August Stamp of the Month Art # 9

Art by Julie Reynolds

Wabi-Sabi!!!!!!!

In terms of your crafting ........

     Do you feel like you can never do it quite right?

     Could your card always be just a little bit better?

     Do you keep imperfections from letting you create something and actually gift someone
     with it?

Consider Wabi-Sabi . . . . what it can mean for your crafting life, and your life in general . . . . .

(From "Momastery:"

"I hereby declare this year The Year of WABI-SABI.

You guys, I am having seven million heart attacks. LOOK WHAT IS A THING:

"Wabi-sabi is the most conspicuous and characteristic feature of traditional Japanese beauty and it occupies roughly the same position in the Japanese pantheon of aesthetic values as do the Greek ideals of beauty and perfection in the West". If an object or expression can bring about, within us, a sense of serene melancholy and a spiritual longing, then that object could be said to be wabi-sabi. "Wabi-sabi” nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect." (Wikipedia)

FOR EXAMPLE: Wrinkles mean you lived and learned. Dirty dishes mean there were folks eating, and food to eat. A scar means you survived. A spelling mistake reminds us that a human - not a robot - wrote the word. A broken heart is a heart that cared.

THESE things are beautiful. Old things, worn out things, simple things, busted-up things, imperfect things. THESE THINGS ARE BEAUTIFUL.

You guys -- it’s not that we’re lazy or lack vision. IT IS JUST THAT WABI-SABI IS OUR PREFERRED AESTHETIC. IT IS JUST THAT WE ARE EASTERN, BASICALLY.

And so today as you walk through your home and think through your life -- as you notice that imperfect kid, that struggling relationship, that peeling paint, that achy knee -- you just think to yourself: WABI-SABI, WABI-SABI, WABI-SABI. It’s a THING. IT’S OUR THING.

I HEREBY DECLARE THIS THE YEAR OF THE WABI-SABI HOME, MARRIAGE, FRIENDSHIP, KITCHEN, PARENT, FAITH, LIFE!!!!!

That is all. Wabi-Sabi On.

Love, G

P.S. My family is only half Japanese and so if I decide to dye my grey roots or buy new shoes it’s fine because: Half-Japanese = HALF WABI-SABI. I am simply trying to be true to both sides of our heritage. Just so you know.
‪#‎wabisabi‬"

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August Stamp of the Month Art # 8

Art by Shannon Law

August Stamp of the Month Art # 7

Art by Maggie Cameron

August Stamp of the Month Art # 6

Art by Leslie Ann Chivers

$9.95 Value for just $3.00 in August - FAST & EASY SCRAPPING!

During the month of August, when you purchase any of the 13 available Picture My Life™ scrapbooking programs featured in the 2014–2015 Annual Inspirations idea book at their full retail price of $24.95 USD / $27.50 CAD, you are eligible to add your choice of 1 of 8 qualifying Memory Protectors™ 10-packs for just $3.00! (Retail Value $9.95) Each Picture My Life scrapbooking program already includes a coordinating 10-pack of Memory Protectors, so when you add your additional 10-pack for only $3.00 you will be well on your way to your own picture-perfect pocket scrapbooking adventure!

Dates: Offer valid August 1, 2014–August 31, 2014

August Stamp of the Month Art # 5

Art by Kimberly Ganiere

TERRIFIC TIP TUESDAY 8-16-14 The STRAIGHT Scoop!

New Score Board - Fantastic!

August Stamp of the Month Art # 4

Art by Julie Reynolds

Box Fold Card Class - Aug. 30

Saturday, August. 30, 10:00 - 11:30am
(previously scheduled for 8/23)

FREE w/$30 order Or a $15 no-order class fee

Register by Aug. 26

Join in the fun and learn to make this creative-folding card.  You will complete 2 cards, each a different theme. All materials are pre-measured and cut for you.  You have the fun of learning the folding technique, stamping and fully assembling!

You will leave with your 2 finished cards, and a sheet of full color instructions that you can use to make more of these cards at home!

This time slot doesn't work for you?  Let me know, and we can schedule a class for you and your friends at your own convenience - held at your home, or mine.  You can even earn FREE product when your gathering's orders total $150. :-)

August Stamp of the Month Art # 3

Art by Debi Gardner

TERRIFIC TIP TUESDAY 8-12-14 No More Slippery Fingers!

August Stamp of the Month Art # 2

Art by Darlys Recker

August Stamp of the Month Art # 1

 Art by Becky Mackenstadt

You're Invited To a Fall Retreat!

Only a handful of spots left.........

