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Sunday, July 8, 2012

House Update

Hey Guys!

So, I am happy to announce we are out of our option period on the house, and, provided all goes well, we are scheduled to close on or first home on July 23!  That's like 2 weeks....wow it's happening so fast!

Of course that means no crafting for the next 2 months while we pack, move, and unpack, but it will be well worth it.  I am going to start packing up my office this week - it's gonna take some time for sure....we'll see how it goes.  We are also planning some updates to the house.  There is an overlap of time between when we close and when our lease is up so we thought, we are going to have to have a contractor in to replace some things in the Master Bath...might as well do some other work while he's there. :)   Looks like David will be taking the largest extra room in the house for a media room.  I was pretty mad at first, but he told me if I wanted too, and it wasn't too expensive, we could knock out a wall between 2 of the bedrooms to make me one large craft space. Can I just tell you this is a dream come true!  On top of that my mother told me that all her Cricut Cartridges can come live there! (she has a Gypsy).  I am so excited, I can hardly wait.  Once we decide what route to go on the room, I will be sure to keep you posted w/ pics and updates, etc.

IN the mean time, I am working on some sketches for card and layout designs to teach on Create with Jessi so definitely stay tuned for that.  I should start that again mid to end of September once I'm back from Private Reserve w/ Quick Quotes.
Until then, you guys be safe, take care, and keep crafting!!
Hugs!
Jessi

Monday, July 2, 2012

Wow...A Month has gone by...

Can you believe a month has gone by since my last blog post?  Me neither....I'm slightly embarrassed..but only slightly.  Unfortunately there has been no crafting lately...so sad.  :(  But the main reason for that is because my spare time has been taken up by a quite grown up endeavor.  Jessi, grown up???  Yep, I'm taking another step into my adult life.  Dave and I are house shopping.  Not only are we in the market to find a home, but in 4 short weeks we have found what very well may be it!  We currently have an offer in on a lovely 5 bedroom , 2 1/2 bath home in Flower Mound.  Pics to come once it is ours.  We had an inspection on Friday...found several minor cosmetic issues, 2 really big issues.  1 we were expecting - AC is as old as the house....we may be replacing it...we knew to expect it, not a big deal.  The other....leave under the shower and tub in the master bath.  Again, we can seal it, not a huge deal, except we don't know how long the leak has been going on, and we don't know the damage under the tiles.  Dave has SEVERE allergy to mold so we can't put off the rebuild and clean up of that mess.  There may be zero mold or any thing, but water damage is not something we can afford to take lightly.

So, what else have I been doing with my time?  Well, I have, sadly, been indulging in YouTube.  I have discovered some delightful things, and revisited some equally delightful old friends.  Here are my top 5 favorite things found on You Tube over the past Month:

1.  Geek and Sundry - not a new find for me...been a follower ever since the channel started, but I love it!  It's The Producers of The Guild doing some amazing shows every week.  My favorite is the Flog and Table Topand of course, The Guild, but I do find myself watching all of it.  Visit, Subscribe, and leave some love!

2. Fu Music - OMG!!!!  I don't even know where to start except to say these guys are amazing, adorable and oh so talented.  Found them through Internet Icon on YomYomF and I heart them!  Again, visit, subscribe, leave some love!

3.  SuperTaster - This poor, brave man tastes all those catchy, "latest fad" foods and reviews them so we don't have to...and let me tell you he isn't a bad reviewer.  For the most part he and I see eye to eye on things.  He has reviewed fast food, frozen foods, local and chain restaurant foods, booze, foods from out of the country....he's just fun to watch.  I encourage you to check him out.

4.  The Lizze Bennet Diaries - Any of you read Pride and Prejudice?  Not me, but I am loving it's retelling in this modern day webseries based on the period classic.  (Thanks Felicia Day for mentioning in on The Flog!) You should definitely check this out - the episodes are 5-7 mintues...I think....but they are entertaining and fun.

5.. Lana McKissak - Ok, let me start by saying she is a little on the annoying side, but her videos have a cutenss about them, and when she sings, ah-mah-zing.  She has a really lovely voice and she's got some great play lists set up so I've got some tunes at work. :)

I will probably be on crafting hiatus for the month of July - if we get the house, we'll be closed by the end of the month so that's  not a lot of time to get packed and moved...will keep you posted here as things happen tho.

Have a great week, and a Happy Fourth Of July!!!
Hugs!
Jessi

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Happy Tuesday Crafters!!

Happy Tuesday Crafters!!
I am in such great spirits this week!  My grandfather spent the past week down in Texas visiting, my lovely cousins Shelby and Erica both graduated highschool and my baby brother is home on leave for the next two weeks.  Things are going so great for me right now!

