And her name is Stephanie. Why do you ask? Well I am going to tell you! I have been converting files the LOOOOOOOOONG way with only marginal success. Ms. Stephanie, my new bff, has a fabulous article on converting those cutting files.
Where do you say? Why here of course! Scrapncreations.
This is the first time I just had to hit the tip jar. Woohoo!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
How Exciting This Gazelle Is!
I have learned a few things along the way. First, there is so much information available it can be confusing where to start. So, when you get your Gazelle, first things first, join the Bosskut forum. It has beginning steps and boy have they made my journey clearer. Thank you!
Next thing I learned, the blades for deep cutting and for regular cutting look the same. Read the envelope. LOL! I was using the wrong blade. I changed it, followed instructions and then took to cutting.
Remember how I said that I needed to make the mats stickier? I mixed Aleene’s Tack-It Over with a ratio of 60% glue to 40% water and “painted” it on the mat. Let it dry and it works very well! So then it was time to cut.
First here is a heart doily that is 7 ¼” square. It came out great on the first try. The only problem was when I pulled it off I ripped it a bit. So lesson learned, Cindy be patient and go slowly!
Next I decided to just go for the intricate. Hey, that is a big reason why I purchased my Gazelle. I love those lacy designs!
This picture shows the projects ready to be cut. Quite detailed aren't they?
This shows the cutting settings I used. I know some of you are novices like my self.
This shows the cut items with just the outside removed.
Now to pull off the delicate cut pieces; yes, I had some tiny parts to remove but most stayed on my mat. Yay!
Aren’t they beautiful? By the way, I used cardstock that was not overly thick. One of the tutorials at the forum suggests using a “30” as the knife offset when doing small details.
I am a happy camper! I believe I got most of these designs from the Funtime Yahoo group and/or the Bosskut site.
Next thing I learned, the blades for deep cutting and for regular cutting look the same. Read the envelope. LOL! I was using the wrong blade. I changed it, followed instructions and then took to cutting.
Remember how I said that I needed to make the mats stickier? I mixed Aleene’s Tack-It Over with a ratio of 60% glue to 40% water and “painted” it on the mat. Let it dry and it works very well! So then it was time to cut.
First here is a heart doily that is 7 ¼” square. It came out great on the first try. The only problem was when I pulled it off I ripped it a bit. So lesson learned, Cindy be patient and go slowly!
Next I decided to just go for the intricate. Hey, that is a big reason why I purchased my Gazelle. I love those lacy designs!This picture shows the projects ready to be cut. Quite detailed aren't they?
This shows the cutting settings I used. I know some of you are novices like my self.
This shows the cut items with just the outside removed.
Now to pull off the delicate cut pieces; yes, I had some tiny parts to remove but most stayed on my mat. Yay!
Aren’t they beautiful? By the way, I used cardstock that was not overly thick. One of the tutorials at the forum suggests using a “30” as the knife offset when doing small details.I am a happy camper! I believe I got most of these designs from the Funtime Yahoo group and/or the Bosskut site.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Well the adventure has begun. My Gazelle came Friday evening. Yay!
Those of you who loved Barbie in the 60’s will love the color of the Gazelle. It is white, hot pink and orange. I must confess mine will be altered soon. ;-) Everything is in the box, the usb cord, power cord, dongle, book, and software. It was a little confusing for me to understand how to get it all going but I managed. One big problem for me is the size of the text in the book. My eyes are old they (the fonts not my eyes) need to be bigger. I am hoping there is an online version I can just download and read on my computer more comfortably.
My next hurdle was to see if I could get all of my wonderful svg files converted to use with my Gazelle. Nope, after all those hours saving to dxf, they were all blank! I followed the instructions to the letter but maybe it is my 64 bit computer? Or my Vista? Who knows but working with Inkscape and saving it to dxf and then bringing into my Funtime 2010 isn’t working for me. After that I decided to take a break until last night.
