Can I get a comment here?

Okay, so if you read this blog and you haven't posted a comment on it, SHAME ON YOU! I am offering free goodies that you don't want to miss! Just say "hi" or something, you don't have to write a novel or anything, geez.

I am a busy little bee trying to kit for my next 2 classes at The Stamp Art Shoppe. I took some photos of my supplies because it is kind of amazing to me how much stuff you need for a fun class. If you are signed up for a class, here is your sneak peek at the goodies! I have decided to call them "treasures from the craft cave". My hubby and kids have named my craft room the craft cave because I go in there and get lost for weeks! Besides I just can't bring myself to call it a studio. For one, it's always too messy. Also, it sounds too serious. I am proud of my creations, but... No offense to others who call their craft rooms a studio, but it just doesn't fit me. I love my craft cave!

I have also been working like mad on Etsy items as well. Sales have really slowed down with the bad news from Wall St. As soon as the stocks went down, things slowed down. It's okay tho. I know people will be looking again soon. These are not lavish items, just cute little things you would have to buy somewhere else anyway, so why not from Etsy? I challenge everyone to take a look on Etsy for your Christmas gifts this year, not only will you find unique, one-of-a-kind, handmade items and art, but you will be supporting someone trying to make a living instead of some giant corporation that would squash you like a bug in a blink of an eye. I suppose I should be more PC. Naaaah! Seriously, there is everything from pet supplies to paintings, to handmade soaps, knitted and sewn items, I mean if you can think of something to make at home it is on here. Oh and the jewelry! Beautiful stuff. I know, I now I sound like a broken record, but it's true. Okay shutting up now. Going to bed now. Too tired to think anymore.

Have a fabulous day, Darling!

Susan

Sooooo... Work has been slow due to the slump in the economy. So, I have been busy crafting away! I now have 24 items for sale on Etsy! Idle hands are the devil's playthings, right? I have taken that quote very seriously lately! I have posted a few pics of my latest additions for you here to see.

Oh! And can we have a moment here for the Cuttlebug embossing folders? Oh yeah! I am loving these little guys! I was a little slow to jump on board, but my crafty friends have been talking them up sooo much, I had to try them. I had bought some little ones awhile back, but I am loving the large ones for card backgrounds. The cards that I posted here are examples of my embossing folders! So much fun!

These pics are my latest additions to Etsy. Please shop my store and buy them! www.qdesigns.etsy.com Okay, enough of the shameless promoting of my wares...

So in other news... I have kinda finished my room. Finished enough to work in it anyway. (Hence, the flurry of activity!) I still have some issues to resolve, but it is good for the moment. I am so glad that I decided to go back to my old paper storage. It is soooo much better! I feel at piece when I am working and I can actually use my Cricut and Big Shot! Before I could hardly get to them.

Well, I am all outta fun tonight. I bid you goodbye!

Q

Can you smell the coffee?

Tomorrow morning I host "coffee" for my girlfriends at my house. That means I make breakfast, coffee, and lately, mimosas, for my best friends. I always say that I love with food, so this is my chance to show them some LOVE! It will be good to have some girl time with everyone.

Still working on my room. It is soooooo close to being done. I just need one full day to finish and I probably won't get that until Monday. Oh well. I'll keep picking away at it until then. The important stuff is all in place, I just have to sort thru the junky stuff. Maybe I'll get done before Monday. (I hope!)

I had wanted to post pics of my class last week at the Stamp Art Shoppe, but I didn't have my memory card in my camera at the time and I don't know how to get the photos off the camera's hard drive! Well, I will figure it out and post them sometime soon. So, keep checking back! The picture on the left above is of the cards we are making in the Spooky Greetings class. The pic on the right is for Traditional Holiday Cards and Boxes. The Spooky Greetings class was fun and I have had really good feedback from students and customers. Thanks everyone! There is still space in a few classes, but some of them are full already. Check out the link to The Stamp Art Shoppe on the left and click on the calendar for class times and phone numbers. You can always post a comment for me to read and I can email you back.

Okay, I gotta get some sleep so I can wake up at the actual crack of dawn to make a quiche or two. Breakfast is at 9:30, wanna come?

The rumors are true, I'm addicted....

To Rock Band, of course! What were you thinking? We bought Nick Rock Band for a belated birthday present, and we started a band and rocked the world! I'm no good at guitar or drums, but I can sing! All those years in choir were good for something! Jake and I trade off at lead singer, and Nick rocks on drums or guitar or bass! Dad is our manager for now, but we're gonna get him in the band. Good times!

Well, it's that time of year again... Time to organize the craft room. Ugh. I figured I better get it into shape with the holidays coming up. I'm already thinking about starting my projects. I went back to my original floorplan. I think it will work better. I try to be organized, but it never stays that way! My last floorplan never really gelled(sp?). The main problem was getting to my paper. Gotta have paper or the whole "paper craft" thing doesn't really work! Wish me luck!

