The universe really does provide that, and if you're paying attention you'll find answers every day. This morning while I was on the treadmill (John has The golf tournament on tv so I was left to think while walking) I was thinking how I ought to get back into papercrafting/mixed media/whatever you want to call it. I know I used to be pretty good at it...it's the only kind of stuff I've ever had published, but when I go there in my mind I can't think of what I would make. I stopped buying the idea books a while ago because while yes; they are full of great ideas and inspiration, I find myself either trying to measure up or fearing that what I make next may look like I'm copying someone. Wasn't I surprised when I got off the treadmill and went to the mailbox only to find a new Stampington publication waiting for me. It's call HandCrafted and is comprised of "250 of our favorite crafting projects." Good idea, Stampington! I thought, "Hmm. I didn't order this so maybe I'm one of the projects?" Sure enough, way toward the back, they showed this tin I'd made back in 2006.
The more I flipped the pages the more I wondered what they had used of mine. I have to say; I was kind of surprised it was this! Anyway, I think it was just the nudge I needed to get back into that mode of art and craft. I sure enjoyed it at the time.
Then I came in here to sit at the computer and check my google reader for new blog posts. Augusten Burroughs is probably my favorite writer. He's the only one who's books I will buy at the mall because Costco doesn't have it and before it goes paperback. LOVE him. A couple weeks ago I was reading his latest book, a memoir about growing up with his SOB father, and around page 70 I was like "what the heck? WHO is writing this?!" I got online and started a little google, you know; to see if it was just me or if others were confused by the darkness of the writing. (I did come to understand why it had to be the way it is. It was certainly a dark time he was writing about). One of the links I came across was to Augusten's blog. I can't tell you how happy that makes me now to see a new post from him pop up on my blog reader. It's like reading little Augusten stories on a routine basis. For Free!! Today i really wanted to post a comment and...you guessed it; he keeps his comment section closed. Frustrating!! How're you supposed to communicate with someone when it's just one-way? So, I get what those of you have emailed to tell me--turn the dang comments back on! 
What a super cool surprise to find in the mailbox! I know exactly what you mean about idea books--it's why I stay away from quilt magazines.
The tin is wonderful--glad you found inspiration to get back into it--and being inspired by your own work! What could be better than that?
Posted by: elizabeth | June 19, 2008 at 08:42 PM
I agree with you so much about the universe providing. And I love the tin. Also love Augusten Burroughs, but haven't picked up the most recent because of the negative reviews. I know you likely read David Sedaris. Every try Amy Notaro? She's a bit fluffier - but hilarious.
Posted by: Lotta | June 18, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Yeah to you!! You are so amazingly talented! You have become my bit of inspiration on a daily basis. Thanks for the wonderful dose today!!!!
Posted by: Cheryl | June 18, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Fabulous, Jen! I must get that issue to see your work! Every day I gaze at the wonderful bits n' pieces collage you made me, and feel so happy to have a little bit of Jen in my studio!~~~XXOO, Beth
Posted by: elizabeth holcombe | June 17, 2008 at 07:25 PM
I love your blog. Absolutely love it!! But what I don't like is the fact that YOUR hardwood floors look so frickin' SHINY. My little cottage is all hardwood from the 40's. Still gorgeous after all these years.
Oh. I forgot what I was doing: If you haven't already gone to this site, http://digifree.blogspot.com/ do so. You will be able to download all kinds of elements and papers for free. I use the papers for card making.
Posted by: Dana | June 17, 2008 at 12:47 PM
How unbelievably cool to be surprised like that! It's a funny thing, when you put what you've done in the past behind you, and stop anticipating and voila....the universe comes right back at you. Just goes to show...you never know what will happen tomorrow. Congrats on the publication. Susan
Posted by: susans at black eyed susans kitchen | June 17, 2008 at 12:31 PM
LOL Jen, welcome back to 'the fold'! You're great at everything you touch, keep the faith sistah!!
Posted by: Sue McG | June 16, 2008 at 08:55 PM
It's about time you came back to your senses and invited us back to comment. I can't tell you how many times I would try to leave one and..............NOTHING!!! So welcome back. I'd love to see what your going to be doing with your papercrafts.
Posted by: sharon | June 16, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Oh Jen! Whew...I knew you'd come back. and I think paper crafting for you is a great idea! You kick butt at it, and actually you kick butt at everything you do. I would like to mention too is that I love my plate, and I would love some other seasons from you, particularly autumn, or another winter...anything in the works?
Posted by: dawn | June 16, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Jen you are so multifaceted. I am constantly impressed by finding things out about you. I enjoy the many levels of your blog. Really. I was listening to Billy Joel today. A fav of mine and just now seeing you say your going to turn comments back I thought of a line from his song ". . . and she never gives in, She just changes her mind." What a great trait that is. I was thinking today as I listened to that song how wonderful it would be if I could be like that - someone that can change their mind when they see another side of things. I'm often too bull headed and I don't like that about myself. I'm going to try to be more like that . . . not give in, but gently change my mind. Its a great quality I think. Oh and I love the hint about the heat n bond for wallpaper! I can't wait to see more of your paper crafts.
Posted by: Nanette | June 16, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Well, how cool is THAT to just stumble over your project in a magazine without even knowing it would be there?????
Posted by: Kathi D | June 16, 2008 at 12:39 PM
YEAH!!! Congratulations on your published work. I remember this piece ages ago and am so glad others are able to see how wonderful it is. Hope this inspires you create some more lovely paper crafting things...not that I don't love all the other amazing projects you are sharing...
Posted by: Barbara | June 16, 2008 at 12:09 PM