Snow Way I Can Do All This [RANT]

Despite the poem I shared on Substack on Sunday, I find myself struggling to make time for God or much of anything really. Are all the mamas feeling like these piles of ice and snow are piled on top of them or is it just me?

I shall try to keep my words brief because we all need to get back in the fray and catch up on January. In my effort to do that, I worked on more of those little journals that I make. I have to grow some confidence and rent a space at a craft fair to get these beauties into the hands of appreciative buyers. 

I also started a top secret mission. I am slowly sneaking garbage out of the hoard of my baby trash dragons into an actual trash can. Even the mama trash dragon, who upcycles paper into lovely journals, has some limits on what is salvageable. Honestly, that might have prompted me to fall down the upcycle rabbit hole again.

Meanwhile, due to an insatiable need to tell everyone that editors have value to writers, I am unofficially editing two of my friends’ contributions to the written word. One has even been letting me know when poems go live, so I can get to them quickly. Anyway, the book I just read needed one editor to catch the easy fixes and another to dig in and convince the writer to fill the plot holes. I am fairly certain my Goodreads followers are questioning why I keep reading when I am clearly aggravated by typos and misused words, but I don’t always push through. I opted to not finish a couple of books already this year, but I have spent too much time on this topic. Please point out my typos to me. I eventually catch them and wonder why no one took the opportunity to correct me.

Maybe that is because so many people think they should tell me I am wrong about such things as my own preferences. I definitely won’t get started on that one. Because I want to reassure you about something important:

I resisted the temptation of my inner redneck today. A cashier at the grocery store was dressed as a cow. A very adorable cow. I giggled to myself, but I did not sneak up on her and tip her over. Overcoming my childhood programming one opportunity at a time over here. 

Hopefully, the huge piles of ice melt enough to not make me feel concerned as I walk my tiny humans to and from the bus in the middle of the road… Stay strong mamas. I’m sending positive energy your way. 

The Write Start to 2018

So my number ONE resolution for this year is to give my writer more freedom. She has been languishing so long that I might need to give her a solid kick in the direction of putting words to page, so feel free to drop encouragement.

Resolution number TWO is to make headway in the battle with my desire to create in other forms. From cards to jewelry to journals to quilts to stuffed creatures, I like to craft from paper and cloth until I have something new. If you are interested in purchasing one of my creations, please let me know. For instance, I created this choker necklace:

I should have more than two resolutions, but I feel like those two goals need the most attention in 2018. What goals do you have?

UPDATE: I found resolution number THREE. It was actually gently suggested to me by a beautiful and sweet friend. What is it? I need to work on being a better, mire-loving person (in the words of my friend, I need to look for ways to follow the example of Christ in my daily life). Hopefully, many people add a similar resolution to their list. I've heard far too much news of people destroying each other's lives instead of lifting each other up. We need to lift each other up. We need each other more than we know...

[BOUTIQUE] Christmas Wishes

'Tis the season to seek out the perfect gift for everyone on your list. For some, only chocolate will do while others just want a hug or a visit. For those who seek the truly unique, these are the creative offerings of a few of my friends. I provide a brief description for each, but I suggest you go ahead and click the links to see what each has to offer.

*Journals, Jewelry, and More by yours truly
*Cute Visual Aids for Teaching Gospel Topics This is a new project, so she will be adding more items as she develops them.
*T-shirts for Geeks, Nerds, and Sports Fans The friend who runs this page has interests from Doctor Who to Star Trek to vintage video games to Nascar, so click to see if he has created something for the nerd on your list.
*Photographic Prints of Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and other unique views of the world. Click on the 365 project to look at the photographs.
*Healing Crystal Jewelry made by a friend who practices Reikie and teaches belly dance. These are truly unique items.
*Paintings (in the style of Bob Ross) Click on the arrows above the slideshow to advance the pictures. This artist is based in the Pittsburgh area, but travels to Alquippa, Ohio (December 13, 2014) and Morgantown, WV (December 6, 2014) to teach classes, so call her before the date she will be in those places if they are convenient for you and she can bring the painting of your choice.
*Knit Caps, Baby Outfits, Quilts and More Serious cuteness overload on this page. If you have a baby or know someone expecting a baby or  who takes photographs for a living, you have to check out this page.

I hope I didn't leave anyone out. It has been a long day on the road. Also, I hope to hear from you soon. Time is of the essence for receiving those gifts in time to wrap them and tuck them under the tree.

