internet and satellite people are at the house today, getting that all taken care of--yay! I will have internet and tv, I can finally catch up on Top Chef and Sons of Anarchy (weird combo, I know).

So the new house is happy and fun and I'm loving it. I'm not loving being sick, I've still got a bit of a cough (Thank you to Tylenol, I slept last night--some kind of minty syrup that allowed me to sleep and not cough all night--yay!). And there's a full weekend.

There's also online classes. I'm taking Jessica Sprague's new class, and I'll have another post on that later--I'm actually going to be focusing on Shimelle's class "Blogging for Scrapbookers." I signed up a little late for the party (what's new, right?) because of the house thing (we put in an offer on a sunday and by that friday--5 days later--we had keys) and NaNoWriMo (and the novel in a month might not happen this month, kids) and the various birthdays and functions I had to show up to this month--well, let's just say that I'm noticing that I overschedule things a LOT!

So I kept hedging about whether or not I would have time to take Shimelle's class--the cost is only $15, and you DEFINITELY get your money's worth in a Shimelle class as I'm learning. And really, I've always wanted to take a Shimelle class, because she's fabulous. Love her style and the way her personality shines through the photos. So yesterday, I finally admitted to myself that NaNo probably wouldn't happen and I wanted to do something for myself. Plus, we're being laid off at this time next month (which means I'm going to California early) just before Christmas but returning at New Years, and I probably won't have the funds to take another class at the end of 2009/beginning of 2010--so I needed a darn treat! I've been moving without complaining in the midst of coughing up a lung and not sleeping because of said cough (sorry, I don't mean to vent, but darn it, I deserve this class!).

So back to the class. Or rather, back to the reason why I need this class. I've said before that I've never really been to a crop, officially.

• I've had people bring crafty things to book group and we make bookmarks or cards or something.
• I participated in an online crop or online crafty thing where we chatted a bit and then tried to make things, etc.
• I've been to Archiver's and set out a few things to work on, but it was mostly at non-peak times where it was just me, and I left when people started filtering into the room (because I thought it was a class and it turned out not to be)...

So what can you draw from this? That while I have creative friends, we don't craft together. YOU and the people I meet via blogs or on various boards are my creative people. I can share scrapbooking with YOU! I can show you cards and all sorts of crafty things that i don't normally share with others. And you don't understand how much that means to me--how much YOU mean to me. So thank you, first of all, for being around. And I want to take this time to apologize. I read and check all of your blogs, but I don't reply as often as I should, so I'm going to work on that.

And the blog will be changing, in a good way. I've been thinking of turning the address of GothamGal.net into a splash page, but retaining this blogspot account, as well as my book review and book crossing journals for links, but I'm not 100% committed to the idea yet, so that's where we're at at this moment. Look for new posts soon--like, possibly in the next day or even tonight, if I get inspired (which ISN'T hard to do when you're doing a Shimelle class, I've learned).

Happy Creating!

Ildi Co Wednesday

So I'm in the process of moving, and realize that i have WAY too much stuff--that's books, writing and crafting supplies! Yikes! There are sheer metric tons of the stuff, really. I guess you can say that's a perk of the digital stamp revolution--the space. Apart from some space on your hard drive (which reminds me, I have to backup on the external AND on a cd), you don't have to move much when you choose digital stamps.

Unless, of course, you're like me and you print everything out at least twice with different sizes just in case you can't get to the printer, LOL. Let's face it, I'm a bit of a packrat. But I'll be assembling my creating closet in the next few weeks, so it's exciting!

Since it's Wednesday, I get to talk about my favorite digi stamp company, Ildi Co. I'm on their design team and I've really had a great time. There are tons of really talented members of the team as well, you should check them out!

A few days ago, Ildi sent an email with some new images--and I had SOOOO many ideas for these that I couldn't control myself. However, because I'm apt to just jump into a project full force, I decided to go with something simple and easy... And it works.

I wanted to best illustrate the FUNCTIONALITY of digi stamps as they relate to holidays. Too often, we think of a product or using a product in only one way, and really... we shouldn't. Digi stamps are VERY versatile. And really, the only limitation is our own minds.

