Warm Winter Wishes

Did everyone survive the Christmas rush?  Did you all get wonderful presents or were your stockings filled with coal?!!  I must have been a good girl because I finally got a new computer!!  I still don't have everything switched over to the new one, but haven't had pop ups or the thing shut down on me in the middle of a project which is a HUGE plus in my book!!

One of the things that I don't have switched over is my photo program (actually, I'm thinking of trying something new, so I am more than willing to listen to your suggestions!!  Photoshop?  ACDSee (is what I had...wasn't thrilled with it, but only had the very basic version)....I'm listening to what you suggest!!).  I have a very basic photo program on here and haven't quite figured it all out yet.  But hopefully, you'll get the idea of what my creations kinda look like!

I finally seem to have some down time and wanted to create SOMETHING so I headed into my office and saw this WONDERFUL paper from BoBunny sitting on my desk.  This paper in real life is SOOO GORGEOUS!! I cannot believe I actually cut into it instead of hoarding it!! The white snowflakes on it have a very subtle glitter on them as well as a few other spots. I love the color combination and wanted the paper to be the main focus.

 I pulled out the Large Snowy Pine from Just for Fun stamps and stamped it first in versamark then in SU's retired Eggplant Envy on SU's Baja Breeze paper.  I clear embossed it then added some Ranger Glossy accents to the places where I wanted my snow.  I really wish I had some of that new sparkely fluff stuff! But, instead I pulled out my white fun flock and some SU dazzling diamonds and sprinkled that on instead.  I cut the image out using my Nestabilities oval dies and layered it over the scalloped oval that was cut using my last little piece of SU's Elegant Eggplant. 

Now, since I didn't have any more Elegant Eggplant paper, I layered my image on some Whisper White and pulled out my Elegant Eggplant marker and made my purple border!  How's that for using my noggin'?!!

I then messed around trying to add a bigger bow made of the same material as the ribbon that is on the card. Now I know that these large gorgeous bows are all the rage lately, but I just could not make it work!! For one thing, it covered up the gorgeous glittery snowflake in the bottom corner.  I also felt that it took away from the image as all you could see was that bow.  Maybe it would have looked better if it was one of those large silk bows.  We'll never know because I went with the smaller bow (and because I have yet to invest in some of that larger silk ribbon!!)

Everything was then layered on a base of Whisper White that is cut to 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" (the designer paper is 4 1/2 x 4 1/2").  I had thought to add the sentiment "Warm Winter Wishes" but I decided I liked the front of the card as it was. 

It's still pretty early here and since my house is still fairly clean and the kids are stuck in front of the TV playing their new video games, I think I just might see what else I can come up with in my stamp room to make!!

Thanks for dropping by again!! I hope you all had a wonderful and safe holiday with your families/friends and I look forward to what the new year will bring us!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wanted to take a moment and wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS or if you don't celebrate Christmas, just a happy holiday season and a WONDERFUL 2010!!

I can't believe that the year is almost done! WOW! I've enjoyed the blogging experience.  It has made me take more time for creativity (which I need for myself) and start to explore some different ideas.  I look forward to the new year so that I can explore more new ideas, products and creative journeys. 

  

Here is my wish to you  for the New Year:  TAKE TIME TO ENJOY.  Whether it be stamping, scrapping, painting, photos, whatever~~take time to enjoy it!  Create, experience or just absorb for YOU.  Don't worry about how many posts you put up on your blog.  Don't worry about how many comments you get from others.  TAKE THE TIME TO ENJOY and EXPERIENCE for yourself. 

This is something that I'm going to put at the top of my 2010 to do list.  Hope you will join me!!

Thank you for allowing me to share with you a bit of my creativity this past year.  I hope that we'll "see" more of each other in the new year!!

The Sound of Music

Is everyone ready for the BIG day?  I feel as if I'm running around like a crazy woman (WAIT!! That is what I do anyways!!)!!  The gifts are bought but no wrapping has been done.  The cleaning has been started on the house but not done.  The menu for Christmas Eve dinner has been planned but not shopped for or the baking done.  Seeing a pattern here?  Lots of pots trying to be stirred at the same time!!

Friday was the last day of school for my kiddos.  This year I conceded to the fact that I could not make the personalized gifts that I usually make for each of the teachers.   In the past I have made gift boxes of "customizable" cards that the teachers can just add the needed sentiment "tag" and for the music teacher, "singer of the day, listener of the day" certificates that he hands out to the younger kids for rewards of good behavior. With having to work pretty much full time this month, I could just not add that time stress to my schedule (you know "mommy" has been a little stressed when youngest started singing "Tis the season to be Gruuuumpy, fa-la-la-la-la!!    OUCH!!! hehe).  So this year teacher gifts were bought.  The music teacher was the hardest one, as his whole being is music.  He doesn't have any other outside interests (that anyone I talked to was aware of!!).  Soooo, I went to a local music store that I know he buys books for lessons from and got him a gift certificate.  But!! I still needed a way to present it.  I really liked the cute beanie gift card holders that Lynn presented for the Try a New Technique Challenge on SCS  but beanies are not really something that is used much in Southern California! But!! It got the wheels to turning and this is what I came up with:

I will once again apologize for the photographers lacking skills.  This was actually taken at 9:00 pm and just in case you weren't aware of it, at that time, there is not good lighting.  And since the photographer has yet to invest in one of those great photo boxes  or just good lighting for her crafting area period...we are now stuck looking at poorly lit projects!!

This was so incredible easy to make once I have figured out a couple of details.  I cut two 5 inch circles from SU's basic black paper, cutting one in half.  I placed my gift card over the full circle with one of halves over it to figure out how high my adhesive could go and hold my card in the "peeking" out position.  Adhered using my Pro Glider.  I free handed the note stem and flag and attached to the top circle and then added the  gold eyelet that allows the top portion to swing open.  Closed the note, grabbed my glue pad and my Regal Accents Flourish stamp that was still out from the last use and stamped the image and covered inj SU's Fine Galaxy Champagne Glitter (thought I had grabbed the gold....OH WELL!! The champagne is very pretty too!).  Simple, yet festive, don't you think?!!

I'm off to go on a cleaning terror!!  I hope you all have a WONDERFUL and productive weekend!! 'Till next time~~~Thanks for dropping by again!!

Peaceful Thoughts

Here is the last tag that I plan on completing for the 12 Tags of Christmas on T!m Holtz's blog.  I've been having a BLAST with all the different techniques but I've got to get some other things done around here!! LOL! I usually have Christmas Eve dinner at my house and let's just say that I am NO where ready for that to happen and I have to work all this next week!! YIKES!!

Enough of my blabber (not to be confused with my blubber....that is another topic entirely!! hehe).  This tag was inspired by Day 11 on T!m's blog. 

I just realized that the way I place the reindeer near the flourish,  it looks like he is sticking out his tongue at the snowflakes!! BWHHAAAA!!! Maybe he is trying to catch the flakes on his tongue!!

