The Art Life

My Sons Hands

2012-02-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

Another blog post, but today its not about a project, a class, just a post about an amazing little man in my life. I have been blessed with two beautiful children, who I always ask myself "how did I get so blessed"? I am beyond proud of my 18 year old daughter who has fought a diabetes diagnosis in her senior year of high school, and is now off on her own in Santa Barbara having the time of her life in college.
This little man Tony keeps me grounded, sane and fills me with amazement every single day. I love to share my art with him and he just is so uninhibited, free-thinking and just has so much fun. Everyone got a plain white bag in the classroom to decorate for the delivery of their Valentines, and this is what he made. You can't see, but there are two hearts centered hanging off the sides of the bag. He chose to balance out the hearts, center the stickers and just made it beautiful.

When he got home yesterday he went and took out his "box" of stamps and stamp pads. I always give him my old ones, and he loves to pick out new ones. He just takes my direction on how to make a good impression on the stamp, and takes it and does it. He made me a stamped collage piece that I love! I then noticed his hands. The sign of an artist. Full of ink, colors and just full of creativity! I always say I have "happy" hands when they look like this. Now that I am working with the WOW Embossing Powders, he has started a love of embossing. Nikki Sher and I showed him the proper way to do it and whalla.. he wanted to do it all day! I love being able to be this mom, that lets him try almost any tool, technique or use anything in my stash or purchase a new item to try out. I always try to teach him to experiment, and just have fun and that there is no wrong. I do try to teach him the right "technique", but then just let him go! I treasure his art and am amazed by him. So, today I just wanted to dedicate a post to his beautiful ARTSY hands... I hope you can get some inspiration for yourself and for someone else you love!

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

I hope you have a wonderful day, and that you cherish those you love and spread a little cheer to someone new today! My son Tony is 6 1/2 and he is a little "rico suave" guy at school. He has about 4 "girlfriends" and in addition to the regular Valentines he picked out little stuffed gorilla's, doggies and boxes of chocolates to give to the girls. He is so excited to give them out.. wow he is starting young! I guess its ok now that he is so young to do this, but when do I tell him that he can't have 4 girlfriends?

Today I am also posting some projects I have been working on! First I am so excited to start sharing WOW Embossing Powders! I am teaching a "Playdate with WOW" on February 26th and this is one of the projects we'll be making. I am hoping to make a new mini project to show you each day that we'll make in the class. Sign up HERE on my website! These are using the Suzy West Stamps and various colors of the embossing powders. The colors are STUNNING and when they are done, you really do go WOW! :)

Secondly I am posting a project I made with the Grant Studios "Fashionista" line. I had the priviledge of speaking with the owners and they gave me some paper to play with since I was gushing so much about it! I LOVE the colors, and it was really fun to put this project together!

I am starting to get confirmation of shipping dates for some more product I ordered, so look for a "Introduction to Mixed Media with Faber Castell" class announcing soon!

Friday Announcement Day

2012-02-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let everyone know that I am starting to plan my first few months of classes and dates! I made a list of all the wonderful manufacturers I will be using for my monthly project kit club and also classes at stores and workshops at my home. So here is my list of products I ordered:
Prima
Cosmo Cricket
Pink Paislee
SHE ART
7 Gypsies
Jenni Bowlin
Tim Holtz
Teresa Collins
Basic Grey
Fabre Castell
Ruby Rockit
Kaiser Craft
Heidi Swapp
Basically Bare
Stampers Anonymous/Wendi Vecchi
Blossom Bucket
Grant Studios
Wow Embossing Powders
Hambly

Plus more I am sure, but this is the start! Also, I am going to be making a date every month to hold workshops in my home. I am planning on the last SUNDAY of EACH month! I won't know exactly what they are yet based on shipping schedules, but so far I am putting February 26, March 25, and April 29th. So, if you'd like to pencil these dates in, I'll announce the projects as soon as I can and you can see if you'd like to join us! I am going to be teaching mixed media, mini albums, home decor and so much more, I can't wait to share with you all the fun things we'll be making soon!

Home from CHA... So Excited!

2012-02-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

I have had the most fabulous week ever! First Tim, then headed off on a jet plane to CHA. This is my 7th CHA and definitely my favorite! This was one of the first times, I was there to 1. have fun, 2. have fun and 3. buy product. In that order! I usually am working a booth, or with a store helping purchase product or purchasing product to sell on my website. Now that I am headed in a newer direction of only doing kits, and fewer retail straight product, I had less of a requirement to shop and purchase. I took classes, actually did make and takes, and did a fun personal project "Adventures of Trunk". Since I had my trunk I thought it would be fun to document CHA in a different fun way other than straight pictures! I didn't want to just take pictures with my scrappy friends and of product but make it fun for me and fun for everyone involved. One thing I can say about everyone in our industry is that they are so giving and open and friendly. Every single person I went up to and explained what I was doing, loved it and was glad to join in and participate! I have an entire album on Facebook HERE showing the adventures of TRUNK!
I was overwhelmed with feedback on my recent "mention" on Tim's blog, and a bit embarrassed! But if in any way I can inspire more people and get my teaching and message across and enjoyment of what I do out there, then I'll take it! The emails and comments from people all over the world saying that they were going to alter their trunks is fantastic! That is why I do what I do! I had so much fun with my co-hort Lora Oliver, hanging out with Diane and Nikki of Scrapbook Territory, my dear friends at WOW, and all the other wonderful friends along the way, I can't even start to list all the fantastic people I got to see again at CHA! It really is a reunion of sorts for all us scrappy types! There is so much more to share and I'm going to spread out my CHA love for the next week, and tomorrow, I'll post all the things I purchased for either upcoming classes or my monthly project kit club. For now, I share with you my inspiration and the reason a few of you join on following me. I am humbled and hopeful that I can continue to share my passion with all of you and you'll be inspired by what else I can do! (I do make a lot more than altered trunks, lol!)
I have some great news in store to announce in the next few days, so stay tuned! I am getting through all my emails, and unexpected orders from the website, so please stay with me while I take all this on and get through it!
Tony was so happy that I brought him these things from Disneyland, and it was so nice to get 'mommy' snuggles all morning long!

I am jumping outside my skin today!

2012-01-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

TIM HOLTZ BLOG Ok, so we all know how much we LOVE Tim Holtz. I have been a fan of his since the day I started scrapbooking and took my first class from him in 2004. I have taken numerous classes from him and have taught with his products all this time, and have always thought he was the most down to earth, friendly, sharing and creative person around. This past month, I taught the Junk on my Trunk Class, and truly it was an experience like no other. I have been teaching classes for over 5 years all over but this was so different. Tims products give you the opportunity to do anything you can think of, thats why I love them. This was a true testament to that! I wanted to share that with him, so during the busiest week of the year for him, I sent him some pics, and he wrote back right away wanting to feature me on the blog! I was over the moon excited and thank you if your here to take a look at my blog. You can also join me on Facebook at The Art Life Group page, and also just be my friend. I'd love to "meet" you! I'll be at CHA and I'll bring my trunk so be sure to come on by and say HELLO! I'm also available to teach this class again anywhere and anytime, so contact me if your interested! Thank you thank you thank you is all I can say, I am humbled, excited and so inspired by this recent show of appreciation!

Inspiration

2012-01-24T10:13:00.000-08:00

As with my previous posts about the class I taught "Junk on My Trunk" I was so moved by this class, it inspired me, got my creative juices flowing and felt so good to have all these lovely ladies in my home. I just wanted to share some pictures of finished trunks from the class. I am hoping to teach it again, and if your interested in it, send me an email (theartlife@yahoo.com) and I can put you on an email list to let you know where and when I'll offer it again. The trunks pictured above are mine, Cindy McCool's, Deb Salgado, and Sharon Fletchers. Beautiful and yet so unique!

I'm off to CHA on Friday with Lora, and will take lots of pictures and post on Facebook alot, so follow along with Lora and I on our journey to CHA Winter 2012~!

The Art Life Shop Monthly Project Kit 2012

2012-01-18T10:04:00.000-08:00

Its BAAACK! I have started back up preparing a Monthly Project Kit for 2012! This first one is "Serum of Art" and comes with everything pictured to make this darling Altered Art Project. You receive step by step full color instructions as well. You can find out more about this wonderful kit and joining the monthly email list HERE.

