My 15 Minutes of Fame (okay, maybe it was closer to six min.)

I made my big TV debut this week. I’ve been on the boob tube a time or two, but this was my first time on “Studio 5,” a local human-interest program that airs here in Utah. I received a surprise greeting in my in-box from one of the show’s producers, asking me to do a segment based on one of the classes I taught for the University of Utah this fall. How could I resist?

Here I am on the Studio 5 set, just before going live. Eep!

My segment was on creative holiday update letters. You know what I’m talkin’ about when I say that update letters, also known as form letters, can be a bit ridiculous if not done correctly. Well, I shared a few ways to keep them less on the look-at-us-and-how-great-we-are side and more on the it’s-so-fun-to-reconnect-with-you-in-this-unique-way side. ;)

This is one of the projects I shared on the show, complete with instructions:


Step 1: Make a bitty flip book using small envelopes. To play on the “My Favorite Things” theme, I used brown paper packages…I mean, envelopes, brown paper envelopes!



Step 2: You’ll need one envelope for every member of your family you plan on including in your update, plus one for the cover. Add adhesive to the top, outside edge of all but one of the flaps.


Step 3: Stack the envelopes, tucking each flap inside the next and fold the flaps down to adhere them together.


Step 4: Add small photos (mine are 2" square) to the outsides of all of the envelopes, minus the cover. Don't forget the furry family members. Note: I also matted my photos on scalloped square pieces of patterned paper, which I punched.


Step 5: Give each of your family members a “Favorite Things” quiz and write the answers on small note cards that will fit your envelopes. This is a fun way to get to know the loved ones you spend everyday with, while also sharing your interests with your extended list of family and friends.

Step 6: Tuck each family member’s card inside the envelope with their photo on it.

Step 7: Tie up your brown paper package with string (or baker’s twine) and secure it in place by threading it through a button.

I’ll be sure to share some of my other show projects with you in the coming days on my blog. After all, now’s the time to get crackin’ on those festive greetings.

For now, I’ll leave you with a look at the show. Please don’t judge me too harshly. I’m use to being the publicist behind the talent, not the talent. Trust me, it’s a completely different view from this angle. If my video doesn't work, you can view it by clicking here. Enjoy!

Creative Card Displays

December is right around the corner, which means your mailboxes will soon be smiling with more than mail-order catalogs and 40%-off coupons to Michael’s. Christmas cards will soon be here! How do you display your festive greetings?

Last year, I clipped mine to beautiful strands of lights, which dangled from a ledge shelf in my living room. If you look closely, you can see the display over Cor’s shoulder.


This year, I’m trying a few new ideas. The first one was inspired by a window display at a local eatery. All you need are some pompoms, a little glittery fiber (approximately 4' per strand) and a needle.

Step 1: Cut your fiber and tie a knot near the end where you want your first pompom to stop.

Step 2: Thread your pompom on the thread using a needle.

Step 3: Repeat until you’ve filled your thread and then tie a loop at the top to hang the strand. I created three strands so I'll have room to dangle plenty of cards.

I created a similar project with white thread and a bunch of sparkly beads.

To attach the cards, I simply used bitty clothespins.

How do you display your cards? I’m always looking for new ideas to try out from year to year.

Seasons Greetings!

Turkey Day Tradition

It’s not too late to incorporate an ornamental tradition into your Thanksgiving feast. Notice the small gift packages sitting next to the plates in the picture above? Those each contain Christmas tree ornaments. No, I’m not giving away the surprise. This is something my fam has come to expect, as I do it every Thanksgiving. I buy each person at the table an ornament that reflects their personality and interests and we open the ornaments before we eat.

Mom also gets into the act. See the special something hiding beneath the napkin? Yep, it’s a lottery ticket. Excellent!

Why do this? Well, I think it’s a fun way to kick off the holiday season. Plus, exchanging a gift is an excellent way to express gratitude.

Your Traditions?

What is your Thanksgiving tradition? Watching the parade? The Westminster Dog Show, maybe? How about a tradition with the menu? I’d love to read a bit about you and your family activities.

Thank You!

Speaking of expressing gratitude, I’d like to thank you for visiting my little corner of e-real estate this year. I love reading your comments and deeply appreciate your friendship and support.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Cancer Continues

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this post. Almost one year to the day after Mom went in to have her breast cancer removed (the day before Thanksgiving, 2008), we learn that our cancer fighting isn’t over. My sweet sister-in-law, Sabina (Cory’s brother’s wife), received a call on Friday and learned that her leukemia has returned.

This is a shot of some of my Suggs sistas (in other words, my sis-in-laws). Sabina is the beautiful girl to my left.

