What a week!!!

It has been a GREAT week. Lots and Lots to share. I have been in Utah with my dear dear sister and wonderful family. We also had a family reunion on the fourth that was just soo much fun. Thanks for planning all the games Sue. My kidos had a blast. And thanks to Tom for the rockets. Some of those babies got way high in the clouds.


I guess Im getting older because it was just such a joy to see everyone. I really realized this last week what a truly fabulous family I come from. I knew before, but it was confirmed by a 1000% this trip. At one point we shared memories of my grandpa. I heard some funny stories but he also is such a loved a selfless man. I am honored to call Grandpa Bud my Grandfather.

Here are a few photos from the reunion.



Also I started the BEST EVER series of books. I know everyone has heard of them and I am a little late jumping on the bandwagon of fans, BUT Stephanie Meyers ROCKS. I started Twilight on Tuesday when we started our drive to Utah. I couldn't put it down. Not for very long anyway. Thursday, I was done and headed to Walmart to get the others. I found #2 New moon and couldn't put that one down. I read in the car every time we went somewhere. Even if it was 2 minutes away. I stayed up late with kids just to read. Well I finished #3 on the ride home today. Thank goodness my mom likes to drive ( I fall asleep after driving 45 continuous minutes ). Now I can wait for the next one to be released. And I'm totally for Edward!!! Just an FYI


Monday we went to see WALLE. It was cute but not as good as I expected. Then we headed up to Sugar House Park in SLC. That park hold lots of memories for me. I remember playing the stream, pretending to be on some jungle adventure. Yes a jungle adventure. I was 10 when we moved from SLC to Arizona ok. I still used my imagination. So it was really fun to see my kids play in the same stream, roll down the same hills. I loved it. And the trees. How I miss the trees EVERYWHERE. We drove by our old houses and schools, they look so small to me now. I used to think they were huge. Funny how things look when you are a child compare to when you are an adult.
Then on the way home we stopped at the lot where 2 old school sat. They were so cool. We took tons a pictures.


All in all we had a fabulous trip. I really wasn't ready to come home, but life continues and responsibilities are still there. So back to the real world.

Ill post more pictures tomorrow. There are so many more to share.

INSOMNIA

I think I have a bad case of insomnia lately. I cant sleep. I have too many things swirling around my noggin. 1am passes and I think I'm tired but then 2am passes and still no sleep. So I create a little, read a little until about 3:30am when I can finally drift away to dream land. But then the hubby's alarm goes off at 6:45am and I'm up for the day. Not because I'm wide awake but because I cant fall back asleep. Even though I'm exhausted. Oh I hope this ends soon. But Im getting closer to getting my project done for CIB. Want a peak?



Theres a lot of pieces you cannot see still. But soon. Just a few more days. I'm having fun with this. I will tell you that it is an advent calendar.

I also started a new book. The traveling pants book #2. I like this series. Its a fun read. I looked for twilight yesterday but the store was out. Surprise. They only had #2 and 3. That will be my next book. I ordered it online so I dont have to go out in this awful heat searching.

The other day I went to my friend Annette's house for a swim party. The pool was packed with kids, CRAZY kids. It was fun. Us moms got to sit and chat about women stuff while the kids ate and played. I tell you theres nothing like good friends, fatening food, and laughing kids. It was a good day. Heres some cute photos.


Heres my cutey. Floating away

And all the crazy boys in the deflating crazy wheel. Thanks Annette. It was a fun day.

Also check this out. And Vote for me;)

Later Gators

Thank You

Thank you for all the kind emails and comments. You all have restored my faith in the art world. Which actually wasn't really lost just bruised. So Thank you!

I have some sad news. Miss Katherine Brooks is no longer able to be a part of Creativity in Bloom in September. She has a business trip that is part of her job. We will definitely miss her creativeness. So instead of replacing her, because she is irreplaceable, we have decided to scale things down a little. We will hold 3 classes on Saturday and one mini class on Friday. Heres a sample schedule.

Friday-
5-7pm Opening night. Vendor tables will be up with all kinds of artilicious handmade items for sale and special discounts will be given just to CIB attendees.
7-8:30pm Class with Sandy.

