The Holiday Rush?

Hello Crafty Friends

I know it's been a long time since I last posted. Of course in my house there always seems to be something that I just can't kick.

I'm going to share a little about me and a little about what has been going on. Sorry to all my crafty friends that have been looking and waiting for something new. I have a ton of ideas going on in my head but I also have a ton of other things in there too.

I really do miss posting and as I said before I really WANT to get on a schedule. I think having a schedule of posting might help me get out of my creative funk that I have been in for a long time now. I have been creating just not like I used to.

We have had many things happening around my house. And to be honest I'm not sure what I've shared and what I haven't. I didn't take the time to look at my old post just because I didn't want to see how long it's been. I know it's been since August since someone last commented, but I do believe I posted after that. 

Around here we have had many family passings, close friends pass and just last week we had another one. But at the same time, I'm going to be a grandmother. My son's DAUGHTER, is due on my birthday in May 2015. It was a rough start to this, just because I was not ready to take in this information.

Now that we know they are having a girl and her name is going to be Gwendayln Rene, I am starting to get pretty darn excited. This is my little peanut at 16 weeks playing peek a boo. It took 15 mins to determine for certain it was a girl, but it was well worth it.

Prior to all this exciting news, I did purchase the Cricut Explore and I try to play with it everyday. I really have been enjoying myself and love all the support out there. For years, I was an avid Cricut user and then they started to go down hill. So I had purchased the Silhouette Cameo. I used that for some time and I still have it and also use it, but right now my go to machine is the Explore! Since the new CEO of Cricut has spent so much time working with the public and all the customers old and new, I really believe they are rising from the ashes of what was before. I can't wait to share with you projects and how to's with the Explore. I have been thinking of different things I can try and show that haven't been done already or show them in a different way.

Here is my Cricut now with all the print and cut material from Cricut that I just love.

With everything that has been going on, I have to sneak in to do some crafting. I do have projects that I have been working on as gifts for Christmas this year and it has taken awhile to get some of them done. Namely, my grandmothers gift. I cut all the vinyl and flowers on my Explore. I had to ink, roll, glue and do each flowers by had. That I think was the longest part. I love how it turned out. Hopefully she will like it. 

Now with this complete and under my belt it is time to move on to fabric crafts. I have been working on scarves and blankets for a bit and need to get those finished up. I really need to start working on next years gifts soon as this year is over. I always wait till the very last min.

There were a couple of other fun things I did get a chance to do over the past few months. I was in my first online crop. That was a ton of fun, even though I didn't get everything done but it was forth trying.

Another gift that I will be adding with the fame will be a personalized cutting board with her name on it. I hope she loves them all.

Here are 2 of the projects I had done for some of the challenges.

For the Christmas Lantern, I made it so you can use battery operated tea lights and change out the ornaments for the different seasons. And the You are My Sunshine. Every piece is printed 3 or 4 times to raise it up slightly. 

Well that should be enough for tonight, I can barely keep my eyes open and I still have to make cookies in the morning. I will continue this post within the next couple of days.

Blessings

Mindy ~ The Determined Scrapper

Tuesday almost passed me by...

Hello Crafty Friends!!!

I almost let Tour or Technique Tuesday pass me by again. So sorry. But I did make it. So this week, I'm trying to get caught up on a couple of things but it seems like every time I get started someone or something needs my attention.

Do you ever feel like you don't have time for yourself. It's always caring for everyone else... Family, pets, house. ugh. 

So on with the good stuff. I am so excited, this weekend I will be joining all the crafty friends from Lets Learn Cricut Explore Facebook page and more in the most awesome event I've attended online in years!

Croptoberfest is happening this weekend and I'm getting all my ducks in a row so I will be ready to go and work on challenges and try and win some prizes. Head over to their Facebook page to read more about it and sign up if you're able.

So for this Tuesday, since I almost let it pass, I'm going to do a quick tour of a couple spots in my room. Hopefully I will be getting things cleaned up a little more soon and do a full tour.

This is my machine rack! I just love it. This is just one of those wire racks that I had purchased at Walmart years ago when I very first started scrapping. So as of right now it is housing my brand new Cricut Explore!!! (SUPER BIG SMILEY FACE) 

On the top shelf is my Explore so I am able to play with it right at my desk, next is my Silhouette Cameo, and on the bottom is my Canon Pixma MG7120. I'm finding that this is an AWESOME set up for me right now. I'm able to print and then cut using either machine. I LOVE IT!!!