Let me explain this first one, in my office, we all have name tags on our cubicles (and even for the people in offices, actually), and usually these are very seasonal. Usually there are Christmas trees or ornaments or stars circulating this time of the year, so of course, my department is getting them! Here they are!

Now, they're all colored a bit differently, but because I had everyone's names on them, I couldn't very well show them to you. I lucked out and just wrote out my first name, but everyone else has their full names on them. This is an Ildi Co reindeer stamp, reminiscent of a gingerbread, don't you think? It's actually pieced from using one Ildi Co stamp printed on white Cardstock and one printed on SU's Kraft Cardstock. I cut out the craft and glued it to the bits that required it on the white Cardstock copy. I colored the eye and the bow with my Copic markers and then added a bit of a sparkly gel pen (Sakura Gelly Roll--stardust) so that it's extra sparkly! I did the same thing for the item below, but in a different way.

Ever wonder what to get people for the holidays? Well, since there are so many candies and cookies going around, I decided to hand out pencils--they're holographic, too. And so far, tons of people have been looking around my desk, checking them out. I hope to make some more and then place the tin in the front of my desk, so that people not only see them, but want one. I've already gotten three people asking me if I want to sell them, LOL. They're in a tin canister and there's some glass marbles in it to hold them up.

As you can tell, I LOVE the gingerbread option that is featured on this Ildi Co. post. It's great because it's sweet, but won't rot your teeth! If you've got a sweet mind, come and check me out next week, when I'll be featuring a digi-stamp of a different sort, but still keeping with the theme!

Rethinking the Wheel

I know, I know...there's a reason you're not supposed to rethink the wheel. But sometimes, I really think it's warranted... Like this time. I originally used a Halloweenie image to make a journal for an Ildi Co. project. And while I really loved it and so did the person who got the journal, I felt like something else had to be done. And thus, I came up with this.
Featuring Ildi Co's fantastic new digi, Cuddles and Clownkin, I bring you my Two for Tea journal. It's got Basic Grey's nook and pantry paper, Crate and Paper cardstock stickers, and some random ribbon and a CUSTOM Ildi Co mug that's attached to the bookmark ribbon for the journal (one of my favorite things about journals)!
I used my copics to color it and I really must say that it was a lot of fun to color Cuddles. I love that bear.

If all worked as planned, you should be seeing this at 9 PM. The day after I was scheduled to post, with the migraine and getting a cough, I'm not feeling too well. Look for new posts in the coming weeks for some more Ildi Co goodness AND a new location--the new house!

First Ildi Co Project

One of my favorite things in the new Ildi Co release is the snowman pictured above. If you follow this blog, you'll know him from a previous weekend post--but this one is a bit different. I decided I just needed something little to add to a cool box that I made from SVGCuts.com. The box is cut from Bazzil, as is the blue under layer--which is also spritzed with glimmer mist.
The snowman was colored with my copics. You lift the flap and there he is. Really adorable. I did something different with the shading, did a light gray blue on the whole hat, then a baby blue type of color on the edges and then a really darker baby blue on the final edges.
One thing I am thankful for in crafting is getting the Copics--they are absolutely FABULOUS to work with, especially with the fun Ildi Co. images.
If all worked as planned, you should be seeing this at 9 PM. The day after I was scheduled to post, with the migraine and getting a cough, I'm not feeling too well. Look for new posts in the coming weeks for some more Ildi Co goodness AND a new location--the new house!

Good and Bad

You have to take the good with the bad. I'm updating right now to let you know that we got the house and might be moving in this weekend. The bad news?
I have the worst migraine in the world. I started feeling a buzzing in my jaw and the back of my head, and normally that's the biggest indicator for me that there's going to be a doozy. And normally, I can sleep it off.
But last night I couldn't, I kept waking up, which is odd.
I look absolutely terrible and I feel worse. But I will be posting 2 Ildi Co. treats this evening. I have the posts to auto post, but have to add the photos, so I appreciate your patience.

What I've been up to::late October, early november

Okay, so if you haven't already noticed, things have been a little silent from my end. This is for a few reasons, the most important (to being an adult) is at the bottom of the list...
So check it out!

