On your mark...get set...

GO!!!!

Catching the torch from Debra Miller...

They say that life isn't about finding yourself.  It's about creating yourself. Angela Kelley  has created a mighty fine life.  After living in Oregon, Kansas and Finland, she has chosen to build her menagerie in Northern California where she has room for big love Patch the dog, four cats, a plethora of  birds and fish, two adorable children and one love of her life. At this time of year you can find her baking lemon curd or shortbread, decorating the Christmas tree with the children, teaching her monthly paper-crafting and card making classes or using her talents to create store displays in her area.  Just follow the map until you see this sign:  Artistic Detours  Then you'll know that you've arrived.

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Catching the torch from Leigh Penner ...

This little girl dreamt of becoming a princess and Ashley N. Newell sure seems like royalty to us.  If there is any doubt, just read her CV.  You've seen her work frequently in publications, on crafting blogs and you tube. Talk about adhering, Ashley can Divine Twine tie it, love your tape it, or tie it in a pretty ribbon carousel bow.   She met her husband at the age of 16 and he's been her shining knight ever since.  Together they have two little princes charming, ages 4 and 2.  If you need any more proof of Ashley's regality we can prove it - she doesn't do "outdoors", doesn't like her food touching and won't eat canned peas.  There.  Go and wish upon a star @ Ashley's Heart Hugs Design.

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Catching the torch from Meredith Winston...

Stampin' Angel Jenn Borjeson is always first out of the gates and eager to fly to the highest cloud.  She has a spunk and enthusiasm that might make you want to soar too.  She comes from a big New England family and keeps up with two teenagers, a husband, the upstairs FIL, lots of cousins, aunts and uncles, an 8 year old big baby cat, freelance artwork, an abundance of Design Teams and a new job. Whew!  She really does need wings, even if they're the buffalo boneless variety.  Jenn loves color, whether it be in the form of colorful tattoos or prismas with mineral spirits.  Sometimes you might even find this unconventional angel covered in glitter.  You'll have to ask her for the explanation though.  You don't have to bring your halo, but you're sure to leave with a spring to your step after a visit to http://stampinangeljenn.blogspot.com/.

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Catching the torch from Jessica ...

Shirl is joining us from the Big Island of Hawaii.  For the rest of us this might be a little difficult.  By that we mean you might want to shield your eyes when you look at the current temperature gauge on the sidebar.  78 and partly cloudy.  You'll find Shirl's blog to be warm and balmy too.  It is filled with Aloha, from surfing cards to beach boy lyrics, money cards and graduations.  This is Hawaii No Ka 'Oi . We hope you know the lingo, because we're talking BFF's, GF's, SBF's, SIL's, and DD's.  We promise that the pictures will say 1000 words @ http://creationbyshirl.blogspot.com/

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The days are getting dark and cold in Southern Finland, but the light is always shining on Kaija's work.

White lace and pearls, expert folds and watercolor...the kind of art that only happens when you have incredible talent and  can't go outside to play.  We are so fortunate to have Kaija running our torch in winter, when the warmth of chocolate or coffee and cream combined with an arctic light gives a pink  incandescent glow to everything she creates.  Her work will leave you oblivious of anything else.  Go see Kaija at  Kaija Everyday.blogspot.com