More quick peeks. . .

Just a few more looks at the new stuff coming Sunday night. . .

Just one of the 4 spooky ornaments (hung from fabulous black wire hangers) that make up this month's Project Kit, and. . .

the Vintage Halloween Garland (I couldn't get the crepe paper and label image to work on this, so I will have to save them for a future project)! I am in love with this orange glass glitter though and that vintage beaded flower finding. And. . .

this Victorian Calling Card Booklace Kit (with a great tarnished filigree setting just waiting for a small photo or monogram), and. . .


this one too! A Vintage Floral Tobacco Card Booklace Kit. This one is a little smaller and features a coordinating vintage glass pendant and wonderful vintage gold bird charm.

All 3 of the previous kits are very limited in quantity and can be found under Limited Edition Kits. I will try to re-stock the Booklace Kits as I found more materials over time.

And finally. . .

one last peek into the Papercrafting Kit. These new memo "sheers" are brand new from Maya Road!!

Oh. . .almost forgot the Add-On Kit:

See you Sunday night (all go live at midnight, central time)!!!

Finished!!!!

I worked for about 15 hours straight on Saturday (about another 15 on Sunday and Monday) and it is finally remodeled, mopped, cleaned out, and dusted. So clean and neat that I'm afraid to work in there! I took a ton of detail pictures and will post some consistently in the next couple of weeks (and load them to the gallery at the website soon).

Back to reality for now though and the October kits! Here are two hints:

I am so excited about a new dimension to the JBS kits. I have been working for almost two months now with some very interesting and talented ladies who sell their wares on Etsy. I am always looking for ways to bring something unique to the kits and being able to support fellow artists is icing on the cake! Each month I include an Etsy item it will be unique to the kit and handmade by the artist - either a completely custom product, or custom color (as in this case). I will give you the details of the shop when the kit goes live (including the incredible shop of this artist who hand printed each of these "re-made" label sets - hint, hint)!! So. . . this gives you an insight into the color scheme of this month's kit and you get this great label sheet!

And here is a little hint to one of the new Vintage kits coming this month. I am getting ready to go in and put it together now. The Dennison labels are VERY old and were very pricey (I only have one of each). So. . .these will be reproduction photo copies in the kit (I don't think I can work them all in - we shall see). The crepe paper will be the real thing- black and orange, as well as the great vintage flower finding! Can you see the orange German glass glitter too??

Time to play- more hints on Friday!!

P.S. - have you noticed that I am always "so excited"???? Ha!

Happy Tuesday

I'm still knee deep in re-decorating. I have had piles of "finds" in the garage for weeks and I'm finally trying to get things worked into the house piece by piece. Here is a quick shot of my sofa table in my family room. I got these lamps from Scarlet awhile back. I have a thing for architectural pieces so I had to have these lamps. I also picked up the old sign from her - Jared loves this especially since we are obviously Jewish - ha! I look at it all of the time and wonder what type of business Mr. Lowenstein might have had?? The artichokes came from Z Gallery and the vase is an extra large "finger" vase from the 40's I believe. Anyhow, this is how it will stay until I feel the need to change it again! I am still working on my office - slowly but surely.

I will have some teasers of the upcoming kit next week and I hope to have Michelle's gallery up tomorrow. As soon as I get everything from her I will get it loaded.

**Edited** - so sorry! I forget to add the link for Scarlett's website. I have posted about it a couple of times. I am addicted to her store. She owns a marvelous shop in downtown Franklin. She specializes in architectural pieces, old mirrors and ironstone (just the tip of the iceberg)! Here is the site: www.scarlettscales.com

Guest Gallery and Restocks

In case you haven't noticed, the Guest Gallery is still not updated (you will see Michelle Hill's photo, but last September's projects). I will get this updated shortly - we had to make a last minute change and flip flop Oct. and Sept. designers as a kit got held up in customs).

Also, restocked tonight: Double Sided Name/Date Stamp, Bracket Stamp, Butterfly Chipboard, Sun Frame Chipboard, Bling Embellishment Tin and Vintage Bird Book Necklace Kit (just a few more as I found more cards).