Halloween: Was supposed to go as Batgirl, plans fell through, so on the actual night, went as Daphne. The second picture is me with a friend at Karaoke. The first is me with the Mystery Machine gang. It's the first time I've gone out for Halloween since college--it was fantastic!

NaNoWriMo: It's November 9th, have you seen my plot or wordcount yet? I write a 50,000 word novel every November, and this year, everything has been crazy, so I haven't really done it. Have to get to 15,000 tomorrow as a personal goal--which means 10000 words in the next 24 hours--crazy!

House Hunting: We've needed a new house for a long time. The roof in the house we're renting is bad, we've had black mold in the bathroom (which always comes back no matter how much bleach we use), drafty windows, bad neighbors--you name it. So we're buying our first house--and I get a big closet for my crafty supplies. More to come, if the inspection goes through.

Ildi Co: Ildi Co has allowed me to stay on the design team, which is fantastic! I wasn't altogether convinced about the awesome-ness of digi stamps until Ildi Co. They were the first digi image I ever colored and I'm really excited to keep working with them. So, look for a few projects this week... I think you'll love the new designs!

Mega Blog Candy Alert

Debbie at A Passion for Crafts is doing it again--offering some AMAZING Blog Candy.
Please take a look at her link and check out the yummy candy (it'll give you a sweet tooth/cavity for sure!)--there's a ton of prizes, most noteably some Copics, Nestibilities, and a ton of stamps--someone is going to be really lucky to win this, especially during this holiday season.

Three's a Charm! Blog Hop Time!

You should've come from Jacquie's blog. And after you check out my project, you'll want to head to Melanie's blog. If this is not the case, you should head on back to the Sunshine Stamps site and start from the beginning. It's very important that you leave a comment at each of the blogs, as you can win some great prizes!

This is a very special blog hop--Ildi Co. is joining forces with Sunshine Stamps and The Stamping Boutique. And, if it wasn't special enough, there's some mystery blog candy being offered (you must comment on everyone's posts). AND, you can also snag some images from Ildi at a discount--you buy 2 stamps and get the 3rd image free--what a great deal!

Today we're featuring projects from the Snopals line--a fun line of snowmen and snowwomen that have Ildi Co's signature look. They're fun to color and layer and they're FANTASTIC to work with. For example, Check out my project--using Snowpal Top Hat:

This snowman instantly reminded me of a certain christmas special featuring Burl Ives. And a certain song, too... So this is my homage.

Thanks for checking this out--please make certain you check out the rest of the blog hop and go look at some really great Ildi Co. images!

**REPOST**

Wednesday Ildi Co. Digi Project

Hey there, creative people!
It's me, GothamGal, and (as promised), I'm going to show you a fun little craft featuring the Ildi Co Stamp series I teased you about last week...

Are you ready?

Ildi Co stamps has a line of DINOSAUR stamps!!! How cool is that? I chose the pterodactyl to feature on this little project. Can you guess what I did?


I made a pillowbox with my Cricut--my VERY first one ever. The template was really easy to follow, and I used some ribbon, some leftover BG paper and a piece of a Making Memories journaling page. And then I filled it with Whoppers! I used to LOVE malted milk balls.

Have you ever made a pillow box? How do you make them?

What do you fill them with?

Stay tuned, more Ildi Co Digi Stamp awesomeness next week!

I'm Changing What to What?!?

Okay, so I had a little poll going on the sidebar of my blog. I was planning on changing the name of my blog. However, that's not the case. My blog will continue to be 'A Roof Of One's Own' and the Cards, Pages and Scraps--Oh My! will be my sales banner over on Etsy or Artfire.

I originally picked 'A Roof Of One's Own' because when we moved to the current house I had grand plans for using the house's roof access. I wanted to sit out there during the summer to write and read and create. I was conjuring a bit of Virginia Woolf, I suppose.

Fast forward to now--I've been on the roof 3 times, each time realizing that it's not a good space. Parts of the roof are just not meant for people--this one included. Also, I felt a little odd standing on the roof when there were people around, the roof juts out and so I'm almost right over the neighbor's driveway. It's too close. I create, well, in all sorts of places, which means that our upstairs is sorely in need of a 'de-creating' time, which I plan to do here and there.