Julie’s Fall 2014 Retreat

Dumas Bay Centre

Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday Oct. 26

Cost: $200

v Overnight room accommodations – many on ground level, some sharing, some individual

v Lovely bay and garden views

v Accessible grounds for relaxing strolls

v Six fully catered meals provided

Email me if you’d like to join us: JuliesPaperCrafts@yahoo.com

Then make your check out to “Julie Reynolds” and mail to:

 5713 – 205^th Ave SE

Snohomish, WA 98290

Dumas Bay Centre

3200 SW Dash Point Rd * Federal Way, WA 98023 * 253-835-2000 * www.dumasbaycentre.com

  

 

Overnight retreat center — with a waterfront view

If you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere amid a spectacular natural setting for your next overnight retreat, look no more.

Dumas Bay Centre has accommodated hundreds of retreats, workshops and overnight meetings. Our professional staff is known for their friendly and gracious hospitality, and the quiet, relaxing setting promotes camaraderie, networking and idea-sharing.

Set on 12 acres with beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, Dumas Bay Centre is home to 67 quiet and comfortable guest rooms, accommodating up to 90 guests. With no telephones or televisions, our rooms are distraction-free, but we do provide free WIFI throughout the building.

Our event catering staff uses fresh, quality ingredients, and the variety is sure to please even the most discriminating tastes. You can select from our preset menus, or create a signature meal just for your guests.

From the charm of an old-fashioned wooden gazebo to the lushness of flowering gardens and manicured lawns, Dumas Bay Centre is the perfect setting for all kinds of events. We have free parking for 104 cars, and we're conveniently located between Seattle and Tacoma, and less than 20 miles away from Sea-Tac International Airport.

Spend the night in an urban oasis

Beauty, history and serenity merge at Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way, Washington. Many of our 67 guestrooms look out over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. You can watch birds soar and small boats come and go, and the sunsets are definitely something to write home about.

Our simple yet comfortable guest rooms are a reflection of our distinctive past. Built in 1956 as a convent and women's retreat center, these rooms once housed the Sisters of Visitation. Today, the serene natural setting and cozy atmosphere continue to promote inspiration and reflection.

At Dumas Bay, there are no televisions or telephones in our guest rooms. For those who want to stay connected, we offer free WIFI throughout the building. There are also several lounge areas, perfect for playing games, watching TV, visiting with colleagues or reading quietly.

All bedrooms include a sink, and more than half include a half bath. All rooms have access to conveniently located showers. Three guest rooms are ADA handicapped-accessible.

Inspired Designs - August LAYOUT Projects "Chalk It Up"

FREE LAYOUT INSTRUCTION PACK

Here are the 6 layout pages YOU can create, when you make a $30* order through the August Inspired Designs Projects link on my web site.  Then just email me to request your printable instruction pack, including full color photos, step-by-step directions and easy-to-read cutting list, via email.  This class is available ONLY through ordering via the August Inspired Designs Projects link.

Get a close-up look at the "Chalk It Up" products.

* Your $30 order may consist of any Close To My Heart product combination. Email me today for a list of products used for these layouts, if they are striking your creative fancy!

TERRIFIC TIP TUESDAY 8-5-14 Enhance Your Shape!

No . . . I'm not talking about an exercise program............. :-)

Shape is what art is all about!  So here's one way to enhance your shape . . . 

This fireworks-like stamp image  features a "star" shape.  How can you make that even better?  You could color one in ......... You can stamp another image and cut out a star, mounting it . . . (Can you see those on the card above?)

But how about adding something three-dimensional?  How about adding something PLUS something ELSE, three-dimensional?  This not only adds more in the way of a repeated design, but it adds texture, as well.  By adding a couple of stars from the "Chalk It Up" Assortment, below, you can see how shape, color and texture are all multiplied here.......

Then by adding some White Enamel Stars, the same shape is enriched yet again, with a different color and texture.  

Think of other shapes easily enhanced ......... hearts, arrows, chevrons, simple circles, triangles...........

Your artist's eye LOVES to see repetition of shape . . .

Enrich and enhance your designs with added, complimenting embellishments!

Fun, creative, and oh, so artsy!

To see more of "Chalk It Up" . . . visit my web site!

It's Finally Here! "Annual Inspirations" 2014-15

It's here!  August 1 marks the release of Close To My Heart's "Annual Inspirations" idea book/catalog for 2014-15!

To view the idea book online: http://julie.ctmh.com/ctmh/products/online-idea-book.aspx

It's SO much better to see it in person, and with friends, though!  Email me: JuliesPaperCrafts@yahoo.com for us to set up a time to introduce the book to you and your friends - and I'll even bring along a little FREE project for everyone!