Across this April...

Hello again.  Did you miss me? (smile, wink)  So sorry to leave the blog unattended last week.  I was bogged down in the feeling that our house is too big.  I know that must sound crazy to a lot of you, but a bigger home comes with bigger to-do lists.  And, this house is a challenge!  Also, my two, sweet, little mess-makers were proving their talents, overwhelming me even more.  So, I placed blogging on the back-burner and used the time to regain some sanity and serenity.  (Yes, I made sure to get the kids involved in cleaning up.  Just in case you were wondering about that or mumbling advice to your computer screen.)

Last Thursday, I received some really big news, which helped to lift me out of my moody moment and reenergize me.  I won the finale giveaway for Once Upon A Thread.  For any who've forgotten, 'Once Upon A Thread' was a collection of guest bloggings, hosted by Katy of 'No Big Dill' (her blog), and each guest created a beautiful project based upon a beloved children's story.  This literary, craft-filled journey ended with an amazing giveaway, which I entered and won!  I was shocked and thrilled!  If you'd like to see what my good fortune included (the loot, that is), then you must click on the link:

http://nobigdill-reviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/once-upon-thread-giveaway-finale.html

Since I have nothing new to share with you, yet, I want to link you to some paper and fabric art made by other talented crafters.  The first link will show you 'Paper Dolls' from Ms. Smartie Pants.  I adore the color combinations and the polka-dotted paper.  Second, you'll see 'Baby Bird Stitcheries' by Lella Boutique with tutorial.  I can't wait to make one of these!  Last, I've included a creation that's perfect for the Easter season, 'Initial Button Eggs' from Auntie Lolo Crafts.  It reminds of the pictures that you view when testing for color-blindness, but it's wonderfully creative and adaptable for any holiday/decorating occasion.  Also makes a great gift....so, open the links and enjoy the projects.

http://ms-smartie-pants.blogspot.com/2011/04/more-paper-dolls.html

http://lellaboutique.blogspot.com/2011/03/baby-bird-stitcheries.html

http://auntielolocrafts.blogspot.com/2011/03/inital-button-egg.html

I'll now return to my opening thoughts and explain about the title of this post.  Another issue that comes with a larger home -- more storage.  Again, I know you think that I'm nuts, but I assure you, it's true!  We're blessed with so much more than we need.  It's a problem being pushed out of spaces by your own stuff.  I don't mean that we live like the people on Hoarders, but all storage spaces have a limit, and we're nearing capacity.  Thus, I propose a challenge to myself.  Throughout the month of April, all of my crafting must ONLY use supplies that I own.  I cannot will not purchase any new items!  I truly enjoy seeing the ingenuity used by others as they restyle and repurpose objects for new projects.  I need to develop this talent!  I want to see new potential in my junk!  So, I hope to be more prolific in my crafting endeavors this month, as I rediscover the hidden treasure in my supply stash.

Please stay tuned and have a Supremely blessed day!