The background was created by smearing Distress Inks in Peeled Paint and Pine Needles onto my craft sheet and misting with water then laying the tag into the droplets.  I repeated this several times and could not get  a look I liked, so I misted with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Old Olive (I'm tellin' ya....I just love the soft shimmer this gives to projects!!).  After heat setting, I stamped the Classic Accents flourish from Tattered Angels with Aged Mahagony.  The snowflakes came from SU's Christmas Punch set and were stamped with Distress Pine Needles.  I then stamped the reindeer from Rubbernecker onto grunge paper using versamark and then embossed with black ep.  I cut out the image and inked it with Distress Fired Brick (since I'm all about disclosure, let me say that this is the SECOND reindeer.  The first reindeer had a serious mishap with too much Pearl glimmer mist, then Apple red glimmer mist.  Let's just say that it IS possible to have to much shimmer!! snort).  I found some glitter snowflake that I believe I picked up at Michael's after last Christmas season and attached using glue dots.  The reindeer is on dimensionals. 

I REALLY wanted to use a rub on that said "peaceful wishes" to fill in that blank spot by the reindeers chest.  I had cut it out the other day for consideration to use on a previous tag.  For the life of me, I CAN'T FIND THE STINKIN' LITTLE BUGGER anywhere now!!  So, the spot remains blank.  I'm hoping that the rub on will turn up.  But if not, oh well!!! That is just how it is going to have to be!!

I have most of my Christmas shopping done, but need to bake some goodies for my oldest DS's extra teachers (he has his main teacher, but has a different teacher for computer, math and of course, band and handbells).  And probably I should attempt to start cleaning my house for Christmas Eve!! 

Thanks for dropping by again!!  I'll be back later this week!! (seriously!! hehe....I have a CUTE idea for name cards for my table setting!! I don't usually use them (as everyone knows each other in the family, hehe) but I got this idea brewin' and I think I need to try it!!)

And the Tags March On

Hello Peoples!!  I'm on a roll with the 12 Tags of Christmas that         T!m Holtz gave inspiration for!!  I'm really not following the tags in order.  I'm going with what ideas strike with what supplies I have to make my own version.  My first tag is inspired by T!m's Day 7 Tag.  So without further ado: here is my tag number 7:

Don't you just LOVE this image?  The girls at work gave me a gift certificate to Michael's for my birthday and as I was walking up to the cashier to make my purchace, I saw this stamp by Inkadinkado on one of center aisle displays!!  And wouldn't you know it~~it jumped right into my cart!!

Now this stamp made it very easy to make this tag...all the "extras" are pretty much on the stamp already!! I first stamped the image using Jet Black Archival Ink onto the tag.  I had thought about using my ever trusty stampamajig to make sure I aligned the stamp straight. You'll notice I talked myself out of that much needed step as I managed to stamp the image slightly crooked!  PLEASE!!  What was I thinking?!!  I can't write my name straight without lines, did I really expect to be able to stamp this straight?!!  BUT!!  I got lazy and decided that it will only bother me and DH ('cause he makes it his purpose in life to notice my off layers, stamping and such!!).  I then made a mask around the face/lettering  so that I would not cover them when I did the stamping of the flourish (Tattered Angels Regal Classic Accents Clear Stamp...another new "birthday" gift I picked up with the LSS gift certificate that DH gave me!!).  I used some Folk Art acrylic paint in Spring white, brushing it on my clear stamp (I just made sure I washed the stamp in warm water immediately after stamping).  I did not heat set the paint as it dried while I was washing out my brush/stamp.  I then inked the image, avoiding the center of Santa's face with Distress Inks in Antique Linen, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany, Peeled Paint and Pine Needles.    I took a damp cloth and wiped off the inks over the painted swirls and then misted the entire tag with Tattered AngelsGlimmer Mist in Pearl.  After heat setting the mist, I applied distress sticles in Fired Brick and Peeled Paint to the holly on Santa's hat.  Let's just say that I need to work on some fine motor skills when it comes to applying stickles!! GEESH!! I got that stuff globbed on!! I finally got wise and let the stickles dry over night (after smearing them and having to apply even MORE stickles to cover up my mistake!) and attached the ribbon and the foilage embellishment in the corner. 

Bonus time again for you!!  I actually made a tag that was inspired by Day 8. 

I do not have the lamp image that T!m used (tho, I have seriously considered it several times....one of these days I'm expecting it to make it into my cart!).  BUT!! I do have the Christmas Lantern by Just for Fun Stamps (sorry, I cannot link directly to the stamp...my wonderful computer (HATE this thing!!) REFUSES to go past the home page.  The number for the stamp is D2747).  But this stamp is only the top of the lamp....it does not have the post.  So I stamped the image on scratch paper drew out a simple post (ok....I'll admit that I drew out a more elaborate post but it did not fit the clean lines of the stamp image.  Sooooo, I modified to a more simple version)  and cut out the entire paper image.  I then stamped the top of the lamp onto grunge paper using versamark ink and embossed using black EP.  I then placed my paper image over the lamp and traced the lamp post using my versamarker and then heat embossed.  Finally, I added a few defining details with the marker and embossed those as well.  The "fine" tip of the versamarker was still wider than I wanted the lines for the post to be, so when I cut out the image from the grunge paper, I just trimmed off some of the embossing. I then cut off the holly leaves off my paper lamp and used it as a mask so that I could ink the grunge holly with Distress Peeled Paint and Pine Needles.  I applied the Distress Stickes in Fired Brick to the berries and then carefully sponged the lamp using a q-tip and Distress Black Soot (you'd think I'd learn to leave such things as stickles for LAST!!).  I colored the flame using my SU markers and applied a thick layer of Ranger Glossy Accents to the "window" to give it that glass appearance. 

I inked up my tag with Antique Linen and Frayed Burlap and made the water drops like T!m shows.  I stamped the flourish from Tattered Angels Classic Accents with Aged Mahogany (love this color combo btw!!).  The music score is by Stampendous and was stamped onto vellum using Archival Jet Black ink.  I then sponged the vellum with Antique Linen and heat set (***Just a note:  this will cause the paper to smoke some as the ink is heat set into the vellum).  I tore the now brittle vellum and sponged with Antique Photo.  Curled the edges and applied to the tag using vellum tape.  The lampost was attched using dimensional tape.  I then sponged antique linen and frayed burlap onto a small tag, stamped the sentiment from SU's Christmas Punch using Aged Mahagany and had to cut out the oval by hand as it would seem I have neglected to add this punch to my tools!!

Well, I hope you are enjoying my takes on T!m's wonderful creativity!! I have one more tag that I HAVE to do so I'm off to work on that now!!