Have a great weekend!

Recent Progress. . .

I am slowly (the key word is slowly) making changes to my studio. Moving things in, moving things out and finishing projects that have literally been staring at me for months! This chair is one of those.

I found it at a local antique mall a while back and fell in love with the woodwork (it is of Eastlake style). It was missing the seat and back and the legs appeared to have been cut down. I scooped it up as I knew I could do something cool with it - eventually! My father- in -law made me a new seat out of plywood that I covered with ledger paper. I am still trying to decide on the perfect trim for the edging (I'm leaning towards small mother of pearl buttons). Since it was a little short I thought I could use it as a shelf on this table to hold all of my old books. After much thought on what to do with the back, I decided to make it a cork board. I fell in love with Rebecca's idea (here) and thought it may work well for this. I covered my cork with an old feedsack and started pinning some of my millinery flowers to it (and will continue to fill it in with some of my large buttons as well). I had so much fun I went into the attic and pulled out some of my old frames and made some more (thanks for the help and inspiration Rebecca)!

So. . . as I finish up I will post more photos (I have had to put it on the back burner again to get the gallery stuff done and some other projects). Never enough time in the day. . .

Hope you all had a great weekend!

(Oh- in regards to a few of the comments about the Papercrafting Kits being sold out, they are not in case you haven't figured that out. I believe the site was jammed for the first couple of hours and kicked people off, etc. If you are still having problems just send us a note)!

I forgot one more thing. . .

ALL new JBS products will be available for individual sale tonight as well (how did I forget to mention that)! That includes the brand new Printed Tickets- Punctuation and Frames, New Mini Papers, New Die Cut Alpha Sheets (in Ledger styles too), all colors of the new Tab Stickers and Label Stickers (singles, from roll), all of the new Rub-Ons, etc. etc. Tons!!

Okay, now back to loading pictures. Read on below for all of the previews!!

Okay- here we go. . .

A little hint about this month's Papercrafting Kit:

I love this sweet little rub-on alphabet from American Crafts - it is called "Rue". So very cute and brand spanking new!! Look for some chartreuse to go with this blue and brown color scheme!

And, here is a little peek at the Project Kit:

I had to try my hand at this "Rebecca Sower-esque" flower!! So much fun to make, gently edged in beautiful black glitter (I love the grunge-glam feel it gave to the project - very edgy)! You will have to wait until midnight to see what this is exactly, but it involves a wooden hanger! The tiny glass flower beads are like those once used to make Victorian lampshades

And finally, here is a little peek at the new Kit category from JBS - Vintage Limited Edition Kits.

You will find these under Limited Edition Kits. These kits are in very limited quantities which will vary month to month as I am dealing with almost 100% found materials. For this reason, they are NOT available on membership. Some months (such as this one) there will be more than one kit offered (have to wait till midnight to see the second)! I do have plans to offer the same type of kit more than once however. For example, the Beaded Book Necklace kit above will most likely be available again using different materials (i.e. - vintage Victorian calling cards instead of these Bird trading cards). There is also a possibility that I come across more of something later and offer a certain kit again. That is where blog reading comes in handy!! If I ever find more of something, blog readers are the first to know.

I have so many kits lined up - this is my passion!! It has been so much fun coming up with ideas - I have sticky notes all over this house. I know that I won't have enough of any one thing to meet the demand, but please keep up with the blog and I will try my best to restock!

Please note - you may not see the new pictures on the home page for September tonight (or even this weekend) , BUT everything will indeed be up for sale at midnight. I forgot to send my programmer the home page photos to upload until tonight and I'm not sure if he will see the e-mail. All of the new kits will indeed be there when you click on "shop" so no worries.

(continued below - keep reading!). . .

(this is my tricky way of getting to post more pictures at one time)!

