New Adventure

For the past year now, I've slowly picked up a hobby. I even blogged about wanting to try it during my NaBloPoMo adventure in Nov 2008. Notice, I didn't participate in the "adventure" in 2009....ya...totally got me burnt out on blogging. I'm not sure I've ever fully recovered.

....Sadness, I know.

So, I'm embarking on a new adventure. My hobby for making cards and other creative paper projects could potentially turn into MORE. I took the plunge and am signing up to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator. Now, not only do I get to create fun projects, but I can host club events to show others how to make them too! With a full time job as Ms. Banker Extraordinaire, I'm not sure how big of an endeavor this will turn into, but I'm still excited.

My friend and craft buddy, Jamie, and I have started a new blog called Crafting Among Friends. There, you can find current projects and crafting ideas. Eventually, I hope to use it to show my Stampin' Up projects too.

So, I guess for now - just wish me luck - oh, and if you would like to have a paper crafting party, just let me know!!! :)

Wi-Fi here I come!!

Over the past few months, I've really been wanting a laptop. Some people would say that they don't NEED one, but they really just WANT one. I'm not one of those people. I NEED one and here's why.

I scrapbook and love it to death. One of my prized scrap booking possessions is my lovely cricut.



If you don't know anything about it, google it. You will be amazed by its gloriousness.

I received the Cricut Design Studio for a present and haven't had the opportunity to use it yet. Basically, the Design Studio allows you to use multiple cartridges and connect letters and do lots of other stuff that I don't know about yet (since I haven't had the chance to play with the program). You plug the cricut into your computer and then just sit back and let the fun times begin. I don't have an area by my desktop to put my cricut and scrap booking stuff. So that's where the laptop comes into play! I can spread everything out on my dining room table with my laptop and cricut and all and just let my creativity go crazy.

So, today my dreams of laptop wonderfulness is coming true.


A friend at work showed me her new laptop, which mind you is small. The smallness factor is actually a plus to me. It will take up less space on the table of scrap booking funness. It has tons of memory and hard drive space plus has Wi-Fi connection which my Ponca City America town just made available to everyone for free. AND, AND, AND - the darn thing is only $350. I know thats a lot of money, BUT when I looked at Dell and priced everything, it would have cost me like over $1000! SWEETNESS!!!

I talked hubby into this being my Christmas present, and I just get it a bit early!

...a little over a month early isn't THAT bad. So yeah!

You want me to cast off what?

Yesterday was such a fun day. Not only did I get to see old friends, but I also picked up a new skill. I'm so excited!! I can now check off from my creativity list - knitting! I'm not saying my skills are at a pro level, but I'm working on a scarf today.

April helped me pick out some yarn and knitting needles yesterday. Then, we all went out for lunch/dinner...I'm going to call it lunner for short. So, while waiting for our food, April helped me with the basics.





Yes, I was at a constant state of confusion throughout my lesson. I felt like a complete moron at first. I hook where? And cast on what? I kinda felt like I was learning to sail or fish instead of knit. But with a bit of teeth gritting and practice, I'm started to get the hang of it.

The girls said that my facial expressions were priceless.



At one point in time, I accidentally pulled off the whole scarfish thing from one of the needles and totally panicked. Ape explained that this happens sometimes and showed me what to do. I'm so glad she was there to coach me through the trauma!!

My first attempt at knitting wasn't the prettiest ever, but as you call tell from the picture below, I'm totally going to rock out a cool scarf soon! I can't wait to move onto hats, mittens, and blankets!!

Creativity can't wait til I'm 70!

I love being creative. This does not mean that I’m ALWAYS creative, but I do enjoy using that area of my brain. The idea of using paper or fabric or paint to create an idea just seems like too much fun. Unfortunately, I just don’t have the time to be Super Creative Woman and can’t scratch my creativity itches all at once. Here is my list of activities I wish I knew how to do/ had time for.

Card making

I already scrapbook but I love the whole card making idea. I don’t send out cards enough and maybe this would help me. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make Christmas cards this year. I should include stamping in this category too. I’m totally getting into it…well…I enjoy looking through magazines and websites on the subject and get tons of ideas. I’m just not using any of those ideas at the moment.

Knitting/Crocheting

I know there is a difference between these two activities but I don’t know all the details. I want to make beautiful scarves that are soft and fluffy and everyone oohs and ahhs over them! Michael’s mom can do both, and I keep putting a little birdie in her ear to remind her that she wants to teach me!

Photography

I want to shoot awesome pictures like the pros. I want to know what they mean by changing shutter speed and exposure. I want my subject to pop out with a blurry background.

Decorating

I love decorating but my house is complete…well…pretty much complete. So friends, if you need help decorating and want a shopping buddy, just give me a call.

Sewing

I have no idea how to even use a sewing machine but soooo want to know! I want to make my own curtains and pillows and duvet covers. I don’t even have a duvet to cover, but I would buy one if it means that I get to sew a pretty cover for it!

Painting
I’ve always wanted to take an oil painting class. I used to sooo love watching Bob Ross paint happy trees on Saturday mornings.



I know…I was a strange child. (I also loved James Bond movies and Kung Fu Theatre!)

Anyway, so there are a few of my creative desires. I would like to tackle all of them at some point in my life, but most will just have to be put on the back burner until I’m 70 with blue hair and too much time on my hands. I’ll be feisty at 70 too…one of those seniors who says whatever they want only because they are old and know they can get away with it!

In all reality, by the time I'm 70...well maybe 80, I'll be in Florida with a straw hat, painted on eyebrows, and just enjoy the sun all while complaining about how hot it is and will probably forget about all my creative ideas!