So I decided to pull in less complicated files to see what I could do to use them. You would think I would just use one of the many wpc files freely offered on the Funtime group wouldn’t you? No, I am too advanced for that. (Yea right)! I finally had some success when I opened a file from Paulo’s site of a heart border in my Inkscape. I then changed it to black and resized it to 8.5 inches wide. I then copied the file and pasted it in my Funtime program. I used the Auto Vecto feature. I then had to close the side of the top border. Even for a beginner that was easy enough to do. I held my tongue just right and sent it to my Gazelle to cut. Success! Both the upper and the lower cut! See here they are. I saved that file as a wpc. Yippee!
I thought I had best do this again just to see if I can. So I grabbed a lace border again one from Paulo’s site. I went through the same steps but decided I only wanted the top layer. Look, even with all of those little holes, I have it! Okay it may not be perfect but it is close enough for now.
Tomorrow, I will play more with files. I will also get a shelf liner under my machine to see if it will quiet it down a bit.
All in all, for a complete beginner, I am feeling pretty good right now. My only real wish? Is there anyone who knows how I can easily convert those svg files to wpc? You would be my hero!
Creatively…
My next hurdle was to see if I could get all of my wonderful svg files converted to use with my Gazelle. Nope, after all those hours saving to dxf, they were all blank! I followed the instructions to the letter but maybe it is my 64 bit computer? Or my Vista? Who knows but working with Inkscape and saving it to dxf and then bringing into my Funtime 2010 isn’t working for me. After that I decided to take a break until last night.
So I decided to pull in less complicated files to see what I could do to use them. You would think I would just use one of the many wpc files freely offered on the Funtime group wouldn’t you? No, I am too advanced for that. (Yea right)! I finally had some success when I opened a file from Paulo’s site of a heart border in my Inkscape. I then changed it to black and resized it to 8.5 inches wide. I then copied the file and pasted it in my Funtime program. I used the Auto Vecto feature. I then had to close the side of the top border. Even for a beginner that was easy enough to do. I held my tongue just right and sent it to my Gazelle to cut. Success! Both the upper and the lower cut! See here they are. I saved that file as a wpc. Yippee!
I thought I had best do this again just to see if I can. So I grabbed a lace border again one from Paulo’s site. I went through the same steps but decided I only wanted the top layer. Look, even with all of those little holes, I have it! Okay it may not be perfect but it is close enough for now.Tomorrow, I will play more with files. I will also get a shelf liner under my machine to see if it will quiet it down a bit.
All in all, for a complete beginner, I am feeling pretty good right now. My only real wish? Is there anyone who knows how I can easily convert those svg files to wpc? You would be my hero!
Creatively…
Friday, March 5, 2010
Gazelle Files and Delivery
I had hoped that it would be here for the weekend but that's okay. I have been busy snagging cutting files and converting them for use with the Gazelle.
There are some wonderful folks around the web. I have started a new "Favorite Cutting Sites" links group in the right column. Penny and Paulo offer wonderful and free .svg files. I will add more links as I find them.
Now I had to find how I could use these in my machine so I wrote to Bosskut. I had heard they have great customer support and I got a reply back the very next day:
"To convert your svg files, you will not need any additional programs.
Open the svg file in inkscape, make sure everything is ungrouped, then select everything and "save as" a dxf file.
The dxf file will import into funtime...
Thanks! Terri (Gazelle Tech' Support)"
BTW, Inkscape is a free program you can get online. So many new things to learn! It is a great program and I am sure we will be doing things with it in the future as well. Penny included tutorials as well as cutting files on her site and she is one talented lady. So, take a look around, let me know what cutting sites you find and let's get ready to play!
creatively...
There are some wonderful folks around the web. I have started a new "Favorite Cutting Sites" links group in the right column. Penny and Paulo offer wonderful and free .svg files. I will add more links as I find them.
Now I had to find how I could use these in my machine so I wrote to Bosskut. I had heard they have great customer support and I got a reply back the very next day:
"To convert your svg files, you will not need any additional programs.
Open the svg file in inkscape, make sure everything is ungrouped, then select everything and "save as" a dxf file.
The dxf file will import into funtime...
Thanks! Terri (Gazelle Tech' Support)"
BTW, Inkscape is a free program you can get online. So many new things to learn! It is a great program and I am sure we will be doing things with it in the future as well. Penny included tutorials as well as cutting files on her site and she is one talented lady. So, take a look around, let me know what cutting sites you find and let's get ready to play!
creatively...