Also, I have a great Basic Grey Valentine Layout Kit available. It comes with everything to make this two page layout, but you get so much product, I've already made 3-1 page layouts with my left overs and have more to spare! Its a great kit and the products are DARLING! You can find it HERE on my website!

I finished a whopping 12 layouts this past weekend along with the monthly project kit, so head over to the Facebook Group Page for The Art Life HERE and take keep a look out as I'll be posting some each day. I am renewed and ready for 2012 to be a crafty fun year, I hope you'll join me!

Ok ok its time... long post!

2012-01-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

I have really dropped the ball with the blogging... its hard to keep up with Facebook, emails, newsletters etc... but I am so inspired right now due to 18 wonderful women that I have to write about it. It was a dream of a day!

Yesterday, I held the class, "Junk on my Trunk" at my house in Walnut Creek. I always start to obsess the week before I have a class at my house, because I want everything to go well, for everyone to have a great time, and be happy while they are in my home. I had such an overwhelming response to the class, that I had to stop taking reservations. I did a reconcilliation and realized that I overbooked! I had 17 women coming. I couldn't say no to anyone (not in my nature), so I told my husband "we have to make it work!". I am so lucky to have family close that has extra tables, chairs, etc, or I wouldn't be able to have these classes in my home! I am also lucky to know great people at the distributors that will go above and beyond to get me the product I need in time for a class.
I think all the stars aligned for us yesterday, because I set up my main room for the seating and it actually worked! I had lots of food, goodie bags, fun things to shop for and we were set. Everyone arrived and I can't explain in writing how positive and inspiring the vibe was in my home. Everyone was cheering, helping each other, exchanging things they brought for themselves.. the sharing and caring going on was so wonderful! The trunks were all made so differently and expressed each persons "personality" and beliefs.. we had a "Beatles" themed trunk, "Brave Girls" trunk, "Paris" trunk, and so much more! I consider each and every one of the ladies my friend, and they are all so inspiring and really keep me going in this craft! So Thank you to each and every one of them, especially LORA who was there to help everyone and put together so many GrungeBlocks, she deserves a prize! I think everyone left with a happy heart and a beautiful trunk and I can't wait to do it again! I'll be sending Tim Holtz a message, so please if you were there, send me a picture of your trunks!

December Daily Days 1-4!

2011-12-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends! I have had a very busy 5 days of December! I finally got the chance to sit down and do my first 4 pages, and they were so much fun! I have been really taken notice of all the little things that make my life wonderful and the things that I might not document and making note of it. So, here is Day One of DD:

My December 1st was FANTASTIC! I had texted with Bianca about Finals, and she texted that she had passed English, and I also got to see Tony get a new belt in Kung Fu! Priceless!

Day Two:
Every morning, Tony comes downstairs and lays across the heater in the floor with is favorite blankie, usually the dogs come around and they play, so I wanted to get this memory in my book, one of the little things in my life that make me smile!

Day Three:
I had a few things to choose from, and picked this moment in time, where I realized that our lawn was the PERFECT playground for Tony. We spent about 1/2 an hour playing in the leaves, it was so much fun!

Day Four:
I had to document my entire day here because it was fantastic! First I run out the door to get a few more supplies for my class, and find Tony in the recycling bin with daddy picking up said leaves in prior post, "Click" perfect capture of the moment, then I had a class at my house which was so much fun, 5 wonderful friends over to craft, eat, shop and chat the day away, I love those days. Then we went to get our tree! It is so much fun to do with Tony, as he of course wants the BIGGEST tree to be found. Its big alrighty! Beautiful and full, I love it!
I hope you are following along and if you do have my kit, show me what you've created! I really have made mine as simple as I can, trying to focus on the "WHY". Big hugs to you today!

Happy December 1st!

2011-12-01T09:00:00.001-08:00

I hope you all are ready to enjoy this Holiday Season! I sure am! I am really excited for my December Daily! As I got ready this morning, and then drove to work, I really took notice of the little things that I love about this time of year, my life, my family and what I'd like to document. I took the above picture of the tree right outside the front of our house. You can't even see our lawn right now, because its full of the beautiful leaves that have fallen off. I think I love that aspect of where I live so much. The trees are BEAUTIFUL, and in the fall they become these vibrant yellows, reds, oranges, and just glow in the morning. I'm not sure if this is the picture I'll use, since my day has just started, but I hope you also start to think of the things you'd like to document this December. I didn't get a picture, but this morning, Tony was wrapped up in his favorite blanket on the floor on top of the heater.. super cute, and great memory as this is his daily thing. I hope to get that one in this month too! Remember, it doesn't need to be about all the crazy things we go through in December, but how we FEEL and what kind of memories we remember, we make, and the traditions that make us who we are inside. I'll probably just get my pictures today, and do the page the next day, so tomorrow you'll see my December 1st pages. Please do share, post a link to whatever your doing to document your December, and if your still looking for a kit to do this, you can find it on my website HERE. You can always take your pictures, make your notes and put it all together at a later time too!

December Daily Kit is UP!

2011-11-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to "December Daily" with me? This will be a 25 day long "class". If your not familiar with a December Daily, its where you make a mini album and each day of December, you take a photo of anything that has meaning to you thhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifat day, and journal about it. It will be a fantastic keepsake for you and your family. You can do anything you want with this! I can't wait to get started!
To make it easier on you, I have assembled all the fun things you'll nehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifed to make your December Daily. Then each day in December, I'm going to post my page with my picture and journaling. You can follow along with me or wait and do them a week at a time, its up to you. Its best to do it as you go throughout the month, so you can journal exactly what you are feeling at that moment.
I'm super excited to start this journey, and I hope you'll join me! Here is a link to the kit on my website, and we'll get started on December 2nd, with our day of December 1st ready to go! DECEMBER DAILY KIT
As an extra bonus - If you order the December Daily Kit, you can purchase the Tim Holtz Winter Inks at only $15, just add them to your order and I"ll take off the extra charge!

December Daily Announcement!

2011-11-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been following all the information on a December Daily Book and I am so excited to start one! So, I am hoping you'll join me in the journey to create a page a day in December up to the "big" day! I'm working on the kit right now, but you can use whatever you'd like in your stash or make up your own. My kit will use a 6x6 binder chipboard book, Simple Stories "25 Days of Christmas", along with all kinds of Art Life Goodies! The goal is to make your cover of the book by December 1st, and then be able to add a two page mini layout each day with your picture and journaling. I hope to have all the supplies to make my kits this weekend and have them available for purchase early next week. I will start posting inspiration and more info then. Each day, I'll post on this blog my page and what that day meant to me. I hope we can all do it together, and that you'll link to your own DD and share your December with me! I hope you all had a fabulous Halloween, I posted a picture of my Tony as the Werewolf for you. We had a great time, and he had a BLAST!

Happy Friday!

2011-10-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe its almost Halloween! We have been super busy getting things ready for all the fun school activities for Tony. I volunteered waaaay to much this year and am a room parent, in charge of the Halloween Party as well as the whole schools Pumpkin Carving Contest! Whew! I've created a few things these past few weeks. I'll share two fun things! First is the Breaking Dawn jewelry I created for the Breaking Dawn crop I'll be hosting at Scrapbook Territory on November 12th. I am so excited, and we are going to have a blast! Second, is a Christmas Canvas which I'll be having a workshop here at my home on November 19th. You can find details and sign up HERE on the website! I hope to see a bunch of my friends for this fantastic day of crafting! I'll also have a bunch of great mystery boxes for sale with tons of product for unbelievable prices!
I am going to be hosing the Halloween Crop at Scrapbook Territory tomorrow and we'll make some fun Altered Coffins. If your not busy, come join us!

Monday Madness!

