Oh dear ... at it again ... 4 months since the last time I posted?!

I am a blog slacker.  No doubt about it.  I get worse all the time with lapses in posts.  I've been super busy helping my husband with clerical type work as he has left his business career and has been consulting.  He would like to get back in to the business world, so I've been helping him with resumes, as well.  Each day brings a new and exciting adventure with him at home!  lol!  In the past four months, we've celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary (where does the time go?!) and I've celebrated my 10th year of being cancer free!   Those are two milestones I am very proud of and grateful for.   I do miss making my bears and hope to get back to them on a regular basis, soon.  In the meantime, I have been creating paper art (it doesn't take long to put together a card or shadow box) and it allows me the creative outlet that I so desperately need to keep my sanity!  Here are a few photos of what I've been up to in the past four months.  Once there is a new bear or puppy or bunny to show, I promise I'll post it here first!

The card above was sent to my childhood friend for her 61st Birthday.  I hope she likes it!

The canvas above was placed in a shadow box for my Sister-in-law.  I hope she likes it!

This shadow box was created for my Sister-in-law's friend.  Her friend allowed her to stay in her home for a week here in Arizona and my Sister-in-law wanted a thank you gift with Arizona colors.The shadow box is filled with AZ wildflower colors, a sunshine and a little hummingbird!

The card above was created for my Mother-in-law for Mother's Day.  She suffers from Alzheimer's and I thought the bright colors would cheer her.  I think my own Mom would have loved the flowers, too!

I hope you have a beautiful weekend filled with all the joys that God has for you.
Lots of hugs & blessings, Janice

Paper Crafting!

I had no idea this much time had passed since my last post!  October 19th?!  Time simply flies by way too fast.  There really doesn't seem to be enough time to get all the projects done that are constantly dancing through my mind!  My latest crafting includes the purchase of a Sizzix Big Shot Plus die cutting machine.  I have a Big Shot and a Cricut Expression 2 but I wanted a Big Shot Plus as the opening is a full 9 inches!  It makes all the difference when working with embossing folders!  I started by making a little box and a card using the Starter kit (ordered with the Big Shot Plus).  I think it turned out really cute!  Then, I started making cards and I've made quite a few.  I've attached a couple photos. The bears have been on hold while I've been playing with paper but I do have one that I started two weeks ago and she is almost done.  My mind is full of bear making ideas, too.  Wish there was more time in a day!  I hope you are enjoying the end of Winter.  Have a blessed week! Many hugs, Janice

Donating Mom's Biblical Quilt to First United Methodist Church of Dearborn

We had the most wonderful time at the 30th Annual (though, now it is Bi-Annual) Quilt Show at the First United Methodist Church of Dearborn, Michigan this past weekend!  My Sister, Brothers and I decided to donate Mom's Biblical Quilt to the church where Mom showed her quilts for so many years.  It was bittersweet to let the quilt go but such an honor to know that there will be many who will be able to share in the joy that Mom's quilt brings.  My friend, Allie (from Allie Oops Sweet Happy Life) wrote a wonderful blog entry (including many lovely photos) of the donation quilt and if you're interested, here is the link to Allie's blog post.  Allie Oops Sweet Happy Life Blog Post about Mom's Biblical Quilt  Oh, Mom's Quilt won Viewer's Choice Third Place!  Such an honor to win this ribbon!   I hope you will pop over and peek at Allie's blog post, too!
Have a blessed week.
Lots of hugs,
Janice