As you know last weekend I was at the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Arlington, TX.  Can I just say #1 I thought it was so cool how close we were to the stadium - could hear the Rangers games if you sat outside near the food court. :)  And #2 I got some really great deals on some really awesome product!  Now before I get into all the goodies I got let me preface this by saying if you are looking for brand spankin' new scrap stuff...this is not the convention for you.  Most of the shopping was 6 months to a year old.  That being said, there were still a fair amount of vendors that had new stuff.  On the flip side of that, the metroplex does not have much in the way of scrapbook stores so until it comes to Michaels or Hobby Lobby, it's still new to us...unless I want to shop online.  And believe me that did not stop me from buying up all the yummies!  (sorry Dave...I just couldn't help myself) *giggle*
So here are my top 5 purchases:

  1. A 4 pack of Spellbinder Dies - Circles and Scalloped Circles (large and small) - $30! (for all 4 sets!!)
  2. 6x6 Stella and Rose Pads - MME (I know it's an older collection but I love it so much!)
  3. Vintage glass bird ornaments from Melissa Frances.  (Wait until you see what I do with them)
  4. Mini Album Class Kit from SEI
  5. Zipper Trim from Melissa Frances
Mom and I also took 7 different classes over the weekend.  Our first class, which I will share with you today, was a Shabby Chic card class taught by the fantabulous Melissa Frances herself!  

I thought about my friend Kristin the whole time I was there making such gorgeous cards - so wish you could have been there...but I picked up a present for you. :)  

After class we went to her booth where her daughter taught us how to make an 8 page mini album using 1 sheet of cardstock.  I haven't finished decorating it, but it turned out too cute!  I might do a tutorial on that...we'll see.  I'll be posting pics once it is done. :)


I also have a new tutorial over at Create with Jessi! Stop on over and check it out.


IWell I am off to do some crafting!  Come back soon to hear more about the convention and the classes I took.  
Until then, Happy Crafting, Happy Life!
Hugs!
Jessi

Monday, May 28, 2012

Happy Memorial Day!

Hi guys!
 Happy Memorial Day to all my lovely friends out there!!  I am so honored to live in a country where brave people are willing to risk their lives for my freedom and the honor of our country and for that I am truly grateful.  I hope you all had a wonderful and safe weekend!

Today was a great day!  Spent the day at Mom and Dad's visiting with the family.  My GrandPap is in town this week and I am so excited!  I don't get to see him to often so it was really nice to spend some time with him.  Mom and Dad were great hosts opening their home to our fun family.  The food was great, and the company was even better.

Next weekend I have 3 cousins graduating Highschool, Erica, Shelby and Dave's cousin Victoria.  Congratulations girls!!

I will also be leaving home Wednesday night to check in to our Arlington hotel to attend the Great American Scrapbook Convention.  Festivities begin at 8am on Thursday.  Mom and I are signed up for 7 classes but they are spread out across 3 days this year.  Last year we crammed just as many into 1 day...it was exhausting!  I'm excited!  We'll be taking classes from Prima, Melissa France, My Little Shoebox, Quick Quotes and more.  Plus there will be tons of shopping, make and takes, and all that quality time spent together.  I am really excited.  We had such a great time last year.  I promise to take pictures and post them here through out the weekend.

No new tutorial this week at Create with Jessi, but I have some projects in the works, and I'll be sharing them with you soon.  In the mean time, I have challenged myself to use some tools I bought way back when and just had to have.  I'm sure you all have one - what's yours?  Do you use it?  Tell me all about it!

I will be taking mine with me to the convention and working on creating something awesome and fun!  There will be a full tutorial on this project when I get back!  (And possibly a give away of goodies fresh from the convention) so stay tuned!

In the mean time, let me leave you with a list of my favorite crafters on You Tube:

Kristen Wilson - http://www.youtube.com/user/LilsweetpeaVideos
Drew - http://www.youtube.com/user/Cardofmyeye
KWernerDesign Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/starofmay
Chic'n Scratch - http://www.youtube.com/user/ChicnScratch

There are quite a few more that I sub to, but these are my top 4 faves.  Stop by, check 'em out and show some love.  :)

Happy crafting and I'll see you next week!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Food Trucks, New Jobs, and a Fun Card!

Hey Bloggers!
This update is coming much later than I had hoped - life around the Myers home is sure getting crazy!

Here's a peak of crafty goodness before we dive right in to the life stuff:
Head on over to my new Craft Tutorial Blog to learn more, and read/ watch how to make this card!