Decorating with Fragments

 I am still playing with the 12 Tags of Christmas on Tim Holtz's blog.  Today was Day 10 and I'm just completing my fourth tag...for day 5!! Here is T!m's tag and here is my version:

I wish that some of the very subtle details would show up better (btw: I'm still taking applications for a photographer!!).  I cut the images from a couple of the plaid sheets that I had stamped previously (sometimes it pays not to throw away your mistakes!!) with a stamp from Inkadinkado and adhered them to the framents using Ranger Glossy Accents.  Since I did not have any foil to make the top of the ornament, I painted the toppers using my gold Krylon paint pen (this is quickly becoming a favorite tool!!).  I stamped the Pine Boughs from Just For Fun using SU's craft Forest Foliage and then clear embossed.  Using various Distress inks (I believe I ended up using Fired Brick, Pine Needles and Vintage Photo) I sponged on the background color.  In the bottom corner I used one of T!m's mini masks to make a flourish.  Tried to lightly swipe Mememto Tuxedo Black over SU's French Script, but I must have a heavy hand as it stamped darker than I was hoping for!!  Then my new favorite "embellishment":  Tattered Angels Glimmer mist was spritzed in Old lace and Pearl over the tag.  It adds just the right amount of shimmer IRL!! The fragments were hung on the tag with care (...sorry....couldn't resist!!) and then I cut apart a brushed copper  Spellbinders Fleur De Les pendent that I had already cut out from my previous 3D ornament project.  I deliberately let the edges hang past the tag.  Tied off with a small bit of brown ribbon and copper cording and DONE!! 

*Some notes:  In hind sight, I would probably have embossed the pine boughs in a thicker embossing powders so that they would show up more.  I would have also toned down the brushed copper paper with some alcohol inks but it would seem that SOMEBODY used up all her felt pads making multiple sheets of the plaid technique!!).  And last~~I would stamp off the French Script for a more subtle look

Thanks for dropping by again today!!  I'm having sooo much fun trying some of these new ideas that T!m is sharing!! It's fun to explore new creative adventures!! 

DH gets Creative

Monday I celebrated another year.  Overall the day was pretty ordinary.  Had to work.  It was pouring BUCKETS, freezing and the heat is out on the bedroom side of the house (why don't they make reality shows that really SHOW what our REALITY is?!!!).  BUT!!! DH went into my creative area and made this:

Now~~here are the funny details on this card.  First~DH actually went into the LSS (local scrapbook store) and was looking to buy me some neat tool. Uhhhh, he kind of discovered that I have quite a few of them already on my shelves, LOL!!  Soooo, he found this brass embossing stencil and decided to make me a card (along with a generous gift certificate to the same LSS). 

Second:  He had to call me a couple of times asking where stuff was and request a "small suggestion" as to how to make a dry embossed image show up on white. 

Third:  DH thought he was being funny making me a skull and crossbones card since he keeps trying push buttons by  upping my actual age beyond what is already is (DH is slightly younger than I am.  But he finds great pleasure in saying I am 2 years older than him (even tho his b-day is in April and so I am only slightly over a year older~~ men can be so easily amused). 

Fourth:  Here is the kicker:  I thought he had picked out the skull because I SERIOUSLY like skulls!! LOL!! So, I thought he was being sweet and he thought he was being snarky about my age!!  BWHHAAAAA!!!

I think he did a pretty good job, what do you think?!! 

Now, you may be wondering where my creative projects are.  Remember the mention of the heat being out on one side of the house?  (since SATURDAY).  Wellllll, it is still out.  And the repairman has to find the part for our particular unit.  Niiiice.   Soooo, while it is not technically FREEZING....my hands and body do not like sitting in my craft area when the temp is in the very low 60's.  And I can't stamp with gloves.  I'm going to try and haul some stuff out to the other room so I can complete a couple of ideas that I have in the works. 

Thanks for dropping by again.  Oldest has a baseball game this afternoon (gotta luv So Cal...."winter baseball" is possible!), so I am crossing my fingers that the wind stay down so that the temps are a bit more tolerable (it is in the upper 40's today....brrrrrr!!  There is a reason I moved from the mid west peoples!! hehe)

Ok...my fingers are blue from being in this room.  I'm off to drag some stuff to the kitchen so I can stamp!!

I'm Dreaming of a Plaid Christmas

Just like the one's that T!!!!m showwwed!!

Welllll....not exactly!  But here is my TAKES (yes!! Bonus today! I have TWO tags to share!!) on Day 3 of the 12 Tags of Christmas (yes, yes.  I know that I've skipped Day 2....I'm still thinking on that one!)

This technique is VERY ADDICTING.  I have multiple plaid sheets done just waiting for some inspiration!! I'd share with you what colors of alcohol inks I used, but, uhhhh,....welllll....it would seem that I just kept grabbing inks, and trying different color combinations and in all honesty...I don't remember which one this was!!

After making my plaid on glossy cardstock (NOT photo paper!!)I stamped  my image from SU's Lovely as a Tree using Stazon White ink and embossed with iridescent ice ep.  I then stamped the swirl from SU's Season of Joy using Stazon Black.  Pulled out the forgotten Itty Bitty Backgrounds from SU, tapped it on the white Stazon and got caught in a blizzard!! The image was then mounted on a basic black and adhered to he vanilla tag that has some Distress ink in Pine Needles, Peeled Paint and Vintage Photo sponged onto it.  Needed something and since I was lacking in the wonderful embellishments that T!m used, I added some antiqued eyelets and the ribbon in grey and black. 

Now~~this next tag is SOOOO much better in real life!! It even got a "That turned out really cool" from DH!!  This is my FAVORITE tag so far!!

Using another plaid sheet that I had made (I tell you! This is a very addictive technique!!) I stamped the image from Inkadinkado using Tuxedo Black Memento ink and heat set (because this ink will smear on glossy if handled too soon......ask me how I know!!).  I trimmed the image (it has words running along the top and one side) and matted on basic black.  I then pulled out Distress inks in Worn Lipstick, Fired Brick, Pine Needles and Peeled Paint and did the wrinkle free distress technique.  I then spritzed the tag with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Old Lace.  It gives a beautiful, soft shimmer!! I then pulled out my Olive Vine Glimmer mist and sprayed some on Whisper White and Old Olive paper and punched the leaves from both sheets using a Martha Stewart punch.  The berries are some 1/2 back pearls from SU's Pretties Kit, colored with my copics.  Added a couple of 26 gauge copper wire twists and the copper cording for the top. 

If you are playing along with the 12 Tags of Christmas, leave me a comment so that I can see were your inspiration is taking you!! And if you aren't playing along but are crankin' out the holiday goodies, leave me a comment so I can see what you are doing!!

I'm off to try and find the motivation to do some house cleaning.  I'm having waaaay too much fun stamping these last couple of days, but I've got to get some basic chores done!!

Thanks for dropping by again!! 

One the First Day of Tags

(Get the 12 days of Christmas Song in your head...it is going to be a running theme on my blog for a while!)

On the First day of Taaags T!m Holtz gave to me....the in~spir~aaation for this!!

