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Is it really that time of year again? I just can’t believe it!! The official kick off to summer is upon us, and I am planning my annual cook out, with friends and now family!! Last year, my mom joined us for the long weekend from Ohio. This year, my exciting new family member joining us, is my brother-in-law who has recently relocated to Phoenix, and I now have him here every day! I thought I was blessed last year... this year... it's like a dream come true for me!

As I do every Memorial Day, I plan on attending the wonderful parades and moving ceremonies, which take place to honor the men and women who serve or served in our armed forces. This year, I wanted to add a personal thank you, to the service men and women who are a part of the Spellbinders family.

Michael Siegenthaler, retired United States Military

Corpal, Trevor Curtis Wiren, United States Marine.

Michael Canale, United States Navy. 

Michael Fry, United States Air Force.

Daniel Fry ,United States Army, veteran of Desert Storm.

Leoncio Ybarra, United States Marine retired, veteran Vietnam War.

Israel Ybarra, United States Marine.               

Leroy Farneth, United States Navy, retired veteran of the Korean War.

Clayton Farneth, United States Marine retired.

Neil Farneth, United States Marine, retired veteran of Vietnam War.

Albert Farneth, United States Navy, retired.

Ginter Stone, United States Army retired, veteran of World War II.

Henry Lee, United States Army retired, veteran of World War II.

Albert Alexander, United States Army retired, veteran of World War II.

James R. Milliner, United States Army retired, veteran of the Korean War.

James M. Caron, United States Army retired, veteran of the Korean War.

Brian L. Hupke, United States Navy, Submarine Service.

These are the amazing heroes that are in our hearts and prayers at Spellbinders this weekend. These wonderful people are just a few of the many men and women that serve and protect our country. I would love for you to leave your heroes name in the comment's section this week, so that we can say, “Thank You” for keeping us safe and proud!

Hugs,

I am so excited to share with all of you another feature that we have added to the Spellbinders website! It’s called, “On the Road”, which is our newest blog! It's for all the designers and me, to create a virtual post card that we can share with all of you, while we are traveling to the different events that we are attending.

How much fun is this going to be? It is designed so that you will feel like you are right there with all of us, as we continue not only exploring beyond in our crafting, but also exploring the world that carries our products!

One thing I love to do when I am traveling has always been to send a hand-written post card to friends and family. It makes them feel like they are right there with me. I love that it has a scenic view, and a small area where I can write a personal note of the experience! That was the basis for developing this fun new blog. I have recently been given many opportunities to bring my children on the road with me, and I have a lovely world map, that we put little dots on to show where we have been. This is another feature that is now a part of this fun area.

I hope that you will visit us on the new On The Road Blog, under the Explore Beyond tab and join us on our crazy adventures. I encourage you to leave a little note for whatever post you journey into. I know that the designers and I would love to chat while we are away from friends and family.  

Hugs,

Recently, I made the decision to do something healthy for myself. We all get busy and it’s something I have personally been putting off for quite a long time while on my Spellbinders journey.

As many of you may or may not know, my sister Cindy and her husband David are moving to Phoenix. My brother- in- law David has become part of the Spellbinders family and is working in the sales department! One afternoon, he said to me, “Hey Sis? Why don’t you come try Hot Yoga with me and our friend Missy?” 

"What!?!" I said, "Me do yoga?" 

I’ve never tried any yoga. So, with a bit of hesitation, I decided to give it a try. 

First, let me explain a little about what Hot Yoga even is, because quite honestly, I had no idea what I had gotten myself into! Bikrim Hot Yoga is 26 postures done in a room heated to 105 degrees, at 40% humidity, for a total of 90 minutes. They use the same routine every time!! Needless to say, you sweat your guts out. 

The first two classes, I felt like throwing up! This happens to most of the students who are new to this type of yoga experience. The goal at first, is to stay in that room and learn to breathe! An amazing phenomenon happened to me after the first class….as hard and sweaty and disturbing as the class was….. I felt GREAT afterwards!!!!! 

The release of stress was amazing. I felt calm and slept better that night than I have in years. The third class, I felt like crying in class. It’s not easy to exercise in a 105 degree room, but when I left that class… again, I felt amazing!

I have now completed my eighth class and I am already noticing changes in my muscle tone, strength and I'm even doing better at the poses, especially on the foot I had ankle surgery on.  Our teachers, Robin & Jim, are so inspiring. I find myself actually looking forward to going to the next class.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank my brother-in-law David, for his encouragement and support and my good friend Missy, for the same reasons. The three of us are actually enjoying sweating our guts out together! 

On a very funny note, see the photo of the Humble Pie Pizza shop…its next to the Yoga Studio.  Needless to say, I love that pizza shop… but do not feel the need to go near it. The Yoga studio has successfully served me up their own version of humble pie and I like it much better! Here are a few before and after pics for you to laugh at…warning the after photo is not pretty! LOL!

Hugs,

It is my extreme pleasure, to introduce the 2013 Inspiration Team here at Spellbinders. This team was created to be able to produce artwork that will be displayed throughout the many retailers that carry Spellbinders projects. This is also one of the most talented group of woman, who have captivated me for many years.

