How Do You Turn Disappoint into Opportunity?

In the scrapbooking world it is tough to get from point A to point B. The only way to get there is to move in that direction, which means to try. Some day's I try and move an inch and other days I try and find disappointment. Someone once told me that you have to have a thick skin to work in the paper crafting arena. Well, I don't want a thick skin. I want to remain caring and especially have fun in the process. I was told by a very wise man that the growing in not in the end results, but in the process. So my small disappointment today with Graphic 45 (which I'm in love with) is just an opportunity to grow and learn. Yeah!

I've been cleaning cleaning cleaning. Michelle...Fiskateer, and wonderful artist at Faerie Dust Dreams has challenged several of us to organize our studios. Believe it or not I gave her photos. Oh, my lands...I had really let things get out of had in starting up so many areas of my new business venture with Creative Dreams Studio. Here are a couple of BEFORE photos.

I have done a lot of work, but I'll wait to show you the after photos. My Ms. Ashley tells me it is coming along very very well. Hurray!

In the midst of cleaning up and out I'm finding paper, embellishments, and projects I said I was going to complete. So I'm mixing my older stuff with my newer stuff and scrapping away. Here is one example.

I had bought the Bazzill stitching paper when it first came out, but I threw it up on top of my stash and it worked it's way to the bottom. I pulled it out and said, hmmmmm. I think I can do something with that. It's not OUTSTANDING, but is a Celebration of my GD's Birthday. Since we were doing celebrations I thought I would share it with you.

Couple of cool things. I took a sheet of grungeboard and ran in through my Big Shot using die cut from Revolution ... flower. It cut like butter. I was shocked. I hand "crunched" it and stamped on it and it turned out cool. On several of them I used Glossy accents for the center piece. Let it dry, then stamped the hands of a clock on it. On a couple of others I used Graphix Clear Craft Plastic and stamped a clock with wings, cut it out and placed it on top. I also used the Craft Plastic to die cut my own clear flowers. Cool, huh?

Another thing I did with the grungeboard was to use a sizzlet embossing die cut. Again, no problem. It cut the grungeboard in the shape of a heart and embossed it at the same time. Extra cool! I love just experimenting with new stuff.

Scrap-happenings:

I've been busy this week with teaching yesterday and getting some things out for others, so I don't know what is happening in the scrapping world right this second. Here are a few recommendations:

Ali Edwards is doing a layout a day this whole week with instructions. They are simple and beautiful. Check out her blog site.

CHA is gearing up for summer, new products are still coming out. Be on the look out for one of my new favorites coming out in July. The Slice! I can't wait until mine comes in the mail. You can see a demo and details at Making Memories.

Faith Sisters has challenges and faith support. There is a list of current challenges to the left of my blog. FS is a very inspiring place. I hope to run into you there from time to time.

If you don't already go to May Flaum's blog, "confessions of a chocoholic" you really need to read this one. Not only do you get the personal side of May, you will get to see some of the newest of the new posted there. In May fashion she loves to do RAKS.

Okay, a few days left of celebrating. Get your entry in. If you are having problems loading them on the slide show. Email your photo to me at DeborahL591@yahoo.com and I'll post in the slide show.

Gratitude List:

1. Opportunities gain, opportunities lost

2. Friends who check on me and certainly care for me beyond "scrapping."

3. Cameras...hey, I've broke a few in my day, I'm grateful that I do have a nice one for me.

4. Faith Sisters and the opportunity to be on the Praise Team

5. My Father, who stretches me and helps me to become the person He is pleased to have me be.