I want to reorganize. I want to experiment and grow. I want to pare down and simplify. I want to use my supplies and not feel as if my supplies are overwhelming or using me. This blog, even when we do move, is my creative home--the creative roof, as you'll have it, over my head.

Yay! (I apologize for the prose, LOL).

Domo

Okay, so I didn't post my little cardlet featuring the wonderful Halloween line from Ildi Co. last week. With looking at the houses and running around like crazy, there just wasn't time. So without further ado, I want to show you the card I made--it's a matchbook type card and it was requested by a friend:

This is the card opened and able to be displayed:

This is the card closed. I just couldn't resist making that lil' ghost so that he could be over or under the card at all times.

Supplies: Ildi Co Digi Stamp, White Georgia Pacific Cardstock, Copic Markers, BG Eerie patterned paper, Making Memories Spellbound letter stickers. You can use a stapler to fasten the bottom of the card like a matchbook, but I ran a line of adhesive from my Tombow and it works famously!

So, now we're onto this week's exciting card. Are you totally ready?

When I found out Ildi Co's new line of stamps were Robots, Emotibots to be exact, I was over the roof! I love robots, well, I said something about Doctor Who because these robots remind me of something on Doctor Who or Star Wars and I was promptly told that these robots were too cute to be either. Go Figure!

So I decided to make a pop up card of sorts. Really like the way it turned out, did a technique that makes the silver really pop...

This is my little Messenger Bot. He's got a message for you, that he's holding in his 3d popped up hands. It's in Binary Code, which is a computer language consisting of '1' and '0'--based on the way they are placed, you can spell out lots of things with just those two letters. My message is pretty simple, just a 'Hello' but when you spell it out in Binary Code, it translates to:

0100100001100101011011000110110001101111

So that's the reason why your second grader doesn't learn binary code, it's so much simpler to write 5 little letters when you want to say 'Hello'. To make it a little more authentic, I even opened up 'Notepad' and put in the Binary Code. Since it has a very basic, computer-language-looking font, I figured it was perfect.

Supplies: Ildi Co Digital Stamp, GP White Cardstock, Blue Cardstock, Sassafras Lass Monstrosity patterned paper, Copic Marker, Metallic Silver Pen, Unused packaging (for the red eye scanner thing, I cut it out, then colored it and put it behind the main part of the image so it looked a little more realistic.

If you're interested in playing around with Binary Code, I found a translation site on the web. Just click here for the site, it's cool, and I really liked the idea of him printing it out to hand it to someone. And the receiver of the card loved it, too!

I'm going to be posting future Ildi Co projects automatically, so that this delay won't be an issue again. I had no idea looking for a house was so crazy! My hint for next week's project?

RAWR!

Wow!

How did I miss posting this last week?
Well, it's been really busy. Blog Business first...

I'll have some really cool Ildi Co. stuff for you tonight.

First involves something you can probably give to people at a certain spooky time of the year.

I think you'll really love it. I should have posted it last week, but things got crazy (more on that later)...

I'll also be announcing the WINNER of my blog candy... Very excited about this one. Did a random draw and EVERYTHING!!!! So if you were entered and posted about wanting to be a part of the blog candy, you need to check this out later.

The Second thing that I used Ildi for, well...I'm very excited about. Okay, do any of you watch Doctor Who (either the new series or the older movies and series?)??? Because, if you do, Ildi Co's new line may stir up some feelings. There's a certain type of creature that's featured that just made me...well, it reminded me (in a good way) of the new line of Ildi Co Stamps...the emotibots...

Here's what a few of them look like:

To me, and all my geek glory, I see them as happier versions of those daleks or perhaps friends of R2D2 (Star Wars)... and they are SO MUCH fun to color, too. I can't wait for you to see them, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by a few of the things I've done with them. They're things YOU can do as well, all you have to do is click the link to the Ildi Co. store in the upper right corner of my blog.

Those things will be posted tonight. Things have been really crazy, my hours have been all weird. Why? Well, first we've been looking at houses for the last two weeks--we definitely have to get out of our current home. There's black mold, the roof leaks and from what the roofers said, the roof is totally a lost cause. Luckily we rent, but we've been trying to get the repairs for a really long time--it hasn't been an easy road at ALL!

