Stipp of All Trades

Check out my Betterist Site!

2011-06-25T07:57:00.001-07:00

Hey all, I am offering scrapbooking classes - I will be available adter June 29th... more times available becuase of summer break!

Bulk Rename Utility is Super Cool

2011-05-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hey all you scrapbookers and digital photo people... here is a link to download a renaming utility for all your files.

http://www.bulkrenameutility.co.uk/Download.php

El Charro Restaurant - Excellent Mexican Cuisine in Tuscon, AZ

2011-04-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

Went to a FANTASTIC restaurant in Tuscon, AZ. El Charro was the best we ate in terms of Mexican cuisine.

El Charro Restaurant

Free Layout Sketch for 12X12 Scrapbook Page

2011-04-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

Just tinkering around... here's a free sketch for you!

Have a creative day!

- Beth -

Birthday Card Using Flower Soft

2011-04-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

I found this new stuff called Flower Soft. It's very cool and I can't wait to use it on more than just cards. They have neat videos on their site as well.

Here are some pics of the card I made and gave to my mother-in-law.

2011-04-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

I have been fascinated with resin and pre-hardened resin circles lately. So, I made these brads:

Check them out at
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71405670/6-asian-inspired-scrapbook-or-card

Tootely doo!
- Beth

On the other, more usable hand,

2011-03-31T13:02:00.001-07:00

Oh, and by the way, I've lost a total of 50 pounds! Hooray for me.

Here we go again.....

2011-03-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

Just another toxic day in the District 130 neighborhood... I have chemical pneumonitis again. Again! Blah! Who knew signing up to teach would entail being hit with mustard gas and continual illness-by-debris and fumes. Oh well, I guess. There are worse jobs; coal mining, sewage leech field cleaners, port-a-john suckers, and oh, politician. I think I'll stay a teacher if it doesn't kill me. I love those darned kids too much!

I rock!

2010-12-26T23:24:00.000-08:00

Just gotta say....

down to 208!!!

48 pounds GONE!

Beth

36 Pounds Lost

2010-10-24T10:46:00.001-07:00

I have finally hit 220. That's a total of 36 pounds lost! After two fills... I am on my way!

30 pounds lost! Whoohoo!

2010-08-29T20:34:00.001-07:00

30 pounds lost! Whoohoo!

Goodbye Sweetheart

2010-08-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

We lost our precious little one, Isis Kitty, at 12:30 pm today via euthanasia at our veterinarian's office. She went peacefully and in no apparent pain. We will miss her so much... and so will our other Kitty, Evil Kitty.

Oh no....

2010-08-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, this is a sad post. Our kitty, Isis will spend one more night with us. She is in nth stage renal failure. She doesn't seem to be in much pain, but we, along with out vet, decided one more night wouldn't make much of a difference. She may not make the night...

At 11 years old she's had a good life, but it seems she got sick so fast... goes to show you one never knows.

Don't Forget to View My Etsy Store

2010-08-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Etsy Store

Poor Kitty

2010-08-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

Our kitty is sick. She weighs only 4.8 pounds (down from 12) and may have diabetes. She's 11, but was in perfect health until she had an abscess near her tail three weeks ago. After surgery, a drain, and stitches removed, she just hasn't bounced back....

I took her in today and they gave her fluids and a shot of insulin. I need to force feed her every few hours and it's back to the vet tomorrow at 10 AM.

More down!

2010-08-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

27 pounds down! So, I have about 90 more to go. I am so happy!

First Fill

2010-07-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

I went to my surgeon today and got my first "fill" of saline in my Lap Band. I now have 3 cc of fluid in my band. What a weird experience! My port (the little button-like thingy where the doc injects the saline) is under my skin like normal... but it isn't to the left of my stomoach like most patients. My port is to the right due to the surgeon didn't like the tissue where the port was supposed to go, so he put it on the right during my surgery back on June 2.

It was a bit tough for him to find the port and inject the saline - but not to worry! Everything went fine after a little "fishing" with the needle... (I know, ewwwww, righ?)

