Hi guys….just uploaded a new video for you about making paper flower embellishments!  This is a fun new papercrafting trend…..enjoy!

Tags: paper flowers

Wow!!  The last couple of days have been kind of crazy…..I’ve missed my MAD challenges!  But the great thing is that I heard about it from some of you!  I LOVE that!!!  It means that you are out there….reading and Making A Difference!  So….here are my latest THREE MAD challenges!

Here’s the first one…..

Now you need to know the MAD behind this……one of my favorite parts about being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is the wonderful sharing that occurs among us.  Stampin’ Up! actually has a demo only forum called “Stampin’ Connection”, where demonstrators from around the world share their designs.  This card came directly from that site, and was created by a demonstrator named Beth McAlexander!   So, that’s the MAD lesson for today….sharing!  So many times we worry about “getting mine”.  What if we started focusing on helping someone else get their’s?   What is something you have that you can share, that would help someone else?  Time, resources, talents….everyone has something!

Here’s my next MAD challenge….remember, it’s all about “Making a Difference”!

You know when you go to some steak places, and they give you sour cream in those little container?  You tear off an end, and then squeeze out the sour cream?  Well, that’s what this is…a sour cream container (without the sour cream!)  I love making these because they are so quick and easy!  I fill them with some candy, or a gift card, or some other little treat, and then give them away!  They are great for party favors…I’ve even seen a friend hang them on her tree at Christmas!  This time, however, I used it for something different!  I ran into someone who was having a really bad day, and chose me to unload on.  I’ll be honest, I was really mad!  But, after I realized that this person was really dealing with some heavy issues, I just felt bad for him.  So, today, I took this to him…..I just told him I hoped he had a better day today, and what do you know?!  He hugged me and, I think, really appreciated it!  See, here’s the thing……we can be angry at someone, even justifiably so, but you know what?  It really doesn’t help anyone….especially you.  What if we chose sometimes an option other than anger…..how does forgiveness sound?  I’ll promise you one thing….you will feel FAR better if you let go of whatever it is that you may get angry about!   I heard a quote on the radio today…and it’s one of those quotes that will stick with me….”Anger is a poison YOU drink, but expect others to get sick over”.  Wow!

Here’s my final MAD….and it’s not a card…it’s not even stamped!

Today, when I was in the Starbucks drive thru line, the man behind me jumped out, and grabbed something off my bumper.  I didn’t know it….but I left my earbuds on the bumper after my workout at the gym!  He brought them to me, and that was that!  You know what, he didn’t need to do that!  It was just nice….to be nice.  So, when I got my coffee…I paid for his coffee.  I hope that helped get his day off to a great start!  Niceness leads to niceness!  So, Mr. Anonymous…thanks!  Enjoy your coffee!

So, what have you done recently to Make a Difference?

One week in…..I don’t know about you, but I’m having a blast doing this!  For those of you just joining in, we’re playing the MAD challenge!  What’s that, you ask?  Well, everyday, I’m challenging all of us to do something to Make A Difference!  Read through at some of the comments….lots of good things happening out there!  I love it!  Here’s the card today…..

Thank You card

This card is a “thank you” card that my stamp club made last night….designed by my friend Lesley Harris !  I like it because with the colors, it would be appropriate for either a man or a woman.  I am going to give this card to a friend tonight at a class I’m doing.  She coordinates a monthly stamp class at her work, and really is the point person.  I totally appreciate all her efforts,and want her to know it!  You know, how many times do we THINK we need to let someone know we appreciate them, but then forget to tell them!

So, here are the supplies I used to make this card:

• Simply Said stamp set
• Certainly Celery and Not Quite Navy Ink
• Very Vanilla and Not Quite Navy cardstock
• Boho Blossoms punch
• Silver Brads and dimensionals

Here’s a challenge for you…..tell someone you appreciate them today…..I’ll bet they smile!    Have a wonderful day!