Gifts for the Non-scrapper

Hello Peeps....
It's been a while....I'm frantically trying to secure the building I showed in an earlier post but the costs aren't working out. Even though I like the spot because of convenience, I'm finding I can get a much nicer place for less moola. So, I haven't abandoned that idea but if they won't negotiate a better price per square footage then I think I have another place that I really like. More on that in the future.

I have found that when I give "finished" scrapbooks to my friends and family who are non-crafters, the books stay empty. It's easier to put pictures in regular albums for those people. This year, I tried something a little different and I like the results.

I purchased a regular photo album and embellished it. It was so simple, why didn't I think of this sooner???? You can find these albums everywhere, even the Dollar Store.

I actually liked leaving the edge of the book showing.

 

I used three sheets of paper from My Mind's Eye Designer paper. Lots of texture in this paper pack. I adhered the paper with Wonder Tape.  

The embellie and lace is from my stash. I believe I bought it at Michaels. I used 6000 glue for that as it was a little heavier.

 

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I printed a few quotes and added Distress Ink and adhered them to additional cardstock and placed them throughout the album. I really like putting embellishments on the outside of the photo sleeves, it adds a bit of dimension.

All in all, it took more time to pick out the paper than to put the project together and hopefully it will be more "user friendly" .

Happy New Year Everyone!

LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today I woke up early because I’m not sleeping these days. Lots on my mind.

Last night I was wrapping presents and just broke down. I have been thinking about those precious children that have presents under the tree and can't even imagine how those parents feel knowing that they will never be opened. There are no words that can be said to comfort.

After a few days of hurtful words (my part and others) and basically not feeling so great, I had to finally stop and reflect on what is precious in a world so uncertain. In the scheme of things, what the hell is more important that loving your friends, family and for that matter strangers. For reaching out to care even in the littlest ways. Kindness comes so easily but I think being mean really takes some thinking. You must calculate what will hurt the other person and go for that vulnerability.  

My word for next year is LOVE.  It has so many meanings and I intend to love a lot more.

What are the most important things in life?

My children. I have everything I could ask for in children. They are good kids who love what they are doing and both are pursuing a dream.

My friends.  I have two friends this year who are pursuing happiness that they thought was out of their reach. Those two friends have supported me in my passion to open a store and they never once said don't do it. I love them more than words can say right now. I have met so many strangers this year that became my instant friends. They are beautiful, talented and kind people and I fell in love with them immediately.

My family. Moms, Dads, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Brothers, Sisters, nieces and nephews whom I dearly love and appreciate them in all their craziness.

I have a lot to love and a lot to give and I intend to do just that. All year long and then some.

I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. AND LOTS OF LOVE!

Cheers!

Here's Your Sign.....

Where's Your Store?

So sometimes (most of the time) I do things backwards. I found this awesome store on Etsy called PLAY ON WORDS. Kevin repurposes License Plates into signs, picture frames dust pans among other things and embellishes with barbed wire.  He had the most awesomeness sign "Cowgirl" and it was just my style, so I emailed Kevin and asked if he could make another sign that said "Lazy". Yay me! He said yes.

 

He had the signs to me within a week and they were exactly what I expected. Excellent workmanship. Thank you Kevin. Please visit his shop if you get an opportunity!

 

Onward...... Here's the building I'm trying to lease. It's owned by Placer County (who I work also for, just a different department) and I must say it's been a bit of a headache trying to obtain it.

It doesn't look like much does it? But it's cheap. I think it. They haven't countered my offer yet. It has a large room (perfect workshop) with 2 smaller rooms that will serve as an office and a retail area. A little paint and flooring and my new sign and I'll take the leap. I will certainly be putting lots of money into advertising because it's not the best location.
I'm getting ahead of myself, I need to tell you all about my business plan, my purchases of fixtures, tables, my empty storage unit and of course class ideas and inventory. Whew.
Maybe some of you have noticed on my blog in the upper right hand corner, a area of daily quotes. This was the quote today...... Babe is speaking to me!

Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back.
Babe Ruth

 Thanks for coming along with me on my journey......
Happy Trails,
Kim

 

And away we go....

I'm finally posting. Yeh yeh, it's been a while, but I have a good reason. I woke up on October 29th and said to myself, "Self, What are you waiting for?" Then I said, "F" it, I'm doing this" Sorry, potty mouth. I find myself telling my kids they can do anything they want, they can be anyone they want to be. THEY have the choice. I tell my friends they can accomplish all their goals. Why don’t I give myself permission to do the same???? Why don’t I have the courage?  So.........

I have always wanted to open a little (and I mean little) workshop/studio/retail place. A place where I can teach papercrafting and mixed media. A place where I can bring others in to teach arts, crafts, etc..... So, I'm doing this and I thought I'd chronicle it in hopes of inspiring others to just do it too. Hey.... I may fail, I know that too....But...... At least I tried and if nothing else, I'll have a studio to work in for a year! :)