....And MORE Time

So, now, it's 2024.  My ramblings on my Blog did not happen but that doesn't mean life stopped.  I've married my longtime partner, weathered COVID and teaching virtually, retired, and slowed down to enjoy crafting, gardening, family genealogy research, and lots more travel.  My paper crafting style continues to evolve with the changing trends and new products.  I am enjoying knitting and crocheting in the cool evenings.  I now have a loom, which I admit is challenging me by sitting unused.  I need to find close source of instruction and help!  We also added a second dog, which is a story in itself.  

But crafting is what this blog is about and I'm wondering now that I'm retired if I shouldn't start this little blip on the internet up, again.  Close to My Heart, my beloved crafting company closed.  It was a part of my life for over 25 years.  I moved over to Stampin'Up!, which has been quite the learning curve.  It's a huge company in comparison to Close to My Heart from the product offered to the countries they are selling in.  

My goal is to share.  Crafters love to share and I am no different.  I'm not a photographer, but a paper crafter. 

Here are my latest cards.  SU with a little retired CTMH.  

Time Has Passed, Ramblings of Age, Perspective of Time

It's been four years since I added a post.  I'm still here; still a grandmother but we added Olivia in 2015 for a total of 4 granddaughter; still teaching but at a new smaller school in 4th grade; still crafting but in a new house we built in 2015;  bought and sold cars; traveled more often; added a dog to our routine; and dealt with a crashing 80ft tree into the middle of our 3 month old house.  Along the way, I lived, laughed, and celebrated, and sometimes mourned.  My blog faded as a center piece of my life.  Now, however, I wonder if it's a good place to write down thoughts of my life journey.  Political climate suggests something more private than the overwhelming presence of FaceBook or Twitter might be a nice place to document and store my thoughts.  Fours years of tech improvement and life changes and I'm sure more will come.  For those of you subscribed, you're welcome to stay.  I can't promise this will be a craft blog or just a personal place to think, but you are welcome to

New, New, New!!!

New papers, colors, crafting supplies are always tons of fun!  Close to My Heart released their a new Annual Inspirations at their convention last month.  Love the new stamps, papers, kits, markers, and more, but mostly, I just like the new ideas!  Here are a few cards I did with the new markers.  Very cool ShinHan Twin Touch markers!  So creamy, smooth, rich, and blendable! 

Happy Birthday, Sister!

I've been seeing these little box pop-up cards all over the place!  So, for my sister's birthday tomorrow, I quickly made one from Close to My Heart's Jubilee paper pack.  I can officially say I've actually used every paper pack that Close to My Heart carried from July 2103 to July 2014!  Now time to clean out the studio and make room for new papers, colors, inks, embellishments, and more.

9X9 Wedding Album in Purples and Silver

Is there really a season for weddings any more?  I love 9X9 accordion albums but Close to My Heart no longer makes them and my stash was depleted a year ago.  Have no fear!!!  I covered chipboard ends and spliced cardstock for the accordion fold.  Used LOTS of stuff but mostly: Gypsy, Smokey Plum, White Daisy, any thing silver and glittery, and random stamps that fit the mood of Ivy Lane.