Creativity is good.

She Loves She Art

2011-09-14T09:18:00.002-04:00

More "she art" to show you! Some time back, we had a women's ministry summer gathering at church entitled "Singing in the Rain" and our guest speaker was a lovely lady named Amber who shared her powerful testimony about the loss of her 7 year old daughter to an inoperable brain tumor, and Amber's resultant crisis of belief 5 years later. Her wrestlings with God took her through unimaginable grief, leaving her alone with her questions. Have you ever questioned God?

Ultimately, God won Amber's heart in a year-long wrestling match when she came to realize that He loves her no matter what. As a thank you gift for ministering to our group, I made Amber this 8x8 canvas with the bible verse "She can do all things through Christ who strengthens her". I think I love this canvas more than any others I have done. It's color palette is soothing, and so is it's theme.

A matching composition notebook joins the canvas, in the same soothing colors. I do love butterflies, oh yes I do! On these types of mixed media projects, they just "fit" the flighty nature of the art, don't you agree? Butterflies in headbands, hair pony tails, dress trim, and backgrounds. Flutter by butterflies!

This morning, I am thankful for my creative times. Time that allows me to reflect and ponder my own "wrestlings with God" and how he ultimately won my own heart. We all have a story to tell. We are all stories in the making aren't we? Today, as I go about my busy day at work and in life, I will remember that "She can do all things through Christ who strengthens her."

I Heart My Art Buddies

2011-09-09T11:58:00.000-04:00

What's not to like about peanut m&m's and art buddies? I found a few more pics of our adventure with Donna Downey, so I thought I'd post 'em! No project pics (unless you count the m&m masterpiece!).

Donna is a good talker. So am I. That is why my name spelled backwards is YAK. I am not sure what she is explaining here, but suffice it to say she is a good talker-teacher! Getting to know Donna was half the fun!

Being with your scrappy buds is like breathing air -- we need it, don't we ladies? Our scrappy gang enjoyed a 'licious mexican dinner afterwards. Arn't we the babes?

"Dear God", she prayed ...

2011-09-02T11:07:00.001-04:00

"Dear God" she prayed, "Let me be something at every minute of every hour of my life. And when I sleep, let me dream all the time so that not one little piece of living is ever lost." Have you ever worked on a 12x12 canvas? I had worked with 12x12 scrapbook pages in the past, so why not give it a try in the mixed media art world?! (she said to herself) So ... she did.

And it was both fun and freeing to have the opportunity to fill a lot of extra surface area, all around my little darlin' girl. Now, I could have made little darlin' girl BIG, but maybe next time. For now, I like her full profile. I love the uneven ruffle on her dress, hemmed with pearls. (Be warned: I am brewing up a little idea inside my head to make a big profile using only her face and upper body. I brew ideas, not coffee.)

And a notebook to matchy matchy. Guess who is typing on a new laptop? And guess who went to see the movie "The Help" yesterday? I live a charmed life, I do!Now, I must go and "labor" on Labor Day. As in, I have been to 8 states in 2 weeks, and only taken 2 vacation days (in addition to the weekends), all in a car (not in an airplane), and that means the laundry needs done. I just got a telephone call from my High School Math Teaching Son, Keaton, who wanted to know if he would look like a cool High School Math Teacher in a white double pocket dress shirt? The issue was the double pockets, he said. He thought math teachers only wear 1-pocket shirts. So, ultimately, after deep, soul-searching conversation, we decided that he would be a trend-setter. My son, the trend-setter. Yes, I really do live a charmed life, I tell ya!

Apronology

2011-08-22T11:04:00.000-04:00

Got apron? check. Got Shiva Paint Sticks? check. Got some creative mojo ya gotta let out? check. Once I got there, I knew I was ready to rock-n-roll!! Let the sun shine in! This was an experiment. On a canvas apron. With a head full of ideas. And no understanding of how certain mediums would "take" to the canvas. But how are ya gonna learn if you don't try? And so try, I did. The worst that could happen would be a donation to the trash can, right? But it ended up pretty cute!

First, a word about Shiva Paint Sticks - which are oil based - and they stink. Oooh boy, do they stink! If anyone has an idea on how to get the smell out of the finished apron, do share! I've heat set it in my dryer and that did seem to help a bit. But now I'm over the smell -- now I'm just into the cuteness factor!