Please help me welcome Holly Simoni, Kazan Clark, Julie Overby, Windy Robinson, Lesley Langdon, Tina McDonald and AJ Otto and Team Coordinator Josie Cirincione.

The members on this elite team have been with Spellbinders for a number of years. Their individual styles create a team that inspires a worldwide audience.   

Holly Simoni starts her 7^th year at Spellbinders.  Holly loves creating mixed media artwork, scrapbook pages, cards and mini albums. She is inspired by texture, color and the nature around her.

The 2013-2014 year, marks Kazan Clark 5^th year with Spellbinders. Kazan’s fun loving personality and clean elegant style inspires crafter on all levels.  Whether creating a card, scrapbook page or home decor project, you will be inspired.

Julie Overby will be embarking on her 5^th year with Spellbinders. She is an avid paper crafter who gets her inspiration from her three children. Julie’s shabby chic style and fun personality inspires our audience worldwide.

Windy Robinson starts her 3^rd year with Spellbinders. She is an amazing paper crafter who loves to dabble in mixed media. I am always amazed with or at how she marries the two worlds together in her projects.

Lesley Langdon starts her 3^rd year with Spellbinders. Lesley has been a constant source of inspiration for the Spellbinders audience. Her trendy style speaks to all crafters whether they are into jewelry, paper, or mixed media.

Tina McDonald starts her 3^rd year with Spellbinders. Tina’s romantic, clean and simple style lends itself well to scrapbooking, mixed media, and card making. Her bubbly personality is always present in her projects.

AJ Otto starts her 4^th year with Spellbinders.  AJ joins the Inspiration Team, until her new role begins as paper crafting Design Team Coordinator in August! She loves linear graphic images, clean lined designs, and has an overall “less is more” approach to crafting.

Josie Cirincione will coordinate the 2013 Inspiration Team. Josie comes to Spellbinders with personal experience as a designer/author in the mixed media world.  

I am sure these amazing women will continue to inspire crafters worldwide, as they have always inspired me.  

Hugs,                                                 

I have been so upset with the unfolding events in Boston this week, that I feel I need to reflect deeply within myself to understand what is happening to this wonderful country of ours. It really shakes a person to the core of their security when a national tragedy happens. Some questions that start to pop out in my head are, what kind of future are my children going to have? How can people be so intolerant of freedom? And the most important of all questions is how do we rebuild, move forward, and prevent this from happening again?

Then in that quiet early morning sunrise, the answers to my question are revealed. We are Americans; our children’s future will be what they make it. Yes, it will be different from ours, but just as free. People are so intolerant of freedom, because they do not have it. We will rebuild the security that was lost, and move forward by helping each other and persevere because, that is what we have been taught by the amazing sacrifices that our brave military have given us.

In the midst of all the chaos that occurred by the actions of some cowardly act, you can see the true courage of Americans being displayed in the very moments. How many heroes ran toward the danger and helped those who were injured. How many medical personnel, Police Officers, Event Organizers, and just everyday citizens out to watch an amazing marathon turned and helped.  Right there those acts have shown me, that we have not lost who we are.  We will never cower to terror. We will cherish each moment of this amazing life each of us has been given, and will continue to stand up and help those who cannot help themselves.

This week has been a stark reminder that I need to love my kids more, cherish the moments I have with my family more, and help my neighbors more and not just in times of tragedy. Life is too short to focus on the negative.

Hugs,  

I am going to be spending the weekend with my friends Julianna Hudgins and Judy Hayes at the first ever Bead Bash being held at the Mall of America in Minnesota and I couldn’t be more excited!

Juliana is going to be teaching a class that will be featuring her Jewel Loom and I know everyone will think it’s as cool as I do! It really makes using a loom quick, easy and the end results are amazing. Spellbinders will be hosting a make- ‘n- take featuring Media Mixáge blanks, bezels and dies all using the new Artisan X-plorer® machine! All proceeds from this fun craft will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, so make sure that you come see us at Beadknicks.

If you can’t make it this weekend for all of the fun and inspiration, have no fear I am going to give one lucky reader the opportunity to receive a copy of Card Maps Vol. 3 by Scrapbook and Cards Today!!

This volume is brimming with inspiration, techniques and creative ideas for your next cardmaking adventure! It features over 70 gorgeous cards from some of today’s top designers, more than 40 card sketches from PageMaps, step-by-step instructions for every card and eight how-to photo techniques! All this in a high quality, beautifully photographed resource book you’ll want to keep for years to come! All you have to do is leave a comment below! This giveaway is in conjunction with Scrapbooking and Cards Today and per their rules, the giveaway is restricted to US residents only. To find out about Card Maps Vol. 1 and 2 check out: http://www.scrapbookandcards.com/cardmaps-welcome-2013

Have no fear, next weeks giveaway will be limited to International participants only. Until then, have a fantastic week!!

