Getting Your Stuff Organized

Garry and friend at the grill

Whether your off having the summer bar-b-que or you're  on vacation, we all have to get some things organized to really enjoy our time. Right?

I came across several tips from an article written for Creative Keepsake Magazine/March/ 2009 issue. The article had "31 Tips For Organizing" and getting your crafting stuff organized. Among the most effective tips for me was the idea start somewhere! It doesn't make much difference where you begin, if it is a box or a drawer, just start there. Take small steps so you're not overwhelmed in the beginning.  I think this is a tip we all can use, whether we are card makers and stamper or into crafts or not, we begin to reduce stress when we start with small steps and keep moving forward. We will eventually make progress.

I noticed with our Card Makin' Cuties, we have to make a new spaces for all the card making tools. One of the tips addressing this was getting your organizing style established. Are you a visiual organized person? If so, then put all your stuff where you can see it in clear boxes and bags. Maybe you'll want your things out of sight? If so invest some cabnet or closet space for this purpose and buy baskets or decorative boxes. 

                    Another tip was label everything. Label, label, label. ( I must admit, I'm don't do very well at this and I put things away where they don't belong.) The article drew attention to labeling once a "home" or place could be established for like items or tools. Get all your things in order.   Especially, 

begin by having the things you use most frequently close at hand. When these items are placed where they are easily accessible we tend to spend less time running around        trying to find them. (A waste of a crafter's time.)

Where do you go for inspiration and creativity? 

I was on-line looking, when  I found most manufactures want to inspire us with ideas about their new products so go on their websites for a card gallery of ideas. A tip from our article was, " make a date to go to your magazines or on-line and view new ideas."

For our new assignment with Operation Write Home, www.operationwritehome.org (click this web link for summer deadlines and new ideas, too), we are starting our fall designs and a few Christmas ideas. OWH has a some ideas for their fall cards and do take note about their advice for Halloween cards. Look over this information and their instructions on their blog.

         Our July group took another field trip to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to a small shop called Stamping Day and Night, www.stampingdayandnight.com, just connect to Sarah's link and see the wonderful card samples we were treated too. (We wanted to say thanks so much for the wonderful day with you and Lana.) Sarah Kimber is the owner of SDN. She shared some new coloring techniques with colored pencils that were fabulous! We are so grateful for the "show and tell" with you Sarah. 

She pointed out that everyone can use help along the way, how to use the tools in our tool kits or help learning a new skill or art form. We can all use help in staying organized and inspired to create the new images in our stamps. 

I personally think stampers and card crafters are the nicest, most hospitable people I've ever met in all my years of crafting. You guys are great!!!

Well, until later, I'll be organizing my label's labels.

Gloria J.

Sending Out Encouragement Cards

We found sending cards of encouragement help others so much. I must admit I only think of doing so when I hear someone is ill or in some type of distress. Just recently, I was reminded  there are many people in the service- related industry that would love to have some type of tangible encouraging message, like a card,saying-- " well done," "continue your good work" or even, "You make my day!"  Cards of encouragement are great.

       Just recently I was introduced to a wonderful group who were helping any one with children of Autism. The struggle the family goes through is a "journey" all unto itself and they need our encouragement.

Hands in Autism is one resource center  available in our local area who are part of a whole resource agency-- IRAC located at www. iidc.indiana.edu/irca . This website can answer many questions about autism and it can get you started in the right direction if you think your child has this neurological disorder.

    Soooo--------Why am I talking about this our blog site? Well, it is directly related to military families and our card making for OWH .
Did you know there are approximately 8,800 children of retired military families who are not currently covered under TRICARE, which is the Department of Defense's health care program? Congressmen John Larson and Walter Jones have introduced a bipartisan legislation which is aimed at resolving this issue for children of retired militarywho have children with Autism/  Asperger'sSyndrome.
   The bill was introduced on June 22,2011 by these congressmen as the Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act. You can read more about this legislation by clicking onto:  www.autism-society.org.
I am passing this information along to you not only as awareness in their resources, but also as a way for you to encourage people you know in service-related areas. ( Autism Society/ 4340 East-West Hwy, Suite 350/Bethseda, Maryland, 20814).
     Let me pass along this sketch. Isn't it perfect for  a card of encouragement?... I think it is too.

 I'm looking forward to  other designs and sketches too. Be sure to sign up for the free newsletter to Paper Crafter newsletter. It is a great way to look at new products, give-aways and designs.
It's been great to chat with you all.Last, let me say be an encourager to others,  you have all been an encouragement to me,.... so until later.  Enjoy the summer. Leave a comment.