I used stencils and a stipple brush to add the flowers, later highlighting them with white dots of acrylic paint and yes, I actually sewed on the buttons! ME? Sewing? Unbelievable. Using some of the techniques I learned in the online class, She Had Three Hearts Workshop, I added more texture to the back ground by using stamps and staz-on ink - here and there and everywhere.

After stamping the dragon fly images, I went back with white acrylic paint to make them pop. I found a dotted leaf stamp in my stash, which further added definition and texture to my hand-drawn leaves. Mixed media is just that -- mixed. I am loving the journey! Whatever you are doing creativity, I encourage you to go a teensy tiny bit outside your comfort zone ... and just watch how your heart takes flight! Yes, I will get out my stinky Shiva Paint Sticks again. It was just waaay too much fun!

Donna Downey Class - People Pics

2011-08-10T23:11:00.002-04:00

Here's our gang, here we are with THE Donna Downey. Aren't we just the cutest chicka's on the block? This picture was taken before class started. I know this because (a) the table is still neat and (b) everything is still in my gallon size ziplock baggie. See it sitting on the table? LOL Here's my traveling buddy Lynn in her new Donna Downey apron! It's a true fashion statement babycakes! Diva -- through and through. Love this girl.

For a quick minute, Sisterpants mistakenly thought she was in a hair salon and was about to give Linda a trim! Look at the look on Linda's face .... priceless! Notice the Welcome Donna sign hanging on the wall? I thought that was such a nice touch. Kudo's to Altered Angel for putting on such a fun event!

Talk about a look on someones face?! Check out Ms. Downey herself! That just cracks me up. It's so Donna. I have no earthly idea what prompted the look, but it absolutely positively most assuredly qualifies as the look doesn't it?!

I wanted to post a picture of Donna that was not the look - so here ya go! She was demonstrating how to use modeling paste with stencils, which adds a very cool texture to your page or canvas.

Take a looksy at Lynn, peeking through the crowd at Donna's demonstration, looking all cute in her fashionista apron! Someday, we are going to find her on the Advanced Style blog - I just know it!

Here's a shot of me and sisterpants! Smiley Sisterpants are we!

The three musketeers - Kay, Lynn, and Sisterpants Joyce. I was having a decent hair day. Don't you just love life when you have a decent hair day? It's all about the hair.

Fun times, fun friends, lots of laughs, good memories, beautiful art, fabulous teacher, very cool scrap book store, lots of learning, reflective thinking, and the presence of peace in my heart. So thankful for it all.

Donna Downey Inspiration Part 2

2011-08-07T14:00:00.001-04:00

"Oh for Pete's sake!" I said to myself when I saw this particular Inspiration Journal in the box of available journals to choose from at our 2nd Donna Downey class. It was love at first sight. Why? I have that stamp, both the flower and the outline. I hugged it, and walked away with it. If class had ended there, I would have gone away happy.But it didn't. End there. It ended here. With Donna writing in my book with a nib pen and India ink. In my book. Donna Downey wrote IN MY BOOK! In true Donna teaching style, she said she could not just write any ole' words because it was not HER book, so she asked me what words to write. On the spot - that was me. So I went with my gut. She wrote the words I spoke "Donna said all art is beautiful. She taught me to be brave." And she did. Teach me to be brave in art.

With this brave new art feeling, I colored in the loopy loo parts of the lettering with Faber-Castel markers. So what's the image on the center part of the page? Thank you for asking! It's another technique that Donna demonstrated in my book. Donna Downey demonstrated image transfer IN MY BOOK! You start with an image or picture that you print out on plain ordinary white copy paper and you transfer the image using Golden Regular Gel Matte Medium. Talk about brave! Isn't that just too cool? Next picture is my attempt to write with a nib pen and black India ink.
I wanted to document the day with some art journaling. I like it! I can see myself incorporating my own hand-writing into my art journaling this way. I'll put my brave on as I go, which will more than likely produce some loopy loo lettering! Here's the entire layout, complete with the inclusion page. It's special to me. ... I mean, Donna's page on one side and mine on the other. Melts me.

