MIA ... on a quest to find my mojo

I've been Missing In Action.....

I'm sure many of you have heard me say this....."where does the time go?!?!?!!".  With each passing year, I feel that time flies by faster and faster each  year.

Here we are, a week from Christmas.  Other than making calendars for gift-giving, I haven't had much time, energy or the motivation to be creative.  I think it's been over a month since I've posted anything here other than the "picture of the week".

Christmas is my favorite time of the year and normally, I am overflowing with Christmas spirit. 


The last couple months have been draining.  In November, I finally sat for my CFP Exam.  Most of my energy (mental and physical) for the last 3 weeks has been spent on trying to catch up at work after taking a couple weeks off to study for the exam. 


With all that behind me now, I've been trying to get re-organized at home and get my mojo back.  During this shopping season (BTW... this is the first year that I did NOT go out shopping on Black Friday...did all my shopping online this year), I added to my Copic collection.  I heard that prices will go up again in January, so I took advantage of a sale and now I'm about 30 shy of having a complete set of Copic markers.


To track my Copics, I created a spreadsheet.  I printed the spreadsheet to a 11 x 17 paper and colored the squares as I added to my collection.  Here's a sample of the chart:

I decided to come up with a different method of keeping an inventory of my Copics.  Everytime Copic added a new color, I would have to amend the spreadsheet.  With my new method, I won't have to do that.  What's my new method, you ask?

I created Copic cards using a business card template. 

Each color will have its own card, so all I need to do is print out a new card for any future colors that are introduced to their collection.  The big square is to color in.  There are 2 small boxes below the main box - one box (with "R") is to mark whether I own a refill for that color; the other box is to mark what type of marker I own ("C"iao, "S"ketch, "O"riginal).  I included a section on the card where I could add my favorite color combo for that color.  The cards look like this:  

The cards will go into a binder using business card binder pages that you can find at any office supply store:

I would love to find a business card wallet that held enough business cards to represent all the Copic colors, but I haven't found one yet that has enough slots and is reasonably priced. 

I'm hoping that this is a start to getting my mojo back.  After the holidays, I plan on starting next year's gifts.....a cardkeeper with various themed cards.  That should keep me busy all year, right?

Blessings,

Most Commonly Used Card Sizes

Need a guide for card sizes?  Me too.  Most of the cards I make are A2.  But, I have a stash of envelopes that are for various card sizes.  So, here's a chart that I created with the measurements for the most commonly used card sizes.

A1	3 ½ × 4 ⅞ 3.5” × 4.875”
A2	4 ¼ × 5 ½ 4.25” × 5.5”
A6	4 ½ × 6 ¼ 4.5” × 6.25”
A7	5” × 7”
Biz	3 ½ × 2 3.5” × 2
Square	5 ½ × 5 ½ 5.5” × 5.5”

 

 

 

 

ETA:  I figured it would be nice to have measurements for the corresponding layers.  Here you go:

 

Card Size	Card Measurements	Layers Measurements
A1	3 ½ × 4 ⅞ 3.5” × 4.875”	3 ¼ × 4 ⅝ 3.25” × 4.625”
A2	4 ¼ × 5 ½ 4.25” × 5.5”	4 × 5 ¼ 4” × 5.25”
A6	4 ½ × 6 ¼ 4.5” × 6.25”	4 ¼ × 6 4.25” × 6”
A7	5” × 7”	4 ¾ × 6 ¾ 4.75” × 6.75”
Biz	3 ½ × 2 3.5” × 2	3 ¼ × 1 ¾ 3.25” × 1.75”
Square	5 ½ × 5 ½ 5.5” × 5.5”	5 ¼ × 5 ¼ 5.25” × 5.25”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting started and staying organized: itrakmine.com

The anniversary date of A Muse | Studio is just around the corner (March 1, 2011)!!!!  Wow, I can't believe it's already been a year. 

For years and years, I have tried to keep organization as one of my top priorities in life.  If you are organized, you can actually get more done and it helps you live a more efficient life.....sounds boring, huh?  Being organized keeps you on top of things so that your time and money can be used for the more exciting things in life. 

One of my huge pet peeves when it comes to buying things, whether it's craft-related or not, is when I buy duplicates of things....just because I didn't "remember" that I already had it.  While I am still working on this....I have tried my best to keep a list of what I own, to avoid duplicate purchases.  Over the years, the list has become a book!!  As a crafter, think of all of the goodies you own.....stamps, dies, embossing folders, punches, tools, on and on and on!!!!  Do you know from memory what you own?  Well, as I get older I realize that my memory isn't as crisp as it used to be.  I find myself having to write things down more and more.

Why am I bringing up this subject?  I have found a new way of keeping an inventory of what I own!!!!  If only I had thought to keep an inventory when I FIRST started hoarding stamps and everything that goes with card making!!!!  The one thing that I have kept up with is what a|s products I own.  With the launch of a|s last year, it's been easy to keep up. 

