Where the Magic Happens...Or It Did?

UPDATE: I started to write this a few months ago.  Since I wrote this, and these pictures were taken, I have had to move all my belongings into storage.  So, my beautiful craft area is wrapped in plastic and stored away while I look for a job and apartment in Michigan.  I still wanted to share this with you, though, because I hope to recreate this craft area --ONLY BETTER-- in the future.  So, enjoy and stay tuned!

I LOVE seeing what other people's craft spaces look like, don't you?  I always think it's great to get ideas for storing different products.  I took these pictures before I left for Michigan in January, and I'm FINALLY getting around to posting them.  My craft area is a little out of control, but I love my supplies!  Here's a chance for you to see the insanity! 

My craft area is primarily made up of drawer units.  Some of them are the AMAZING and MAGNIFICENT drawers made by elfa (sold at The Container Store: www.containterstore.com  If you've never been to one of their stores or checked out their website, GO NOW!  They are the #1 storage and organization store, perfect for organizing every aspect of your life and every room in your house).  Elfa drawer units are customizable (width, height, and depth of the drawers), and they come in different colors (white or platinum with options for the top, including a butcher block wooden top).  They are easy to assemble, and I have them in EVERY room in my apartment.  Considering their overall quality and function, they are a great price, too!  However, last year, I struggled a bit financially, so I had to supplement my craft area with some more economical drawers.  I found these awesome 10-drawer units at Sam's Club for under $30 each!  I think they look nice with the elfa drawers, and they have wheels which make them easy to maneuver (note: elfa units can be put on wheels, too).

So, let's start the tour...

TADAA!!!  Here it is!  These are my main storage drawers.  To the left is a large, round table where I can work and store more stuff.   The white mini drawers in the left of the picture are full of scrap-size pieces of paper, organized by color and texture, of course!  Above these, you can see my ink color charts for reference!  The binders you see in the middle of the picture are full of my clear and cling stamps, organized by brand name and theme (Christmas stamps in the red binder!).  (Hint: I use baseball card sleeves for storing small cling stamps.)  The cubbies on the right of the screen hold catalogs and idea sheets.

This blog post would last forever if I went through every single drawer with you, so I will just show you some of the "highlights."  

Here is my drawer for Stickles and Viva Decor Pearl Pens and Glitter Liners.  

I own all the colors, and they are organized by color (ROYGBIV is my friend!)

This is my Hero Arts rubber stamp drawer:

Moving over to my Sam's Club storage drawers, they are organized as follows.  The drawer unit on the left contains all my Christmas stuff (top 3 drawers are DeNami Design, then "non-DeNami-national" stamps, and the rest are Christmas embellishments and papers, organized by Brand/Collection).  The middle drawer unit is full of only DeNami Design stamps.  The right drawer unit is full of 12 x 12 papers, organized by collection/theme.

This is my DeNami Design drawer unit.  

Yup...10 drawers of DeNami magic (minus the Christmas stamps, which are in another unit).

Top Drawer: Frames

2nd Drawer: Borders, Backgrounds, Flourishes, and misc. minis. 

(Hint: See how the mini stamps are in little boxes?  Those are from the Tim Holtz print trays.  I love those things.  They are awesome for artistic projects, but they also make the world's best drawer organizers!  You couldn't find anything else that size and with that many little removable compartments for $14.99 if you tried!)

3rd Drawer: Sentiments

4th Drawer: Chickies & Animals

5th Drawer: Food Stuff

6th Drawer: Leafy Trees, Vines, and Ornamental Flowers

7th Drawer: Flowers (Daisies and Roses)

8th Drawer: Misc. Flowers & Plants

9th Drawer: Misc.

10th Drawer: Mimi's Boutique

And NOW...here's the Christmas drawer unit!   