We were promised that the roof didn't leak and that the foundation of the added room wasn't sinking or there was anything wrong with the entire house when we moved in, but that's not been the case. Craziness. The wiring isn't that great either. If we run the microwave in the pantry, any 2 lights in the house and 1 tv anywhere in the house (or a hairdryer), the circuit blows and has to be reset. 1 circuit is responsible for things in about every room... I helped my Grandfather rewire his house as a kid (since I was the only grandchild for almost 10 years, and then because I was already taught how to do things, I was the default kid to help with projects until college), and as soon as I saw the box, I cringed a little bit.

We've been looking at houses. I've fallen in love with 2 of them. One was sadly out of our price range (I couldn't make in 8 years what they wanted for this house), one was beautiful and old and full of magic, but was in a really bad area of Akron--a block away from a school known for disciplinary problems (which I didn't mind, LOL. I just want that HOUSE!). One house where he wanted to live was in the country and had a lot of property, but it was really small and there were 4 ceramic fuses for the entire house (I KNOW we use more power than that--my parent's house had a similar system that had to be replaced for the same reason), no basement and the huge garage was built into a hill, with no retaining structure present. Eeek! And the appliances in the house were lovely, but they were older than most of our parents, LOL. Another house he liked was in a township, and stunk really bad of cat. Multiple cats. The bathroom had a rotted floor and there was a large, dark (found out later it was blood) stain in the bedroom, which we later found out was where the guy who had lived in the house--well, you get the idea. So totally not good!

The house we thought we had a good foothold on, for $30,000 (the asking price)...ended up being sold today for $77,000. So things aren't going so well. Since we lost that house, we're going to have to start looking more. Which means a lot more scheduled posts for me, LOL... So check me out tonight, and please send good house buying vibes (and work vibes, too!) my way.

Paper Popsicles Blog Announcement

You can check out the Paper Popsicles blog for more details, but I just wanted to let you know that they are having a Creepy Crawly Blog Hop starting October 10th (that's next Saturday!)...

As an incentive to get the word out, they're offering blog candy, so you should check out this post for more information. Good luck! I hope you can win it. There's some awesome hambly goodies as well as some glaze pens and much, much more.

Ildi Co Wednesday

Just got back from a pampered chef party and had a fantastic time. Of course, then I got to take pictures of a project that I absolutely LOVE!
I love Halloween. I saw Nightmare Before Christmas in the theatre during the original run, as well as when it was rereleased in 3d last year. I go to Dineyland and ride the Haunted Mansion ride at Christmas, when the whole house is taken over by Jack Skellington and all of his crew.
Well, for those of you who have seen the movies, you may remember there's a certain JACK who shows up in the film, early.... And this little ildi co stamp reminded me of him....

Here's my project!

I LOVE this journal. It's got all of the elements--Basic Grey Eerie paper, MM alphas and a great Ildi Image. The pages are blank--I'm thinking of sending this to a special person, or maybe keeping it, not really sure yet. Maybe a mini album or a sketch book????

UPDATE: IMAGE FIXED! I went back after I played around with it, and was able to glow in the dark some of the elements on the side as well as some of the dots and the pumpkin man's eyes. And my secret? Glow in the dark puffy paint. I will could not get a good low light picture last night, so I think that'll be a project for this weekend.

Any ideas?

Technical difficulties

I have no idea where my camera is, LOL... So you'll have to settle for a video located on my youtube channel. I'm really sorry to do this to you, but I promise it'll be easy to check out. Simply follow the link here:
Scrap N' Tell
Will have a better link tomorrow evening. I just can't believe I cleaned up and now can't find the camera--isn't that how it always works? LOL

There are 2 cards I featured Ildi Co Digi stamps on, one even features the spanking new Halloweenies. Great, Great stuff. Check them out (there's a new link on my sidebar for the brand new web store!)...

Scrappin'!