Ooooooo!! How much fun was THIS?!!  I absolutely LOOOOVE T!m's creativity and the fact that he does the 12 Tags of Christmas!  This year, my goal is to play along  as much as possible and use the tags for the office girls/boss gift bags.  That means I have at least 8 tags that I will be inspired to try!!  Are you all just sitting on the edge of your seats?!! hehe

Ok...for this tag I pretty much followed T!m's tag with my own side trips (I'm lacking in the stamp area of T!m's collection....hopefully not for too much longer!! hehe). I used distress inks in Broken China, Dusty Concord and Faded Jeans for my background.  I stamped a flourish from Rhonna Farrer using Broken China and the snowflakes come from SU's Christmas Punch set and they were stamped using Jet Black Archival ink.  Now....I obvioulsy need to learn how to "frost a cake" better (as T!m describes how much of the Rock Candy Distress Crackle to put on) because I did NOT get the same crackled look that T!m's tag did (trust me...the next one is going to be better!).  I thought I had let the crackle process dry enough before helping it along with my heat gun....Let's just say that the ONE spot that I had gotten a LOT of crackle on bubbled up!! What to do?  Pulled out my new Spellbinders Create a Flake One Snowflake and cut, embossed and stenciled the snowflake to put over my little mess up.  The first layer of the snowflake is attatched using some dimensional tape.  The other layers were then added using my Pro Glider.  I applied some Ranger Glossy Acents and then sprinkled a light coat of Barbara Trombley's Art Glitter inVintage Shards Glass over the layers.  After that had dried, I applied a heavier coat of the Glossy accents on the top layer of the snowflake and then LOTS more of the glass glitter.  OHHHH!! It's sooo puuurrrdy!!

Next came the Grunge board flouish from the grunge board plain elements pack.  I painted the flourish using some Folk Art acrylic paint in Spring white and while the paint was still wet, I misted it with Tattered Angels Glimmer mist in Pearl.  After letting it dry (for the most part...I obviously have very little patience, 'cause I managed to smudge a couple of edges) I lightly sponged some distress inks in Broken China and Dusty Concord along the edges.  I adhered the grunge flourish with some more glossy accents (makes a great glue!).  The final touches were using Glossy Accents along the top edge and first applying some of Martha Stewart's Snow Glitter then another layer using her Carrara Marble glitter.    Saw the Merry Christmas sentiment from Just for Fun sitting on my desk and did a little masking to break up the sentiment and stamped it using Jet Black archival ink.  Pulled out a bit of ribbon from Michael's dollar bin and I'm giddy with excitement on how this turned out!!

I've already cleaned up my mess so that I can start on the next tag!!  I think that my house will never be cleaned up and ready for Christmas at this rate!! Too much fun playing with these new ideas!!  LOL!!

Ok...I'm off to work on tag number 2!

Thanks for dropping by today!! I hope that you will be inspired to try something new and different in your creative time today!!

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You

Hey Peoples!!

Are you ready to send me all your snowflakes (since I'm still the flakiest blogger?!! heehee!)?  I'm just popping in before heading off to work (AGAIN!! Geesh...my part time job has literally been a FULL time job as of late! Need to count my blessings that I've got a job instead of groaning about it!).  Just want to let you know that you'll want to pop back in for a lookie see this weekend!! I've got some projects to share (and I'm LIKING them!!)

Have a good one and I hope you'll come visit this weekend!

WANTED: Photographer

Wanted:  Looking for a professional photographer who is willing to work for pennies.  Skills required for this position are:  1) the abilitity to take clear and precise photos of the establishments paper crafts and other creative endevors that the owner might produce and
                    2) the abilitiy to photograph before mentioned creative endevors even if they are on brushed copper cardstock with iridecent ice embossed on them.
Please apply ASAP to the owner of this blog.
                                                                              

Ok.....ever had  project turn out GREAT but no one will ever know it because despite the 50-70 pictures (unfortunately, I am NOT exaggerating on this one) I have tried to take, none of them showed the fact that the brushed copper and the beads MATCH in real life or the fact that the pinecone is stamped in chocolate chip craft and embossed with iridescent ice embossing powder.  You are just going to have to trust me on this when I say that this looks wonderful and everything matchs!!  This is the project that inspired this card.

I cut and embossed 3 Spellbinders Fleur de Lis on brushed copper and attached them on the diaganol to make my 3D ornament.  I threaded some nylon monofilament through and added the beads to the bottom and top.  The top is tied off on a hand made copper hanger using 26 gauge wire.  I then stamped the Small Pinecone Ornament from Just for Fun twice using SU's craft chocolate chip ink and embossed with iridecent ice embossing powder.   I cut out both pinecones and attached them back to back over the center portion of the monofilament.  Supplies:  Paper:  Brushed copper.  Inks:  SU's craft chocolate chip. Stamps:  Just For Fun Small Pinecone Ornament B2499.   Accessories:  Spellbinders Fleur de Lis S4-204, Big Shot, iridescent ice ep, heat gun, glue dots, monofilament, beads.

Thanks for stopping by again!!  I'm off to do some more decorating for the holidays!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!! If you are traveling, I hope you have a safe (and non-eventful) trip.

For all of the men and women who are serving our country to ensure our basic FREEDOMS
THANK YOU!!

I'm very lucky in that my mother in law does all the work for this day of feasting.  The only thing that I'm requested to bring EVERY year is the following recipe for the cranberry salad.  All of the family LOVES this!!  It is very easy to make (my type of "cooking").  This would also make a wonderful summer treat~~just buy some extra bags of cranberries, freeze and enjoy in the summer time.

Cranberry Salad (originally found in some little book called The Little Book of Christmas Joys)

Yield:  16-20 servings

1 pound cranberries
4 oranges, one unpeeled
1 15-oz can crushed pineapple, drained, reserving the juice
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
3 envelopes of unflavored gelatin
1/2 pound pecans (optional....my family is nuts, but doesn't like the nuts!)

Wash and sort the berries.  Peel all but one orange and cut up all of the oranges.  In a food grinder or food processor grind the cranberries and oranges.  Add the drained pineapple, reserving the juice.  Stir in the sugar and mix well.  In a small saucepan combine the reserved pineapple juice and orange juice.  Sprinkle the gelatin on top and stir.  Heat until the gelatin is completely dissolved.  Add the gelatin to the fruit mixture.  Pour into a pretty bowl that will hold  about 3-quarts (the recipe calls for pouring into a greased 3 quart mold, like a Bundt pan....I tried one year to do that....the "Erma" in me couldn't get it out of the pan all nice and pretty, so now I just make it in a pretty glass bowl and we serve from there!!)

I'm off to try and make a Pumpkin Flan recipe.  Pumpkin pie is not the favorite dessert offered on the table,  so I always take the opportunity to experiment with a new pumpkin dessert!!  I figure if it doesn't turn out, there are lots of other desserts to eat and we can pitch the experiment!!

Again~~Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!  And THANK YOU for dropping by and visiting my little corner here in cyberland!

SALE!!

Just a real quick heads up on a SALE that starts Thursday at midnight!!

JUST FOR FUN is having a special 48-Hour Black Friday Sale! Beginning at 12:00 midnight Thursday, Thanksgiving Day and until midnight Friday, November 28, all purchases will receive a 25% discount!