I feel some restriction, but have an appointment in just over 4 weeks. If my weight loss stalls, I'll be getting another fill of fluid until I find the "sweet spot"....

I'm Slenderizing Still!

2010-07-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yep, a few more pounds... down to 233! 23 Pounds total.....

I am going in to hopefully get my first "fill" on July 27, 2010. It'll be interesting.

On hold..........for now!

2010-06-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well not much news to report in the area of wait loss. I am "slowing down" as was expected. We'll see after next week. I can definitely tell I will need a fill after six weeks post-op because I can't feel the super tight restriction I've been counseled about. But, I know my band doesn't have much saline in it. At first, they put little or no saline in the band to allow your body to heal and adjust to the band. That said, I am still very careful about what I eat, take extremely small bites, chew at least 20 times, and put my fork down between bites.

It's been an interesting transition from going from "teacher speed eating" to slower-than-normal eating. I do feel confident I have made the transition, and it is beginning to be a habit. My hubby sure has helped me realize how fast I was eating. I even took a stop watch to my dining - wow! Did I eat fast. Teaching 5th grade in my school district means you get roughly 10 minutes to down your food. I was eating an enormous amount of food in that time. Hundreds of calories down in every few bites. I wasn't even really chewing. It's amazing how slowing down has helped me really taste food. Texture wasn't really an issue...now I feel every morsel. I am finding some foods taste way better than I thought and others don't really appeal to me.

It definitely is like learning to eat all over again. It is an experience I feel I needed.... it's paying off!

New Items!

2010-06-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hey all... new items on Ebay

http://shop.ebay.com/freespell/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

and new items in my Etsy Store!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/StippofallTrades

Thanks!

- Beth -

Here we go again!

2010-06-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here we go again! One more pound for a total of

20!

Yep, 20 pounds! I am so happy!

Another Pound Gone By

2010-06-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

Yep, one more pound. 19 total so far. It seems unlikely, but it is happening. I was totally freaked out yesterday considering I had 4 pounds of water gain... thought the whole thing had gone in the dumpster. But, as we know water gain can put havoc on your plan...

So, other than that, I am healing more each day. Getting my routine formed and hopefully all will be in place for the new school year starting at the end of August. Patience is key as new routines take months to form.

Feeling great and down 18 pounds!

2010-06-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

Is it too good to be true? I am down another pound for a total of 18. I am almost afraid to officially report it - I am so happy!

I also feel great, the best I've felt in years. Now, back to LIFE!

Scrapbooking, crafting, painting, bead-making, school stuff, you name it, here I come! I'll try and blog more often. It is really fun, keeps people updated, and allows me to "let off some steam" now and again. And if I am a bloggin' I am not eatin'!

Well, hello!

2010-06-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Well, hello!

It’s been A LONG TIME! As some of you may or may not know, I have had Lap Band© Surgery. I had my surgery on June 2, 2010. I am doing well and as of this posting, I am 17 pounds down!

It’s been a life-changing event to say the least. My husband has been an amazing one-man support system. He’s been an incredible help and I couldn’t have done it without him!

I had my surgery done by a phenomenal surgeon and Lap-Band© specialist, Dr. Vafa Shayani. He works out of St. James in Olympia Fields and I had my surgery done at St. James in Chicago Heights (they don’t do surgery at Olympia Fields).

I am still on the mend, eating almost completely normal food (I had to be on liquids for one week and soft foods for about a week and a half after that). I still can’t lift more than 5 pounds for a couple of more weeks, but other than that, I am feeling great. In fact, I haven’t felt this good physically and mentally in years.

I am looking forward to the challenge of changing everything about the way I eat and exercise with excitement and some trepidation. I know I can do this, especially with the support of my wonderful husband, friends, and family.

So, I’ll try and keep this blog going. I had neglected it because there was so much going on in terms of the surgery and the end of the school year.

I hope everyone reading this is well and at peace. Stay well and treat each other with kindness.

- Beth -

Student Teacher and Stuff

2010-03-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

Been super busy and haven't posted in awhile. I have a student teacher, Susan, and it's going great. She's a former Art Store owner. Her and I have become fast friends. I am learning as much from her as she is learning from me.

