love and endless gratitude

I received word last night that one of my teachers from high school passed away.  This blog is dedicated to her, Ms. Fern Wallace.  I am full of love and endless gratitude.

Ms. Wallace.  Funny that thinking about her brings a warmth...and a bit of fear...in my heart.  Before I got to know her, I was so intimidated by her.  She was Elk Grove High School's Activities Director during my time there, advising student clubs and student government.  She expected the best of her students and she didn't hold back from letting us know when we could give more and try harder.  Looking back, I think Ms. Wallace had more confidence in me than I had in myself.  I had been active in student government, sports, and clubs throughout high school and when Ms. Wallace saw me slipping, she let me know.

Ms. Wallace cared about her students like we were her own kids.  She took the time to know our goals and hopes, and she challenged us to bring them to life.  She'd joke around with us and validate us on our hard work.  I know that I worked hard to make her proud of me.

After I graduated, I came by to visit former teachers at my high school a few times.  I always had to find Ms. Wallace during my visits.  I remember catching up with her once when she told me, "You can call me Fern now."  Now, in my culture, we always address adults with a title of respect -- Ms, Mr, uncle, auntie -- so it was difficult for me and I just couldn't bring myself to call Ms. Wallace by her first name.  I would feel disrespectful in doing so.  Well today, I reflected about that exchange and I think I understand what my teacher, my mentor was conveying to me.  She saw us as equals and colleagues...two people with mutual respect for one another.  I know I wouldn't be who I am today without her guidance and genuine support.  And it is with love and endless gratitude that I say: Thank you, Fern.

This card for Fern will be submitted into the 10 Minute Craft Dash hosted by Pretty Pink Posh.  It took me 8 minutes and 51 seconds to make.  But, I actually made 3 cards before this one that either didn't look good enough, or where I ran out of time.  Fern always told me not to give up, so I'm happy to report that I didn't:)  After many years, your influence still remains.  You will always be in my heart.

Supplies:
Stamps: Paper Smooches Many Thanks, Reflections, Word Salad; Papertrey Ink Grand Ampersand
Dies: Paper Smooches Reflections
Inks: Mama Elephant (ocean); Memento (tuxedo black); Memento Luxe (Pistachio, Rhubarb Stalk)
Other: black enamel accents; Wink of Stella glitter brush (clear)

yay for a day with family and new friends!

Thank goodness I'm off today as I'm recovering from a busy and fulfilling weekend.  My sister is in town from Cali and we've been working like madwomen since the moment she touched ground.  First, I'm so thankful that she's here.  I've been wanting her to visit me in NYC for a while now (and ahem...she's visited our brother in Hawaii 4 times since the last time she came out to NYC...just sayin').  Secondly, sister time is the best.  So, with that I say yay!

My sister and I had the pleasure of baking for and attending Mama Elephant's 1-year anniversary party in New Jersey.  We both seriously love their products and when we met Kryssi and Angela, the two amazing women behind the magic, we knew exactly why.  They are the sweetest.  And so humble and down to earth.  We had a chance to craft with fellow fans, try out their new products, get to know some of the east coast stamping family, and just have a good time.  And for that, I say another yay!

Here are some photos of the party taken by my partner in crime, Hervay.  He came along for the fun and now really understands how crafting can bring people together.

Checking out the display of Mama Elephant's complete collection.

Some of the desserts made by yours truly;)

I used a Mama Elephant border stamp for my little signs.  Ha!

You know, I've seen lots of companies and organizations in their beginning years.  I've seen them struggle to figure out who they are and what they're about and take years to reach a level of maturity and self-awareness...One of the many things I admire about Mama Elephant is that Kryssi and Angela figured it out from the start.  They are thoughtful, meticulous, and full of integrity.  Plus, their talent is incomparable.  They've reached a level of professionalism that I strive for.

I tend to operate with some very simple mottoes in life, one being support good people.  I know that I don't have a lot of money to just throw around, so each dollar I spend I consider to be a decision or a vote.  So, when I come across a company like Mama Elephant that is high in quality and run by wonderful people, well hey, they get my vote.