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Coming Soon: The Gazelle Adventure!
Well I did it. I ordered the Gazelle and I am quite excited I have to tell you. The creative possibilities are like Manna to my spirit!
I will learn to design my own die cut patterns or take any stamped image or clip art image and make a die cut from those. Maybe use someone else’s shared template. No more waiting and hoping that some of my favorite die companies will produce the die I am longing for.
I will be making rhinestone patterns, pop-ups, my 3D pop-outs, favors, banners, and who knows what!
Perhaps you are already on this road. Maybe you are thinking about taking the plunge yourself. Either way, I hope you will take this journey with me and share your ideas, techniques, and knowledge.
From the fabulous finds to the hurdles, I plan to share it all. Care to join me? As soon as I know the shipment date I will share it here. Please let everyone know about this adventure so they can join in too.
Creatively…
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Design Team Thoughts
Design Team Thoughts
Isn’t it time someone spoke up? I think so. Those of you who sponsor design teams do you really consider your designers as valuable? I wonder.
A good designer will do their best work (not just CASE others). They will promote your company everywhere they go. Each card, altered item, layout, or what have you has taken hours if not days to imagine, work out details and complete with all to be in pristine condition. On top of that the designer is usually asked to photograph and edit their items, upload the scans on more than one venue, and be available to answer all questions about the technique and/or item. They will be required to name products used in the card and often include a tutorial. Then there are the “blog hops” which add more, yup you guessed it, time from the designer.
Often we are required to send the actual objects to the company which require proper packaging, more time spent, and shipping costs. We may be asked or required to send to stores and conventions as well. Did you note the shipping costs? Many expect us to pay them without recompense!
If the designer, like me, loves to think outside the box and find new ways to use the product, that takes more time along with the possible use of outside products.
Now for all of this what does the design team member get in return?
Lately, without naming names, I have seen companies that will give you perhaps $50.00 in product (I wonder is that retail or wholesale?) per month. Some may give a single sheet of rubber stamps. That’s it. Everything else comes out of our pocket. Does this really sound fair to you? They get away with it because some folks just want to be able to claim they are on a design team. Whatever happened to RESPECT? Appreciation?
I have had the pleasure to work with some wonderful companies as a designer. They treated me like a star. I was given plenty of product to work with. Most let me choose which products and projects I would prefer and not try to mold me into a certain style. They reimbursed me for my shipping costs and covered my travel fees if I chose to be a demo for them. If I chose to submit to magazines I was well compensated for those published as well. I cherish these companies. They usually sent me a LOT of product when I began as well so I had plenty to work with and choose from. Why? because they know that we designers may feel like doing something artsy today and cute tomorrow. But if we only have, one style of images to work with, it will limit our creativity. This is not good for the company or the artist.
Companies: Please give credit to your designers for the hard work they do. Compensate them fairly and if you can generously. In the long run you will be glad you did. The designer will never forget you and will continue to “advertise” for you long after her/his term is over if you do.
Designers: Do your very best at all times. Live up to your obligations. Give praise when due. Be quiet when you should.
We all make mistakes, I have made far too many in my life I know. We all are still learning how to better create, communicate, and even handle our own struggles. So let’s give some leeway when we can. It is more fun to lift up then to tear down.
I must give a huge shout out to some of the companies who were beyond the best to work with: Spellbinders, Hearts in Touch, Red Castle, Inc., Innovative Stamp Creations, Enchanted Ink, Terryfic Times, Marco’s Paper. THANK YOU! And to all of the other companies I have worked with, thank you as well. I have been blessed!
Creatively,
Cindy Cade
Monday, February 15, 2010
3D Pop-Out Tutorial can be seen at:
My RubberRoadAdventures blog page. I would love to see how you use it too.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A Valentine
This is a valentine I made for an article at RubberRoadAdventures Newsletter. Again it features my 3D Pop Up technique. It should be up soon so keep checking if you are curious about its details.
Creatively,
Monday, February 8, 2010
Everyone seems to be into 3D these days so...