This is where it sets at the end of my desk. I have a couple of hooks on the ends for cords and mats. Works out great. The shelves are adjustable and I can add more should I end up purchasing more shelves.

I did the vinyl on top of my Cricut as one of my first projects with it. I think my vinyl may have been a little older though as I have a couple spots that just don't want to stay down.

Well that's all for me tonight. I have a lot of catching up to do. Hope you all have a great evening and I will see you tomorrow for WOYWW!.

Blessings

Mindy - The Determined Scrapper

I Miss....

Hello Crafty Friends!!!

(My Ben watching YouTube with me)

I just wanted everyone to know that I miss you all! I know life happens and sometimes we have to step away from the computer for a little bit here and there but it makes me miss you all the more. 

I have been missing out on a lot of your crafty stuff as I have only been around Blogland here and there. Since the passing for my Father in Law, and two family friends things just seem to keep getting crazier.

 As always, during my fall crop,  I didn't get much done but I did find my mojo as I was packing up. I have now added more things to my " I MUST MAKE THIS LIST". 

I am really missing scrapping and have the itch to make some mini albums again. I am going to be working on pregnancy and baby one for my sons girlfriend.

But first I am working on Christmas gifts. My list is long and plenty and somehow it just keeps getting put off. I want to do things but then my body tells me its time to take a nap. 

I'm about 3/4 the way done with my daughters "Katwise inspired" sweater coat. I can't wait till it's done. It's not the best but this is my first one, of many many more. 

I of course don't have a full pic of it yet but this is just what the skirt of it was like at the very beginning. 

Tonight as I'm working on my post I have my embroidery machine stitching away. I have a lot of gifts this year that I would like to include awesome artwork on top of the gift itself. I can't wait to see the reaction of my Aunt and Uncle that receive these blankets.  Each year I put a fleece blanket in the family gift exchange and the first year they were the ones to receive it. This past year my uncle has had a rough go. Open heart surgery, stroke, another surgery to correct the growth of his chest.... Ever since he has been home this blanket has been his little security blanket. I'm telling you, he has been like Linus. He always has that blanket. So I thought it was time to give him a blanket that not only is big enough for him but is not blue and white polka dot and a little more personalized. 

I hope to get a tutorial together and up for this weeks Tour/Technique Tuesday. I really am working on my videos for my YouTube Channel. 

Since I seem to be rambling I will call it a post of tonight. I really am going to be working pretty hard at sharing what is going on here in regards to my crafty stuff. I hope everyone is well and I'll talk with you soon.

Blessings

Mindy - The Determined Scrapper

Welcome to October!!!

Hello Crafty Friends

I know it has been some times since I've been actively around and I truly miss everyone. 

The past 2 months have been very life changing and I'm just trying to dig myself back out. 

I was doing well mentally for awhile and then BAM... I was just TKO'd without warning. 

I lost my Father in Law, family friends Father, and that same friends live-in sister in law. Then after all of this I have been diagnosed with more medical issues. We'll go into that more later. 

I have just returned from my fall crop with all my favorite crafty friends that live near me. We had an extended weekend at Sauder Village. One of my FAVORITE places to crop. 

Prior to leaving I had finished up my second quilt. I was asked after completing my moms birthday gift. Her quilt was my very first project and I decided to go big or go home. I made a King size quilt for her bed all on my machine. Did all the patchwork, binding and quilting myself. 

If I would make a quilt for my cousins girlfriends sister in law, that just had her baby. It's hard to say now when it comes to babies. I made sure to let her know that I am not a professional but I will do my very best. 

It turned out very cute and I made it all with baby flannel. It was soooo soft. I embroidered his name on it and it made it much cuter. 

And last but not least for now..... I'm going to be a GRANDMA!!! I mean a Mimi. No Grannies here. I'm too young for that. My son and his girlfriend are due on my birthday May 2015.

  

So hopefully everyone has been well and taking care of business. I will be listing more items for sale that didn't make it to the garage sale that I also had in that time frame. I have the Regular Expression and the Expression 2 for sale. I need to update my list of cartridges as many of those did sell. 