Kryssi, me, Angela, my sister, Lynn

I'm just going to throw in a third yay here.  I won one of the raffle prizes.  Can I have had a more awesome day?  I don't think so.

So happy my sister is here with me.  So happy that we made new friends.  Congrats Kryssi and Angela!  Happy 1-year anniversary and to many many more to come.  Cheers!

This card will be entered into the CAS(E) this Sketch Challenge and the Simon Says Stamps Wednesday Challenge.

Supplies:
Stamps: Mama Elephant Central Park, Party Kit
Inks: Mama Elephant Creative Color (ocean); Memento Luxe (grey flannel, pear tart, rhubarb stalk)
Dies: Mama Elephant Party Kit

we're sorry

It's not everyday that I'm asked to make a "We're sorry" card.  That's right, not an "I'm sorry", but we're sorry.  Makes me wonder if "Group Apology" should be a section in the card aisle at Target or CVS.  Anyhoo, I didn't ask any questions (though I was really curious), and I came up with this.

Since I wasn't really sure about the nature of the apology, I made another card.  My friend who made the request for the card noted that it could be lighthearted.  She even suggested that I use remorseful looking elephants.  But, all the elephants I had in my stamp collection were so darn happy.  I then remembered the fabulous card made by Donna Mikasa of 3 Umbrellas (seen here), and turned the single bird into two apologetic birds.  If you look close enough, you can see that I put glossy accents on the lower half of their eyes.  They look like they're on the verge of tears!  I would accept their apology.

This card (first one) will be submitted to the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, where we were asked to use a rubber or clear stamp.

I'm going to spend some time shopping around this Group Apology idea.  Maybe it's more common that I thought.  Hoping that all is well and all is resolved!

Supplies:

Birds and Typewriter
Stamps: Mama Elephant Type It; Papertrey Ink Merry Little Christmas
Inks: Memento Luxe (grey flannel); Memento (tuxedo black); Copic markers

Birds and Boo Boo
Stamps: Paper Smooches Spring Fling
Inks: Copic markers; Mister Huey's color mist (calico white)
Other: glossy accents

congratulations danny!

This card is a special one.  It's for my friend, Danny, and his business partner, Mike, who just opened up a new spot called Juke Bar in NYC's East Village.  I met Danny in the same way I met many of my NYC friends -- on the dance floor.  He's an actor, comedian, firefighter, DJ, and overall cool guy.  Even with all his jobs, for years he's dreamed of opening up his own bar, and finally -- with all his hard work and the support of his friends and family -- his dream has become a reality.  Congratulations!

When I was unemployed over the summer, I volunteered at Juke Bar a bit.  On my first day, I cleaned the kitchen and packed a bunch of glasses the previous owner had left behind.  I also pulled out screws and nails in preparation for a new ceiling to be put in.

The following times, I sanded, painted, and made trips to the hardware store.  And closer to opening night I framed photos and washed those same glasses that I had packed away a few months prior.

I recently attended Juke Bar's grand opening and I had a great time.  The music was fantastic, the crowd was in good spirits, and of course I found my home on the dance floor.  But, more than that, the Juke Bar has heart. I experienced this each time I came by to volunteer before the grand opening...friends that Danny has known for years (some from his childhood) were always around to lend a hand -- from working on the plumbing or painting the logo to providing consultation on the bar and kitchen menu.  It was like all these folks who Danny had helped out before came around to return the favor, and all these folks who wanted to support Danny's dream came through and chipped in.  That same energy was present at the grand opening.  It was a true celebration.

Congratulations Danny and Mike!  I'm thinking of making Juke Bar my new happy hour spot, and that's a big deal for me...for one, I don't really drink and secondly, I'm a Brooklyn snob and try not to leave my borough unless I absolutely have to.  Ha!

This card will be entered into  the CAS(E) this Sketch challenge and CASology (cue card is "crisp").  I thought about crisp air, apple crisp, crispy bacon...and, then I thought of a nice crisp and refreshing glass of sparkling wine.  So fitting for a "congrats on the opening of your new bar" card;)

                         

Supplies:
Stamps: Mama Elephant Midnight Letters; drink stamps (manufacturer unknown)
Inks: Memento (tuxedo black); Copic markers
Other: Wink of Stella glitter brush (clear), glossy accents

happy ten/ten, jenn jenn!

