Many Minis

I've been working on several mini-albums and they are starting to pile up, getting ready to open my Etsy Shop.  I will be making supplies for scrapbookers and selling my mini albums as a start.  Check out my YouTube Videos for the latest minis.

My friend Rosanna has the most beautiful jewelry.  She told me she would trade me some jewelry for albums, so I made three for her to choose from.  The first one I made is this little suitcase.  I saw a similar tutorial on Kathy Orta's site at paperphenomenon.com but thought I would try my hand at creating my own.  I was thrilled that I finally have enough skill to do it on my own!

But, when I saw Kathy's Beach Bag Mini I realized that I had to purchase that tutorial and boy am I glad I did.  Using her tutorial I was able to whip this out in no time.

Then, knowing that I had more in me, I used the DCWV Le Tres Chic and created a little Paris themed album.  This is so romantic with cute photo mats and a lot more detail involved.  I am ashamed to say I got my inspiration from someone on the YouTube but I've lost the link and can't give credit.  As soon as I find it I will, I promise!  Thank you fellow crafter for understanding!

Anyway, hope my friend enjoys at least one of them--the rest will go into my stack for my shop, if I ever get around to opening it up!

Buy the Le Tres Chic Mini Album Now

Have an eclectic day! 

Love Letters Mini Album

Here's the first album going onto Ebay today.  It will be interesting to see if I get any bites.  I love this and am not really sure I want to sell it but a friend told me I would be crazy not to sell it for at least $50.  I'll be happy with anything over $30.  Seeing how as I took about 50 hours to make it! 

It's been an extraordinarily hot long summer and I've spent most of my weekends either at the antique fairs or making cards and mini albums.  Here's a few of the latest.   This one is a mini I made for my son's friends wedding.
 Enjoy!

where the heck have I been?

So....I'm realizing that my mother was right.  I never finish anything I start.  Back in January I tried to start a blog to see if I could be disciplined enough to stick to it.  With a busy day job, lots going on in the family and my card making passion there isn't much time to talk!  I spend most my time doing-- not thinking, writing or wasting away.  So, at least I have a good excuse.  To prove it, here's some photos of my cards.  I'm getting ready to open my Etsy shop soon.  If you'd like to purchase any of the cards drop me a note!

Marque Urgent Care

A few weeks ago  new Urgent Care opened up less than a mile from my home.  A comfort to me, given that my mother is 84 and living on her own around the corner from me.  Today's Electic activity?  VISITING the Urgent Care!  Mom had a mishap moving a picture and twisted her arm.  She seemed okay until she opened the palm of her hand so sis and I insisted she get it checked out.  Thank the Lord, she didn't have anything broken or torn--just some inflammation.  A shot in the hip, an Ace Bandage and she's good as new.  I was happy to find out that they accept her insurance and that they had state of the art facilities.  They don't have any primary care doctors there, which is good because that means that we should normally get in and out fairly quickly.  Hope we don't have to visit to frequently, but at the same time, I'm glad to know what to expect when we get there.  To check out the facility, which we will now recommend due to the nice staff and good doctor, click this link:  Marque Urgent Care

I've been pretty eclectic that past week for sure, and so busy that I couldn't post.  Started with a 3 day stint studying an insurance course that is supposed to take ten weeks.  Fascinating what people can do when they are focused and dedicated to achieve success.  I was happy to find out yesterday that I actually passed the exam.  So today, I enrolled in another course!  If you are looking for a true insurance professional to help you with your insurance and financial services you ought to find one who has completed training and education from the American College.  Here's a link, in case you're interested.  The American College

Today I walked in the office and a lady from the University of California Irvine was telling us that their bloodmobile was on site and welcoming walk-ins.  UCI is an extraordinary hospital.  Last year one of my very good friends fought a hard battle against leukemia at their facility.  The doctors and staff were so amazing, and they couldn't have done a better job caring for my friend.  I was really excited to be able to make a donation so off I went to the Bloodmobile.  The sign in the waiting area said one donation would save two lives.  I'm feeling a little heroic today.  Check out the great work that UCI does and find out how you can be a hero too!  UCI Blood Donor Center
 

Today, a silent protest is going on.  Will it get media attention?  I don't know, the hubby has the television locked up watching the Scottsdale Barret Jackson auctions.  Meanwhile, Wikipedia shut down it's site in protest of the SOPA.  Today's Eclectic Activity:  Click here to learn how to survive an internet site protest

Meanwhile, my package from Joann's finally arrived today (SQUEAL! as my favorite card maker Laura blogs).  I have new embossing folders, edge punches and embellishments for my valentines.  Pink and red paper is all lined up ready to go so hearts and arrows, here I come!  I'll post photos as they come off the production line. 

Washing Machine Repair Gone Bad.  So, the good news is that I can take apart a washing machine, install a new motor coupler and put it back together.  The bad news is that we didn't fix the problem and we will have to go a week without the washer until we take it back apart and install a new clutch and brake cam.  Yikes.

Had better success grooming my little Schnauzer, Bebe, today.  She was pretty sick after eating some whole coffee beans on Christmas Eve.  Today was her first bath in three weeks and she was pretty stinky, but is now back to her lovely self.   Today's Eclectic Activity:   Learn How to Groom a Mini Schnauzer

Finished the day with a backache.  Any home remedies for an achy back? 

Mariposa Mini Photo Album

A little chilly here today with gray cloudy skies.  The washing machine is acting up so I'll be playing the role of handyman today.  Thank Goodness for the internet--with a few clicks we found out what was wrong, how to fix it and where to get the parts.  How did people survive before the Internet? Today's Eclectic Activity

With any luck, there will still be time to get started on my Valentine Mini Albums.  I've already finished two mini's and want to get some cards and kits going to post on my new Etsy shop that I am dying to open.  I'll be spending the next few nights trying to build up stock.  Any advice you experienced Etsy shop owners can share is needed and welcome!