More dance frames!!

I've been working away in the studio this week. Working on the outstanding orders that I have...trying to finish a couple each day. Here's what I've done since the last blog update. For better detail and a brief description of each, click on the photo for a larger view.





This one isn't a dance frame but I don't think I shared it here on the blog. A custom baby frame...this was given as a baby shower gift but is available as a special order.

As you can tell, I haven't listed anything new in the Etsy shop lately. This is because I'm working on all of the custom orders that I have right now and haven't had a chance to create anything "new" for the shop. If you're interested in seeing the latest goodies, be sure to follow my blog and "become a fan" on my business Facebook page. I share pictures as things are finished. I'm hoping to get more in the Etsy shop in a few weeks but if you happen to see something that sparks your interest, drop me an e-mail or Facebook message.

Until next time!!!

What I've been up to...

Lets see...where have I been? What have I been up to? Where do I begin?

The school year is behind us and with that comes a High School Graduate! Yep, that's right...my Josh has graduated! And with honors, at that. It was a tough year but it has certainly ended on a good note. Josh has matured so much over the past few months and has made us so proud. He's off to Florida State University in just a few weeks where he plans to study Political Science. Way to go Josh!!!

With the end of the school year comes yet another dance recital. Emily was in four numbers this year. The most classes she's ever taken. She did very well too. I love to watch her on stage. She loves to dance and it shows. She gives it her all and just lights up when she music starts! She's planning to do three classes next year and hopes to make the Company again too.

And of course, with the recital...comes lots of new dance frames too. I'm working on a little each day and am posting photos of them on my Facebook page for "Handmade Creations". If you're on Facebook, check it out and become a "fan" if you'd like. Handmade Creations by Denise Baker

Here are a couple of the latest creations...click on the image for a better view.



Today, I'm home alone...with just the dogs. And they're both sleeping nearby. With that, I'm going to take advantage of the quiet time and get a few more things going.

Until next time, thanks for stopping by!

-D

Dance Dance Dance

Well, its that time again!

The dance season is drawing to a close. Our dancers and instructors have been hard at work putting together the dances for our upcoming recital. This weekend is the big dress rehearsal weekend. I'll have a table set up in the lobby, once again, taking orders for your custom frames.

I've been gleaning inspiration from the photos of the costumes for this year and have a few new designs as well as some of the designs from last year to display. I cannot wait to see everyone dressed up and I love to watch everything come together during rehearsals.

I thought I'd share a few of the designs from last year. The new designs will be shared soon!

Until next time! Enjoy!

Awwww...thanks!

My wonderful friend, Dorana, awarded me with this fun friendship award today. I can't thank you enough for this Dorana. I apprecieate your friendship and all the kind words and support you've given me over the past few months!!

I'd like to share this award with some of my favorite blog friends too. These are some of the girls that I check in with regularly. A few of my friends and other blogs that I visit for super inspiration too! Check out these blogs:

Michele's Creative Mayhem
Tamara's Noodle Soup
Tami's Favorite Things
Inspirational tips and techniques!!
Dawn's Stamping Thoughts
U Stamp 4 Fun
Sketches from Creatively Yours

Wanna share this award with some of your friends? If so, then here's how to do it (as passed on to me):

1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Add links to those blogs on your blog
5. Leave a message for the nominees on their blog

Thanks again Dorana!!

Slowing down a bit...

Whewww...what a week its been! I just realized that its been more than a week since I posted. I wanted to get in here and give a little update before the weekend.

Last Wednesday, I posted my latest frame creation. This beautiful 25th Wedding Anniversary frame. This one started as a dance frame idea originally but as I moved forward, it wasn't coming together as I had planned. So, I took it in a completely different direction. Ending with one of my most favorite frames to date.

I listed this one in my Etsy shop and sold it within 30 minutes. What a great boost to the ego! (thanks Laurie!!) I was also contacted by a couple of others for frames JUST LIKE THIS ONE!

The fun didn't stop there though. I also got a phone call from a guy from a not so local crew team that had seen my samples on display at a recent regatta. He needed THREE frames for his end of the season banquet. Add these to the other crew frames that I'm working on.