[BOUTIQUE] Yes, You May Purchase a Journal

I decided to try to improve my photography skills. Hopefully, these photos do justice to my latest pieces of art.

The journals measure 5 by 7 inches, leaving  about 4.75 by 7 inches of writing or drawing space for you. Each journal contains 100 unlined pages that long to hear your thoughts or see your visions of the world.

Charges:

1 journal shipped-$15

2 journals shipped-$25

1 journal in person delivery-$10

2 journals in person delivery-$18

(You must have a reasonable expectation of seeing me for the in person delivery price.)

To reserve an item or obtain more information, please post a comment, e-mail me at fanklubz at meowmail dot com, message me on facebook, or just mail me money (if you already have my address ;) ) If a journal is sold or pending sale, I will mark it as such.

As always, if you'd like a journal in another color family, please ask. I have a backlog of my creative genius but I didn't want to cause this page to explode. I can also make special orders, but I may have to charge extra depending on the fabric/pattern/size desired.)

#43-Two available-This fabric is vintage from the 70s, I believe. A dear friend gifted me a stash she found in the attic of a house she bought.

#44-Three available-Not vintage fabric, but I thought it looked pretty poppy.

#45-Three available-Delicate white flowers sprawl across soft pink.

#46-Four available-Lavendar doodles make a nice contrast with the dark purple background of these journals.

#47-One available-Let your dreams take flight by recording them in this journal. The fabric is a soft fleece.

#48-Three available-This fabric reminds me of watercolors.

#49-Three available-Soft grey flowers grow on a bed of black on this fabric.

#50-Two available-Red white and black make a stunning combination on this journal.

#51-Two available-This is more vintage fabric, accented with bright flowers.

#52-Two available-Tiny red and yellow butterflies take flight into the blue on this vintage fabric.

#53-Two available-Light brown spots liven up this creamy notebook.

#54-Three available-I don't think these purple roses need my descriptive powers to draw your attention.

#55-Three available-This is another watercoloresque prints.

View other available journals:

Here and Here and There and There

[BOUTIQUE] More Journals to Welcome April

The journals measure 5 by 7 inches, leaving  about 4.75 by 7 inches of writing or drawing space for you. Each journal contains 100 unlined pages.

Charges:

1 journal shipped-$15

2 journals shipped-$25

1 journal in person delivery-$10

2 journals in person delivery-$18

(You must have a reasonable expectation of seeing me for the in person delivery price.)

To reserve an item or obtain more information, please post a comment, e-mail me at fanklubz at meowmail dot com, message me on facebook, or just mail me money (if you already have my address ;) ) If a journal is sold or pending sale, I will mark it as such.

As always, if you'd like a journal in another color family, please ask. I have a backlog of my creative genius but I didn't want to cause this page to explode. I can also make special orders, but I may have to charge extra depending on the fabric/pattern/size desired.)

#35-Two available

#36-One available

#37-Two available-These were made from Valentine's candy hearts, so they feature shiny red front covers with an upraised rose.

#38-Two available

#39-Two available

#40-These two available-Please specify which frog you like more when ordering (green or red)

#41-Two available-The fabric for these is a navy blue pinstripe, which clearly doesn't come across in my photograph. Feel free to post tips for better photo taking. I love comments and wisdom (but not smart alecs. You know who you are, so keep it helpful not funny ;) )

#42-Two available-Cats are the answer. I bet the white mice weren't expecting that...

View other available journals:
Here and Here and There

[BOUTIQUE] Jewelry and Journals

The journals measure 5 by 7 inches, leaving  about 4.75 by 7 inches of writing or drawing space for you. Each journal contains 100 unlined pages.

I charge $15 for each journal. This price includes shipping and handling to anywhere in the United States, so if I can deliver it in person, I only charge $10.

To reserve an item or obtain more information, please post a comment, e-mail me at fanklubz at meowmail dot com, message me on facebook, or just mail me money (if you already have my address ;) ) If a journal is sold or pending sale, I will mark it as such.

As always, if you'd like a journal in another color family, please ask. I have a backlog of my creative genius but I didn't want to cause this page to explode. I can also make special orders, but I may have to charge extra depending on the fabric/pattern/size desired.)

#25-One available-Who doesn't love Toucan Sam? The same image also appears on the back cover.

#26-One available-One more Toucan Sam. The same image appears on both sides.