Okay, so I actually have been scrapping and planning these past few days. Cleaning up my space has never been so profitable to using up my stash! Yes, I'm going to go through and try not to buy anything, save adhesive (and I just started a CTMH Hostess club, more on that ater) for a while--even though I want the new BG Eskimo Kisses and a few other lovely CHA things. They can wait.
I want to maybe get some page protectors, and get some photos developed (as well as a few things in the mail), but other than that, I think I'm done for a while.
My birthday is in 13 days, I will be 30 and that is the day I plan to start doing a project 365 type thing, not sure how definite the details are just yet, but I have some high hopes. I think it would be really cool to have a complete record of the year I turn 30, LOL.
Have a video to share with you soon, as well as some pics of the work I'm doing for Ildi and If It's Groovy. These are fantastic groups to work with. Look for website updates tomorrow.
This is just a quick message to let you know what's up for the time being.
What are you doing?
Happy Creating!

Ildi Co Wednesday

It's Wednesday, which is my day to showcase some amazing stuff that is made by the great and innovative Digi-Stamp company, Ildi Co. This week, I was inspired by techniques and a sketch (which I can find, but do not have any idea who it belongs to, so I'm going to be doing some research) to make a scrapbooking page.

So I'm reading Heidi Swapp's 'Love Your Handwriting' and I'm trying to embrace my handwriting, but it's a bit hard. I used the Ildi Co Clownkins stamp 'Princess' (which inspired the title of the sketch as well). The stamp was so much fun to color, I'm particularly happy with the way the crown came out, and the nose. I love coloring these stamps in a pastel/girly manner, if you've seen some previous work. The sparkles are Stickles Diamond and I used the Prima rhinestones. The coloring is all from Markers and the picture on this layout is my boyfriend's niece, who was born on my birthday. It's an 8 1/2 x 11 layout featuring Bazzil and Basic Grey Porcelain papers. I used my markers to also color the silver thickers, LOL...

Don't forget to check out the rest of the awesome team for Ildi Co. Please check out my links!


P.S. I *MIGHT* have a preview of the new line very soon for you.

Coming up this week: Prize announcement, Preview of BG's Eerie line, If It's Groovy stuff and even MORE Ildi Co. Happy Creating!

Refilling Copic Markers

Refilling Copic Markers is fun, well, if you're a coloring geek like I am, LOL. The website for them is located here. They're really awesome to work with and it's something where, if you know what you want, you may be able to get a great deal like I did. And let me tell you, this method is a LOT easier than I thought it would be. There is another method, but I'm not going through that way, at least not for a while.

As for the coloring, pardon the pride. I'm just really happy that I'm finally getting more and more understanding of color theory. For a while I was a little worried and thought that I wasn't ever going to 'get' it. But I think I've made leaps and bounds from the girl who played with the Prismacolored pencils last year (which was totally a step up from before).
And to me, that's what the whole process is about--learning new things every day, not being afraid to take chances/mistakes, being happy with what comes out of things and seeing the value even in mistakes.

Challenge: What are your favorite stamps???

Big differences now, I clean my stamps and use appropriate inks, which is really REALLY important. Now, what about you? What are your top 5 stamps? Your top 10 stamps?
Let me know either in a reply (comments) or a reply on YouTube or Viddler.

Short and sweet post today. Intermittant interet access this week. Ethernet cable. I've been a roadrunner customer for 6 yrs. Want to switch.

Jessica Sprague

A while back, I took a free course from Jessica Sprague. Oh, my goodness, if you ever have an opportunity to take one, you need to do it. She's amazing! So I decided to post the first and second lessons combined. I've used Photoshop for over 10 years (did design in high school and college, etc), and I FINALLY now know how to use brushes correctly, LOL. Her classes will satisfy all skill levels, in my opinion. This is a silly picture that I took of me, and I just thought the frame and brush (celebrate) looked like they fit. Now, don't be too scared, because I'm not wearing makeup and I did that weird thing with two Princess Leia buns, LOL.

Anyway, go check her out at her website, JessicaSprague.com!

Ildi Co... DT Work

When I read about the Cards for Kate drive that Jennifer McGuire is doing, I couldn't get it out of my head for the longest time. This is taken directly from Jennifer's site about the whole thing:

About 6 weeks ago the life of the McRae family changed forever when their precious 5 year old daughter, Kate, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Dad (Aaron) is a pastor in Arizona and he and his wife, Holly have two other children, Will and Olivia. Of course this is devastating for the whole family and many are praying for them. (Go to www.prayforkate.com to learn more about this family and their struggle). Kate has a rough road ahead of her for quite awhile. When you hear their story you will want to do anything you can to help.