Hugs,

We all live by the clock… By the sun rising and setting, watching the minutes and hours tick on by. Time passes so slowly, but really that's just a trick on our minds!  We all really know that time flies! I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to go and give your loved ones a big hug or kiss and tell them how much they are loved and appreciated today, before it is too late. 

“I have only slipped away into the next room, I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Play, smile, think of me. All is well.” ~ Henry Scott Holland (shortened from What is Death?)

How many of you out there, like the wee hours of the night or early morning?  I love the stillness of the early, early morning. When it feels like time is moving so slowly.  It’s quiet, dark and peaceful just before the sunrise. It's the time of day that I like to think and remember good times and special people in our lives.

Yesterday I woke up to March 7^th, my late mother -in- laws birthday. I thought about her all day, about how proud she was of her son and his family. How proud she was of our accomplishments with Spellbinders she got to see the success we worked so hard to achieve before she left us. I know that she is looking down on us now smiling and giggling, because throughout all  the ups and downs of this journey  we seem to be on, special and amazing things continue to happen for our company and our family, right up to this very moment! Today is also a very special day and we are incredibly blessed to have such amazing and wonderful people in our lives.

I can’t help but think that my mother-- in law Polly is a guardian angel now... After all she was a home economics teacher, a seamstress and an avid crafter! I remember our weekly trips to the local crafts stores for her to purchase supplies for projects long before Spellbinders was ever thought of! There truly isn’t a day that goes by that I do not think of her and miss her more than I ever thought possible.

During my recovery from ankle surgery, many of you asked me, “If I had set aside some time to craft during my down time”? I'm happy to say yes! I actually scrapbooked my mother and father- in- laws wedding photos, they were in an old family album that was starting to turn yellow!!

It was wonderful to see the beautiful day they had.  I often wish she was still here, especially for her grandchildren who were so very close to her and she was so proud of. I am so happy that we all have fond memories of her and know someday we will see her again. So do me a favor... Go tell one of your loved ones that you think the sun rises and sets on them!! Let them know how special they are, and take the time to create lasting memories together!!

Hugs,

Hugs,

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Tucson Gem and Mineral show this past week with my good friend Julianna.   This is where many different types of jewelry, findings and mixed media wholesales come together to show their wares.

I've been told there are more than 40 different type of shows going on simultaneously for the two week time frame and basically the entire city of Tucson Arizona is taken over. I have to say, I've never seen so much bling all in one place at one time. If you don't have a plan when you visit this amazing marketplace... you better get one fast! You can get in some big trouble at these shows if you don't have a plan because there is so much to be had your head will explode by the third tent!!!

Susan Lenant Kazmer was of course there with her amazing line of products along with her Ice Resin. She also proudly displayed her line with in the Spellbinders Media Mixage line that we launched together at CHA last month!  

All and all it was a fun experience to see so much eye candy in one place and if you ever get the opportunity to experience the Tucson Gem show, I would highly recommend it because its open to both the trade and the general public!!

One word of advice... As you can see as Julianna and I left Tucson.... You gotta know when it's time to get "out" of Dodge!!!

In closing, since I had so much fun this week, I thought that maybe you could share a fun adventure you were on recently. Leave me a comment and in next week's post I will do a random drawing and give a way a copy of the current issue of Where Women Create magazine that I was featured in. Good Luck!!

Hugs,

As we continue the journey into our new year together, I have some questions for you to ponder…

What motivates you to grow, explore and increase enjoyment in your life? After all we are just given one life here on earth so we should all be mindful to make it the best life possible!  Where do you get your creative inspiration? Does your life ever feel overwhelming? I want you all to realize two things this year when you feel blue….be kind to yourself and remember that the universe has an amazing way to make all things “right” even if you cannot see the outcome immediately!!  I have been so very blessed to have the life I’ve been given…however, it has come at a price.

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.” Andy Rooney

One thing I have promised myself to do this year is set aside 10 minutes a day for “personal” creative exploration. Not related to my company. I challenge all of my wonderful followers to do the same…explore beyond your normal daily routine or hobby…open your mind to the creative spirit and a wonderful journey will unfold! Take time to look at the beauty of things around you. Enjoy your friends and family and weave those experiences into your life through your art!   Use your art as the vehicle of your expression. Spellbinders has a new blog for all to enjoy called Explore Beyond…it will be loaded with all sorts of inspiration for your enjoyment…I urge you to check it out as we continue to add and grow this new endeavor. There will be features allowing all of us to participate in this area together. How exciting to get the opportunity to grow and explore with all of you!

A few things I have done since the New Year is enjoy some masterpiece theater. Downton Abbey is my new obsession! LOL…my sister Cindy came back to Arizona with us after CHA and we decided to explore some great television series that we have missed since growing this company. So…we wandered into Barnes and Noble’s movie/television section and found that great British section of movies/television shows.

Needless to say, we have made several trips back to get the entire series!!! It’s been a fun two weeks with my sister! The other great thing I've done this New Year is go to girls night out on Wednesdays!! Connecting with girlfriends is a great way to de-stress, laugh and keep things in perspective!