Where do I begin? A bunch o' stuff...

You know, once in a while I get a little down...I start thinking about this blog and I wonder, "Does anyone really care if I post or not?" I think we all have "visions" when we start a blog, and sometimes the visions become a reality and sometimes they do not. I don't know where I'm going with all of this, I usually don't get this "philosphical" on my blog, and I don't mean to sound like a downer....just letting you know what my thoughts have been. Anyways, I understand and totally get that to become a famous blogger it requires a lot of time, a lot of skill (great photos are a huge bonus) and a lot of dedication. Some days I have it and some days I don't. Some days I want to focus on the fun stuff and some days I want to focus on the required stuff....chores, paying bills, grocery shopping, homework -- you get it. So, that is basically my "excuse" for where I have been and what I've been up to. But, in a positive light, a few weeks ago I got the sweetest e-mail from someone I admire and have admired for a long time....I've never met her, but I think she's super talented, super sweet and I deeply appreciate the fact that she reached out to me during a time when I was thinking, "does it matter?" If you've never been to Laura Craigie's blog, you MUST check it out....she's been on a roll lately and has many accomplishments attached to her sweet name. I would love to be half as talented...

Here's some of what I've been busy with lately:

This is a card I made for a friend using some scraps, SU cardstock, the Teeny Tags stamp set, scallop border punch, Fiskars edge punch, the Outlines alphabet stamp set from Papertrey Ink and a Martha Stewart butterfly punch. Can you tell that punches are my favorite tools to use?

Next up a little card I made for my sister:

This was a quick card I made using a Hero Arts bicycle stamp. (My sister gave my daughter a bike and I wanted to send a thank-you card.) The patterned paper was from my stash, but I think it's from Hobby Lobby's brand. I also used the Apron Lace border punch and the Teeny Tags stamp set.

I've also been working on a few Easter treat samples. I'm not sure what I'm going to go with yet so I just make one or two of something and then I decide.

This is a fun egg-shaped tote that is just small enough to make with one piece of 8x11 paper but big enough to fill with some fun treats. (I actually made these last year.)

This was an easy craft using a piece of cardstock and a piece of vinyl. I punched the holes using my Crop-a-Dile and then cinched it together using purple organza ribbon. I also made another version using clear vinyl on both sides and stitched it together using pink thread and my sewing machine. (Sorry the photo isn't the best quality.)

I think both of these would work much better using flat M&M's (the plain version) but for Easter, the plain version is made in an egg shape. Who would have thunk such a thing? (is thunk a word???)

And, one of my favorite Easter treats is a non-sweet treat....I shared these last year but thought I would re-post a picture:

Easter "carrots" made using Cheetos (or you could use Goldfish crackers) and piping bags from Wilton. These were a huge hit in my 2nd grade class.

And, just in case you're interested, here are a few things I've done in the last few days (things that I've actually managed to take pictures of):

I've long admired a turquoise and red necklace worn by another blogger (that I visit daily) and I've never been able to find one like it....so, yesterday I gathered the supplies and made one all by myself!! I was shocked that it took less than 15 minutes and turned out just the right length and exactly how I envisioned it.  Yahoo!!

Next up, I thought I would share a fabulous bread that we've been making lately. I got the recipe from another blog (what we would do without blogs?) and it's fantastic! In my quest to get my family on a healthier eating path this Oatmeal Bread will be making an appearance quite often at my dinner table.

That's it for now...I promise to be a better blogger, but thanks in advance for your patience and understanding! Bloggers and blog readers are the best!!