2011-09-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, I worked so hard this weekend, and became overwhelmed in "stuff". First we took Tony for his final private lesson and evaluation at Richard Lee's Kung Fu Academy and it was GREAT! The instructors are fantastic and I was amazed at how much Tony had learned in only a few lessons and his focus and determination almost had me in tears I was so proud! He has been accepted and will receive his official uniform today! I am very excited for this new chapter in his life! I then started to try to get through the boxes and boxes of Scrapbooking and Artist supply stuff and quickly became overwhelmed. I didn't realize how much it had taken over our garage! I became upset and had to walk away. Sunday was a different story! I am a morning person and do my best "cleaning" type work first thing, so off I went to tackle the boxes. I am proud to say I made a great dent in it and have so much to offer everyone! I took 5 at a time shoe sized boxes, lined them on the floor and started filling them up with all the "extra's" and goodies I had in each random box or bag. I am selling them at $5 a pop and they are worth so much more, I can imagine how fun it would be to get one and go through the goodies! I know you'll love them and I hope you can come on down to see it all. I have at least 20 $5 boxes, and I even have bigger ones for $10. It will give me great pleasure to part with it, and it will make me happy to make other happy with product! It will also be a regular garage sale, with all my purses, shoes and clothes, but don't forget the vintage display items as well. Lots of fun things to make you smile.
My special will be for the website: If you make an online purchase of newer product on the website by Thursday September 22nd 9pm, and plan to come on Saturday to pick it up, I'll take 25% off your bill and I'll have a special goodie bag just for you! Just put in the discount code "GARAGE SALE" and your discount will apply. If you don't live close, I'll honor the discount if you'd like it shipped as well. Just put "ship" in the comments section!

I hope to see some of you there on Saturday, We are all very excited about it!

September Newsletter!

2011-09-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Take a look at all the fun things I have planned coming up!

September Newsletter

Monday Happiness!

2011-09-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

I have been working hard at home organizing, purging and trying to get myself ready for new things in my life. To that end, I am going to start offering up my weekly "Steal". This week will be the entire Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology Collectin (that I have in stock) at an unbelieveable price of only $25, with $5 shipping charge. You can get it HERE. I love the beautiful colors of this collection and the embellishments are beautiful! The retail price of all these items is over $52, so this is a "STEAL".

Each week will feature a different "collection" or "box" of goodies! Remember, I do have mystery boxes still available, and you can tell me if you want Altered Artist Items, Scrapbooking items and 3 of your favorite manufacturers, and I'll include those in your box! You can get one HERE

One final note, SAVE THE DATE! September 24th I am holding a huge garage sale. I plan on filling clear rubbermaid boxes with items and marking them $5, $7, $10 filled to capacity with scrapbooking items, vintage items, buttons, beads, and baubles, that I just haven't used! More info is coming, but I'm already getting things together. I'll have lots of vintage style furniture, display items, trays, trunks, you name it! I'm sure you'll find lots of fun things!

Mystery Box Winner (s) !!!

2011-09-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

Because I want to lavish RAKs', I want to send something to:

Jeanne
Amy Moreno
Tifany
Rene

Please send me your mailing addys and your all going to receive something.. might be big, might be small, but know that I appreciate your kindness and love to give things away!

Daniela

ETSY Goodies!

2011-09-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

As I have been posting that I am starting to purge my "normal" scrapbook supplies, and start up my Art Life goodies, I wanted to share 3 new things I posted on ETSY. I love ETSY, and that is where I got my start, so I'm going back to my roots for awhile until I can dwindle the supply on my website. There is a darling safety pin which has some fun Halloween Charms and beads, a ribbon bag, and of course a goodie box filled with tickets, charms, and goodies in my stash. You can reach my ETSY HERE and take a look. I'll be adding more to it hopefully every day or so.
Tonight Tony and I will pick a winner of a goodie box from me, so come on back tomorrow to see if you won!

Giving away a Mystery Box!

2011-08-31T06:39:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my being published, I'm giving stuff away! Join my blog and follow me, and leave a comment, and I'll pick a winner on Monday September 6th. You'll receive a Mystery Box filled with lots of fun goodies!

I've been Published!

2011-08-30T18:54:00.001-07:00

It finally came! The September issue of Bead Trends Magazine and I'm in it! I am so excited! I'm on pages 58, 59 and 119. The project is a little necklace I made, and I adore it! I'll be making a set for Halloween and a set for Christmas, so look for some classes with these fantastic jewelry pieces!
This past weekend was the Scraptacular Getaways and as always the ladies put on a fantastic fun event. I get to see all my friends, and make some new ones. I look forward to participating every time! I've been making a few changes to the website, and will continue to slowly change things in the next few weeks or so. Look for more goody bags, lots of items and bargains galore!
Bianca comes home for one day this weekend, and I am so excited, I can't wait to give her a big ol' hug, and Tony is about to loose his first tooth.. can you say "Scrap That". I also got a few layouts done this past weekend, and I'll share them later this week! Big hugs

Here we go!

2011-08-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

Here are my babies, the most important people in the world to me (plus of course my hubby) on their official last day together this weekend. We moved Bianca into her new dorm.
This has been a week of self discovery, a week of realization, and a week of transition for me and my family. I let my little baby girl go and spread her wings 340 miles away! I am so proud of her and myself for not crying and being a baby, but being strong, supportive and actually HAPPY! Today is a happy day for me, her first day in a new city, first day of college classes and her first steps into the world as an adult. This also gives me pause on my goals, dreams and aspirations. I think every couple of years you need to assess where you have been and look at a few forks in the road and see which one is making more sense. I am ready to turn onto a new road in life.
Starting next weekend, I will be shifting my business. I will be selling off all my current inventory of scrapbook items. I am going to go back to my roots of my business and only sell a few lines of products which will be my own making. More vintage ephemera, more OOAK goody bags, kits, layouts and occassional classes. My life has been encumbered with scrapbooking product and has taken over and I have become overwhelmed. I need to purge, I need to see the light, the floors, the walls, and my scrapbook desk, lol! I am too tired at night to put together orders of scrapbook product that I can't find, and then find the time to meet my own personal deadlines for kits, classes and orders. I have let customers down and ultimately myself down by not being the business person I want to be and growing personally.
So, I will tell you now, that next weekend at Scraptacular in the Hilton Concord will be a sell-a-thon of great products at rock bottom prices! If you can come out, do so August 26-28th. The deals will be fantastic. After Scraptacular, I will be announcing a garage sale at my home, which will be lots and boxes of stuff at even more reduced prices. Once I am done there, I will do boxes of goodies on my website and narrow things down.
Once the dust settles, I plan to have a much smaller offering on the website, and open up my ETSY site again, with wonderful vintage items, class kits and OOAK designs. I hope you'll come with me and step onto a new road for The Art Life, but first help me purge my stash be getting some FANTASTIC deals.. email me for more information or if there is anything in particular your looking for...

Back to Blogging

2011-08-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Well here I am back to a Monday blog posting! So excited to start this part of my journey back up again. Big changes will be happening in my life in the next month, and one of them is to start this blog back going! I don't know what I'll post, and I'm not worried about it. I might ramble, share some art, but I will post, so stay tuned!
I had the opportunity to go back to my roots of scrapbooking and spend the day with my friends just making layouts. It was so much fun and rewarding! I got a whooping 6 layouts done and I am pretty proud of most of them. Here are a few. It was really fun to pick up a line that really wasn't my "normal" vintagy style like Amy Tangerine and make my favorite layout of the day which was "squeeze". It worked perfectly with my photo and the paper and embellishments were DARLING! Everyone was making layouts with this line. I am hooked! I'll be taking a class with Amy Tan next Friday night at Scrapbook Oasis in Irvine. I am so excited.
I can't thank everyone enough for all their thoughts, comments, and prayers this past week. I felt every single one of them and so did Bianca. We leave on Thursday to head to college and I am scared, excited and proud of her. When I come back, I am going to be making some announcements, and taking a new journey in this thing called "Life".. I hope you'll join me!

