i LOVE washi.....

Okay, I'll admit it. I am addicted to washi tape. All kinds, sizes,colors. Actual washi tape AND washi tape rubber stamps. Where did this obsession come from ?? I have no idea, can't explain it, but after buying my first roll ( Christmas washi actually ), I was hooked. I have never counted how many rolls I own; probably because knowing exactly how many I have would maybe prevent me from ever buying another roll again !! I probably used my first washi tape as a border on Christmas cards and now it is one of my go-to supplies.. Sometimes I need to tell myself to just STOP and leave well-enough alone.. " That card does NOT need another embellishment " is what I hear that voice in my head saying... My washi collection is large but I am hoping that someone will see this picture below and tell me that they have WAY more washi than I do and I don't have a problem at all !!

I use utensil holders and desk organizers to store my washi...

Unity Stamp Company has the cutest washi staamps... 

The rolls of washi are by Hazel & Ruby...

Another favorite of mine is this "Yours Truly" stamp set by Glitz 

Now for a few examples....

I feel better now that I have opened up about my obsession with all things washi !! Funny thing is that I didn't even show you my entire collection... I am hoping that sharing this with you will inspire you to get out your rolls of washi or even to buy that first roll and CREATE !!

My Year of Creativity

On January 1 of this year, I began my Year of Creativity.  I would do something creative every day- make a card, look through a creative book, stamp something to color etc...  I kind of lost myself for a few years in a crazy world of work,school and home. Needless to say, my work / life balance was nil. So I decided to step down from my management position, put school on hold and try to get my life back. One way I hoped to do this was to have fun with my creative side again. Hence, this year of creativity !! Even on days when I work 12+ hours, I find that sitting in my Craft Room re-energizes me. I thought I might run out of ideas, but each stamp, piece of paper, ribbon or rub-on begins a new journey for me. I have tried designs out of my comfort zone and will be learning new techniques as well.. I used Gesso for the first time last week and felt just like that child in kindergarten when confronted with a new box of Crayolas !! Bliss..... Something new....

Follow me on my  journey as I show you some of my Creative Year so far. I will start with a card for my dad.. Although he is no longer with us, I miss him every day... The Design Team of Mountain Plains Crafters also has some Father's Day Inspiration for you on our blog..

For My Dad 

...we both loved books...
Hodge Podge of Happiness / Unity Stamp Company

January 1,2014

my first creation
Candles and Cake / Unity Stamp Company

February
Stampin' Up coffee stamps

March

Me & my mom

My View of You / Unity Stamp Company

April

Paula Best Stamp

May

 Things to Do List / Unity Stamp Company

June

Bee Happy Hexagons / Unity Stamp Compamy

Hope you enjoyed seeing these as much as I enjoyed creating them all !! Which one is your favorite ?? Take some time today to be creative. Make a card, look at that new crafty magazine you bought,  take a moment to think about that new project you want to get started on, write in your journal..... And hug your dad today if you can... Call him if you can...Wish him a Happy Father's Day and tell him how much he means to you...Whether here or in spirit,  it's your day, Dad.......

Where I Create....

My Craft Room is my sanctuary... Always has been.. From the early days when it was just the spare bedroom where I stored my craft supplies and created at a small wooden dining room table to now, with my table that fits 2 people facing each other, my closet as a "hidden" space for supplies and all of my favorite things surrounding me for inspiration.. I am sure you will all agree that having your own space is wonderful. I can still remember the days when I used the kitchen table and moved everything back and forth.. Some nights we did eat dinner surrounded by paper, ribbon, my Cuttlebug and other crafty necessities !! Now I have an antique white trestle table from Target - shown here in black http://www.target.com/p/madison-large-trestle-desk-antique-black/-/A-526614 - where I can be creative. It has shelves on each side and on top I placed a piece of Plexiglass  (for wear and tear) and also my most-used supplies. I love my space. After a crazy day at work, sitting for a few minutes in my Craft Room brings me peace.. A dear friend announced that it was "serene, zen-like" when she came over for tea one day several years ago. My Meticulosity mug is in there, along with Christmas ornaments, my red Buddha head, my dreaded sock monkey and several much loved clearance finds. Here are a few pics of my creative space.. I hope you enjoy the view !!

My Trestle Table

My Closet

Top Shelf

Clearance Pier 1 Shelf and Paper Shelf

  

Folk-art Stamp Shelf & Michael's Clearance Window Box

Anna curled up while I create

Thank you for visiting my creative space...