That same evening, I see a regular customer of mine and she gives me a photo of her son and his prom date, and asked me to do TWO frames for a similar photo.

So...Wednesday turned out to be a VERY good day for my business. I couldn't be more thrilled! I have custom frames, in all stages, working at the moment. No complaints from this end!

This past weekend was our States Championship Regatta in Sarasota. We knew going into the weekend that our lightweight 4 had a good shot at doing well in this race. The took first in their heat on Saturday, moving them straight into the Grande Final on Sunday.

I have to admit...Sunday morning was so stressful. Alex and I agreed that we couldn't remember ever being as nervous as we were for this race. In all of Josh's 4 yrs of rowing, this one had us nervous. We just knew how badly they wanted this win!

With much anticipation, we wished the boys (and Teri) the best of luck as they headed off to get on the water and we waited until race time. The parents waited at the finish line for the race to begin and listened to the screaming and yelling as everyone cheered on their favorite boat. We were sooooooooo happy to see that our boys were ahead. We were even MORE THRILLED when they crossed the finish line in FIRST PLACE!!!! Not only did they take first, but there was about TWO BOAT LENGTHS OF OPEN WATER between them and the second place finishers. Oh my goodness...we were so proud! I was in tears before they even made it across the finish line.

What an incredible way to finish your last season, Josh! After all that we've gone through this year. The serious ups and downs of this season. You went back, gave it your all...and this is your reward! You rowed hard and fast! Congrats on your win!

Next...its STOTESBURY!! You know I'll be cheering you on all the way!

So, this is the latest from this end. Now that our time with Boone Crew is coming to an end. Things should start to slown down a bit. Weekends won't be so crammed full of this and that. For now though, I must get the to-do list completed for the day and get productive. I have phone calls to make, frames to paint, laundry to be folded.

Until next time...

Another one for Mom...

Another crazy weekend here.

Saturday was the Orlando City Champs regatta. This was our very last regatta at Turkey Lake. Its hard to believe that our four years of rowing is coming to an end. I've been counting the days and weeks but now that the end is near, its kind of bittersweet.

I was so proud of Josh and his lightweight 4 boat this weekend! They rowed an incredible race and finished in first place...with LOTS of open water too. Nothing at all like the same race last year where they placed second by a fraction of a second. This coming weekend is the Florida States Championship Regatta. They've got a darn good chance at taking this one too. Good luck to our boys! How awesome it would be to finish on top! To be the first place Florida State champs!! It'd be nice to see them go to Nationals but they've opted for Stotesbury, no matter what the outcome this weekend.

Last night I worked one of my last Amway Arena events too. We had a hotdog stand for the Fleetwood Mac concert. Not the best concert I've worked but it was still fun to see the people that I knew there and the group that worked with me last night were a great group. We sang to the music, danced a bit and laughed too! It wasn't nearly as busy as I'd expected it to be...guess that's a sign of the times, eh?

I slept in till almost 11 this morning and I admit that haven't done much since I got up. I did finish this frame that I started yesterday though. I love this one too. So feminine, I think. I can imagine a new mommy pic in this or even a pic of a mom with only girls. The lime green is of course, one of my favorite colors and paired together with the pinks...I'm loving it!

I've listed this in my Etsy shop already. Feel free to share the link with family and friends!

Now, its about time for Em to get home from school. (already) I'd better get up and get something done before she gets here.

Till next time...

Mother's Day...

is just around the corner!

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I was working on a frame for Mother's Day. I listed it last night in my Etsy shop. You can see other photos of this frame and my other listings by following that link. Check it out when you get a chance!

For those of you wondering what ETSY is...its an incredible website to buy and sell handmade items, supplies to make handmade items and you'll find some beautiful vintage items there too. You'll find a plethora of handmade gift ideas there from jewelry to knitted items and even handmade cookies, cakes and other yummy treats too. I found some very unique gifts for my family for Christmas this past year.

Here are a couple of my favorite shops at Etsy:

LillyPotDesigns

This shop is owned by my very good friend, Michele.

