inventory control: a new camera

I've spoiled myself again and bought a new camera.  This camera makes the cutest little business card sized Polaroid pictures.  I bought it with a bunch of film.

I took this camera and some film when we were visiting my cousin and her three little girls.  The little ones have only grown up with digital cameras so it was fun to see their surprise when my "weird camera" spit out a picture that developed before their eyes.  I got to take lots of pictures until they were surprised again when we were out of film.  

They carried their pictures around all night...

Of course in true new camera tradition my first pictures were of my pups.

They aren't always this cute (but close), they were waiting for a treat from their mom.

These pictures aren't perfect, but they remind me of the pictures we used to take when I was little, before digital, when you couldn't just delete and take another more perfect picture.

I love my new camera and have used it to add some memories to my memory clothesline.

inventory control: belts

I have a new addiction.  It's the belt section of the fabric store.

Have you noticed what pretty striped belt material they have?  I just love these for straps on bags.  Not only does it save time on making your own straps, but I think they work a lot nicer too.

I've got a nice little collection now, ready to go for future projects.

I'm not a hoarder...for real...

OK, maybe a little bit when it comes to crafting supplies.  ;)

inventory control: create your own name stamp

After my first stamp making experience, I decided to make myself a personalized name stamp.  Not only can you make one for yourself, but I think these would make a nice gift for a friend who enjoys card making, stamping, or scrapbooking.  I think my sister might get one from me.

Here's what you need:

Speedball Carving Tools (various sizes)
Speedy Carve Carving Block <----- this is the best stuff
A pencil
A Sharpie
Paper
Ink
Straight Edge

Here's how you do it:

1.  Write your name on a piece of paper with a pencil.  I traced my name twice for good measure.

2.  Place your paper pencil side down on your speedy carve block.  Use a straight edge to rub the back of the paper.  This will transfer your pencil marks to the block.  Your image will be reversed.

3.  Use a Sharpie to trace around the name.

4.  Use your finest point Speedball carver to carve around your traced line.  Note:  It really is easier if you move the carving block rather than the carving tool when you are carving (particularly around curves).  I didn't really "get" this the first time.

5.  Continue carving away.  Make test stamps to see where more carving is needed.  Once finished you can mount your stamp on wood, just like a real store bought stamp. 

inventory control: vintage buttons

I always enjoy Lisa Jordan's button pictures at Little Fish Studios.  I have to admit that I've always sort of envied her collection.  So when she started selling button grab bags, I thought to myself, "I'm gonna get me some of those buttons."

When I came home from work today I found they had arrived, charmingly packaged...

Work was so busy today that I didn't have time for lunch.  Even though I was starving, I dug right in to my new/old buttons.

I found an anchor...

...and a boat...

a pretty swirly grey button

some clear sparkly buttons

and maybe my favorite button?  although it's hard to chose.



Thanks, Lisa!

inventory control: a new toy

I've always wanted to learn how to take really great pictures. You know the kind, where the close up thing looks really sharp and everything behind looks blurry. I LOVE those pictures.

Goodbye point and shoot...hello new DSLR! I've spent the last few days playing and learning; my head swimming with words like shutter speed, aperture, ISO...I have NO idea what any of it means, but I already have serious lens envy.

Here's what my playing has yielded so far...

Of course my first picture was of my pup, Bo.

...and several more...

seriously, mom...I'm over getting my picture taken...

a close up of some lilacs I picked (notice the blurryness!)

flowers after the rain.

dogwood flower. (good thing I got this when I did, the blooms are already gone.)

Can you guess what we are doing this weekend? I'm hoping for good weather!

Any photography advice and suggestions are welcome.

inventory control: where i work

Collecting, gathering, searching, acquiring; I don’t think I’m alone in saying these things are as much a part of scrap booking as actually gluing things to paper. I love buying, organizing, and sometimes just sitting back and admiring my scrapbook supplies. There is a delicate balance between making sure you have just enough “stuff” to feel inspired, but not too much to feel overwhelmed by choices.

I have carved out a crafting space for myself in our unfinished basement. It can be a bit dreary and cold, but I feel blessed to have space to stretch out. I feel even more blessed to have a space where I can be a bit messy. (There’s no pressure to be neat when you are working out of an unfinished basement). Recently I moved my craft space to the other side of the basement to make way for a basement finishing project. The move just so happened to coincide with a payment for some consulting work I had done for the CPA exam. I’m sure you can tell where this is going...anyone else smell an upgrade?

I decided to invest in beautifying and organizing my space. I am so pleased with the results that I now feel justified in calling this space my studio.

I painted one wall with magnetic chalkboard paint. I love that I can change it whenever I feel inspired.

My biggest investment was three bookshelves and boxes and baskets for storage. This is working so well for me. I just go to my shelves and pull what I need to my worktable.

My trusty very old computer. This computer is not hooked up to the Internet, so I often carry my laptop downstairs (isn't wireless Internet great?) I've been thinking about ditching this computer all together and dedicating this space to sewing.

This is my real workspace, the area I try and keep somewhat clear for projects. I try to clear the decks before I start a new project, but right now I have so many projects going it is hard to keep things neat (much straightening was done just prior to these pictures).

So there it is. I am feeling much more inspired in this place. I'd still like to be able to fit a big easy chair in there for when I need to veg out and flip through some magazines and books to get those creative juices flowing...