Criminal Grace

Ten on Tuesday

Sarah — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:20:05 +0000

The downside to federal holidays is the Tuesday after. They always feel like a Monday and Tuesday crammed into one little day.
Other than a few frustrating moments, work has been good lately. I’ve been working with a slew of new features in our content management system that are set to go live this week. It has certainly kept me busy, which I kind of like. A faster pace definitely keeps my mind from wandering.
It must be fall. The local orchards are all open for pick-your-own apples and Dunkin’ Donuts has added pumpkin and apple beverages to their menu. The iced apple cider is a nice break from iced coffee. I’m totally looking forward to fall knowing I can grab a hot apple cider on brisk afternoons.
I’m making Halloween cards. Look for a few to show up on the blog later this week.
I’m also psyched to share that another one of my cards was picked up for the Paper Crafts Stamp It! Techniques special issue. Not only was it my favorite of the my submissions and created just before the deadline, it was the design that seemed to break my creative dry spell. Hooray!
After the long weekend, my Google reader has over 300 posts saved up for me to read. Do you use a feed reader to keep up with your favorite blogs and news items?
I’m beginning to resent my migraines, not only because they leave me writhing in agony, but because they rob me of my time. When they strike, often in the afternoon, I hide away in the master bedroom with the curtains drawn and the doors closed, not to resurface until morning. And just like that, my day is gone.
Hey knitters! There are cute sweater-print cards, pencils, notebooks, and pencil pouches in the dollar bins at Michaels.
The only thing standing between me and the migraine gnashing at the edges of my skull during the work day? The adjustable brightness settings on my monitors.
Although I thought he wouldn’t be interested in it for months, Tom has surprised me by putting on this hard hat quite a few times in the last couple weeks. I don’t think he knows what it is, but that doesn’t make my little handyman any less cute.

A Busload of Thanks

Sarah — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:33:17 +0000

I may not get to play along with Glenda’s Random Amusing Challenges very often, but they’re a lot of fun when I do. Because my son is still small, I probably wouldn’t have thought to put together a school themed card at this time of year, but Glenda’s challenge put the idea in my head. Good thing too, because I really like the way this simple card came together.

stamps: big thanks, school bus by A Muse; paper: school lined, french roast cardstock from A Muse; ink: Memento tuxedo black and rich cocoa by Tsukineko; other: Copic markers, twine, EK Success edge punch, close to cocoa marker by Stampin’ Up!, woodgrain impression plate from Papertrey Ink

One Layer Trees

Sarah — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:45:24 +0000

Most of my cards have several simple layers, but Susan’s One Layer Wednesday challenges force me to simplify even more. I have to admit that I love the results.

This week’s challenge was cards with trees. I love a good tree stamp, so this is right up my alley. I had to use my stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the images on this older Stampin’ Up set, but the results are so worth the extra effort. The hearts on my first card have a touch of Fruit Punch Stickles for a bit of shine, but I like the plain look of the second too.

stamps: Sheltering Tree by Stampin’ Up!, Everyday Sayings clear stamp set by Hero Arts, tiny heart by A Muse; paper: Papertrey Ink Stampers’ Select white and kraft; ink: Memento rich cocoa, bamboo leaves, rose bud; other: fruit punch Stickles

A Simple Sketch

Sarah — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:49:20 +0000

After what feels like a few weeks of struggle, the cards are coming easily again. I love being in a creative groove. I’ve made more than a dozen cards in the last week and I’m pretty pleased with all of them. I used a Clean & Simple Stamping sketch (FTL106) as the inspiration for this one, along with the new stamps and cardstock I ordered from Papertrey Ink.

I can’t say enough good things about the Stampers’ Select white (and kraft) cardstock. The weight is perfect for card bases and seems to hold up well to Copic markers. I can’t believe I waited this long to try it. Now I can’t help but wonder what other fabulous products out there I’ve been missing out on.

stamps: Everyday Button Bits by Papertrey Ink; paper: A Muse clouds cardstock, Papertrey Ink Stampers’ Select white, K&Co. Brenda Walton Boy Wonder mat stack; ink: Memento tuxedo black and lady bug; other: 1″ and 1/2″ circle punches, light grey Copic marker, scalloped scissors

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-09-05

Sarah — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 05:22:00 +0000

thinks that maybe, finally, after hours of sobbing and screaming, one of our dozen attempts to get Tom to calm down and sleep has worked. #

Proof

Sarah — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:47:43 +0000

…that my son and my cat do not hate each other. They stood at the window looking outside, less than a foot between them, for several minutes. Tom wasn’t trying to touch Tia, Tia wasn’t trying to swat Tom, and angels sang a triumphant song.