Fiesty is doing well and so are the kids. We've just finished our stupid state ISAT tests and are trying to get back to actual learning.

My arthritis has been okay - I am thinking of making an earlier than expected appointment with my rhuemotologist for my hands. They've been bad.

I've also listed some stuff and will be listing more in the future on Etsy. Check out the links on this blog.

Tootles,

- Beth -

Another Etsy Item...

2010-03-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Lime Time Candle Set

New Item for Sale on Etsy

2010-03-13T21:03:00.001-08:00

Here's the link to a new item I just posted on Etsy...
Lime Time Silk Pillow

Our Class Pet - Fiesty the Corn Snake

2010-01-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

Fiesty is our class pet - the kids love her and so do I! I have always loved snakes and reptiles. We had a snake book and I read it until the pages fell apart. Mom would't let me have one, but I "snuck" a couple of garder snakes inside... never for long. SO, this is a dream for me - and I am having a ball! She's also great for the students in my class - even the girls hold her!

Ah... Another Three Day Weekend Flys By!

2010-01-18T19:46:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am at the end of another three-day weekend. And I'd like to give my respects to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All I can say is what an amazing personality. If he had lived.... well, only the stuff of dreams I guess.

So, I am off to another crazy week of school. I recently had a student teacher start. She is teaching her first lesson on Wednesday. I can truly say having her start has sure lit a fire under my butt - I am thinking about teaching, about pedagogy, about content, learning, etc. It's nice - I'd like to keep it that way.

As far as the whole body = mind thing goes, I am beginning to wonder. I am having serious joint/hip issues for the past few days and I can't get my eating under control. I get energized mentally and then the body stuff goes to hell. I get back on track with eating and walking, the whole "staying on top of things" goes to hell.

I get a kick out of those who say you need to find "balance". How do you balance a 500 pound elephant and a feather for crying out loud. Well, I guess the only way is to practice, practice, practice - or get rid of either the elephant or the feather.

I confess - I love tacky Nail Art

2010-01-03T12:44:00.001-08:00

I admit it, I can't help it. I love tacky nail art. I love all types of painted acrylic nails, loud colors, glitter, stickers, sequins, stripes, patterns, etc. So, I figure, I'll blog my nails. Here's the current style I am wearing. It was done by H & T Nails:

The purple polish was theirs and the glittery stuff was mine.

Blah Post

2009-12-29T18:28:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged about anything "artsy" in a while and I just realized it. I made a whole slew of Christmas Cards and sent them out... didn't scan a single one - DUH! I could have posted them here after everyone received them. Oh well, you live and you learn, or you don't.

This Winter break has been interesting. Lots of awesome relaxing with my favorite husband during the first week. He was a tad sick - we have both been sick on and off since October. I went into school yesterday and today to get caught up on a few things - like there is ever such a thing as "caught up" anymore. I did get a lot accomplished, but have more than is possible to complete to do. Oh well - it'll be there when I get back. I may go in tomorrow for a tad in the morning.

I have a lot of downsizing and Ebaying to do - lots of stuff in the classroom just taking up space. I am going to apply the "if you haven't used it in the past year (school year) get rid of it" philosophy.

Of course, the end of the year work is now upon me. End of the year for the Wetlands Board I serve on, end of the year taxes, end of the year business stuff - blah.

Hmm... I think I "create" something instead of grade the thousand (not joking) or so papers I have to grade....

Happy Snow!

- Beth -

Just an Evil "Hello"

2009-12-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

Our Evil baby... just saying "hello".

Ah, WInter Break.....

2009-12-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

Ah, Winter Break. What can I say? RELAX! Well, sort of. I'll be going into school at least three days to catch up on filing and planning. But, that's what I actually like about break. I can usually get in school with no students, other teachers, principal, etc. to distract me and I can get work accomplished.

On another note, we've had our new class pet since October - Fiesty - a baby corn snake. She wasn't eating at first, now she's doing fine. I'll have pics later. The kids love her and we've learned a lot about her habitat in the wild, life cycle, reptile characteristics, etc.

Nothing else new - I'll catch you all later.