A close up picture of the inclusion page. All of Donna's inspiration journals come with a variety of inclusion pages - makes it all the more "one-of-a-kind" cool. I thought it quite fitting to add a ruffle made with book paper since Donna had shown us in our earlier class how to gather, oops I mean smish, it into place. The art of smishing! It's brave, baby! Are you beginning to see the YOUnique part of keeping an inspiration journal? Let that sink in.

Donna's Inspiration Journal class is definitely NOT for kit-oriented people. You show up with a gob of your own art supplies, you dump them out in your work space, and you respond artistically to her art prompts which, trust me, are not ordinary. Some people finished pages, others went to a new page each time she grew our mind in a new way. Yours truly is a Type A personality (everything has a place, and there's a place for everything). So, naturally, I would have come down with a major headache if I had tried to skip from page to page. Thus, here's some of my "finished" pages. This layout was the result of some cards Donna handed out - everyone had a different card and we were to take whatever inspiration we wanted from it (shape, size, color). Ironically, at that same moment, my girlfriend sitting next to me handed me a wad of burgundy and olive green felt flowers, stating she didn't like them. My brave kicked in and within 2 nano-seconds I had them glued on the page! Thank you Linda - I love 'em!

Next up, we were to trade places with someone we don't know - and take our inspiration journal. We did. And there we sat, an expectant class. That's when Donna announced we were to create, using someone else's gobs of art supplies! Too Fun!

I got to use water color crayons! And ribbons and flowers and stamps! And I made a new friend at the same time! Here's my finished layout, using my new friend's stuff:

The next layout incorporated some hand-drawing with a charcoal pencil, and using a punch (both the positive and negative). This was actually my first page during the 3-hour class ... and definitely my least brave! LOL

Visit Donna's blog for her Inspiration Wednesday video's, and I bet you can't help but put on your brave too! After taking this class, one thing on my to-do list is kinda weird ... but meaningful to me. Donna had noticed that all my gobs of art supplies were neatly packaged in plastic baggies, which were inside baggies, which were inside more baggies (did I mention Type A personality?). And we did fly there, for Pete's sake, and it was in my checked baggage! I love justifying! But true to Donna's teaching style, she noticed my Type A baggies, and she came along and did the baggie dump, tumbling art supplies all over my Type A organized work space. I laughed, and suppressed the multi-tasking clean up headache that I envisioned would come my way later. And told her I would stick my hand in those baggies and use it to paint something in my inspiration journal. She loved the idea! I do too. Brave chick. That's me!

Donna Downey Inspiration Part 1

2011-08-05T10:50:00.002-04:00

I feel like the mom in the commercial who never gets her photo's out of her camera, and her son is stuck mid-air jumping into the pool waiting on the pic! Remember that one? Seriously, my camera thanked me after I downloaded everything! So let's get down to business - Donna Downey business! First up is a GORGEOUS canvas album that we made with Donna at Altered Angels - a newly opened local scrapbook company in the Atlanta area that totally ROCKS. A round of applause for Mary, the owner, who brought in Donna as her first guest artist/teacher. W-O-W. And a big W-O-W for Donna's classes too!

We learned the "art" of gathering - oops, I mean smishing - bookpaper and canvas to make the most gorgeous ruffles. I mean, come on, doesn't it make you want to touch it like, right away? This little canvas album comes blank, ready to be transformed, and transform it we did!

Donna also introduced us to her 12x12 canvas sheets, which you see cleverly embedded on the cover of this album. Ironically, before class started, I was shopping the store with Donna by my side (see why going to these things totally rock!) and I picked up one of her 12x12 canvas sheets and asked her point blank, "OK missy, what do you do with THESE?" to which she instantly replied "What would you do with it, if it were a 12x12 piece of paper?" She's a true teacher, babycakes. Answer a question with a question. Made me think.

Donna's teaching style is another topic -- will save that for Donna Downey Inspiration Part 2. Suffice it to say, you go away "learned". She brought her lovely family to the Atlanta area with her, and thanked us all for "supporting the Downey family". It was a pleasure!

My buddy, Lynn, with her finished canvas album. She traveled with me, 1200 miles round trip, to visit with my sisterpants (pictured below) and do these classes. What a good traveling buddy!