Let's start with the job front-
Two weeks ago I learned I would be getting promoted to a new department - new job, new everything.  Great...except you gotta be ready to go in 2 weeks.  Now, normally this would not be a problem, but work has been slamming for the past month and I was doing my best to keep my head above water.  Needless to say there were 2 weeks of long days, long stress filled nights, and not a whole lot of crafting going on.  Well, I am happy to report that last Friday was my last day - I will miss my team -I worked with some amazing people, but I was definitely ready for a change.  I walked out the door on Friday ready for a relaxing weekend filled with fun and no thoughts of work.   On Monday I walked in to a shiny new laptop and a whole new world  - it's really different, but I am working with some awesome people and I'm getting afresh perspective on things.  It's pretty cool so far.

Ok, now let's head home and check things out there -
What do you know about food trucks?  When you hear food truck do you think of roach coaches down by construction sites?  Believe it or not, there are some amazing gourmet food trucks out there!  About a month ago Dave and his friend Chris went out to a gathering of food trucks and had some amazing experiences.  Well I got lucky and there was a small gathering near us at The Village in Dallas.  We sampled yummies from Three Lions, Whoopie Pies from Rockstar Bakeshop, and Philly Cheesesteaks from another truck (sorry I don't recall the name).  It was all really good.  Now, Three Lions is a truck run by a British chap selling meat pies, sausage rolls and chicken and dill sliders.  My Hubs and friend had experienced the meat pie previously and told me of the epicness...I have to say it was amazing!  So good infact that we brought home an extra one for today.  It was just as delicious today!  The puffed pastry lost a little bit of crips, but was not soggy at all.  Great job guys!  The cheese steak was also delicious.  And we had a native of Philly with us..he approved. :) Now on to the Whoopie Pies - AH-MAY-ZIIIINNNNNNNNGGGGGGG!  That is all I can say!  Great flavors, fabulous textures....please sir, I want some more!!!  I can't wait to track these guys down again...will have to take pics for the scrapbook.

Last week my darling husband also celebrated a birthday!  He had a nice relaxing long weekend - played lots of Diablo III and we even made it out to Freddy's for chocolate brownie concrete.  What?  You don't know what that is?  Freddy's serves frozen custard -amazing btw - and concrete is the frozen custard mixed with treats - similar to the DQ Blizzard, but 10 times better, I think.  The food was good and the Concrete was amazing..can't wait to go back again.  We also upped our video game collection.  Yes, I contribute to a video game collection.  We collect vintage consoles and games.  My husband has almost turned me into a full fledged geek girl.  (Felicia Day and the greatness of The Guild are also partly responsible.)

Now onto the crafting!
With the stress of my old job behind me, and Dave happily immersed in Diablo III, I had the freedom to craft!  So I stalkedd some of my subs on YouTube and was inspired to create an awesome card! (Thanks StarofMay and Cardofmyeye!!)  So awesome infact that I made one for my boss for her birthday, and several more to send to Operation Write Home.  My box is about 1/2 full...got a long ways to go to get it filled up.  Wanna see the card?
Isn't it fabulous!  You can learn how to make it by heading over to my Craft Tutorial Blog: Create With Jessi. If you like it, let me know!  I'd love some feed back, ideas, things you'd like to learn more about, but don't want to try it yourself first.  I've here for you guys!

Well, it is late and I am getting sleep so I am off to bed now.
Happy Crafting and Happy Blessings!
Jessi

Monday, April 30, 2012

Where did April go??

Hi Bloggers!
 Can you believe it's May 1st!?  Where did April go?

I am cooling down after a really long and slightly exciting day.  I can't talk a whole lot about it, but I found out today I got this really awesome opportunity to move to a new department at work.  The details are still fuzzy, but it's a great opportunity and I am really excited about it.  Things sure are changing at the Myers house. :)

In other news, I have a new tutorial blog.  Check it out! http://createwithjessi.blogspot.com/

This new blog will be solely dedicated to craft tutorials - techniques, projects, etc.  Do you want to see something, learn something new?  Let me know and I'll put it in video.  My first tutorial went up today - go check it out and let me know what you thing
No pics for me today - but stay tuned - I'll be working on projects all evening Saturday with my scrappy gal pals  online and I'll be posting updates as I can.   How are you celebrating National Scrapbook Day?  Did you know it's this weekend?  Tell me all about your plans!

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Long Needed Update....

Oh wow it has been 2 months since my last update... poor neglected blog.  Well lets catch up shall we?

