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A ROSE IS A ROSE...

  I really enjoy crafting, I just wish that it didn't come with such  negative connotations of ugly tchockes and such. 
    I know you understand the new 'craftista' but most don't.  So when I stumble across something as beautiful and gorgeous (and yes, crafty) as the rose on my right I am inspired to no end.
    That rose is not really a rose, well it is now, its former incarnation was a coffee filter!  In the hands of artist Cassie Mae Chappel it is a phenomena.  They are just gorgeous and the best part about it?  She sells a kit ! So you too can make oodles of your own bouquets of roses in exotic varieties.  I can't wait until my kit arrives and hopefully this will not be something I am challenged at, because I am looking forward to blooms year round...

NEW SCHOOL

    I have to admit I was never much for school, it was basically a place for deep daydreaming BUT I have always loved to learn.  I know that seems at odds but I guess I just like to learn on my own time, at my own pace and of course best of all-- what I want to learn.  That's why I am so enamored with Podcasts.  Some of you may have delved deep into this well of goodies and others may just be finding out about this fount of information. 
    For those of you just finding out about this glorious resource and those of you who are "in the know" here is my favorite podcast and favorite podcast resource but first, you may want to download a free receiver.  I am on a Mac, so I have I Tunes, but I also downloaded JUICE it downloads and keeps the podcasts organized and also allows me to get new ones when they air (it's like being able to program your own radio station!) click on the lemon logo and it'll take you to their site.

    I like to listen while I work, I figure that by osmosis I may be getting smarter by the minute (podcasts are generally quite short and sweet).  One of my very favorite's (and one I need to pay extra attention to) is 'Grammar Girl'.  She answers many questions that stump even the most erudite (that would not be me).  I find her podcasts to be fun and always learn something new, which I LOVE!  Really, I may not have bought a new house today or any other barometer of 'success' but if I learned something new (hopefully it's relevant to my life as well) than I feel I have accomplished something.  Now, if I could only feel that way about exercise I'd be on to something...

If you'd like to find more free podcasts, I highly recommend
PodCast Alley You can download 'Grammar Girl' and many others.  Learn French Spanish, Italian, how to cook, craft, it's really amazing, I hope you learned something today.

Remember I am trying hard to keep my blog updated so if you have any questions you want answered on the blog, this is 'The Everything' after all, so all subjects are pretty open.  Please feel free to email me and I will try to oblige.

WRAPPER'S DELIGHT

I was blessed with many talents but gift wrapping with paper was just not one of them.  This of course does not stop me from buying/hording/adoring gift wrap, but alas I am on the short school bus on this one.  In typical Miss B fashion though, I never let an obstacle get in my way of such a monumental endeavor such as presentation.  I have developed my own style, which just happens to be this side of green and is as easy as pie and even I, the one that  destroys beautiful paper can make a package look pretty darn good looking and anticipation worthy. 

Since I get a lot of my clients asking me about this procedure, I figured I'd put up this tutorial (we all know my tutorials are subpar, but that's why we have to champion the Fancy for a video camera for future video-tutes for my ahem pending b-day...)

This is pretty simple:

1.    Start with a square or rectangle box (yes, of course you can do round but why not start at the top?)       
2.    Measure ribbon around box (I just wrapped the ribbon around and cut when the bulk started to overlap)
3.    This is about how long the ribbon will be for a box this size 3"x3"x3"
4.    I use a little glue on the ends of the ribbon to get my ribbon ends situated on the box
5.   For this I wanted centered, sometimes when I am sassy I go for the side look.
6.   Centered!
7.   I like to add a label over my ribbon, for this said label I need a punch I used a Marvy scallopped square, I chose this because I make stationery I thought this resembled an over sized stamp (call me crazy).
8. This is what it looks like when I am positioning my image, this is my logo
9. Viola! The finished wrapped present!  It's pretty darn good looking.  I didn't  waste any wrapping paper (go green!) and the ribbon and box are re-useable.

I do hope this has inspired you today.  Please email me if you have any questions that I may be able to answer on the blog (it might help me start posting on a regular basis).

ADVENTURES AT THE ATELIER....

It's not that I don't want to write, I very much do.  I so want to be like all the other prolific bloggers out there that make procrastinating such a grand sport, but I am really busy, thus I didn't realize when Bella, the very naughty Frenchie decided to get into my glitter and see what all the fuss was about. 

After I scolded her, it was hard to be upset when she looked so remorseful.  I leave you with Miss Bella Bella herself....