She does a lot of hybrid scrappy stuff and her goodies always turn out so pretty. She never ceases to amaze me with her creativity!

Michele owned a kit club for a while and is working on getting a lot of the supplies that she has left from that, listed too. Cool stuff at cool prices!

Next is...

Mad Hatter's Pottery

I met the owner of this shop through the More Meaningful Gifts BnR thread in the Etsy forums.

I've purchased one of Mad's soy candles and can't begin to tell you how amazing this candle was and she makes her own pottery too. Be sure to check out her other incredible items too.

You're sure to find something for everyone here!

Then there is...

Dorana Design

Let me tell you about Dorana!!

She is the host of the More Meaningful Gifts thread that I mentioned above. She also owns the My Handmade Registry site too. (a great place to show off your favorite etsy stuff...think wishlist, gift registry for friends and family)

Anyway, Dorana is the most helpful and thoughtful person! She's always so quick with answers about Etsy and offers incredible words of encouragement to so many in the Etsy forums, My Handmade Registry and also on Twitter.

Not to mention, her jewelry designs are INCREDIBLE! Congrats Dorana on your first (an certainly not last) wedding design!!

And the last shop to share with you today is...

Jen's Closet

This is a shop that I happened to come across on Twitter.

Stepping into this Etsy shop is like taking a walk down memory lane. These leaf glasses that I've shared here are some of my favorites in her shop. We had these when I was growing up and when I saw them, it brought back a flood of memories!

Check out her huge selection of vintage Dinnerware, China, Glassware and MORE!

I've enjoyed sharing Etsy with you. I hope that you've had a chance to check out the shops that I've mentioned. Feel free to pass these on to friends and family too. These shops are just a few of the MANY incredible shops at Etsy.

Maybe I'll make this a regular feature on my blog...

But, for now...it's time to get up and get a few things done around here. I have a couple of Thank You cards that I need to get finished today and a couple of other custom frames too.

Till next time...

Its raining, its pouring...

And while we definitely need the rain...the storms that accompanied this rain can stay away. As far as I'm concerned anyway. I'm such a sissy when it comes to storms. Even more so since the Hurricanes of 2004. The thunder doesn't bother me much...the lightning scares me...but the tornado watches and warnings completely FREAK ME OUT! I find myself worrying about the trees that were left standing after those hurricanes. And remember all too clearly, the damage that was left when the two trees fell on the house. (compliments of Hurricane Charley)
I had every intention of making today a productive day. It even started on a good note. That is, till I caught a glimpse of the weather radar on the TV. It was not a pretty picture! My mom would be proud though...it made me break out the weather radio. Needed to listen for warnings in our area.

Having my kids at school with all of this around us doesn't make me too comfy either. The mother hen in me comes out and I want everyone here, at home, where I know I can do my best to keep them safe.

Anyway, things got kind of nasty for a while. I think the majority of the bad stuff was at one point, just north of us. Then a second band came through and that went just south of us. The rain poured but I've seen worse. The weatherman even said that the band of rain was dropping 9-10 inches of rain in an hour...but luckily, it was moving at about 30-40mph and wouldn't leave that much rain in any one area. I did get out there to snap a few pictures though...from the front door anyway. (I do sometimes have sense enough to stay in, outta the rain.)

I wanted to share this picture too...poor Koda.
She's an even bigger sissy than I am when it comes to storms. The second she hears thunder, she starts trembling and usually won't leave my side. I was in our room watching the weather on the TV and caught her like this. Hiding her head under our bed. Poor thing...she's such a baby!

Looks like things are clearing up out there now. By the looks of it, we might not even get anymore rain today. Either way, I'll be checking the radar every so often, just in case.

I'm off to reboot the laundry now and get dinner in the crockpot. Having Savory Lemon Chicken tonight. Another recipe from e-mealz!! I have a Crew meeting tonight and Alex usually has to take of dinner on his own. Won't he be surprised to have something waiting for him when he gets home?!!? I'm being such a good wifey. LOL

I'm also working on a frame today and trying my hand at some handmade flowers for this one. I hope it turns out as good as the picture in my head. If I get it finished today, I'll post it here and put it up on Etsy too.

