Boy, Time sure Flies!

Maybe senility has set in, as I turned 60 this last November... seems like I tell myself to post something to the blog and then all of a sudden, it's been several MONTHS!

The good news is that my back problems are gone for now and I've been slowly trying to organize things and get a new workflow going after re-arranging the craft room. The bad news is that I literally created a cave with the new arrangement, so it may be back to packing everything up again and moving furniture around.

The Gelli pad is still waiting to get broken in, and my new electronic cutter machine, the fabulous Silver Bullet has not gone through a complete work-out, but at least I've been using it a little. Also, have been playing with the eBosser, which I really like. I like using my embossing folders with it, then, just to make sure the Vagabond doesn't get too jealous, I cut a slew of paper with my movers and shapers and steel rule dies.

Of all the new gadgets I need to post about and review, my favorite is a drawing board that has little feet to raise the back end up. My Physical Therapist wouldn't let me craft much when I was being treated, but she was happy, happy, happy when I got the drawing board. Now my neck is not bent when I'm working because of the nice incline I work on. It's portable, so I always have the option of taking it off my worktable, but it's also sturdy enough to lay my Vagabond on, when I fold up the legs of the board.

I have been busy, just haven't posted what I've been working on. I will note that Norm of Hanko Designs (www.hankodesigns.com) was happy to learn I DO NOT hoard my washi paper. I do hoard my washi tape for some reason, but I love using washi paper.

One extra note before I sign off...I had the pleasure of attending a class with Els from Elizabeth Crafts and we got to play with her new branded line of glitter and her new dies. She also has sueded paper that is adhesive back and the dies cut through it wonderfully. Looking forward to trying the paper in my Silver Bullet. We learned some tricks to use when using the double sided adhesive and glitter and just had a fun time.

So.. stay tuned... there is a new product that I haven't mentioned yet and I know you are going to be dazzled by it! I just need to finish something to illustrate the wonder of it :)

Til then, happy stamping and inky fingers!

Cathy

Long Time, No Posts

So... it's been a long time since I posted anything at all. I still haven't tried out my new photography equipment, although I did unbox it all and then packed it all back.

I've been having horrible back problems again so card making is almost at a standstill. And I was so busy shopping Black Friday, I didn't even think to post all the great discounts.

I'm currently waiting for the arrival of my Gelli Plates to play with. I've been eyeing them for some time and even pinned it to my Pinterest board. Decided to finally bite the bullet and start making some nice background papers. I love printing out digital papers, but now I'll be able to create some one-of-a-kind papers.

Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and continue to give thanks throughout the year to come for all the good things life throws out at you!

Cathy

Photographing cards

I am a photographer... really. I may not be a National Geographic caliber photographer, but I do put some effort into my photo sessions. But lately, I noticed that I am not taking enough time to take good photos of my finished cards. My setup is geared more to floral arrangements, not the flatness of a card, so.. today I ordered this set up:

Source: amazon.com via Cathy on Pinterest

I don't really need the tripod, but I'm hoping that in conjunction with my own tripod, this will help me take better card photos. We shall see! I was forever in trouble with my professors for not using my tripod, LOL!

Here's hoping I will want to post more photos of cards I have made. Time will tell.

Update on Tim Holtz stamp sets

Tim Holtz lovers rejoice!!!! All the new summer CHA releases for Tim's new stamps are available for sale NOW at the Stampers Anonymous website. These are the cling mount stamps. Wood mounts will not be available until after CHA... how sweet is that??? I guess I won't have as much time to save as I thought, LOL!

Ladies and Gents, get your credit cards out NOW!

Tim Holtz is at it again!!!!

Holey Moley, Peeps! Hope you have been following Tim's blog of all his new products for Summer CHA. He's outdone himself again, the man must never, ever, ever sleep! If you are behind, visit his blog for all the sneak peak posts and you'll be drooling too.

Since the Carson Stamp show is this weekend, I guess I'll have to wait until the November show to get my eyes and hands on the new stuff, but at least I'll have to some to save up!

Have a great inky day everyone!

Cathy

Fun in the Sun

Fun in the Sun is this month's challenge topic for Mike Strong Stamps Yahoo group. This is the first time I have ever attempted a challenge for any group, but I was actually looking through my collection of Mike Strong's stamps when the challenge email posted. Each month Mike sets a challenge topic for us and I have had ideas for most of them, just never got around to actually getting one done. I am lucky to be able to take monthly classes with Mike at my local stamp shop and absolutely adore him.

So.. another first.. I am actually posting a photo of a card! I used stamps from three different sets: Mini Shapes for the sun, Cloisonné Leaves  and Hetti's Coffee Cup. The sentiments are by MFT. I used Gold Flower Soft for the sand. My stamp choices were prompted by the new Online Card Class starting next week.. Stretch Your Stamps.

Hope you enjoy the card!

Cathy

Still in Search of Perfect Storage Solutions

I was cruising around the 'net the other day and stumbled upon this website. I found paper storage, ink pad storage, Copic marker storage AND some shelving options all in one place. Every piece looks well built and sturdy, with display options of either free-standing on a desk, or mounted on the wall. Free shipping in the US!

All units are unfinished, allowing you to paint, stain, or decorate to coordinate with your crafting space. I also liked that there is a standard depth to all the units so they are all stackable with eachother.

I do have one storage unit waiting for  DH to put together, but I am seriously considering trying out a few options from Stamp-n-Storage.