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday!

- Beth -

On Through December

2009-12-03T05:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a while, again. Busy as usual. We are forging ahead in school - extra work load hasn't gotten better. But - I have.

I have quit almost every extra committee I could think of. I refuse to do any extra work, even if I get paid. I only take additional training, or work when it's convenient and I get paid.

Now - I am going to refocus on - YES I DARE SAY - the CHILDREN! Whoohooo!
I am in the process of cleaning the classroom this week, reorganizing the room, planning, and redeveloping lessons.

I am a teacher and I will teach.

Happy joy!

- Beth -

What To Do - Busy Work

2009-10-18T19:01:00.001-07:00

It's sure been a weird couple of weeks. I have the greatest class this year - 5th graders made of niceness. Whoa. Not used to that.

With our new principal and new superintendent, there are so many changes and so many new demands, I wonder when I'll actually get to teach. It seems so much stupid stuff takes up our day now. Forms, charts, spreadsheets, reports, data, testing, School Improvement Plan revisions, curriculum alignment, IEP meetings, and more. It's not that all those things aren't important, it's just that with all that to do our kids seem to get the shaft. Busy work, busy work, busy work. I guess that is what I call what the district, state and feds do to us teachers. Busy work.

The public sure isn't aware of all this. We need Pam Zeckman, or another investigative reporter to look at what the government and administrators are doing to the teachers and them, by default, the kids. We need to simplify, not bog down the teacher with more crap that is meant to impress government policy makers who have no idea what education is or should be.

Take for instance a typical week of about 1700 minutes of instruction. Half of it (if I'm lucky) is actually instruction. The rest is dealing with a plethora of crap that has nothing to do with filling our kids' heads with knowledge.

Of course, we can talk about finances and the lack thereof all day. Take the money issue off the table and we're still let with a bunch of overworked, underpaid teachers wandering a desert of paperwork and bureaucracy.

Parents don't help, either. With all the news lately coming out of the south side of Chicago I am about ready to crack. The shootings are appalling. The blame placers are even worse. There are actually some journalists, parents, clergy, etc. blaming the teachers. Yep - us. It's our fault. It's our fault the kids are out until 1 AM on school nights. It's our fault parents are gang members, drug dealers, or even worse - apathetic. Yes, I know. There are plenty of caring parents. I'd just like them all to step up every day and spend hours and hours watching, keeping tract of, helping, guiding, teaching, disciplining, loving, caring, hugging, being good examples for, their kids. Where are the parents?

I have a solution. Since the government and school system is at fault (according to so many), then we need to change the system. Let's develop a system of universal parenting, not health care. Let's get them when their 6 months old. Here's how it should work. You have a kid, keep it until 6 months. If you are not in a stable relationship as dictated by some committee, don't make a minimum amount of income, don't have health insurance and have not completed a mandatory 250 hours of parenting and safety training, then we get them. "We" being the government. You drop them off at an "intake" facility and you pick them up when they are 18. That way it's all our fault.

Just venting... I probably offended about one million or so - oh well. Blame it on my 5th grade teacher.

Spider Silk Tapestry Goes on Display at American Museum of Natural History

2009-09-30T18:42:00.001-07:00

Spider Silk Tapestry Goes on Display at American Museum of Natural History

Shared via AddThis

A New Fit!

2009-09-27T20:15:00.001-07:00

I know, I know. It's been WAY too long! But, I am back and with some old, but SUPER news. Here is my new 2009 Honda Fit.

It's the Sport Edition with the cute spoiler. We got 44 MPG going from Chicago to Louisville! Whoohooo! It has 57 cubic feet of storage and is OH SO CUTE! I'll post new pics when I get it "Snoopified". For those of you who know me I LOVE SNOOPY and he must be on all vehicles I drive. So, stay tuned!

Do Some Good Green!

2009-09-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hey all - check the banner from Ebay out... cool stuff, enter a sweepstakes, help out tons of charities! It's fun!

- Beth -

The First Full Week Has Gone By Lickety Split!