Here is a little preview of another new offering going up for the first time tonight. These are 2" Vintage Embellishment Tins, available in 3 themes for now: Premium Buttons, Hodge Podge and Bling. The Premium Button will consist of the more collectible button types - mother of pearl (several), mother of pearl carved, glass (clear, depression glass or china) and pierced plastic and celluloid. Many of the included buttons will be worth more than $1-$2 on their own. I suppose you have to appreciate and love buttons to understand why a 2" tin is $4.99!

The Bling tin is filled with vintage and antique sequins, vintage tiny dress trim, rhinestone and/or mirror buttons and vintage rhinestones. Each tin will vary in color.

The Hodge Podge tin (Blogger is fighting with me and won't let me post this photo) will have various vintage and antique embellishments such as glass beads, flower findings, and charms. This will constantly vary as my "stash" changes! All Vintage Embellishment Tins are $4.99. These will ultimately replace the Junque Boxes. I love them so, but the labor involved in getting those together was just too high (and I really feel like $9.99 was pushing it to begin with). So. . . we have a few left in limited quantities (under 8 left of each) if you wanted to pick one up for now. You can find these under the JBS Exclusive Products category.

Also check out the Past Kits page. We will be having a sale this month only of more than 30% off most remaining kits in this category (does not apply to the October Kit that was already on sale - only 6 of those kits remain)!

Whew- I think that is everything! I hope to get the newsletter out tonight as well. I have high hopes!!

Everything goes live tonight at 12:00 midnight central time.

(EDITED** I totally forgot! There is one more tin! I was sitting there this afternoon telling my husband I knew I was missing one (and this one is my favorite)! This is the Alpha-Numeric Tin. These are vintage letter tiles- highly collectible if you are into that. I found several boxes over the years and now I am sharing. I also picked up a huge bag filled with the thin metal alphabet and numbers a couple of years ago and they are mixed in. You get approx. 30 pieces per tin- a mix of letters, numbers and punctuation. I had to run and take this with my Ott-Lite - not too bad)!

Previews coming. . .

I promise!! I am still sizing photos, need to take some more in the am, etc. and then I will post everything here!! I meant to get some sneaks out and just had too much going on (there is alot happening this month)! So. . .hold tight! You will see something here by tomorrow evening, before everything goes live at midnight!

A new kit style will be available as well as some new vintage embellishment tins! I am so excited to share!!

Flea Market Treasures

I have been "flea marketing" all weekend. I took Ruth, the fierce negotiator with me yesterday and she got me some good deals (at least until we couldn't take the 100+degree heat anymore). I found more buttons than I have ever had before. It's partly because I have stopped buying big jars and bins of buttons and focus more on the sorted baggies of superior buttons. Most times I spend less money that way than on the big jar that only ends up yielding 20 or so great buttons. Last month I didn't have much luck at all. This month I found several things that got my heart rate up!

All of this has to do with some of the new kits and such I am launching at the site next week. I am desperately trying to get my studio cleaned out and rearranged so I can get back to creating again. I hope to have some hints to share early next week!

Past Kits - Update for Blog Readers!!

It pays to read my blog! Every once and awhile I find things when I do inventory (and just plain clean up!) and you guys are the first to know!

Remember this kit from March?:

I found 4 of them today and put them back up for sale- just now (3:00 central). Just 4 though!

And while I'm at it I thought I would mention that I am running very low on a few of the other kits found under "Past Kits" at the site. Here is the rundown of what I have left:

May Limited Edition Kit- 1

October 2006 PCK - 14

July Add-On - 2

April Project Kit - 6

I thought I would mention this in case you were debating about getting any of these. The October Kit is discounted and has a sort-of "back to school" theme to it!

Next month we will be running a sale on a few of the other Past Kits so look for that.

And. . . we will be debuting a brand new kit that is close to my heart (you will see why)! It will not be available for membership as the quantities will be very limited and will vary month to month. I hope to have a preview for you next week.

Scrap Etc Event - 2008

So have you heard? I'm teaching at the Scrap Etc event again next year (April 17th - 19th) along with Heidi Swapp and a whole list of very talented women (how did I get in this company)?? I am already planning a cool concept for my class! They are almost sold out so if you are interested, find out more here. It is actually in my hometown this time, at the Opryland Hotel.

