Would you believe...

that I'm really not dead....
or buried under piles of pretty paper...
Although I have been dealing with a creative and motivational block....
the real problem lately....for approximately the last 3 weeks...or more...
has been NO computer at home.

Yes, that's right, the computer crashed. With over 3000 pictures.
Now, that having been said...you really must commend me. Why? you may ask....

Hubby says to wife:
"Watch for anything weird on the computer. I think the video card may be going out. "
Wife says:
"Okay. Don't you think we need to get a flash drive or an external hard drive for the photos? You know...just in case it's not just the video card."
Hubby says:
"Probably..."

Dutiful wife purchases 8 GB flash drive specifially for photos.
Nicely asks hubby to copy all photo files.

Several weeks later..... after purchase of said needed video card...
Hubby says to wife:
"Hon, you won't be able to use the computer for a while..."
Wife:
"Oh, why?"
Hubby:
"It crashed. I can't retrieve anything yet."
Wife:
"Like what?"
Hubby:
".....ummmm.....well.... I think I lost all our photos."

Now at this point, I really could have said those 4 little words that wreak havoc, spread discontent, and cause numerous divorces....

"I told you so."

But, I refrained, through great effort, I assure you. So, I am happy to report, I am still married.
(Rest assured, the thought DID go through my head, it just didn't pass my lips!)

So, needless to say, once I have a computer again, I will start posting again.

Pretty paper...

I am a sucker for pretty paper. I had to share this card because of the cardstock. I bought this at an office supply store in Price, UT and then, of course, hoarded it for years. It was just TOO pretty to use. (Trust me, the photo does not do it any justice.) I have not seen this paper anywhere since I bought it, which might be why it took me so long to use it.

The JOY stamp is a retired TAC stamped on red & embossed with gold. I used a black marker & colored in the Holy Family and used my glue pen and AIG silver to fill in the star.

My biggest problem was how to show off the paper. This card is still NOT one of my favorites, I admit. It's definitely a quick card...but just not really one I find attractive.

So, I'm looking for tips...tell me what you would do with paper like this? How would you feature it in a card or page to show it at it's best without covering it up too much? Any sketches that are your favorite for this sort of thing?

(I'm definitely looking for inspiration here... My "mojo" has been a NO SHOW for about 2 months and I need some rejuvination QUICK!!)

Joy

Do you ever see a set pictured in a catalog and think to yourself, "Not much there. What would I ever do with that? Don't like it..."

Then, you see a sample of a project or two.... and suddenly the set makes your "gotta-have-it" list.

This was one of those sets for me.

This card is a case from another demonstrator (sorry I don't remeber who you are, but you posted on TAC Art Scans) Anyway, that's when I fell in love with this set. I simplified the sample as it was a card we did in the first Christmas Stamp-a-stack. Of course, this is another one of those discontinued sets. (But I'm only trying to give you some teasers to encourage you to come to THIS years Stamp-a-Stack.) The silver stickles around "JOY" don't show up very well in the photo, but take my word for it, they really make the card POP in person!

A very simple Christmas expression: JOY.

Where do you find your joy? How do you create joy for others? Is JOY the secret of keeping Christmas spirit alive?

....sorry....having one of my philosophical moments...I'm back now!

For all you locals in Delta County, CO...The Scrappy Moose is opening today!! HOORAY!!!! Go in and say "Hello" to Carol & crew and perhaps I'll even see you there!