48 Hours Can Change Your Life

2011-08-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

As a mother of two, you always are thankful that your children are healthy, happy and thriving. A little over a year ago, my beautiful daughter was diagnosed with Diabetes. She had never been sick, and never even had her blood drawn. Even after her diagnosis, she was thriving and incorporating the disease into her daily life, and things have been just great. Last week, she came down with a flu. This was your typical throwing up, not feeling good, 48 hour typical flu. By Sunday, she hadn't eaten much and I thought she should be seen on Monday. By Monday, Bianca couldn't even walk. I got her to the hospital, and they immediately whisked us off to the ER. A normal sugar reading for a healthy diabetic is 120. By this time Bianca's sugar was up to 420! This was with no food, no drink other than water, how does that happen? In the ER, they kept trying to get IV's in her, but she was so dehydrated and sick they couldn't get them in. They also started taking PINTS of blood. As a mother, it is the worst thing in the world to see your child in pain, and then to put your trust in the doctors and nurses, when they seem to be hurting your child. Within a few hours, they did get an IV in and had given her doeses of pain medication, this was the only reprieve she had. Her lips were completely white, and frankly she looked like a cadaver. Never in my life have I felt so scared, alone, guilty, helpless. We spent 8 hours in the ER, and finally she was stable enough to move to ICU. She was on an Insulin Drip, Antibiotics, Electrolytes, and had gone through 4 liters of intreveneous fluids during this time. By the time Aaron got there later in the day wit Tony, I lost it. I was tired of being strong, and tired of telling her it was going to be ok. I had to let it all out. By this time, Bianca was resting and didn't see me "lose" it thank goodness, but my little Tony did and was a little scared. By the end of the night, Bianca had 3 IV's in ONE ARM, was exausted but looked so much better.
Its a weird thing, having a connection so close as your child. By that time, (and this gets weird) both my arms on the insides and down to my wrists (where they kept poking her for blood) we sore and I felt like I had been working out my arms and they felt like rubber. If you touched the insides of my arms, it hurt and I truly felt my daughters pain. Strange, but so true.
Yesterday, the doctors told me that her white blood cell counts were almost back to normal which was miraculous. He couldn't understand how fast the meds were working. By the end of yesterday, they gave Bianca food, she was sitting up, and now it was time to get her fluid levels back to normal. By this morning, she was almost back to normal levels and she is coming home! It is a miracle and blessing that everything happened so fast. I believe in the power of prayer, thoughts and positive thinking. Even if you took a minute out of your day and thought good thoughts for Bianca, they worked. The Doctors and Nurses at Kaiser Hospital in Walnut Creek were fantastic and I can't thank each and every one of them enough for their help and care during the past 48 hours.
This has taught me alot about how fragile this disease makes my daughter and that a little flu can turn deadly very quickly if not addressed immediately.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the family and friends that were there for us.

Happy National Scrapbook Month!

2011-05-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

First, I wanted to let everyone know that I sent out this months newsletter and you can see it HERE. I know I have been bad at blogging, but trying to keep up! I have such a busy May, and I hope I get to see alot of you this month, starting with my NSD event at Scrapbook Territory in Berkeley! Its already sold out and we have so many manufacturers lined up to help us celebrate incluing Teresa Collins Designs, The Art Life (of course), Cosmo Cricket, C&T Publishing and more! I have THE biggest goodie bags, fantastic make and takes and I'm making homemade deserts for everyone! If you aren't signed up, you can come on over to the store to say HI! We'd love to see you!
I have posted the April Monthly Kit which features the Jumbo Maya Road BottleCaps. You can see the full project HERE.

Also, If your not part of The Art Life Monthly Project Kit program, May will be the month to join! You can find the details HERE and if you'd like to be on the premier email list to get one, email me at theartlife@yahoo.com. This month will be a Tim Holtz Inspired Canvas! WEEHOO! It will feature grungeboard Dress Forms, Bird Cages, Metal and more!

I have been putting a lot of new items in The Art Life Shop, including Echo Park 6x6 pads (yippee!), and I'll be adding a monthly layout program soon as well.
This is a pic of a Kaisercraft Wooden Chest using My Little ShoeBox papers that will be available as a kit. I'll be taking this to NSD so if you'd like me to hold one, email me, as they might sell out this weekend.

I hope you take this month to celebrate with your friends and those that share this wonderful craft we all share. Its so important to spend time with friends, get your hands dirty and make something beautiful! I'll post pics of this weekends event next week!

Happy Friday!

2011-04-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
I have had the most hectic week! We are planning our week long getaway and when your going two different places, its harder to pack! Also, I needed to go clothes shopping for the new job I start on Monday the 11th! YIKES! But alas, here it is Friday and Sunday morning we leave. I had a great afternoon with Tony, seeing HOP! A great family movie, darling! LOVED IT!
Came home and had a fantastic email! I am being PUBLISHED! I have always wanted to send in projects, pics and things to various magazines and such, but I just never take time to follow what they are looking for and timing and I don't want to MAKE projects especially for a call. One late night I was surfing the internet, saw something that I had a few things in mind for, sent in pics and WOWSERS I got the email that I'll be in the Bead Trends Idea Book for September 2011! What me??? How'd that happen? lol! I have to send it off right away, so I am now having to get that ready too! When life gets hectic.. it turns into a whirlwind!
So, when I get back, the following Saturday I am teaching the Basic Grey Layout Class, and I tell you folks, the amount of product you get will be A.Mazing!

I also just added a My Little Shoebox Class to the schedule on Saturday April 30th. Its another one of the mini wooden drawers made with the "Oasis" line of papers from MLS. Its super cute and I had so much fun making it! So, come join me in making this darling chest that is Asian themed!

One final thing, if your not subscribed to my newsletter, sign up today, cause I have an email going out on Sunday after I leave for the week, with a special on my website! Come take advantage while I am out of town! I can't believe I won't be crafting for an entire week! I don't know if I've ever done that before. Maybe my family will find me cutting out pieces of the local phone books and pasting them together for a collage sheet.. babbling.. "have to craft, have to craft".. lol!
Till I am back on the 10th, cheers, and have a great week friends!

Wow, my life is a CHANGING!

2011-03-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

I got the news today, that I am being offered a job tomorrow. I am so excited and scared, nervous, worried and just a bit sad as well. Before I did this (scrapbooking) I was a career woman, climbed the corporate ladder and was a suit wearing Financial Consultant/Actuary. I was very fortunate that when I married Aaron, we planned on me being a stay at home mom. What a fantastic blessing that was. I too at that time was scared, nervous, and didn't know "how" to be a SAHM. I found scrapbooking during that time and it saved me in so many ways. It brought out a side of me I didn't know existed. My mother is a very talented artist, but I never took that path in my life. She introduced me to scrapbooking and those of you who know my mom, know that she is a huge supporter of me, loves all my scrapbooking friends and students and comes to as many classes of mine as she can. Well, here it is, 5 years later, and Bianca is graduating from high school, moving to Santa Barbara for college and Tony is in school as well. College is so much more expensive than you can imagine and I want to give Bianca the possibilities to live out her dreams, so I am going back to work to help her have the experience of going away to school, being part of something big! Anyway, looking for the job was difficult enough. This job I am being offered received over 700, yes 700 resumes. They chose ME??? Someone who has been out of the business for 5 years... I am very honored and blessed that this has come to me. Please don't worry, I hope my scrapbooking hobby/career won't change. I'm keeping everything the same, teaching, blogging, creating.. I am poised and ready to do this! My position is to be the partner of the top Life Insurance/Wealth Management Producers at Northwestern Mutual. I will be working almost full time. I have a packed next couple of months, so I'll be crazy busy, but I am ready for this. The time has come to do more for me. I have updated the left sidebar with more classes and a huge event for National Scrapbook Day! I hope you can find time to come see me soon! Also, I have been adding so many new beautiful things to the website! Wait till you see the "fractured dolls" from Tim Holtz.. the tissue tape dispenser from Tim Holtz.. he is a genius!
Much love and more scrapbooking stuff next time..

Lots of Fun Things!

2011-03-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

I have been creating like CRAZY lately! I created this super cute Treasure Chest, with the new Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe, and it was one of those projects that you look at when your done and think "did I make this?". I really loved how it turned out and I get to teach this at Scrapbook Island! I have been talking with Laurie there for so long about starting to teach there, and this just came together when I was there seeing Marion Smith. Details are coming, but it will be on April 23rd, I am so excited!

I also just received some of the new Donna Salazar Papers, and couldn't wait to get started, and it just flowed out of me! Her style is so fun, "junky" and "cluttered" kinda like me.. that I just went to town and this is what I came out with after a few hours. I really like it and hope to have it as a class down at Our Paper Place coming soon! They have been asking me to make them an "Altered Art" project class because that is what they needed, I think this one will work don't you?

I also finished a special project for My Little Shoebox, which I am working with Helen to get auctioned off to raise money for the disaster for Japan, so keep on the lookout for a Scrapbook Auction online Event to raise funds to send to help out our friends in need!

Good night for now friends!

Been Working so HARD!

2011-03-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

OOOh the boxes have been coming in so fast! I have been putting together all the fun classes I have lined up for the next few months using all the new CHA products!

I am only going to give sneaky peaks, cause I don't know where each class will be, but I'll let you know as soon as I hear!

I'm doing all sorts of different classes. I am doing altered items like this "Emma's Treasure Chest" with the new Emma's Shoppe Collection by Crate Paper (OMG! I LOVE this line!)