I was lucky enough to purchase the Cricut Explore on HSN for a crazy cheap price for everything that comes with it ( I paid WAY less than listed). But I just went to see if they still had it and again they have sold out. 

Talk with you soon as I would really like to get back on track. I really miss crafting and there is a lot to get done before Christmas.

Blessings

Mindy

The Determined Scrapper

MIA - For over a Month

Hello crafty friends

I know, I have been MIA for over a month now but I have a lot of reasons to be missing. I will not drown you with my sorrow but I will let you know that I have had 3 deaths in the month of August that have rocked me pretty hard. 

The main one that I am having trouble with is the loss of my Father in Law. He passed on Aug 27 and it was just a rough go for many many reasons. 

So as I try to get back on the saddle again, I thought I would share with you and those that are local to me that will be having a Garage sale this coming week.

After this week I hope I will get back on schedule and back to posting again. I miss you all and hope all is well with you and your families. 

Please take the time to tell them how much they really do mean to you, it may be the last time you get that chance.

Please check out the Craigslist ad here, if you would like more information on the garage sale.

Have a blessed evening.

Mindy

The Determined Sceapper

Find Your Mojo Friday!!!

Good morning Crafty Friends

Today is the first of my series, Find Your Mojo Fridays. I hope this will be a fun adventure that we all can learn from each other and get our Mojo in gear.

I have had many years go past where I was not sure what I was doing with all the craft items I had accumulated. I could go for months at a time and not even look at my desk. Then it hit me. 

At first I thought I was just a collector of awesome crafting supplies. I had to have the newest and greatest items, only to let them sit on the shelf. The problem wasn't the items. The problem was me. I wouldn't even say that it was a problem other than the fact that I'm sure there are Thousands of dollars wrapped up in my crafting supplies. 

Here's a little backstory to explain. Years ago I had started to lose feeling in my hands and was not sure what the issue was. After 2 1/2 years of doctors, traveling to different cities and back again. We had finally located the issue. I had TOS - Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. It had gotten so bad that I could not feel my left hand anymore and began to drop things all the time. The last straw was when I dropped a gallon of milk in the middle of the store and it exploded.  

Not only was I dealing with my own medical problems but I had attended 14 funerals in one year. Family and close friends seemed to surcome to the world that we live in. And then there was my mom. At the same time my medical problems were being laid out for surgery, my mom was told that she had to have surgery to get the possible cancer out of her leg. This all came as a huge shock since she was just having a sore spot. I won't go into that whole thing but will let you know that she did have the surgery to remove the spot and fill it in. It was cancer free. 

Enough with all the backstory. On to the good stuff. It has taken me a very long time to start to find my Mojo again. I thought that if I can find it, ANYONE can.

Sometimes it takes a little work but that is what we are all here for.  I know that I spend a lot of time organizing my craft supplies only to be worn out by the end of the day and don't have time to craft. I am now making a point for myself to make a schedule.

I think that once I have all my stamps cataloged... which I am almost done with. I will have plenty more time to craft. Cataloging my supplies has helped me tremendously. I have been able to go through every item I own and see, touch, and remember why I purchased it in the first place. TO CREATE. 

When I first started to scrapbook and create I was always comparing my work to everyone else. YouTube and Blogs were my biggest competitor. The thing is, I don't need or want to compete with anyone else.  I simply want to create things that I enjoy. If I make something for someone else and they don't enjoy it, I would hope that they pass it along. I have always had the fear of rejection and people not liking what I make. But in the past year or so I have been working on that and learned to let it go.

I create because it makes me feel good. It makes me feel free. It makes me happy. 

When your Mojo has gone missing, try organizing your items. Challenge to use something from your stash that you haven't used in years. Or make a list of 5 items, draw a craft from a list things such as cards, 3D, layout, quilt block, sewing project, or multi media. With the 5 items you have chosen create something. The first thing to come to mind. The internet is there for a reason. To learn from others. If that is part of your problem... turn it off and see how long you can go without being on the internet until you have come up with a project. 

I promise, your Mojo is just around the corner. 

Sorry this has been a long post and somewhat all over. But the next FYMF should be fun. 

