be yourself: live with passion

Where in the world is Carol Wingert?

Right here, right now, I'm sitting in my friend Peggy Forma's kitchen in New Jersey feeling guilty as all get out about not posting since mid-November.  Thanks for all of your emails asking if I am OK...and I am.

November was a total blur. 

Between teaching, getting Renaissance Woman kits out, getting ready for the trip and the event in New Jersey and getting Heirloom kits out, there wasn't a whole lot of time for much of anything else.  In fact, last Wednesday night, I came pretty close to pulling an all nighter...haven't done that in a long time.  But, I ended up with an hour and a half nap before getting up to head out to the airport.

Why am I in New Jersey?

About a year ago, my friend Ida Laufer and I were talking about the possibilities of Ashley and me coming to New Jersey after Thanksgiving to take in the windows in New York.  Then there was discussion about teaching a day of classes in Peggy's home...which we solidified this past February.  I couldn't believe it last week when it was finally time to go!

And the coolest thing about it was that Ashley was able to come with me...a teaching, inspirational trip to see friends with my daughter...what more could I ask for?

So, last Thursday, we arrived in New Jersey.

Friday morning, Peggy, Ida, Ashley and I headed into New York City.  It was a whirlwind of a day...it was fabulous.  Here are some of the highlights.

The first places we decided to hit were the trim and fabric stores in the garment district...Daytona, Mood (that's Ashley and me at Mood) and M&J.  Mood was so cool...there were so many fabrics that it was hard to decide what to look at first.  Mood supplies fabrics and trims for Project Runway...it was an amazing store.  When I get home, I'll take pictures of the fabulous mondo buttons I got there...so cool.

Next up was M&J...I can honestly say that I've not seen so many ribbons and trims in one location...also found some cool trims there.  I also have to say that these trims are not a bargain...they are pretty special and there's a price tag to go along with the specialness!

Here are Ashley and Peggy in one of the bling sections...they are HAPPY...there's box after box of amazing appliques...WOW!

It was an amazing day in New York...the weather was really great and it was so good to be able to walk in the brisk air...loved it.  Here are Ashley, Peggy and Ida in front of Tinsel Trading.  I couldn't wait to go to Tinsel...I had been ordering from them for years and just couldn't wait to see the store in person.

Here's part of the window display.  I was able to find a cool Santa for my collection and Peggy and I split a bolt of vintage beaded trim that is to die for...look for it in a future Heirloom collection kit.

The Empire State Building peeking between the buildings...

After a fabulous lunch at Fishtail Restaurant (more to come about that), we headed out to see the decorated windows.  Bergdorf's took the prize for the most innovative windows.  Their theme was Alice in Wonderland...here are a couple of peeks...

These pictures were taken at night with a little point and shoot camera and I was happy that they actually turned out!  The details in the windows were astounding...impossible to capture in a photo for sure.  In some of the windows, it was hard to decide where to look first.  I can't imagine how long it took the designers to plan and execute each of those windows.

Ashley was thrilled to be able to see Serendipity...made famous by the movie...there was a two hour wait to get in and more of New York to see so it was a quick picture outside, a quick trip inside for a mug and a bag of frozen hot chocolate mix...and that totally tickled her.

One of the stores that I really enjoyed was Mackenzie-Childs...it was such a HAPPY store and it really made me smile!

I'll post more pix later...I took over 400 pictures and haven't been able to edit all of them yet.

Saturday was an awesome day.  It was so fun to meet so many new memory artists...and to see some that I had met years ago.  Peggy set up the tables in her living room and dining room...it was great.  We did a class in the morning, took a break for a delightful home cooked lunch...no sandwiches at this event but instead, baked ziti, a chicken caesar salad with homemade dressing and croutons, garlic bread, and a wild and wonderful assortment of desserts.  It was fabulous.  We built a second project in the afternoon, all warm and toasty while it snowed outside!  And, what's so amazing is that none of this would have happened if I wasn't involved in scrapbooking!

Today, we spent time at a delightful store in Point Pleasant called Summerhouse.  Zandra had told us that it was similar to Melrose Vintage in Phoenix and she was dead on...it was so cool!  Here are a couple of pix:

It's been a great few days...some much needed down time and a fabulous day creating with friends.  Tomorrow, Ashley and I head home and I'll be hitting the ground running cuz I haven't forgotten about December kits...just need to get a project finished and posted.  So, be on the lookout about mid-week...and for those of you taking Friday's class, it will be the same project.  I'm just a little behind this month...thanks for your patience and understanding.