The other night when I was taking the subway into the city to attend the grand opening of my friend's bar, a familiar-looking man sat next to me.  We did the "how do I know you" thing, and within seconds realized we had danced together at a few parties.  Then when I got to my friends bar, I experienced the same thing another 4 times...running into fellow dancers, who's names I didn't know, but who I had met once (or more times) before on the dance floor.  Truth be told, I love to boogie...and even as I approach my forties, I can still shut a place down.  However, I've met my match in Jenn.  She can out-dance me and out-last me, and for that I give her much respect.  Jenn, I salute you.

October 10 is her birthday, so I made her this card.  Happy 10/10 to Jenn Jenn!

We're celebrating Jenn's birthday at my place this Sunday with a potluck brunch and game day.  I'm certain that dancing will take place, and I'm almost positive that at some point we'll be doing the electric slide.  Here were are at the neighborhood spot, Frank's, for Jenn's birthday a few years back.

This card will be entered into the CAS-ual Fridays challenge. Happy birthday, Jenn!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Avery Elle Party Animal; Lawn Fawn Milo's ABCs; Stampendous Tiny Alphabet.  Disco ball was found in a discount bin; manufacturer unknown.
Inks: Memento (tuxedo black); Memento Luxe (rose bud); Copic markers
Other: pattern paper, sequins, Wink of Stella glitter brush (clear)

peekaboo

It's been a pretty busy week...a nasty bug was going around at the chocolate store where I work part-time.  Some folks called out sick and those who were able to make it in were barely functioning.  All this means I was very exhausted from working extra hours and pretty much crashed as soon as I got home each day...so unfortunately I missed out on quality card making time.  Even missed out out World Card Making Day:(

Hoping that I'll have more time to craft and blog, as it does bring me much joy.  Found some time today to take part in the 10 Minute Craft Dash hosted by Pretty Pink Posh.  Here's a fun little Halloween card I made.

I love mixing up my stamp sets; for this I used two of my current faves - Lawn Fawn's So Thankful and Mama Elephant's Bootastic.

I finished the card in 8 minutes and 48 seconds.  I could have taken the extra time to clean up my coloring, but I have had some bad luck in the final seconds of the craft dash and just wanted to play it safe...

Yup, I had another mishap in my first attempt in the Craft Dash, as I've had before.  Was just finishing up my first card, turned it over in the final seconds and saw that it had a couple noticeable black ink splotches.  See them above the witch's hat?

Figured I could cover it up with black bats since they would totally work with the scene, but then I heard my timer go off and went over time.  Boo.  Not bootastic:/

Oh well, I cut down on the time considerably in the second attempt and am quite pleased with the outcome.  Yay!

Thanks for stopping by:)

Supplies:
Stamps: Lawn Fawn So Thankful; Mama Elephant Bootastic
Inks: Memento (tuxedo black); Hero Arts (field greens); Copic markers 

thank you.

I'm catching up some thank you cards that I've been meaning to create and send out.  This one is for my good friend and former boss, Supriya.  She's brilliant and beautiful, and has one of the biggest hearts on the planet.

Supriya helped me to get my new job (which I love, love, love!).  She has always been supportive in helping me achieve my professional and personal goals. And, over the past couple of years, she has really helped me to think about transitioning my creative and culinary interests into something that's more than a hobby.  To really dedicate my time and heart to what I'm most passionate about.

Thank you, Supriya, for always keeping it real and for helping me to do the same.  I'm truly thankful and blessed to have you in my life.

This card will be entered into the CASology challenge; this week the key word is harvest.

Supplies:
Stamps: WPlus9 Fresh Cut Florals; Lawn Fawn So Thankful; Mama Elephant Type It
Inks: Memento (tuxedo black); Tim Holtz Distress Ink (antique linen, frayed burlap, tea dye, vintage photo, walnut stain); Copic markers
Dies: Lawn Fawn So Thankful
Paper: Lawn Fawn Into the Woods
Other: Wink of Stella glitter brush (clear)