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Prompt Box + Q & A

Q & A. Instead of project life, I'm working on a "Prompt" box . What exactly is it? It's a culmination of daily questions and individual-based responses from the perspecitive of both art, and journaling.  The idea came to me a month ago after locating this fascinating journal, Q & A, at a local Barnes and Nobel store. I'd seen it before, but hadn't thought to bring it home with me. Inside, listed on each page, is the date, a self-exploration question, and five response areas. The instructions insist that you keep the journal a total of five years and for each one, answer all 365 questions. It's then suggested that you go back and compare your answers from year to year.

I think the overall concept of the journal is fantastic, which is why I'm using it to create a "Prompt" box. Inside the box, are going to be visual and verbal "response" cards to some of the questions that cross my path while working on the journal.The front of each card is purely decorative - it's an open area to take on a question using a more hand-on's, artistic approach. The question itself and the coinciding response, is located on the backside. Also listed, is the date. After the card is completed, it's tucked into the box along with the others. Once the clear,cube shaped box is beyond capacity, another is added, same color, shape and style. :)

Box Purchasing Source: The Container Store

 

The clear box was inspired by a recent trip to Stillwater's Mara Mi stationary store. While perusing the gorgeous store, I ran across a costly clear acrylic box that was no where near my budget, but was absolutely beautiful! I thought to myself that maybe I could justify the expence if I used it in an exceptionally personal way via a series of something. Still, the price seemed unreasonable, so I let the idea go..until...two minutes later, I ran into a much cheaper version of almost the same thing at the very same store. Lucky Lady! No questions asked, I bought it.

 I had planned on jumping into the cards tonight, but way beyond the midnight mark :-) Instead, I'll rejoin you in another day or two and give you a full peek at what I've done so far! Questions + Answers included! Here's some more prettiness to hold you over until then...night everyone!

 

Scrapbook and Cards Spring Issue + Cookie Love

Last night, I found a box sitting on my porch. I recognized it right away as "Scrapbook and Cards Today". I new inside would be a layout I'd contributed toward their "Watch'em Bloom" article for the new Spring issue! Let me tell you, I simply adore the magazine because it's well executed all around, the projects are always beautifully photographed, the project ideas are original, the print quality is crisp and clean, and it's available online for those without a subscription for FREE! Have I sold you on it yet?! Laugh. No, seriously, the founder/publisher, Catherine Tachdjian, is the sweetest,kindest person I've ever had the pleasure to meet. And Becky Fleck, the magazine's editor-in-chief,  is a joy to work with! They put a great deal of thought and effort into the production of each and every single issue. Both are huge fans of Crate Paper, too! We love that!!

 

This embossed flower is easy, peasy! 

1. Hand trim three different size circles from Vanilla cardstock.

2. Stamp each with a dotted background stamp using embossing ink. Sprinkle with white embossing powder and melt with a heat gun.

3. Spritz with Robin's Egg Spray Mist.

4. Using a brad and button, combine the circles to create your flower!

 

And if you're lucky enough, you'll find "Cardmaps 2" at your local nearby scrapbook store (also available for purchase at the Scrapbook and Cards website).. Even though I'm not a card maker per say, I still consider card publications like this a valuable resource for alternative technique offerings. It's not at all uncommon to discover me standing at JoAnns with a card making magazine in my hands. Believe it or not, card makers are pro's when it comes to reinventing embellishments and paper layering! They're wayyyy ahead of the curve in this department! And it's super easy to transfer card ideas to layouts! ;)

 ~

It's Spring, so what have we been up to? Lots, lots, lots. Lucky for us, Spring arrived three weeks early in Minnesota. Ethan's been beyond excited about it, so much so, that he's had me outside almost every day the last couple of weeks. We've been hanging out at parks, taking walks around the block and navigating our favorite ice cream shops! It's also the season for "birthday parties" - Last weekend, Ethan's niece and nephew hosted a science themed party with kid friendly science experiments and an actual scientist. It was very cool! 

After having noticed a tree down during a routine "park" visit, Ethan ran straight for the saw dust - while tossing the stuff around, he snuck my iPhone from it's resting spot, and tossed it as well. I just about had a heart attack when I watched the phone hit the ground. Thankfully, the ridiculously overpriced phone case came to the rescue at the moment of impact! Think I'm finally getting my money's worth out of the thing. Jeez. 

One last adventure to share..choco cookie making. If I have one food weakness, it's chocolate chip cookies. I've had great success at maintaining my goal weight since I lost it last Summer, but I still can't stay away from the cookie jar. Just look at these things....they beg to be added to my thighs!!

Ahhhh, relief. Tastes nummy!  And all thanks to Pinterest - so far, it's the best chocolate chip cookie recipe I've come by via Pinterest.

The Infamous Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Have a great weekend you guys! I'm off to bake more cookies for a special friend. Catch you next week!