Sabina first fought this battle 12 years ago, when she was in her early 20s. Since then, she’s been actively involved in supporting cancer-fighting causes, including running many races. Also, her mom is a breast cancer survivor, so she has many reasons to fight the good fight.

This shot is a shot of Sabina when she was in the hospital for her bone marrow transplant 12 year ago. Isn't she a cute baldie?

Ironically, Sabina had just signed up to run a leukemia race days before she received the news. Now she’s updated that status of her race page to read, “Running for MY life.” And run she will. As long her beautiful body will carry her, she plans on making the run. This is where I hope you’ll join in our support.

This is Bina running the St. George marathon this past August. You go, girl!

Sabina is collecting funds for her run. Any amount will help. I know it’s the holidays, but it would mean the world to us if you could donate a few dollars to her cause. If you have me on your Christmas list, I would be honored if your gift to me would be to donate to her cause. Please visit her web page to read more about her story and find information on donating to her race. You can also read a little about her past experience on her blog.


More than the money, I write to ask for your prayers. This is a scary, sad time and support is needed right now. Any you can send our way always is and will continue to be deeply appreciated.

Sabina is a bright star in our family, always smiling and making us laugh. Even at her lowest points with the cancer battle 12 years ago, you’d see her smiling and putting others at ease (as the photo above illustrates). The difference now is that she’s also a mommy, which makes this all the more difficult.


I know I seem to say this a lot lately (what can I say, it’s been an unusually rough year), but I’m going to say it again. Please value every moment you have with your loved ones. Don’t be shy with the “I love yous,” stingy with the hugs or light on the kisses.

“Thanks” isn’t enough, but it’s a start. I thank you for the support you’ve shown my family and me this past year and for the support I know you’ll continue to show. It’s incredible, because so many of you who read and comment are people I’ve never met, but you reach out as if we’re the closest of friends. I’m blessed and humbled by your compassion. From my heart, thank you!

Let's Have Some Holiday Fun!

I feel like Santa, only my workshop contains pretty papers from American Crafts, shiny bobbles from Doodlebug Designs, new stamps from Stampin’ Up!, fuzzy felt from My Little Yellow Bicycle, the AWESOME new letterpress machine from QuicKutz and SO much more. You see, my Handmade Holiday Cards & Gift Warp class starts tonight, and it’s not too late to register. I hope you can join me. This class is more than just a product paradise; you’re sure to have fun learning new techniques, too. Plus, what kind of Santa would I be if I didn’t offer awesome giveaways? Here’s just some of what we did last year!


To register, click here. I hope to see you tonight! Now I’m off to put these four-legged elves of mine to work. ;)

More Creepy Lighting Ideas

I had a little more lantern fun over the weekend. Thought I’d share the outcome. The first is another vinyl/lantern combo. This one was made with a Little Yellow Bicycle image. And I decided to add a little ribbon and a tag to the handle.


Here’s how it looks lit.

Along the same lines, I created a project with a tall glass jar. I like the way the haunted house looks with the candle light flickering in the windows. Eeep!


The look of this one changes quite a bit depending on the size of candle it contains. Here’s how it looks with a tall candle:


Here it is with a medium candle:


And here it is with a bitty tea light candle:
My personal favorite is the medium candle, but I had a hard time deciding. Do you have a favorite?

Bwa ha ha ha ha ha!

Frank & Greens

Frankly, I enjoy Halloween projects, so I’ve created a little card. I got the idea after die-cutting a bunch of bitty envelope shapes. The negative shape left in the cardstock reminded me of a Frankenstein head.

Decorative packing tape can add a little something extra to your paper crafts. I put a strip of it across the bottom of my card. I like how the green comes peeking through the tape.

I wasn't sure why, but my button stickers weren't quite cutting it as the bolts. My cute Cor had the solution. He cut two small strips of black cardstock for the bolt ends. It was just what Frankie needed to look complete. Thanks, hon!



I used a couple of fun adhesive techniques to create the glitter stitching. For more on those, check out my post on the Creating Keepsakes blog. While you're there, I hope you'll enter to win the Glue Grab Bags we're giving away this week.

Winner Winner!
Speaking of giveaways, I never did announce the winner of my Stuff Week stamp set giveaway. SO sorry about that. Congratulations, Alicia! Random.org has selected you as my winner. Please e-mail me at M2E2G@aol.com with your name and mailing address and I'll see that the stamp set is sent your way. Thanks!

Something Spooky This Way Comes

I was booed at work last week. No, I didn’t write a crummy column to warrant such behavior, nor did I get a poor performance review. Actually, during the month of October, being “booed” is a good thing. It means a special Halloween spirit paid me a visit, leaving me tasty treats and festive holiday décor.