Saturday
10-7pm
Three wonderful classes with Amy Oneil, Jaime Harper, and Me. A delicious catered lunch, fun giveaways, and more incredible discounts.

And since we will be short a class our new cost to you for this wonderful event is only $135. Can you say WHAT A DEAL!!!! And as a bonus, if you sign up by July 1st you will get a monster goodie bag. (To be delivered at sign up).

The spaces are already filling so call to reserve your space. 480-813-2093. There is still a payment plan. 3 payments of $45 each. Must be paid in full by August 25th.


I had a great class tonight. Pattern Mania. It was a speedy, yet mellow class tonight. Great bunch of women though. Thanks ladies. You are awesome.

My next class is a fun wall hanging. Using acrylic and vinyl in fun summery colors. Its July 10th. the cost is $20. Heres a peak. Well more than a peak.




I have some fun projects coming up. They are almost complete. A completly fun canvas. Using an awseome picture I got from a friend of her mom and aunt playing ping pong in their bathing suits with swimming caps. Oh its a great picture. And of course my CIB project.

Peace out for now.

Vent

I need to vent. No major details but just a general vent.

Art is a love of mine. Paper arts to be exact. I have always loved to create for as long as I can remember. So when the opportunity came to incorporate paper arts with business, of course I jumped on it. I love having a retail store and I absolutely LOVE teaching this craft to others. However I was not prepared for those out there who feel its ok to capitalize on others creations and ideas. Ethically its just wrong. I have to admit that when someone takes a project of mine and makes it for themselves or a gift, it flatters me. It feels great to have someone acknowledge your creativity. But again its hard to see someone take your ideas and make money off of them. So heres my plea to all of you, if you see something you like, make it, hang it up on your wall, put it in your album, but give credit where it is due. Dont take it and sell it and market it as your own when someone elses put their heart and time into creating it. OK enough said. Just had to get it out there. Get it off my chest.




Just thought Id leave you with a funny photo. Heres our 3 lazy labs. They were not posed. They actually sleep like this all the time. The little one isnt so little anymore. Hes getting pretty big. Hes crazy and cuddly all at the same time.

I also spent the day watching Camp Rock 3 times with the diva. Love those Jonas Brothers. And the new comer Demi something has a killer voice. All the talented teens are amazing.

Well off to create. I have a few deadlines Im working with. Thanks for reading my vent.

Pattern Mania

Join me this Tuesday night from 6:30-8:30pm for
Pattern Mania



We will create 2 12x12 layouts using patterns you may not typically put together. I will help you get out of the "same line" rut by mixing and matching different lines.
Kits are available at juSt deVinE also.
Class is only $16. I hope to see you there!

Convention and lemonade stands

Thats right. Convention is just around the corner here in Phoenix. September 12th-14th. I will be teaching 3 classes again.

"Theres no place like home"
Friday and Saturday at 3:10pm



"Counting down the days"
Friday and Saturday at 4:30pm
This is a 16 month calendar on a base made by my dear friend Kim.



And "Sweet Banner"
7:30pm




I hope to see you there. Click HERE for more details and to register.


Lemonade Stands

I remember when I was a kid making and selling lemonade. It was my first buisness venture. Well now my darling daughter and her friends have decided that they want to earn some fun money. So my friend JoAnn and I have made cookies, bought candy, and made some lemonade for them to peddle on the street under our big tree. Joanns husband made them this cute little table and Jenna drew the sign. Let me tell you, they racked in the dough. It must be those cute faces. So they ask to go out there about every other day, in the heat, but they always make enough for the ice cream man or a small toy at the store. Im so proud.



A few new items have been added to juSt dEviNe. Be sure to check it out. Enter the coupon code friend to save 10% at check out.

Thanks

Oh my! Thank you all for your support. Your emails and comments have been great. I truly have wonderful friends.

The winner for yesterdays giveaway is
Tina!

Yeah Tina. You can come in anytime next week and pick it up. Thanks to everyone for playing.

Today!!!!!

Today is the day!!!!
but first. The winner of yesterdays giveaway is ....

Michelle Robb!
send me your address and Ill send you your goodies.

As for todays giveaway

Keep posting today. This is the last giveaway.

