inspire co.

love bugs

2012-02-03T15:11:00.002-05:00

I'm pretty excited to be a bit ahead of the game with Alfredo's Valentines.

I can't take even an ounce of credit for this idea...I found it on Pinterest this morning and knew immediately it was the best idea for Alfredo. It was so easy since dandee even provided a printable on her blog. The bugs are from those Toobs...I picked up two of them at Michael's and we have some bugs to spare!

The cockroaches are so icky...

I'm not sure if we can bring ourselves to use them on a Valentine!

karate/ninja birthday!

2012-01-30T09:18:00.002-05:00

(camera found!)

I can finally show you how much fun Alfredo's karate/ninja birthday party was.

I'm so glad a friend told me about this place for birthday parties...it was so wonderful. (Virginia Karate)

First of all, Alfredo got to keep this super cool karate suit...

Sensai was really fabulous.

We could invite lots of kids (26 little friends came to the party!)

I made headbands for all our little guests and it turned out to be a really good idea since the sensai could then call them by name!

I can't say enough about how good this guy was...he kept almost all 26 little enthralled for 90 minutes!

After learning to count to 5 in Japanese and doing some warm ups, they got ready to learn some real moves...

Rich bravely volunteered...

And just look what happened...!

Then the little guys got to try it out...

And it was so much fun...

They did some kicking too... (Here's Shelby looking a lot like Karate Kid!)

After all that fun, they worked up a real appetite.

I made each guest a little bento box...

And they got to practice with chopsticks!

Let me preface this by saying I'm not a baker...

But when I found out Alfredo would be cutting the cake with a Samurai sword (and some help! Can you believe how cool this place is for a party?!), I just knew the cake needed to be something fun. This is two bundt cakes cut in half to form the curves of the body and a rounded cake for the head. I made all the cakes from scratch and use so many strawberries you wouldn't believe it. I was so tired of looking at this thing by the time I was done!

But just look at how much fun!

Lots of great memories made that day, for sure!

(So glad I got my camera back!)

lost my camera...

2012-01-17T09:24:00.002-05:00

ding dong dang it...I lost my camera! I think it got left behind at the karate studio where we had Alfredo's birthday party. I have so much to show you from the party too...I hope it turns up soon. It was such a great party.

AND...We're leaving early tomorrow morning for a quick trip to California. I really hope my camera turns up before we leave.

So I'm going to take a little blogging break...I'll check back in next week. Take care...

birthday invitations...ninja style

2012-01-05T15:11:00.000-05:00

So, Alfredo wanted a Karate/Ninja/Kung Fu party. I know these are all different but to a 5 year old...they are basically the same. Kicking, spinning, chopping all while screaming hi-yah!

I'd heard of a great small karate studio in our area that does birthday parties so we booked it for his birthday.

Today, Alfredo's birthday invitations are going out...

I used an image from istock and customized it with Alfredo's sweet face.

I printed them 2-up on cotton resume paper. To make the scrolls, I cut dowels to 9" and glued wooden beads to the ends (I used two different sizes of beads and each used a different size dowel so check before you buy) I used plain old Scotch tape to attach the paper to the scrolls. It worked better than any glue and actually looked pretty nice.

I thought that small mailing tubes were pretty easy to find at office supply stores...but alas, no. We took a little hike today to Tyson's Corner to the Container Store and scored these pretty red ones...just a buck each.

We also invited all of his preschool class...those invitations were just passed out at dismissal today, sans mailing tube.

Up next....I'm hoping to make a dragon cake! And personalized head wraps.

p.s. Suddenly, I'm not so lazy. But the tree is still dressed. I think I'll take your advice and take it down after Epiphany, this weekend.

sluggish

2012-01-05T09:14:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or is your Christmas tree still up too? I wish I could just call somebody to come take care of it for me...is that wrong? If you're looking for a business to get into, I think that would be a great one. Just one call and it's all put away.

I saw this idea on Pinterest to use an egg carton to store small fragile ornaments so I've been saving an empty egg carton for just that purpose. I finally broke down this morning and took a few ornaments down. Maybe that's how I'll do it...a few at a time, when the notion passes over me...while I'm chatting on the phone or in those pockets of time between stuff to do. At that rate, though, we'll still have the tree up at Easter. It would be better just to make that call and have the after Christmas crew of fairies take care of it.

Maybe this laziness I'm feeling is a symptom of some sort of after Christmas disorder. Any ideas to help me snap out of it?

Meanwhile, that hole in the wall for the dollhouse room? Still unfinished. Rich started to make it in the coat closet but found a pesky pipe in the way. He patched up that hole magnificently (you'd never even know it was there!) and is now working on making a beautiful hole in the pantry. He's sanding and finishing it off so nicely but, as I'm discovering, this kind of perfection takes a lot of time, a lot of patience, and a lot of rest in between (I say that with not a bit of sarcasm, I promise) God bless that man for doing this for me...I've never felt so loved.

With all this laziness and inertia and newyearsishness, I have been doing a lot of thinking. Thinking about how I spend my time (when I'm not so lazy) and about this sweet boy we're raising up. I'm not sure exactly what I'd like to cut back on (perhaps worrying?)...but I sure would like to do more cuddling while he's still cuddly, more talking about life and more answering his sweet questions. And coloring. I'd like to do more coloring.

what? it's over

2011-12-30T10:25:00.001-05:00

just like that...

But wait...let me just rewind a bit...

We had a wonderful Christmas. When Santa asked Alfredo what he wanted he said "I trust you...you can just pick out something you think I'll like." Seriously.

We arrived at Santa's workshop just as he was taking a break to feed the reindeer. What to do at a crowded mall for 45 minutes to pass the time? We went to build-a-bear and made Erik, the penguin from Happy Feet 2. Except Alfredo named him Rojo. And dressed him up in a red power rangers suit. Just picture that fluffy guy shoved into a tight red body suit. (the penguin, not Santa!)

We're spending our mornings snuggled up in our pajamas until we can barely stand it, waging wars between dinosaurs and power rangers with some spy cars thrown in for good measure. Just now I overheard him whispering, one dinosaur to another, "Stand still now while I punch you in the face"...where does he get this stuff? I'm quite sure those are 10 words I've never uttered together.

Hope you're having as much fun with all your new Christmas toys!

Happy New Year!

felt "paper" dolls

2011-12-23T13:54:00.003-05:00

Here's what I'm finishing up today...talk about last minute! But I've actually been working on these, off and on (more off than on lately) since before Thanksgiving.

The idea is to make a paper doll from felt...the clothes just stick to the felt (the same way as a felt storyboard)

I used a Sizzix die for the paper doll, which made the job so easy! I embroidered a little face on each little girl and colored their cheeks with a bit of crayon.

I'm making 5 sets of these felt dolls for the little girls on our list...they'll each have a few changes of clothing, shoes, hairstyles. The hairstyles and dresses/shoes are separate dies. I found the dresses and shoes die on Etsy (the die has since been retired)

My friend Pam lent me the retired die to cut a cowboy hat and boots.

I glued each felt doll to a mattboard cutout of the same to give a bit of stability.

I'm going to package each set in a cigar box. If I have time, I'll make a little suitcase for each, using Eileen Hull's suitcase Sizzix die. But I'd better get back to work! Where are those elves when you need them?

Merry Christmas everyone!

pocket warmers!

2011-12-20T13:48:00.002-05:00

Here's another gift I'm working on...pocket warmers! They are little pillows that you warm in the microwave and then pop in your coat pocket.

I did a little bit of research and decided to fill them with buckwheat seeds (not hulls). Here's an excellent source www.buckwheathull.com (They even shipped my order overnight to make sure I had it in time. I had purchased hulls from another source before I found out that they are not a good filler for an item to be microwaved. ) A cheaper alternative would be to fill them with deer corn (which is easy to find this time a year...Walmart has 40 lb bags for under $5) but they give off a slight popcorn smell when warmed in the microwave. Buckwheat has a mild odor...I scented mine with a few drops of geranium oil. Whatever you do, don't add dry herbs or lavendar. I did that with my first ones and they (and the whole house) smelled burnt right away.

I made the pocket warmers from sleeves of felted wool sweaters. Whatever you use, be sure to use a natural fiber material. Anything with a polyester content (including some felt) will melt and possibly ignite.

I cut a heart shape from another sweater and sewed it on.

I sewed the bottom of the cuff and then filled it with about 1/4 cup of buckwheat. Then I sewed it shut.
Please be very sure to label your gift with instructions to heat in microwave for just 1 minute. Just to be sure, I tested each pair in the microwave for 2 minutes. It's good to do that for two reasons...to be sure of the safety (maybe you don't know the content of the sweater you felted) and to kill any insect eggs that might be in the buckwheat seeds. The pocket warmers should be warm but not hot to the touch.

If it's too late for you to make these for Christmas this year, wouldn't they make great Valentine gifts?

Here are some sites of interest that I found while researching:

http://www.microwavecornbags.com/index.php?main_page=page_2 (Really great safety stuff!)

http://buckwheathull.com/page2.html

http://www.marthastewart.com/268735/homemade-heating-pad (especially the comments!)

http://sassypriscilla.typepad.com/sassy_priscillas_craft/2007/12/martha-stewart.html (yikes! Martha had a pocket warmer project a few years ago using stone pie weights...they got so hot that the pocket warmers ignited! The project and all references to it were removed from the site.

candy sleigh!

2011-12-19T08:32:00.001-05:00

When I saw this project on pinterest, I dropped everything and went out and bought all the candy I needed to make them...

