phew!

Click here to subscribe to the Summer issue.

So we're about to go out for a little bit of a celebration dinner but before we do, I want to tell you some more about this issue...

First of all, it is my favorite. It really is...the projects, the colors, the doodles (thanks to Pam!) I just love it so much.

Secondly, it's still not viewable on an iPad but we're working on it. I know it's important to you but we just haven't found a good solution yet for making it viewable for all you fancy iPad users.

And how about some details about the projects...
The guest list of contributors includes Tracey Fisher, Pam Garrison, Jone Hallmark and Charlotte Lyons, all return contributors. Megan Hunt, Kima Casas Bo, Lynda Kanase, Kristen Randall and Linda Warlyn are all new contributors to the magazine. They all made such lovely projects and I can't wait for you to see.

I made 4 projects myself, including a really fun hot air balloon mobile with tiny hot air balloons and even tinier passengers! I hope you'll like the projects I shared too.

I really hope you'll feel inspired as you flip through the pages. Maybe you'll feel inspired enough to start right away making something this weekend! I know this time of year can be super busy but I do hope you'll take the time for yourself to read the magazine, get inspired, and make something!

And now there's a margarita calling my name...
(and also a little 4-year-old)

are you ready?

Click here to subscribe to the 

Summer issue of Inspired Ideas 

for only $3.99

it's coming...

If you're wondering where I've been and what I've been doing...

it's putting together this Summer issue.

I can't wait for you to see it...it is the best so far (I say that every time but I swear I mean it every time!) My sweet friend Pam Keravuori has been working like crazy right alongside me and we keep saying to each other just how great it is all looking. Great projects, super photos, and the sweetest doodles you've ever seen (made by Pam).

So, do you want to know WHEN you can see this incredibly fun Summer issue?

Friday is the day.

Meanwhile, it's back to work for me. Meet you back here in a couple of days.

guess what!

Not only will I be attending The Creative Connection...

I'm going to be a panelist on the Self Publishing Panel! 

If you've entertained the thought of creating your own publication, either print or online, this panel discussion is perfect for you. 

And guess what? There's more! I'm also going to be an expert for the Pitch Slam for writing for a magazine. At the Pitch Slam, you present your idea to magazine editors for their consideration. Isn't that an amazing opportunity? I'm so honored to be a part of it.

I have to admit, I'm more than a little bit nervous about all of this. It's a bit out of my comfort zone. But I am really excited to share what I know about self-publishing, alongside the other experts, with you.

And I'm really excited about the whole event...there is so much amazing stuff going on. It'll be like a carnival for creatives like us. Check it all out here and you'll get lost in the fun of it all.

I hope to see you there!

summertime

Above is a sneak peek at a project from the Summer issue of Inspired Ideas, due out later this month.

Late July is a bit late to put out a Summertime issue but that Birthday issue being so big and taking so long to put together sort of put a kink in the schedule. We really should've spent that time putting together the Summertime issue. Or maybe that special Birthday issue should've replaced the Summertime one. Hopefully by the time it comes out you'll still have a hankering for Summertime crafting fun and inspiration.

I hope you're enjoying your summer! I'll check back in soon.

more birthday shadowboxes!

Fabulous shadowbox made by Viv for Marlene. 

Love it...especially love the china doll with the party hat. So sweet. 

Michele made this fun little party in a shadowbox!

Danee made this beautiful shadowbox

 (and even included details of how it's put together on her blog here!)

I hate to do this but okay...

now for a bit of housekeeping. Swap Nice! If you signed up for the swap and are late in sending it out, can you please, please, please email your partner? I'm not going to lecture you...just wanted to remind you. Another reminder (not lecture): If you received your package, please let your partner know.