I had to join in. Now I don't get to see most films in 3D, according to the experts I have no depth perception, but really that means my perception is just different than yours. Different isn't always bad now is it? I did once experience a 3d movie, because the screen is so huge at Disney World and the glasses are a better quality, I actually got to see what you all do all the time. I was probably the most excited kid the room (I was only in my 40's after all)!
Lately I have had so many creative ideas storm my brain that I feel I am about to burst. Finally I just told myself to let the other stuff in my life go and get back to what I like to do; Play! I am very glad I listen to my own advice.
Oh yea, back to the 3D, oh how I can ramble... Here is my project of today. I only wish I could get a better picture. Do you see the dimension? I mean how can you miss it? No this isn't a bunch of flowers stacked on each other, well not completely.
Lately I have had so many creative ideas storm my brain that I feel I am about to burst. Finally I just told myself to let the other stuff in my life go and get back to what I like to do; Play! I am very glad I listen to my own advice.
Oh yea, back to the 3D, oh how I can ramble... Here is my project of today. I only wish I could get a better picture. Do you see the dimension? I mean how can you miss it? No this isn't a bunch of flowers stacked on each other, well not completely.
Here is a more sideways view. Notice how the petals are still attached to the base layer?
You all have to do me a favor and write to Spellbinders and tell them that we need nesting daisy dies, for starters. I have others in mind too and since I know they make these all so well where else would we go?
Don''t forget most of my work is now being shared at Rubber Road Adventures where I am on both the stamping teams and the fairly new Hot Diggity Die Cut Diner. Food and crafting? Hey sounds made just for me right? LOL
Creatively,
Cindy Cade
Monday, November 30, 2009
Pop Star Instructions
Here is how I did my stars:
Carefully cut your pop cans so you can get as large a flat piece as possible. Be careful as edges can be sharp.
Cut the pieces using your Sizzix 5 point star die in your die cut machine of choice. I got two pieces from each can.
Run the pieces through again embossing with the Cuttlebug folders.
Color the pieces with alcohol ink and allow to dry or heat set.
Score the folding lines on the top of the pieces. Usually you do this on the back side but with the aluminum this won't work as well.
Assemble the stars. I found that using a small stapler very near the score lines worked pretty well.
Punch a hole to hang or tape a loop to the back.
How fun was that?
Creatively...
Carefully cut your pop cans so you can get as large a flat piece as possible. Be careful as edges can be sharp.
Cut the pieces using your Sizzix 5 point star die in your die cut machine of choice. I got two pieces from each can.
Run the pieces through again embossing with the Cuttlebug folders.
Color the pieces with alcohol ink and allow to dry or heat set.
Score the folding lines on the top of the pieces. Usually you do this on the back side but with the aluminum this won't work as well.
Assemble the stars. I found that using a small stapler very near the score lines worked pretty well.
Punch a hole to hang or tape a loop to the back.
How fun was that?
Creatively...
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Pop Stars
Have you ever felt that you could create a pop star? Well, I have no doubt that you can. I mean if I can do it you can too. Now I am not talking about the next American Idol, oh no, far cooler than that. Do people still say cool?
Anyway, using a Sizzix Bigz 5 point star die, a few Cuttlebug folders, some Adirondack inks by Ranger Industries, your trusty small stapler and a little patience you can have one too.
(Backside)Oh yes, you need aluminum pop cans. ;-)
They are about 8 1/4" inch tall.
Until next time...
Creatively,
Cindy cade
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Seasons of Life part 3 of 3
Summer/Autumn
I have tried to get decent pictures but to no avail. I will have to make do with these. This just goes to show it isn't the cost of the camera it's the operator. (Blush)
I took 2 full size pieces of cover weight cardstock and used the largest scalloped rectangle die to cut the windows of my luminary. I then taped in the stamped images and backed with white cardstock so the inside is finished as well. I only had to tape two sides as I folded the two sheets in half.
Winter/Spring
I am very pleased with the results.
These stamps by Stamps Happen are simply gorgeous!