Isn't it adorable? You can find the complete instructions here but you basically just hot glue all the candy in place...

I made 24 of them in no time flat...

And now I have 24 sweet little gifts for Alfredo's Little Gym teachers, the receptionist at church, friends who drop by...

My friends' children are going to stop by this week to make some too...I think they make super gifts for kids to make and give. (You can use hot glue the candy canes and kit kat together for the younger kids and then just use regular glue or even glue dots for the candy stack!)

donut snowmen!

2011-12-18T13:30:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is Alfredo's class Christmas party. Inspired by this and this and this and this, we just made these super cute snowmen...

Two small powdered donuts stacked in a clear plastic cup, with a bit of frosting between to make them more secure for transporting.

Orange tic-tac nose. Black decorator frosting for eyes...I used the tip of the tube to make indentations and then filled it with the frosting.

The hat was made from apple or peach rings topped with a gumdrop (with a bit of frosting between).

To assemble: Put a little frosting in the bottom of a cup, pop one donut down. Put a little frosting on that donut. Decorate a face on the side of another donut and stack it on top. Pop the hat on and your done. A scarf would be so sweet...maybe made of licorice rope?

One little boy in the class has a food allergy so we made his out of marshmallows...

Isn't he cute too?

so sweet

2011-12-16T10:15:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Alfredo's class decorated gingerbread houses! It was so much fun. And just look how adorable his house is! Can you stand it? I think it's so funny that he used a Swedish fish for the front door.

A few moms got together the day before to construct the houses from special gingerbread flavored graham crackers. That way, the houses were all set up and sturdy for all the candy decorations they used. And boy, did they use a lot of candy. (but even more candy went into their tummies!)

for life's little emergencies...

2011-12-14T10:26:00.000-05:00

For the mommies on my gift list, I'm making little emergency kits. Initially, I thought I'd put them in something small...like an Altoids tin. (like this and this and this) But I kept adding stuff and it soon outgrew the tin.

So I piled all the things together and measured and found a hinged acrylic box for about $1/each (but I had to buy 75). I probably could've found something cheaper but I really liked the idea of being able to see through the container.

I made the label using one of Pam's fun borders from her doodle bundle. The label says "no problem...life's little emergencies kit. "When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life you have a thousand reasons to smile." (a quote I found on Pinterest)

Here's what's inside...

tissues
dental flosser
candy
cough drop
matches
tiny scissors
shout stain wipes
nail file
2 bandaids
birthday candles
wet wipes
sewing kit with needles, thread & button
q-tips
rubber bands
paper clips
bobby pins
ponytail holder
a small stack of papers
pencil
post-its
sunscreen
handwarmers
advil
chapstick
birthday card
pepto bismal
emergency chocolate
tiny wooden forks
dental pick
facial oil blotting papers (repackaged in glassine envelope-not shown)
a deodorant towelette (not shown)
a cocktail umbrella (just for fun)

Now I'm off to make about 20 of these!

If you wanted to make a tiny version, I think it would be pretty easy. You'd have to cut out the big packages and repackage stuff. Look at this one repackaged in a plastic cassette case. If you still have plastic cassette cases hanging around, that would be a great way to recycle them. And one really great hint she had was that a match could be lit using the emory board.

Or you know what? You could just buy a little emergency kit here...they did all the work for you. :)

tiny christmas room

2011-12-12T14:01:00.002-05:00

I've been working hard on the Christmas room box...you know the one I want to hide in our wall, viewable through an installed fairy door and accessible through a closet? Well, it's yet to be installed (but Rich is going to try his best!)

And just look how darling it turned out...

I purchased this room box kit. Before I put it together, I covered the wall with vintage wallpaper from Hannah's Treasures. Even though it wasn't meant for a dollhouse, I thought the scale fit nicely. And isn't the design charming? I just put a piece of wool felt down for the carpet....but I think an area rug will be nice.

Mercedes sent me a great tutorial for a tinsel tree. I used silver tinsel from Blumchen (but used silver pipecleaners for the trunk). I made ornaments from assorted beads.

But this box of ornaments was purchased...isn't it sweet?

I got it here (along with the slippers and old books!)

Do these stockings look okay? I wonder if they don't look a bit too flat. Or maybe that's because I know they are just cut from a single layer of felted wool sweater? I glued a bit of roving to the top to make fuzzy cuffs.

See that candelabra? It had ugly plastic shades...I covered them with a printed cupcake wrapper, cut to size.

And don't you love that green velvet sofa? Another etsy purchase...from here. I bought the framed pictures from here. And the fireplace came unpainted from here.

Won't it be wonderful to peek through a tiny door and see this?

So excited!

a little Christmas

2011-12-12T10:28:00.000-05:00

Can you tell what I've been working on?

I'll show you more...hopefully later today.

Are you enjoying your Christmas season?

wish list 2011

2011-12-09T08:25:00.001-05:00

Santa Baby...

put a present under the tree...

for me....

All you have to do, Santa, is click and buy.

(& Since I made it so easy for you, maybe I should get everything on my list...wink )

Clarisonic Pro Deluxe Professional 4-Speed Skin Care System

I've heard great things about it!

and this...

The Wonder Bar

it seems like a miracle...

Isn't this just lovely?

Anais Sweater Coat

embroidered entirely by hand...

Ruched Faux-Fur Coat

I feel warm just looking at it...

Bow topped coat

so pretty

Snowdrift belt

oh my stars, that's beautiful....

Confetti circle skirt

darling!

All hours velvet tunic

mmmm...comfy

Annabelle infinity scarf

to keep me warm

Whimsical cardigan

so cute

Mixed ruffle cardigan

I think I would wear it every single jingle day

And mama needs a new pair of shoes...

Flats to be exact...take your pick, Santa

Sandy Flat

I'm a sucker for pretty shoe lining...

FRYE Women's Carson Trapunto Mary Jane Flat

in bordeaux...

or black (or both!)

Concert Hall Mary Janes

And I really, really love these...

Edith by Fairy Steps

(They are handmade, for goodness sake!

As in one single sweet cobbler all the way in blessed England making this sweet pair of shoes...for me....)

Mama needs a bag too...

Vintage Re-Issue Foldover Clutch

Vintage Re-Issue Weekender

in red leather...

or printed velvet (swoon!)

There's nothing in the world lovelier than a fresh new pair of pajamas at the end of the day...

Asian Wrap Pajamas

Because everyone says they're the bee's knees

And I like bee's knees.

Goodness, can anything be cuter?

Chocolate Mice

This looks like fun...

And so does this...

p.s. thank you.

Knitting Contrissmas

2011-12-07T09:08:00.001-05:00

As part of her Knitting Contrissmas, Tina (aka Knitting Contessa) interviewed me on her blog. You can read it here. (& be sure to enter the contest to win a hard copy of Christmas 2011 Inspired Ideas!)

This is day 7 of her Christmas sharing extravaganza...be sure to check out all the other interviews, giveaways and stay tuned to her blog for more goodies to come!

Snowman Ornament

2011-12-05T08:26:00.000-05:00

Matthew Mead and I had so much fun exchanging projects for our magazines (such a great idea!) that we decided to exchange ornaments as well. Last week, we shared tutorials for how to make the ornaments with you...

Be sure to check out Matthew's blog for my complete tutorial to make this sweet snowman ornament!

Enjoy!

Christmas issue...in print!

2011-12-02T16:41:00.001-05:00

Great news! You can now order the Christmas 2011 issue in print!

Christmas Mouse in the House!

2011-12-01T08:40:00.000-05:00

Matthew Mead and I decided to do a little ornament exchange. And to share the love with you, we're exchanging tutorials too!

And here's Matthew's fabulous Hot Chocolate Mouse that he made for me...

and the tutorial for you!

Hot Chocolate Mouse

{ by Matthew Mead }

I have so enjoyed contributing to Amy Powers' Inspired Ideas magazine holiday this year that I wanted to do something more in the exchange of ideas. Amy and I decided to make ornaments for each other and this was what I dreamed up. I knew Amy loves miniatures and I wanted something that not only spoke to that, but that was also charming and fun and reminiscent of what really makes you smile at the holiday times. My HOT CHOCOLATE MOUSE ornament is pretty simple to make and once dried can be used year to year on your tree, or to hang from a twig or on a mantel.

YOU WILL NEED

Model Magic clay in brown, white gray and black

Mini tea cup or ramekin

6 Silver floral wire cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Mini plastic tasting spoon or handle from plastic spoon

Tweezers

Twine

1 red cherry cake decoration or sprinkles

Quick craft glue

Hot glue gun

Mini letter stickersYOU WILL NEED

Model Magic clay in brown, white gray and black

Mini tea cup or ramekin

6 Silver floral wire cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Mini plastic tasting spoon or handle from plastic spoon

Tweezers

Twine

1 red cherry cake decoration or sprinkles

Quick craft glue

Hot glue gun

Mini letter stickers

I started with this model magic clay from Crayola which is available at the crafts store or the toy section of a department store. It is soft and easy to work with and comes in lots of great colors. Once shaped you simply let air dry and within 72 hours it has a bouncy, firm feel.

I started with a spare miniature handle less tea cup from a child's tea set... but other small items like a pinch bowl or ramekin would work. Fill cup to the top with brown model clay.

Press clay down into cup and smooth top with fingertips. Insert spoon which will become handle for hanging ornament.

