African Kelli sent an invitation out this week for a $1 art class at the Mesa Arts Center. The workshop’s focus is on Latino culture and secondly this one showcased Frida Kahlo.

For me Frida’s work has always been so personal. I have art books with her collections showcased in them and I don’t put any of her replicas on my walls. For me, it seems too public for art work that feels so intimate.

But, there are so many things influenced by Frida and this workshop was a perfect way to have some fun with her image and learn new stamping techniques. Denise of HandsonPaper.com ran an informative workshop and we had a lot of fun with her.

I can’t wait to send these cards out to some girlfriends.  I can’t believe I made 5 different cards for only a DOLLA (holla).

I believe there will be a few more workshops running throughout the Spring. Let me know if you’re in the Phoenix area and would like to attend. I promise to dress appropriatly. Kinda…

$1 Make & Take. There’s this super cute stamp store in downtown Chandler called StampWorks and on Saturday mornings Nikki hosts a $1 Make & Take. She creates a one of a kind card and for a dollar she gives you all the supplies and the space to recreate it.

With the weather cooling off a bit in Arizona (that means that it’s below 100, but still above 90), this morning I woke up with a mission! I was going to dust off my beach cruiser, ride towards downtown Chandler, grab breakfast and make a card.

I love bike lanes. Woot!

I think about this a lot. My job requires me to be an effective communicator and what I’m not so effective at is giving praise and thanking people for their efforts and talents.

I get really shy.

I don’t receive compliments well and I know that I don’t give them because I’m afraid I’ll receive them. AND then I would be so freaking uncomfortable.

For example, I got busted this past week when a friend opened my glove box in my car. I had at least 10 thinking of you, get well soon cards, all composed and not mailed. I *think* about my family and friends all the time, but I don’t always demonstrate it.

That needs to change. Really.

So (my favorite transition word), this week I’m going to actually write cards for my peeps and I’m going to actually mail them. To help me get started, I got a whole book of stamps.

I’m also equipped with my new crafting goods from Stamp Works I’m ready to go.