And here is sisterpants, in the flesh, with her finished album. She is the host with the most - trust me ... you WANT to know her. Sisterpants is fun, and kind, and loving, and buys good chicken salad and croissants, and cookies. And she was smitten with blue shimmer paint. Well, I will (eventually) get real pics printed out and into my real canvas album. And it will sit on my real dining room table to remind of the real fun memories. Really.

And here is chubby yours truly.

She Can Do All Things Through Christ

2011-07-09T22:11:00.004-04:00

"She can do all things through Christ, who strengthens her." Phillipians 4:13. A long-time friend of mine is learning to live life as a widow, quite unexpectedly. I wanted to make her something that would stand the test of time as she faces the future. I pray it blesses her days ahead.

I'm crazy loving this little she-art girl. Her braids were so fun to do. I wanted to try my hand at doing a neutral background, and it turned out to be a very fun challenge for me to find ways to make the neutral colors pop. Lots of stamping with black staz-on ink this time. Isn't the bird cage super caaute! It's a stamp that somehow found it's way into my shopping cart from the Donna Downey Studios. How do things like that just happen?! LOL

Getting pretty good at smudging, blending, rubbing, dotting stuff with my fingers. Quite an achievement from a girl who, not so long ago, was known to say "Ewww, do I have to get my hands dirty?!" Ohhh, the things we do for art.

She Had Three Hearts - Art Journaling

2011-05-31T23:10:00.003-04:00

My next big creative adventure is Art Journaling. The same craft buddy who introduced me to She Art (also lovingly known as "Cindy the enabler") has now introduced me to Art Journaling. So a few of us craft buds are taking Christy Tomlinson's latest online class entitled She Had Three Hearts. Here is my journal cover (Gesso'd - of course!).Here’s my mess! The hand-written journaling around the heart says: “The Lord does not look at the things we look at. We look at the outward appearance. The Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) It doesn’t exactly follow Christy's 3 heart theme (world, family, me). While in church on Easter Sunday a few weeks back, I remember the Pastor saying “It’s all about the heart” and it stuck with me. Then yesterday when I was at Borders, I found a Beth Moore book entitled “A Heart Like His” so I figured it was meant to be! I’ll enjoy keeping this journal a lot! It’s a 7x10 size.

Thanks Cindy - I know you're there! :)

She Art Journals

2011-05-31T22:29:00.004-04:00

Since I'm so into She-Art these days, I decided to practice by making some for the girls in my monthly swap group. I transformed composition notebooks into She Art Journals. And if they are not into journaling, then it will be a fun place to keep grocery lists! LOL! For me, discovering Gesso has been monumental. My husband might find Gesso'd socks and underwear someday, cuz I'm Gesso-ing everything in sight! The covers of these composition notebooks, once Gesso'd, were a fabulous surface to work on. This first girl says "the more the merrier". Love that. She's a happy little thing.

Little miss hat girl is sporting the number 26 -- symbolic to me because that was my son's soccer number for like-ever. He even designed a line of clothing (t-shirts) all with the number 26.
I love Butterfly girl for so many reasons, besides the butterfly in her cute hair that swoops because the wind is blowing it! LOL I love the red, and I love the friendship theme. Love love love!

Next we have a Flower Child from the 70s who is really skinny. I messed up her shirt, so I just kept adding on to it until it became a tunic. Good thing it finally worked, or we'd have a maxi-dress.

Lastly, I wanted to try a completely different color scheme in the tan-brown family. Love her blond hair piggy tails. When she was done, I sat back to take a look at the girlfriend I had created and said out loud -- WOW, you are a chubby girl! Thus the saying, Think BIG. I kinda relate to this one the most ... I'm just sayin!

All-righty then! This bunch of she-art girls are kinda like a little family to me. The others that I've made were all individually done. I guess that's why this bunch seems like a bunch of sisters. Funny how paper ladies with no faces can have such personality!