We used gray clay to make our mouse, but brown or white would also work. To create a smaller ornament we worked in a small scale, but you can make your creation in any size or shape you want.

Our body measured 2 3/4 inches and the head measure 3/4 of an inch. The legs, tail, paws, ears and eyes were all constructed to fit the scale of the body and head. Eyes were made of white and black clay white pink was used to add colorful details to the inside of the ears. We simply rolled these pieces into the desired shapes seen here.

Begin by attaching the body to the chocolate filled cup. Press the moist clay into the porcelain and then attach the head to the top of the chocolate cup. Add all the details immediately while the clay is moist. Simply press the details into place with you finger tips.

Place the cut pieces of wire into place using tweezers.

Make three small graduate disks (the largest one being 3/4 of an inch) and a top shaped like the very tip of an ice cream cone or a mini chocolate morsel. Use Quick glue to glue these together and then glue a candy on top. Glue the entire whipped cream creation to the top of the hot chocolate cup.

Lastly cut a three inch piece of twine and fold into a loop and knot. Place a bead of hot glue on the back of the mini spoon and glue hanger into place. Let dry thoroughly.

Personalize by adding the recipients name using miniature decal stickers applied directly to the porcelain.

Dry overall creation for 2 to 3 days before hanging from a tree branch.. Store in cool dry place for seasonal storage.

For more fun holiday ideas go to HOLIDAY WITH MATTHEW MEAD https://subscription.timeinc.com/storefront/site/oxmoor-oh-mmholiday0911.html?xid=535445&link=1005724

and buy your copy now to arrive before Christmas and check out our holiday magazine preview to get the real flavor of what is in store in the issue.

Head on over to Matthew's to find the tutorial for the little snowman ornament I made for him.

ready for December 1?

2011-11-30T17:38:00.001-05:00

I just found this darling Advent Calendar in the making...

Found at thelittlestm.blogspot.com/

Isn't it adorable? Just look at the sweet ornaments...

She was inspired by this advent calendar from So Happy :

We had an advent countdown tree when I was growing up and we loved it so much. It was a lot like these...felt with numbered pockets. But we had tiny wooden ornaments that we'd pin onto the tree. We'd take turns each day putting them on, my sisters and brother and I, and it meant so much to us. Such a special memory.

So December 1 is tomorrow...do you have an advent countdown ready?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:54:00.001-05:00

In between the basting and the spreading and the pouring and the boiling, I'm thinking of how grateful I am for this beautiful life. Thank you for being a part of it.

I want to live at Saucy's

2011-11-18T08:21:00.001-05:00

Uh, have you seen Saucy's kitchen redo...

No?

I have 3 words for you...

Wall of Sprinkles!

a big little project

2011-11-16T08:52:00.001-05:00

I have a really big but really small project that I'm planning. It has taken some convincing to get Rich to agree (and I'm not sure he has fully agreed) but here's what I want to do....

I would like to install a dollhouse door (or a fairy door...from here) on one side of our hallway wall...and on the other side, accessible by a closet, fit a dollhouse room box. I've been wanting to do this forever...and Pat's miniature Christmas (in the Christmas issue of Inspired Ideas) was just the inspiration I needed to push forward. (In other words, I've been working earnestly to convince Rich that it's a good idea and that we can do it)

My hope is that we can get it installed in the next couple of weeks and have it all decked out for Christmas. So here's a whole lot of fabulous miniature Christmas inspiration, courtesy the wonderful world of Mercedes' Liberty Biberty...

Here's her "country" house, all decked out for Christmas. Isn't it lovely?

I am crazy for all the detail!

There's a sweet little family, the Nylons, that lives in this house.

Here's a scene from the kitchen...doesn't Mom look ever so patient?

Daddy's home! What a sweet homecoming!

Can you get over how adorable this is?

Here's Christmas in another one of Mercedes' miniature spaces, "the barn"

And here's Christmas at "the cottage"...

I spy a tiny issue of Matthew Mead's magazine...

Mr. Nylon is looking cozy, perusing a tiny copy of Flea Market style!

Are you feeling as inspired as I am? All of the photos are used with permission from Mercedes' fabulous blog Libery Biberty.

little man

2011-11-15T09:23:00.001-05:00

This is one of my favorite spreads from the Christmas issue...it's just so bright and happy, isn't it?

Now that the magazine is published (and I'm waiting for the proof of the print version (coming soon!)), I hardly know what to do with myself. I have lots to do but it's nice to just dawdle a bit, isn't it? We have a playdate today so I really should be straightening up and vacuuming.

We had Alfredo's parent/teacher conference last week and his teachers had such wonderful praise for him. We are just so proud of him. She said that he had a contagious spirit and that all the other children adore him. She also said that she thought he is ready to start with early reader books...so exciting!

He's been talking a lot about what he wants to do when he grows up. His list is growing every day and includes everything from a ninja super hero to a taxi driver, a nature photographer to a garbage collector, a paleontologist to a football star. He's also been planning out his future in terms of a wife and family. He's so serious in these discussions and it's so hard not to laugh. He talks about all the things he'll do with his babies, the games he'll play and the things he'll teach them. I try to match his seriousness but he's just so adorable!

we need a little christmas...

2011-11-11T14:02:00.000-05:00

We're planning to make our own tiny Christmas room inspired by Pat Wehmeier's fabulous Mary Engelbreit-inspired. It took a little arm twisting but I think I convinced Rich to do something I never thought he would agree to. You won't believe it! But I won't jinx it by talking about it now. You'll see soon enough!

This sweet little project by Pat Wehmeier is featured in the Christmas 2011 issue of Inspired Ideas online magazine, available here for just $3.99.

Elf tags from Mary!

2011-11-10T15:51:00.001-05:00

I think the page of elf tags available to print (by the one and only Mary Engelbreit) alone is worth the price of the magazine. Aren't they so adorable?!

Look for these tags in the Christmas 2011 issue of Inspired Ideas...get your copy here. Just $3.99!

Speaking of Mary, she's hosting her amazing workshop this weekend in her studio in St. Louis. If you live anywhere close to there, you should go. I think there's still room and you deserve the treat of crafting side-by-side with kindred spirits. Register here.

Also, Mary has just announced something so fun...Club Mary! It's an exclusive insider club. I treated myself as an early Christmas gift. And I'm hoping we get a member badge and a decoder ring. You can join here.

Christmas Brooch Giveaway

2011-11-09T10:03:00.005-05:00

Tracey made this adorable brooch for the Christmas issue of Inspired Ideas. Her idea was to shrink the Christmas sweater tradition down to a sweet little pin to wear on your coat, attach to a gift, or wear on your purse! Isn't that adorable?

And guess what! you can win this very one! Head on over to Tracey's blog and leave a comment and it could be yours!

p.s. Thanks for all the love for this issue...I'm so pleased that you are pleased. :)

I am giddy...

2011-11-07T09:47:00.001-05:00

I say this everytime and everytime I swear it is true...it is the best yet!

So many great projects from our favorite artists:

Just look at all the loveliness...

And my sweet friend Pam Keravuori drew an incredible sampler pattern for me to embroider to use on the inside cover...isn't it adorable? My favorite part are the elaborate patterns in the grassy hill under the tree...

Go treat yourself to your own copy of Christmas 2011 Inspired Ideas online magazine for just $3.99.

Then come back here and tell me which project you'll make first...

let's get our craft on!

2011-11-06T18:31:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited to present the Christmas 2011 issue of Inspired Ideas online magazine.

Purchase it here

I can't wait for you to see! I hope you love it!

winnerS!

2011-11-06T09:05:00.002-05:00

Alice, Rich liked your story of your design ending up on a gym floor that only lasted a year. So you win a copy of Matthew Mead's Holiday Magazine.

And, Linda, guess what! Alfredo picked you!

Congratulations to both of you (shoot me an email with your physical address so I can send those off to you!)

-----------------------
Stay tuned to the blog today...I'm hoping to publish the magazine later today!

look! it's me!

2011-11-03T13:11:00.000-04:00

Can I just tell you how excited I am to be featured in the pages of Matthew Mead's Holiday Magazine? And now that it's on the newsstands, I can't stand it! I'm so excited! I saw it at Walgreen's and I bought it. I saw it at my grocery store and I bought another copy! I bought two issues online (on top of the two Matthew graciously sent over) My sweet parents went to their nearby B&N to pick up a copy and they told everyone in the store (and in JoAnn's next door) all about how their "baby girl is in this magazine!"

If you see it while you're out running your errands, maybe you'd like to pick up a copy and declare to everyone all around "Hey, I know this girl!"

Or maybe you can just quietly buy the expanded version online and whisper it to your cat.

Or maybe you're feeling a bit lucky? Leave a message below telling about your own brush with fame and you might win one of the copies that I'm collecting. The best story, as determined by Rich and Alfredo over dinner tomorrow night, wins!

However you get your mitts on it, you really should. It's an amazingly lovely magazine. And I'm just so proud to be a part of it.

Meanwhile, we're in the homestretch with my own magazine, the Christmas issue of Inspired Ideas. Just a few finishing touches and minor adjustments and it'll be ready for you. Pictured above is my new favorite fuel...I've managed to go through all 18 k-cups of hot apple cider in about a week. By golly, it's good!

Can't wait to hear all about your fame and glory...

project upcycle

2011-10-26T08:33:00.000-04:00

Isn't this a cute wrap sweater? I made it from an oversized sweater following along Betz White's fabulous online class at Craftsy.com.