Until Tuesday, have a blessed week and find your Mojo.

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday #269

Guess what day it is!!!

WOYWW #269

Yes, it's that day of the week again when we take a tour around the world. We start over at Julia's Stamping Ground. Make sure to stop over there to learn a little more about the WOYWW that has been traveling the world for 5 AWESOME years now. 

As for me, this is what is on my workdesk this Wednesday morning. 

Yup, it's crazy my room is almost spotless. I'm kinda stoked. I just got the bug yesterday to start working on my room and here is what I've come up with right now.

So, I've been starting to list items for sale on my blog. 

I start a couple of months ago making my ink storage and just yesterday I thought a good place to put my index cards was on the side. So in go a couple hooks and hot glue and now I have a place to grab them.

Hoping to have more for you later. This is a mini tour for my tour Tuesday.... That I happened to miss yesterday. I really am working on getting better at a schedule. The problem lies in the fact that I never know how I'm going to feel when I wake up in the morning.  I have also been researching the fact that if I would like more followers, I really have to work on staying on schedule. 

Have a fabulous blessed day. 

See you Friday for Find your Mojo Friday. 

Items for Sale

Hello all my crafting and non crafting friends...

I don't know if you had a chance to see or not, but I have added a new page to my blog. I am now listing items from my craft room that I currently have for sale. I will be updating as often as I can with new items. Should you have any questions please ask. 

I will be shipping to the US and Canada for free in most cases, we will discuss should the need arise for a difference. All orders can be paid through Paypal and when payment is cleared you will receive a tracking number for your package. 

Currently, Cricut Cartridges are listed for sale and I hope to add more items today. I will also be adding items that are already crafted and items from my stash. So there will be items that are new, used, and bulk items. 

You can click HERE or when on my blog click the tab on the upper left of the page.

Enjoy looking and enjoy your day.

I'm such a terrible......

Blogger

One day, two days, three days in a row. Then what.... I can go for over a week without a peep. I really am trying to get on a schedule I promise. I just have had more bad medical news handed to me and was taking a little rough.

But what other way to get back on the horse than to share my days with my friends around the world. I know there are some that come back on a regular basis and some that just come back when they see that I happen to finally post something.

Well I will share with you the schedule I have worked out and what I will try to accomplish over the next couple of weeks. I will be down again for sure on July 25th due to a medical procedure I will be having done.

So here it goes - 

Tuesdays - Tour or Technique  Tuesdays

This will hopefully be a way to get me doing more videos again. It will consist of a tour of parts of my craft areas or a different technique. Hopefully I will be able to advise what the next project will be incase you would care to join along.

Wednesdays - What's on Your Workdesk Wednesdays

 This is something I have been following along with for a couple years now and truly enjoy talking and meeting new crafty friends. The main link up place is over at Julia's The Stamping Ground. This is when you take a snapshot of your workspace and give a little info as to what is going on in your world that day. I LOVE Wednesdays when I get to travel the world from my desk in just a couple of clicks. I also want to start doing videos for this when I'm able, but of course we will see how that goes. 

Fridays - Find your Mojo Fridays

Since I have dealt with my fair share of losing my Mojo I thought it would be fun to help each other find theirs. Maybe if I'm having an off day someone can help me find mine. Hopefully Fridays will consist of ways that I have gotten myself back on my feet craftwise after many many knockdowns. 

I will also be posting about my new machine.... My Janome Memory Craft 350E Embroidery Machine! I am so excited to add that to my collection of wonderful machines. I have been blessed with a hubby that helps me try to combat the ever changing medical conditions I have to deal with. 

As many of you know I am not tied to only posting about one craft. I was in the past mainly scrapbooking, cardmaking and paper crafts. But I have been sharing more and more of the fabric things that I have been working on. I would like to continue to keep my blog about all things crafty. This is how we can meet new people and talk through ideas and tough times. 

Since I had a really nice ending to this post and my internet crashed my post, I totally forgot what I ended with. 

I do remember that, I will be adding a couple new pages to my blog. Since I am a crafty girl of many crafts, I have come to find that I have a LOT of stuff. New stuff, used stuff and what was I thinking stuff. So that's good news for you. Why, you may ask. Well I will be posting items for sale with payment through PayPal and hopefully most of the items will be free shipping. 

