{ my secret heart }

A little bird told me

2012-01-27T07:00:00-06:00

So, last fall I broke down and joined Twitter. I resisted it for a long time because I didn't feel like I needed to know what people were doing every moment of every day. And, for that matter, I felt no desire to share so much of my life. Seriously, I am not that interesting.

But then Twitter seemed to evolve -- more news and marketing, perhaps -- and I could no longer resist. Anyway, I feel a little less stalkerish.

My point in telling you all of this is that I actually plan to put my Twitter account to good use for the next few days. Starting Sunday I will be Tweeting live from CHA for The Scrap Review. So, if you are interested in stalking me and the new product at CHA, come join my 10 other followers (LOL) on Twitter (mindymiller77).

http://twitter.com/mindymiller77

I will do my best to share the latest and greatest products! If there is anything you are particularly interested in seeing, leave a comment here and let me know. Or, for that matter, tweet me!

Happy stalking!

Mindy

JBS news + a sneak

2012-01-25T01:35:45-06:00

JBS is launching a new gallery AND having a giveaway! You can see all of the details here.

The new gallery is very easy to use and I am looking forward to seeing all of the projects that get added.

Plus, here's a sneak peek at the February Jenni Bowlin Mercantile kits...

These sneaks are from a layout that uses both the February main and artisan kits. The colors and mix of products in these kits are fantastic!

Thanks for stopping by!

Mindy

A little love

2012-01-24T07:00:00-06:00

I'm hosting the JBS blog today and hope you'll stop by! Even if you're not into Valentines, stop by and check out how I used the new Jenni Bowlin punches by Fiskars. Here's a little sneak...

I am seriously in love with the new punches!

Happy crafting!

Mindy

Hey, girl...

2012-01-23T00:00:00-06:00

Sorry, I couldn't resist! CHA kicks off in less than a week and I know that I can't wait (and I'm sure Ryan Gosling can't wait either).

Have you been checking out the sneaks on The Scrap Review? Any favorites so far?

Mindy

Celebrating a crafty icon

2012-01-22T19:17:01-06:00

Did you know that the original Fiskars orange-handled scissors are turning 45-years-old in 2012?

To celebrate, Fiskars is hosting a scissors prize pack giveaway each Tuesday leading up to the start of National Craft Month (March).

The scissors prize pack includes brand new Orange-Handled Scissors, Non-stick Detail Scissors and new Cuts+More Multipurpose Scissors.

To enter, go to this Facebook page and upload a picture of youself with your favorite scissors. The weekly winner is selected at random every Tuesday, so stop by and enter today!

Mindy

Watch out Hollywood!

2012-01-18T08:30:13-06:00

A new JBS Gazette hit the stands, so to speak, yesterday! It's full of ideas, tips, tricks, inspiration, and so much more. You can download it right here.

This month I tried my hand at the video tutorial. Honestly I'd never made one before, so this was something I wanted to do to challenge myself. By no means is it a masterpiece, but I thought I'd share my ideas for creating Valentine cards with the January project kit.

So, if you're so inclined to make some cards...

...here's the step-by-step video tutorial for your entertainment. Hollywood better watch out, right? ;)

Also, have you seen the new JBS products that will be debuting at CHA-Winter? I am seriously in love! Here are a few of my favorites.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Mindy

XOXO

2012-01-14T10:07:09-06:00

This seems like a good weekend to stay in and do some crafting. How about making embellished t-shirts?

I have a new tutorial up at Fiskars that gives step-by-step instructions on how to make these t-shirts with hand-stitched felt sentiments.

All you need is a basic tee, felt, embroidery thread, a needle, pins, and scissors. These are super easy and you can create a shirt with any word or design.

You will find the tutorial here at Fiskars.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo, Mindy

JBS Mercantile January update

2012-01-11T08:04:25-06:00

If you haven't seen it, the January kit from JBS Mercantile is beautiful! It is full of bright and fun products that work so well together. You can check it out, as well as the recently updated DT inspiration gallery, right here.

I created this layout with just the main kit, plus some office supplies from around the house for the monthly challenge.

This challenge was so much fun! I incorporated office supply tags, staples, hole punched circles, and masking tape into my design.

Stamping on the masking tape was my favorite part of this layout. I used StazOn ink and it worked like a charm.

This month I also created these little winter treat bags with the main + artisan add-on kit.

Who wouldn't like to receive a little glassine bag with all you need to make a delicious cup of hot cocoa?

I also used both the JBS label and receipt stamps for this project. The label stamp is just folded over around the twine and stapled with a stamped sentiment (Papertrey Ink) in the center. The receipt stamp was used on the blue circle in the center of the snowflake to create a bit of visual interest.

I hope you'll stop by JBS Mercantile and check out the kits this month!

Mindy

Resolve

2012-01-06T07:05:07-06:00

Did you make any resolutions or set any goals for the new year?

One of my goals is to be a better blogger. But since we're six days into the year and I haven't blogged, I think that goal may already be edging closer to the fail column. Nonetheless, I have some ideas and need to set them in motion.

Speaking of resolutions, I made this resolution collage for Fiskars and wanted to share.

It's a super easy and creative way to keep your goals for the year front and center. You'll find the complete tutorial here.

Also, don't forget that it's CHA sneak time (one of my favorite times of year)! You can get a first glimpse at new crafting products via The Scrap Review every day as we lead up to the trade show. I don't know about you, but I already have my eye on some great new products and can't wait to see what is yet to come.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mindy

2011...the crafty pursuits

2011-12-29T00:00:00-06:00

This year has brought me so many wonderful creative opportunities and I could not be more thankful. Designing for Elle's Studio, Scrap-Mart, Fiskars, and Jenni Bowlin, plus joining The Scrap Review, have been dreams come true.

They have challenged me to improve my crafting, incorporate new tools, and learn new techniques.

I have learned to set projects aside until I figure out what makes them complete.

I have attempted to include more color and patterns in my work.

I have punched, stamped, stenciled, and sewn.

I learned not to fear the die cut.

When I look back at some of my favorite projects collectively, it's funny how clear it is that I was obsessed with certain products and tools this year. Circles, grids, that cursive font from the Slice (don't worry, I've retired that one!), and yellow paper were all apparently beloved. Who knew? :)

I'm starting to think about how I want to challenge myself creatively in 2012. Lots of ideas...more crafty pursuits.

Most of all, I am thankful for the friends I have met through the crafting world. They have made my world bigger and brighter.

Mindy