The tutorial was clear and easy to follow. I'm not much of a sewer but I even managed to do the cute lettuce-edged sleeves...didn't they turn out great? There wasn't very much sewing involved and it all came together rather quickly.

I had planned to use a cozily shrunken cashmere sweater but there were two problems...one is that a moth got there first and the second is that it was too small to really work. This sweater was a wool/silk blend turtleneck style. You can transform any sweater but I think cashmere would be especially snuggly.

Go check out all of Betz's Project Upcycle class offerings and fashion your own upcycled clothes. And as a special incentive, you'll get $10 off the class price using this link.

Here's a cute outtake from our little photo shoot...

dem bones

2011-10-25T16:05:00.001-04:00

Does this look like a bowlful of bones to you?

or a bowlful of mess?

We're going to a Halloween party after school tomorrow at a classmate's house and we're bringing these as a treat. They are stick pretzels with a marshmallow stuck on each end and then dipped in white chocolate. I found the recipe here.

Maybe they didn't turn out so great but we had a blast making them (and eating the mess ups!)

We were thinking about making these next but I don't know...those chocolate melts make a mess!

baggage, check!

2011-10-24T22:00:00.000-04:00

This project is a part of Eileen Hull's super fun Sizzix Fresh Vintage Hop!

Welcome, Hoppers!

I had never really used a Sizzix Big Shot before but boy, oh boy, is this thing fun to use! It cuts through all sorts of things, including felt, matboard and chipboard! Maybe you guys already know about this, but, to me, this opens a whole new world of possibilities...

These tiny suitcases are fabulously fun to make...I just covered the matboard front and back with decorative paper (using spray adhesive) and ran it through the machine.

This is what it came out looking like...

Scored and cut...all you do to assemble is attach brads and glue in two places. Easy peasey!

I especially love the cupcake suitcase...

Now I think these boxes would be perfect for surprising someone with a travel gift...a trip to NY, etc. Wouldn't that be fabulous?

But I also think it would be fun to outfit these tiny suitcases with craft supplies to give as gifts to friends at a crafting weekend...

Something like this? Isn't that fun?

I found these tiny crayon and watercolor sets at World Market a couple of years ago in with their stocking stuffers. You can get tiny wooden spools from craft stores...just wind a bit of floss or baker's twine on. Add vintage treasures like a tiny doll, charms, etc. Tiny folded scissors come in handy when you're crafting on the go.

You should go and see all the fabulous things people are making with Eileen's fun Sizzix dies...including more suitcases today! Click on the blinkie on my sidebar or visit Eileen's blog to "hop" along!

p.s. I'm still working on the Christmas issue...it's the home stretch and I'm so excited about how it's looking! Check back here next week for the release!

point of view

2011-10-19T13:39:00.003-04:00

We just got back from a great trip to North Carolina. Rich and Alfredo tagged along with me for Jenn's super fabulous "Once Upon A Dream" event. It was beyond words...so magical and wonderful. I'll tell you more about it soon.

Alfredo took this sweet photo of us...I just think it's so adorable, don't you?

Back to work for me...I'm working like crazy getting the Christmas issue together. It's nearly there so keep checking back here for more news. (p.s. It's looking so wonderful! You're not going to believe your eyes!)

Telley wins!

2011-10-11T08:27:00.001-04:00

I plumb forgot to announce the winner of last week's Matthew Mead Jelly Jar giveaway...Telley, sweet thing, it's you!

Shoot me an email with your address and I'll forward it to Matthew Mead HQ!

little boys

2011-10-06T12:31:00.000-04:00

Little boys love to watch big boys work.

Our neighbor is getting a new roof and evidently there is nothing in the world more exciting than watching the workers climb all over the roof.

It's beginning to look a lot like:

2011-10-03T08:38:00.000-04:00

Matthew Mead's new Holiday issue is available! I'm so happy that I was able to be a part of it.

Check out this cool video preview of the issue:

You can order your copy of the special edition pre-release of the magazine by clicking here.And as a special gift to my readers, Matthew is giving away a set of 6 of these sweet jelly glasses.

All you have to do is link to the preview video above in your blog, facebook, or twitter and then leave a comment below with your link. Drawing will be held this Friday...good luck!

happy family

2011-09-30T08:49:00.000-04:00

As you can imagine, family was on my mind this past weekend at Art is You...Petaluma. With the pending trial and Alfredo visiting his papa, it was hard not to think of the three of us together. So, in my new sweet friend Shelly Massey's super fun Playtime class, I decided to make a piece that honored us. Isn't it wonderful? Maybe you're not supposed to be so outwardly pleased with something you made yourself, declaring it wonderful, etc. But I just love how it turned out.

Shelly is a fabulous teacher...she made the class relaxed and happy and filled with fun. Do you see that the base of the project is a license plate? How fun is that? I loved crafting beside my sweet friend Amy. And I really love Shelly's teaching style.

a surprise ruling

2011-09-29T05:14:00.000-04:00

Tuesday in court was crazy. I mean, super crazy. There was a lot of emotion and drama including even a trip to the emergency room. And when the day was through the judge surprised us all with a ruling that was not even mentioned as a possibility. He awarded us full custody of Alfredo.

You can only imagine how this ruling has made this family of ours, which has felt fragile in the best of times, now so much more solid and secure. We'll possibly be returning to court through the years as circumstances change for parties involved but we continue to pray that the best interest of Alfredo is always evident and clear.

His mother, who has had only supervised visits since Alfredo was first brought into our care, was awarded visitation. We have the right to monitor the visitation for appropriateness. Starting December 1, but more likely when Alfredo is ready, opens the possibility of overnight visits.

The one person who really lost in all of this is Alfredo's father. He made the hard choice to not appear in court nor did he have representation. The judge read this as disinterest. As a result, Alfredo's father lost his part of the custody. What's interesting (and what we had only just learned the morning of the case) is that he was planning to have Alfredo return to California full time as soon as possible.

Of course, we'll continue to keep Alfredo's father and his family as involved as they wish to be in his life. As long as we're welcome, we'll continue our visits to California so that he may grow up knowing their love.

Thank you so much for all of the prayers you've wrapped around our little family. Rich and I sat in the car the morning of the case and prayed to feel God's arms around us, to know that we are not alone. We prayed that we would act with dignity and be guided by Faith, not fear.

(source for image)

back!

2011-09-26T14:58:00.001-04:00

Alfredo and I flew on the red eye last night and it wasn't pretty. My poor guy is sick with a cold and threw up about 20 minutes into the flight. I had to change him out of his cute footed pajamas into not-so-warm emergency clothes. He managed to sleep most of the flight. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for me. Oh well...I'll catch up someday. :)

Art is You Petaluma was fabulous! It was such a wonderful group of women and I can't wait to show you what I made...you're not going to believe it.

So, tomorrow is our custody trial with Alfredo's mom...say a little prayer for us. I'll be back later this week...I have a lot of life-catching-up to do.

smart boy

2011-09-20T14:23:00.000-04:00

Alfredo and I leave early tomorrow morning for Petaluma, California. We're packing and getting ready. Before we go, you want to see how smart our little boy is? And look how big he is! He'll be 5 before we know it!

the creative connection

2011-09-19T09:06:00.000-04:00

I just had the best creative weekend of my life. Seriously.

{& I have a bit of an inspiration hangover.}

If you were there {at The Creative Connection} then I know you'll agree it was the most

validating,

inspiring,

jam-packed,

uplifting,

empowering,

overwhelming,

amazing

weekend ever.

I loved meeting so many very special new people. And I am so happy to have reconnected with so many fabulous old friends. It was just the right recipe of learning new stuff, chatting with people, hearing great stories, and making fun stuff.

Kudos to Jo & her awesome team of movers and shakers. It was like watching an olympic figure skater...she made it all look so superbly easy but we all know how much work went behind every single detail. A special thank you to everyone on her team for caring enough about me and my fellow connector to make every detail important. I felt the love in each of them.

And if you weren't there, you should've been.

I'll tell you what to do...go on over to Janine's fabulous place and check out the slide show she made of the images from The Creative Connection. It makes me smile to see those images she captured of the magic of the weekend.

strawberry buttons forever...

2011-09-13T09:47:00.002-04:00

I have a million and one things to do but I opted this morning to quietly sew a few of these super sweet velvet strawberry buttons to a cardigan...

So sweet! Kim Stout made these precious little buttons. I picked them up at their last fabulous show.

I'm packing this and so much more! And getting ready to leave tomorrow for The Creative Connection. I can't wait to see all my old friends and meet a whole bunch of new ones. Hope to see you there!

2011-09-11T13:20:00.000-04:00

10 years since that horrible day.

Lest we forget.

getting so excited...

2011-09-08T14:32:00.000-04:00

Can't believe this is only a week away! Will you be there too?

Some spots are still open...

first day of preschool

2011-09-06T17:56:00.000-04:00

This morning, I walked him to his preschool classroom and then kissed him goodbye and walked out, only to look down to find him there following me. And that happened 3 times. The last time, the teacher called him cheerily back into the class and I walked away, just like all the books say to do.

And you know what? He did fine. No tears. Not even one. We talked about feeling nervous. But we also talked about all the new things he'll learn and all the new friends he'll make.

On the way home from his first day of school, he declared happily "I LOVE SCHOOL!" Yay!

adorable...

2011-09-02T16:52:00.001-04:00

Thank you so much for all your love, both shared here on the blog and privately by email. I've been plagued with worry for months now. This morning I woke early, tossed and turned and worried myself into a frenzy. And it's such a shame because I think morning is the time when we should be the most faithful. Rise and shine with two feet firmly on the ground, an amen and an hallelujah echoing from deep within. But this morning I awoke with a head full of worry.