Here is what I have found:  iTrackmine.com

Once I figured out the website, I was convinced that this would be my new method for keeping an inventory. I've only gotten started, so we'll see.... 

• you can create your own custom list
• you can keep everything you input as being "PRIVATE"
• you can put whatever information you want/need
• you can upload an image
• you can export a report showing you what you own (then you can sort it however you want....the only thing I wish it did was show the image in the CSV file)
• you can create a property loss report which can be helpful when negotiating with your insurance company if your insured property is lost, stolen, or damaged. 
• it's a little comforting to know that your inventory will still be available if your hard copy list or computer gets, let's say, burned in a house fire.
• you have access to your inventory as long as you have online access...with smartphones and Ipads now, who doesn't have access to the internet at any given time?
• you don't have to physically carry a list (or a book) with you...just your phone/Ipad with internet access

It's not the absolute perfect solution.  If only I were highly tech savvy, I'd create my own program....I consider myself about average or slightly below average when it comes to technology.  So, I have to rely on either what I can do or what's available out there.  We'll see if this indeed works out for me....only time will tell.

Other things to inventory:

• electronics with serial numbers (our house was broken into a few years back and luckily I had the receipts with the serial numbers for my laptop, ipod, etc.)
• movies
• books
• valuables
• even make-up (so many times I've gone to the store to get powder, lipstick, etc and can't remember the color)

Hope you find this useful in managing your life.

Blessings,


****************************************************************

Update:  Trying to input all of the data that I want is a time consuming and cumbersome job.  But, you only have to do it once.  Here are some things that I'm finding:
1)   When listing items into my collection, I am including a category in the title ahead of the name of of the item (for example a|s stamp, a|s die, tools, etc).    It makes it easier to keep them grouped on the main collection page for the purposes of adding to your custom lists.  Also, when sorting alphabetically by title, you have all "like" items together.
2)   I have been putting the item codes in the Personal ID box
3)   Like I said, it's not perfect and can be a bit frustrating, but once it's done, it's done....then I just need to keep up with adding new items.
4)   The best thing I like about it.....it's portable!!!  I can access it from anywhere!!

Swatches

A Muse | Studio consultants who attended the National Conference last month not only got previews of the items in the new 2012 catalog, but they received some fantastic goodies.  One of the things that caught my eye from pictures posted by those who attended were the swatch rings for different products. 


What's great about the swatches is that you don't have to haul everything to a workshop for you to show the attendees what these items look like in real life.  They can see and feel.  


So, I created my own swatches with items that I have in stock.  I'd love to order more items to finish my swatches with the glitter, flock, embossing powder, etc.  For now, here's what I put together:

I used a screw post to keep all the  different swatches together.  I know I have some rings, but they are nowhere to be found.  I had some left over screw posts from when I used to scrapbook....I knew I'd find some use for these some day. LOL!!

Here's a picture of the package of screw posts.  They come in different lengths.  These were a tad bit too long for my swatches, but still worked. 


Blessings,






ETA:  If you want a copy of the template, become a follower and post a comment with your email address. 

NEW CHARTS - INK and PAPER

Last year, I created charts for a|s ink and paper.  With new colors and paper being added to the catalog, I have updated my charts and am happy to share them with you.  We aren't able to order most of the new items until February 1 (besides the preorder items), so I don't have a completed chart to show you....however, I have pictures of charts from last year (old colors and paper):

Here are the templates for the new charts:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_4VBEaO0RDXNWEwMTQ2NTItNWRkMS00M2RjLWJlN2UtZDljNTBkOGE0YTUy&hl=en_US

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_4VBEaO0RDXMzEzMTAzZDAtNWE3MC00YTQ5LWE1ZmQtZjRkZWQ1ZWQzNGJi&hl=en_US

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_4VBEaO0RDXZGQ0NzI5MDItMmVhNy00ZmJjLWIzMzEtZDQ1OGQ1Mzc2NGZi&hl=en_US

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_4VBEaO0RDXNjRjZDNkZmItODBjZC00Y2E0LThiMmYtZDI0ZmZhY2JhZDE3&hl=en_US

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_4VBEaO0RDXODMzOTU4YTUtNGFiNC00MmY1LTlhMWEtMGU4ZDI5ODMwNTBl&hl=en_US


Blessings,

Portland CK Convention, Easter projects, and A|S Color Charts

I think I say this every week, but.....WOW, the weekend is going by F-A-S-T!!! 

My report from Portland CK Convention

On Friday, March 25th, I took a trip to Portland with my friend, Jennifer, to attend the CK Convention.  This is the first CK Convention of the year.  The year ends with a convention in Bellevue, WA (which is the one I attend each year, as it's just across the street from my work) in November.  Our other friend, Vicki, met as at the convention.

In all honesty, I had expected a lot more from this convention....being the first one of the year and having seen so many "new" products from companies online.  I was a bit disappointed that the vendor faire seemed to be quite slimmed down from years past.  I think part of the reason is the recession.  It is so sad to see so many wonderful companies going out of business and in the last 2 years, I've seen too many closures of LSS and online stores.  I hope the future brings new business (YAY!! for A|S) for us stamping addicts! LOL!!

