Making Embellishments From Paper Scraps

If you're a paper hoarder crafter, you probably have drawers, bins, and baskets full of small scraps. They take up space and energy in our lives -- space and energy we could be using for other things. Here's a project that will use up a lot of those scraps, and create lovely embellishments for gifts, cards, and journals

Start by gathering several punches in assorted sizes and shapes. I don't have a huge punch collection (but after this project, I've freed up some space in my life, so maybe I should grow the collection), but I had enough punches to keep myself busy for an afternoon. You can also use your die cutting machine to cut your shapes.

How to Draw Faces When You Can't Draw

Most of us are okay with doodling simple flowers and shapes, but the idea of drawing faces can be a little intimidating. It doesn't have to be. With a little practice, you can be doodling faces, realistic or stylized, in no time.

You can draw on anything, from the ubiquitous paper napkin, to computer paper, to sketch pads,  to vintage book pages.  The face above was drawn on an old atlas page.

Steel and Glass Home in a Mesquite Bosque {Tour}

We waited too long. Over the last few years, we've been trying to figure out where we want to live when we retire. We love Arizona -- it's where we met and fell in love and married. Now, thirty plus years later, our kids are raised and are starting families of their own. Retirement is on the horizon.

Last year, we traveled to Arizona to see some properties near Tucson.

Make an Art Journal From Dollar Store Supplies!

We've been travelling a lot lately, and I often find myself wanting to be creative, but not having access to my creative stash. Here is an inexpensive option for creating an art journal, without spending tons of money.

Did you know that many dollar stores have a book section? When more books are published than sold, the leftover books often end up in landfills or in dollar stores.