Time the Enemy of Passion

All my grand plans for Christmas crafting have been thwarted. All the clearance priced dies and stamps I’d waited patiently for those prices for, and have been longing to use, sit unopened on my desk. Time chose to be my enemy. Taunting me with promises of soon, only to present another barrier. The bits of downtime were necessary as truly DOWN time, not creative time. Beginning just before ThanksGiving, dad’s hospitalization, nursing home move, my business push, concert performances, finals, out of town workshop, … all took priority. The “needs” of life, pushing out the good, enjoyment of life. Yes…. Continue reading

The King is Come!

This morning the tears are freely flowing. I guess that’s something to rejoice in. It’s an expression. So much in my heart. So much in my thoughts. Always. But the expressions are still slow coming. That’s been the hardest part of recovery /rebuilding for this singer/author/creative. To you, this is just a random “post”. To me, this is an expression of the depths. It is heart and soul. Each year I do a Christmas Carol Countdown on social media, sharing some of my favorite renditions of favorite Christmas songs—old and new. This morning’s is a true mix of very old… Continue reading

Happy Holidays?

Holidays after divorce or separation can be hard to navigate, especially that first year. Even if it’s decided where the kids are going to be, there is so much more that goes into it—especially emotionally. Perhaps you are sad that you won’t be all together, doing the things you always do. Perhaps you are relieved that he’s not there sabotaging things and causing more stress. Perhaps your emotions are a mixed bag. If it’s your first year apart, and everything is still fresh and raw, and your young children are with him, not at home with you—or if you have… Continue reading

Card Shower

Kind of. I’m showering you with pictures of the cards I’ve made over the last 3 months. Because I noticed I haven’t posted any since July! 😲 But August and September are “light” months for me, so this is only a shower, not a flood. 😀 Even though card making isn’t my favorite papercraft, I do enjoy it. And I have a large family, so it keeps me busy—especially in keeping the creative juices flowing. As I never mass make. Every one is a unique, one-of-a-kind creation, even when there are some similarities. Some are more simple. Some more elaborate…. Continue reading

Fabric Journal Cover Tutorial

Let’s get this out of the way before we start here. No, this isn’t a fabric cover that you put over a pre-made journal you have. This tutorial is for making a fabric cover for your hand-crafted eclectic artisan (or “junk”) journal, you’ll be making inside of it. As someone who loves the feel and patterns of fabric, (even more than of paper,) fabric covered journals are my faves! And, if you know me much, you know purple is my favorite color. Add one of my favorite “mottos” and you’ve got a perfect cover for a hand-crafted eclectic artisan journal!… Continue reading