The Art Life Version of the Teresa Collins Notations Kit - Which includes a whole additional kit, to make it even more incredible that it already was! Thanks Teresa for a fantastic foundation to work with!

Layout Classes - I am going to start offering layout classes using all the new Basic Grey Collections. I really have loved what they have offered. You'll get TONS of products, along with your own "Art Life" pack to make it your own!

Look for dates and places for these upcoming classes soon, but next weekend, I'm teaching the Art Life Configurations Class at Scrapbook Territory, which will feature tons of original vintage items, and you'll play with all kinds of Tim Products. After the class, I'll be hosting the 10 hour crop, so come join me for a full day of fun at Territory!

March Happenings

2011-03-02T06:27:00.000-08:00

March is here! Boxes are arriving and I am giddy with all the new products coming in from CHA! I have so many projects/classes and my kits on my mind, I don't know which one to start first!

I had a great time teaching The Art Life Configurations class at Scrapbook Territory last weekend, full of vintage goodies, this one was really neat because everyone's turned out slightly different. Here are a few pics of the class projects. I'll be teaching this one again on March 19th at Scrapbook Territory, so come join me to make your own!

I am also going to host a 10 hour crop at the store on the 19th as well, starting at 2pm, till midnight. Bring your friends, projects and lets get our crop on!

I of course am one of those Twilight people, so I went GAGA over the DCWV Immortal Love papers. I took the small mat pack and made a super cute mini album with a Maya Road Binder and here is the result! I'll be teaching this on the 26th at Scrapbook Territory as well.

I'm going to be spreading my wings in the next few months, so look for classes at Art Inspired Studios in Brentwood, Our Paper Place in Newark, and then look for a monthly class here at my home in Walnut Creek. I am going to start a once a month layout class which will help you get some family layouts in your books!

Lora and I are heading out to Scrapbook Island this weekend to take a class from Marion Smith, I actually get to TAKE a class, weeehooo! I can't wait to meet this talented lady and have fun with a great group of women!

Lets start more blogging!

2011-02-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

I have been working really hard on my website these past few weeks and neglecting this poor blog! But in working on the website, I have added a section called DOLLAR STORE, which has tons of products for 50% or more off of anything there. I have also started to add new CHA things that are trickling in. I try my best to have competitive prices, and new and unusual things to offer you. I have added more Art Life Flowers, and now am adding the Button Shop. This will offer all different types of buttons in smaller batches, so you can buy multiples of colors for a cheaper price. I also plan to add in one of a kind vintage buttons as well. I have collected beautiful vintage buttons for projects, and its time to stop hoarding and sharing so I can inspire YOU to use them!
I am also adding the Jewelry back to the site! It was hard to keep up inventory on the jewelry, but I think I have a good system together to keep everything correct. I participate in a monthly booth with THE FIND at Jack London Square and am loving it there. I have all my jewelry and plan to update the website right away with new things. If you ever are looking for something, always ask, as I don't have everything on the website that I sell. Here is some new eye candy for you!

Snow, Snow, Friends, and Daughters

2011-02-20T13:45:00.001-08:00

I have had a fantastic 4 day weekend. It started out going up to my sisters family cabin in Arnold. It is a beautiful little town! I loved it. The cabin is gorgeous and the snow was out of control! It took us forever to just get up the little mountain to the cabin and the snow was so high we couldn't open the passenger doors... we laughed uncontrollably, and just went with the adventure! We had two sleeping little boys, who had no idea that we were trying to "dig" into the cabin! I am not sure how much snow we got that night, but here is a pic of the "beast" (our Yukon's name) in the morning. We woke up to no power, pouring snow and the boys LOVED it! First snow ball fight and I got some good pics. Tony took his first skiing lesson which he loved at first, but as a 5 year old it looked like the little brother from Christmas Story, "I can't put my arms down"... lots of laughing playing and family time. I cherished every moment there.

They were staying all weekend, but I came back early to help my buddy, Donna Downey teach at Scrapbook Territory. Can I tell you that Donna is one of the most down to earth, tell it like it is wonderful woman? I have hung out with her before, but we got to have a great long dinner with steak and wine last night, and we all just felt like old friends, that were hanging out. She is genuine, loyal, not to mention so artistic and inspiring. We talked alot about the business, and how we love the relationships we build through teaching. That when you touch someone and connect through our art, everything is worth it. That is why I do what I do. I create for me, but then I share to inspire others that they can do whatever they dream. I am going to start to focus more on this in later posts!

Lastly, I missed greatly my little Bianca who was off with friends to look at colleges in Santa Barbara. I was scared to death to let her go, had a little crying fit after she left and have barely slept while she was gone, but she is driving back today, and LOVED it! She and her friends really want to go there. I already mapquested it and its 322 miles away. I can get there (nascar style) in 4 hours. I think I can handle her being there. We'll have to plan a weekend together there and seriously take a look. How as a parent do you let your child go? I can't imagine life without her here in this house every day with her laughter, loud music and moody times too! I am so blessed to have my little ray of sunshine Tony to help me.

Today I am grateful, happy, emotional and getting ready to have some quiet artistic time. I hope you found some time this weekend to do the same!

Howdy!

2011-02-03T12:04:00.000-08:00

Its February, and I just came back from the CHA show and am so excited about all the products I saw, the old and new friends I met and the inspiration flowing from me! I am inspired, and ready to share!

This weekend I am hosting The Art Life Valentine Day crop at Scrapbook Territory from 2-12midnight, come join us to make these two super cute projects, receive goodie bags and prizes, yummy deserts and fun crafting. Call the store to sign up!

I also put up the Valentine Day Folder/Mini Album on my website HERE because, I scheduled the class on Superbowl Sunday, and didn't think a lot of people would be able to get away, so if you can join the class, you can get the kit, along with all the instructions at the link above. You get a TON of product and its perfect for your loved one!

Make sure to check out The Art Life Shop Store! I have started to CLEAR OUT inventory, which means at least (if not more) a savings of 50% for you. Go check it out because quantities are limited!

Finally, I am teaching The Art Life Configurations Class at Scrapbook Territory on February 26th from 1-5pm, this is a long class as we'll be decoupaging the configuration with vintage newsprint! Call the store to sign up for this or the crop at 510-559-9929. I hope to see you there!

Looky Looky.. I'm Posting!

2011-01-24T09:06:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I was in a crafty haze.. I did really well and completed two new classes! I hosted a 10 hour crop at Scrapbook Territory and it was really fun and I also got to celebrate my BFF's Birthday, Happy Birthday Lora!

First is a super cute Valentine Day Holder. This opens up to a three tiered area, with tags, envelopes, and a mini album. Perfect for you to make for your loved one! It is on Sunday February 6th at 2pm. Its only $25, and you get so much product! I am spoiling you on this one!

The second is my long awaited Configurations Box! I have filled this to the BRIM with vintage goodies.. I am a antique show junkie and have been saving lots of things for such a project and you'll receive a bunch of it. This class is on February 26th at 1pm. This class is a long one so plan for the rest of the day. Cost is $50

Also, don't forget to sign up for The Art Life Valentine Day Crop! The projects I am making are so stinkin cute! I love Vintage Valentine Art and they will be super cute. I'll have pics to show later this week.

Both classes and the crop are at Scrapbook Territory so call them up starting tomorrow (their closed on Mondays) to sign up for one or all three, I guarantee you'll have a great time in all of them! 510-559-9929.

I wasn't planning on going to CHA this year, but seeing all the beautiful product, I am trying to plan a quick trip down for a day or two so I hope to see alot of my friends there drooling too!

Woweee My Poor Neglected Blog

2011-01-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

Now that I look at my blog, I miss it.. I really LOVE the look and design of my blog and its pretty, and I like to look at it. A funny thing though about blogs... its hard to keep them up! With the way today's technology is going so fast, Facebook, Tweeting (which I just can't do), emailing and everything else, the poor ole blog gets neglected. I even made a new years resolution to start it up again and post once a week. I am really going to try to do that. I am going to put an alarm in my new IPhone I got for Christmas and keep in touch. I want to share my life, my art, and my projects with everyone, but life does get in the way. Over the holidays, I was overwhelmed with family, friends and just life in general and am still trying to find my way back to being organized and sharing.. sharing.. things that are meaningful, things that might make you think a little bit more about something you didn't think of. I don't know.. maybe my blog will be just useless blabber about things.. lol!
Tony came to me this past weekend and wants to make his own scrapbook. Makes a momma proud when her boy says that... we go shopping, get the supplies, then every five minutes.. when are we scrapbooking mommmy? "As soon as I finish getting the laundry moved"... then "as soon as I get dinner going"... I felt so bad.. finally when we did sit down together, we had a fantastic time, and he loved it.. the first thing he said to me today was "when are we going to do our doggie pages mommy?"... "well honey, you have to go to school, I have to do some work and we need to run errands..".. so for now.. I leave you to go play with Tony and scrapbook his doggie pages.. I will share his cover of his book tonight and promise to keep this up and share more... with all my love to my friends....