I know we'll be fine. Everything will be fine.

Okay, so how's about a new fall wardrobe...

Starting with this...

True confessions time...I have been really good for a long, long time with spending. Since tax day last year when our savings were wiped out. But something happened recently. It started with just a little leak in the dam...then, trickle, one purchase after, trickle, another and, well, the flood gate is down.

This is the first of many new outfits...a new wardrobe, really. What do you think? The dress is Matilda Jane, from the new You & Me collection. (just wait...there's more from Matilda Jane to come...I went a little crazy). The belt is from my super sweet friend, Bari J....bought it years ago. The jeggings, from last year. But the boots...confession ontop of confession...a TSV (today's special value) from QVC. (B. Markowsky)

And here's something super adorable:

Matt and Katie | Photographers {PROMO} from Matt E on Vimeo.

Found on The Ardent Sparrow

September?

2011-09-02T06:22:00.001-04:00

How can it be that Summer is over? I blinked and August was gone. Here's Alfredo enjoying an ice lolly, as he calls it (from Peppa Pig).

September...you seemed so distant and now you are here. Big things happening this month...some fabulous (like Alfredo's first day of preschool, The Creative Connection, and Art is You...Petaluma) and some, well, heart wrenching.

I didn't know when (or even if) I'd work up the courage or have the heart to tell you about what's on the horizon for our little family. It's a day we knew would come someday (we just didn't expect it so soon). We're going to court later this month about Alfredo's custody. What's scariest to me is that this balance we now have with everyone working together and everyone involved in his life will be forever upset. When lawyers are involved, you never really know. It will probably get a bit ugly. Our lawyer is confident things will stay as they are but, then again, aren't we paying him to feel that way?

You might wonder how Alfredo is doing? He's such a remarkable little boy...full of spunk and joy and passion. It's a gift just to be around him. Earlier this summer, quite unprovoked, he started calling me "Mama". He says it so sweetly, like a little baby. He's really just trying it on for size, saying it as he comes in closer for a snuggle. One day, when Alfredo and Rich came home from the pool, Alfredo swung open the door and called out "Mama! Mama!" as he ran through the house in search of me. Such a small thing for most mothers, I imagine, but it meant the world to me.

Anyway, send up a little prayer for us, will you? Pray that our will is aligned with His always, that we will remain open to His guidance. Pray that this storm we pass through, we pass through together.

batten down the hatches...

2011-08-26T15:34:00.000-04:00

We're hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. We've got candles, bottled water, coloring books and games at the ready.

in print...

2011-08-24T17:29:00.002-04:00

The Summer Issue is now available in print! Click here to buy.

Here are some photos of the pages of the magazine in print...

I love this wreath that Lynda made!

Lots of gorgeous photos...

And guess what, fancy ipad users! I think I've found a way for you to buy the magazine. Click here and select "digital" to purchase the magazine to purchase for viewing on your ipad for $5.70.

earthquake!

2011-08-24T08:07:00.000-04:00

Where was I when the earthquake hit? Would you believe me if I said I don't know...

We were driving to the library and it must've happened just before we arrived. We didn't feel a thing. But the funny thing is because I had no idea we had just had an earthquake, when we walked into the library and crowds of people were clumped together, talking loudly, I thought to myself "What is wrong with these people? Don't they know they're in the library?!!" And then I wondered why the librarian looked at me so funny when I was all "business as usual" and reporting the accidental tears in the pages of Dino-Baseball that we mended and the missing page from Delilah (pre-existing). But then my phone started ringing off the hook and I heard the news.

It's a good thing we weren't home because lots of things fell from high places. When Rich came home, I tried to blame the extremely messy house on the quake but he didn't buy it.

listen to this...

2011-08-22T17:44:00.000-04:00

Click over to hear Judith Norman interview me for her fabulous podcast program, Women Create.

And then listen to the archives...they are so wonderful and encouraging. I'm so happy to know about such an uplifting resource...and even happier to be a part of it.

Hope you enjoy listening to my interview...listen closely and you'll hear my grumpy little boy waking from his nap!

AMFULLER...it's you!

2011-08-22T17:01:00.002-04:00

AMFULLER...you win the giveaway. Send me an email (amy (at) inspireco (dot) com) with your mailing address and we'll send you your issue of AUTUMN! Yay for you!

Autumn with Matthew Mead

2011-08-18T08:44:00.001-04:00

I can't wait to get my copy of Matthew Mead's Autumn issue...I just know it's going to be fabulous. Go here to score your own

or, perhaps you are feeling lucky? The folks over at Matthew Mead's studio are sending a copy to one of my lucky readers.

Leave a comment below sharing what you are most excited about as Fall approaches and you could win a copy of the beautiful Autumn issue of Matthew Mead's Holiday Magazine.

I'll draw a name on Monday morning, 10 AM EST.

As for me, I'm most excited about being just a little chilly. I'm so over this hot weather and sweating it out. I can't wait to pull out the leggings and sweaters and boots. Soon, I hope.

How about you?

looks like so much fun...

2011-08-15T12:04:00.000-04:00

Doesn't Mary's Holiday Workshop weekend look like fun?

Registration just opened!

summer patchwork

2011-08-11T16:21:00.000-04:00

I'm inspired by Pam to make a summery patchwork, like the one she shared in Inspired Ideas Summer issue...

But I didn't have a bunch of pretty vintage linens...until now!

Ironsea sells fat quarters of vintage linens! Isn't that perfect? Especially for me, since I get a little paralyzed about cutting old fabric.

I bought a whole bunch and can't wait to cut them into little squares and sew them together, in neat (hopefully) rows. Look at this pretty piece! Jeni sells bundles of the hems of sheets...many of which are edged prettily with lace.

Wish me luck...I'm not so great at sewing.

To see how you too can make a wonderful summer patchwork, click here to subscribe to the Summer issue.

a case of the gimmees...

2011-08-11T10:05:00.000-04:00

I don't know what's gotten into me lately but I've got a big case of the gimmees. I think it happens this time every year and maybe it's left over from all those years in my childhood when we got new outfits for the new school year.

This is what I'm dreaming about today...

and this...

Aren't they lovely? I can just imagine pulling out a tube of lipstick and perhaps a hankie, checking my look in a compact. You know, all those things a handbag used to carry back in the day.

Found here.

Art is...me!

2011-08-10T12:07:00.000-04:00

In just about a month, Alfredo and I are packing our bags to go to Petaluma!

It's perfect...he will go visit his family, who happen to live in Petaluma. And I will be going to Art is You...Petaluma!

Perfection! We're so excited. Alfredo hasn't seen his papa since January and he really misses him.

So, want to see what classes I signed up for?

First, I'm taking Shelly Massey's Play Time class...

Doesn't that look like fun? We'll be making art using a license plate as a base.

Next up, I'll be making this wonderful thing...

It's a mechanical bird that really works! I can't wait!

Then, I'll make this...

With Dee Foust. Super exciting!

And finally...

House of Blues...the class description got me with "You will learn sculpture, surface treatments and a trick with handmade paper that will change the way you do art." Okay! Sounds fun to me!

Will you be there?

fairysteps

2011-08-09T20:01:00.003-04:00

So I don't know how or when I first found Ren Cumming's Fairysteps...

But it was love at first site...

Each and every shoe is made by hand by Ren herself...

Have you ever seen such adorable shoes?

I can't tell you how many times I've almost bought a pair.

I do think I'll put a pair on my Christmas wish list.

Which?

That's a very good question.

very good...

indeed.

(all photos from fairysteps.co.uk)

cupcake

2011-08-08T18:32:00.000-04:00

And then we ate it.

summer preview

2011-08-06T16:53:00.001-04:00

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Just in case you're still on the fence, here's the preview for the Summer issue.

(If you'd like to add a flipping magazine to your blog, go here and click "get the embed code".)

lovely

2011-08-05T15:07:00.003-04:00

We are really enjoying the flowers we picked at the pick-your-own flower place...

make your own microwave popcorn

2011-08-05T11:08:00.000-04:00

Something to try tonight...

Use two brown bags and put one inside the other. Dump in 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels and 2 to 3 tablespoons of popping corn oil. Add salt to taste.

Fold the bag three or four times. Place in microwave with fold down.

If your microwave has a popcorn setting like ours does, just set it and wait. Otherwise, you'll have to do the same song and dance as regular microwave popcorn (set it for 5 minutes and wait until the popping sound slows).

Perfectly popped!

If you like it buttery, spritz a little of this magic right into the bag.

The benefits: cheaper, healthier, no yucky microwave popcorn smell, and it's fun!

put a fork in it

2011-08-05T08:58:00.000-04:00

I made a small batch of fork ladies from Kima's tutorial in the Summer issue (subscribe here for just $3.99).

I loved winding the yarn to make their bouffants. This would be a fun project to do with your little girl...you could even put on a puppet show with them when you've made up a few.

I found bamboo forks (100 for $6.50) here.

Complete instructions for this project can be found in the Summer issue of Inspired Ideas magazine (subscribe here for just $3.99).

Have fun!

fields of flowers

2011-08-04T20:33:00.000-04:00

Today, Alfredo and I went with Pam to Fields of Flowers, a local pick-your-own flower farm. And, boy, did we have fun! It was a beautiful day...