2009-08-30T19:36:00.001-07:00

Whew! What a fast and furious week! We had Open House on Thursday night, plus our first ever "3 Days of Emergency Sub Plans Binder" due on Friday. As I've said, I like our new principal, but getting used to someone actually holding us accountable for things that makes sense takes some getting used to. I am NOT complaining, just reeling from the chaos that was last week.

I have 28 students. It's more than the past couple of years, but not the most I've had. I've had 29. This year, though, my co-teacher and I are trying something new. We're switching a few kids with another teacher so as to spread out her case-load of special needs students. The trick is getting schedules down pat, but so far so good. Without the tremendous patience and flexibility of my coworker K.J. it would never work. She's the best!

Next week I have to get down to business with testing. This totally stinks. I have to individually test all my kids so that means they have to sit and do a lot of independent work. This will be the first round of three different independently administered tests to be given before the end of September, so the kids look to be bored out of their gourds. I feel so sorry for them. It would be different if these tests were administered by another teacher whose job would be to only administer these tests. He or she could pull one to three kids at a time, get it done, and the rest of us could go about teaching.

That would be the right way... not our district's way. The excuse is everything costs too much money. Of course, what's new.

Except for that, things are going pretty well. I've even had time to scrap and craft. I still have a ton of stuff "almost done", but at least it's closer to being done than before. Hopefully, I'll have it done and uploaded onto Etsy before too long...

Take care, and here goes another week! Whhhoooooooohooooo!

- Beth -

It's Been A Long Time... but School Has Begun!

2009-08-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a whirlwind few days. The students came back last Wednesday (August 19, 2009) and, boy, has it been busy. As I have previously posted, there are a lot of additional demands put on us in terms of testing and record keeping. That, compounded with a new principal has made for a turbulent start. But I'm not complaining! I have a great class, our new principal is just what we need (compassionate, firm, organized, and straightforward), and I am excited to be back.

I promised some pics of my new classroom - here it is on the first day:

New Layouts... Old School (Literally)

2009-08-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

Finally put the finishing touches on some layouts of my mom and her days in grammar school. I took photos instead of scanning them to see how it would turn out - I think they came out okay. Click on the pictures to make them bigger and view the details more closely (if you'd like, of course!) - Beth -

Haven't Written in A Bit...

2009-08-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

Whew! I have been SO busy at school, but I am loving it! My new room is coming right along. We've also been doing curriculum work, which takes up my time in my room, but it is work that also needs to get done.

We have a new principal - and not too soon! We have an overcrowded roster already, with up to 28 to 30 in a class and no signs of stopping there. Our registration was last Thursday and Friday and over 150 DIDN'T show up! Eeks!

I am more glad than ever to have moved rooms so I have more space. I also don't feel guilty about the person I switched with - that teacher only has 13 in his room because he teaches a bilingual classroom.

I also have been taking time to work on my arts and crafts, including things for Etsy and for myself. It's nice to do a little each day - I feel cheated out of "fun" if I don't get to work on something, even if it is little.

I'll be posting new stuff by this Sunday on Etsy. I have also made another sale with one pending to Australia! I am going International! Whoohoo!

Here's to another work filled week - take care!

- Beth -

Back to School - Set-Up Has Begun!

2009-08-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

Today will mark the third day back at setting up my classroom. I am so excited to be in my new room! I have a former student helping me. Without him, I'd sure be in a pickle! He's doing all the climbing, bending, as I can't do those things as well as I used to.

I'll have some pictures soon, so you can see my new room!

- Beth -

New Stuff on Etsy

2009-07-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

I listed some vintage items of Etsy. Vintage Photo Albums to be exact. To all my friends out there - please let me know what you think of my prices. Check out items on Etsy if you get a chance and let me know!

I am adding more soon!

Career Changers Choose Teaching - AOL Find a Job

2009-07-29T07:59:00.001-07:00

Here is an article about changing careers and becoming a teacher:

Career Changers Choose Teaching - AOL Find a Job

Shared via AddThis

Here are my comments:

Well, I have been teaching 5th grade for over 10 years and don't make
$51,000.00 a year! I love teaching - but people should know it's one of
the most labor intensive and demanding jobs you'll ever do. You won't get
much respect, you'll be asked to work way over 40 hours a week during the school
year, and "summers off" is a thing of the past with the requirements for
professional development ever-increasing.