Drawer #1: Mini DeNami Christmas & Sentiments

Drawer #2: Elegant DeNami Christmas (Holly, Trees, & Decorations)

Drawer #3: "Vintage" DeNami Christmas

Drawer #4: Hero Arts Christmas

Drawer #5: Penny Black & other name brand Christmas Stamps

Drawer #6: Stampendous, Inkadinkado, Memory Box, and other stamps

That concludes my picture tour.  I didn't want to bore you with drawers of grosgrain ribbon or folders full of papers.  At this time, I organize my papers using manila file folders.  I write the brand name or theme (ie: Jillibean Soup, Graphic 45, or "Polka Dots," or "Plaid") on the bottom of the folder, where the fold is.  This allows me to flip through the stacks of folders, since obviously the 12 x 12 papers are bigger than the folders. 

UPDATE:  As I mentioned above, these drawers are now in storage, and I'm hoping to get an apartment in Michigan soon where I can bring all my belongings with me (I'm currently staying with some amazing friends while I try to get all the details of my move figured out).  I DID, however, bring a survival kit back with me this time.  I simply couldn't go without my craft supplies anymore, so I packed up some of my papers, a selection of stamps, and most of my inks.  And yes, I DID pack ALL of my Stickles.  I started to just grab a couple, and then my OCD reared its ugly head and demanded I bring them all.  LOL!   

I will keep you all updated of my progress in Michigan.  I'm still going strong with my wonderful boyfriend (over 5 months now!).  I still miss my Dad terribly, but I was lucky enough to get some wonderful time with my family this summer.  I kept bouncing back and forth between Michigan and Indiana while I helped my mom, moved my stuff into storage, and spent as much time as possible in Papertrix.  However, I am now back in Michigan full-time.  I am just hoping to find a job here that makes me as happy as Papertrix does, and then I can get an awesome apartment!  Woohoo!  Wish me luck!

Happy Crafting!
Amy

Topsy Turvy...

I know...I know...my last blog post was 2 months ago, and I said that I was going to start posting more.  Well, I have a lot of really good excuses, but one major life change is mostly to blame.  On May 24th, the world lost one of its most incredible men:  my father, Jim Smidebush.  He was such a wonderful man, and I'd like to post a "proper" tribute to him with pictures and stories at some point, but for now I just want you all to know that he was a one-in-a-million man and father, and my entire life has been turned upside down with his passing.  He was my champion, my hero, my guiding light, my daddy, one of my best friends, and my absolute #1 fan.  I miss him so much every single day.  

Needless to say, the past 2 months have been hard on me.  On top of that emotional roller coaster, I've spent that time going back and forth between Michigan (to where I'm in the process of relocating) and Indiana (where my family and most of my belongings are located).  I'm stuck in limbo between these 2 states, and I feel like I'm being pulled in a million different directions.  It's so hard. I don't have all the answers figured out yet, but you know what?  I don't have to RIGHT NOW.  I am taking each day at a time and working to overcome any and all setbacks or complications. This will all work its way out somehow, and hopefully, I will have my own apartment soon, and I can have all my things under one roof again.  Please wish me luck!  I accept luck, wishes, prayers, any sort of positive thoughts, and donations.  LOL!

Life has definitely been a challenge, and 2012 hasn't been the kindest to me, BUT...this week?  Oh, this week is GLORIOUS!  I am at CHA CHICAGO!!!  For those of you who don't know, CHA is the Craft & Hobby Association's big summer wholesale convention.  I have always dreamed of coming here, and this year, the AMAZING owners of Papertrix (seriously, the best stamp and paper store EVER) decided to take me!  Cindy and I are having the time of our lives!  I'm in paper heaven!  WOW!  So much to see!  As if this isn't awesome enough, these companies are all previewing their Fall, Halloween, and Christmas products!  MY FAVORITES!  I can't even tell you the last time I've had this much fun.  

I plan to post another blog update after the show to tell you what I've seen and done, but the last few times I said, "I'll write again soon!" something happened, and I couldn't.  So, I will just say, "Stay tuned and see what happens!"

Thanks for reading!