Seasons of Life part 2 of 3
Last time I showed you the images all stamped, embossed and colored. The next step is complete. I have added faux flowers. The scans don't show the dimension well but they are beautiful! You can find directions to make the faux flower soft on this video by Holly Young. I added from one to 4 drops per baggie of regular die reinkers (Ranger and Marvy).
One more step to finish my project!
Winter with snow:
Spring with cherry blossoms:
Summer with flowers and leaves:
One more step to finish my project!
Winter with snow:
Spring with cherry blossoms:
Summer with flowers and leaves:
Autumn with colorful foliage:
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Seasons of Life
I have been playing, joyfully!
I was so blessed to get my hands on these beautiful, collector quality, Stamps Happen stamps from Janlynn Corporation.
Today I stamped and embossed them on vellum.
I then colored them with markers, inks and Galaxy Markers.
What will I do with them next? Stay tuned!
Please note that these scans simply do not do the images justice.
They totally pop!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Rubber Road Adventures Newletter
I found out something wonderful for all of you super busy yet in the know artists; The RRA Blog! Just scroll down in the right column to subscribe to your choice of readers, etc.
For those of you who can be more involved do join RRA where you will find tons of inspiration, diverse artsy groups, as well as a community of like minded souls!
New projects are added constantly and it is a fabulous place for you to showcase your art as well.
Creatively....
For those of you who can be more involved do join RRA where you will find tons of inspiration, diverse artsy groups, as well as a community of like minded souls!
New projects are added constantly and it is a fabulous place for you to showcase your art as well.
Creatively....
Saturday, August 15, 2009
2 New tutes (Sneak Peek)
Rubbing plates, oil pencils, stamps, fabric, gift giving, bright apparel, fun. So what could all these things have in common?
You will have to see for your self. :-)
Tutorial 1
I am removing the second tutorial. There were problems with the inks. I will be redoing the project and updating. So stay tuned.
My suggestion: Do not use Rangers Adirondack Color Wash inks for wearable fabrics. This is the second time I have done this (though I used natural fibers this time and thought that made it safe) and had the ink bleed.
Creatively,
Cindy Cade
You will have to see for your self. :-)
Tutorial 1
I am removing the second tutorial. There were problems with the inks. I will be redoing the project and updating. So stay tuned.
My suggestion: Do not use Rangers Adirondack Color Wash inks for wearable fabrics. This is the second time I have done this (though I used natural fibers this time and thought that made it safe) and had the ink bleed.
Creatively,
Cindy Cade
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Give God Thanks Wall Banner
Last October I did a Sizzix wall banner. I have another to share with you today. I apologize that my scanner cannot fit the entire width. My old graphic programs (which include things like stitching) will not work with my new Vista computer. :-( But you will get the idea. 
For instructions just go back to my Dare to Dream banner.And to see lots of fun new art (yes I will have some up soon as well) go to:
Thursday, June 25, 2009
News, I am coming out of retirement....
Life has been chaotic as usual. Hey, at least I know I am alive!
I have joined Rubber Road Adventures ezine and will be creating new projects and tutorials along with many other creative artists! If you have not checked them out yet, do! I know you will be energized!
To quote Lizabeth:
"Did you know that we published about 60 Art Tutorials in May for the Spring Edition? Did you know that we have published about 80 Art Tutorials in June for the Summer Edition? That's an incredible record of about 140 Art Tutorials in just 6 weeks here on our new Network!!!The Elite Design Professionals, the Rubber Roadies, are dedicated to our readers, Valued Vendors, and the industry. Come mingle with us; ask any questions, share your thoughts with us, take a look at our art projects, and share your artwork, too! We are here for YOU! It's time for you to take the plunge and come over:http://RubberRoadAdventures.ning.com/ "
This is not only an ezine, btw, it is a fun network with tons of tutorials, special interest groups, chat features (hmm does this mean I will be doing live classes again soon? Maybe) and so much more!
So, look for me in the August issue. Now I am off to give two of my latest ideas life! They keep kicking at me begging to come out and play. :-)
Creatively,
Cindy Cade
I have joined Rubber Road Adventures ezine and will be creating new projects and tutorials along with many other creative artists! If you have not checked them out yet, do! I know you will be energized!