Now it’s my turn to pay the boo forward, so I put together this illuminating home décor project. It would make a fun hostess gift if you’re attending a Halloween brouhaha this year, or it would look nice sitting on your step on Halloween night, lighting the way for all of the ghouls and goblins who visit.

Make Your Own

Step 1: Select a lantern. I picked up this lantern for around $6 at IKEA.

Step 2: Clean the glass. You’ll be adhering vinyl, so it helps to have a clean surface.


Step 3: Select your vinyl image and trim it to size. Below, you’ll find a list fun holiday vinyl options. This particular piece is from Stampin’ Up!


Step 4: Measure your vinyl to fit, using a pen to mark the edges of the lantern where you’ll need to do some final trimming.


Step 5: Gently remove the vinyl from its paper backing.


Step 6: Adhere the image to the glass, using your finger to ensure the vinyl is secure and free of air bubbles.


Step 7: Gently peel back paper to reveal spider.


Step 8: Since this is a black widow, I added a little red bling to her belly.

Step 9: Not wanting the word “spooky” to go to waste, I also adhered it to my lantern, wrapping it around a corner.

Step 10: Insert a candle and let the creepy-crawly fun begin!

Frightfully Fun Halloween Vinyl
Here are a few options to consider when making your lantern:

Curly Cue Wall Graphics

Little Yellow Bicycle

Stampin' Up!

Vinyl Wall Art

You, too, can BOO!

Do you want to spread your own boo cheer. Paper Crafts magazine, also located in the office where I work, has the boo message availale to download on their website. Don’t be a BOOger—print copies and let the creepy fun begin today!

An Update: Mom, Hair and the M Word (and I don't mean "marriage")

Unless you live beneath a rock, you know that this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month also marks a year since my dear mommy found out she has breast cancer. Wow. What a year it has been. A very long, very exhausting year…

With all of this in mind, it feels like time for another update.

MOM
She’s doing great! She’s still in treatment and will be until March of next year, but she has two major steps behind her—chemo and radiation. And her hair has started growing back. She already has a little bit o’ brow and delicate little lashes. Way to go, Schmom!

LOCKS OF LOVE
Speaking of hair, I’m still working on growing mine out. I swear, my hair hits a certain length and just stops. Is that possible? At any rate, I’m determined to meet the 8" Locks of Love requirement so I can make the big cut. Here’s where I’m at with this measure-in:

8.5 inches! Only 1.5 to 2 inches left, simply because I want a little hair around my neck.

As a friendly reminder, this is a group effort. See how Wendy
and Angie are doing with their growth.

THE BIG M
Now, on to the scary stuff. I’m the daughter of a breast cancer patient, which means I have a one-in-three chance of following suit. No thanks! Not for me. I’m not as strong as my beautiful Schmom and I like my breasts too much. Is that okay to admit? Let’s hope so since I just did. ;)

So, here’s the plan. I’m going to get a mammogram. *gulp*

Yeah, I’m only 28, but I don’t exactly feel great about those 33% odds. I’ve heard the M hurts. I don’t look forward to having the gals exposed and squished, but I’m going to do it. *Deep breath* Yes, I’m going to do it and I hope you’ll consider doing the same. Strength in numbers, right?

THANKS & SALUTATIONS
Thanks, from my heart, for your ongoing support this year. My entire family deeply appreciates the love that you've so openly shown.

It feels a tad tacky to say “happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” so I’ll raise a glass to health in general. Please, don’t take yours for granted.

Create & Celebrate: World Card Making Day 2009

Hip hooray, it’s World Card Making Day! Are you excited? I know I am. Today, card makers all over the world come together to celebrate the hobby we love. Part of the fun includes an incredible blog tour, with more than 300 blog in participation. I’m happy to be blog 310 on this list. Thanks for stopping by!

Here’s a quick card I created for my card group a few months back.

Make This Card

1. Punch (or die cut) six flowers in all the pretty colors of the rainbow.
2. Make a card base from white cardstock and punch a border along the bottom.
3. Stitch the flowers to the card.
4. Spell “friend” with small letter stickers.

Money Saving Tip
If you’re making several of the same card, as I did for my card group, you may want to consider stamping the word “friend” instead of using stickers.

Holiday Card Kickoff

Today is the official kickoff of the holiday card-making season. Will you make your holiday cards this year? I’m toying with the idea. If I start today, I’m sure I can get them done in time.

My Class

If you are making your cards and live in Utah, I hope you’ll consider joining me for one or both of my holiday card-making classes that I’m teaching through the University of Utah this fall. I’ll post a blog with more specifics soon. In the meantime, you can find more information on these classes here and here.

Happy World Card Making Day, my blog friends! What are you doing to celebrate? Whatever it is, I hope you’re enjoying every creative minute.

Cheers!