New stage in life?

For the past year or so I have been feeling a change was coming in my life.  When praying, I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to get ready for a new season.  Part of me is anticipating the change, while another is fighting dread of the unknown.   Amazingly, both Joyce Meyers and Joel Osteen have spoken on that subject in the last week or so and have offered encouragement to those stepping out. They have told people to work where their passion is.  That one's passion is linked to one's God-given talents and gifts. (paraphrase)

I asked my husband, Mike, to be praying about possible upcoming changes and he shared that he felt the same.  He didn't get any specifics but to just get ready.  Things have occurred which lead me to believe a big shift will start in January 2013. 

I believe part of the shift will include walking out in faith and beginning to sell crafts.  I have always loved crafts and my grandson, Benjamin, is my biggest fan and encourager.  I especially feel drawn to journals.  Working in a library has taken me on some of my best and exciting adventures in life.  My job has enabled me to make a difference in people's lives and in the community.  I am stunned by what God has done through me in my position as PR Manager. 

I have gained a different perspective about books.  In fact, I started making crafts using books and book pages.  I have been praying about starting an Etsy shop called Novel Destinations.   Here is a sample of a journal I just made for a special friend leaving the library workplace.

Tell me what you think!

Had a great weekend with friends.  On Saturday, a friend and I went to a Women's Expo.  I had been anticipating it since I had won the tickets.  I was not disappointed.   It was a memorable day. I think we went to nearly every booth and we signed up for countless prizes.  One booth had all jewelry for $5 or less.  This included earring and necklace sets.  What a bargain. I walked away with three sets!  Naturally, we tasted all the samples which ranged from flavored popcorn to all kinds of salsa.  I had never tried raspberry salsa before.  However, my friend assured me it tasted great over chicken.  I'll have to take her word for it because I don't think I will be trying it any time soon.  

On Sunday, I joined another friend at a bingo fundraiser after church. I never knew there were so any ways to play bingo!  L, T, 4 corners, small frame, etc.  I was really hoping to win a Vera Bradley tote.  Unfortunately, I didn't win anything but I enjoyed the time making new friends.  Plus, my money went for scholarships for local students.  A win win.

They were great ways to spend the weekend with it being so cold and windy.  In my defense, I did attempt to do some weeding. 

Wow!  Is that date correct?  Feb 22 since I last posted?  Well,  I have been busy writing an article for an magazine which was accepted.  Also, I have started some cover art for another magazine.   That's not counting an Altered Book Art display at my library that I have been working on.   I made a book purse, an apple, some folded pages sculpure pieces, and now I am working on some jewelry pieces.  Plus, a ton of work tasks and several board and committee meetings outside of work.   Whew!  Getting tired reading this? 

I am not complaining.  I love to craft and create both things and come up with new ideas.  I just finished a surprise Miss Kitty felted sweater doll for my granddaughter Lucy.  Here it is:  Let me know what you think. 

Are you crafts minded?  Do you get thrills and chills creating new things?  I do!  I love the challenge of something new but too often I don't seem to find the time what with work and family obligations.  Unfortunately, when I don't have the opportunity to use my creativity, I feel stagnant, unfulfilled.  I am always searching for ways to jumpstart my creativity and to find the time that seems nonexistent.  Here is a great tool that I found which I believe will help you and me to keep creating. I found it on the P.S. I Made It facebook page.   Try it and see what happens!  You might be pleasantly surprised.

Soon-to-be published!

Woo hoo!  I was offered the opportunity to submit an article to a family magazine.  Battling nervousness, I forged ahead.  Ironically, the monthly issue I am submitting an article for is about gardening.   Hmmmm...I have been known to kill air ferns.  I just don't have a green thumb like my husband.  Thankfully, he knows what he is doing and carries out my ideas.  Using my crafting and design skills with his gardening abilities we have created an English garden which produces abundant colors and fragrances through the summer.

I prayed and got the idea to write an article on "Growing Your Creativity", sharing inexpensive craft ideas using items found around the yard and house.  I explained that the lack of gardening skills doesn't mean one has to hire someone or have to spend a lot.  I lost count of how many times I tweaked the article.  Finally, I sent it in.  Within a day or two, I got a reply back that they loved it.  Whew!  I was thrilled to say the least.  It will appear in the May/June issue and I can hardly wait.  Life is good!

I love Pinterest!  Yes, it can be time-consuming...but that's my fault, it's my choice.   I love viewing new crafts from around the world.  I love finding and trying out new recipes.  It's fun to see all the journaling ideas that I can incorporate into my journals.   What is there not to like?
For Valentine's Day, I used some of the clipart to send to my husband who is working states away.  Several spoke what I felt in my heart for him.  I sent him at least one a day, letting him know how special he is to me.  I received inspiration for an article I am submitting to a magazine.  It's fun, easy, inspiring, motivational, and more, much more!  Visit me at my pinterest pinboard and join in the fun.
http://pinterest.com/kstutz/

The to-do list

Well, I am getting closer to finishing my to-do list for the weekend.  I finally got my Christmas scrap album finished and I am well on the way to finishing the magazine article I need to submit.  It still needs a little tweaking but I'm getting there.  Today, I will work on my journaling.   I have been looking at some of the journaling sites and have found some wonderful prompts to act as a springboard.  In fact, it was almost information overload.  I finally decided to put them on my Pinterest journals and journaling board for future reference for me and any of my followers.   http://pinterest.com/kstutz/journals-and-journaling-prompts/

There was one blog I particularly liked as it broke down a 30 day project into individual days.  The blogger had creative page ideas in addition and I plan to incorporate some of them.  It's  www.souljournaling.com/prompts.php.  She uses a mixed media approach which I think will be a great method to show my inner thoughts but also my crafting skills.