I have seen too many
"professionals" switch careers because they weren't "fulfilled" only to end up
overwhelmed and discouraged their first year. Quite frankly a lot of
professionals who come into teaching after a career switch aren't up for the
massive amount of work involved.

I still love to teach - I just wish I'd get to do it a little more.

2009-07-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Well, not much here to report except that this is my last entirely FREE week! I will start getting back to my room on about August 4th, especially since I moved classrooms. So far I've had a great summer - tons of stuff done around the house and I had a lot of fun crafting and scrapbooking.

I look forward to starting school. I have a new room to look forward to. The kids in the school district where I teach come back August 19th! We have a lot of challenges ahead of us this year. AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) will be amped up to 77%. We are using a new assessment tool on top of THREE other assessment tools. AIMS Web is a comprehensive program that really needs a dedicated building person to administer it. Of course, we won't get anyone. This is on top of DRA assessments, locally developed District Assessments, the state ISAT assessment, and our promotion criteria assessment the ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills). Yippeeeee!

Oh, and I am supposed to teach all the curriculum, social skills, healthy living, drug and violence prevention, coping skills, problem solving skills, compassion, and empathy. No problem! Oops, there I go again, ranting about the job.

The Scraprack!

2009-07-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

Many of my scrappin' guests are amazed at my organization system for all my scrapbooking templates, embellishments, stickers, and more. I use the Scraprack system. I have tried MANY different types of organizational systems - this one is THE BEST hands down. Check out the link on the sidebar of my blog.

Getting Better at this Scanner!

2009-07-22T18:01:00.001-07:00

Here's a layout (yes, of me again). I scanned the four corners and used Photoshop Elements 7.0 to stitch the pictures together using its Panoramic function.

I am almost done with all of the layouts of me "posing" for my dad. He LOVED to buy me dresses, especially for the holidays and especially for Easter. And of course, as soon as I came over with the new outfit, here came the Polaroid. The old Polaroids were in pretty bad shape, so it took me awhile to scan them all and correct them all. I finally said, "Enough with scrapping everyone else - I am getting to ME!"

This is a REALLY bad scan....

2009-07-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

I will upload another layout using a "four corner" scan method. And yes, that's me when I was about 11.

Layout with Stitching Borders

2009-07-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a layout I completed today with my lady friends who were over for a crop session. It isn't much, but I did drag out my sewing machine and stitch some borders. I have been wanting to get out my machine for some sewing projects I've been meaning to finish - so I thought I'd get back to stitching on my layouts.

I printed the title on black card stock - you can just see the ink enough to trace around it. The scan isn't as true to life as I'd like. I am still working out the kinks on my new equipment.

New Scanner - I can finally post some layouts!

2009-07-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Don't you love when you have to get used to a totally new technology? I actually enjoy the challenge - but there is a bit of "comfort remorse" when you go to do something like scan and post a scrapbook layout that you're used to doing in about 5 minutes only to realize you need to learn a whole new process. I figured out enough using the newer version of Photoshop Elements (7.0) and my new printer/scanner do-dah.

I am going through my older albums and finding layouts that don't quite belong. Case in point - here is an older layout of my grandmother's 95th birthday party. It was in my childhood album for some reason, so I took it out, redid the main picture (I fixed it using Photoshop Elements 7.0, and had it printed bigger). I didn't change the rest of the layout, just made the picture bigger. The layout is just a tad under true 12x12 becuase it came from an old Creative Memories album.

Our Newly Redecorated Guest Bathroom

2009-07-21T10:54:00.001-07:00

Well, FINALLY, here are some picks of our finished bathroom. I took the pictures without the shower curtain (which is black) to show more detail. We did a ragging/pouncing technique using a basecoat and two different colors of glaze.
My oh-so-stylish hubby John picked out most of the colors... I think it turned out pretty neat. We got a new light fixture and new hardware. The only thing I'd like to do is get a new faucet for the sink. That'll have to wait a while.