Now for my reveal. Click here!
or here

We have gone online! Its small to start but I will be adding things ALL the time. I have a big pile to work on today. I will be be doing custom vinyl along with premade ones, project kits, handmade art, fun embellishments, trims, and more. Go check it out HERE!

Todays winner is.....

Debbie Clifton

Congrats Debbie. Ill get it to you soon. Theres 2 more giveaways, one today and one tomorrow so keep posting. Theres still a chance. Tomorrow is the big reveal day. Im working hard to get it ready. Im really excited! Be sure to check it out!

Heres the next giveaway.

Issues

Im having some issues posting any pictures right now so I am going to extend this giveaway until the end of the day. I will announce a winner and new giveaway in the morning. My reveal will still be Friday morning but I will just add a giveaway.

Keep posting comments. You still have a chance to win!

Congrats Cheryl!!!

Cheryl is the winner today!
send me your address and Ill send it right out. Thanks for playing.


Giveaway #3

More of my favorite things. Wings, bingo cards, trim, stickers, and book paper.

Happy posting

And the winner is.....

Kim Caldwell!!!!

Email me your address Kim and Ill send it right out. For giveaway #2


Grunge board, Melissa Frances yummy resins, vinyl cherished, sheet music, ledger paper, and my favorite color of felt. 4 more days until my new venture begins!!

Give Away #1

Sorry for the delay. Blogger did not want me posting today. But I won. So here it is. Those of you that commented in the last post will be entered in todays drawing.




This is an old Highlights magazine from 1963. There are some fun images and articles in there that are perfect for your altered art projects, a my minds eye rubon, a doily, and some vintage trim. One of my favorites by the way. Ill post the winner in the morning along with giveaway #2. Happy Posting!

New Venture

Im starting a new venture here on my blog. It will be up and running within the next few days. Im kinda excited. Just working out the kinks and then it will be ready to roll. Keep your eyes out for it. It will be "juSt dEviNe"




In the meantime I thought it would be fun to do some giveaways. So for the next 5 days, until my reveal, I will be giving away some goodies. Check back tomorrow for the first one. All you have to do is comment and you will be entered.

Until tomorrow

Create

Thats what I want to do. I have tons of bits and pieces running through my head and all I want to do is lock myself up in my room and not come out for a week. And Im thinking that might just happen. NEXT WEEK! why is it that you always feel the creative bug when you CANT just drop everything and create????? At least its that way for me.

I have CIB to work on and Im super excited. Its going to be a "Holiday Edition" I know it may seem early to start thinking about Christmas but I am. And Im super excited. For my class I think I may do an advent calendar using all kinds of vintage goodies from my stash. I have been keeping things hidden away for a while and I think its time to start taking them out and using them. Things like old love letters written back in 1909 and the prettiest green velvet ribbon. Just thinking about it makes me giddy. Once I start working Ill post sneak peaks. Which will be soon. But here is the info on



Creativity In Bloom-Holiday Edition

Grab your friends and come join us at Devine Memories for a fun filled day of creativity, laughter, and friends.
Friday September 5th (6-9pm)-Saturday September 6th (10am-10pm)
Get a jump start on the holidays with classes taught by:


Katherine Brooks
Jamie Harper
Michelle Devine
Amy O'Neil
And Sandy Elcock


-4 classes and one mini class with wonderful Winter Holiday themes!
-Class fee is $185 for all 5 classes-includes:
-Catered Lunch
-A meet and greet with special artist vendor tables
-Goodies galore
-Free goodie bags and prizes
-Special discounts through out the store and more.
-Registration runs June 2nd-August 20th
-Seating is limited
-Payment plan available.
-Call the store today and reserve your space 480-813-2093
-email any questions to dmadmin@devinememories.net

***BONUS*** Sign up by July 1st and save $20. Making this event only $165. WOW!!!

I hope to see you there. Look out in the next couple of days for some sneak peaks.

Just thought I would leave you with what my oldest son has been doing so far this summer. I tell you he amazes me. This is stop motion filming. Which means he takes hundreds of pictures with a digital camera of these transformers in different positions and then edits them all together to make movies. He has made several. Ignore the messy floor. Ive been trying to get him to clean up but he says hes just to busy creating. Hmmmm. Sounds familiar. i wonder where he gets that from. Anyway watch and enjoy.

