I was introduced to the smash journal at the winter 2011 CHA. I honestly didn't see the point as it was just another scrapbook item.

Over the next year I began to see Smash products all over the place. Each time I would hold them in my hand, flip through the pages and tell myself over and over, "NO, it's not gonna happen."

Well it happened alright. I own two Smash journals, a host of product, and I still continue to peruse the aisles.

I'm constantly asked, "What do you do in there.". Well, I smash. I smash when I remember. I've recently decided to take all my snapshots from my iPad and iPhone, edit them in instagram or picframe and print them out. It's pretty easy to preserve memories this way. Picframe has an add-on purchase where you can add labels to your pics. I absolutely love that feature.

So here you go. Check out how I use my smash books.

Just a little piece that I'm working on in my Moleskine. I can't wait to add color to it.

For the past few weeks I've been working on a simultaneous remodel and destash here in the studio.  Essentially my studio went from fairly organized to an absolute mess to starting to resemble something really amazing.   My dining room table on the other hand is a freakin' mess!!! I have boxes piled high in there for my soon to be craft/yard/junk sale.   For the past 43,506 years I've been absolutely fascinated by the Tiffany blue color only for it to become the IN color.  I'm not sure how I feel about everyone loving MY color, but I guess I'll live.   I have these amazing blue metal bins that I got from Target about 5000 years ago.    I decided to cover them with Blue Ocean Breeze by Krylon.   I ♥ them more than I ever thought I could.   Here's a before and an in-progress.  I LOVE the pop of green ribbon.   I seriously want to marry it!

Before: U.G.L.Y.

After: Beautiful! :)

Then because I fell in love with spray paint, I decided to paint all my little $1 buckets that I got from Target! :)  I used Banner Red from Krylon.     I used a Cropodile to add ribbon holes to some of the tins.

I also painted some Ocean Breeze color.

Then I decided to add paper to my clear Ikea storage bins.  Again I labeled with a tag and coordinating ribbon. :)    Swoon.   Now you can't see my messy fabric.   

Cropper Hopper paper files with ribbons ♥ I'll label them as I organize.

I might even paint more of the photo boxes.  I haven't decided yet. That gives you an idea of the current wall color.

It's no secret, I have a studio full to the brim with art supplies. I love to create in there with my Daylight and Ott lights, optimal space, and endless supplies.

I also like to get out of the house, especially when I've been cooped up with my children all summer long. One of my favorite things to do is head to my local coffee shop, ahem.... Starbucks, and spend an hour listening to my tunes and working on art.

What's a girl like me supposed to do. I'm not used to having to pick and choose from my supplies. I recently got a Copic 72 marker case and I was pretty bummed about it cause how could I possibly choose only 72 markers???? Before a recent trip to Starbucks I simply grabbed the markers that were on my desk and stuffed them in the case along with my multiliners and literally ran out the door with my case and my sketch book. It was actually nice not having to weed through all my markers.

I'm sitting here at the local Starbucks with my coffee in hand, sketchbook and Copics. This drawing is taking a life of its own and I couldn't be happier with it. I had a friend email me and ask if I would ever consider making a blackline of my drawings and that's when it hit me. I work organically, draw a little, color a little, draw more, and color more. I can't imagine creating in any other way, it would almost seem boring.

Look a squirrel.

I think the other part is that I have art ADHD. I'm not making fun, it's the truth. I have a hard time sitting still for any activity which is why I'm blogging from Starbucks, duh.

I'm also enjoying This blogging on the fly. It definitely fits my style.

Cya.

We are anxiously awaiting some top secret news and I've caught the insomnia bug. What's a girl to do? Color, that's what. I'm working in my Moleskine watercolor journal. I'm definitely channeling my inner Mary E., which is totally fine by me.