#27-Four available

#28-Three available

#29-Four available

Next up--Jewelry

These necklaces feature fabric chokers with adjustable chain closures. They should fit necks from 13 inches to 19 inches comfortably. Each one costs $20 if being mailed and $15 if we'd see each other in person for an exchange. Sorry that I haven't mastered photography yet. I'm working on it.

#30-One available-The five-petaled flower pendant has a tiny amber-colored gem in the center.

#31-One available-I am kind of in love with this one myself. The heart has a flower and two smaller hearts on it.

#32-The petals of the flower have lines radiating out from the center.

#33-The teardrop shaped pendant is an amber-colored glass gemstone.

#34-The turtle and the blue with seashells just seemed to go together. He's pretty detailed with tiny eyes and a little mouth and plates on his belly, too.

[BOUTIQUE] Journals 2

The cold and snow have inspired a little more hard work on my part. Between opportunities to shovel snow, I made these beauties:

#20- Two available- These are white polka dots on a brown background.

#21- Two available- Clearly these are designed for hockey enthusiasts.

#22-Two available- These are kind of Christmassy with snowflakes and reindeer.

#23-Two available-These beauties are perfect for someone who really wants to show how much they love recycling and/or cereal that talks to you. The same picture appears on both the front and the back.

#24-Two available-Another one being posted a little late, but even in the off season, we still love our football teams, right?

These journals measure 5 by 7 inches, leaving  about 4.75 by 7 inches of writing or drawing space for you. Each journal contains 100 unlined pages.

I charge $15 for each journal. This price includes shipping and handling to anywhere in the United States.

To reserve an item or obtain more information, please post a comment, e-mail me at fanklubz at meowmail dot com, message me on facebook, or just mail me money (if you already have my address ;) ) If a journal is sold or pending sale, I will mark it as such.


If you'd like a journal in another color family, please ask. I have a backlog of my creative genius but I didn't want to cause this page to explode. I can also make special orders, but I may have to charge extra depending on the fabric/pattern/size desired.)

[BOUTIQUE] Journals

[BOUTIQUE] denotes an ongoing endeavor of mine--to share my creations with the world. I spend hours and hours upcycling scraps of paper and fabric into a variety of items that would make lovely gifts for yourself, your family, and your friends. I realize I should move this to etsy at some point, but I want to get a little nest egg going so I can pay them, buy more fabric, and maybe buy better Christmas presents--some people have just been getting cookies for years.

Today's post focuses on journals crafted with my own hobbit hands. The journals measure 5 by 7 inches, leaving  about 4.75 by 7 inches of writing or drawing space for you. Each journal contains 100 unlined pages.

I charge $15 for each journal, which includes shipping and handling to anywhere in the United States.

To reserve an item or obtain more information, please post a  comment, e-mail me at fanklubz at meowmail dot com, message me on facebook, or just mail me money (if you already have my address ;) ) If a journal is sold or pending sale, I will mark it as such.

You should ask if you'd like a journal in another color family. I have a backlog of my creative genius but I didn't want to cause this page to explode. I can also make special orders, but I may have to charge extra depending on the fabric desired.)

Note that for journals covered in similar fabric, I have posted a picture of one journal and listed the number of items available in lowercase text. Also note that I have numbered each one so use the number for the journal you like when contacting me to ensure we understand each other. (So the first picture below is journal #1 and I have 2 journals from that fabric available.)

#1- two AVAILABLE

#2- two AVAILABLE

#3- one AVAILABLE This one has a sheep on the front. Not the same as the following journal.

#4- one AVAILABLE This is not the same as the previous journal. This is the back of the journal. The front has some tree branches and a couple birds.

#5- one AVAILABLE Not the same as the following. I felt they looked different enough to merit their own pictures.

#6- one AVAILABLE Not the same as the one above.

#7- one AVAILABLE Not the same as #2. This one has more distance between the weaves.

#8- one AVAILABLE I don't think this picture captured the deep red of this journal.

#9- two AVAILABLE The pattern on these two journals has a hint of gold to it, which my photography didn't capture.

#10- six AVAILABLE

#11- one AVAILABLE This photo may not do this journal justice. Depending on the light, the pattern or the background appears darker.

#12- one AVAILABLE Notice the bird in the corner. He's watching you.

#13- one AVAILABLE This one doesn't have a bird to watch you.

#14- two AVAILABLE 

#15- two AVAILABLE

#16- one AVAILABLE

#17- three AVAILABLE

#18- five AVAILABLE

#19- one AVAILABLE