So for now, that this has become a long post, I hope you all have had a blessed and safe week. 

Blessings
Mindy
The Determined Scrapper

WOYWW #266

As we all know it's that time of the week again, where we travel around the world in just a few clicks.

Give it a try, I'm sure you'll be back to try it again. Start over at Julia's Stamping-Ground to get the heads up and where to go.

Ben staking his claim on the ink table.

Finally have my runner already to quilt. 

I don't think I have introduced Varuna. This is my daughters baby bunny. Her other 2 bunnies had 4 babies and this was the only one to survive. She/he is getting so big now. And cute as can be.

This week my desk as of Wednesday is not too bad. I have been working at my sewing table for the past 2 days. This morning was another day in the adventure of the bathroom remodel.

I think for the first time in a long time I really don't have a whole lot to tell you guys about.  

Other than, I'm so super excited for August 1 to come. I have just received my new copy of the upcoming catalog for Close to My Heart and I CAN'T GET OVER ALL THE AWESOMENESS INSIDE!!!

So short post for tonight but hopefully I will get my schedule up and get some more things posted this week.

Blessings

Mindy

The Determined Scrapper

WOYWW #265 - What's on YOUR Workdesk Wednesday

Yes I know again, I'm a little late.

But as I always get caught saying, it's better late than never.

Welcome to WOYWW #265

So if you are new to WOYWW, make sure to stop at Julia's Stamping Ground to see what all of this mess is about.

I mean not everyone desk is as messy as mine but some are and that's the best part. Take a tour around the world from your own desk. See what other crafters are up to and share your space. 

This week in the life of The Determined Scrapper, I have come to find my way in a few things. I am getting my blogging back on a more normal schedule and actually have a schedule that I am pretty sure I'm going to put into gear next week. I think I have found my mojo again that I have been missing for a couple years. And best of all I am starting to make videos again for my YouTube channel.

It will take a little time for me to get back into feeling comfortable with my videos but I really have missed everyone. I am also about to reach 500 likes on my Facebook page!!! Ok scratch that... I just went and checked my page and I'm OVER the 500 mark. I have 526 Likes. I guess it just took me getting back into the swing of things. I know God has a plan.

So as for my desk this morning when I took these pictures and was planning on doing my post, I was working on my Washi Tape cards. The other night I cut all the tags using my New Toy. I am making tag indexes for all my inks, washi tape, glitter, and other small color items for a quick reference. I also plan on doing a video or at least a full post on how and what I am doing.

That should be good for now. Hope you all had, will have or are in the process of having a wonderful week.

Blessings

Mindy

The Determined Scrapper

New Craft Room Toy is Happy to See Me!

One new video, one in editing and more on the way. I think I have my schedule worked out for my blog, I'll post that shortly.

Hope you enjoy.

Blessings

Mindy

The Determined Scrapper

Videos...?

Hello everyone!

My beautiful lilies out front.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far. I've been doing some thinking lately. I think I have come up with a plan.

I really would like to get back into doing videos on a more regular basis. So I'm working on a room tour, since I have changed my room around...again. Also I have decided that when doing my videos I'm not going to be so concerned about the editing as much. I really am more about sharing my ideas and learning from others. For some that will be bothersome and for others they will find it to be a nice release from the - oh I have to have this and I have to have that in order to make videos.

No, we don't have to have the top of the line products or the top of the line best of everything. We should just enjoy the life we have and the talents we have been given. Share them with others and expect nothing in return.

(side note)

Going on vacation has helped me see a lot of things, things that I have known but just really pushed to the back of my mind. The city that I live in, people are so lazy and only care about themselves. They don't ever do for others because they want to know first what they are going to get in return. People of my community don't care about our planet and the lack of crap they are doing to it. I am not saying all, but I am saying the majority. 

(Rant Over)

I say this just because I really do enjoy sharing what I have learned. If it helps someone find their mojo or expand on an idea then I have done a little bit of good for the day. I was thinking of doing a series of videos and titling it "Find my Mojo Mondays" or something of that nature.

As many of you know I suffer from chronic pain and have yet to be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. This is where the problem comes in. I want to do these things and I hate to promise anything to anyone. But I would like to know if anyone would be interested in watching? Hopefully that would give me the little extra help on days when I'm not feeling too well.

