Happy as a PIG in mud!

T started Pre-K this year. She and her classmates are learning all about pigs. I wanted to help reinforce her lessons, so we took a trip to the library and found a bunch of pig themed books to read at bedtime.

Later that day, as I was about to walk my empty milk container to the recycling bin in the backyard, it hit me... we could make a pig out of this!!! And so, we did! Talia was completely engrossed in transforming this once white milk container into a pretty little pink friend.

But, about midway through her painting, she stopped and said, "Mommy, I want to make my pig muddy!" In that moment, I felt such pride... 'atta girl! There is that spark of creativity. So, where some moms may have said no to messing up such a pretty project, I let T go to town. And I have to admit, watching her "muddy" her pig (and herself), was the most fun, by far.

Parents, and even teachers, often squash creative ideas because "that is not how it is done" or because it is "too messy" or "because bananas aren't red, they are yellow." I should know, I used to be like them. But now, I make the effort to embrace my daughter's creative thoughts. Today, I hope you all find a way to do something creative with someone you love.

A new lease on life

Whew! These past five months have been a doozy! Unfortunately, I suffer from Crohn's disease and have been battling a flare up since January. I had TREMENDOUS back pain and fatigue which was often unpredictable. Good one day, laid up in bed the next...ugh! As you can imagine, this greatly impacted my creativity. :0(

After trials of a variety of medications, I was admitted into the hospital in late August and had surgery. And one month later, I am ecstatic to say that I am feeling great and like I have a new lease on life! I am on the road to recovery and healing at home, surrounded by my family and close friends.

I can't wait to start getting creative again...I've got the itch to create, so keep your eyes peeled for new additions to my blog. For now, here are a few photos of some altered clipboards I made for my nephews on a good day several weeks ago. If you are interested in making one of your own, check out my "how-to" article on Craftbits. Don't forget to leave a comment and give me a rating while you are there. :0)

The Melody of Autism

Almost exactly four years ago, I had decided to become a stay at home mom. I was living in the Bronx, with all my friends "over the bridge" and felt really isolated. I quickly knew I had to find some new friends fast. I found a local SAHM group and met Michele, who remains one of my closest friends to this day. Michele and I eventually went on to start our own SAHM group and that is where I met Faith.

Faith is probably one of the most remarkable women I have ever met. She is beautiful, articulate, funny and ambitious. She has decided to homeschool her children and is also raising a son with autism. She does everything with such grace and patience and I really admire her strength of spirit.

Recently, Faith shared with me that she was planning to hold a fundraising event called "The Melody of Autism" which was to celebrate the music and joy

inspired by autism. I knew I

wanted to help. I provided a

Creative Corner Designs gift

certificate as a gate prize and

created a guestbook for the

event. The event was amazing...

inspiring...moving. I found

myself fighting back tears with

each new speaker and each new

performance. The talent that

filled the room was phenomenal

and beyond that, the message

of optimism and faith was one

that I will never forget. It was

a day where everyone stopped

and recognized all the beauty and

blessings that autism has brought

into our lives.

To find out more about Faith and her journey with her family and the Son-Rise program, visit her blogs:

http://homeschoolingoutsidethelines.blogspot.com/

http://recoveringjaedon.blogspot.com/

http://teamjaedon.blogspot.com/

Here are a few video clips from the event. Enjoy!

Easter Inspired: 2,5,7,10 Boxes & More

Another Easter inspired creation... handmade
"2,5,7,10 Boxes". I couldn't get over how easy
these were to make. Basically, you take one
sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock and score it at
2", 5", 7" & 10" and cut it and you easily assemble it into an adorable box. They are the perfect size for party favors!

I designed these for a customer for
Easter. They are filled with chocolate Easter Egg

candy. As a special treat, I created scalloped

circles with a handstamped Easter design to cover York Peppermint Patties. I thought this would make it a bit more festive.

As a thank you gift for her business, I added just

a few details to a see-through pail.... white rub-ons from Stampin' Up, some ribbon and patterned scrapbooking paper. I purchased this
pail at A.C. Moore.

My Latest Craft Bits Article: Stamped Candy Bar Wrappers

Just wanted to spread the word about my latest tutorial artcile for Craft Bits...

Check it out here, and don't forget to leave your rating below the article!

Thanks :0)

Altered Paint Cans

Well, I did it! I just finished my first order for altered paint cans. I had so much fun with this project and I am really pleased with the end result.

My customer requested that I design a creative Easter gift for each of the children in her family. I knew the paint cans would be a great alternative to a typical Easter basket. Each of them is unique and filled with candy and goodies.

My one saving grace during the hours in my scrapbooking studio was my Cricut! I am now even more of a Cricut addict. It made this project so much simpler and cost effective. Special shout out to my amazing hubby for buying it for me for my birthday! :0)

My favorite paint can is Hailey's. I am such a sucker for that shade of blue and I love the contrast with the black and pink.

Brianna's paint can was initially a struggle for me, but I think adding the stars (courtesy of my buddy the Cricut...lol) helped creative a very spirited cheerleading can.

Easter Creations

I have been feeling a little extra creative lately. I am enjoying trying new projects and altering items. I just finished an order for a dozen altered paint cans...they came out amazing. Photos to follow. In between, I also came up with a simple Easter gift idea for T's teachers.

I have been saving my glass sauce jars with the idea of making something with them eventually (shhh, don't tell my mom that I am still using jarred sauce! I know, my Italian ancestors are shuttering as I type). I decided the jars were the perfect item to re-purpose. I filled them with Cadberry Eggs and Peeps and decorated each of the jars with ribbon, hand stamped images
and a large bright flower embellishment.

I loved the vibrant, bold colors and how cheery they turned out. They were a hit with T's teachers. Enjoy! Wishing you all a Happy Easter and Passover season.