Even in Crudy lighting

Back a few months ago around Easter time I had been asked to donate a photo session for our school fundraiser. I was really nervous because I am not a professional photographer. I take friends family photos around the holidays and of course submit my kids to daily photo torture. So I was really nervous when Erica Called me up and said she won the session. But I scheduled it and off we went. This summer sun however, was being stubborn and decided to actually start setting 20 minutes later than the night before. Then it took its sweet time to get to a position I felt semi comfortable with. WE ARE TALKING 7:30pm PEOPLE. Yikes!!! Ok so enough for my excuses. They turned out alright beside some with funky lighting. But even some of those were keepers.








They were are cute family. I hope they dont mind thier faces planted all over my blog. I just had to share. You photographers out there dont be too harsh but im always open to tips;)

Peace out all!

Classes for dear old Dad

Round the year
Saturday June 7th bright and early at 9:30am. Class fee is $35. Includes all supplies. We will incorporate wood, old vinyl 45 records, and fun papers from Heidi Swapp and Teresa Collins to make this masculine looking desk calendar. Will make a great gift or just a fun project for yourself.






I have decidied to teach this fun class again. I first taught it back in August of 2006. It seems people still want to take it because we have several ask about it all the time. So just in time for Fathers day I added it to the calendar on June 12 at 6:30pm. The fee is $45 and includes EVERYTHING! except adhesive. That you bring. You will pick out your own papers and paint colors to customize it to your own decor. Also just a note. If you cant make it on June 12th and have 4 people who want to make it with you we can schedule a class just for you. No extra charge still $45 a piece. Just call the store and we will get it scheduled.




Summer is in full swing now around here. Off to entertain the kidos.

TOOTHLESS

Another baby tooth gone to fairy land. The next one over is also loose so pretty soon her front four will be gone. Isnt she cute???



My babies are growing up so fast. I used to want them to grow up but now Im wishing it was 5 years ago.

But here are some proud mama moments

My oldeset recieved an award at his 6th grade graduation the other day. Only 6 students recieved this award out of 132 students. It was a totall surprise. He also received straight As on his report card. I am sure proud of him. He is such an awesome kid. To bad hes entering puberty ;(

Next my 10 year old son made it into ELP. He is sooo excited. Hes dancing around saying we need to celebrate with a special dinner to Chilis. He has come such a long way.

Then theres the diva. She gradusted kindergarten the other day. They sang cute songs, wore red graduate hats, and she said she wanted to be a dentist when she grows up.

Im so glad to be slowing down a bit to hang out with them this summer. August will come too soon with junior high and all.






On the store front be sure to check out our sale on Monday. Theres tons of great deals and incentives and discounts through out the store.

Also May 31st is the altered cabinet door class. I know I said I was done but I brought it back after many requests. There are still opening so sign up today!! Or tomorrow. We are closed today:)

Its been a while

WOW! It has been a while. Alot has been going on. I think I forgot how to blog.

This past weekend I had a chance to go on a date with my oldest son who just happened to turn 12 on Sunday. Can I just say WOW! They were not lying when they said time flies. They grow up too fast. I haven't spent time alone with him for a long time. Life is just too busy. We went and saw the new Chronicals of Narnia Prince Caspian. I love those movies. It was a good time.



My Diva had yet another singing performance this weekend. She had 2 solos and she was amazing. She really is a little performer. She loves being on stage.



Her dance recital is in a couple of weeks and I cant wait to see her shake her little bootey. She also lost her two front teeth. Her smile is even cuter now! If thats possible.

I have a FUN announcement that I will be making in a couple of days. It has to do with another Creativity in Bloom event being held the first weekend in September. It will surely inspire you for the holidays;) So keep a lookout on the devine memories website. A little hint, visit this blog.

Until later
Peace Out!

CKC and Dreamstreet paper

Ok so Mesa CKC is just around the corner. My kits have been packed since January and everything is ready to go. THEN enter in new Dreamstreet papers. AHHHHH! I opened up the box and saw this
Pretty huh. So I re created my "A Family Thing" project with this beautiful paper.



