Altered Bag Swap

Someone sent me this today in one of those forwarded emails that goes around and around.  I normally delete them - sometimes without reading them ... But the first sentences of this one really spoke to me.  I need to follow what it said but it's just hard!

 "There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living."

"Today may there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

 It's hard when you have people in your life that you love and that are so very important to you but they just like the drama of conflict.  Life IS short and I need to remember that.  So glad I have others in my life that make me happy and I am able to concentrate on them.  I hope you have people in your life that make you happy!

This card made me happy when I received it on Monday.  It is the anniversary card Ashley made and sent to us.  She used bits and pieces from a scrapbook kit that we got at a crop last year.  I think it made a great card!

At Quarterly last weekend, we did an Altered Gift Bag swap.  There were some really creative gift bags.  Unfortunately, when I got home, my bags were missing.  I just figured Marianne had them in her stuff but she didn't.  I'm hoping they turn up eventually but my sweet friend, Judy, who went to the event as my guest felt bad for me and gave me HER bags from the swap!  That wasn't necessary and I argued with her but didn't win so a big thank you to Judy!!

Tina Lesson made the middle bag and Marcia Enns made the baby bib bag - really cute!

Tammy Pedone made the beach  bag in the center.

Marianne made the cupcake bag and Lynn Creech made the "Happy Day" bag

Debbie Michael made the two bags on the right and left

Pat Wilkinson made the flip flop bag and Patti McFarland made the one on the right

MY Bag

To make my bag, I took a white lunch bag and cut it down to about 5".  Cut a piece of DSP  at 6" x 6" (I used the Polka Dot Parade in green) and adhere it to one side of the bag.  On the other side of the bag, adhere a piece of 6" x 12" DSP.  Fold over a flap from the 12" DSP whatever size you want.  I adhered a white scallop to the bottom of my flap and a small piece of Glitter paper.  What I like about this bag is the closure.  You can just slip the ribbon off the top to open the bag.  I made the flower with the Spiral Die.  I CASEd this bag idea from Rhonda Wade.