OK, off to edit some more pix...hope you enjoyed the whirlwind tour along with me!

Hugs,

Carol

P.S.  A huge thanks to Ida and Peggy for the invitation, to Peggy and Michael for their amazing hospitality and to all of the girls who attended the day on Saturday, and to Ashley for all of her help in getting ready and TA'ing in class...appreciate all of you!

  

I've got my Post It note up...

See you in the morning!

collecting and creating in my own little world...

It occurred to me this morning that I have gone another week without blogging...and that after I told myself I would be more consistent...eeek!

I have truly been in my own little world this past week.  After a couple of months of collecting all sorts of cool bits and pieces for the new Heirloom Collection release, I spent literally the whole of last week creating the project. 

I am beyond excited to share this one with you...the entire project has definitely been a fun and grand adventure!

I've found kit pieces in all parts of the world...and my search for antique French linens to incorporate into the kits led me to a new friend, a British antique dealer who owns a bed and breakfast in the Deep South and does private tours of Great Britain...hmmm, thinking of the possibilities...

Anyway, back to the French linens.  I did get a gorgeous sheet, and unfortunately, it came as advertised...nearly perfect.  How was I going to cut into an almost perfect sheet from the 1800's?  I told Vern and Ashley that they would have to hold my hand and push down on the scissors...I just couldn't do it.  A call to the dealer produced a couple of mended sheets (relief) and a long conversation about the possibilities of a tour of England combined with journal making classes...like I said, it's been a grand adventure.

My local quilt store has gotten to know me really well...although they were good natured about it, I think they got tired of me calling them every few days to see if the much awaited French fabrics had arrived.

When they finally did, I got an email, promptly dropped everything I was doing and hustled over there to buy a HUGE amount of yardage for this project. 

And that huge box of French trims I've been hoarding...well, they are hoarded no more!

Tomorrow, I will be sending out an email blast to everyone on my list about the new project and will give you a heads up about when it will be posted in my storefront.  It will be a limited edition again...which is what the Heirloom Collection is all about...and it is really, really special (in my humble opinion :)).  Anyway, be on the lookout for your email...I need to get my videographer (Miss Ashley) to do run through the book with me just like the last time...and I will include that in my blog post on creatologie tomorrow.

In the meantime, I've left you with a couple of sneaky peekies...see ya tomorrow!

a new twist on an old idea...

I spent Saturday up in Payson teaching at Paper and Metal Scrappers.  I love the atmosphere in that store...it's warm and friendly, plus it's fun to teach women who are really into learning new techniques and thinking outside of the box.

During the afternoon class, one of the owners, Brenda, and I were chatting about the new kit that I just released for preorder on creatologie.  She was commenting about the cool binding and that launched us into a discussion of creativity and new ideas.

I told her that I had taken a combo of bindings, added my own solutions to a couple of challenges I was having with holding the book together and voila...a new twist on some old ideas. 

We concluded that, in this age of information and the internet, where a concept is broadcasted everywhere in a matter of minutes, there are really very few new ideas.  Even when you think you have come up with something new and different, it's funny how someone will say that they saw something really similar somewhere.  Really, when you think about it, many of us are exposed to the same sources of inspiration so it would follow that our brains take us down the same pathway, right?  And, maybe creativity is mostly about taking an old idea and putting a new twist on it.  What do you think?

Last night's dinner definitly was a new twist on an old idea.

Did any of you grow up eating hot dogs and beans on a night when your mom didn't feel like cooking?  Do any of you use that as a fall back meal when you don't feel like cooking?  From my end, the answers are yes and yes!

I didn't feel like eating ordinary hot dogs and beans last night so, instead, we got hot dog and bean soup.  (I need a gourmet name for this...maybe you have a suggestion or two???)

Here's what went into the soup:  one chopped onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, 3 stalks of celery, 5 nitrate/nitrite free hot dogs (they now have these at Costco...yippee), a package of pre-cooked, steamed 6 bean medley (available at Trader Joe's) (you could substitute a medley of canned beans as well), 1 can diced tomatoes with juice, 1/3 cup Acini di pepe pasta (they look like little white balls when cooked), 1 box of beef broth and salt, pepper, parsley, basil and bay leaves to taste.  I pre-sauteed the onions, garlic and celery and then added everything else.  Cook until the pasta is tender, then add some winter greens or, in my case, I used salad "herbs" from Trader Joe's (whatever they are...they look like spring greens but since there are bags labeled as such, I have to assume they are different).  Cook until the greens are wilted.  Serve soup with grated Italian cheeses, crusty bread and dipping oil.  YUM! 

