MemoBoard

I love creating in a variety of materials. When my local scrapbook store offered this class, I was immediately on board. It started off as a solid write on/wipe off surface but we changed it to this design. Now I can post my 6 week goals to the cork board and write an inspirational saying or quote on the write on part. This looks fabulous on the wall beside my desk. The picture doesn't show it off but the paper is highlighted with Stickles glitter. I enjoy playing with the metal work. I haven't tried it yet but I'll bet the Stampin' Up embossing folders would be great with the metal. You have to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things and different techniques occasionally. It inspires fresh creativity.

One Card 2 ways

Well let's see, exactly one month since my last post. Not exactly on my New Year's goal list. I was trying for twice a week minimum and then I got the flu. After that the rest of the month was toast. I have made some progress on my organization and sorting. The paper shelf unit is in my art room now and receiving it's final coat of paint. I figure about 8 more hours of painting as it's not easy to paint 80 small shelves inside. I had to take a break as my wrist was complaining. Last thing I need is to see the orthopedic doctor for carpal tunnel. I've cleared out a few more items. Started to keep my desk and cutting table clean every night and got my Cards for the Troops items ready for making kits for my Feb. 13th event. These 2 cards were quick and easy. A simple sketch shown two different ways. I made the red one for a local demo swap and the pink one for my January club. I used 100% Stampin' Up products on them. Stamp sets: Whimsical Words (Sale*a*bration) and Well Scripted. Sending Love Specialty DSP. Cardstock: Real Red and Pretty in Pink. Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. Scallop Trim Border Punch (Sale*a*bration), Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die, Full Heart punch and paper crimper.

Art Room Part 3

This is the back of the entrance door. I placed least used tools and items here. The door is rarely closed. Usually up against the wall behind the door is where I tuck the display board for the Cards for Troops events.

Here is the very narrow space in front of the desk. 2 of the iris drawer units sit here. You can see the one in front of the desk and the edge of the one by the door. My trolley cart is also sitting there. It will move closer to my desk as I get more organized. It houses most reached for items.

This is the wall opposite the desk next to the entry door. The cart you see will be leaving the room and most likely end up on craigs list for sale. There is a second one in the garage. This is the space where the paper organizer will go. Everything has been measured and remeasured to make sure it will fit. This is the floor and corner by the closet across from the desk. There is a book shelf hiding behind all this stuff under the window with art books and magazines on it. The 3rd metal shelving unit here houses most of my 20+ year collection of rubber stamps. The unmounteds and my Stampin' Up stamps are in other units outside of this room. All the junk on the floor is awaiting shorting and either a new location or out the door for good. This is the junk on the floor in front of the rolling cart that's leaving. The cart and this stuff is more items that need sorted and either given a new home or it's out the door. More pictures in a day or two. This has been a lot of work so far. But I am seeing great progress to making this a room to hide out and create in.

Art Room Part 2

This is the current view of the desk piled high with stuff that needs a home. I couldn't resist the fluffy ribbon board from a craft vendor. The blue wall unit I got on clearance at the BX for $10 and houses some of my favorite oriental stamps. The small 2ft wide bookcase is perfect for often reached for items. It is just so much fun to live in semi organized, completely disarrayed chaos. LOL!

This is the shelving unit you saw in the first post. It was flipped to the opposite wall from it's original position. The items on the third shelf down will be moved to make space for more often reached for items. One of the iris drawer units sits behind my chair and a stack of hat boxes that hold the majority of my ribbons. Here is how I utilized the closet. I already owned all these drawers and figured this was the best new location for them and best use of the closet space. Here you can see that I have sorted all the drawers and labeled them and there are 12 empty ones now awaiting new supplies. All 3 iris drawer units have been sorted and labeled too and 2 of those drawers are empty also. I labeled a lot of things previously but as interests change it was necessary to re-evaluate and resort some items. I have one big box of unloved supplies ready for a new home and a thrift shop bag started so far. Slow and steady.

Art Room Part 1

This is the beginnings of my new art room after my oldest son moved out nearly a year ago. You will see as the photos progress that hubby is not a patient man and most of my stuff got shoved in the room. Although you will see piles all over the house awaiting sorting. This room is 11 x11, it is the smallest bedroom in the house. It received a fresh coat of paint and then I started to add shelving about 8 months ago, one payday at a time.

Picture one shows the fresh paint and the first set of shelves by the closet door. Remember the paper organizer? Here it is in the garage half painted. A lot of work but it's looking a whole lot better. Here is the entrance to the room today. My big desk has been moved in, along with a whole lot of art supplies that need sorting. There are now 3 big steel shelving units, a taller skinny shelving unit, 2 smaller bookcases, my triple set of black iris drawers, my rolling trolley and a couple of other assorted pieces. All overflowing. The sorting has begun in earnest. This is the view as you turn right upon entering. The big shelving unit is nearly organized. The middle 2 shelves need a bit of clean-up from moving everything around for about the 3rd time but house the supplies and materials for the Cards for the Troops events I host. It was essential to create a spot just for these supplies.

Back up and running

Well I would like to say I have some awesome things to post but unfortunately right after my last entry my computer took ill with a virus or two. My son the computer wizard was able to save my pictures and files but the rest of the computer had to be wiped. I am now trying to get used to several newer programs and reorganize my computer. It's amazing how convoluted these companies can make a perfectly good program by upgrading it, LOL! They just couldn't leave all the "buttons" in the same place now I have to hunt for them. Also after much consideration and since I have a new paper shelf, I am reorganizing the art room. It's getting a major purge. If I don't think it's useful or beneficial, it will need to find a new home. Hopefully I'll have pictures soon of the remodel. My goal is to be able to go in, shut the door and create undisturbed for short periods of time. This picture is the before shot of the paper shelf. It is in the middle of being repainted. My daughter found this on Craigslist for $50. It's solid wood, almost 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide and has 80 paper slots for 8 1/2 by 11 paper. Just perfect for all 48 Stampin' Up cardstock color families plus a few more.

Serene Snowflake case

I am sometimes pressed for time when designing for club. Last month at our local demo meeting card samples were shared from Wichita Regionals. The card on the bottom is from that regional event (if this is your swap card, let me know so I can add proper credit). The card on the top is my version for club. Since I had my Christmas cocoa Specialty paper bulk pack handy, I turned the card red for club. I also wanted to show off the flocked paper. Supplies: Whisper white cardstock, Real red cardstock, ribbon and ink, Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP, Serene Snowflakes and A Cardinal Christmas stamp sets. All supplies Stampin' Up except rhinestone center. A big thank-you to the original designer for an elegant, quick and easy card.