CLICK ON A PICTURE TO ENLARGE

2009-07-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, but I have another card to share. This one is going to one of my new doctors with whom I was totally impressed. Her office was decorated to the hilt in American Indian art. So, I threw this card together to send her a "thank you" for being so good with me.

Ahhh.. a new computer and new headaches.

2009-07-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been about a week with the new computer. The old one was over 5 years old and a ticking time bomb. It was a crash waiting to happen. So now, I have succumbed to VISTA... yuk. There are quite a few things, as a crafter and digital scrapbooker, I like and a few things I hate. I hate the new Word. I love the overall look. So, I haven't gotten everything just the way I like it as of yet. I had to buy a new printer/scanner combo. It will arrive on Wednesday and I can get to scanning and uploading some layouts and stuff on here that I have been postponing due to the "switch".

The painting in the upstairs guest bathroom has been grinding to a halt. Sore hips have kept me sidelined for a few days - but I am still eating right. Tuesday is my goal to start on the treadmill - sore or not!

Yesterday, a good friend of mine (a retired Special Education teacher) dropped off some juvenile mallard ducks so we could release them in our pond. No pics! They didn't come out because the darned things are so good at being camouflaged, they literally disappeared into the reads and became "invisible!" Good for them - I hope they make it. I will be on the lookout to see if I can spot them and take pics.

The Center in Palos Heights, IL is a farm/community center where they came from. Silly people think they are "saving" the little baby mallards and whisk them off to the farm claiming the mother was no where to be found. Sad thing is they most likely are wrong and the mom was off as to not draw attention to her babies. Hopefully, theses little guys will make it in our oasis!

If you'd like information on this great charity, here's their site:

http://www.thecenterpalos.org/Home.html

They are truly a fantastic organization. One of my students won a scholarship to attend their "farm camp" and it was a great experience for her. They are always in need of donations including money and camping equipment. Help them out if you can!

Other than that, nothing new to report. Hopefully I'll have new inventory on Etsy, new crafts to share, new layouts to post, etc. soon!

Take care and have a great Sunday!

- Beth -

Birthday Flowers and a Handmade Thank You Card

2009-07-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my dear friend, Sally for these super adorable birthday flowers...

Here's the thank you card I am sending to her!

A Talented Friend's Treasured Birthday Card TO ME!

2009-07-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my dear friend Jenny for this oh so cute birthday card! She's so talented!

A Picture of One of Our Kitties - Evil Kitty

2009-06-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

Here he is.... plain cute.

NOT CANCER! WHOOHOOO!

2009-06-30T18:21:00.001-07:00

Whew, what a day! I worked all day on personal business, wetlands stuff (for those of you who don’t know, I am the Secretary of a property association), Ebay, Etsy, and housework.

I kept myself busy awaiting test results for ovarian cancer. Good news! NO cancer! However, a tad of bad news, but NOT CANCER – I have polycystic ovaries and may be entering premature menopause. Great… I guess the hot flashes I have been having are not a figment of my imagination. My hubby and I do not want kids, but it looks like from the shape of my ovaries, I couldn't get pregnant if I wanted to. Well, onward to ANOTHER specialist to check out all that stuff. Whippeee!

Makes me take losing weight even more seriously! I need to lose almost 100 pounds and am now not afraid to face the challenge. With all the great help and support of my friends and my super awesome hubby, I will do it! I have to – plain and simple. You can’t do all this wonderful craft stuff and teach a bunch of crazy 5th graders overweight and sick.

So, it’s onto thinking positive thoughts and taking it day by day. Thanks for listening!

- Beth -

I am so excited!

2009-06-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

I just made my first Etsy sale! I am so excited! Granted, it wasn't an item I made (it was the two vintage 60's-70's trays), but it was an item I found and cleaned up. I guess you could say "rescued" from a garage sale! Anyway, I feel as if I am on my way to having a legitimate store. Whoohoo!