Sooo Many Things to Share!

2010-09-16T06:18:00.001-07:00

Today is the release of the September Art Life Project Kit Club. If your not a part of it, join today! You receive everything you'll need to create a super cute and fun project and you'll learn something too! Its only $20 per month and it has sold out every month since its debut! You can get more information and sign up HERE.
Secondly, I have 3 Classes scheduled in the next month! If you missed the Alice Drawers class because it sold out, fear not, it is being offered again on Saturday October 16th at 10:30am at Scrapbook Territory! Sign up quick because I can't offer it again after that date.
Also, I have created the "Steampunk Bride" which is a beautiful piece of art! Pictures don't do her justice, if you can, go check her out at Scrapbook Territory and sign up, this will be a fun techniques class as well.

I am going to offer a card class in my home on Sunday October 3rd at 1pm. This will be a really fun card class utilizing the Close to My Heart Shaped Acrylic Cards and the Melody Ross Art Inspiration Cards. These are DARLING and come with envelopes. We'll make a whopping 8 cards in this class. You can see more and sign up HERE on my website.
Geez.. to keep me busy and from sleeping, I am also going to be participating in the Benicia Fine Art Fair this Saturday, then off to Petaluma to participate in the Antiques and Art Fair on the 26th.. whew... I hope to see you soon!

Its Monday!

2010-08-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

Wow what a GREAT weekend! We had The Art Life 10 hour crop on Saturday at Scrapbook Territory and it was a BLAST! We had the fabulous Angela Daniels of Fiskars come into the store and do make and takes with us and hang out all night! We had two mini workshops, drank fantastic Cocoa, and created the night away! These events are so much fun and sell out, so make sure you call the store for the Halloween and Christmas ones on October 23 and December 11th right away to reserve your space!
Also, I finished this super cute Alice in Wonderland themed "Halloween Drawers" on Saturday. This is definitely my favorite line from Graphic 45. I love Alice, I love Halloween, and I love Graphic 45. Ned I say more? This class will be on Saturday September 11th at 2pm and will be $35. I'll also be hosting the crop that night at Scrapbook Territory, so sign up for that as well and have a full day, evening of crafting fun! 510-559-9929. I will be so busy all weekend at the Scraptacular event at the Concord Hilton and then Danville Antique and Arts Fair on Monday the 6th. I hope you can come by either or both events to see me!

Hello Friends!

2010-08-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am so busy right now! Tony and I took an impromptu trip to Disneyland last week, and I must say it was one of the best trips I have ever taken! I decided on Sunday that we should go, and we left Monday morning. Just to be alone with him and enjoy this time together was priceless. No other family just us together, taking our time enjoying everything around us. It was really fun! We saw all the shows, played in the pool at 10pm and it was something I'll never forget!

I have been busy now, creating and getting ready for a whirlwind of a month! I have a charity crop this Saturday at St. David's Church in Richmond, Altered Fairy Box Class here at my home on Sunday 22nd, The Art Life Crop at Scrapbook Territory on the 28th, then Scraptacular on Labor Day Weekend. Plus many other classes and booths coming up! Here is a pic of the free class I'll give at the crop! If you interested in any of these events, just email me!

New Classes Booked!

2010-07-19T19:43:00.001-07:00

I have been having a great time creating, planning and spending time gearing up for the busiest season for me! I have so much going on and my calendar is getting full! I just added a wonderful Altered Jewelry Class at Scrapbook Territory on Saturday August 14th at 2pm. We'll make these two beautiful altered jewelry pieces and you'll have a ton of fun creating!

I am also going to be teaching a really fun class at my home in Walnut Creek. Its this beautiful Altered Box. We'll play with the gorgeous My Girls Paperie Papers, cute mini Fairies, buttons, flowers and ribbon! This class will be on Sunday August 22nd at 1pm in my home. I'll have a mini shopping area with all kinds of fun goodies as well! To sign up for this class, see HERE on my website or just email me at theartlife@yahoo.com. Hope to see you there! These are the best days to me... I love the intimate crafting time. I promise to have more at my home this fall!

This weekend is the Art and Wine Festival in Alameda, My August Schedule is Jam packed so see sidebar for all the upcoming events, and I hope to see you soon!

Been Creating and Playing!

2010-07-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

In two weeks, I'll be participating in my first Art and Wine Festival in Alameda. This is going to be a big step and I am excited and nervous about doing a two day show! I have to start organizing and figuring out what I am going to show. It can't be a "Scrapbooking" book, its going to be more of an Artist booth, so I am bringing all my jewelry along with a bunch of ready-made crafts. I starting making these magnet boards which are also dry-erase on the back. I think they are super cute and perfect for a gift for someone. I don't want to make things that are too expensive, I want people to be able to take something home and feel like they got a great deal and love what they purchase.
I have also been hosting crops along with Nancie at Scrapbook Territory. I really love doing this! I love spending time with friends, and creating, so this is definitely a win/win situation and we'll keep them going through the fall! I have a great 10 hour crop planned for August 28th and its already almost sold out! I am thinking I need to do these more often.. maybe every other month instead of every 3 months.. hmm... I started a Project Kit of the Month club starting with July 15th, and I am really excited about it. I am making these affordable at $20 per month, and you'll receive a ton of product, along with instructions to make the pictured project. This month will be Maya Road Large Bottlecaps which you'll receive two full collage sheets, a bottle of stickles along with tons of other fun things to play with. These are projects you can get done at a crop and give as presents. If you'd like more information, see HERE. I have a ton of ideas which I'd love to turn into mini kits, so it's going to be hard to choose just one each month! Stay tuned near the end of a the week for a giveaway here on the blog!

Fun Crafty Weekend and New Class!

2010-06-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to the opening of Art Inspired Studios and it was so much fun! I played all day long with all my friends and celebrated the OPENING of a new Scrapbook Store! I am so excited for Diana and Patty to have opened a new store! Its beautiful and well stocked! I'll be teaching classes there and my first one is Altered Jewelry and it will be on August 7th, more details to follow! It was a very creative day and I finished this project "Animal Love" which is with the Max and Whiskers line by Basic Grey and features a Maya Road Canvas covered chipboard album! This will be a class at Scrapbook Territory on July 10th, and I'll be hosting the crop that night as well! Come on down and take the class, then spend the night cropping away with us till midnight! details on sidebar and call the store at 510-559-9929 to sign up!

Monday Morning! Beautiful, Outside.. lovely day!

2010-06-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

I had a fantastic time at the Scrapbook Territory 7 year anniversary sale and make and take day! I made these super cute cards with Adirondak inks and the new Tim Holtz Dies. I LOVE them! Thanks to everyone who came out to play and shop. It was a ton of fun! This weekend I'll be in Brentwood both days! Saturday I am attending the opening day crop of Art Inspired Studios which is a new store that I am excited about seeing and playing in. Sunday I'll be teaching at ScrapDiva two super cute projects by The Girls Paperie! This should be a fun class!
I have been enjoying the outside air with my family, we have had two snakes in the backyard, one was a rattler.. pretty cool. I was so excited when My Paper Tree House ordered flowers for their art studio! Now my flowers are in Miami.. wee hoo!
I am almost in full World Cup mode here at my house.. the Brazilian Flag is out, my T-shirts are ready and my TIVO will be filled to the brim with games games games.. I will be a little football (soccer) crazy for the next month.. so watch out! VIVA BRASIL! This is the most watched tournament in the entire world.. watch it with your kids, get them involved and make football (soccer) part of their lives.. its a great game!

Sweetest Email!