Ten on Tuesday

Sarah — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:46:33 +0000

Looks like there are a couple teams working on Goodreads apps for Android phones. I think the integrated barcode scanning would be a great way to get instant reviews when browsing bookstores. I’m looking forward to trying a stable release.
I’m in the middle of a busy few weeks at work. With new features comes great responsibility (and a crap ton of data entry!).
I gave up and ordered a couple sweaters last weekend without cleaning out my closet. I’m looking forward to trying this dark teal wrap sweater the most. Not so much weeding out my older things to make room for it.
All of those cool temps last week helped put me in a fall state of mind. But I can’t pack up the linen pants just yet: this week’s forecast has us melting in the mid-90s. Isn’t it winter yet?
How can it be so easy to make a card for a challenge, but feel so daunting to make one for a publication call? They’re really just challenges like the others, right? I had loads of ideas for the Stamp It! techniques call that closed last night, but only a few that actually worked out well enough for me to submit them. It was fun to experiment though, especially with the spray mists.
The downside to spray mists is that the little bottles don’t last very long. I’m thinking about mixing my own using a little of the Twinkling H2O watercolors I already have. Next thing you know there’s going to be a little shimmer on everything I make.
Or maybe not. I’m not really a sparkly sort of person.
According to Jon, we’ve officially entered the TERRIBLE TWOS. I can’t help but think the small tantrums we’ve seen over the last week are just the tip of the iceberg. This kid is learning new ways to demand and exercise his independence every day. And he’s too clever to distract. Just imagine how frustrated he’ll be by the time he’s actually two.
In case you haven’t seen them, check out these absolutely adorable printable lunch notes from Mariah de Marco. I want to print them on sticker paper and use them as labels for Tom’s stuff.
Tom loves cake almost as much as he loves cupcakes, so I made sure that Jon’s birthday cake was toddler friendly. He would’ve eaten half the cake, one giant forkful at a time, if I’d let him…

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-29

Sarah — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 05:22:00 +0000

made no progress on @PaperCraftsMag submissions this weekend, but plenty of headway on A Reliable Wife, the latest book club selection. #
is getting clobbered by our multimedia files. #
a windy 60 degrees has me eyeing the fleece peacoats at Lands' End. #
finally placed my first order with Papertrey Ink. Can't wait to try their well-reviewed cardstock and stamps. #

Ten on Tuesday (on Friday)

Sarah — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:46:38 +0000

So, there was no Ten on Tuesday last week. I felt bad that I didn’t have photos to share, but I’m doing my best this week, even without photos.
I really admire the people who carve out time to maintain a great blog. It’s a lot more work than most people think, even after all of the technical stuff is up and running.
Tom has new shoes. As in NEW new shoes. Not just new-to-him shoes, like almost every pair he has ever worn. I took him to Stride Rite last weekend to have him fitted. Good thing too, because he needs a full size bigger than I expected. He’s just shy of a 6 and a little wider than average, but not enough to need wides in most shoes. I saw these Robeez (did you know they were bought by Stride Rite recently?) and kind of fell in love. I’m totally tickled by the tiny aliens peeking up from the soles.
And the best thing about the new shoes? Tom has been obsessed with putting on his own shoes (and diaper and clothes and socks and pajamas) to the point that he’ll cry if he can’t get them on or has help he doesn’t want. These shoes go on really easily and secure tightly with the Velcro, so Tom can do it himself.
I haven’t bought any new shoes for myself, but I’ve been eying these CloudWalker flats for fall. Along with about a dozen sweaters that I shouldn’t buy until after I’ve cleaned out my closet. Why is it so hard to let go of things I don’t wear anymore?
How to strike a nerve: compare the average cost of childcare to the average college tuition bill. While considerably less than the $38,700 my alma matter is charging this fall, our day care is not cheap. Although we’re in New Hampshire, our area is commonly lumped into the Boston Metro area, and the price we pay reflects it. Tuition is going up next week, but only a fraction of a percent.
I think I’d like to take Jen’s A Muse Advent Calendar class at Ink About It this fall. I saw the sample when I was there the other week and thought it was entirely too cute. And Tom should be able to participate in the countdown this year.
Handmade flowers are all the rage in the craft world right now. I made my first, a trio of rolled roses made of kraft paper, last night. Now I know why everyone is jumping on this bandwagon. They’re cute and pretty easy to make.
I still maintain that this floral trend is just the 80 regurgitated. Remember the tiny mauve and country blue rosettes we used to hot glue to everything? Add a little ivory lace (another hot trend) and thin satin ribbon and you’re in business.
Although I don’t have photos to share, I do have a little video of Tom in the aftermath of dinner. But I can’t get it uploaded properly.

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-22

Sarah — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:22:00 +0000

I must be a mom: my purse contains more coupons and Happy Meal toys than makeup and cash. #
worth making again: whole wheat white pizza with garlic, rosemary, mushrooms, chicken, fresh mozzarella, and provalone #
enjoying a giant edible arrangement with my coworkers, courtesy of my husband of five years. #
My hometown made it into Today's Top 10 Most Tattooed Cities list (http://bit.ly/9hR7nh), but I don't have one yet. #