Etsy

2009-06-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to my Etsy Store... I am finally starting! I am so excited. I have wanted to get my business, Stipp of All Trades, back on line for some time. With my mother's extended illness, that wasn't possible. So, here we go!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6066617

- Beth -

Selling on Ebay

2009-06-25T10:17:00.001-07:00

Check out my current inventory on Ebay. I'll be posting items I'm listing on Etsy when I get around to it.

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/freespell_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZ

A Neat Word Art Tool - WORDLE

2009-06-25T10:10:00.001-07:00

Check out this neat word art tool called Wordle. It's at http://www.wordle.net/. Here is a wordle of this blog:

Trying My Hand at a new Paper Craft - Quilling

2009-06-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here's my first attempt at using the paper craft of quilling (rolling thin strips of paper into spirals). I got the idea out of an issue of Card Makers magazine. I think it turned out alright. It's a lot of fun to do, very relaxing and not that expensive. I have had the supplies lying around for over 7 years and had never used them! If that isn't the sign of a completely crazy crafter, I don't know what its. Anyway, here it is (to the left). I think it will be a birthday or mother's day card... I haven't decided as of this posting.

Feed the little fishies if you'd like!

2009-06-23T06:31:00.001-07:00

Feed the little fishies if you'd like!

Photography Picture Printing Services

2009-06-23T06:24:00.001-07:00

A lot of my friends ask me where I get my pictures printed. I know there are a lot of popular sites out there, but I like York Photo. I have been using them for years - even before digital pictures! I use them for all "normal" sizes. They even have great gifts and some photo books you can have made. They are at

www.YorkPhoto.com

For 12 X 12 and other sizes, not to mention neat paper finishes like "silver" I use:

www.ScrapbookPictures.com

Just thought I'd pass it along!

- Beth -

A Great Charity - The Apache Junction Horse Rescue Ranch

2009-06-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Oh... a quick note about a charity I find near and dear. My mom had requested that I find a good horse charity so that when she passed away, people could give to the horses instead of "waste" money (her words) on her funeral, flowers, etc. So, thanks so much to those who already gave, and here's the info if anyone else is interested:

http://www.ajhorserescue.org/

They are a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization with an all volunteer group.

Moving on in life by painting a guest bathroom...

2009-06-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

John and I are painting our second floor... it's about time! We've lived here for about 10 years and the upstairs still has a "spit coat" of contractor's paint! Eeks! We are starting in our guest bathroom, which was the worst of the four rooms upstairs.

We primed today... we are doing a three step decorative finish following an idea found in a Ralph Loren idea book. We will lay down a dark tan base followed by a subtle sponging of two darker earthy moss tones. I'll include pics if they turn out.

It's refreshing to get going on some home projects. The death of my mom in May has allowed us to be "free" since she had been ill for over 5 years, and on Hospice for over 1 and 1/2 years. My mom and I had a complicated relationship at best and it was difficult to say the least. John and I are relieved the turmoil and drama are over and we are finally free to concentrate on "us" and our lives.

That's why I am so excited about starting school in the fall as well. I have moved classrooms (I'll have my own bathroom - whoohoo!) We'll have a new principal and several new teachers. My school district has a new superintendent and a new curriculum/assistant superintendent. Wow! What a way to restart things! I am excited about all this change and the possibilities it brings.

I feel more creative than ever - I have finished over 20 scrapbook layouts in the past month as well as over 10 personalized, handmade greeting cards. I am well on my way to listing things I've made and re-finished or re-purposed on Etsy.

I am also concentrating on my health - I have a lot of weight to lose and I have some health issues to address.

So, if that's not enough to keep my wheels turnin', I don't know what will! Happy Father's Day to all and a special wish to my long passed father (RIP Dad)! I love you!

That's all for now... thanks for reading!

- Beth -

It's all beginning here....

2009-06-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! My name is Beth. I am a 5th Grade Elementary Teacher, an AVID scrapbooker, photographer, re-purposer of stuff, and crafter. Welcome to my blog!

I have had a lot of life changing moments in the past few months and I have come away from them with a fresh, new look on life! I want to promote my interests as well as a candid, real-world approach to life. Hopefully I’ll accomplish this with this blog – all while staying as positive as I can.

I hope you come along for the ride – I look forward to hearing from you!

- Beth -