I will be back tomorrow to wish you all a formal HAPPY THANKSGIVING and to share a DELISH recipe (every once in a while the "Erma Bombeck" pulls a "Martha Stewart" hehe!!)

Till then.....sweet dreams!!

Here Comes Santa Clause

Here comes Santa Clause, Here comes Santa Clause, right down memory lane (and now, you too, can have that song stuck in YOUR head!! hehe)

Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year!! I just LOVE all the lights, decorations and music (though, I could do without all the added stress I put on myself during this holiday! hehe).  I'm pulling out the decorations today and thought I'd share a small peek.

I have different themes for the different rooms of my house.  My formal room will have my large tree that is decorated in white, cobolt blue ornaments leaning towards snowflakes/Santa.  My other room accents are my small, but growing collection of Santas.  Now, mind you.  Not just any Santa will work.  All the Santas that I have must fit a certain criteria.  Which is very simple.  They must be dressed in white/silver or cobolt blue.  That's it (ok...I broke the rule for one Santa. He is dressed in a lovey brown/copper suit that just goes lovely with my brown walls)

A couple of years ago I made a wreath to go over my couch in this room. OH MY!!! Can I just take this moment to pat myself on my own back? I LOOVE how this wreath turned out. It far exceeded my idea. I wish I could capture the beauty of this better on the camera (seriously, I REALLY like this wreath, can you tell?! hehe!!). Since I just pulled it out and put it up on the wall I thought I'd share a peek.

 

Ok....so I'd love to hear what your favorite Christmas/holiday decoration is.  If you have pictures, even better!! I'd love to take a peek between decorating binges!!

Off to work!! Thanks for taking another peek today!! I'm hoping that doing some decorating will get my creative juices flowing for some paper crafting!!

On Your Mark, Get Set.....

..........GOOOO!!!!

Howdy Strangers! Been forever since I've been here!  Yes, yes.  I know that you are use to my flakiness, but that does not mean that each week I don't strive to do better!! I will only offer this explanation (versus an excuse)~~It would seem that when one is the on-call therapist, that same therapist might THINK she is only scheduled for ONE day of work in a week, but will actually end up working ALL week.

Ok...enough blabber.  On with the goods!!

I'm going to show you two different versions of this card.  The first one is the original.  The second I added a folded piece of Wild Wasabi under the transparecny (it is not attached as I like the fact that I can change the look of the card easily)  Personally, I like both of them. 

Today's card is actually very simple, but I like it.  It was inspired by one of my mother-in-laws trees (yes, she has two).  She has one tree that is her "rustic" tree and is covered with bronze and gold(ish) ornaments that are all in the theme of the outdoors (pinecones, birds, leaves....).  I used my new Spellbinders Fleur de Lis Pendent and cut out two pendent frames using brushed copper cardstock.  I then stamped the Small Pinecone Ornament from Just for Fun Stamps  twice on a scap piece of the copper cardstock with SU's craft chocolate chip ink and embossed using iridescent ice.  I then taped down the pendents on a piece of 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 piece of transparency (I use Office Depot's write on transparencies).  Then carefully, I held my breath as I used my stampamajig to stamp the Merry Christmas using Timber Brown stazon directly onto the transparency (the seniment was masked off so that I could "split" it on either side of the bottom angle of the pendent).  I used some more iridescent ice to CAREFULLY emboss the words to give them a little sparkle.  The transparency did warp a tad, but nothing to stress about.  I then colored a couple of self adhesive rinestones with my copics and DONE!!

This card was actually inspired by another project that I'm woking on.  Got almost done and realized that I don't have the perfect embellishments for it.  I'm hoping that I can  run to JoAnn's soon (I'm dreading the thought of doing it on Black Friday, but I just might brave the horror of shopping on that day just for you, my dear and faithful readers!!).

Until then~Thanks for stopping by again!! I hope you all have a WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING and please remember~~we are FREE to celebrate THANKS to all the men and woman who are serving in our armed forces to ensure that!!

In the Trash.....

.....are all three DIFFERNT projects that I attempted today.  My mojo has come up with some AWESOME ideas.  The problem?  My creative output cannot get them to work.  Why am I sharing this?  Because I just decided that sometimes it is best to throw ideas away.  Sometimes it is best to walk away and clean your house (yes, that is how frustrated I've become!) and sometimes everyone needs to admit that it doesn't always come easy and that is ok too. 

I need to realize that when I look at all your blogs and see your creations, I'm seeing the end product.  Not the process of getting there.  I don't see your trash can.  Just mine filling up. 

I'm walking away now.  And that is ok

Golden....

It has been forever and a day since I've done one of the weekly challenges on Splitcoaststampers.  So today I decided to combine the sketch challenge with the CAS (clean and simple) challenge which was a color challenge using white and ONE other color.  This is the idea I came up with while walking the pooch (hmmm....maybe I should try walking him more often! lol)

Did you notice the RIBBON?!!  I actually got this tied on the VERY FIRST TRY!! (yeah, I just about passed out!! I'm not getting my hopes up yet that ribbon and I can work out our differences...but I'm giving points to the ribbon for at least working with me on this!!) 

I stamped the Holly Swag from Just for Fun Stamps with Encore gold metallic ink and embossed using SU's gold embossing powder.  I filled in the stem using my new Krylon gold leafing pen.  Scored an edge around a piece of Whisper White using my Scor Pal and used the gold leafing pen to add an edge.  I then ran this piece  it thru my Cuttlebug with the embossing folder (ok, I'll admit...have NO idea what folder this is!!).  I cut out my squares (2 1/2 x  1/2 inches) and embossed an edge again using my Scor Pal.  Added gold leafing to these edges as well (gotta luv the look of lots of layers without the bulk!!).  I then cut out my main image using my Spellbinders rectangle nestabilitie and did the edge as the previous ones. 

Quick and easy!! LOL!! I will admit that the ribbon is a little more fru-fru than I consider my style (grunge to fru-fru...how's that for an ecletic collection?) Supplies:  Paper:  SU's Whisper White.  Stamps:  D2762 Holly Swag from Just for Fun Stamps.  Ink:  Encore metallic gold.  Accessories:  Cuttlebug and cb embossing folder.  Spellbinders rectangle nestabilities, Krylon gold leafing pen.  SU's gold embossing powder.  And the beautiful ribbon came from my friend Melody!!

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On an unrelated subject.  It would seem as if my outdated computer is wanting to die.  It is still (kinda) working, but I'm having major issues with pop ups, virus warnings and my every day applications not working like they should.  I think that a new computer is in the works.  But! Just wanted to let you kow  what was going on if I disappear for a while (oh yeah!! I've prepared you all for that possibility with my flaky postings already!!  Well, good.  At least this time I have an excuse other than my over scheduling of life!! hehe)


Thanks for stopping by again!  I really appreciate all your comments.  It helps the creative juices to keep flowing!
'Till next time!

Going Grunge?