So...with that...I'm off!!!

Monday Monday...

What a week, what a week!

We decided to go ahead with the garage sale again on Saturday. The day after the rainout. The number of folks that we had was pleasantly surprising and we certainly can't complain about how much stuff we got rid of!! Alex even wants to do another one in the fall. So, we packed everything up that was left and have already started a new "donate pile" in the garage.

The kids went back to school last Monday and I was back to getting things done around here. My daily to-do lists were chock full...each and every day. Sure makes for the time to go by quickly! But, the tax stuff got pulled and taken to our tax lady, the carpets got shampooed and even the laundry got caught up. It was a rather productive week for me.

On top of all of the every day things that I did, I also completed a few frame orders. I finished nine of the Boone Crew frames that were ordered at Hood Cup. It was nice to finish these and be able to deliver at the regatta this past Saturday. Now I'm waiting to hear from another team about doing a few frames for them...to be delivered at the States Championships at the end of the month.

I've got a few more orders to finish up and am starting on the Mother' Day and Teacher Appreciation ideas too. I would also like to get a few things done for the Grads too. Might need to come up with something for the Grad in my household too.

Easter weekend was another crazy weekend for us. I had my scrapping buddies over on Friday night for our monthly crop. Its always so much fun to get together with this bunch. We've been together for more than 6 years and when we're together, the stories that are shared make me laugh so hard. I love getting together with my ya-yas! Oh, and I started a mini book at that crop too!

Saturday was spent, like most Saturdays, at the lake. I cannot believe that I now have only TWO more regattas left. That's it...JUST TWO! City Champs this weekend and States in two weeks. Gosh...what will I do with my Saturdays again? It's been a very challenging season and I know that as much as I look forward to it being over, I will miss it all the same. Four years with the team...the last three being on committees and even the board...being so emotionally involved. All of it has taken its toll...but I'm sure I'll miss it when it's gone. I'll certainly miss watching Josh race...that's for sure. He truly enjoys rowing and I love to watch him on the water. He's so passionate...wants to be the best that he can be. I will miss that part of it, for sure. Row hard, row fast, Josh!!

After the regatta Saturday, we spent the evening with our friends, Bruce and Nancy. They invited us to participate in their Passover Seder. This was the first time we'd ever done anything like this but we thoroughly enjoyed it. And of course, the company was awesome. We knew some of the folks there but met a few new people too. We connected with them on so many levels...some were from St. Louis and Michigan...and one girl's sister started the crew team at FSU a few years back. It was fun to sit back and listen to Alex reminisce about things in St. Louis and Josh enjoyed learning more about crew at FSU. He's looking forward to rowing in college and he now has a contact name to find out more about the team!!

Easter Sunday started off with yet another wonderful churc service at Fellowship Orlando. I love this church! I've never, in my life, found a church that I feel so comfortable with. The people at Fellowship are all so welcoming and Pastor Rodney Gage is so inspiring. He is such an amazing speaker and he puts everything into perspective. I look forward to going to church each week and I also look forward to enhancing my relationship with God. Fellowship has so much to offer and I look forward to being a part of such an awesome Church!!

The rest of our Easter Sunday was spent with family in Winter Haven. Complete with the Easter Egg hunt, a delicious meal and great company. It was fun to meet the friends of Bob's that Alex has told me so much about.

We were home by 7 last night and I was asleep by 9. I was exhausted! Now, its the start of another week. Time to get up and get started on this week's to-do list. I'll be sure to post any of the newest creations on here, so be on the lookout!

Until next time...thanks for stopping by and be sure to let me know you were here.

Happy Friday!

Since my last update, I've been feverishly working on pulling stuff around the house for a garage sale. I enjoy shopping garage sales every now and then but the thought of having one myself...YICK!! I usually toss everything into the back of the car and haul it off to the local Goodwill store but thought I'd give it a go this time. For two reasons actually. 1) Because my good friend Nancy was going to have one and asked me to do it with her. and 2) Because since joining the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University, Alex and I are working hard on paying off our debt snowball and any little bit of extra money will help that snowball roll quicker.