To quote Lizabeth:
"Did you know that we published about 60 Art Tutorials in May for the Spring Edition? Did you know that we have published about 80 Art Tutorials in June for the Summer Edition? That's an incredible record of about 140 Art Tutorials in just 6 weeks here on our new Network!!!The Elite Design Professionals, the Rubber Roadies, are dedicated to our readers, Valued Vendors, and the industry. Come mingle with us; ask any questions, share your thoughts with us, take a look at our art projects, and share your artwork, too! We are here for YOU! It's time for you to take the plunge and come over:http://RubberRoadAdventures.ning.com/ "
This is not only an ezine, btw, it is a fun network with tons of tutorials, special interest groups, chat features (hmm does this mean I will be doing live classes again soon? Maybe) and so much more!
So, look for me in the August issue. Now I am off to give two of my latest ideas life! They keep kicking at me begging to come out and play. :-)
Creatively,
Cindy Cade
Saturday, November 15, 2008
A favorite blog of mine
Do you go there too? They have such great tips and share the best of mom-prenurer sites. With spare time so limited these days, I am lucky to get in a few moments with some of my favorite friends blogs and this one. Oh, they have such great give-a-ways too. One of these days I am going to win, I mean, it could happen right?
Check out the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon going on right now! Gorgeous purses are up today!
You just got to love a site like that!
Check out the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon going on right now! Gorgeous purses are up today!
You just got to love a site like that!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
As promised, New Art!
As you can see, I didn't have much luck at photographing it. But the scanner didn't do too bad. You still can't really see just how much this pops, or the glitter from the Stardust pen adding just the right touch but you should get an idea.....
These are cut from cardboard and white glossy card stock, then glued together for stability.
Once the backgrounds are created, I stamp the flourishes and main images in White, dry, then off stamp again in black.
I dry the inks then seal first with a U.V. sealer, then with a couple of coats of glossy.
Now to add the details, lots of Souffle pen work, Stardust pen work, adding the eyelets and "jump rings" (which are really tiny slinky type rings)!
Add the flowers, and ribbons, and anything else that suits your fancy, and what a gift! Well, at least I think so. :-)
By the way, the letters are Indulgence by Spellbinders.
So, do please leave a comment, share the URL, and if you make some, let me see!
Creatively,
Cindy Cade
Selling off artsty extras
Hi all,
Yes, I still exist. :-) I am still doing a lot of catching up. Yep, my life's mantra! LOL! This week I will be spending most of my time painting one of our rentals. Pray we get good renters so I have money to spend! We are good landlords (though I really hate that term).
Now, on to the meat of this post. As time goes by I am going to be uploading items for sale on my picture trail. I will send notes about them here too. Most of these are either duplicates in my studio or left over from my store "Artistic Extras." I prefer PayPal as I think it is easier for us all but a certified or personal check will also do. I cannot ship until funds have been cleared. Shipping will be actual and I suggest getting insurance if you are spending enough to be concerned. Once it leaves my door I cannot be responsible, Okay?
I have been working on a pretty cool project. I will be posting it in a day or few. So do check back. I think you will like it! It uses my die cut machine, dies, stamps and well you shall see!
If you have any questions write to me at: cjcmlc@horizonview.net
You can see the sale items (more will be added as time allows and removed when sold) at: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20698804
There is even a brand new in package Big Shot kit! I love my die cut machines and dies but this is the one I use most, it is just so easy.
Okay, I have to get to work. Hugs all!
Yes, I still exist. :-) I am still doing a lot of catching up. Yep, my life's mantra! LOL! This week I will be spending most of my time painting one of our rentals. Pray we get good renters so I have money to spend! We are good landlords (though I really hate that term).
Now, on to the meat of this post. As time goes by I am going to be uploading items for sale on my picture trail. I will send notes about them here too. Most of these are either duplicates in my studio or left over from my store "Artistic Extras." I prefer PayPal as I think it is easier for us all but a certified or personal check will also do. I cannot ship until funds have been cleared. Shipping will be actual and I suggest getting insurance if you are spending enough to be concerned. Once it leaves my door I cannot be responsible, Okay?
I have been working on a pretty cool project. I will be posting it in a day or few.