I love the wrinkle free distress look.  Tim Holtz is the creator of this look and the stuff he comes up with is just incredible!!  I've done a couple of projects with this look in the past and when I saw the Brushed Wildflowers that Just for Fun has, I KNEW that this was the look I wanted to try. 

I need to find a new photographer.  Once again this picture again does not capture the lovely deep color tone of the colors of this project. But I was once again on a time crunch and could not take the time for photo session number 3 (yes, this is from photo session number 2.  Session one was a complete bust!)

 First I stamped the image in versamark ink and clear embossed on Very Vanilla paper. I then cleared off my non stick craft sheet (wow!! Who knew that I actually had a desk under there?!) and swiped distress inks in Fired Brick and Peeled Paint across it and spritzed with my spray bottle until beads appeared. I layed my stamped image across it, dried with my heat gun and repeated until I got the look I wanted. I then took some Vintage photo distress ink and sponged, toning down the red a bit. I place on of Tim Holz's masks in the upper left hand corner and sponged more Fired Brick to give myself a faint swirl. I then pulled out my iron (shhhhh!! Don't tell anyone!! I supposedly don't know how to use the thing!) and put my image between two sheets of typing paper and on my craft sheet ironed the image on high until the embossing powder melted giving me a faux bleach look. I love the combo of these two techniques and could easily get in a rut using them!! I distressed the edges and added a bit more vintage photo distress ink to finish off the edges.  Then the wonderful little extra that you cannot see.  I used some Tattered Angels glimmer mist in pearl over the entire panel!  OH MY!! I love the soft shimmer that this gave the main image!! I tried to get it captured in the picture, but it is just the perfect subtle accent and my little point and shoot camera could not capture it! (you may be able to click on the photo and get a bigger image and see the shimmer.  I think that is how this is suppose to work) Sooo sad!!  Moving on. Then to finish off the whole look, I pulled out a butterfly rub on from American Crafts and placed it on some transparency paper.  I then cut it out and bent the wings a bit to give it dimension and attached it only at the body.  I also found a rub on from SU's retired Cherish collection and put over the bottom corner.  This was then adhered over a black panel and then over the Very Vanilla card base.   I then spent several hours trying to tie a stupid bow.  Ok, maybe not HOURS but dang close!!  I'm tellin' ya~~me and ribbon are going thru a rough time lately!  I'm seriously thinking that we might have to have an extended separation and see if we can work this irreconciable difference out.  Anywhoos!  Obviously I settled for a knot and a cute little key charm ( I believe it comes from Tim Holz's line....it's in my stash of stuff and I can't remember where, what, who....I need to make better note of such things!)

This card now sits on my MIL's counter with her other birthday cards.  I think I should have gone snarky.  That seems to have been the theme this year.  Oh well.  Guess I need to increase my snarky collection of stamps!! (I do know she liked the card.  She was very interested in how I made it and "oooed" and "awwed"). 

Glad you all could stop by!!  I woke up dreaming about some other ideas so I might try to see if I can actually get them on paper!!  Have a great day!  It's a bright and sunny day here....maybe I'll have to drag some stuff outside to work! (wink)

Secrets, Wisemen and Snowglobes.....

Wow!! Three days in a row! People~~I think we've made history here!! LOL!!

A while back I mentioned that I had a secret. Guess what?! I'm spillin' the beans today!

Several weeks ago, my friend Sherry (aka Yoda to me or BadSherry on SCS)asked me if I would consider becoming a design team member for Just For Fun Stamps. I was absolutely thrilled to be considered for this team made up of such incredible talent! You HAVE TO check out these ladies!!

Broni Holcombe~Splashes of Watercolor

Heidi Blankenship~Embellished Dreams

Linda Duke~Linda's Works of Heart

Sandy Sandrus~Cleverideas

Sherry Cheever~Walking on the Bad Side

Today, I'm showing off the versatility of one particular stamp used two differnt ways. First: A fun interactive shaker card:

As soon as I saw this snowglobe I knew it was meant to be made into a shaker card!!  I stamped the top of the snowglobe onto a transparency using white stazon. I cut out a frame from SU's bashful blue paper using two of my circle Nestabilities.  The snowglobe was then cut out using the same large circle nestability.  The background paper was some retired SU paper that I had in my stash and was also cut using that same large circle nestie.  I glued the transparency to the frame using Ranger Glossy accents and let it dry.  Some Martha Stewart snow glitter was placed in the center.  The snowman (also from Just for Fun!) was stamped using my SU markers in Basic black, Chocolate brown, Only Orange  for the nose and Old Olive for the scarf and hat.  I cut him out and adhered him using dimensionals to the background paper.  I carefully used dimensional tape (take off the backing to bend the tape in a circle) and adhered the frame and image together! (A great tutorial on shaker cards can be found on SCS here).  I  stamped the bottom of the snowglobe twice using SU's chocolate chip ink onto some SU close to cocoa paper.  I cut those out and adhered them together using dimensionals.  I then put the strip of coordinating DP behind the snowglobe and added the brads.  All of that was placed over the Cuttlebug embossed background and adhered to the 5x5 old olive card base.  Just a few added dots with my old olive marker and wah-lah!!  A fun card!!

Now....before someone mentions it, let me point out my MAJOR mistake!! Notice how the fold of the card is on the right hand side vs the top?  That is what happens when one decides to add the designer paper behind the image and turned the card without realizing it!! DOI!! LOL!! Supplies:  Stamps:  Just for Fun Stamps~C2937 snowman, G3374 Snowglobe.  Inks:  SU's old olive, real black, chocolate chip, only orange markers.  White stazon.  Papers:  SU old olive, bashful blue, whisper white and retired dp.  Accessories:  Spellbinders circle nestabilities, Big Shot, transparency sheet, Martha Stewart snow glitter, dimensionals, dimensional tape, brads. 

Next~ a card that could easily be massed produced for those of you who like to join me on December 24 doing 70+ Christmas cards!! BWHAHHAAA!! 

Seriously, this took NO time at all to make!! I stamped the snowglobe using Encore copper metallic ink and heat embossed the image using copper ep.  I then used my stampamajig to line up the Wisemen image (don't you just love how these different images can be used together?!!) and stamped that again with the copper ink and embossed.  I then made the medallion frame using my SU scalloped border bunch.  Spent more time trying to tie a decent white bow over the copper cording than I did in making the entire card (you'll notice that the white bow is not present.  Let's just say that we are taking some time apart to settle our issues!!).  Adhered the copper layer to a 5x5 white card base and now I have an easily mass produced Christmas card! Supplies: Stamps~Just for Fun stamps~G3374 snowglobe, B3377 Wisemen silhouette.  Paper:  SU whisper white, brushed copper from Marco's Paper.  Inks:  Encore metallic copper.  Accessories:  Copper ep, copper cording, SU scalloped edge punch.

Thanks for stopping by again today!! It would seem that I've shared the icks that I got last week with both my kids (the youngest was home last week for two days, today I've got the oldest home with a low grade fever, congestion and the blahs).  Fun, fun times!!  I'm dreading when DH gets it....ohhhh!! That will not be fun!! I'm not in the mood to deal with a "man cold"!! hahaa!!