I have 15 items posted on Etsy now! I'm trying to build it up, but things keep selling! Yay! I shipped a bunch of stuff out yesterday. Thanks to Aunti Dale and Vicki for your orders! Thanks also to Kim for her comment! I have a little treat for you! I'll drop it by this week. Drop by my shop and check out the newest items. www.qdesigns.etsy.com

Well, I'm gonna go. I'm tired from cleaning and organizing all day!

Susan

Woohoo! Another sale!

Look what sold today on Etsy! Thanks to all of you that have been checking out my Etsy store! I had another sale today! It was actually 2 to the same person! Thanks Auntie Dale! I added a few more items today so make sure to check them out!

Happy Day,

Q

In the presence of greatness

Hey Y'all! I spent all day down at The Stamp Art Shoppe today. First I got up at the actual crack of dawn to go down and sign up for the Tim Holtz classes that they will have there in November. I got in! I think they are pretty much full now tho. Then I took an awesome class called Collage Masterpiece from Joanne Burkett. Wow! It was worth staying up until 3 to get my photos printed! Check out her blog! http://www.burkiworks.blogspot.com/ These photos are of some of my collage pieces and you can kinda see the canvas underneath.

Seroiusly tho, I felt as though I was in the presence of a great artist. I tried to be a sponge and absorb all her tips and advice! I especially like the part when we got to get our hands all mucky and dirty to glue the papers down! My canvas turned out great with Joanne's helpful advice and I am still working on my collage pieces. I know I need to relax a little more with it, but I am working on it!

I love the discovery of art, whether you are learning something new or just discovering "happy accidents". I love that feeling when you know it is right and that wonderful kind of "Aha" moment. My mind usually is overrun with about a million ideas at that moment that were inspired by my discovery. It's quite a rush! Who needs drugs!

I know I have said this before, but I encourage you to play with your supplies more. You will discover things and create things that you never imagined. Another tip from Ms. Joanne was to give yourself a deadline and just throw some stuff together as quickly as you can. You may be surprised at how much you can overthink something into boring. I guess what I am trying to say is take risks! What the hell, its only paper, right?

Okay, I am going to leave you with one of my favorite quotes.

"Believing in our hearts that who we are is enough, is the key to a more satisfying and well balanced life." Ellen Sue Stern

I have to remind myself of that every now and then!

Have great day!

Susan

My first sale and my first comment!

Life is good today! I got my first 2 sales today on Etsy! I also got my first comment here! So Denise, you are getting and extra little goodie along with your Etsy order! Thanks for your support! Thanks to Monica and Denise for my first orders on Etsy. They are being packaged as I type, sort of. I have 4 more little surprises for the next 4 people to comment, so don't wait around!

Okay, I have to take care of some business here. I always promise pictures of what I have worked on so, here goes... The first one is Jake's graduation party invitation and some of the decorations we used for his party. He was such a good sport to let Mom do what she wanted! I love you, Bud! The second and third photos are of the little Thank you cards with pictures we gave out at the party. What a handsome kid!

More pics coming soon! I gotta go to bed now!

Susan

It isn't fall until football starts....

Hellooo! I encourage everyone to check out my etsy store! I now have 5 items listed there! Ooooh, aaaah! One of them is this adorable little Halloween mini book. It is so cute! Check me out at www. qdesigns.etsy.com.

Okay, this Friday is going to be very exciting! Check it out, I have my first class of the quarter in the morning. It is a Halloween card class at Stamp Art Shoppe in Roseville, CA. The cards are so cute, I can't wait for the students to make them! Then I have a couple of hours before going to Nick's first football game. I am really excited about that! I love watching my kids do their stuff! I am so proud of Nick's accomplishments. He is a solid player and such a great kid. I will be exhausted by the end of the day!

Hey if you are reading this post, send me a comment and I will send the first 5 people a little thank you gift! Talk to you soon!

Have a great day!

Susan

Getting back into the groove

Wow! Long time no post! I have been busy preparing my samples for classes this fall at the Stamp Art Shoppe in Roseville. I have also posted 2 items for sale at Etsy.com. I have so many cards and mini books to sell I am sure you will see a lot of my stuff on there really soon.

Life has been very interesting this summer. We lost two friends, one of ours and one of our son's. It was a tragic start to the summer. School has started back now and everyone seems to be getting back into the groove. Jake will be interning at Toyota this year, and Nick is a sophomore at Rocklin High and playing JV Football.

We do have some good news, though. We adopted a one-year old puppy from a friend. His name is Hank and he is a sweetheart. Nothing like a puppy to heal hearts. Well, that's it for now. I'll be in touch!

Susan