Fresh Ideas Coming Your Way

This new post is announcing another "blog hop" that is coming very soon.  Thanks to Eileen Hull, a very creative "girlfriend", who has added more wonderful designs in her line of Sizzix dies, this will again be possible.  This is really a very fun way to showcase the great products from Sizzix.

I can honestly say that the investment that I made several years ago, when I purchased my first little red Sizzix machine, was the best one I ever made.  Of course I graduated to the "Big Shot" and hope to add the "Big Shot Pro" to my workspace. 

In most of my creative work I have in some way incorporated the use of my Sizzix products in my work.  In my work area I have a cabinet dedicated to Sizzix dies and accessories and have the machines out and ready for work.  From the "Original" dies to all the newest, speciality and "Designer" dies available, they are used over and over and over.

Whether I'm working with fabrics, paper, felt, metal or other interesting medium, I love the way these tools work

Hope you will take the time to browse through all the wonderful blogs by a creative group during this latest "hop".  Eileen's new line is called "Fresh Vintage".  Check them out on the Sizzix website to see them, along with other wonderful dies that can be used in so many creative ways.  You can count on getting many ideas by taking some time to check out these blogs in the next several weeks.  

I thank Eileen for inviting me to share in this wonderfully, fun and creative opportunity!

Just a couple of my favorite ideas from previous hops:

Autumn

"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, as I have seen in one autumnal face."
-John Donne

September first to me ushers in Autumn.  This is the season I enjoy the most. Because of family health issue the Summer season came and went for me.  Honestly with the extreme weather we had this year, just like much of the country, I missed much of the hot temps, and that is OK with me.

There is a change in the air the past few days and signs that seasons are changing.  I spent a little time today bringing out some of the seasonal decorations.  I think a banner needs to be created for the fireplace mantle.  What material should I use? What should it say?  I'll share the finished project as soon as it's complete.

I came across a wonderful magazine a few weeks back while making a quick stop at the store. I'm always looking for new magazines to browse through. This is a new one to me but enjoyed all the wonderful ideas throughout the publication. The photography is wonderful and filled with decorating ideas for many styles. Autumn Cottage is one of those magazines that I will place where all can share and enjoy flipping through.

Some other favorites that will remain on the coffee table for constant viewing during the season:

 Country Sampler - love reading how others decorate with the country style and seeing so many interesting country designs.

Midwest Living - especially at this time of the year, this magazine shares many ideas for areas around us.

Martha Stewart Halloween (Special Edition) - always filled with many ideas that I can learn from and share with family.

Flea Market Style Fall/Winter 2011 -  a must have for anyone who loves to hunt for "junk".

Check them out!

Designer Craft Connection-September Post: Celebrations

Though I'm not participating in this months design ideas, I still wanted to add a short post to stay in the ring connecting one blog to another.

With so many things to celebrate, the ideas that the designer group will share here should be fun and varied.  Whether it is a holiday or a family event, I enjoy making my own invites and other co-ordinated decorations for any celebration.  Sharing some ideas that I have made in the past for baby showers, weddings and holidays to share with photos only.

Baby Shower Invite

Invite For Baptism

Wedding Invite and Extras

Wedding Shower Invite

Shower Favors

Wedding Favor

St. Patty's Day Invite

Please hop along through the blogs for fun and creative ideas from the designers connected with this group.  Move forward or back through each using the "blue button" to the right of the post.  Come celebrate good times!