So there you have it...a new (gourmet) twist on an old (reliable and basic) idea.  Do you have any funky recipes that you've put together from a basic meal you grew up eating?

Just a few more things...on Thursday, we set a new record for number of kits sold on a launch day...thank you to all that ordered...it was amazing!  Also, Ashley updated last month's kit orders and there will be some creatologie girlfriends "Diamond Girls" aprons going out soon.  And thirdly, I wanted to mention that someone had written to ask if the book could be used as a travel journal for a trip to Europe...yes, absolutely, yes.  The female images that are used in the book are definitely "Old World" European, so using it for travel memories is a great idea!  For any Renaissance Men out there who take classes or order kits, if you don't want to create a book for or about women, this is a great alternative.

I think that's about all for today...hope you have a great Monday!

Hugs,

Carol

learning the art of flexibility...

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is this:  "How far in advance do you plan your creatologie kit projects?".  The answer is, not all that far because of product availability.  I usually have a list of ideas and sometime during the the prior month, I start sketching and sourcing product for a new kit.  If the project is dependent on a certain structure, then I check to make sure that there is plenty to stock for me to order once I release the kit for preorder.  This weekend, I pulled together the project I wanted to release this week.  It's a 7 gypsies printers tray that is amazingly cool...very dimensional, with great embellies and lots of potential for gifting.  On a whim, I called just to make sure that the product would still be available and lo and behold, it's backordered until the middle of the month.  In some ways, I can be a major risk taker, but in others, definitely NOT.  This is one of those definite NOTS...I like to get kits out on time and as promised.  So, it's time to practice the art of flexibility go to the drawing board and put together something different.  I have to tell you that a personality profile test that I took when I was in college came back with a very high score on INFLEXIBILITY...and the recommendation was that I learn to be more flexible, especially if I was going to be teaching.  They were definitely right...and I've had to learn (and am continuing to learn) how to go with the flow...and I now have a printer's tray project to release in a future month...yay!

Bottom line, there will be a November project, DEFINITELY!  Today, I've pulled together some papers...it will be a brand new book structure built from scratch that I've not done in any previous kits.  Be on the lookout for your email blast in the next few days.  The photo in this post is a bit of a hint...think Renaissance style...think women...think cool trims and fabrics...think possible holiday gift or something to add your own personal collection.

It's been over a week since I last blogged and I really missed it.  Between two classes and getting out the holiday book kits and makeover kits on Saturday, last week was a total blur.  But, it's a new week (and a new month) and I can't wait to share some great things with you on creatologie kits and Heirloom Collection kits...I've been filling pages in my inspiration journal every day with ideas...stay tuned! 

GLITTER AND SPARKLE!

One of my favorite memories is of waking up to find that nighttime had delivered fresh snow that blanketed the whole outside.  Before Vern and I moved to Arizona, we were living in a small cottage in Huntingdon Valley, PA, that my brother owned and was rehabbing.  The cottage sat on a densely wooded lot and the backyard sloped to a very melodious creek.  It was an idyllic setting...especially after a snowfall.  Saturday morning snow was the best...being able to stay home and enjoy it rather than fighting the horrific traffic getting to work made all the difference in my attitude.

I can recall waking up one Saturday morning to a dark house...and a dark outdoors.  I went into the kitchen to get the coffee brewing and could barely see out the window for all of the icy patterns and snow around the window.  I could barely contain myself and ran into the family room and flipped on the back spotlights...it was like a winter wonderland in the backyard.  Each of the trees and bushes were laden with white glitter and sparkle...all enhanced with the spotlights from the deck.  It was an amazing sight and something I will never forget.

It will take some kind of miracle to wake up to that here in the desert of Arizona!

Since I can't have the glitter and sparkle of the snow, I have to make do with the glitter and sparkle of the fabulous products I have the delight of working with.  Here is some of the glittery goodness I woke up to this morning.

A washtub of trim packs ready to go into the Winter Wonderland makeover kits.  They make me smile!