If you have any questions write to me at: cjcmlc@horizonview.net
You can see the sale items (more will be added as time allows and removed when sold) at: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20698804
There is even a brand new in package Big Shot kit! I love my die cut machines and dies but this is the one I use most, it is just so easy.
Okay, I have to get to work. Hugs all!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
It has been awhile but....
I am getting closer!
I have lost 25#s and can't believe that just a few short months ago I was wheel-chaired through the Creation Museum because my legs wouldn't carry me that distance. Now, I could do it with no problem! Woohoo!
I have had my third day without a catastrophe (though this computer is still putting up some good fights). I am getting a few things caught up and have lots of plans and ideas running through my brain. I am so ready to play.
Also, you may notice a new button on the top right of my blog. For those of you who sell items online, be they homemade, retail or digital, here is a group that let's you trade with other web mom and pop shops. How cool is that?
Now, I know I closed my store several months back. I am not planning (at least not at this point) on going back to retail but I am going to be sharing some of my art for sale online. I have too many ideas to let sit idle so why not? Christmas is coming, as are birthdays, Sundays, I made it out of bed days, and so many other just reasons (like we really need one) to shop, right? I love the idea of supporting each other. Handmade from the hART is always best in my opinion!
OK, off to bed with me. I have plans for tomorrow.
Hugs you all and thanks for taking time to comment. It is so fun to read. BTW, miss LH, and you know who you are, it was really difficult only getting to have one name drawn. I wanted to hand pick winners. But then, I would have had to pick them all. :-)
Creatively....
I have lost 25#s and can't believe that just a few short months ago I was wheel-chaired through the Creation Museum because my legs wouldn't carry me that distance. Now, I could do it with no problem! Woohoo!
I have had my third day without a catastrophe (though this computer is still putting up some good fights). I am getting a few things caught up and have lots of plans and ideas running through my brain. I am so ready to play.
Also, you may notice a new button on the top right of my blog. For those of you who sell items online, be they homemade, retail or digital, here is a group that let's you trade with other web mom and pop shops. How cool is that?
Now, I know I closed my store several months back. I am not planning (at least not at this point) on going back to retail but I am going to be sharing some of my art for sale online. I have too many ideas to let sit idle so why not? Christmas is coming, as are birthdays, Sundays, I made it out of bed days, and so many other just reasons (like we really need one) to shop, right? I love the idea of supporting each other. Handmade from the hART is always best in my opinion!
OK, off to bed with me. I have plans for tomorrow.
Hugs you all and thanks for taking time to comment. It is so fun to read. BTW, miss LH, and you know who you are, it was really difficult only getting to have one name drawn. I wanted to hand pick winners. But then, I would have had to pick them all. :-)
Creatively....
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Today I am thankful for...
My church. I have a pastor who preaches the Word of God without comprimise. He isn't afraid to call sin, sin. He will tell you that only by believing on Jesus Christ can one be saved. Yes, saved. I don't share this to offend anyone but if your church doesn't do these two minor things you may want to pray about what you should do.
Our congregation is small. Let's face it churches who only give motivational talks are a lot more popular.
I want my church to love me enough to point out my faults as well as my good points and to do so in love.
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires;"
"and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths." (2 Tim 4:3-4 NASB)
Cheers!
Our congregation is small. Let's face it churches who only give motivational talks are a lot more popular.
I want my church to love me enough to point out my faults as well as my good points and to do so in love.
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires;"
"and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths." (2 Tim 4:3-4 NASB)
Cheers!
Hope is a great word....
I am 16#s lighter and I think it all must be from the weight on my heart!
You see I have not been able to muster up the strength to even begin a diet for years, but I recently dropped my depression medicine and my blood pressure medicine (yes I weened off of them both) as they made me tired. I am also convinced they have made me obese! What an ugly word! Actually morbidly obese. Now that is downright scary but fitting.
I joined Sparkpeople (I am continuing to totally love this site) and it has all the tools and support one could ever want or need. Amazing that it is free, God bless them everyone!