2010-05-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

I received the sweetest email from a photographer named Ashley Maxwell
Take a look at the pictures about 3/4 the way down to the table settings!
She photographed a couples wedding, Candace and Ryan and the photography is fantastic.. This is what I would have wanted my wedding to look like! Anyways.. the reason is that Candace used my little vintage bottlecaps on her tables! They looked so stinkin cute scattered on each of the tables! How happy can a girl be?? Something I made was used in someone elses best day of their lives! Life can't be more pleasing... made my day so sweet.. thank you so much for sharing.. I love that!

10 Crop on Saturday! WEEHOOO!

2010-05-25T07:39:00.001-07:00

This Saturday May 29th, I am hosting a 10 hour "The Art Life" Crop and mini class workshops at Scrapbook Territory in Berkeley! We'll crop from 2pm-12midnight and make these two min projects! One is a mini jewelry pieces on these cool pins, and the other is this "Inspiration" board. You'll learn how to collage your papers together to make a beautiful art piece for yourself or as a gift for a loved one! We had so much fun at the last one and it sold out, so sign up today for this great day crafting with friends. I'll supply yummys, goodies, prizes and inspiration! $30 and the number is 510-559-9929, come join us!

I can't believe how long its been

2010-05-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

I promise never to go so long from blogging again. I became a facebook junkie and have been posting so much there, that I leave this little one behind. It's been one of those months that you wonder how you made it through everything. Spending a few weeks not teaching to get ready for Inspired in North Carolina, which was AMAZING took so much out of me. I was nervous, felt like I couldn't make it, and wondered what I was getting myself into. We then got the unfortunate news that Bianca has Diabetes. This came out of nowhere. We went in for a minor 20 minute appointment and she was admitted within 2 hours. I can't tell you how I feel yet, cause it hasn't sunk in yet. I can tell you that Bianca is one of the strongest people I have ever known. She has taken this news better than I ever expected and transitioning into a completely new life without complaining, or anything. Being away at Inspired gave me a new perspective and made me feel great! I was so happy to be a part of this fantastic event. I made some fantastic friends and hope to be invited back to it next year. I need to say that I couldn't have made it without my buddy Nancie. She kept me sane, helped me get through everything and I can't express my gratitude enough.

Some announcements, classes at Scrapbook Territory on June 19th - See sidebar and I am hosting a 10 hour crop on Saturday May 29th at Scrapbook Territory, with two mini classes and kinds of goodies.. I hope to see many of my bay area friends at one of these functions.. look for more soon!

Cricut Demo Day!

2010-04-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today I'll be putting on my Provocraft Apron and demoing the amazing Cricut Expressions at the Michaels in Pleasant Hill. If your in the area come on by and say hello! I am excited and it should be fun day!

Design Team Search is ON!

2010-04-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

I am looking for 5 people to join The Art Life Flower Shop Design Team! If you have access to my flowers (Scrapbook Territory, Scrap Diva and on my WEBSITE please use them in both a layout and "altered art" project or card. You don't have to use them in both, but I'd love to see what you can come up with! If you would like to get some flowers from my website, spend $10 and you'll receive in your package a free package of The Art Life Flowers! Just say that you'd like to try out for the team. Here is what you'll get:

1. Each month I'll send you two packages of flowers, along with other embellies or papers and you use them in ANY project you like, it can be a card, layout or altered art item as long as the flowers are the main focus. Just send me the pics so I can post them to this blog, the website and our The Art Life Facebook Group Page
2. Your name and projects posted on these pages and blog, you'll receive The Art Life Canvas Tote, An Art Life T-shirt, and all kinds of goodies from me.

What you have to do:

Submit 3 projects that can be layouts, altered art projects or cards, that use flowers (preferably The Art Life Flowers), but you can use any kind you have.

Have a blog where you can post your finished work and promote The Art Life!

Wear the shirt and bag every single day and talk nonstop about The Art Life. (optional, lol!)

Belong to message boards or facebook pages that you can help promote The Art Life. If you hook me up with a store or kit club that places an order of The Art Life Flowers, you'll receive a HUGE goodie bag filled to the brim with The Art Life goodies!

If you are local, be ready to come help if you can at crops, events and classes!

Submit these things by May 20th to theartlife@yahoo.com. I'll announce the new design team on June 1st and you'll get your first package by June 15th. Your participation must be for at least 6 months, but if you like me you can stay as long as you like! Please pass this along to all your friends, and international inquiries are great!
Thanks so much everyone and I hope you love the flowers as much as I do!
Daniela

Classes this Weekend at Scrap Diva in Brentwood!

2010-04-05T10:44:00.001-07:00

So much going on in April! I hope you all got my newsletter! If not, here is a copy NEWSLETTER I am teaching a fun filled day at Scrap Diva in Brentwood this weekend! I'll be teaching "Townhouse" a Maya Road mini house with a mini album inside! Its super cute! It starts at 10:30am. Then I'll be teaching "Boardwalk" at 2pm which is a 12x12 Magnetic Board using the new Graphic 45 papers "Boardwalk" its gorgeous and is perfect for your office or kitchen, or a great Mothers Day gift! Townhouse is $28 and Boardwalk is $30. If you sign up for both classes, you'll receive a free "The Art Life" canvas tote bag! Come join the fun at this great store which has a ton of new product too!

The Art Life Flower Shop!

2010-03-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

It official! The opening of the Flower Shop is done! I have added a whole new section in the website called "The Art Life Flower Shop". These have all my new flowers that I am selling! They can be ordered wholesale for stores and kit clubs, but you can purchase them all in the shop! HERE is the link. I'll be adding to it all week, since I haven't received it all. They are all so beautiful and the price point is so affordable! I hope you all will enjoy! Make sure to post pics on using these flowers or any other goodies you purchased on the Facebook Page of The Art Life HERE! I'll pick random winners of free goodies!

Fun Crop day coming up!

2010-03-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

This is the fun make and take I'll be teaching at Scrap Diva in Brentwood during the all day crop on Saturday March 20th. Its a super huge Maya Road bottlecap with vintage Easter images in it. Its a magnet for your fridge.

See the Scrap Diva website for details and come join us if you can!

I am so excited to debut my new Flower Embellishment Line! I just received my first shipment, and I must say they are BEAUTIFUL! Just think of the cool Prima flowers without the cost.. lol! I'll have pictures and product on the website next week. They will be available for wholesale, so tell your local stores, and kit clubs to come and get em!

I'll also be hitting up the Scrapbook Expo tomorrow to hand out postcards and coupons for the Store, so yell if you see me to get one!

Quick update!

2010-03-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

There are only a few spots left for the Alice class, so if your on the fence.. jump on over before its sold out! I promise you'll LOVE it.. we have a great group signed up so far!

I'm off to Scrapbook Diva to crop and spend some time with friends... big hugs everyone!

One less finger!

2010-03-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

Well if you didn't hear, I sliced the tip of my finger off on Sunday making our Oscars dinner, so I watched some of the show from the Emergency room! I am much better and I won't have any long term damage, but no Mandolins for me ever again! Wow those things are dangerous and ohhh so scary..
But through it all, I haven't stopped creating.. Here are some sneak peaks on my Alice In Wonderland Bust.. I don't want to give it all away, but this is going to be one great Art Piece for your home! Please come join me in my first home workshop of the year on Sunday March 28th at 1pm in Walnut Creek. We'll spend the afternoon creating this bust and my home will have my boutique set up with all kinds of new goodies! You can email me at theartlife@yahoo.com or sign up through my website HERE. We are going to have a great time and I hope you can join us!

Fun new things!

2010-03-03T16:14:00.000-08:00

OOh First is a pic of the goodie bags for Saturday's crop! Thanks so much for everyone that is coming! You will be spoiled and we are going to have a GREAT TIME!
Second is a pic of the new The Art Life Shop Canvas Bags. They are perfect for your scrapbook projects and are just beautiful! You can get them HERE. Also, I just got a few of the products from Margies "The Girls Paperie" and I just put the stamps up. I did get a few of the papers, but I want you to be able to get the embellies too.. so I will wait, but don't wait if you want the stamps, they are so cute and so affordable that they will go FAST. Get them HERE. I am working hard on projects, schedules and new ventures.. so stay tuned for more! If you can't come crop on Saturday, come by the shop and see us. I'm going to debut my new scrabble and domino jewelry and will have it available at the store. I have Alice in Wonderland, Twilight Inspired, Easter Themed and so much more, and priced at only $8 and $15, they are super cute as gifts for your friends or loved ones.. I'll have them in the store next week.

Tonights a Big night for me!

