Sketch of the month - January layout

Happy New Year! I had some time off in December and used that time wisely to get ahead and get craft projects done for January :) Yes I started the New Year off already ahead! I did this because I have decided to focus on FITNESS for 2011. Last year (weird saying that huh?) was all about transition for me and finding balance between fitness and crafting. Well this year the balance is gone, I've paired down my crafting responsibilities and I craft for fun and just 2 teams now. As such I am dedicating more time to those two teams rather than spreading myself thinly. 

So onto the New Year and a sketch a month. It may be 1 a month it may be more, I haven't really decided I'm just going to go with the flow! So here is the layout sketch for this month!

Naturally I made a layout with this sketch and decided to combine it with a Boxer project. Maybe that will be my "theme' each sketch? Anyways here is Nancys cute little girl Bella in a layout I made for Boxer. All products except cardstock are by Boxer and available online or in your local scrapbook store.

Wishing you all the best for the New Year! 2011 is going to be a great one, I can feel it!

Di

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Crafty Inspiration

Another round-up of crafty inspiration from around the Web!

A girl and a glue gun shares a tutorial on making this bracelet. I was especially interested in this because I have a hard time with bracelets. You see I have narrow wrists so most chains just slip right on and off without me noticing, so I tend not to wear them for fear of losing them. Now I feel like I have more options with this tutorial!

I've seen tutorials before on how to make your own lightboxes but this one  by (never home)homemaker seemed especially made for crafters. I really think these are invaluable to anyone who sells on Etsy or has a handmade business. Good photo's are essential to great sales! Check it out!

I love this fun market bag from Noodlehead! The pattern is available online, but I just love the bright colors! It's like all my shopping bags, just more fun! I just wanted to share because I love the patterns and colors :)

Regular readers will know I'm a tad geeky, I embrace my inner nerd ;) so I had to share Craft magazines video tutorial on making this firefox pendant. For those still stuck with Internet Explorer, Firefox is a great web browsing alternative, I tried it years ago and LOVED it. So much better than IE!


Etsy Corner
Each week I'll profile an Etsy seller, just as a heads up. Usually this is something that just caught my eye on Etsy. If you'd like to have your Etsy store featured just drop me a line either via email or link me up in the comments below

This week I thought I'd feature seller TrustHemp1320 on Etsy that creates items with natural products. I love natural direct from nature, no chemicals products and so this sellers items caught my eye, especially this Jade pendant on hemp necklace. Check out their store on Etsyhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/trusthemp1320?ref=seller_info for more natural jewellry.


More inspiration from the web every Monday!


Di

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Ready Set Create Dec/Jan issue

Just sharing my publications from Ready Set Create Dec/Jan issue. You can still buy this issue from Ready Set Create and it has more than just Holiday items in it, in fact the holiday section is a small part of this issue! Lots of inspiration to be had. I had this paper bag book in the color combo section.

Of course there are some holiday items and I submitted a few to Jen and she published just about everything I emailed her ;) Love it when that happens! First up for the holidays is this tree ornament I made :)

All products by one heart... one mind

Then onto the holiday cards! You know I am all about the cards. Nice and simple for the first card this issue. Just let the paper do the talking.

Supplies: Cardstock & Stickers : DCWV; Paper: Creative Imaginations & Flair; Rub-ons: JoAnns.

Then one card I really liked that I made this year in my marathon "get all my England cards sent early" creative surge. I love the design on this one. Used it before but love how this one looks with the rub-on stitching too.

Supplies: Cardstock: DCWV; Paper: Creative Imaginations; Epoxy: Hallmark; Rub-ons: one heart... one mind.

Then a couple of older cards I still had in my stash that I figured I'd submit also (remember even in projects are older, submit them anyway! You never know what the editors are looking for).

Supplies: Cardstock: DCWV; Paper, chipboard & sticker: Scrapworks.

And finally another older card, with lots of bling on the chipboard. I love the Scrapworks blingy chipboard. Glitter gets everywhere, but it's growing on me.

Supplies: Cardstock: DCWV; Paper &chipboard: Scrapworks.

So that's my projects from the current issue of Ready Set Create. Don't forget to check out the RSC blog to purchase your copy. Over 200 pages of inspiration!

Di

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Workout Wednesday

Time for another edition of

As I mentioned last week it's a weekly round-up of my posts from my fitness blog, workoutwithdi.com so here is this weeks recap:

too much choice zaps energy levels

healthy fats can lower cholesterol

Happy Holidays

Christmas dinner calorie countdown

5 healthy tips for the holidays

don't sign up for that gym membership yet!

Remember to stop by the fitness blog for health & fitness updates, articles, workout tips and more! I have LOTS planned in the New Year including video's, reviews and so much more!

Di

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deck the halls

"With boughs of holly".... Yep you're going to be singing that all day now! I can't believe that Christmas is done! Time to move onto the new year! Anyway I thought today I'd share a card I made recently using some TLC products. I used the TLC products on a project before and had some pieces left over so figured I'd create some cards.

Supplies: Paper, Cardstock & Chipboard: TLC; Ribbon: JoAnns; Rub-on: one heart... one mind;

Hope you had a great christmas!!!

Di

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Crafty Inspiration

More crafty inspiration from around the Web

Sprik Space has this printable available on her blog. Year at a glance calendar for 2011. Time appropriate! The calendar is 5x7 and available in assorted colors, check out the blog for more details.

Snickerdoodle shares with us these homemade plant markers made from spoons. I love repurposing items and these look easy enough to make. Leftover spoons can be found at thrift stores and garage sales if you don't have enough laying around the house!

Suzannah from Adventures in Dressmaking shares a little how-to on taking in an oversize sweater. I thought this one would be appropriate for all those wanting to lose weight in the New Year! Instead of buying new clothes, alter then ones you have!

I am LOVING this sweater refashion from Polka Dots and Pizza! It's a quick no-sew project and such a great idea for those slightly baggy tops that are losing their shape! Check out a full how-to on the Polka Dots and pizza blog

Etsy Inspiration - More handmade inspiration from Etsy this week.

As I am now teaching yoga/piyo I find myself drawn to all things yoga including this Namaste pendant from Jersey608. Lots of great jewelry in her store!

Enjoy!

Di

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Holiday Magic

Happy Christmas everyone! I decided to post today, then take tomorrow off from blogging so I could get some "family time". Today I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and share with you a holiday card I made recently.

Supplies: Ink: CTMH; Stamp: Fiskars; Paper & Chipboard: TLC

See you on Sunday!

Di

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