Book Binge

 

2020 changed a lot of things for me as I'm sure it did for so many others. I realized how many un-essential things I filled my time with. I realized what was important to me and what I truly needed to do. I was in a different place than so many of my friends. Not having children I did not need to deal with virtual/hybrid/traditional school decisions. Having a job that I could do from home, I didn't have to worry about how I was going to pay my bills. But this also meant that I didn't have any more time during the week than I had pre-lockdown. So I made one loaf of bread in all of 2020 and it wasn't sourdough. I didn't re-organize my home and pare it down, Kondo-style. I didn't binge watch Tiger King (I wouldn't have done that even if I had all the time in the world). 

I still worked on my scrapbooks and knit and threw in an occasional other craft, but since stores were closed, I couldn't go to knit night, I couldn't go to the craft store, I couldn't pop out to the store when I needed that forgotten ingredient, I couldn't go see a movie.

I did sew masks. I made cards for my family.  I went camping. I went to the beach.  And I read.  I was in three book clubs last year and I'm up to five now.  My local book club met via zoom until we could meet outside with masks.  I have a FaceTime book club with my niece and nephews.  I joined a book club that only meets over Zoom. I joined a book club that discusses the selection over Instagram. And I joined a book club that discusses via real paper letters.

Why so many book clubs?  My local book club was essential to have some scheduled conversation with friends that wasn't about Covid-19. My Auntie M book club was a way to keep in touch my kiddos when I wasn't able to see them in person and to instill a love of reading in them.  I joined the Zoom book club because I was interested in the theme of the club. Then I found out about a Jane Austen book club, six novels, two months each. I signed up immediately. Instagram brought me to the fifth book club which just happened to start with Sense and Sensibility.  Of course, I needed to do that one too. Why not double-dip? 

 I wanted to read more and felt that a book club would give me the impetus to read. It worked. Reading a book chosen by others to discuss made me want to read a book I chose, too.  If I read one for the club, then I should read one for me.  I realized I had over 30 books I had purchased but hadn't read. So I gathered them all up and made two piles by my sofa. When I logged off work, I would pick one up. I finished five books the first two weeks of the new year.

So here I am at the end of March 2021 and my pile of books has gotten smaller in spite of the new books I added! I figured out my essentials are family, friends, food for my body and food for my mind. Crafting is good, too and of course, getting outside (to read a book).

Because I'm Happy!

CTMH Happy Times Card Workshop

designed by Michelle Snyder

Happy National Scrapbook Month!

I am so excited to offer the Happy Times Card Workshop next Saturday May 21st at 10am.

During this workshop, you will create the 12 beautiful cards pictured above. All paper and embellishments are included in the class, just bring your own adhesive and cutting tools. The cost of this class is just $20. Please RSVP by May 18th. If you can't make the class, I have a few alternatives available, just contact me via my online shop: http://mycueto.ctmh.com  

I also have a class featuring your choice of four two-page scrapbook layouts using this paper pack. Contact me for more information about these limited-time layouts if you are interested.

Are your creative juices flowing in a different direction? This paper packet is available exclusively in May free with a qualifying purchase of $60. The coordinating stamp set is available to purchase for $17.95.  Ink/Card Stock colors that coordinate with this set are Pomegranate, Smoothie, Canary, Fern, Glacier and Sunset. All of these items are available via my online shop. Happy Crafting!

Choose Your Own Workshop!

Charlotte Card Workshop

Zoe Card Workshop

Penelope Card Workshop

Hello, my card making friends! Remember the Choose Your Own Adventure books? In the month of March, I will be hosting a Choose Your Own Workshop party. Not only do you get to choose which card workshop you would like to purchase, you also will have a couple of buffets to enjoy. Along with my Card Buffet, I will be providing a Chocolate buffet! You can choose your own adventure on March 12th from 10am to 2pm.  We will start with Charlotte at 10am, then move to Zoe at 11:30, and finish with Penelope at 12:30pm. The Card Buffet and the Chocolate Buffet will be open throughout all workshops. Please RSVP by 3/1/2016 so that I can have plenty of supplies for you! 

Contact me through my website: http://mycueto.ctmh.com

Paper Bunting

This year I decided to complete some old paper crafting projects. I started with a Halloween layout using a discontinued Close To My Heart paper pack. I used the Workshop On The Go layouts, more on that in another post. The bonus project was the "SPOOKY" banner pictured below.

"SPOOKY" banner using CTMH Mischief papers

That project got me started making a paper banner for the next holiday. I made the "THANKFUL" banner using leftovers from another discontinued CTMH paper pack.

"THANKFUL" banner made from CTMH Huntington papers

At work, I was asked to make a banner for the holiday lunch. I used my Cricut and some discontinued CTMH stamps to add Christmas trees and ornaments to the banner.

The holiday banner was successful enough that I was asked to make a banner, pictured below, for a retirement luncheon.

I have discovered that I love designing banners. As a bonus, I can make use of the beautiful paper leftovers in my craft room!

Ooh La La!

Layouts made with CTHM Artfully Sent Cricut cartridge and Wanderful paper pack.


It's a new year and a great time to work on some new crafty projects.  Right now I'm organizing my completed scrapbook pages so I can see what I need to work on next.  I'm also getting my house ready for a Craft-a-long.  I have new card kits available for purchase as well as the circuit cuts for the layout above.  Interested in making pendant necklaces?  I have lots of supplies from the Bling & Base line for you to choose from.  Reserve your spot by email or text.  Dates are Friday, January 9th 6pm, Tuesday, January 13th, 6pm, and Saturday January 17th, 10am.

http://mycueto.ctmh.com

Chalk It Up to Summer Vacations

Remember the good ole days of summer vacation?  Nothing planned except summer camp and maybe a week or two for a family trip.  Nowadays, summer is a busy time for me.  Not only do I have work just like the rest of the year, I also need to squeeze in out of town trips (that I really enjoy!) for family events because a lot of my family (all of the kids and most of the adults) do get the summer off.  

So I've had to reschedule the Scrapbook Workshop I had planned for August 28th.  This is actually a good thing because if you didn't sign up and you would like to participate, you still have time!  Place your kit order by September 5th and join me for the workshop on Friday September 19th at 6pm.

During the workshop, you will complete two 2-page layouts (pictured above).  You can participate either in person or virtually.  In your kit will be all the materials needed to make the layouts, with all the paper pre-cut and the Cricut cuts completed.  The cost is $20 if you come to my house the night of the workshop or pick up your kit.  The cost for having the kit mailed to your house is $26 and you will also receive a detailed instruction sheet with pictures of the completed layouts.  Because I had to postpone this workshop, I will also be having a Halloween themed workshop at the end of September.  Details coming soon, but it will be a two-page layout and some treat bags.  I hope you can join me!

Card Buffet

I've been very busy lately making up new card kits for my next Card Buffet on August 12th. My goal is to have 24 kits to choose from.  I love making cards and this has been a great excuse to do just that!  Now that I'm close to my goal, I can get back to some other crafty projects.  

My niece wants to make a mini book based on a tv show she likes.  I helped her make one a couple of years ago based on the mermaid show H2O. Maybe we can squeeze in a crafting session before she goes back to school!