It sure didn't stop me from buying stuff!!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!  I found some fantastic deals on paper.  As my stamping friends know....I HOARD paper!!  I can't remember the name of the store, but how can I pass up on $3.00 paper packs of 25 sheets?  Yes, they were all the same design and released within the last year or two, but when you pay $1.00 - $2.00 per sheet at a LSS, $3.00 on a pack was just too good of a deal.  I bought 11 packs!!! LOL!!  Scrap-Mart always has something for me to buy and they didn't disappoint me this year....found some great Spellbinders that were on clearance.  I also bought a couple Sarah Kay stamps at another store.  And last but not least, there was the return of a vendor (who wasn't at the last Bellevue convention last year) where they sold fairly large sheets of bling for $1.  I think I bought 35 in various colors and designs.

I did take a peek at the CK Store (just outside of the vendor faire) and was pleasantly surprised to see new card kits.  I didn't buy any....I really hope they will have them when they come to Bellevue in November. 

On our drive home, we stopped at a stamp store that my friend, Joan, raves about.  It's called Cindy's Simple Stuff and is located in Centralia, WA.  We were about an hour away from the store driving from Portland and calculated that the store would be closing just as we would arrive to the store.  We actually called the store and asked the owner if she would be willing to stay a little late.  SHE DID!!!!  I was grateful that she did because I found some cute, cute stamps.  This was my first trip to the store, but would definitely go back if I'm in the area. 

Well, that's the end of my adventure to Portland.  Oh....forgot to mention that on the way there, we stopped by the Craft Warehouse just outside of Portland.  BAD idea....found way too many things to buy (and we hadn't even made it to the convention yet...LOL).

Easter Projects

With Easter just about 3 weeks away, I thought I would get a head start on some Easter goodies.  The theme I chose was PINK and BUNNIES:

This is something that I cased from A Muse's make and takes from the last 2 weeks.  I had some pieces for the basket leftover from last Saturday and decided to change it up a little bit.  The edges of the basket and the handle were punched using Martha Stewart's Lace Doily Border Punch. 

When I have time (which is a difficult thing for me to come by so far this year), I will bake some goodies for friends and family.  I thought a cute little gift tag would go well with the baked goodies.  I love the tiny pom poms for the tails.

And, finally....a card with a chocolate bunny.  The bunny on the front of the card was made using punches.  I found a tutorial on making this bunny a while ago and now, I can't seem to find the blog with the tutorial to give that person the credit for the design.  I have to say that punch art is one of my favorite techniques to use.  They are so much fun!!!....PLUS, I have almost 150 punches!!!

I think for next week's blog, the theme will be YELLOW/GREEN and CHICKS...so check back to see what I come up with.

A|S Color Charts

I love to create charts.  I decided to send everyone who sign up directly through me to become an A Muse Studio consultant a welcome packet.  The packet included a hard copy of the A|S handbook, the color charts below and some fantastic goodies and tools.  If you decide to become an A|S consultant through me, you will receive the fabulous welcome packet as well.  So, please email me at bjlee717@comcast.net if you would like to join our team.

Spring Solid Smooth Cardstock, Ink, and Markers

Summer Solid Smooth Cardstock, Ink, and Markers

Fall Solid Smooth Cardstock, Ink, and Markers

Winter Solid Smooth Cardstock, Ink, and Markers

I included a chart (swatch) with all of the paper available through A|S because I just didn't think the catalog did justice to the "lusciousness" of the paper, especially the shimmer.  You just can't get the same feel from a picture than you can from seeing the real thing.

Polka Dot and Vintage

Gingham and Other

Shimmer Solid

Shimmer Damask

Well, that's it for today.  I better get some house chores done so that next week isn't as stressful.  Make it a great one, everyone!

Blessings,

Tough Couple Weeks

It's been a tough couple weeks. With it being tax time, work has been keeping me extremely busy. This means that I have less time to craft....BOO!!! My blog has been neglected the last couple weeks, but stay tuned for my next post. I plan on making cards all day on Sunday....YAY!!!



In the meantime, I did create a couple charts to keep track of A Muse Studio markers. I'm all about making charts. While I try to stay organized, it's sometimes not so easy to keep up. I hope you will find these charts useful.

A Muse Studio Copic Color Chart:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_4VBEaO0RDXYWRmYTFjN2EtNjQ1Ny00OTcwLTliMmYtMGMyYzA1ZDQ0NWNm&authkey=COnr_OUC&hl=en
A Muse Studio Tombow Color Chart:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_4VBEaO0RDXMjQ5YzIxYzAtNjJlNy00NDUwLWI0MzUtMjVkYjNmNTg0ZDE1&hl=en&authkey=COyx2PsK

I also tested out the ink and absolutely love it. It has wonderful coverage and the dry time is amazing. And the colors are DE-LICIOUS!!




That's it for now. Remember to come back to see what cards I come up with!! :D