She Art for Mother's Day

2011-05-11T23:03:00.000-04:00

This canvas was a gift to my daughter for a Happy Mother's Day. It reads "She was the keeper of her family" which was so very perfect for the occasion! She oh She .... I am on a roll, babycakes! I love the way this little gal turned out. I love the detailed trims on her collar and dress, and dig that cool hat and hair! Can I just say once again for the record, lest you forget, that I am really really really enjoying this paint, art, stamp, mess, cut, paste, draw, doodle, kind of fun! Did you check out Christy Tomlinson's blog yet? I'm debating over taking her next online class -- She Had Three Hearts. I hope you have the most wonderfulest of days! Thanks for dropping by.

She Art Revision

2011-05-11T22:34:00.000-04:00

I posted a picture of this little canvas in my last blog post, but I was never really satisfied with how it turned out. So this is my new and improved version! I kinda love it now! No need to toss it out and start over ... just add, and add a little more, and add a little more more. That's one of best things about the whole "She Art" process - there's no such thing as a mistake. Love that! Here's the story behind this canvas. Ever since my mamma went to heaven a little over a year ago, there is a darling lil 'ole 80-something year ole' lady at my church who gives me a hug EVERY Sunday. She hugs me and says "This is from your mamma until you get to heaven too." She reminds me so much of my own mamma -- beautiful white hair, bright eyes and smile, and a fun giggly laugh. Now tell me, isn't God so good! So I added the saying "There's nothing like a mamma-hug" and gave it to her for Mother's Day. The number 87 on the canvas is significant, because that's how old my mom was when she died. So you see, I really do kinda sorta love this piece of art after the revision. The picture below was the first go-round, so you can really see the difference.

Yay for She Art! I am so thankful for my good friend, Cindy, who shared She Art with me. And I am so thankful for Christy Tomlinson's willingness to teach others to have "art in our heart" through her online She Art class. Check it out -- I think you'll be glad you did!

She Learned About "She Art"

2011-04-30T23:21:00.004-04:00

Can I just say ... I am having SO much fun learning She Art! And that's a major understatement. I never ever never ever would have believed that I could do this. But guess what? I can do this! I am taking Christy Tomlinson's online class. It's A-mazing. Her videos are fresh and fun. Her teaching style is hands-on. And it's worth every penny! I can stay in my PJ's and watch and learn. And then go create! Swoon.

I don't yet know what She Art sayings that I want to add to these canvases, but it will come to me. She learned about She Art. She loved what she learned. She was a brave girl. She got her fingers messy. She was proud of her mess. She tried the untried. She knew creativity was good. She was a happy girl.

Scripture Door Hanger - Joy!

2011-04-09T11:33:00.004-04:00

Recently, I had the privilege of serving at the Women's Retreat for our church. After a very fun, refreshing weekend in the Word with some very fun, refreshing women, I wanted to make a little something for the fantastic ladies on our planning team who worked tirelessly and prayed to make it all come together. This was our key bible verse. For my base, I covered Chipboard Coasters that I ordered from here. You can do so much with those little coasters (did you read what I said? Cheap and fun and versatile). On this project, I made them into door hangers (or a little wall hanging) tied with tulle and seam binding. The flower made from my favorite go-to flower lately -- Papertrey Beautiful Blooms II. The petals are so bendy! Adds nice depth! The leaves are some of the BEST leaves I've found -- once again, from Papertrey Leaf Prints. So real looking and all!

Let's take a look at the border around the bible verse. I chose a Spellbinders die that fit the verse, and then I brushed it with a stipple brush, and then stamped the dainty flowers and leaves. Some of my favorite projects have included the use of these stamps from Rubber Stamp Tapestry. Click here - this was my first project, on the day that I bought them, including a tutorial.

Here is another example, and gosh golly, here is another one! I must like it - hope you do too! It's a good feeling to really USE the stamps in our stash, isn't it?!

ATC Fun!

2011-04-02T10:33:00.009-04:00

First things first .... yes, I got a blog-lift (similar to a face lift but I would NEVER do that). As much as I love Joanne Rivers, I don't want to BE her! I'm simply celebrating the thought of Spring, so I felt like a blog-lift with some new splotches of color would be fun! Now then, my fascination with ATCs and my sister's birthday collided (whether she wanted it to or not - tee hee!). I purchased a 7 Gypsies Vintage Receipt Holder and filled each and every little clip with an ATC that celebrates her! Happy Birthday Joyce! I love that I get to be your sister. It's so fun sharing life together, and it's a double bonus to be the best craft buds too! Each card was a little piece of art where I got to use all manner of supplies, stamps, and embellies. My desk was a mess, but my creative little heart was happy!

