Another Cuddles Card

 Here's another card with Cuddles from Ildi Co.

 

Teddy Bear Thanks

 

Here's another card using Ildi Co.'s digital images.  This time I've made a very simple Thank You card using some scraps that I took from my stash.  This is a very quick and easy card to make if you need to whip up a fast card to thank someone.  Or change the greeting to Happy Birthday, Hello, Congratulations - anything you'd like.  Have fun!

Ildi Co. Stamps

I was recently chosen for the Design Team for Ildi Co., a new digital
stamp company.  (You can find the link on my sidebar.)  Here is a card
that I made using one of their stamps (Cuddles-Kuma Goes to the
Beach).  The cardstock is from The Crafter's Workshop and Colorbok.  I
used PrismaColor pencils to color in the image.  How cute is that bear?!

Ildi Co has a limited time offer!  You can purchase all 10 images for $20.00. The savings is $6.50!  Just click on the link on my sidebar.

Meet the newest member of our family!

Her name is Mocha, and she's a 2-month-old Hound/Rottie mix.  We adopted her today from the North Shore Animal League.  She's simply adorable, lovable, and sweet.  Welcome to the family, Mocha!

Journaling Tip #7: Use Your Scraps

Here's a quick journaling tip for you this weekend.  Use your scraps of paper to make journaling boxes/cards.  I remember when I first started scrapbooking, I used to make journaling boxes for my layouts.  Now these are coming back "in style."  Many of the scrapbooking manufacturers are including journaling products in their current lines.  Why not make your own, though?  You know those pieces of paper and cardstock that you have left over from your layouts?  Cut them into rectangles, squares, circles, or whatever shapes you like.  Store them in a handy place, and take them out when you're doing a layout.  It's a great way to use up your scraps, save money, and be creative; and you'll have journaling cards that match your layouts perfectly.

The "I'm So Busy" Excuse

I apologize in advance for this rant, but I really just have to vent a little.  I am getting so tired of the "I'm so busy" excuse.  It seems that lately, hardly anyone seems to have the time to answer my emails, phone messages, cards, and questions.  And I'm not even going to get into the disappearing courtesy of thank-yous.   This happens with relatives, friends, and businesses, and it's really starting to tick me off!  And it's the same excuse over and over:  "Oh, I meant to, but I'm just super busy."  Well, guess what?  I'm super busy too, but I took the time to send you that email or card, or to call you and leave that message, or to buy your product and then have a question about it.

I hear the same kinds of excuses for why people don't scrapbook, or stamp, or take part in whatever hobby they want to pursue.  My answer might seem very simple, but it is the truth.  I make time for the things that are important to me.  I make time for the people who are important to me.  If others can't do the same, then I can't help but feel that they don't want to make time for me in their busy lives and schedules.  These are the people who are being moved to the bottom of my priorities list.  Like I said, I'm busy too, and I make time for the people and things that are important to me.  While my family and friends are still going to be important to me, they aren't going to be on my "to-do" list.

Life has to be a 2-way street, a give-and-take.  When you feel that others aren't giving (and I don't mean monetarily), then it's time to re-prioritize your life.  That's what I'm doing right now.  It's quite liberating and feels like a load has been lifted off my shoulders.  I think I'm really going to enjoy the rest of my summer.  I hope you do too.  Happy scrapping and stamping!