So, today was our big GARAGE SALE DAY...and wouldn't you know...IT RAINED! We got a couple of hours of dry time but ended up closing up shop around 10am. The plan was to only do it today but now, looks like we'll be trying again tomorrow morning. I would really like to sell a few more things...otherwise, I'll be making a trip to Goodwill tomorrow afternoon. (which I'll probably do anyway, for the stuff that doesn't find a new home at the garage sale) Alex likes his garage to stay neat and tidy and I'm tired of hearing him ask, "what are you going to do with all this stuff??"

Wish me luck!!

Since my original plan of the day was scratched, I decided to spend some time in the scraproom.

I finished this custom frame tonight for Stevie, from Sarasota Crew. I promised to post a picture of it. Just in case anyone wants to peek. So...with that...here it is!!

Stevie, if you stop in take a look, please leave a comment. And be sure to forward this on to your friends on the team too. Its not too late for them to place an order.

I'm off now to work on the other orders that I have outstanding. Then I hope to get something fun made for Mother's Day and also for Teacher Appreciation Week. That will be here before we know it!

Until next time, thanks for stopping in!

Spring Break...

The kiddos are on Spring Break this week...this means that Josh has less than 9 short weeks till he graduates. Can this really be possible? Time is FLYING! But I'm sure you get tired of hearing that one, eh?

Em spent the day with a friend today and is on her way home now. Josh is with Teri, of course. I've stayed home,trying to get things done around the house. I've done a bit here and there but definitely haven't accomplished what I could have accomplished. Once again...this computer...sucks me in and moves the hands of the clock ahead at least a few hours, without me seeing it happen.

Right this second though, I have dinner in the oven waiting for everyone to get home to eat. I just joined E-Mealz at Mealtime Makeover. This is a site that was mentioned on the Dave Ramsey podcasts that I listen to. Here, you can choose from a selection of various menus. Menus that range from a family of 4-6, to cooking for 2...and even meals put together for those that are following certain meal plan type diets. (think Weight Watchers)

Anyway, I joined the family menu option and it just so happens that they have the option for my local store too. So, my menu comes to me on Wednesday...based on my local grocery store sales paper for the week. I LOVE THIS!!!

Last night, we had Cajun Chicken Pasta with baked bread and fresh strawberries. Tonight, we're having Chicken Divan, rice and cantaloupe. The other meals on the menu for this week are just as appealing to my family. I am loving having a plan that I don't have to put together.

Alex had been a little skeptical because he didn't want to spend the money. I asked if I could give it a shot...just to see if it helped ME with cooking at home AND helped us to save a bit of $$, in the process. He agreed...and here we are.

I strongly suggest that you check it out.

I'm off now to finish picking up the scraproom in hopes of getting a bit of stuff done in here tonight or tomorrow. I have a total of 13 orders that need to be completed. I'd love to get these done and delivered by the end of Spring Break.

Oh...and did I mention??? I'm working on a garage sale for Friday too. I know...I'm a glutton for punishment. But hey...Dave Ramsey would be proud!

Till next time!!

;)

Happy Saturday morning!

Good morning all. It is a cloudy Saturday morning here and I'm trying to get my groove on...trying to get the to-do list done for the day and also to find the motivation to get started on it too. I've only been up for about 45 minutes and am only on the first cup of java though. Maybe I need a little bit of time for it to kick in before I get moving.

Yesterday was the start of Spring Break for my kiddos. We started the break with a day at Florida State University. This is where Josh will be headed in a few months and yesterday was our first visit to the campus. Needless to say, he is far more excited now and cannot wait for August to get here! I'm pretty excited for him too but I know that things are going to be a lot different around here with only Emily living at home.

The weather in Tallahassee yesterday was awful! It started off a bit cloudy but by 11am, the storms were coming in and there was even a tornado warning for the area. I could not believe how dark it got for a while and the rain was coming down in BUCKETS!!

