Enabler Alert!

Passing along this info for all my fellow paper crafters. Tuesday Morning is a very cool store.

Crocheted Smart Car

I found this photo on flickr and had to share. It's a Smart Car with a crocheted cover. Click here to see a larger photo with more detail. It's amazing!

Choices Control Your Calendar

Copied from today's Daily Hope with Rick Warren:

"We are each responsible for our own conduct."
Galatians 6:5 (NLT)

Your choices control your calendar and, as a result, your lifestyle. Your choices are far more powerful than your circumstances. You may not like how complicated your life has become yet, with very few exceptions, no one is forcing you to keep your life complicated.

You have the power to simplify your life.

The Bible teaches, "We are each responsible for our own conduct" (Galatians 6:5 NLT). To me, that means God expects us to assume responsibility for our lives and to carefully choose how we spend our time. That's why I've spent years teaching people to discover why God placed them on this planet: What is your purpose for being here?

Ultimately, it will be the donation of your life that will count far more than the duration.

In other words, it's not how long you live - or even how much you cram into how long you live - it's really about how you live.

Here are three essential steps to simplify your life:
First, figure out your purpose, and then let your purpose guide the goals of your life.
Second, organize your activities based upon your purpose.
Finally, harmonize your schedule with your purpose; that is, bring your activities into agreement with your goals.

You have just enough time to do God's will while you're here on earth. You've been given just enough time to fulfill your purpose. When you try to do more than God planned for you, it's only natural that you'll find yourself constantly out of time or stressed over your schedule.
If it doesn't fit the purpose of your life, God doesn't want you doing it. In fact, he may be overjoyed that you finally got the message and stopped doing meaningless activities. He may even want you to add "rest" or "have fun" to your to-do list.

My prayer for you is that you will find relief from stress and a new sense of satisfaction as you do only the things God created you to do.

The Knitter's Bible series

I purchased the Knitted Accessories book from the The Knitter's Bible series while on vacation by Knoebels Amusement Resort. We stumbled upon an Ollie's Bargain Outlet store and I snagged it for only $2.99.

Amazon's description:

"This work is a collection of over 30 stylish knitted accessories for all seasons, from gloves and scarfs, to hats and ponchos. Styles vary from silky skinny scarfs, funky brimmed hats and chic city sets to a pretty lace shawl and cute mittens. It takes into account the exciting choice of yarns available to the modern knitter, and focuses on using these to maximum effect. Variation ideas take the projects further, showing different patterns, yarns and styles through detailed photography and colourful artworks. Easy-to-follow techniques ensure great results, whether giving a simple scarf a professional finish, or adding an eye-catching trim to an embellished hat."

The author, Claire Crompton, has published quite a few books and I am now on the hunt for the first installment in the series (at a great price).

New Art & Soul release from CTMH

"You’ve arrived at party central's Summer Splendor, where every project is a blast and every new technique is reason to celebrate. From sentiments that speak to dazzling clear cards, we have an abundance of easy techniques and fun projects to share with you! Plus, learn how to create show-stopping paper embellishments with a circle punch and glean insider tips for photo matting in Studio J™—you won’t want to miss it!"

Jon Schmidt - Love Story Meets Viva la Vida

At CTMH's Annual Conventional, we enjoyed the tremendous talents of pianist Jon Schmidt, whose “mash up” of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” and Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” was phenomenal! His performance blew me away.
Please check out his YouTube video above. You won't be disappointed and will become an instant fan too.

CTMH Scrappin Ladies

CTMH's Annual Convetional was a blast! But nothing was as memorable as the corporate staff’s dancing tribute to “All the Scrappin’ Ladies” (watch your back Beyonce). I’m sure many of you have heard about this infamous, booty-shaking performance, but in case you haven’t seen it, it’s one for the books. Check-out the consultant-recorded video of the dance. It will put a smile on your face!

On the hunt ...

Scotch 3M Pink ATG Adhesive Gun & 2 Refills

I've been waiting to purchase a pink ATG gun since March, but production delays have been teaching me patience. They're scheduled to make an appearance in Michael's sometime during the second week of July. And you can use a coupon!

"Scotch ATG Applicators quickly and neatly apply Scotch and 3M branded adhesive transfer tapes. A touch of the trigger releases the adhesive and liner for quick, controlled application of tape. No mess or clean-up. Saves time and effort. This ATG applicator applies adhesive transfer tape while simultaneously removing and rewinding the liner. The liner is captured on a secondary spool, leaving only the adhesive on the surface. The Scotch ATG Adhesive Applicator Gun is perfect for all of your scrapbooking and paper projects. Each package includes one ATG Applicator Gun, 2 rolls of ¼” tape - 72 yards total and also features:

~ covered gears minimize applicator jams
~ transparent cover allows the user to keep a constant check on remaining tape
~ holds up to 60 yards of Scotch Adhesive Transfer Tape
~ use with ¼” Scotch ATG Tapes

And best of all:

3M will donate a portion of the proceeds to Susan G Komen Foundation

Matching Bell's Mittens

How cool is this. I found matching mittens for the Bella's Cowl I posted yesterday. The mitten pattern is by Marielle Henault and was the inspiration for the cowl pattern. I need to hire a cleaning person to free up my time in order to knit all these projects.

Bella's Cowl

Another great FREE pattern by Rosi Garmendia over at Knit Picks. I love when the weather cools and allows me to wear mock turtlenecks. The idea of a separate cowl is awesome! Looking forward to making a bunch of these in different colors to match everything in my coat closet.

CTMH's July Stamp Of The Month

July's "Happy Forever" is adorable!

Want to join an exclusive club? Every month Close To My Heart offers you an exclusive My Acrylix® D-size stamp set FREE or at a large discount. The stamp set is available to qualifying customers for that month only. It’s our way of saying thank you, and your way of getting fantastic deals on our amazing stamps! Contact me to find out how to get your "Happy Forever" set for FREE.