I also would like to review some products. I am NOT a professional and have never claimed to be one. Sharing our thoughts and feelings on products though is a great way to help someone decide if they are willing or able to spend the money on a tool for their craft room.

Wow, I've done a lot of talking today. On the sewing front, I have a table runner and my large quilt to work on. I also will be starting mine and my Besties M.S. T-Shirt quilts. We have walked in the Multiple Sclerosis walk every year since she was diagnosed and attended many functions where we were able to obtain a large amount of shirts. Instead of not being able to wear them anymore due to the size I will make a quilt for each of us. I will record the process and some other things and add those to my list of videos.

So what do ya say? Ready to see me get back to work and making videos again?

Yeah, me too.

Can't wait to see you soon. If you have an idea or question about a product you've been considering let me know and if I have the product I will be happy to spotlight it in a videos.

Many Blessings

Mindy

The Determined Scrapper 

What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesday #264

Or as we call it WOYWW

Make sure to stop over to Julia's and see what the worlds craft desk have been busy creating.

This has been an amazing week!!!

Even though I have not gotten any crafting done in the physical sense, I have made memories to last a lifetime. This past week my daughter and I got in the Jeep and just drove. We left about 7am last Thursday and ended up in Mandeville, LA. around 11:30pm. It was a long but beautiful trip. I was able to go through parts of our country I had not yet been too. I'll do a separate post regarding our trip within the next couple days. 

I was able to get a little scrappy shopping done while we were there. I stopped at the Tuesday Morning that was in town and grabbed a couple things.

As for scrappy shopping, once we made our way to Rogers, AR., my favorite scrapbook store is no longer a scrapbook store. They are now concentrating on other things and all scrapbooking supplies were 75% off. So I made sure to grab a couple of things while I was there. Very sad to see that I can't even go to visit my brothers and make a trip to a local scrapbooking store. 

The Happy Campers and washi tape was from Tuesday Morning the the rest was from Signed Sealed Delivered. The blue pages are template material that I can't wait to play with. The binders at the top are just 6x6 albums that can be stamped on and played with.

 Vacations are wonderful but to get back and sleep in your own bed and shower in your own shower are amazing.

I can't wait to get crafting now that I am back home and have a nice clean space to work in.

Blessings

Mindy - The Determined Scrapper

WOYWW #263

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #263

Some weeks I think, wow, it's taken forever for Wednesday to arrive and other weeks.... It is here again and I don't even realize the rest of the week has happened. That was this week.

Where's what my main desk looked like right before I started my post. A little bit of a mess. But there is usually fun where there are messes in craft rooms.

I have been a busy bee this week. I have even posted on my blog a couple of times and I still have more to share.

As I ready to leave on a road trip to wherever my little heart desires (with my teenage daughter) I am finding my heart a little more at ease than normal.

So last night when visiting my parents I noticed a bag of crayons, of course I had to ask what they were going to do with them and they were going to throw them away or give them to a shelter. Now normally I would not want to take away from others but some of these crayons were from when I was younger, so I thought it was time that I re-purposed them for my craft room. 

I just loved doing this and can't wait to do another. 

I also received my new storage container for my washi tape. And after sorting through them, honestly I thought I had more. But that is ok, that just means there is room for more. 

And one more exciting thing came in the mail this week. Too bad I can't use them just yet...

I am still waiting for my machine which was in the world release on HSN. What was pretty awesome was the total was less on the world release and I will come home to a surprise. It should be delivered while I'm away. Too bad hubby doesn't care to play with it.

And one other item I can't wait to come home and play with is my new Quilting template. My best friend and I have decided we are going to make some T-Shirt quilts with our collection of MS shirts from over the years. She was diagnosed 12 years ago with MS and together I will fight every step of the way with her. 

Ok, so for this week's WOYWW post I think I have shared a lot and made a rather long post. Sorry lots going on here. I still have more but don't want to bore you. If you don't know what this WOYWW is all about make sure to stop over to Julia's blog Stamping Ground to find out. 

Join in this week or next. Just make sure to join in it is a blast to travel the world right from your desk.

Have a blessed week and until next time.

Blessings

Mindy

The Determined Scrapper