And look at the pretty flowers that went home with us...

journal cheat

2011-08-04T10:21:00.000-04:00

I have a paralyzing fear of the blank page that has prevented me from jumping on the journal bandwagon. The other day, Pam and I had an idea for a journal that would help jump-start me into recording my thoughts and plans on the written page...

The Jump Start Journal...

I used Pam's Doodle Bundle to make pre-doodled journal pages to print out. I loaded my printer with an assortment of odd paper that I have leftover...including this really fun kraft paper.

The cover needs some help...I tried using iron-on transfers to decorate the embossed book cover but it didn't really work well...I think I'll keep working on it.

This is an iron-on transfer too...and he worked just fine on the inside cover since it was flat.

I even printed on vellum...

Those are my favorite pages because I can layer all sorts of fun things underneath...and when I start adding junk to the journal, it'll be even more fun.

I used a standard office-style 3-hole punch, adjusting the punch to be set up for the 8.5" long side.

Here are some more of the fun pages...

And now the moment of truth...will I be able to journal in these pages? We'll see.

If you'd like the Summer doodle bundle yourself, click here. And as a special gift, we're adding in the pdf with the doodled pages I just made up for my doodle journal.

be my friend...

2011-08-03T10:27:00.003-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, as I waited for the air conditioning repairman to arrive, I worked quietly on the sweet project Kristen contributed to the Summer issue (you've got to get it!)

I made 6 of her friendship bracelets so far and I'm itching to make more. They are so much fun to make! I'm thinking of making a whole bunch and giving them to friends when I see them.

I made the first 3 with leather cording, as Kristen directed, and seam binding...

Aren't they fun?
These are totally my "I'm learning how to do it" 3.

And then I ran out of leather.

I searched my stuff for something that could be substituted...after trying a few things that didn't work (like twine)...I came upon a package of lovely pink corset binding. Who knows how long I've had it, afraid to use it, or even where it came from but I decided to use it. I need to do that more often because my accumulation of craft supplies is out of control. I also tried using vintage velvet ribbon. I love how it looks at the end but since you don't really see so much of it, it was kind of a waste of something so valuable.

And then I found the sweetest, tiniest rhinestone buckles to use as slides for the bracelets. And oh my stars, they look so sweet! I think I found them on etsy a while ago...they are made for wedding invitation embellishments. Look for real metal ones instead of the el-cheapo plastic ones for this project.

So, look how sweet..

Maybe you can see that I'm still perfecting the technique...I'm almost there. And I can't wait to make more.

If you want to see exactly how to make your own, subscribe to the Summer issue and look for Kristen's awesome project.

window bijoux

2011-08-02T11:31:00.000-04:00

Here's one of the projects that I share in the Summer issue of Inspired Ideas. (Subscribe here)

I've always loved putting things I love in my kitchen window. When I was a little girl, my mother's window above her kitchen sink was lined up with small colored glass bottles. The effect of the sun shining through the glass and bouncing color over the room was simply magical. That idea was an inspiration for these mini-chandeliers. I really went over the top using my prettiest glass and plastic beads...it is such a fun project.

To make a few yourself, grab all your prettiest beads, jello molds, and subscribe to the summer issue for complete instructions. I can't wait to see how yours turn out!

doodle all day

2011-08-01T09:00:00.002-04:00

My sweet friend Pam Keravuori, who has always been a huge part of making the Inspired Ideas issues, just added another cap. She's now my official doodler extraordinaire.

She's really much more than a doodler...she's a real artist who once upon a time had gallery shows the world over. So when she offered to draw some things for this issue of the magazine, I was really excited to see what she'd come up with.

One of the first things she drew for me was an extraordinary colorful pennant banner...I can't tell you how excited I was to see it. And every single day, it seems, she'd send over something new...each thing as lovely as the next. I love the birds and village houses. And the hot air balloon with little Alfredo aboard? How sweet is that?!

We had this idea that perhaps you would like to have such sweet doodles in your personal graphics library as well. You could use them to jazz up your personal correspondence. Can you imagine how sweet the borders would be as package labels? Or print out a full page and pen an old fashioned letter to a friend.

And you could use them digitally as well in your personal blog design. The frames would really dress up your photos, wouldn't they? And you could use the doodles to create sidebar buttons, a new blog banner, and page borders.

Later this week, Pam and I are hoping to get together to make a project we dreamed up using the doodles. I just know you'll be inspired by it.

Click below to buy the doodle bundle which includes 22 hand drawn, perfectly charming doodles by my friend Pam Keravuori. (for personal use only) $29.99

phew!

2011-07-29T18:16:00.001-04:00

Click here to subscribe to the Summer issue.

So we're about to go out for a little bit of a celebration dinner but before we do, I want to tell you some more about this issue...

First of all, it is my favorite. It really is...the projects, the colors, the doodles (thanks to Pam!) I just love it so much.

Secondly, it's still not viewable on an iPad but we're working on it. I know it's important to you but we just haven't found a good solution yet for making it viewable for all you fancy iPad users.

And how about some details about the projects...
The guest list of contributors includes Tracey Fisher, Pam Garrison, Jone Hallmark and Charlotte Lyons, all return contributors. Megan Hunt, Kima Casas Bo, Lynda Kanase, Kristen Randall and Linda Warlyn are all new contributors to the magazine. They all made such lovely projects and I can't wait for you to see.

I made 4 projects myself, including a really fun hot air balloon mobile with tiny hot air balloons and even tinier passengers! I hope you'll like the projects I shared too.

I really hope you'll feel inspired as you flip through the pages. Maybe you'll feel inspired enough to start right away making something this weekend! I know this time of year can be super busy but I do hope you'll take the time for yourself to read the magazine, get inspired, and make something!

And now there's a margarita calling my name...
(and also a little 4-year-old)

are you ready?

2011-07-29T16:51:00.001-04:00

Click here to subscribe to the

Summer issue of Inspired Ideas

for only $3.99

it's coming...

2011-07-27T15:36:00.000-04:00

If you're wondering where I've been and what I've been doing...

it's putting together this Summer issue.

I can't wait for you to see it...it is the best so far (I say that every time but I swear I mean it every time!) My sweet friend Pam Keravuori has been working like crazy right alongside me and we keep saying to each other just how great it is all looking. Great projects, super photos, and the sweetest doodles you've ever seen (made by Pam).

So, do you want to know WHEN you can see this incredibly fun Summer issue?

Friday is the day.

Meanwhile, it's back to work for me. Meet you back here in a couple of days.

guess what!

2011-07-13T11:36:00.002-04:00

Not only will I be attending The Creative Connection...

I'm going to be a panelist on the Self Publishing Panel!

If you've entertained the thought of creating your own publication, either print or online, this panel discussion is perfect for you.

And guess what? There's more! I'm also going to be an expert for the Pitch Slam for writing for a magazine. At the Pitch Slam, you present your idea to magazine editors for their consideration. Isn't that an amazing opportunity? I'm so honored to be a part of it.

I have to admit, I'm more than a little bit nervous about all of this. It's a bit out of my comfort zone. But I am really excited to share what I know about self-publishing, alongside the other experts, with you.

And I'm really excited about the whole event...there is so much amazing stuff going on. It'll be like a carnival for creatives like us. Check it all out here and you'll get lost in the fun of it all.

I hope to see you there!

summertime

2011-07-08T20:57:00.000-04:00

Above is a sneak peek at a project from the Summer issue of Inspired Ideas, due out later this month.

Late July is a bit late to put out a Summertime issue but that Birthday issue being so big and taking so long to put together sort of put a kink in the schedule. We really should've spent that time putting together the Summertime issue. Or maybe that special Birthday issue should've replaced the Summertime one. Hopefully by the time it comes out you'll still have a hankering for Summertime crafting fun and inspiration.

I hope you're enjoying your summer! I'll check back in soon.

more birthday shadowboxes!

2011-07-01T16:41:00.000-04:00

Fabulous shadowbox made by Viv for Marlene.

Love it...especially love the china doll with the party hat. So sweet.

Michele made this fun little party in a shadowbox!

Danee made this beautiful shadowbox

(and even included details of how it's put together on her blog here!)

I hate to do this but okay...

now for a bit of housekeeping. Swap Nice! If you signed up for the swap and are late in sending it out, can you please, please, please email your partner? I'm not going to lecture you...just wanted to remind you. Another reminder (not lecture): If you received your package, please let your partner know.

birthday treasury swaps

2011-06-28T08:56:00.001-04:00

Some of the Birthday Treasury shadowboxes from the swap are popping up on blogs and they are breathtaking...

Look at this fabulous shadowbox Debbi made for Heather of Speckled Egg...

Complete with hinged soldered glass doors. OMG...isn't it wonderful?

So many wonderful details!

Lynn created this masterpiece for her partner, Kristine. I love the tiny sewing machine!

Kate made this fun steampunkish creation...I love the little mirrors behind the horses...and the woman peering through the binoculars!

And Amanda created this fanciful shadowbox for her partner, Susan...so sweet! That bunny is adorable.

I can't wait to see more of these fun treasuries!

(Swappers, email me your photos (or a link to your blog) and I'll share them here. amy @ inspire co . com)

summer vacation

2011-06-27T12:12:00.002-04:00

We just got back from the best vacation ever at a mountain lake in Maryland (Deep Creek Lake)

I love this picture of our niece Kylie at Muddy Falls. Doesn't she look like a fairy?

One afternoon we went on a canoe ride. So much fun! Although I was so worried about it tipping and all of us falling out that I could hardly relax to enjoy it.

