Creative Grace

Can I get a *jawsome*?

Happy Shark Week everyone!

Nautical love

I've been completely obsessed with all things nautical lately.  I feel like I've hit the crafty jackpot as there are so many fun products that have come out this year to feed the addiction!  

I was just tinkering around last week and this card came together:

I wanted to try making a special knot on the card (no easy task for me, I had to learn knot tying as a teen and pretty much stunk at it).  I also wanted an excuse to use this fun wooden sail boat.  I'm pretty happy with this card - works for the gents and works for the ladies.  

Why yes, I think I will enjoy the ride!

Simple is good

Simple can be fabulous...

One stamp, two inks, two washi tapes.  Easy.  I need to remember to make more cards like this :)

Hello Camp

Wow - it's been a while, hasn't it? :)  Summer is finally here meaning I have a little more time to play!

Speaking of which, camp is calling my name!

What about you?  Any fun plans for the summer?

Washi-wonderful

How could I possibly resist a washi tape challenge??? 

Love the Moxie Fab World and their fun challenges, including the current washi tape challenge.  I made this card as a thank you for some wonderful support a friend extened toward me.  

Washi and a stache - it was a fun card to make! :)  

Chemistry LuV

Hello Internet friends!  I am so grateful that over the past few weeks I've actually had time to craft for fun. I've even gotten a jump start on my Valentines, *gasp*.  I'm sure it also helped that I had a sick day this week which forced me to stay home (and, apparently, I don't know how to stay down and relax... crafting is relaxing, right????)  I was so ambitious, I actally made a card for the Moxie Fab World challenge: Make a card with a window.  

I feel in love with this die and stamp set by Papertrey Ink.  A perfect Valentine for my hubby, who is a chemist.  So cute! I used the round-bottomed flask as my "window" and broke up the sentiment, stamping the left half on the card front, and the right half on the inside.  I think he will LuV it!

Happy 2013

After a LOOOONG and busy Fall, I'm excited for the new year. I suppose it's time I start getting crafty again?

Mission 26

Hello blog friends!

Wow - a two month hiatus!  Perhaps that gives you some indication of how crazy the start of the school year has been for me.  Hardly any time to craft or even check out the blogs of my friends.  The good news is I'm emerging and back today for a very special post.

I got to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour on the streets of LA baby!!!!

And not just see it, I got to get up close and personal.  Amazing experience!  An old friend of mine is an employee of the California Science Center and sent out a request for volunteers to help bring the shuttle to its new home on a journey called "Mission 26" (the 26th mission of the shuttle).  I was so lucky to be able and share the experience with some colleagues and friends whom I had fun making a special card for to commemorate the occasion :)

Our shift was Friday night (as the shuttle was being prepped to travel down a freeway overpass while being towed by a Toyota Tundra).  We had a chance to take a few of our own photos before "getting to work" (acting as a docent to the many spectators that were patiently waiting for a view of the shuttle).

One of my favorite Instagram photos of the buisness end of the shuttle.

A fun sign and view of the rig that the Tundra would tow (the blue components were a part of the amazing "over land transporter" which carried the shuttle on the rest of it's journey).  The Tundra tow rig was necessary to reduce the overall mass as the shuttle as it passed over a freeway overpass.

It was a great evening and wonderful seeing so many excited and happy families.  We got lots of questions, but mostly worked as "papparazi" for the visitors, taking photos for them with their phones and cameras (as we could approach the shuttle for photographs).  

I LOVE this bumper sticker :)  It was attached to the Tundra truck that carried the shuttle over the freeway.  I was a little dissapointed to hear some folks commenting, "how come it's not an American truck", which I feel compelled to explain.  First of all, most of the truck is made domesically, Toyota is a major employer in the state.  In addition, Toyota is a huge, note: HUGE supporter of science education in California.  They are a long-time sponsor of the California Science center (the new home of Endeavour) as well as numerous programs to improve the quality of science education in the state.  In fact, I've personally worked on a grant aimed to improve science teaching of elementary teachers, funded by Toyota.  This was a great choice and a nice nod to Toyota.  

It was an honor to be a part of history :)

My good friend and I, positively *giddy* over the experience!

 

Be Unique

Hello friends - I have one more shark week post to share with you today.  It was my goal to get one in every day this week, and I nearly succeeded, but the end of my work week was a whopper!  I'm only now getting to post yesterday's card.  Hopefully you will forgive me? :) 

This particular card is special to me.  I embrace diversity and I embrace uniqueness.  I do think that it is both of those things that make this world a beautiful place and allow not only us, but all of life to thrive.  I will fiercly stand up for that - always :)

No question, our oceans are healthier places because of sharks.  Despite any uncertainty or fear some people may hold, sharks are unique in the role they play in their environment and, as a result, their importance is undeniable.  Thanks to the research efforts of several organizations, we are learning more and more about sharks every day.  Here are some of my favorites:

Hawaiian Institute of Marine Biology Shark Research Group

Monterey Bay Aquarium Sharks & Rays Research (which includes a very cool great white study!)

National Shark Research Consortium

I hope you have all had a truly wonderful Shark Week!  Don't forget to "be unique" :)

When in a sea of sharks...

...just keep swimming!  You can do it!

This is a good reminder for me after the last few days.  At least there is another Shark Week episode tonight to cheer me up :)  

Are you enjoying these shark posts?  Will try to get another one in tomorrow, pending how the day goes!