However, because of the rainy day, we were able to see the latest fashion trend. WELLIES!!!! Or at least that's what we used to call them. Not sure what the official name for them is now but they were EVERYWHERE!! And there were hardly any two alike! As the day progressed, it became a joke between Alex and I...and probably another something for the parents to use to embarass the soon to be college student too...when we saw someone else with them on, we'd point them out and "ooh and ahh". There were soooooooo many different styles...stripes, polka dots, hearts, camo, citrus fruit, frogs, rubber ducks and plain...just to name a few. It wasn't till the end of the day though that I thought to take a couple of pictures...duh!

Speaking of pictures. Josh told me before we even left Orlando that he would NOT pose for any pictures while we were there. And boy, did he hold me to it. I was able to snap a couple while he wasn't looking...like he and his dad mapping out the course of the day...but other than that...NADA! At the end of the day though, we at the stadium and I snuck a couple of others but when he saw me...this is what I got. I sure hope that he changes his outlook on pictures and takes LOTS in college. Now my job is to start working on him...warning him that when we move him up there in August...I "WILL" be getting a LOT of pictures. I gave him this time and might even go without pictures at orientation in June...but college move in time is MINE!

Well, Alex just came in and told Emily that its time for her to "get to work". I guess that's my cue too. Darn it...time to get the to-do list done for the day and get busy! Ho hum! But hey...on a good note...if I get my stuff done now, I can play later...right? (that's what I tell the kids...maybe I should start by example?)

I read all of my LOM handouts in the car and listened to Stacy's audio messages too...I'm ready to catch up on the LOM assignments. Excited about them actually...excited to scrapbook again soon! I haven't done a layout since August and by golly, (yes, I said by golly) I MISS IT!

Till next time!!!!

I think I can...I think I can...

November...December...January...February...MARCH. SERIOUSLY??? Has it really been close to 5 months since I've blogged? Funny how life throws a few curveballs and things start going in an entirely different direction than you thought you were headed.

Back in November, things started getting a little interesting here with the teenager. Everyday seemed to bring a new challenge. I have to say...Josh is a GREAT kid. He gets decent grades, is in the Nat'l Honor Society, is an Eagle Scout...an overall really good kid. A Sr. in High School...counting the days till he turns 18. Wanting more and more freedom as the days progressed. These things took a lot of time, energy and even more patience. I won't say that life with this teen is all peaches and cream but we seem to be in a MUCH BETTER place at the moment.

The time and energy that I was putting into these family issues made me rethink my position with SumpinElse...the partnership that I had formed with Maggi and Carmen. I had to reprioritize things and decided to leave the SumpinElse trio...to get through the holidays and then try to do what I can, when I can...on my own.

I opened my own shop on Etsy and am adding new things here and there. I've been blessed with new orders locally. I'm certainly not complaining, this just hasn't given me the chance to create new stuff for my Etsy shop. That is certainly a goal that I have. I also have a few frames that I did while with SumpinElse that I would like to relist in my own shop.

Lately, I've been doing very well with my daily to-do lists. Concentrating on one item at a time, on the list, for 20 minutes at a time. My friend Michele and I call these our "20 minute challenges". They certainly help to keep me a bit more focused. Updating the blog was one of the items for today. Another item that I can now cross off the list!!

My 20 minutes are about up and the laundry is ready to be folded and rebooted. We're headed to Tallahassee this evening for a Campus Tour of FSU with Josh. He's soon to be a SEMINOLE and this will be his first time on campus. I'd better make sure I charge the camera batteries. (although he's already said that he refuses to 'pose' for pictures...WHATEVER!)

Before I close...I'll share my latest creation. One of the wonderful paraprofessionals at Em's school is retiring today. She is a customer of mine who is always commenting on my work and how much she loves it. I wanted to give her something that I knew she would appreciate. So I made her this lovely set of notecards. I was inspired by Trendycards...someone that I follow through Twitter...if you get a chance, check out the gorgeous items that she carries in her shop.

Till next time!!!

I KNOW I CAN...I KNOW I CAN...