Amy

P.S.   Special shout-out to Kelly Marie at Lawn Fawn!  I've been in love with Lawn Fawn's stamps since the moment I first saw them.  They are SO STINKIN' CUTE!  I've heard people talk about how sweet Kelly is, and I always kind of sensed a "kindred spirit" with Lawn Fawn's brand as a whole, but now I can say for sure that the "rumors" are true!  She is ADORABLE!  She's so bubbly and warm and welcoming, and I had a blast talking with her.  I can't say enough good things about her, her adorable designs, and even her new line of papers (if you haven't seen the Christmas papers, you will fall off your seat when you do.  They are GORGEOUS and FUN)!  It is funny because I just do NOT get star struck very easily.  Living in NYC for almost a decade teaches you immunity to celebrities.  However, I'm a total Lawn Fawn groupie.  And yeah...I'm a dork.  I asked for Kelly's autograph on a catalog.  LOL.  Yup.  Total dork here.  

Where Have I Been?

Hi, blog friends!

If you follow my blog or are used to seeing me participate in blog hops and challenges, you might have wondered, "Where did that quirky girl go?"   I do still exist, however, my life has changed quite a bit since I last blogged.  I'll give you some highlights:

• I'm now living in Michigan!  I came here in January to perform at a wonderful theatre for 8 weeks, and that turned into a 6 month gig!  I performed in Smokey Joe's Cafe, Godspell, and this week, we open our production of Nunsense!  I've been having a blast!  This was just supposed to be a temporary thing, but I love it so much here that I'm relocated permanantly!   I just need to find a place to live after Nunsense wraps up June 10th.  Wish me luck with the apartment search!
• I met someone!  EEK!  I have found the most amazing man, and he makes me soooooo happy!  Life is great!
• Unfortunately, I was not able to bring all my papercrafting supplies with me to Michigan (yet), so that's why you haven't seen me creating anything in a while.  I'm currently living in housing provided by the theatre where I'm working, and there just isn't enough room for all my stuff.  Speaking of my stuff, before I left for Michigan, I took some pictures of my craft area in Indiana, and I'll post those next so you can see them.  When you see the pictures, you'll understand why I couldn't bring it all the Michigan with me.  I have A LOT of stuff, and if you're like me, you'll understand that I can't just bring a few things with me.  Once I'm working on a project, I have to have access to ALL my stuff because you never know when you'll need that ONE thing that you don't have with you.  Am I right?  LOL

So, that's the brief update about my life.  In other excting news, my good friends here (one of whom I went to school with in NYC, and we were roommates after graduating) are opening their own theatre soon!  I'm excited because I will be working with them once it opens, so that's the future of my job situation here.  Just waiting for paperwork and stuff to be approved by the city, and then we can get to work creating an amazing theatre!  WOOHOO!   In the meantime, while that is getting worked out, I'm looking for a part-time job.  Any suggestions?  LOL

Well, I just wanted you all to know that I haven't forgotten about you!  I'm still completely in love with DeNami Design stamps!  I've got all sorts of card ideas swimming around in my head, so rest assured that once I get all moved and settled in here, I WILL start blogging again.

Until then...happy crafting!!!

Love,

Amy

P.S.  In the meantime, let me recommend 2 amazing blogs with phenomenally talented women:

Confessions of a DeNami Addict:

http://denamiaddict.blogspot.com/ 

The incredibly sweet, funny, and oh-so-talented ladies, Tina & Wendy, are as obsessed with DeNami Design stamps as I am, and their blog has really blossomed!  It's GORGEOUS!  Their cards are fantastic (adorable AND elegant!!), and they're now hosting a monthly challenge!  CHECK IT OUT!!!

Kismet, Art, and Life:

http://kismetartlife.blogspot.com/

Dana is a true jewel of the blogging world.  Her creations are jaw-droppingly gorgeous and creative.  She inspires me all the time, and I'm sure she'll do the same for you! 

Better Late Than Never!

