A few weeks ago a blog "friend" passed away. We had emailed back and forth a couple times when I first moved here. I read her blog faithfully, was in such awe that she was a designer for a stamp company and I really enjoyed her style.
Last year she announced on her blog that she was fighting a cancer that was not treatable. Although we hadn't ever "officially" met, I did see her a few times at my work and had made a few reminder calls to her regarding appointments. Even has early as last month.
She had 3 young children at home and blogged about her illness, her feelings and everything she was going through. I really hoped she was going to beat it! Unfortunately, she didn't. Her service was last week, I really struggled with whether I wanted to go or not. It is such a strange thing to feel like you were friends with someone, you know so much about them, but haven't ever met. In the end, I decided the best way to honor her was to spend the day crafting in my craft cottage. The day was a gorgeous clear autumn day. I reminded myself to be Thankful everyday for the things I have in my life and crafted. ALL. Day. Long. I will miss reading your posts, hearing about your family and seeing your amazing work Katie.

 My creations for the day, some samples for an upcoming Stamp-a-stack.

And a newly decorated mantel.

More shoebox swap...

 More shoebox swap projects and a few closeups =)

Gotta drop the hubby at the airport! Have a lovely Sunday!

 edit: I started this post on Friday =) 
Here is my finished gift card for the showbox swap for tomorrow!

 Inside view

 My "shoebox" is packed and ready to go!

 My supplies are packed and ready to go!

 My nametag is made...

 Can you see the "pearl" effect on it? It really is pretty in real life.

Back later to post all the fun projects we create! 

Have a fun crafty day!

Crafting under pressure

 I signed up for my very first shoe box swap a couple months ago. I convinced my friend Jessica to sign up with me. This shoe box swap is where you come up with a project, make it into a kit, one for each of 20 people. We are meeting at a church north of town. I haven't ever met these gals before... I am so nervous about my project, but so excited to meet some crafty ladies near me. The swap in Saturday! I took a class online and was inspired to have my project be emboss resist with distress inks and stains. Above is my first attempt at what I had in mind.

 I found that I truly loved the effect I got with the technique. Love the yellows and golds...

 the greens and reds....

 So I attempted to make it the background to my project.

 Then I got stuck...

 So I tried again...

 a gift card holder...

 nope, not quite what I had in mind.

 Here is another attempt, still not what I wanted!

 This one is very close to what my finished project turned out to be, still a gift card holder, so happy with it! I will post my finished project tomorrow =)

Right now, I've got a mess to clean up! Thanks for stopping by!

Spring greeting cards

 I needed a few cards to send to a few people, so glad I took some time last week to put together my temporary craft area! I headed out to the garage and quickly put together these cards.

I used a few cards from a box of plain white embossed cards from Michael's as my base. I used my bird punch from Stampin Up! with some glittered blue paper for the bird and some DP paper scraps in a green print I had for the branch. Added some ribbon and some buttons then stamped a quick greeting! Easy and quick! Just what I needed!

Thanks for stopping in! 

Note card set

 I spent yesterday organizing the crafty studio... getting rid of LOTS of "stuff" I haven't used in years. Since my desk was all cleaned off I decided to create a set of note cards for someone who has a Birthday at the end of the month ;) I LOVE this stamp set! Papertrey Ink Year of flowers- Violet. I have the Larkspur one as well, but I think I may need a few more. Anyhoo, here is the set all together.

 I stamped the inside of each card to match.

 I used glittery Stickles for the inside of the flowers.

 I did a few different colors and occasions.

 Such a simple card, easy to mail too which is always nice.

 I think I may make a few for myself today! Always nice to have a couple already made up... I really prefer to make cards for each person though!

Hmm, this might make a good craft night project! I wonder if I can find anyone interested in coming?

Well, today is grocery shopping and I may or may not be looking at a new house today too! IF it is a possibility I will post some pics, but I have some very distinct wishes on my list this time around, so it MUST have them all. We will see in a couple hours ;) Then I will play in the crafty studio, and maybe if the weather holds, take a sunset flight with the hubby =)

Enjoy your day!