I spent nearly the entire month of March working on wedding stuff for my brother in law and his now wife.  I did 12 centerpieces, 60 invitations 90 programs, 60 thank you cards and a 20 page album/ guestbook.  It was a lot of work but it was so worth it to help make Thomas and Jennifer's wedding day so special.  I learned alot about working with silk flowers and learned you can cut through 1 inch thick flower stems with a grinding attachment on your Dremel.  see ladies..your husband's power tools aren't just toys for him.    lol!  Also something good to know...Hobby Lobby has some great silk floral stems and you can find them on sale 50% off quite often, and foil gift bag shred makes great vase filler on the cheap.  it was soooo pretty!  Will post pics once I get the images from Jenn.

Wanna see the pages from her guest book?  Here you go!















After the kids got married Dave and I took a much needed Vacation and spent 4 days in lovely Las Vegas.  We didn't bring any money home but we had a really good time.  We went with a friend of ours, Lori, and had some fun adventures.  We saw "O" at The Bellagio, ate at some really good places like Emeril's and the Carnegie deli.  I had Matza Ball Soup for the very first time....so good!  We were only there 4 days but it was a really good escape.

On the crafting front I have kind of been at a stand still.  I designed a card last minute for a Paper Crafts call a few months ago...thought it was cute but it was a no go.  What do you think?


It was a little more graphic and clean than I have been doing lately but I really like the way it came out.
Supplies:
kraft card base - Hobby Lobby
patterned paper- Echo Park and My Minds Eye
chalk ink- Color Box
chipboard sticker- Echo Park

In other news, Dave and I have decided to take the next step into adulthood and we have decided to by a house.  Yay!  I am super excited.  I am so ready to be done with this apartment, and can not even wait until we have our own place.  Stay tuned for updates on the house hunting. :)

Well that is what's been going on with me.  How about y'all?
Happy Crafting!!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hi Bloggers!

I hope you spend some time today with the person or people you love most in the world!  And if you're doing any kind of weightloss program, splurge today!  Have some chocolate....or better yet, have it with fruit!  

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Hugs!
Jessi

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Because She's Going to the Chapel and She's Gonna Get Married...

So my BIL is engaged to the sweetest girl, Jennifer.  I have to say, growing up I always wanted sisters, and now I have 3!  Sweet Shannon who is married to my baby brother, Emily, who is married to Dave’s older brother, and now Jennifer, who will be marrying my husband’s baby brother.  I have spent quite a lot of time helping Jennifer and Thomas with their wedding – invitations, helping Jennifer find a dress, favors, labels, centerpieces, flowers, etc…it’s been a lot of fun, and I truly have enjoyed the time getting to know them both, but especially getting to know Jennifer.  She’s so nice, and I love that she’s included me in the planning process.  Their wedding is 48 days away and things are quickly falling into place.  Their wedding shower (a couples shower!) was yesterday.  Dave and I gave them a GC to use on whatever they want – even if it is for the wedding. And here’s the card I made for them:


 I also have been working on centerpieces and helping them decide on table décor – here’s the staging I did yesterday for them…they are going to look fabulous!!
 This week will be filled with shopping and hopefully more time spent on centerpieces.  I need 17 more bushes of roses from Hobby Lobby so I may be heading to every Hobby Lobby in DFW this week – yay!  Luckliy silks are on sale 50% off this week.  (if you’re in DFW are and reading this – please just save me some Red Roses. J )  I can’t wait to get them finished and checked off the list.


I've also been working on reorganizing my room.  This is still in progress, but here's what I've done so far:
 The Shoe bags on the doors actual house my punches.  The wicker unit is cards/ envelopes/ paper pads mini albums/ alterable items/ hardware/ flowers...working on getting them labeled.  The book shelf is all my empty albums from my days as a CM consultant - I'll use most of them.  :)  There is also a shelf just for 12x12 paper kits/ pads/ collections.  Yeah...I have way too much ( and I still find things I want...sheesh it's sick I tell ya!) In front of the book shelf are my wheeled totes - one is all wedding album stuff...one is finished pages and such I need to get in albums and hung on walls or pitched if I'm not going to do anything with them...

This side is my table (covered in wedding stuff right now), another book shelf with craft magazines, class instructions from Recollections, Completed albums, all of my books (as in my library that moved to the studio when I gave Dave the front room for an office), various bottles of Prima and Recollections flowers.   Then I have a wire rack holding my favorite projects - some created, some gifted...they are kinda piled up right now, but these are all the projects that inspire me the most!  Next to that I have my cardstock towers.  That's right -towers!  LOL!  One is 12x12 and one is 8.5x11.  I need to use them up so I can start storing patterns there too so I remember to use them.  Then I have my Alpha drawers with stamps/ ink/ tools/ tape and then my desk.  Once it's all done, I'll give you the for-real tour - perhaps a YouTube virtual tour??  We'll see if I get it done....