It's just a few hours before the DeNami Design Theme Challenge ends! EEK! I just HAVE to enter! This theme is ANYTHING GOES! How exciting! I decided to take a picture of my Christmas project that I did this year. I wanted to get gifts for my good friends, but I was on a really tight budget, so I decided to make something fun for them. I made a little DeNami goodie box and filled it with yummy treats (from Trader Joe's! LOVE that store!!). I got the fabulous kraft mini take-out boxes from The Container Store, which is one of my all-time FAVORITE stores! Would you believe that these fabulous little boxes only cost $0.49 each?!? I know, right? I couldn't believe it either! It's true, though. Check it out for yourself HERE. So, here's what they looked like when "DeNamified":

I stamped the DeNami stamps, added some fabulous DeNami grosgrain ribbon, and then I added the ornament for one last Christmas-y touch. They were just plain plastic balls (from Target!), but I glued some Candies to them to make them more sparkly. Oh, and how could I forget to tell you that I added some glitter pen action to the stamps to make them POP!

Here's another view:

Lastly, here's a close-up of the stamp, so you can see the glittery pen:

Well, that's all I have time for right now. SO MUCH has happened in my life. I will try to post more soon, and I'll fill you in about all the exciting news!

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy

Stamps Used (all by DeNami Design):
A92 Teeny Star, A95 Mini Star, J102 Merry Little Christmas Scene

DeNami Design January's Blog Hop: VALENTINE

It's the first blog hop of 2012! EEEK! I'm soooo excited! I also can't believe I'm the first stop on the hop! Talk about pressure! Yikes! Let's get right to it, shall we? If at any point you get lost or need to get back to the beginning, go to DeNami Design's blog.

While I usually love tons of layers, every once and a while, I'm in a "single layer card" mood. I think of valentines as usually being frilly and froo-froo and femininely fabulous, but I felt like simplifying things a bit today. It's still full of hearts and scallops, but it's just a few stamps, Copic markers, and one single sheet of white cardstock...oh, and of course a bit of glitter and glitter pen action to finish it off. I masked off the center rectangle before stamping the heart scallop border frame, and then I stamped the center images and sentiment.

Close-up with flash:

Thanks for hopping by today! Your next stop is the talented Andrea Fisher's blog: Five Pines Designs. Don't forget to leave a comment on every blog for your chance to win a gift certificate to DeNami Design's website!

Happy New Year!

Amy

Stamps used:

A94 Mini Heart, F171 Sending You Love, J36 Heart Present, N113 Heart Scallop Border, PF28 Heartfelt Greetings set

Lawn Fawn CHA Winter 2012 Challenge

Happy New Year!!!

Anyone else a fan of Lawn Fawn? I know I sure am! Their stamps are sooooo adorable and fun! They absolutely inspire creativity and smiles! They're currently having a fabulous challenge, and you can read all about it HERE. This is such an amazing opportunity, so I had to make a card! I used two Lawn Fawn sets: Critters in the Forest and Fanciful Frames.

Here's my card:

This photo allows you to really see the different layers:

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Amy

Other supplies used:
Cardstock (Stampin' Up and DCWV), Grosgrain Ribbons (DeNami Design), Inks (Memento), Copic Markers, Scissors, and Adhesives (3M ATG & Foam Mounting Tape)

A Christmas Scene

******Please scroll down to the next post if you are looking for the DeNami Design Gift Wrapping Blog Hop. Thanks!******

Here's another one of my Christmas cards that I've made recently. I LOVE the little Christmas Truck stamp. It gives me the warm fuzzies! I'm also a sucker for Christmas lights, and Stickles work great for adding glittery lights to a card. I'm excited to enter this card into the DeNami Design Theme Challenge #8.

Without further ado...TADAA:

In case you're wondering, I used Distress Stickles to make the gravel driveway. Also, I used small DeNami stamps to add texture to the grass and the sky. I really did have fun making this card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Holidays!

Amy

Stamps used (all by DeNami Design):

F207 Three Winter Trees, G137 Christmas Truck, H84 Three Houses, PF01 Classic Leaves set, PF06 Whimsical Christmas set