This issue is full of inspiration. Each and every page has some fabulous eye candy. And to think most likely at least one if not more of the scrappers featured will be a MMM ‘09. It is so exciting. I must admit though I am so glad I am on this end of it this time…. I was so nervous last year.

Inside there is an article titled “Scrapper or Artist?” where this layout is featured. I believe I am both a scrapper with a little bit of artist that comes out. I like to capture the moment with photos and journaling but then have to add all the stuff to give it more personality and a better feel for what it is I am trying to document.

I really like how this layout of my grandparents turned out and feel the little vintage rhinestone button placed in the center of the flower is the icing on the cake. It is so nice to see that little sparkle of a surprise inside.

So which are you a Scrapper, Artist or Both?

Here is a little charm bracelet I made yesterday using all of the Trinket Beads by Maya Road (Birds of a Feather, Hearts and Butterflies and Tutti Fruity). From start to finish this little project took me less than 30 min. I used 8 of each bead design and tied a little piece of Trinkets Marigold Ribbon at one end.

I think this charm bracelet is so cute and summery. It would make a really fun kids class or project to make at a birthday party. Each bead has a super crisp image and the clarity is incredible. They also remind me of Jolly Rancher Candies. I loved sucking on those as a kid but have to admit now they nearly turn my mouth inside out from being so sour.

Don’t forget… Caroline and Deb have been posting away all week with new release products. Today they posted new flowers and ribbons. Let me just say… my heart skipped a few no more like several beats when I saw these little beauties. Go check out their blog. You will be oh so happy you did.

I love finding different uses for things other than their original use… so I was very excited to find this idea on Rebecca Sower’s blog…. Rebecca is my all time favorite artist. Just love everything she does. Her style has such a simple elegance to it. I could look at it all day long.

This pin cushion is created from an old planter that was once my grandmother’s. It now holds a few threaded needles, pins, mother of pearl buttons and a rhinestone bauble. Now they are at arms reach for my next project. Just love it and so simple to make. Notice my salt and pepper shaker find… they are filled with my favorite glitters.

Next week I will finally be able to show you some of my new Maya Road projects. The wait is just killing me. Make sure you check out the daily sneak peeks here. Their summer release is incredible.

Here is something I made over the weekend. I have been wanting an inspiration board for quite some time. So I used scraps of fabric I have been saving, some chicken wire found in our garage and an old frame a friend of mine gave me years ago. I plan on filling this with seam binding, ribbons, tags and other goodies to use in projects for my book. Sorry for the strange angle but this thing is big 36 x 24 and my room is small. But I think you get the idea.

Also, if you want to see some great new release items from Maya Road check out their blog. Each day Caroline and Deb will be showcasing a new product.

I have had this angel for YEARS… actually for so long I cannot even remember not having her. This little beauty has rested on top of an old clock looking as though she was watching over the family. Well today I walked past her as I have for at least a thousand times and BAM… I thought man she would look so cute in my scraproom watching over all my wonderful vintage rhinestone finds… so now she sits on a shelf in my scraproom and she makes me pretty happy. I attached some of my favorite vintage rhinestone buttons to her skirt using straight pins. The buttons run all the way down the front of her skirt and look so pretty when the light hits them. Now I just look up, pick what I want and replace the one used with another button… no more digging in a box. I think the little bird resting on some mother of pearl buttons looks as though she is telling a few of our family secrets.