You know, I've been in and out of keeping a journal all my life. I like the idea of spilling my guts to something but I just can't seem to stick with it. That doesn't stop me from buying endless amounts of blank journals, though. There's something about a blank page. Maybe it's the excitement of knowing the greatest work of art or the most insightful piece of literature could wind up on these pages. Who knows? Maybe I've just got some strange journal fetish.

My favorite place to buy journals lately has been Ex Libris Anonymous. In case you don't know (how could you not?), they use old book covers to make new spiral bound journals. A couple months ago I bought one that was called "Three Strong Women." Perfectly described my sisters and I! Ended up leaving it with my older sister when I visited Chicago. I bought one last month with the title of "Do It Yourself!" And I plan to keep this little gem all for myself! Now I just need to do something with it. They just recently came out with a new set of screenprinted books...I think I need a new journal.

Whew! Just got back from four days at the Wizard World convention in Dallas. So many toys...so many beers...so much fun. We got to hang out with the boys from Palisades (you know, the ones who make those Muppet toys), talk with the editor of ToyFare (who was very attractive I might add!) and meet a bunch of fun creative people in Artist Alley.

I love talking to people so Artist Alley was destined to be my favorite part of the convention (except for the yummy Wizard booth...wink wink). We stopped by the Young American Comics and Rad Comics - Fantastic! I ended up buying some comics (which are great!) from them but I must admit, I was initially drawn to their booth because she was selling handmade kitty hats...so cute! I always feel a instant connection with other creative women...they probably think I'm some wierdo but c'mon! She doesn't have her hats on the website but check out the great stickers and headbands.

Mmm, I love soap. Especially handmade soap! I like to dabble a bit in the whole M&P (melt and pour) but making cold process soap is a bit scary to me. I think it's the whole lye thing...we've all seen the effects of lye on Fight Club right? I think I'll just leave that craft to the experts!

Speaking of experts...have you seen the soaps at Voda? All the raw materials make the soaps look so visually stunning while the ingredients make me think that my life would be so much better with these soaps in it! :0)

ACK! Cut+Paste will be back this Saturday! I know where I'll be...how about you?

Every businesswoman needs business cards, right? And since we're in the crafty business, a plain ol' business card holder just won't do! Uplifting Arts has the perfect solution.

Leah over at Uplifting Arts makes adorable fabric origami card holders, coin purses, and checkbook covers. She's got tons of fabric to chose from. I have her goldfish on a blue background business card holder and coin purse but someone snatched up the checkbook holder before I could get to it! And she's out of the fabric...:0(. If you happen to see my fabric somewhere, please contact me!

Gauchita has a wonderful new line of bags inspired by Spanish grammar books she found in Costa Rica. I can't decide which one I like the best...La Falda is so girly and cute but who doesn't like mariposas?

Alicia and I traded bags (my Loteria for one of her Las Flores) a while ago and I am so happy with my Gauchita bag. I get tons of compliments on it everywhere I go! I had someone ask my why I would promote a potential competitor by using someone else's bag. I hadn't even thought of it like that. I believe this is exactly what went through my mind: 1. "I so want that Las Flores bag!" and 2. I love trading with and getting to know other gals in similar circumstances as me.

All in the spirit of DIY, right?!

Mmmm, don't these look delicious? Alex over at Fashion Compassion (don't you love the name!) makes and packages them to look like your favorite candy and mine...yummy peanut butter cups. I think they would look great in a "Spoil Yourself" gift basket: Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Soaps, Nutter-Butter Body Butter, and a cinnamon roll candle ! Hmmm, that's not such a bad idea...hope my sisters aren't reading this!

Check out the cards from Card Carrying Liberal...aren't the wonderful! Half of all the profits go toward supporting progressive causes. Now that's reason enough to send out holiday cards this year!

Have you seen Happy Lucky Me's new site? It's fabulous! As well as a new layout, she's got some great new products like men's tees and jewelry. Mmmm, if anyone wants to buy me the "Sushi Lover" silver necklace...I'll love you forever! Anjali's even stepping into the world of lipbalm. By the looks of her other products, her lipbalm kicks some major butt!