Now back to Dance, Dance Revolution. It's my turn!

"Pimp My Desk"

I have a weakness for tables (and chairs, and mirrors, and scales. . . ). I don't seem to know where to stop! So. . . I mentioned I have been working on rearranging my studio a little (and finishing some house projects - photos to come). This has left me with a little dilemma - I have an extra table. I bought a new one for the center of my studio that can hold large printers trays full of my "goodies" which has left this little guy orphaned:

I thought I had better better pictures than this on file, so I didn't take any before I moved it out. I need to measure it exactly, but it is around 40" + inches wide. It has a shelf along the front bottom that comes in very handy. It is solid and heavy- shabby white. Best part is a "pimped" it up and added the wood trim piece to the top, the old metal brackets to the corners and a plexi glass top for easy cleaning.

If you are within driving distance and are interested just send me a note (jbowlin7@comcast.net). Price is $200

I am working on the gallery today - it will be up by Monday morning!!

Oh- and thanks so much for voting for Brewster. In the end he missed it by just a few votes, but he really got close thanks to you guys!

Vote for Brewster

Ok- I promised my mom that I would post this here. If you are so inclined please click here and vote for "my little brother" as she has so subtlety reminded me of all week! Once you click on the link you just have to scroll down and over to the right, click on the spot that says, "Click here to Vote". The voting page then comes up and you will see Brewster. I have no idea what he gets if he wins, but my mother is very excited. How can you NOT vote for this face - I just want to eat him up!! Voting ends at noon tomorrow (Saturday).

I have some exciting things planned for next month . . . more coming soon!!

Tweet, Tweet. . .

Tune in tonight to see the little house that "Jenni" built (and yes you get the sweet silver glitter bird, nest and eggs)!!

And. . . here are two little hints for the Papercrafting Kit:

New Double Sided (this one is big!) Border stamp. Exclusive to the kit. One side is a pinked edge and one side is a scalloped edge.

New JBS "Varsity" Journaling Cards and New JBS Rub-Ons (this is the Sketched Alpha - straight from the pages of an early 1900's Drawing Manual).

I upped the Project Kit quantities some this month in hopes to supply them to a few more people that want them. I also expect that we will have plenty of the Papercrafting Kit as well.

One quick note- if you are ever unsure if you have a membership to either kit, you can always log into your account and find out before purchasing a duplicate membership.

See you tonight!

One last trip to the farm. . .

We headed out to Hilton's, Va again for our last trip this summer to camp. My brother and nephew met us there. We could not have had a better day on Saturday! Low humidity and cooler temps - it was so beautiful. The boys played in the river all day and rode the go-cart around. Christian and I headed home at night to Jared's parents an hour away - we don't do the camping thing very well! I took these pictures in the barn while I was there. I thought it was funny how they are great examples of what I am getting from these guys right now:

Cheesy grin and

irritated brow.

I played with one of the bingo cards and my new journaling label stickers on a roll (they come in 4 colors and have this wonderful feel to them and are a little transparent)!! This is what I came up with:

Happy Tuesday!

Finally. . .

I tell you, I really DO want to be more than a once-a-week blogger. I think once school starts again (August 1st for us) things will get a little more routine around here. We have been playing alot!!

First of all, I wanted to mention that I put a few more July Project Kits (butterfly box) up for sale just now. We had several duplicate memberships that we have been working to clean up this week and that left us with these leftover Project Kits.

So finally, here are some previews of new product for the summer! The August kit is being built around these papers (my new "Varsity" line)!!

I have new Stickers, sheets and rolls, Die Cut Alpha Blocks, Journaling Cards and Rub-Ons - all new and all coming in the August kit.