Flying and Creeping out of the Crypt

Are you all sitting down? Because I'm about to share ANOTHER project that I did yesterday!! (I know, I know! I spoil you all with sooo many goodies!! BWHHAAAAA)

I believe I mentioned yesterday that my kids were not going to go trick or treating (sob, sob). But I wanted to make them a little goodie bag of some type. When I saw this tutorial for the pillow box bucket on SCS, I had a WONDERFUL idea pop into my head!

Now, this will require some setting of the scene. Close your eyes. Imagine a night with the moon full. Just a few wispy clouds to add to the feeling of mystery. In a old Victorian style house, a middle age woman, dressed in flowing dark robes stands over the stove top, over a large black cauldron, with an intricate design on the side, stirring. Wisps of steam bubble up and over the sides. In the steam it seems as if shapes are appearing.

And from this vision, something TOTALLY different appeared!



I actually started with the grey bucket. I had wanted to stamp the skull image from SU's From the Crypt with a glue pad onto black paper and use fine black glitter on it, just giving a hint of the image along the sides of the bucket. All those wonderful details got lost so I then stamped the image in versamark and used black embossing powder. Cool!! Except you could barely see the black on black (yes, I know that is what I actually wanted, but this is for a 12 y/o and a 9 y/o boy. Do you think that they would actually NOTICE this subtle detail?!! No. I didn't either). I then pulled out some of the dp from SU's Cast a Spell pack and cut the pillow box again and adhered to the black layers to give the dp some strength. I then stamped the images using versamark and embossed using black embossing powders. The string for the spider's web was done using my versmarker and was embossed with the same black ep. Then, I had the idea to have the bats flying out of the bucket with some billowing foam below them. Stamped the bats 6 times (they actually line up pretty good with the image facing out on each side) and took a thin strip of transparency to hold them up in the air. Then I had floppy bats leaning off over the sides vs flying high over the bucket. I then filled the bucket with all the goodies (gummy eyeballs, gummy spiders and worms and some wonderful chocolates!) hoping that they would help hold the transparency picks upright. Nope. So I then cut another 4" circle to make a lid over the goodies, cut down the strips to a shorter length and used torn black tissue paper to help hold the bats in place (tried using a bit of liquid applique. There was not enough in that little tube to get the effect I wanted. The white tissue paper didn't look good either. It looked like white tissue paper vs. foam).

For the second bucket, I decided to just use SU's Old Olive cardstock and stamped/embossed the images as above. I then took my Old Olive stamp pad and rubbed it over the images/paper to give it some texture. I filled the bucket again with the goodies and made another lid. This time I took some thin 26 gauge wire and poked a small hole in the lid. Bent over the wire and adhered a stamped/embossed spider with a glue dot. Added that tissue paper again and called 'er done!

The boys claimed the buckets were cool (which is all that should matter vs what my idea was!). DH wanted to know where his was (told him I saved him some candy and that next year I would make him a treat bucket also!)

Supplies: Paper: SU's basic black, old olive, Eggplant envy (for the bats and spider), Cast a Spell dp. Stamps: SU's from the Crypt. Inks: Versamark and versamarker, old olive. Accessories: Sizzix Pillow box die, Big Shot, Black embossing powder, heat gun, thin wire, transparency, tissue paper, glue dots

Thanks for stopping by again today. I'm back in my office working on another project(shocking, I know!! If I'm not careful, you all just might come to expect goodies each day!! BWHAHAAA!!)

Cooking with 3rd Graders

(grrrr.....don't know what I hit...but I was almost done with my post and POOF!! It's gone! Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to know how much frustration I'm willing to go through just to give you some eye candy!! Aren't I just the greatest?! BWHHAAAAA!!)

Ok...enough jabbering, on with the goodies!!

The second week of October was the birthday of my son's 3rd grade teacher. On the fact list that was given to me (because somehow I ended up being room mom by default, i.e., no one else volunteered to to do!) the teacher listed her interests as 1) Grandchildren 2) Cooking 3) Crafts. This got my ol' brain turning. Hmmmm.....what could be better than kids coming up with their favorite recipes to share with a grandma wanting to cook for her grandkids? And, if it was put together in a cookbook to treasure forever, all the better!! So I snuck home a note along with some pre cut recipe cards (that would fit the size of book I had in mind) asking the kids to write down one or two of their favorite recipes and to decorate the cards if they wished. Luckily, there are on 11 kids in the class so it wasn't a huge chore to call everyone and make sure we had 100% participation! Here is the outside of the cookbook:


I pulled out my SU set of Voila and stamped the chef on Gina K's 120# pure luxury white. He was then highlighted and colored with my Copic Ciaos. I cut and adhered the checkerboard patterned paper to some chipboard. I then cut out the chef and layed him on the DP. OH! MY POOR EYES!! Yikes!! That DP was just waaay too busy!! So I cut a piece of SU textured white cardstock, leaving just a small border of the checkerboard. Ahhhh!! Much better!! The title was cut using Real Red cs and my Cuttlebug/Olivia word set (originally, I had cut out "Cooking With 3rd Grade". Uhhhh....too big for the cover! Had to modify the title!). I then used self laminating sheets to protect the front and back covers (the back cover is just the checkerboard dp over more chipboard). The inside recipes were also laminated to protect the kids art forever. A couple of examples for you:



I then used my Bind it All and put the whole thing together using red binding. I think it turned out pretty cute, if I do say so myself. It is kind of funny how some of the kids wrote their recipes~when you flip them, they are "upside down". And I love their handwriting (for the most part, there were a couple that the parents did) and how they chose to decorate their cards.

OH! For those of you who might care~the book is 6" in length x 5" in width. I wanted to give the kids more room to write out their recipes if needed.

Wellll....I will have another post for you tomorrow. While I had considered sharing more today, I decided that I owe you some steady eye candy spread out over a few days vs a stomach ache from too much all at once!! Aren't I just the most considerate blogger ever?! BWHHAAAA!!

With that being said~Thanks so much for dropping by! For those of you who will be hitting the streets in search of goodies, have a SAFE Halloween! I think we will be heading out to the church's Fall Festival. My oldest has never been real fond of Halloween (hates the "scary" costumes. When he was younger I would explain it was just someone like him dressing up. He would tell me "My head knows that, but my heart forgets when I see them!"). My youngest (age 9) informed me that "he and his brother were really too old to trick or treat". When I asked him why, he told me that he really didn't "get" the purpose of Halloween. "All you do is go door to door begging for candy that isn't good for you. What's the point?" How do you fight THAT logic?!

Have a SAFE one and we'll chat again tomorrow!

Spiraling......

.....out of control!