Well that's up for me right now.  Hope everyone is having a great week!
Happy Crafting!
Jessi







Wednesday, January 25, 2012

A Quick Update

Hey Bloggers!

No pictures this week - it has been a whirlwind of a week at the Myers' place but I wanted to check in.

Weight Watchers is going really well!  Dave and I have been packing lunches pretty much every day and cooking nearly every night - go us!  :)  I'm down 7.5 pounds total since I started on 1/9/2012.  I'm very happy with the progress so far.  I still have a long way to go, but it's a good healthy positive start.

Dave and I spent some time last weekend cruising the neighborhoods around his office - planning to move out there middle end of summer early fall.  Found some really cute neighborhoods and lovely homes.  Now we just need to talk to the bank to see what we can really afford.

On the craft front, I am working on getting my studio COMPLETELY redone - I let things get out of hand this winter and it really is quite messy.  I'd take a picture, but I'm way too emberassed.  Good news is I'll be purging and organizing so I can get back to creating and crafting. :)  I've been pouring over Pintrest at all the inspirational rooms out there - so many awesome things to see!

I hope all my friends in the craft world and real life are doing well!
Happy Hugs and Happy Crafting!
Jessi

Monday, January 16, 2012

Weekend Update and a new Canvas!

Hey Bloggers!

This week Dave and I decided to take a big step towards a healthier lifestyle.  We joined Weight Watchers Online.  We are finishing up our last day of week 1 today and I am already feeling really good about what we've been able to do.  It's still a little bit of an adjustment for dinners, but for breakfast and lunch, we are doing REALLY well.  I'm encouraged by his willingness to jump in and learn about the program, the point values, and the open dialogue about his progress.  It's encouraging to know I have a partner in this journey to a healthier me, and it makes us feel good about us.  :)

In other news, in case you have not noticed, Paper Therapy is no longer a part of my blog.  Our fabulous leader, Kristin made the difficult decision of shutting things down to pursue some amazing opportunities in scrapbooking of her own.  Thanks Kristin for allowing me to be part of such a fun place!  Glad to take your friendship with me even after the doors closed. :

I wanted to share another amazing canvas piece I did for my BFF at last weekends scrapbook retreat.  This is also a kit by Quick Quotes.  I've changed out the black ribbon for red to tie in the colors from Christina and Andy's wedding.  Isn't their family so sweet?  She loved it so much, and that made making it for her all the more rewarding!

Thanks for stopping by!  We'll chat more toward the end of the week!
Happy Crafting and Happy Hugs!
Jessi

Friday, January 6, 2012

A New Year and New Beginnings

A New Year and New Beginnings
After many many months of blog neglect I am making a return to the land of the living and the land of crafting!

So first some catching up....the last time I stopped in I was coming back from Austin and a Hauntingly good time with Mom.  Things  were insanely busy after that - I had a birthday party at Painting with a Twist in Garland, spent 3 days with the lovely ladies at Quick Quotes at Private Reserve, and then my sweet sweet husband got me tickets to a hockey game for our anniversary - Stars lost, but it was awesome!  :)

I've also been having a difficult time battling with some depression and generally feeling lost in this big world.  Luckily my lovely friends and wonderful families have really helped me pull through.  I still have my bad days, but I've pulled through the worst of my funk and I'm looking forward to an awesome new year full of new beginnings and many many scrappy adventures!

So want to know what I've been up to in the world of Paper Crafts?  I have fallen in love with the Canvas Kits from Quick Quotes. 

This one was created for my BFF in honor of her marriage to her wonderful husband Andy, and the great card her MIL gave her on their first anniversary.  It is such a sweet card, and I love the photo - they are such a lovely, kissy face couple - captures that perfectly.




Here's a 10x10 canvas that I did at Private Reserve.  I haven't decided what I'm doing with it...maybe a pic of me and Dave...he has been such a blessing in my life so it really is a perfect fit.   With him in my life, I am TRULY TRULY blessed. :)



One last project to round out the weekend:
6x6 Canvas Mini Album - So Thankful for....well, everything!  This sweet little album has a place for all the things I am so thankful for - My sweet husband, my lovely family and my FABULOUS friends.  I can't wait to get home from retreat so I can print pictures to go in them. :)






Well that is all from me for today!  See you next week, and remember - do something creative, and do something for you every day!
Hugs!
Jessi