Just a quick note to say that I'm alive, but buried under piles of stuff.  I can hardly believe how much "stuff" one can accrue in such a short period of time. 

I've lived in this apartment for about five years.  Today, I discovered a box from my original move here.  Did I just throw it away?  No.  I opened it.  And decided that I can't live without some of the contents.  Silly, right?  I mean, it has been five years and I never missed that stuff…and yet I just can't throw it all away!

And how is it that packing seems to fill the apartment with more stuff not less?  The more I pack and put away, the more there is to pack and put away…!

So, while I'm procrastinating, here's a quick list of random thoughts:

  • After the move, I'll have a long post all about my *amazing* class with Lynne Perrella.  She rocks.  So inspiring!
  • For you local NYC scrappers, Portrait Bug is offering a great deal. If you complete a "September Daily Album" and bring it into the store during the first week in October, you get a $10 store credit!!!!  Wowza!  Free money just for scrapbooking!  You can see the info here.
  • In case you haven't heard, Label Tulip's owner, Cathy, is stepping down.  She has sold the kit club.  I'm excited to see what Label Tulip's new direction will be.  September will be the new owner's (Jennifer) first kit!
  • I've been working on a few projects for Prima and in the course of dying some flowers pulled out a bottle of spray ink I've never used before.  I think someone gave it to me.  It's called "Memories Mist" and it's from Stewart Superior.  Very paint like and opaque.  Totally different from any mist I've ever used before.  Here's what their website says about the mists:

    Fantastic
    textured effects on any craft surface with the new easy to use Memories
    Mists.  One or two sprays applies an instant stippled finish to any
    surface.  Unlike other sprays or washes that create a watercolor
    effect. The Memories Mists ink spots stay in a dot so they create a perfectly stippled finish every time.  Memories
    Mists give you dynamic results using stencils or rubber stamps when
    creating scrapbook pages, cards & paper crafts or home decor
    items.  Available in: 24 standard colors, 8 Vivid colors, 3 Metallic colors, 1 New Iridescent Overlay.
     

  • Are you looking for some inspiration?  This week, I've really been enjoying reading (1) Danielle Flander's blog.  Check it out here.  (2) Ro Bruhn is blowing me away with her jewelry components and hand painted paper. (3) I can't get enough of Mary Ann's travel journal.  Seriously amazing.  I wish mine would come out like that! (4) Celine Navarro has a great step-by-step post on how she creates a layout.

I'll leave you with a quick blast of some favorites of mine from flickr (click the links to find out more):

Mosaice627b0eb33c9ecfea6538145d9a5e3d6d17b0c4b 

1. Music Sheet – Copyright 1919, 2. Travel Swap Images, 3. Untitled, 4. birthday card, 5. 52Q – Tag 12 – another look, 6. ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS FEELING, 7. 52Q – Tag 15 – another look, 8. page deux, 9. 02142008

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and throughout Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Brown University.

12 thoughts on “Urgh…chaos!

  • that Memories Mist sounds interesting, I’ll have to try and get some of that.
    Thanks for putting my layout in your Flickr favs 🙂

    Reply
  • that Memories Mist sounds interesting, I’ll have to try and get some of that.
    Thanks for putting my layout in your Flickr favs 🙂

    Reply
  • that Memories Mist sounds interesting, I’ll have to try and get some of that.
    Thanks for putting my layout in your Flickr favs 🙂

    Reply
  • that Memories Mist sounds interesting, I’ll have to try and get some of that.
    Thanks for putting my layout in your Flickr favs 🙂

    Reply
  • Boxes multiply when you’re not looking!
    I couldn’t believe how much stuff we had when we moved from MA to NH 5 years ago. After 15 years in one house I could not believe the stuff we had! My hubby wanted to just get a dumpster but I had to go thru all of it and keep most;-)

    Reply
  • Boxes multiply when you’re not looking!
    I couldn’t believe how much stuff we had when we moved from MA to NH 5 years ago. After 15 years in one house I could not believe the stuff we had! My hubby wanted to just get a dumpster but I had to go thru all of it and keep most;-)

    Reply
  • Boxes multiply when you’re not looking!
    I couldn’t believe how much stuff we had when we moved from MA to NH 5 years ago. After 15 years in one house I could not believe the stuff we had! My hubby wanted to just get a dumpster but I had to go thru all of it and keep most;-)

    Reply
  • Boxes multiply when you’re not looking!
    I couldn’t believe how much stuff we had when we moved from MA to NH 5 years ago. After 15 years in one house I could not believe the stuff we had! My hubby wanted to just get a dumpster but I had to go thru all of it and keep most;-)

    Reply
  • Good luck with the move, Julie! I know how hectic that can be – all of my things just seem to keep expanding! lol
    I am so jealous!! A class with Lynne Perrella – I have admired her work forever!!
    Love your Flickr faves – gorgeous inspiration! Hope your week goes well!!:D

    Reply
  • Good luck with the move, Julie! I know how hectic that can be – all of my things just seem to keep expanding! lol
    I am so jealous!! A class with Lynne Perrella – I have admired her work forever!!
    Love your Flickr faves – gorgeous inspiration! Hope your week goes well!!:D

    Reply
  • Good luck with the move, Julie! I know how hectic that can be – all of my things just seem to keep expanding! lol
    I am so jealous!! A class with Lynne Perrella – I have admired her work forever!!
    Love your Flickr faves – gorgeous inspiration! Hope your week goes well!!:D

    Reply
  • Good luck with the move, Julie! I know how hectic that can be – all of my things just seem to keep expanding! lol
    I am so jealous!! A class with Lynne Perrella – I have admired her work forever!!
    Love your Flickr faves – gorgeous inspiration! Hope your week goes well!!:D

    Reply

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