I also have an additional line of paper that we will be using in the Project Kit next month. I have always had this thing about finding a pattern I loved and wanting it in 10 colors, you know? I noticed Martha Stewart is doing that with several of her designs. You can buy them in a set of one pattern, but 6 colors. So. . .I decided to start a "Basics" line (not the official name) and am starting with this great Soda Label pattern!! It comes in 6 colors - all of which coordinate with other JBS collections so you can mix and match. Here is a sample of the Kelly Green paper that matches the Varsity line:

And last but not least, here is a little peek at the new Bingo Cards. They are 5 x7 and are printed on a lightweight matboard. Thin enough for your scrapbook pages, but strong enough to stand alone for altered projects. In fact, we are making a house out of them for next month's Project Kit - my most ambitious project yet! I also had every number from 1- 24 included so you could easily find kid's birthdays, anniversary's etc.

I have busy trying to finish some projects in my house and studio - I will post some photos soon!!

Updates and Previews!

Whew!!! What a crazy couple of weeks. I believe we have now officially visited every living relative on both sides of the family along the east coast! More on that below, but for now I wanted to update you on what JBS was able to do for the Gallacher family:

Last month we collected $106 from many of our generous members - THANK YOU! Combine that with our pledge of $1500 we have a total of $1606. Jen has requested that we make a donation on Joey's behalf to the hospital that treated him and the Make a Wish Foundation. We will be splitting the funds between these two organizations. We are so thrilled to be able to do this and hopefully make a difference in the lives of families just like the Gallachers'.

Here is a pic of my red-headed nephew. He was the star of our trip to Atlanta. The kids fought everyday for his attention (not to mention his two biddy aunts)!

And here is one from our trip to Ohio. I accidentally had this on portrait so it blurred Jared and left Christian crystal clear. I would have preferred it all clear, but what do you do! This was the purest light I have ever seen. They were standing at the entrance of a HUGE white barn- it was reflecting the sunlight brilliantly. I love daylight photography. Mostly because I don't have the right flash equipment for bad inside lighting nor the expertise in photoshop to fix it after the fact. Christian was in Jared's cousin's wedding while we were there and I really didn't get any great shots in the church/reception so I finally gave up! AND, I had the setting on portrait yet again for his outside tux shots and came up with blurry photos (not in a good way). Ughh!

Well now that I am back to it, I am finalizing all of our new products debuting in next month's kit. This is our largest introduction yet! The Papercrafting Kit, Project Kit and Add-On will all be filled with brand new JBS product. And for those wholesale customers reading this that means a new catalog coming to you as well by the end of the month. I will post some photo previews in the next few days, but in the meantime think happy thoughts about Kelly Green and Navy Blue!!!

So Sorry!!!

It is 4:00 am my time and the site is changed over now to the new July kits. You may not be seeing the new photos in the blocks on the home page (I am checking on that), but the new kits are indeed there if you go to "Shop".

I am on the road and literally sat there at midnight telling my brother that I was going to have to be up that late tomorrow to set the site live. Somehow I got my nights mixed up in my head. Uggh!! I realize some of you stayed up and tried to no avail so I am very sorry!!

Previews as promised!

Here are some little hints as to what is coming on the 1st!
This is a little layout I did with some of the elements from the Papercrafting Kit. All of the paper and several accessories are brand new 7gypsies - just released! Also some new rub-ons from Basic Grey (the swirls) and luscious velvet ribbon from Making Memories. I also used some glitter from the add on kit on the scalloped border, but you can't tell in the photo! There is actually quite a bit of blue in the kit along with the yellow and the brown.

And here is a little peek at the Project Kit:

See you on Sunday! The chipboard birds, label frames and suns will also be available for individual sale beginning this month. AND. . .we just found a couple of Project Kits from last month (the birds) so I will put that back up on the 1st as well until they are gone.

What a week!!

Crabs, WaWa milkshakes and Rainbowland! I had a great time in Maryland (came back with an extra pound or two I am sure). This is our crazy time of the summer - we are headed out again in just a few days. Crazy!

The kids had such a great time at Rainbowland. It really is amazing what they do there. I believe they have 400 kids a week and it is a PRODUCTION! So many great volunteers (including my mom, brother, SIL and niece).

(brother and SIL - can you tell she was the captain of the cheerleaders)!!