If doing something to let this family know you're thinking of them isn't enough, Jennifer is even offering prizes--generous prizes donated as well as those I think she's provided. The details are on her site. I think you should check it out. There's a little description of each family member, and you have until October 15th to get the cards to Jennifer. I decided that Ildi Co's Clownkins would be perfect for Kate's little brother, Will. Here's what I came up with:

It's a happy card. A bright card. I don't know exactly what to say, so I'm going to just write inside that I'm sending hugs and thoughts to him and his entire family. I might stamp some blank images for them all to color as well. I have an idea that I'm developing for Kate's older sister. I want to do something special for Kate, have no idea what yet.

So the image on the card is Clownkins' Star. It's adorable. If you haven't yet purchased any Ildi Co stamps, I recommend you do so as soon as possible. They're great because they can be printed out on nearly anything, and at any size. He's colored in with Markers and outlined in certain areas with a Gelly Roll Stardust pen. It really sparkles. The threading water punch from Fiskars was used on some of the Bazzil Cardstock, and all of it is over Basic Grey Offbeat paper (the stripes). Oh, and Clownkin Star's face comes off the page, thanks to some foam squares.

I used a sketch from MojoMonday (A Challenge Blog) called MojoTeresa. I'm starting to collect and use sketches, and I like it!

So, you have 2 things that you should do.
1. Check out Ildi Co. (You can still get 10 items for $20! But this deal can't last forever, take advantage ASAP, you won't be disappointed).
2. Check out Cards for Kate

Ildi Post One!

Here's my first post for Ildi Co. today. Let me just say that Ildi Co stamps are the first digi stamps that I've really used, and they are so versatile! As soon as I saw this guy, I knew that I had to make a tea journal. And that's exactly what I did. The cup and teapot have glossy elements and up close, they really look like ceramic. This journal is an ongoing project, featuring my favorite teas, mantras, memories---all sorts of things. The whole ritual of tea is intriguing to me. More on this later, I hope you'll follow me on this journey. I stitched the binding myself and cut the pages to fit...It felt awesome to do things for myself.

Welcome Back, Wednesday!

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I posted, I'm really sorry about that. There's been so much stuff going on that I haven't had much time on the computer. Some of it is creative related, some of it isn't. So I'm just going to tell everything at once.

Tuesday (still without internet)--I became an official member of the 'If It's Groovy' Design Team. It's run by Deb, a Fiskateer. It really made me happy, and I think the whole team is a great group of girls and I really think you should check out the site by clicking the link in my sidebar.

Wednesday was my day to post for the Ildi Co DT. Unfortunately, the Internet guy didn't come until late. He was pleasant and very helpful, but it took so long to get everything figured out. I'd been fighting Time Warner about my Roadrunner service for about a year, and they kept directing me to an overseas support line, then it would get escalated and finally someone would say, 'Your Internet should work.' They couldn't do anything without a service call, and they refused to start a service call until there was something wrong reported on their end. The tech who came out said it was partially my modem (it's 6 years old, of course it's my modem) and partially the fact that I only had one service, so my signal was 'too powerful' and therefore irregular. Weirdest conversation ever. Needless to say it was really late and I went to bed right after he came home.

Thursday, Sinus migraine, which I attribute to the weather. I notice that any time there's a drop in barometric pressure, I get the worst sinus problems. I have a deviated septum, so that's also a contributing factor to my nose issues. I should be on a few nasal inhalers, daily medication, etc. But I did that (with 4 years of allergy shots in high school), and I was still miserable. Avoidance is usually best for me. I stay away from triggers, take hot showers with eucalyptus essential oil (either in the oil burner or sprinkled just in front of the drain) and seem to do pretty well with one nasal inhaler and some over the counter pain medicines on occasion. I didn't spend any time at the computer because it hurt to focus for more than 2 minutes.