Joyce & I both love Papertrey, so I made sure to incorporate that! Isn't the little dress form with the skirt too cute? Another fun thing was using Martha Stewart's picket fence border punch, it's darling.

Unity Stamps are responsible for those two cute girls -- we're in this together! There's a new Prickly Pear stamp below -- the heart with wings. "Hello Sisterpants" is just something I said to her on the phone recently, so I put it on a card -- kinda reminds me of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, or whatever the heck that was! LOL

Probably one of my fav ATCs on this project was the beautiful Unity rose stamp pictured below. It's a stand alone beauty -- needs no additional color, the stamp is so nicely detailed. And the fun thing about that stamp is that I bought it at the Scrap-Mart booth during the Indianapolis Heirloom Stamp Show --- and that's where we met Katie! Joyce & I enjoyed dinner with her that evening and it was a great time, fun memory!

Wonder how old she would be if she didn't know how old she was?

I pulled out my Dizstresser to give many of these ATCs an aged look. Okay, I'm now officially ready to do ATC's! This fun project got my ATC motor all revved up - again.

Vintage Clip Art Gift Boxes

2011-03-17T00:14:00.003-04:00

It's that time of the month again ... craft club projects! (what did you think I meant?) This month, we were to use vintage clip art in some form or fashion in our projects. My my my my my --- let's just see how this turned out!I purchased one sheet of vintage clip art pictures for $3 while I was at the Heirloom Stamp Show, and then I made a trip to my local JoAnn's for the cardboard boxes ($1 each) and some clear crackle paint. Easy enough. I painted the boxes with acrylic paint and then applied the clear crackle. Boo on crackle paint! Mine didn't crackle. I guess I am not a good crackler. So I went to Plan B, because my momma always taught me that it's good to have a Plan B for times such as this! Essentially, Plan B means that you distress the box with paint daubers and add a fair amount of glitter (because when in doubt, glitter it), and then add cute sayings. I dolled up the boxes with ribbon and big honking buttons too because, after all, once a project goes wrong then you might as well go wrong big, yes?!

I finally gave up on trying to crackle and just went with stamping backgrounds with Staz-On ink which, in my opinion, looks waaay better anyways! Down with crackle! Up with stamps? LOL

Now rather than end this blog post on a Debbie Downer note, let's be Patty Positive for a minute and take a look at them there "feet" on the bottom of the boxes! Now that's darn cute if ya ask me (and I know you didn't but I'm feeling generous with my wisdom today). Those "feet" were nothing but marbled rocks that are normally used in candle jars but I like them better as "feet". Once I added "feet" to this crackle failure mess, I got all happy again - yay "feet"!

An ATC Challenge

2011-02-21T08:55:00.004-05:00

Have you tried ATC's? I thought they were silly ... why would anyone want to do little Artist Trading Cards and put them in a baseball card-type binder? That was then ... this is now! I caught the band-wagon and a dear friend gave me an ATC challenge. The rest is history. Consider me ATC'd. Looky looky ... This is my first attempt - ever - at making ATCs. I wanted them to be "me" ... something that said "Yes, this is Kay!" when you looked at it. I choose Papertrey Ink Ocean Tides cardstock for my base -- because yes, this is my go-to color most of the time. Next up, was my Papertrey Polka Dots, stamped in pale pink, which is another one of my most often go-to techniques. The saying speaks my heart - I love my girlfriends! They really do knock my socks off! The little artsy joker stamp is part of my new stampington clear set (Whimsey) and in my humble opinion, it adds just the right amount of A R T to my A T C! I tied it all up with twine and last, but not least, I JUST HAD TO add a flower because THAT SAYS "KAY" like nothing else! I LOVE. I LOVE. I LOVE.

This was my girlfriend's ATC that she sent me in the mail, after a fun evening at her house making crafts. Her little dog Buster spent the evening with us, so here he is! On the back of the card, she wrote the details and issued the challenge. I took it! It's a brave, new, world! LOL

Check out Donna Downey's blog for some really stinkin' cute ATC's. She is starting a monthly kit club too. And they are displayed on an adorable 7Gypsies spinner. I'm hooked. Yep. Thanks Cindy, for a fun challenge!