(Noah - the theme was "Indiana Jones")

On the last day I went up to see the final "act" of the week. They had a drama/singing/dancing program at the end of each day. I was truly amazed. I have been to many concerts and I believe the screaming and energy was greater here (not my Noah's thing, but he coped)! It was really moving to see the reaction of the kids and to know what all of the excitement was about.

And of course we found a little time for the pool each day:

Sneak peeks for July coming on Friday!!

June Gallery is up and a little July tease. . .

Jared loves me for this one, let me tell you! I couldn't resist -

I am headed out for the week to visit my family in Maryland (i.e. to eat some crabs, drink WaWa milkshakes and take the kids to "Rainbowland" at Chesapeake Church). So. . . I will be absent for a few days.

But to tide you over, here is a little eye candy that has something to do with one of the kits for July!!!!

(these make me sooooo happy. I'm having a hard time sharing)!!

June Gallery. . .

is coming! You will see parts and pieces as I am loading things now. Where you see old will be replaced with the new by midnight tonight (including the new Project Kit instructions). I usually have it done by the am on the 12th but I am running a little behind today!

The Creative Universe

I was talking to Ranjini over at Scrapologie earlier this week and she mentioned something to me that I have thought alot about since. She had taken a class from Heidi Swapp at some point who mentioned that she never hesitated to reveal creative sources, experiences and the such as she felt it just went out into the "creative universe" and would come back to her someday in a new way (I'm sure I mis-quoted, but I believe that was the summary, right Heidi)?? Anyhow - isn't this a really cool concept? Are we not all blessed each day, particularly in the age of the Internet, with individuals who share their passions, inspirations and ideas with us everyday? As I was thinking on all of this last night, I hopped over to one of my favorite places to go, Rebecca's blog, and wouldn't you know that this was the theme of her most recent entry?

So. . . I thought it would be appropriate today to share some of my favorite links and local creative spots with all of you!

1. - first of all, if you don't already have the blog of Pam Garrison earmarked, you must do this now! She is incredibly creative and very diligent about posting "eye candy" on a regular basis. She also provides great links to fellow artists and websites. It is a great source for the creative soul!

2. - if you love vintage and vintage inspired embellishments you won't want to miss Paper Valise. Just looking at the home page will make your heart go pitter patter. Check out Mantofev for even edgier stuff.

3. - Ebay- what can I say? I don't know how I survived without it! The only thing I miss are the days when everyone wasn't into it and you could get things alot cheaper! You need to drop in at least once a week and run a search on what you are looking for to stay on top of the best stuff. Try "Old Store" , one of my favorite search phrases to find old displays for studio storage, apothecary jars and other cool items!

4. - if you live near Nashville, you don't want to miss the flea market at the fairgrounds. You have to search, but you can find almost anything there. Last time I picked up a pile of old canning jar lids that had the perfect patina. I really want to make some collages in them (in my free time)! There is a booth in the Sports Arena/Barn that you won't want to miss. She makes necklaces out of old typewriter keys, but her booth is full of old tin letters, signs, ledgers and knick knacks. She just started setting up about 3 months ago. I keep going and spending big bucks so she will keep coming back! ha! Leave me some things if you get there first!

Here are two of my finds from the other day!

Sneak Peeks

So here are some sneak peeks at this month's kits. On sale tonight at midnight!!

I made this with the Papercrafting Kit - some glitz from Making Memories and some beautiful papers and stickers from Melissa Frances!! Also look for silk ribbon, star sequins, beautiful opaque shell sequins in 3 colors, Ghost Hibiscus for HS, some goodies from My Mind's Eye and more!

And here is a little peek at the Project Kit for the month. We will be making 6 birds total - some with photos. I am in LOVE with this. I want to hang them from every chandelier in my house!

Also for sale this month under JBS Exclusive Products are "Spring Picnic" paper packs, journaling cards and mini papers as well as the Pink Die Cut Label paper (all from last month's kit). I will also put up the Butterfly Chipboard and the Bird and Banner Rubber Stamp.