Friday, emergency with my mom. She was supposed to be going with my (step) dad to Indiana for a job (his company has plants all over the country and one plant needed someone to help them with a deadline, so he stepped up to the plate) and halfway there my mom had some issues. I was writing my post when she called and though I thought I set it up correctly, it went the way of smoke (bye-bye). Long story short, she has a bladder and a kidney infection and she was out of commission. I was going to drive down and pick her up and take her to Indiana to meet him there for the holiday weekend, but it just didn't work out. This takes us all the way through Monday.

Now, I probably should have checked the blog, but I relaxed. And then it was yesterday when I came into work and noticed that my post didn't actually post. Eep! So I was all ready to do it when I got an email from my father, letting me know my Great Uncle (on his side) passed yesterday morning--he'd really been struggling with Pancreatic Cancer lately. The doctors thought he'd licked it at the end of last year, but it came back with a vengeance. And then I spoke with my Mom a little later and found out my Great Aunt (on her side) was in the hospital, receiving treatment for blockages, which may include Open Heart Surgery. She's 82.

I got distracted, and I totally shouldn't have. It's not been a good time, but I'm refocusing my energy. And last night, I kinda got a little inspired. So you'll be seeing 2 peaks at some Ildi Co. stamp projects from me today. Yay! One will be from last week, Two will be from this week (a work in progress). Yay! And be prepared for a few new announcements, regarding Ildi and If It's Groovy, there are some really awesome, talented people on these teams, and I'm really happy to be working with them.

Hey there!

Wow! It feels SO good to have an internet connection, but I really should be working. So I'm just going to take a minute and let you know what's going on.

I've been calling Time Warner (RoadRunner) every time there's been an issue with my connection. And, actually, it's nearly any time there's weather in the area. Meaning, if there's a power outage, if it rains, snow... you get the idea. So I called last Thursday night and was told that everything looked fine, but we had no internet. So then I called again at about 10 PM and a very nice associate told me that I had irregular levels and a service call had to be performed. So I went back and forth about dates and FINALLY got one for this wednesday (the 2nd) after 6 PM.

Headache, anyone else? My migraines are a little back. And just when I think it's over, the weather changes (especially barometric pressure), which prompts a few more problems.

Anyway, if all goes well I SHOULD have internet access Wednesday night. After fighting with the company and telling them I've had issues for over 6 months. And once that happens, I'll let you know. Right now, I'm trying to be crafty at work, cutting out 2,000 stars with my cricut over the course of the next two weeks. Eeek!

Blog Hop!!!!

Wow oh Wow! 2009 has definitely been a year full of new and wonderful things--both off and on the blog. I'm writing to you today as a participant in my very first blog hop. Yes, I'm FINALLY on a blog hop. I took the plunge with Ildi Co. and here were are.

So now, I have a great card to show you. I am sending it to someone who isn't a part of the team, but that is a dear Online Creative friend. I'm totally ruining the surprise. So, I'm sorry.

This is a new little girl and she's really darling. She's a Clownkins, and it's the newest release from Ildi Co. Isn't she cute? You'll of course be looking for a letter that you can collect for the last leg of your journey and *I* think you'll be able to find my letter very quickly. Did you see it amongs the *???? Write down that letter, as well as the letters in the entire blog hop and you can get 10% off at the Ildi Store the night of the new release. You are not to pay for your order when you use this code until you receive a manual invoice from paypal. This invoice will have the adjusted price.

You should be joining me from Shannon's blog and next in line is April's blog. If you haven't started the blog, check out the very first stop at Jenny's blog.

Oh, and if you'd like to get the chance to win some surprise blog candy from me, you just have to become a follower and then post a comment on this blog. There's a little bag of goodies I've been collecting, that I'm sure someone will fall in love with. And it could be you! Please note, if you're already a follower, simply say that in your comment. And, if you comment and let me know you bought something at the Ildi store, I'll add another entry for you, that's right TWO entries for this special and amazing blog candy if you buy something from Ildi's amazing store.

I have a lot more to post, but I've had major computer issues. In fact, I will be without the internet at home until at least Wednesday evening. Time Warner Cable is sending someone out then, but I've been telling the associates there's been a problem for the better part of 6 months. Eeek!

Anyway, in the interim, I will be working on a tutorial and some other really neat things for you.
Please be sure to check out the Ildi Co Blog Hop. Thanks so much for checking me out and Happy Creating!