It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged. I’ve been busy around here and a lot has been going on. I won’t go into it, just stuff. Anyway, I’m here, just pretty much in hiding.

It has been spring break around here so all the kids have been home, and if Ethan hasn’t had friends over here, he has been somewhere else. He’s having fun and enjoys the break but goes back to school on Monday. School on Monday is good because Shelby and I have been working on the whole “potty thing” this week, and one less kid to interact with means I can focus that attention on Shelby getting to the potty in time.

I went out with Michelle to Archivers yesterday. I haven’t shopped in AGES for scrap supplies as I’ve been on a self-imposed use what I have rule. It’s worked out well, and I’ve used up a lot of old stuff. I only bought a couple sheets of paper and a few other things… i.e. Bazzill Chipboard Brackets. Gotta love chipboard, it’s just so versatile. I love raw chipboard myself, I think because it really forces you to dress it up and try new things. Trying new things is always a good thing if you ask me. Challenge yourself people, and comment with a link to your creation, I’d love to see it. Here are some of my favorites:

  • Paint it. It’s a tried and true method, and I use it a lot. I paint. I paint and ink. I paint and distress. I paint and outline. The list goes on.
  • Glitter it. If you are starting from a raw chipboard base I’d paint the chipboard first in a color to match or compliment your glitter color. If the glitter is thin or doesn’t stick well in one spot or another the paint makes up for that and you can’t tell.
  • Add some shine. Any chipboard shape or letter looks nice with some gloss added to it. Someone, and off the top of my head I can’t remember who, (it’s 6am gimme a break), sells chipboard letters already coated with a shine. They are a bit pricey if you ask me so do it yourself. Invest in a bottle of Diamond Glaze or Glossy Accents and coat it on. For this purpose I prefer the Diamond Glaze, but whatever works for you, go for it. I think I’ll talk more about the difference between the two tomorrow, because they are different believe it or not.
  • Ink it. You can cover the entire visible portion in one color or stamp all over it, or both. If you are going to stamp it and it’s raw, you might paint it first in a complimenting color.

The possibilities are endless really and those are just a few to get your creative brain flowing.

After shopping I came home and cleaned my house, at least the main level. I did minor pickup upstairs, and didn’t touch downstairs at all. But at least I got the main level right? I left the house yesterday and didn’t even both to make the bed. For me that’s just crazy talk. I was starting to feel like a slob. LOL.

In other news, my stupid car is at the dealership again. One more time and I’m evoking my rights under the lemon law. Seriously, I’ve had enough. Frankly I had enough the second time around and right now we are on visit number three in two months time I think. You pay good money for a car, and you expect it to work the way it should. Period. Am I wrong? It’s not an old car, its a 2006 I think and a lease they are going to get back the very second I can. My lease isn’t up until July 31, 2009, and right now they are offering 6 months pull ahead. So, like I said, one more visit with the car not fixed and I’m going with the lemon law. I should have to be afraid to drive my car, thats why I lease a new car, so I don’t have to deal with that crap. Anyway, so I’m back to driving the Escalade for awhile, with I certainly can’t complain about. It’s a beautiful ride, just beautiful. I’m sad when it goes home, lol. That being said, I’d like my own car and not have to swap every couple weeks.

I think I’ll go make myself a nice hot cup of peppermint tea and sit and watch it rain. It’s only a few sprinkles here and there right now, and I’m wishing for a nice size storm. A storm always makes me feel so much better. There is a 70% chance of precipitation today with the highest chances between 7am and 9am, and a smaller chance up to noon. Then just clouds. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the weather people aren’t full of beans today. Apologies to those that aren’t fans, but like I said I’d feel SO much better.

Enjoy your day, and make sure you share your chipboard creations with me.

~j