Howdy folks!! Like that post of my project on Monday? Whaaat? You missed it? Oh, maybe that is because it is still sitting on my desk waiting to be photographed!! As the young girls at work would say, OMG!! My life has just been crazy since we got back from our bike trip down the coast!! (Notice that I haven't even uploaded THOSE pictures!!) I got called into work for this week and we have been playing catch up at school for the things we missed (as our poor scheduling put the boys out of school at the end of the quarter...YIKES!!)

Since I'm about to be named Flakiest Blogger of the Year, I'll just promise this: Some projects are coming...cross your fingers for the weekend!!

Got Run Over by the Wagon

WARNING: That nice lovely cold that was starting to enter my body has turned into a big ol' MEAN and NASTY cold. I feel for those who are getting hit by the flu. If I feel this icky, I can't imagine how they must feel.

So why am I sharing this? Because there will be no other projects shared this week. I don't have the energy or inclination to try and photograph the projects and I am suppose to get on a plane in a couple of hours. Lucky for you, I've done an excellant job of preparing you for the lack of posts!!(aren't I the considerate one? I just knew this was going to happen and thought that I would break you in over the last several months!! haha) I WILL have something for you to look at when I return on Monday.


Have a safe and germ free week. Wash your hands more time than you think you should. And most importantly, learn to say NO when people ask you to work on another project when you really don't have time for it! Your body will thank you!! hehe

Going to the Circus

What does this mess have to do with paper crafting?

Our school's fall fair is this coming weekend. The last couple of years the "planning" committee has picked a theme. This years theme: Under the Big Top (or something like that...too tired to go look! ) Each class has a booth or activity that they use to raise $$ for their classroom. Now in all honesty, I feel that this is a HUGE hassle and it usually doesn't make much $$ (more likely, COSTS $$) but supposedly it is fun (can you tell that I'm just worn out?!!). The booths are about 38 inches high (for the table top....doesn't count the "frame" and 8 ft long. Somehow, I managed to open my mouth and say that I would help decorate the 3rd grade booth (we will be gone for the fair....how do I get myself in these messes?!! ANYWOOOS!!! This small portion of mess was used to create this:

This was terribly hard to get a decent photograph of. These guys are on a cardboard panel (that's paper, right?! hehe) that is 8 feet long and 46 inches high. They are to be the front of the booth that will have a circus theme valance and "tent" drapes off each side (like they are coming out of the backstage for the show). I had to draw and paint this with the cardboard leaning against the storage cupboards in our garage. I probably....no...I SPENT waaaaay too much time on this as it will just be thrown away. But somehow, I have forgotten how to just throw on color vs adding all this shading and details (like....the wasted "metallic paint for the motorcycle, that IRL barley shows shine!! grrrrr!!! or the added pom-poms to the hat or the Pretties Kit flower on the blue top hat!) I still need to cut out the green hat and attach it with a paint stick and lots of tape!! I'm hoping that one of the mom's will take a picture of the completed booth so that I can share the "CLOSING" act at a later date. But it is FINALLY done. That is all I care about at this point!!

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On a personal note: We leave tomorrow afternoon for our bike trip down the coast of California. Now, I am really not in shape for this but was looking forward to it. Until yesterday. It would seem that in my over scheduling of myself this past week that I have worn out my poor ol' body to the point of waking up with the start of a lovely cold. I don't know how that is going to affect me on riding on average 60 miles a day for the next 5 days. Luckily, I can always drive the sag vehicle....but that doesn't sound like much fun either. Oh well!! Such is my life!!

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On another note: Can someone tell me how to do a prepost in blogger? I have some more projects to share (I told you I had over scheduled myself!!) and could spread them out over the week we are gone. Or, I can just post one again tomorrow and the rest will just have to wait until I get back (sadly, you all are used to the lack of posts!!)

I'm off to cut off the head of the clown!! BWHWHAAAA (personally, I find clowns kinda creepy!) Thanks for dropping by and I'll be back!!

Thanks for dropping by today!

Sorrow in Fall

Earlier this week I found out that a friend's brother decided that he could no longer face this life. I'm telling you this because I had a long discussion with *K and her feelings about this. She is a high school teacher and was wondering what she should tell her students (since they know that she lost her brother). We discussed talking about his mental outlook and how he could not see an alternative outcome when there were sooo many other options that he could have chosen (obviously, she would omit any "details"). I told her that I felt she should discuss this, his feelings, her feelings (including the anger) and the repercussions of his decision. That deep of a depression is something that most of us cannot fathom. But it exists. And so often young people (especially teens) face this, but are "brushed off" as being "moody" or are labeled as "just going through a rough time". I feel that if ONE person facing this type of mental battle, even 10~ 15 years down the road, can remember that a teacher shared her feelings and wishes that her brother had reached out for help just ONE (more) time, then maybe it will save THEIR life.

Sorry to have such heavy thoughts starting out the week! But, obviously, sorrow exists in this life and sometimes requires a special thought from us. So, here is the card that I made yesterday (on rather short notice as I decided to hand deliver vs. send it in the mail).

(Once again, I will apologize for the EXCELLENT photography of this card. Since the "creator" procrastinated until the last minute in making the card, the "photographer" was not able to re-take shots once the "proofs" were viewed on a larger scale on the computer screen)

I FINALLY broke down and bought a "sympathy" set. I have been wanting to make one of these tri shutter fold cards since it was a challenge on SCS. I went to the resources page and found the directions here. I have had this retired vellum from SU for about 3-4 years!! I wanted to use it as I LOVE the paper and I felt the leaves repeated the main image theme. I pulled out some wonderful dark metallic brown/copper paper, also retired from SU and managed to ruin one 12x 12 sheet by first making my slit wrong (I probably could have made it work, but that time crunch thing!!) and then scoring incorrectly (the Scor-Pal is wonderful...but if someone is rushing and scores incorrectly, it won't fix it! hehe) I then proceeded to stamp and emboss the main image using Encore copper metallic ink and copper embossing powder. I used my Spellbinders nestie ovals to cut out and emboss the main image (mind you, the above process was NOT a one shot deal. This took me at least 5 times to get right... I managed to rock the stamp a couple of times, ruined my embossing and cut/embossed the image crooked. Why is it what when you have a timer ticking, EVERYTHING goes wrong?!!). The vellum DP was layered over a small whisper white mat using vellum tape. The little scalloped edges on the two long panels have some piercing. The sentiment was also stamped and embossed using the copper ink and embossing powder and cut/embossed using one of my square nesties. I'm really bummed that the little details like the sparkle of the main background paper and the embossing details didn't show up in the photos. Oh well. Maybe someday I'll learn to get these things done in a timely manner so that I can take the proper time to photograph! (bwhhaaaa!! I crack myself up! That is SOOO likely to never happen!)

All in all I'd give this a personal rating of **** out of ***** stars. I like the clean and simple look, and IRL, the sparkle, and little details. And I gave myself an extra star for just getting it done! (wink!!)

This is one project of the three that are being worked on. Off to finish project number 2!!

Thanks for dropping by. And remember~~listen to your loved ones and friends. Take seriously the troubles they share as they may be reaching for help. And give them a hug. Each day is precious!!