So new instructions, new photos and a new project to kit. Oh the things I do to myself. But nothing but the best for all my peeps in Mesa;)

Online registration is closed but you can still sign up at the convention. There are still a few open spots. Check out my other classes too. "Theres no place like home" and "Sweet banner" Cant wait to play. Hope to see you there.

Peace out

Etsy!

I just added some new things to my etsy shop. I thought I would give it a try again. I will be selling some fun projects( including the banner below) along with some other fun goodies. Im spring cleaning and I am finding all kinds of stuff I didnt know I even had. So add me to your favorites and shop away. There are only a couple things there now but soon it will fill up;)

Peace out

Keeping up

Here I am again. Keeping up on my blog! You must be so proud;)

I finished my Spring banner. I like the way it turned out. I cant wait to hang it up here. Its down at the store for now. The class is April 5th (Saturday).







I was downloading pictures from my camera and found this from my little sweetheart. Moments like these give me butterflies and make the craziness of parenting worth it.



Isn't she cute!!! My little artist. Til next time!

Inspired by....

I was inspired by Jennifer Pagenelli for this fun Spring banner project. She is amazing and sweet too. Thanks Jennifer! Heres just a peak.




If you are interested in this class or kit call the store at 480-813-2093 or email me at dmadmin@devinememories.net The class is scheduled for Saturday April 5th at 1pm. $24 with out material squares or $32 with. Ill show more soon. With spring break here I have more time to actually play and create. That is after scrubbing floors and walls. Ya, I really did that for 3 hours today. And they needed it.

Tomorrow Im going to retry to tackle my studio. I cant even create in there right now its so packed. And thats after cleaning it out for 7 hours the other day. I have taken over the kitchen table again and my family is getting a little annoyed. I dont get it. Do they want to eat there or something? hehe.

I joined a swap the other day that looks like fun. Its a celebrate banner swap hosted by ga ga for garlands . I found out about it on Jessi Nagys blog



This should be fun.

More tomorrow. Im trying hard to keep up this blog thing. So expect me around more. ;)

Spring is in the air

Spring. I love springtime. The weather, the colors, the spring cleaning, its a new beginning for me. January really isnt, but March and April always make me feel like reinventing. I love it. Heres my lateset class. "Spring is in the air" altered wall art. It will be this upcoming Saturday the 22nd at 10am. Call the store if you are interested.480-813-2093




Off to watch the little diva play Diego on the playstation.

Peace out

Go here and watch

As those of you who know me, know that I am a big supporter of autism research and education. My son and 2 nephews have been diagnoised with this puzzling disorder. Just take a few minutes and watch this video. Just get out that kleenex box. It is a tear jerker. Click here

But dont get me wrong. Its not all bad. I love my jaden and wouldnt change him for anything. ANYTHING!!!!

Thanks for looking.

What a weekend!

Creativity In Bloom is over. What a fabulous weekend it was. All you ladies who taught and attended are absolutely AMAZING. We laughed ALOT, cried a couple of tears (Sue), almost ended up in the ER (Kim), and created beautiful art. WOW!!!! Thank you all so much for making this event such a sucess. I cant wait until next year already.



Kim Hesson, Beth Quinn, me, Sandy Elcock, Candice Carpenter

Im off to take a snoozer. So tired. But in a good way. Ill post more photos tomorrow. I also have 4 kits available for sale. They are $40 each. Includes everything! Let me know if you would like one.

Until tomorrow.

I forgot

Beth and Kim both tagged me so here it goes. 6 quirky things about me. No judgements.

1. I love the smell of bleach. Not sniffing it just the clean smell of it after cleaning.

2. I cant use the same mop twice. Even those washable one. Just cant do it.

3. I have 4 dogs but cant stand dog hair. Or any animal hair. I know doesnt make sense.

4. I love reality shows. Ya, even the slightly trashy ones.

5. Totally love the show Ghost Hunters. Jason and Grant rule

6. I hate people playing with my hair. Even hair dressers. Give me a headache.

Ok so now I will tag my mom Sandy, Renee Savage, Candice Carpenter, and Jennifer Paganeli. And Amy and Jen. They dont have blogs but I just thought it would be fun.

