Bringing Out the Stash

Like many others out there I have quite a paper stash.  I love finding new papers.  The only problem is that I hate to use them.  But, despite my hoarding instincts, I pulled out some of my pattern papers and put them to good use.  Plus, it's a great excuse to add some more paper to my stash.

Happy crafting!

-Jennifer Gayle

 #overcome

A Busy Little Elf

Life has been very busy lately.  I've had a lot of school work to do.  This has been compounded by a super-migraine that has surpassed all other migraines.  You have never experienced a migraine until you have had one in your eye.  I now have a greater understanding for headache pain.  

The best part of the last month, however, was getting to design Christmas cards for two good friends, Taiya and Sandy.  It was nice and relaxing to work on something creative.

A view of my workspace.  I really do know where everything is.

I've been wanting to do something with this stamp for several years, so when Sandy told me she wanted a wintery scene with snowy trees I knew exactly which image to use.

Taiya asked for something Zentangled, so I drew this Christmas tree for her. 

I was really pleased with how the cards came out.  And Sandy was so pleased with her's that she ordered some birthday cards.  I'm über excited about the chance to excercise my creative muscles.  I'll be sure to share a few along the way.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  May you experience the warmth of the season.

-Jennifer Gayle

Happy New Year!

Today is the first day of the 2013, but did you realize is that it is also the eighth day of Christmas?  While I don't have eight maids a milkin' I do have a gift for my true love.

Last year I started the tradition of giving my hubby something special for each of the twelve days of Christmas.  This year I decided to make it extra personal.  Using the letters in his name, I chose twelve words that described my husband.  I filled out cards dictionary style, providing the definition and using each word in a sentence that described him.  On the other side I numbered each one.  Then I placed the cards in envelopes and placed them under the Christmas tree.  Not only does he get to open a personalized card every day, but once they are bound together with rings my husband will have something to look at throughout the year to remind him how special he is to me.

-Jennifer Gayle

Diva Challenge #82- UMT v. VII "Brayd", Plus a little something for the Hubby

Like most husbands, mine has always taken care of me when I was sick.  He's fixed the chicken noodle soup and pulled out the extra blankets.  This year, however, he has gone above and beyond the usual husbandly duties.

After breaking my foot last July, then spraining it the week I get out of the boot, I developed a nerve disorder call Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).  Because of the extreme pain it causes I have been on crutches since October 2011.  My dear husband has done just about everything for me.  He has been so wonderful throughout all of this.  I was thinking that he deserved a medal, but I decided to make him something even better.

My husband absolutely loves it.  He keeps it next to the bed and flips it to a different card each day.

This week's Diva Challenge was the first of the month so it was an 'use my tangle' (UMT) challenge.  The tangle this week, called Brayd, is designed by Shelley Beauch.  My first thoughts when I saw Brayd went towards a border.  I had hoped to put a monogram inside, but my handwriting skills aren't that advanced just yet.  I do think the medallion in the center fits quite nicely though.

-Jennifer Gayle

My Name is Jennifer and I am Addicted to Pinterest

Yes, I admit it, I am hooked. I have been since the day I received my invitation. I set up my account and before long I was spending my nights pinning to boards like 'my dream tree house' and 'fabulous manicures'. That's the spell of Pinterest–even if I could convince my husband to build a house in a tree I'll never be a manicure type of girl.

Easter was last Sunday. I was proud of myself; after my Christmas card debauchal and procrastinating too long to send my Valentine cards I started to work on my Easter cards the week after Valentines. I was getting creative-using Peeps as stamps. I was even taking photos so I could share them online. But then I hit a snag. The cards needed a little something else. They weren't quite complete. So I turned to Pinterest...

Easter was last Sunday. Today I threw away the Peeps I was using for my stamps, put up the paper I'd bought, and cleaned up my supplies. If you're curious how the cards turned out you can follow my 'Dream Easter Card' board on Pinterest.

-Jennifer Gayle