You have amazed me with your response on these kits...many of you bought the June kit and purchased this makeover kit as well.  Some of you wrote and told me that you gave away your earlier project and now want to do this one for yourself...others, just want to have one of each!  There aren't many left, thanks to all of you!

Four of the metallic trims included in the makeover kit are vintage trims made in France.  This is one of them.  The detail is amazing...and it's surprisingly soft and pliable...don't know if it's in the metallic fiber or the fact that it has some age to it.  When I first started doing creatologie kits, I was able to use some one-of-a-kind, very limited edition types of products in the kits.  As the amount of kits that I make each month grows, it's harder to be able to supply them all with those types of goodies, so sharing these very limited, can't buy any more trims with you has really been fun!  I don't know what it is about the French metallics but they have a luster and sheen about them without being gaudy.  Love that!

I can't seem to get enough of these vintage chandelier crystals...they sure do add a lot to a project!

You'd almost think it's Christmas around here instead of October!  These little metallic balls are part of the holiday book, "A Star Studded Holiday".  While the online kits are sold out, I think there are still some openings in the classes...and if there are any kits left, there is a wait list for those that still want one.  Let me know if you'd like to be put on the list.

If you woke up this morning to some glitter and sparkle outside, hope you enjoy it.

If you didn't, hope you enjoy the virtual glitter and sparkle from my studio to yours!

Happy Saturday!
 
 
 

creatologie's first makeover...

Check out the details on today's creatologie blog post!

So many good things...so many good people...

This morning, I came across a great quote from the book entitled "Gratitude", from Compendium Publishing.  Here's what it said:

"It's not what we have in our life, but who we have in our life that counts."

-J.M. Laurence-

LOVE that quote!

Yesterday, I taught the Charmingly Yours class at Scrapbooks, Etc. and it was so much fun.  There were a number of women there that I met for the first time...LOVE that.  There was such a good sense of community in the class as the women shared papers, images and other supplies.  Because a good part of the class was creative "play"...designing your own collages...there was also a lot of enthusiasm as each little collage piece was unveiled.  Thanks, ladies, for making the class such a fun event!

ONLINE HOLIDAY BOOK KITS ARE SOLD OUT...thanks to so many of you who ordered.  I've set aside kits for my two classes at the end of the month and if there are any remaining kits at that time, I will repost them.  But, for now, they are sold out.  I appreciate your loyalty!

On Thursday evening, the UPS guy dropped off a package from Design Originals.

In the package was one of their brand new books called "Cards & Trinkets" and in the new book were three cards that I contributed.  The book is all about using findings from Tim Holtz's lines, idea-ology and grungeboard. 

Here's one of the cards I made...it makes me smile.  There are three yo-yo's made from hand dyed fabric and finished off with three foliage brads.  The background is gessoed pattern tissue, the stems are ribbon and the leaves are also from the foliage line.  Fun to make...fun to give!

I go back a long way with Design Originals...in fact, they were the first to publish any of my creations in a book...and they are really easy to work with.  Suzanne, the owner, is such a nice lady...complete with her fabulous Texas accent and Texas charm!

If you have a chance to take a look at the book, it's called "Cards and Trinkets"...enjoy!

I also wanted to mention that I'm going to be teaching in Payson at Paper and Metal Scrappers on Saturday, November 7th.  I LOVE those ladies up there...we always have so much fun together.

The project I'll be teaching is the Betwinchie canvas...the morning class is SOLD OUT (that was fast)...and I'm not sure about the number of openings left in the afternoon class.  If you're interested, give the store a call at 928-468-1188.  I know that some of you were bummed to miss the class when I taught it at SB, Etc...November in Payson would be fun!  Plus, there are a couple of vintage stores that are in the same shopping strip...cool stores for those of you who love to collect!

Today is catch up day...laundry, some grocery shopping...and a few other things here and there... I've been online shopping for Heirloom kits this morning :)...still have lots of gathering to do before the unveiling of the next one.  I just wanted to take a little break and say thanks to all of you who read my blog, who take classes, who buy kits, who email me (I owe some of you a reply...thanks for your patience :)) and who share your collections with me...I really appreciate you!  Happy Weekend!

Hugs,

Carol

collecting...with help from flea markets and friends

Yesterday, late morning, I had enough.  Enough of the numbers, enough of the computer screen, enough of the files and boxes and papers (now better actually organized).