New Addition

Ya, We are NUTS!!!! With a capital NUTS!!!! This is little Kanobi. Keeping in the whole Star Wars theme. He was originally named Vader, but silly me thought it was too harsh. Nope. We should have kept it Vader, hes a little terror. Cute but a terror.

Well off to do more prep work for Creativity in Bloom. Pots, welcome packets, goodie bags, class kits and more. Cant wait til Friday. It will be a blast!!!

Until then,
Peace out

Creating

Oh How I love to be in that mode. Where you feel the creative juices flowing. I just finished my Rainbow of albums class for next week, Tuesday the 29th at 6pm. The color is green. I dont know why, Im not usually drawn to green, but it was screaming my name this month. Heres a peak. Album can be used as an album of course, or a home decor item. Class is only $25. If you would just like a kit email me at dmadmin@devinememories.net subject green album kit.




I also finished my Creativity In Bloom project. If you havnt heard about this awesome event here are the details. March 7th and 8th join myself, Sandy Elcock, Kim Hesson, Candice Carpenter, and Beth Quinn in 5 inspiring classes. It will be held at Devine Memories in Gilbert and cost $195. Tons of goodies will be given away. Items from Hambly studios, Cosmo Cricket, Theresa Collins new line, Missalaneah, and more. There are only a couple spaces left so call today and save your spot. You wont want to miss out on this one. Heres a peak at my project. "Domestically Disabled"



more later.
peace out

February ALREADY!!!!

So we are back from Houston. Well for a couple weeks now. It was so much fun. We traveled all day Thursday to get there. Thank goodness for dramamine. We have 9 pieces of luggage. Yep 9. We didnt get all of our kits together in time to ship so we had to drag it all with us. Yikes. And they were heavy too. That paper weighs a ton!!!



Heres my mom and I with one of our cute TAs for the day. What a sweetheart. I wish I could take her to every convention.



This weekend we will be off to California for CHA. Im getting excited. Tradeshows always get my creative juices boiling. Seeing all that pretty new paper and fun embellishments. It just is something I always look forward to. Not to mention my dear sis is meeting us there. So it doubles as a girls weekend getaway. What more could you ask for?

After Cha is over all my efforts are going towards Creativity in Bloom. If you havnt signed up yet you will want to. Its March 7th and 8th at DM. We have 5 amazing teachers and 5 amazing projects to inspire anyone. Theres Kim Hesson, Sandy Elcock, Beth Quinn, me, and Candice Carpenter. Heres a small sneak peak of my project titled "Domestically Disabled"



We will be using a plethora of patterned papers, glass glitter, vintage wrapping paper, lace, missalaneah wood products, vintage silverware, and more. Check back in within the next week or so to see the finished projects.

Happy Birthday Baby!!!

Six years ago today my baby girl was born. But shes no baby anymore:(



So Jenna wanted to go eat at chilis for her birthday dinner. The boys didnt want to go at all, a clue that we eat out way too much, so I took her and her friend Kami. Arent they cute. They were funny.



For dessert Jenna ordered a white chocolate molten cake. Oh it was so good. I got one too. All in all I think she had a pretty good day. She got a way cool art easel with loads of supplies from Grandma Bebe and Papa Jim, a high school musical night shirt from Grandma Sandy, and a Naked brothers band t shirt and the Hannah Montana Wii game from mom and dad. She also got a holiday barbie from her favorite cousins. What else can a girl ask for? A PARTY!!! She wants to do a tea party so we will do that next week. Moms got some planning to do.

Today I also took TJ to the eye doc. YIKES!!! He has not complained too much. Just a little here and there that the board looked blurry. But not too much. Well hes legally blind. Yup!! That was my reaction. So its glasses for him. Not just occasional wear, but all the time. I let him pick out his frames and he immediatly went for these ones. He looks so grown up. And a little like the Dr. from his favorite show Dr Who. Hmmmm. Now I know why he choose these ones.



Saturday there is still room for my convention run through, "Sweet Banner". Its only $10. Thats a one time steal. Class starts at 9:30am. Call the store today.

Peace out People. Until next time.