These two sure had a good time. (Isn't that face adorable?)

Alfredo talks ALL THE TIME. Mostly these days he's talking about being a dinosaur super hero and learning Kung Fu so that he can be a Kung Fu warrior. I love this picture of Alfredo talking Rich's ear off.

The whole family went out on a pontoon boat one afternoon and we had a great time tubing. Just look at my daredevil husband.

This is how I spent most of the boat ride. Alfredo started looking super sleepy as we pulled out and, before I knew it, the waves rocked him gently to sleep. I love holding him when he sleeps...it's the closest we come these days to him being a baby.

I have to tell you a story about my brush with the law because it's a story I know you'll "get". When we were at the falls surrounded by towering 300 year old hemlocks and a blanket of moss covering everything I was so inspired to make a terrarium. I confess that I knew it was wrong to take elements from a state park. I just thought I would take a tiny bit of moss and maybe one little fern. For a terrarium, you know? I'm not a rule breaker usually but the temptation to make a sweet little microcosm was overwhelming. And if I'm going to break a law, it would probably be for a craft.

So picture me guiltily crouched over an expanse of beautiful green moss, carefully but quickly extracting about 4 square inches of the miles of moss all around, when a shadow appears over me. You guessed it...a park ranger! "Excuse me, ma'am, but what you are doing there is against the law. I'm going to have to ask you to put that back where you found it and I'm going to have to watch you do it." Snap!

See what happens when I even try to break the law?

(and now I will brace myself for a lecture or two about the importance of leaving nature for everyone to enjoy...but I swear, it was a piece of moss 2 inches by 2 inches!)

Our little gymnist

2011-06-16T09:46:00.001-04:00

Last week was Alfredo's big show at the Little Gym.

Ta-Dah!

a visit to the farmer's market

2011-06-15T09:45:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we visited a farmer's market close by and had a great time picking out fresh fruits. Alfredo is such a charmer and chatted everyone up, saying funny things like "I will like peas much more now that I'm so big!" And there was one stand with homemade chips and salsa. Alfredo really took a liking to them and declared loudly "I love these chips so much that I can't stop eating them!" Suddenly there was a line for them and I told the person that I'd be happy to hire him out on slow days.

Is your mouth watering yet?

I bought this cherry pitter from Target and Alfredo loves it. It was a mess trying to get him to spit out the pit...this is much better. And a lot of fun to operate!

And how could I not get the peas after Alfredo's declaration? Aren't they lovely?

We also bought some sugar snap peas. I think Alfredo was responding to the "sugar" part of the name...he was a little surprised by the taste. Rich didn't seem to be a fan either...at least not raw. I'll need to find a recipe for cooking them. Do you have one?

Hope you have a SWEET day!

in hard copy!

2011-06-09T16:08:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in buying a hard copy of the Happy Birthday issue, they are now available here.

It is expensive...a splurge for sure at $55.

And a reminder that the Spring issue is also available in hard copy here.

Another spurge at $38.70.

Maybe your ship just came in...

And, as always, the magazines are available for viewing online for a much more affordable $3.30.

(Maybe you could do some creative mathematics and average the two and then divide by all of the dozens of projects and maybe you'll find adequate justification for such a splurge.)

It's all about ME

2011-06-09T10:08:00.004-04:00

Mary Engelbreit that is...

Come on in!

It's Mary's Party!

It was like walking into a dream. First we toured the studio and there is something wonderful tucked in every nook...just take a look and see for yourself...

Below is a candid shot of Barbara Martin. She did a wonderful job putting this whole weekend together for us.

I love this idea above! They painted a wall with brightly colored magnetic paint and then used really strong magnets to hold up Mary's art. I'm thinking this would be a fun thing to do along a hallway in our house and cover the wall with Alfredo's artwork.

This sofa is in the kitchen. I would like to live on it.

It was so much fun crafting with sweet Charlotte again.

And Kathy, seen here peeking behind my new friend Cindy, is such a generous and kind natural teacher. You wouldn't have believed the masses of materials she freely shared. And she is just so sweet.

We all made hats for the birthday party at the end of each day and Linda Warlyn's hat was everyone's favorite. It was a cake that pops open, Ann Estelle pops out, and a song plays. So much fun!

Here's the birthday girl herself.

I'll have to show you all that I made. Maybe I can do that tomorrow. Oh, it was so much fun. I can't wait for the next one. If you love Mary as much as I do, you just have to come too. Meet me in St. Louis, Louis!

_____________
All photos are by my new friend Lucy Cornell. I was so paralyzed by cuteness that I didn't even take my camera out.

good things/small packages

2011-06-03T07:50:00.000-04:00

I made a little gift for my traveling partner and friend, Pam. (I hope she's too busy packing to check my blog!) I used one of the tins Michael's sells at their checkout stands for gift card packaging. It seems small but just check out how much I was able to cram in...

And there's a layer of photos and papers underneath too.

In addition to tiny little figures and charms, I included a small vial of glue and toothpicks, a tiny spool of vintage silk thread, a bit of lovely vintage lace, and a few of the tiniest colored pencils you've ever seen.

See? Good things do come in small packages.

packed

2011-06-02T16:58:00.004-04:00

Remember when I said I wanted to outfit a crafting suitcase?

I chose this wooden case because, even though it was in pretty good shape, the outside had begun peeling a bit.

I gutted the inside (which was actually pretty easy since the lining was a bit dry-rotted.

I had this really fun fabric with desserts and the days of the week...love it so much! I thought it would make a great new covering for the case. I cut the squares out and individually mod-podged them on, patchwork-style. It was a lot easier than dealing with large sections of fabric that can easily get air bubbles trapped underneath. I still have some air bubbles but not as many as I would if I'd used bigger pieces.

You can't really see it but I embroidered some of the squares and added embellishments. (I was going to use this fabric for another project that I ditched)

I lined the inside with pages from an old dictionary.

But before I put in the pages, I glued a cookie sheet to the back of the interior of the suitcase top. I glued super strong magnets to the backs of circle bead organizers...

And then filled them with all sorts of buttons and jewels and bits and bobs. (Oh, and I used red linen bookbinding tape to finish up the edges of the interior.)

The circle bead organizers came in these clear plastic boxes that made perfect trays for papers and stuff that was too big to fit in the circles.

So here I am, all packed and ready for my trip to St. Louis!

hat making

2011-05-31T18:25:00.000-04:00

When I was little, our school had an "Easter Parade" each year. Everyone made their own hat. The best was chosen, only one from all the grades in lower elementary, and the winner won free ice cream for a whole week! When you are 7 years old, that is like winning the lottery. At least it was in 1978. Maybe things have changed a bit.

Anyway, each year, I began planning my hat weeks in advance. My father would help me and together we would make the most incredible hats you've ever seen. I remember one in particular that started with a paper plate and finished up the most extravagant, beautiful hat you can imagine complete with a huge pink ostrich feather. It has always seemed like such an injustice that I never won the hat day prize. Not once.

So when I set about making a hat for Mary Engelbreit's birthday party this weekend, I tapped into my inner 7-year-old-self and created something of a masterpiece, worthy of a week of free ice cream for sure...

On Monday I'll have a Nutty Buddy...On Tuesday I'll have an Ice Cream Sandwich...On Wednesday I'll have an Orange Push-Up...

swap sign up closes today

2011-05-31T09:07:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to remind you that the Birthday Treasury Shadowbox swap sign up closes today.

Sign up here.

~~I have one more swapper to match up whose style is "Rich, jewels, gypsy, velvet". Sound interesting to you? Sign up and I'll match you up.~~

p.s. All but one swapper has been matched up to a partner...if you haven't received a note from either me or your swapper, please let me know.

party shoes

2011-05-26T11:07:00.000-04:00

Embellished Shoes
from The Happy Birthday Issue

I finished only one of these shoes as a project for the birthday issue so I think I'll work on the other one and take them with me to St. Louis for Mary's big birthday crafting workshops next weekend.

To make your own, simply take a pair of fresh espadrilles and draw your design on them with Sharpie markers (see right shoe in photo) Mirror the same design on the other shoe (otherwise it might look like you're wearing two different shoes). Next start stitching! Use a narrow but strong needle. And I like to use button/carpet thread for sewing on the beads and sequins because it's extra durable.

The plain white espadrilles I used for this project are from Old Navy but are only available now in limited quantities and red stripes.

Jill, you win!

2011-05-25T09:41:00.000-04:00

Congratulations, Jill!

You won the beautiful prize ribbon!

House 8810

2011-05-24T09:21:00.000-04:00

The other day Alfredo cuddled up to me on the sofa while I was stitching and declared "I want to stitch too!" I quickly put together a project for him to work on...With a fat Sharpie, I drew a quick picture of a house on a hill onto plain muslin fabric and put it in an embroidery hoop. I gave him a giant rather dull tapestry needle and threaded it with all 6 strands of embroidery floss. I knotted the ends together to make it easier for him (he couldn't pull the thread out of the needle if he tugged too hard). Unfortunately, I can't find the project now (it's hidden deep in his treasures somewhere!) But he did a great job and had so much fun stitching along with me.

It got me thinking about old fashioned lace cards and what a fun quiet craft they are...

And then I found these...

Aren't the wonderful? It would be fun to find some ready-made ones like these for a car trip or quiet time. But wouldn't it be fun to make your own? And wouldn't it be extra fun to take cool vintage illustrations and transfer them to fabric to make a step-up-from-lace-cards craft for kids.