It Takes a Village

2011-02-21T08:38:00.007-05:00

The challenge? Use old book pages or sheet music in some form or fashion in your project. This is what our craft group did last month. So I dolled up some little wooden bird houses that I purchased at JoAnn's for $1 each. Here is the little village they turned into!First, I painted them with basic acrylic paint using a sponge applicator - very easy and not time consuming at all because they dry so quickly. Each roof is "thatched" with layers of scallop edges.

Then all that is left to do is embellish - the fun part! Some houses were covered with additional papers, but the front of each house was left for the paint to show. I choose various cute sentiments from here and there and added some tags and buttons as I went along.

This blue/green house is one of my fav's! Love the saying and matching tag.

Well, maybe this house is my fav because of the funny saying!? It's hard to choose!

Ever since I re-discovered my hot glue gun, projects like these have been fun to tackle. Adding trims and buttons are a breeze.

Many of the stamped tags are from a new whimsy art stamp set that I ordered from Stampington.

Here is my little village all lined up in a row, just like San Francisco houses! LOL

This is a nice photo of the roofs and back sides. I love them. I love my village. I'm moving in.

A Little More Valentine Love

2011-02-20T13:37:00.004-05:00

Yes, I know it's over (Valentine Day - that is) but I got more good stuff to post. Indulge me, for the sake of LUV! I covered some heavy cardboard canisters and they turned out so caaaa-ute! The little one on top is painted and stamped, and it holds a little gift for my sister. It is adorable. The big one -- that's a whale of another story I tell ya. It holds a batch of chocolate no-bake cookies for my son who lives in DC. If the cookies arrive in a jillion pieces, it's still good right?

I covered the big canister with valentine paper, which was a fun and messy thing to do using Modge Podge. But the joke was on me ... because even though it looks like a cutie, once I got done covering it, then the lid didn't fit! LOL So I started junking it up with various embellishments to make up for the no lid. But I decided to send the un-fit lid along with it, just so he could see how cute it "would have" looked and it's still good, right? I mean, it has cookies in it, after all!!

Dig this "family" label I found in my stash, don't you?

The small canister has a squishy flower embelly on the lid -- made with various graduated sizes of circle scallops and papers. (just spray each scallop with water and squish the paper into a wad; unfold and layer together)

The Valentine cards are larger than normal (5x5). This one using one of Papertrey's fillable frames dies and matching stamp - love it!

More Papertrey on these cards -- the flower and leaves are one of their dies. In fact, this particular flower is my fav because you can bend the petals up for dimension. It looks great EVERY single time. Well -- okay then -- this year's Valentine attempts can go down in history!

Rolled Bookpaper Wreath

2011-01-18T22:38:00.004-05:00

I'm on a real roll ...... get it? Hah! Okay -- here's a fun project for ya. You need an old book and some coffee filters. Yes, you read that right! First, you take the book apart at the spine and begin rolling one sheet at a time. I simply stapled the bottom of each 'cone' because it was the quickest way to do it. And you need a jillion of these. Sorta. I just rolled them while watching TV. Multi-tasking always makes me happy.

Then I fired up the ole' hot glue gun and began adhering them to a piece of foamboard ... until it looked full enough to my liking. I was not very methodical in placing my rolled 'cones' but you could draw a circle on the foamboard to aid in perfect placement if you want to. I didn't because the inner-artist in me just wanted to wing-it! :)

Now here's where the coffee filters come in. I purchased the brown/tan ones, but I think the white ones would be pretty too. There are 7 coffee filters in the center, each one is folded 3 times and stapled, then hot glued in place. They kinda make their own fluffy fan shape, much like the big tissue paper flowers we used to do in high school for our parade floats!

I then used a little bit of diamond stickles on the edges of the coffee filter flowers to add some glitzty glam to this victorian beauty. I love it! Looks great on my wall! You could put about anything you desire in the center ... hot glue in some Christmas bulbs for a festive touch. How about pastel Easter eggs? Maybe some home-made scrunched flowers, or felt flowers, or crepe paper rosettes? Or how about an entire center made of vintage buttons?! I'm just sayin ... the sky's the limit, girlfriend!