Since then I have found that I am ADHD. Some of you probably already guessed this just by the way I write. I do it the same way I think. I mean have you ever known anyone who used "( )" so often? That is my mind wandering. I know I should just incorporate a new sentence but being queen of something is better than nought right?
Why would I share this find about myself? Because it is again a source of hope for me. After decades of knowing I am "wired" differently than the rest of the world it is nice to have it medically confirmed. It explains my disorganized thought processes, same with my lifestyle, why I can't listen to someone intently if there is any other sound in the room or motion for that matter. One other thing about us ADD folks, we are usually very creative. Hmm, anyone out there relating? Maybe you should do a study.
My pastor loaned me a book entitled "Driven to Distraction" and it was like someone peered inside my brain and took notes. In all my life I have never had a proper diagnosis. I have begun medicine to help. This could take awhile to get right. I am also learning how to better organize my life. That is hard because I am a "now" person. If it takes long term obligation and a lot of steps I will have to push myself. This is also typical of ADD/ADHD.
Now, I have two great things to add to my new found hope list.
First, since beginning my diet my blood pressure is in the good zone! No kidding! I haven't even lost a lot of weight (yet) but I did drop all the soda (pop) as well as candy, doughnuts, etc.
Second, the medicine they put me on has a certain side effect that can work for me, it is supposed to oppress the appetite! Hopefully that will prove true when they up my meds. I am on too low a dose at the moment to feel anything. BUT I have hope!
I now believe that I will get my studio organized again, get the garage emptied, and perhaps even get the kids back on track in their own rooms. My boy has ADD too, which is how I actually found out that I do.
I am expecting great changes.
Hey, btw, for those who know me almost too well, I quit demoing for the last couple of years because I kept breaking out in sweats. It was embarrassing to say the least. For the first time in a decade I was able to wear layers to church last Sunday without being overheated. Woohoo!
Look out world, Cindy is coming back and will be better than ever!
You see I have not been able to muster up the strength to even begin a diet for years, but I recently dropped my depression medicine and my blood pressure medicine (yes I weened off of them both) as they made me tired. I am also convinced they have made me obese! What an ugly word! Actually morbidly obese. Now that is downright scary but fitting.
I joined Sparkpeople (I am continuing to totally love this site) and it has all the tools and support one could ever want or need. Amazing that it is free, God bless them everyone!
Since then I have found that I am ADHD. Some of you probably already guessed this just by the way I write. I do it the same way I think. I mean have you ever known anyone who used "( )" so often? That is my mind wandering. I know I should just incorporate a new sentence but being queen of something is better than nought right?
Why would I share this find about myself? Because it is again a source of hope for me. After decades of knowing I am "wired" differently than the rest of the world it is nice to have it medically confirmed. It explains my disorganized thought processes, same with my lifestyle, why I can't listen to someone intently if there is any other sound in the room or motion for that matter. One other thing about us ADD folks, we are usually very creative. Hmm, anyone out there relating? Maybe you should do a study.
My pastor loaned me a book entitled "Driven to Distraction" and it was like someone peered inside my brain and took notes. In all my life I have never had a proper diagnosis. I have begun medicine to help. This could take awhile to get right. I am also learning how to better organize my life. That is hard because I am a "now" person. If it takes long term obligation and a lot of steps I will have to push myself. This is also typical of ADD/ADHD.
Now, I have two great things to add to my new found hope list.
First, since beginning my diet my blood pressure is in the good zone! No kidding! I haven't even lost a lot of weight (yet) but I did drop all the soda (pop) as well as candy, doughnuts, etc.
Second, the medicine they put me on has a certain side effect that can work for me, it is supposed to oppress the appetite! Hopefully that will prove true when they up my meds. I am on too low a dose at the moment to feel anything. BUT I have hope!
I now believe that I will get my studio organized again, get the garage emptied, and perhaps even get the kids back on track in their own rooms. My boy has ADD too, which is how I actually found out that I do.
I am expecting great changes.
Hey, btw, for those who know me almost too well, I quit demoing for the last couple of years because I kept breaking out in sweats. It was embarrassing to say the least. For the first time in a decade I was able to wear layers to church last Sunday without being overheated. Woohoo!
Look out world, Cindy is coming back and will be better than ever!
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