It Begins.

As many crafters know, inspiration usually strikes when you least expect it. Often, that leads us down fabulously tangental roads that start with a statement like, "Ooh! I bet I could MAKE that...if only I had this, that, the other, and maybe a new glue gun."

Sometimes these statements end with the realization that, in fact, it is probably not more efficient to go out and buy four bolts of material, a new attachment for the sewing machine, heavy-duty thread, six-inch double-sided satin ribbon, and industrial sized grommets but rather just buy the danged drapes, especially if they are on sale.

Sometimes other projects, seemingly manageable, have been known to end in frustration, tears, and the occasional cathartic scissoring of a hopelessly knotted ball of yarn previously destined to become fall's hottest accessory.

But sometimes...just sometimes...there are the inspired projects that remain inspired. These are the cakes that rise to the occasion, the yarns that turn into soft wraps and blankets, the do-it-yourself home makeovers that provoke the envy of friends and neighbors alike.

And THAT'S why we craft.

As the daughter of a crafty person, I've grown up embracing the creative side. As a kid, one of my favorite projects was to create an Easter basket using the green plastic woven buckets strawberries used to come in, a little ribbon, some wooden painted one-sided Easter Egg decor buttons, and - you guessed it- my trusty hot melt glue gun.

Today, I'm more likely to be found churning out another knitting project, baking cakes and cupcakes with themes, or - and this is the best one - creating flower arrangements during my daily job as a florist.

(Yep, that's right- I've figured out how to take crafting and make a living from it. And it's awesome.)

But yesterday, inspiration struck- and not just in the form of a new craft. As I strolled the aisles of Hobby Lobby and Michaels looking for a few specific items for projects, I realized that my search, and subsequent craft-creation, would make for a good blog post.

I should have stopped there.

But then I got another idea for another project and I realized that IT would make a great blog post.

I should have stopped there.

But THEN, I got ANOTHER idea for a little project that could even be a PART of the second project and that would be ANOTHER fun blog post!

And then I realized that I had, in effect, doomed myself to start a craft blog - and here we are.

My goals for this blog are that it be a fun place that you can come to see what crafts I'm currently working on, check out the end results, and even try some of your own using the handy "how-to" posts. Occasionally I'll be posting links to other sites where I get ideas or references, and I hope you'll benefit from checking those out.

Now, if you'll excuse me, there are several projects calling my name....not the least of which is to go take some photos to post here!