AND. . . DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR FUNDRASIER FOR THE GALLACHER FAMILY WHO LOST THEIR SON TO CANCER IN APRIL. HERE'S HOW IT WILL WORK:

You will find a "Donation" product under the NEW section and under the JBS Exclusive Products section- either place. It will be in the amount of $1 but you can change the quantity to whatever you would like. 100% of the money donated goes straight to Jen (or as a donation for research - her choice). Jared and I will match the donations up to $3000, but with a minimum of $1500. Jen is a sweet and faithful woman who has had to cope with something no mother should ever have to face. I'm so happy to have this opportunity to help in some small way!

See you tonight!

I hope you had an enjoyable weekend~!

We had a lovely time in Destin, although it was way too short. Perfect weather and we found a new place that was so very quiet - I loved that! I was also able to spend some time really working on the product development for July/August introductions which I rarely seem to be able to do at home (so many other things call my name). I also found the time to run to my favorite antique stores in the afternoons. Here are my finds:

My heart skipped a beat when I found the drawing books and the pile of sheet music - and the apothecary jars were a steal at $30 a piece. The prayer book is hard to see, it is tucked behind the bird planter, but it has a beautiful carved bone cross on the cover. It is lovely. I also couldn't pass up the palm tree plate - I just need to find a place for it in this office!

Look for some kit previews for June tomorrow and/or Thursday!!

Some random things

I keep thinking things are going to get less busy. I have been saying "once we get this in place things will get easier" for a long time now. Ruth just laughs at me when I say it now. Somehow we are managing a quick trip to Destin this weekend and I am longing for some "peace". I picked up the new Maroon 5 CD today for the trip. Run don't walk - it's a good one. I went into Target on April 22nd begging the electronics guy to find it for me (I just new it was there - somehow I got my month's mixed up). I think I was a little teary eyed cause he felt bad for me and kept looking even though I knew he knew better.

So here are the random things:

Here's a little layout I did for the Fiskar's blog this week.

So glad to be invited over there. I will try to remember to put it in the gallery at the site - I know it is a little slim this month. I am working on that for the future- a fun contest. I think it is going to take me another month to get it together though. I want it to be big!

I have some new chipboard shapes that will pop up in the kits in June like these. . .

And these. . .

And these. . .

All extra large (6" and 4") just like I like them.

And in June we will be making a special donation to help Jen Gallacher and her family who recently suffered the loss of their son Joey to cancer. Jen is one of the kindest people I have met in this industry with such a sweet spirit. I have been devastated by this as I know many of you have been. I will tell you more about it on June 1st!

Have a great night!

Fun Stuff. . .

Two new sites/blogs launched this week. First, check out my friend Jeanette's website (and us having fun at the Oxygen Bar at the Scrap Etc. event in Birmingham!) at www.scrapinstyletv.com. Then hop over to www.onelittleword.blogspot.com. These girls set up a blog around Ali's one word challenge and it looks like there will be alot of inspiration here!!

And, doesn't this look like fun?

Noah got a go-cart for numerous things (mostly for a great school year). We look like hillbillies at our property I'm sure with our lawn chairs and go cart (no house yet - who needs one of those)! Jared took me for a ride too:

(This was pre-surgery of course. Still on restriction for go-carts for a little while).

And while we were there I shot this one of Alex. He has the same color hair I had when I was a baby. I swore my kids would have it, but I got a nephew instead!

Sneak peeks coming this weekend!!

Recovering. . .

As you might have noticed I have been gone for a little while! I must confess I have been recovering from surgery (no worries- it was honestly mostly elective) and I have enjoyed the fact that it forced me to slow down a bit. I told Jared as I laid in bed watching TV (in a drug induced haze mind you) that I was actually enjoying it (did I mention the drug induced haze? I pulled myself off of the meds after 2 days and decided I wasn't enjoying it as much)! Nonetheless, I am feeling much better and things are slowly getting back to normal.

I just finished getting the gallery up for May. Here is a sneak peek:

Please continue to post your layouts in the Share area!! I will be announcing a fun contest next month so stay tuned. . .