So I found those cards at House 8810, a super cool online store. And just look what else I found...

Cool printed twill tape.

This fun rebus book, perfect for little ones who want to learn to read.

Gnome salt & peppers (my sister Jessica would love these!)

prize ribbon giveaway

2011-05-23T09:04:00.000-04:00

My friend Tracey Fisher shows us how to make this fun layered prize ribbon in the Happy Birthday Issue of Inspired Ideas. It's a super tutorial that shows how to make each layer, including the embroidered covered button!

And guess what...Tracey's generosity continues!

She's giving away this fabulous prize ribbon!

To enter, leave a comment here. Contest ends on Wednesday, May 25 at 9:00 AM EST. Winner will be selected randomly by comment number using the true random number generator (www.random.org)

Good luck!

And be sure to visit Tracey's etsy shop and brand new blog.

shadowbox inspirations...

2011-05-20T17:20:00.003-04:00

Did you sign up for the Birthday Treasury Shadowbox swap? Or, thinking about making a shadowbox of your own?

I love this shadowbox from One Lucky Day
...so inspiring! (click the link for fabulous details about this project)

Here's a list to get you inspired:

Search the scrapbook aisle for fun papers and stuff to decorate the box
Look to sites like Papier Valise and Speckled Egg for unusual materials
Enlarge a photo to the full size of the shadowbox and then cut it to fit in the boxes
Use cabinet knobs, spools, game pieces, etc for feet
Make or find miniature cakes, cupcakes, candies, etc.
Use vintage dollhouse miniatures or make your own
Add a pennant banner or garland for dimension
Use jewelry bits to add sparkle
Charms are great miniatures
Add a party hat to photos, cake picks, and figures
Use children's book illustrations or paper dolls
Use Polly Pocket and other tiny doll toys
How about a tiny jar of sprinkles?
Use super tiny model railroad figures!
Background, foreground and even middle-ground...use it all to give your shadowbox real dimension
Mix scale within the shadowbox...a doll shoe is giant beside a n-scale railroad worker!
Vintage Cracker Jack toys, Barbie doll shoes & clothes,
Think of the shadowbox as a 3-D art journal and include the same things you would there
You can hang things from tops of the boxes, too!

I love this shadowbox so much

(made by Dottie Angel)

And look at this fabulous shadowbox scrapbook

found on Maya Road's design team blog:

And this fabulous shadowbox made by Katie Watson:

Don't you feel inspired?

Comment with more inspiration if you'd like!

and we have a winner!

2011-05-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

Four winners, actually!

Congratulations to

Marlene,

Lynne (Hoffman),

SueSueB,

& Deborah

craft suitcase

2011-05-19T09:33:00.000-04:00

So here's what I'm thinking about...I would love to take one of the small vintage suitcases I have and make it into an organized craft suitcase. I did a little search and found some inspiration.

from Marie Claire Boutique

from BHG

from Moje Zielone Wzgórze

Doesn't that look like fun? I'll let you know how it goes...

gifts from the garden

2011-05-18T17:22:00.001-04:00

I'm not a gardener. Not at all. But each Spring I get these fabulous gifts from the garden. The peonies were a bit beat up this year by all this heavy rain we've had. Some of these sweet beauties' branches were broken and they were hanging sadly. Others, heavy with rain, were dragging the ground. But can you believe their loveliness? I love them so much.

And these dainty little roses smell so amazing you wouldn't believe it. Peppery and light and wonderful.

Lots of fun friends are signing up for the swap. I hope you will too. I'm doing my best to match partners up.

And I'm so happy so many of you are buying the magazine. I'm really proud of it and I'm so pleased to share it with you. If you bought it, and you love it, will you help me spread the word?

Lastly, I've had a few questions asked many times and thought it would be a good idea to post the answers here too.

Each of the projects is available as a separate downloadable and printable pdf making it much easier to print out instructions and templates/patterns. The links for these downloadable/printable pdfs are listed in the index at the end of the magazine.

The other question is regarding a print copy of the magazine. It will be available but, due mainly to the size of this issue, it will be expensive. Look for details about the print edition here in the next few weeks.

Also I wanted to say that even though the theme of this issue is birthdays, the projects presented can be adapted for use in any celebration.

Birthday Treasury giveaway!

2011-05-17T09:42:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited about the Birthday Treasury Swap! So many really wonderful friends have signed up and I've already started pairing them up.

Tim Holtz's Configurations boxes come like this. (I used the 6.75" x 8.75" size for the Birthday Treasury project featured in the Happy Birthday issue. Swappers can use any size.)

All of the boxes are separate so it's super easy to decorate and arrange the shadowbox.

When creating my Birthday Treasury project, I primed all of the pieces with gesso and then painted the "frame" with a wash of blue paint. I lined the inside backs of all the small boxes with papers cut to fit. I cut more papers than I needed in an assortment of patterns and colors and "auditioned them" as my friend Charlotte says. This is a very good way to start designing the shadowbox. It helps it feel less like a blank slate.

What's really fun about these Configurations boxes is that you can arrange the boxes however you like them. It's sort of like a jigsaw puzzle...but one with dozens of configurations.

Even if you're not signing up for the swap, I know you'll love playing with these shadowboxes. And the fabulous & generous Tim Holtz sent us some to share with you.

Leave a comment here with a special birthday-ish idea for the shadowbox and you will be entered to win one of four Configurations boxes. Drawing will be held Friday, May 20.

(There will be 4 winners, each winning one Configurations box. The sizes available are 1 small square (5.5" x 5.5"), 1 medium rectangle like the one I used for the Birthday Treasury project (6.75" x 8.75"), 1 long rectangle (5.75" x 10.75"), and one super big one (8.75" x 10.75"))

Good luck! And a special thank you to Tim Holtz for this fun giveaway!

Birthday Treasury Swap!

2011-05-13T14:22:00.000-04:00

This Birthday Treasury Shadowbox is a project in the current issue of Inspired Ideas. I had sO mUcH fun making it! So much, in fact, that I want you to make one too. And share it! What do you say to a birthday treasury swap! Won't that be fabulous?

You in?

I created a fun and quick questionnaire for you to fill out so that I can pair you with the best possible match, someone who likes the same sort of stuff you do and who will absolutely love the shadowbox you create for her. Isn't that the best kind of swap?

Get all the details and sign up here.

p.s. Two things: 1. I made the Birthday Treasury project part of the free preview of the magazine. So even if you don't buy the magazine, you can see the project and get inspired. (Okay, really? You should buy the magazine...it is completely packed with great projects from really fabulous artists. It's just $3.30. I'm just saying...) 2. Watch the blog next week for a giveaway of Tim Holtz Configurations Boxes donated by the man himself. What a sweetie!

Oh I do hope you join the swap! We'll have so much fun. I pinky promise, you will love it.

cue the hallelujah chorus...

2011-05-11T16:29:00.001-04:00

inspired ideas: The Happy Birthday Issue

Online Magazine celebrating the crafty life.

Now available for purchase here for 330 shiny new pennies.

Buy it.

Make something.

Be happy.

--------------------------------------------------------

Some stuff for you to know:
$3.30 buys rights for you to view this magazine online
Not viewable on an ipad (fingers crossed that this will change)
Adobe Flashplayer required (most updated version)
If it doesn't load correctly for you the first time, try reloading it
Upon purchasing you will be redirected to your private link
You should also receive an email with that link. If you don't receive that email, be extra sure to bookmark the link upon redirection. (or just email me and I'll send it to you)

Thank you so much!

close...so close

2011-05-10T15:27:00.001-04:00

We're having some technical difficulties but I'm hoping I'll have an announcement soon about when you can buy this new Inspired Ideas issue...on birthdays!

If you want to be among

the very first to hear about the

next issue's release,

sign up here to get an email.

You wouldn't believe how many hours went into making this issue so let me just say it was a lot. And I'll go out on a limb and say it'll be the biggest issue. Anything bigger would be insane. I mean, 250 pages, including covers? That is right there on the brink of insane.

I'm feeling better today than yesterday. Better yesterday than the day before. And before I know it, I'll be back to feeling all the way better.

Here are the things I'm going to do after this issue is published and I'm back to feeling 100%:

This sampler from Pam Garrison.
A proper pedicure.
Paint a chalkboard wall in my kitchen.
Afternoon tea with my friend.
Make my hat for Mary Engelbreit's birthday party!
Make popsicles.
Plant something with Alfredo.
Conquer Mount St. Laundry

to my mother

2011-05-08T09:47:00.000-04:00

I couldn't have dreamed up a sweeter, more loving, special mother.

"I think my life began with waking up and loving my mother's face."

-- George Eliot

I love you!

Happy Mother's Day!

(Photo taken by Alfredo when he was 2)

the ick in sick

2011-05-06T09:29:00.001-04:00

I see it all over blogdom...nearly every one of us seems to be under the weather these days. I've been fighting this latest bout for nearly two weeks. In between coughing fits and trying to work on the latest issue of the magazine (publication delayed slightly) and napping, I've been reading this delightful book: The Tower, The Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart. (I also read The Matchmaker of Perigord and adored every sweet enticing bit.)

I've been reading it on my Kindle, which I totally adore. It really does feel just like reading a real book with pages. I even caught myself going to turn a paper page the other day. And this beautiful hardback cover makes the impression of reading a real book even more real.

I finally went to the doctor yesterday and am now patiently waiting for the antibiotics to kick in. I am truly so tired of being sick.