I headed out to run some errands and, on a whim, decided to head down to the antique mall in Chandler.  I had forgotten that this was the weekend for the outdoor flea market in the parking lot...and it was busy.  I found some vintage bottles I need for a class I'm teaching...and scored big on rhinestone earrings, which I think I'm going to use in an Heirloom Collection kit.

As I was unpacking my treasures, I thought that I should probably take some pictures of vintage items recently purchased or given to me by friends.

Tiny ivory wool felt baby shoes...aren't they adorable...I'm totally a sucker for baby shoes!

Pearl chains from Speckled Egg...

Vintage kitchen scale from my friend Pam...

Vintage gloves from my friend Peggy

Rhinestone jewelry...part of my great finds yesterday

Italian wedding lace, recently sent to me by my mom...leftovers from my wedding dress.

Vintage Hatpins

Vintage eyelet and old bank ledgers tracking savings accounts...from the late 1920's, early 1930's, from my friend, Leslie.  

Old feed sacks...only they were used for gravel...sent to me by my mom.  Vintage lace and vintage flowers leftover from my wedding dress and hat.

I had recently read that any old fabrics should be washed before using them for pillows or whatnot, so I invested in a bag of Vintage Textile Soak I found at Scrapbooks, Etc.  Actually, I was totally drawn to the little bag that the soap came it...the soap was just a serendipity!

I have been very actively collecting goods for the next Heirloom Collection kit.  Since I just don't pick up the phone and call in an order for some scrapbook product on most of what comes in these kits, I have to do a lot of hunting and gathering...one of my very favorite pasttimes in life.  Here's a small peek at what's to come...

Hope you enjoyed a sampling of what's new in my collections! 

Today, I'm grateful for...

I've been in a little bit of a funk this week...which is really unusual for me.  I tend to be a pretty upbeat person who usually sees the glass half full...I even write at an uphill slant, which handwriting analysts say is a sign of a positive person.

The funk started on Monday, which corresponded to working on something I really don't like doing...PAPERWORK!!!!!  I've been crunching numbers, printing sales and expense reports, inputting data, and generally going cross-eyed looking at the results...this from our two businesses.  Before you go feeling too sorry for me, I have to tell you that this is one area in life where I heavily procrastinate...I do all of the necessary things that relate to paperwork...but keep putting off the statistical stuff...in the hopes that it will all be done by the little accounting fairy who lives in our backyard.  Unfortunately, the accounting fairy is too busy flitting around from blossom to blossom...she has no desire to come in and crunch numbers, either...so it's left up to me.  And, with the huge amount of work that had piled up, it's no wonder that I was in a funk!

I've made some major progress in the past four days...and today, I'm grateful that I don't do this each and every day as part of my job. 

I used to, though.  For the first 15 years of my career after college, I worked desk jobs...some with lots of number crunching, all with lots of paperwork.  I don't know how I did it!  I don't remember whining about my work...although I did have a lot of migraines and neck problems...and maybe I didn't do a lot of complaining because I hadn't done anything else career-wise to compare experiences.

Now that I've worked in the creative field for the past few years, it would be tough for me to work a desk job day in and day out.  I don't seem to have the mental discipline needed to sit there and concentrate...although I can concentrate on creating stuff to the point of forgetting the time of day or forgetting to eat. 

I guess it has a lot to do with being in your "sweet spot" in life, doesn't it?

This morning, I woke up feeling much more optimistic...I put a big dent in the paperwork and should be finished and caught up in the next few days.  Phew!

Something else I'm grateful for...we've had cooler weather...YAY!

It's nice to wake up in the morning and feel like you need to put on a long sleeved shirt.

It's nice to walk Bodie and not be totally dripping wet when you come home.

It's nice to eat breakfast outside.

It's nice to eat dinner outside...and it's nice to eat foods that I associate with fall and winter...soups and stews and hearty casseroles.

It's nice to have our doors open and not have the air conditioning kicking in until late in the day.

It's gorgeous out today...so I'm going to take my laptop out to the back table and work outside.  Paperwork has to go better with little hummingbirds chittering, the pond splashing and a cool breeze blowing...it almost sounds like fun!  LOL!

Before signing off, just another important thing I'm grateful for.  Kit orders have been great this month...and I'm grateful to you for that.  And, there was a whole box of Diamond Girls aprons that went out yesterday...which means a lot of you ordered kits for six consecutive months.  I'm grateful for that!

Hope you have a great day...with lots of things to be grateful for!