Incredible!!!

Hello! Thanks for stopping by today! I usually try to keep my blog posts to paper crafting and family stuff, but this week I participated in something too incredible to let it pass without sharing it.

On Monday and Tuesday, my husband Chris and I participated in a training with Kids Hope USA. We spent two days with about 30 other individuals from a variety of churches in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kentucky and California who want to implement a mentoring program in a neighboring elementary school in their community.

The Kids Hope USA vision is one child, one hour, one church, one school. Our church, Christ Community West Campus will be partnering with Chesebro Elementary in DeKalb. Which also happens to be the school I work at! I am so excited about bringing Kids Hope USA to our school and I know that it will come to make a difference in the lives of our students and their families!

The trainers of Kids Hope USA were some of the nicest people I've ever met! Their hospitality was wonderful and they equipped us with the needed information and tools to direct the Kids Hope program in a way that was not only professional, but fun. We had the privilege of spending time with the founder of Kids Hope too...Dr. Virgil Gulker. I don't think I've ever met a more genuine, godly person. His passion for ministering to at risk children made my heart want to burst. I left feeling like I could call him or any one of the trainers with questions, prayer concerns or even just to chat.

If your church wants to make a difference at a school, this is the way to do it! You can check out this video for a brief overview of the program. I am so incredibly excited about what lies ahead as Kids Hope USA becomes a part of our school!!! It's such a privilege to be a part of this! Thank you Lord!

Have a wonderful day! Many blessings~ Patti

I {Heart} Coloring!

I am just thrilled with my Copic markers!!! Because of them I now love coloring! And have you seen the beautiful new pale colors? Just ordered mine from Creative Play! Laura has all of the new colors in stock at only $4.87 each AND free shipping with a $50 order! Can't beat that!!! While you're there, I'm sure you'll find a few of the new Spellbinder pendants and borders you've been drooling over too...also on sale! Enjoy shopping!!! :)

Copic Coloring Fun!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend. I had a terrific time sharing Copic coloring tips at my first Copic Class yesterday at the Peddler's Den! Tonya has a lovely store with lots of fun goodies including Copics, Nestabilities, Great Impressions stamps and lots more!

This first class was all about the basics of coloring, blending and shading.
It's been quite a while since I've taught a stamping class, but I really enjoyed sharing about Copics, meeting new people and teaching again. Thought I'd share my cards from the class. I tried to keep things simple as to focus on the coloring, but wanted everyone to take home some finished cards.

I'll be teaching my Copics 102 Class on August 8th at the Peddler's Den, where I'll share about coloring images black and white, coloring skin and hair, stamping with Copic ink and doodling with Copics. I think I've got a lot to do in the next month. ;) Thanks for visiting today! Warmly~ Patti

Friends Who Make Good Times Great

Last week I hosted a small, casual open house for the new Stampin' Up! Idea Book. I've been a Demonstrator since 2002. My first three years, I really worked my business and along the way hosted over a hundred Stamp Camps, classes, Open Houses, events and workshops, while building a Downline. I meet numerous women in all different walks of life and now have the pleasure of calling many of them friends.

As my life changed, my children grew and I began working a full-time job in 2006, I stepped back from my business and started hosting a monthly club with some of those friends, a delightful group of woman that I enjoy stamping with. They've kept me afloat as a Demonstrator, but more importantly have inspired me in my stamping and encouraged me in life. They are definitely friends who make good times great!

In just a few short months our club will end and this time I will be hanging up my SU! apron for good. As I do, I want to thank these women for their friendships and the great times we have shared! To Amy, Char, Cherie, Priscilla, Sherry Lee, Susan, Teresa and Theresa, many thanks and much love!

I look forward to what lies ahead as we stretch our stamping wings! Blessings~ Patti

A little birdy told me...

What a gorgeous day it was today! Finally a break from the heat and humidity. It was nice to open the windows and enjoy the breeze blowing through the house. Probably should have been outside more, but instead I did a little stamping, a little beading and went to see a movie with my son Justin and his friend, B.

If you know me, you probably wouldn't think I'm a big fan of X-men, but after watching the series on DVD with my boys last summer, I got hooked and was anxious to see X-men Origins: Wolverine. Finally got the chance today and thought it was well worth the $8. Lots of action! And Hugh Jackman!

Well, enough of that. ;) What do you think of the card? Saw this set from Darcie's some time ago at a stamp expo but talked myself out of it. When I saw it again on eP, I couldn't resist! The birds are adorable, as are the sentiments. Really enjoyed playing with it, along with a sketch from Debra. This card is to share at her next Stamp Camp. And to send to a friend for her birthday.

Well, while there's still some light to the day, I think I'll see if I can talk my hubby into a walk. Enjoy your evening! And thanks for visiting! ~Patti

Wisteria & Hydrangeas

Was fortunate to spend a day last week shopping with my daughter Sarah. We made the rounds to some of our favorite craft stores and along the way I picked up a pack of Basic Grey Wisteria paper. It's simply lovely! I really like the deep plum and muted blues, greens and golds in it. It turned out the be the perfect compliment to these Lockhart Hydrangeas. I simply love coloring this image with my Copics!

I'm off to do some shopping again today. Yes, it's one of my favorite things to do, even when it's just to browse. This time my mom is coming up and we are going to visit Coldwater Creek and enjoy lunch out for my birthday.

Looking forward to it! It's a beautiful day today!!! Hope you are able to enjoy it too! ~Patti

Friendly Flower

I like to treat myself to a monthly Stamp Camp. Each month I come away with four cards, a sketch and more importantly, time spent with friends. At this past months camp, I received a little gift of ribbon and die cut flowers from Debra for participating in her sketch challenge. A nice treat that helped jump start my mojo as I put them to use on this quick card.

One of my favorite things about Copic markers is how easily you can change the color of an embellishment. In this case, I colored two of the three flowers, which were all a light yellow. The coloring is so smooth and even, you wouldn't even know it wasn't just the color of the cardstock. The same can be done for ribbon, Prima flowers, brads, eyelets and more!

Thanks for the flowers and ribbon Debra! They made for a lovely card, which is on its way to your sister. Hope it brightens her day!