2010-02-28T19:10:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the signups for the Donna Downey Inspired Workshops. I am so nervous and have that feeling of "what if no one signs up for my classes?"... I want to do Donna proud by choosing me and hope people will choose little ol me to spend some time with at Inspired!

Also, this was a great creative weekend for me! I finished a project "Our House" at Scrapbook Territory friday night with my cropping girls... then Saturday went back to Berkeley to teach, what a lovely group of ladies I had.. thanks for spending the afternoon with me. Then mom and i headed to Brentwood to see DeAnne at Scrapbook Diva. I have been wanting to get out there to teach a class and we nailed down some dates and times. I am going to spend the day on March 20th cropping and doing a make and take at the store, teaching a class on March 27th, then I'll do a full artist day at the store with two classes on April 11th! Look for more info soon!

I am off to put Tony to bed then pace the floor till 9pmpst to watch the signups and see how I do...

March 6th "The Art Life Crop and Mini Project Day"

2010-02-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

Come join me and all our Art Life friends for a fun day of cropping and making 3 mini projects! First we'll make the above "Tim Holtz" inspired necklace. You'll have plenty of quotes and charms to pick from to make yours personal. Then we'll make the above 6x6 chipboard hanging sign for you or a loved one. The final project will be a 7gypsies Mini Matchbook which I should have in today's mail! I'll provide a desert bar, refreshments, plenty of giveaways and just lots of friendship and fun. The date is March 6th starting at 2pm and lasts until 12midnight. Its $25 and sure to sell out.. so sign up today by calling Scrapbook Territory at 510-559-9929. Also, if you'd like to do any shopping in The Art Life Shop, I can bring orders with me to the crop. Remember, if you purchase and wear an Art Life Shop T-shirt, you'll get a free gift from me! Hope to see a bunch of you there!

New project and T-Shirts!

2010-02-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

With all the ways to share information today, I don't know if repeating information here as well as on The Art Life Shop Facebook Page and my own Facebook page is repeating, but I am so excited about this new project and my new T-shirts! So, here is a looky at the new Jenni Bowlin/Maya Road mini album I created. I think I will be teaching this at Scrap Diva in Brentwood, stay tuned for a date. The T-Shirts are available at the store, free shipping and when I see you in one, you get a free goodie from me!

How to bling a Maya Road Birdie By Tony Costa

2010-02-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days that will go in the memory banks as a wonderful morning. I have this round table with great light in the family room corner that I use as a "project" table instead of our "breakfast nook" (thanks hubby, I love you!) This morning, I was finishing a mini album and Tony loves to come up on the tall chairs and ask if he can "help" with my project. I had finished the painting of the super cute Maya Road Chipboard birds and Tony (like me) LOVES stickles! So, I asked if he would demonstrate the "blinging" of the birds with pictures so I can show you! So, here in sequence is Tony putting the stickles on his fingers and rubbing it on the birds, then our finished product. He was so proud!

All kinds of new Product!

2010-02-20T07:31:00.000-08:00

I have been a busy little bee! The UPS man is coming every day to bring me boxes of JOY! The new product is amazing and I am so inspired to make beautiful things! I have in the shop new: Jenni Bowlin, Melody Ross Artsy Urban and Homespun Chic, Maya Road, New fun Jewelry and more!

I am finished with two of the mini projects we'll make at The Art Life Crop on March 6th, and I promise you'll love them! The Crop will be on Saturday March 6th from 2-12mid (I added two more hours of cropping fun!) and we'll make 3 mini projects and I'll have a desert bar and refreshments, all for $25. Call Scrapbook Territory to sign up as this will sell out! 510-559-9929.

I'm teaching today at Scrapbook Territory and there are a few spots left if you'd like to join us!

Join The Art Life Shop on Facebook!

2010-02-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

I have started a group on Facebook for The Art Life Shop! Come join us HERE and post some pics of what you have made with The Art Life products or kits, I'll be picking a few people at random to receive the make and take I taught at Scrapbook Diva last night plus some other Art Life goodies. Lets share inspiration and creativity! Also, if you were there last night, can you post or send me any pics you took? I didn't have my camera and I'd love to have a few to post!

Fantastic Day!

2010-02-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

I am so excited, honored, nervous and just WOWSERS! I was chosen to be a teacher at the Donna Downey Inspired Workshop Event in May! I can't believe I will be on this list of phenomenal teachers. I will be surrounded by everyone that I admire.. Its so exciting to be chosen. Here is a link to the website if you can come out and join us for this wonderful event! Inspired Workshop

Also here is a link to my newsletter I sent out today. I have a ton of things I am planning and the calendar is filling up already through May! I am really looking forward to the first The Art Life Crop/Mini Workshops night on March 6th! This will be a super fun crop and we'll make 3 projects. Sign up now with Scrapbook Territory

New Handmade Vintage Inspired Valentine Necklaces!

2010-02-02T16:28:00.001-08:00

Come on over to the Shop and take a look at this limited edition of Vintage Inspired Valentine Day necklaces. They are only $12 and its free shipping on these. There are only 10 so pick one up now! They are also one of a kind. The Art Life Shop

I'm Baaaccckkk!

2010-01-28T07:31:00.001-08:00

I am back from CHA and what a whirlwind of beautiful projects, inspiration, friendship and fun! I purchased a lot of new product for both the website and new classes and kits. I met some new friends, and hooked up with some old and made plans!

I am going to be teaching a make and take at Scrap Diva in Brentwood on February 6th at 8pm during a huge crop! I hope you can come out and see me. Look for me to be teaching there in the upcoming months as well. You can visit them at Scrap Diva.

My favorites were: Melissa Frances, 7gypsies, and a few new lines Melody Ross for GCD and The Girls Paperie by Margie. She used to be with Making Memories and is the most fabulous woman! She really inspired me in my first few years of scrapbooking, so I am so excited to see her have her own line, and of course I bought it all! You can visit her blog here. All my girls that came with to CHA, thank you so much for helping me get through everything and just being there for me. It wouldn't have been the same without you. Also, they have all the pictures, so I can't post anything but this funny one of me with a huge snake..lol! I'll post a ton of pics hopefully in a day or two!

February Classes Announced and I am off!

2010-01-21T18:55:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends, its been a hectic week, getting ready for CHA TOMMORROW! I am so excited to get to spend time in the industry, with friends and around new product.. drroooolllll.... I hope to update the blog with pics etc. of fun things, people and fun!

Here are 3 upcoming classes I'll have at Scrapbook Territory in February, come join me, I'd love to see you!

Sunday February 7th 10:30am - 12:30pm $25 - Vintage Valentine Pocket Cards - Come join me in creating 4 beautiful vintage inspired Pocket Cards. We'll use the giant Manila File Cards to make these darling "pocket" cards that you can put gift cards, love notes, or even small chocolate bars into for your loved ones or use them as decoration in your home. We'll also be using and you'll learn to make your own Glimmer Mist which you can take home! Bring your normal tool kit, pop foam, glue dots and creativity! Max of 10

Saturday February 20th 12pm - 2:30pm "Love Notes - Communique". Come join me in creating this fantastic Maya Road 5x5 Binder Album with envelopes in the Communique Graphic 45 Line. This is a gorgeous line featuring the vintage ways of communication. You'll use new and vintage embellishments and go home with a beautiful book to place all your love notes or mementos of a favorite occasion. Bring your normal tool kit including pop foam and glue dots and your creativity! Max of 10

Saturday February 27th 12pm - 2:30pm "Vintage Childhood" - This Maya Road Mini Album features the Jenni Bowlin "Town Square" paper collection. You'll learn different ways to use your papers as embellishments and how to incorporate unconventional items in your mini books. Of course you'll receive a huge The Art Life embellishment Bag and ribbons galore! This will be a fun class for any pictures. Bring your normal tool kit including pop foam and glue dots and your creativity! Max of 10

Welcome to The Art Life Shop Blog!

2010-01-17T22:13:00.000-08:00

Here we go! I am writing my first blog posting on my new blog site about The Art Life Shop! I have worked so hard and am so excited to share it with you! The newsletter is about to go out, I am about to go "live" and I am nervous and excited as well! I really hope you'll enjoy the site! I have 3 new kits available on the site as well as all the things you'd come to expect from me. I am heading to CHA at the end of the week and would love your input on what you'd like to see on the website. I'll write again tomorrow, but for now, I am off to send the newsletter and go "live". Have a great night everyone! Daniela