A Little Valentine Love

2011-01-18T22:12:00.002-05:00

I'm getting ready for our monthly swap club, and I decided that it's not too early for a little Valentine Love! It's a one-piece wall hanging (note there are two pieces showing here), cut from plain ordinary chipboard ... such as the back piece of a 12x12 stack of designer paper. After cutting the chipboard base, then I painted it with acrylic paints ... first with pink, then with gun-metal grey, then added a touch of creamy white to the center. Once dry, then I overstamped the entire piece with brown polka dots. Now all that was left to do was the fun part -- embellish!

The pleated flower medallions were made from old book paper. Then I cut a Spellbinders Labels 5 die, and embossed it with a cuttlebug folder and then touched up the embossed areas with a light blue ink pad.

A heart was the perfect center, especially with a cute little sentiment such as S.W.A.K.

I hung one on each side of the antique china cabinet in my dining room ... my mom would be pleased! The cabinet first belonged to my grandma, then to my mom, and now to me. And I cherish the memories it holds. Later this month on January 28, it will be one-year since my mom went to her heavenly home. You see that flag on top of the china cabinet? It was from mom's funeral -- she was a World War II veteran. This is a very special room in my house for sure! The last year has held many emotions for me. I miss her so. But not enough to wish her back ... heaven is lucky to have her and my dad. There is indescribable peace in knowing that Jesus welcomed them home!

So ... I'd say this is a VERY special little Valentine, wouldn't you?

More Gift Sets!

2011-01-18T21:25:00.005-05:00

Do you get the idea that I like to create gift sets? These cards use more papertrey goodies, because I am in looove with the mat stack dies and matching stamps! It's a little hard to tell, but the paper that I used was already pre-glittery so it made for some real bling. Snazzy!

Once again, the sentiments used were a mix between Papertrey and Waltzingmouse stamps (see prior post). Hey -- they were already out on my desk so I used them!

This card is my fav! The bookends sayings is just too cute (Papertrey set All Booked Up) and the tiny paper doiley behind the mat stack is by Martha Stewart.

Wouldn't you like to get a 'Hi" card in the mail like this? I WOULD! Or ...

maybe you would rather receive a "Hello From The Heart" card like this! I heart these cards. Period.

Lace Doily Meets Cards

2011-01-11T11:18:00.004-05:00

Just playing around ... with paper lace circles and some pretty papers. This set of cards is so so so so simple, yet so so so so elegant. That is four (4) so's! Of course, Papertrey stamps and dies make everything easier, matchy matchy-ier, and funner (I'm sure those are real words!). I did mix in a few Walzingmouse Stamps too. Love love love.

The Get Well Wishes sentiment is from Fancy Phrases by Walzingmouse - it's a real "go to" stamp set. I used Papertrey's Fillable Frames #4 die and matching stamp border, then overstamped the entire label with a misc. french script background stamp, using Smokey Grey ink by Papertry. So soft and pretty, especially with the button accents!

Have you tried Papertrey's Mat Stack collection of matching dies and coordinating stamp sets? They make e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g better! This card uses Mat Stack 1 (my personal fav)! Looks great on the lace doily!

Oh be still my heart --- this flower says love all over it! I used Beautiful Blooms II #1 and die cut several flowers, and once again I overstamped it with french script using smokey grey ink. Subtle. Nice. Leaves are from the Dahlia die and I simply hand-drew some lines on the leaves once they were cut out. The nice little squiggles are from Waltzingmouse Fancy Phrases (didn't I tell you it's a great go-to set!?) These cards are bigger than normal (5x5) and they fit perfectly inside the plastic box that your Papertrey Stamps are packaged and delivered to you in (save them!). I made two of each card, and put them with coordinating envelopes all inside the pretty case, for a great gift set. Have a great day!

Blissful Banner

2011-01-04T21:16:00.004-05:00

This cute little banner was inspired directly from my friend, Melis, on this post. Her photo's are better, but they are almost identical. I saw it, I loved it, I wanted it, so I made it! I used small squares of burlap for the center, and layered on a white felt star and then decorated each one with some sort of glitz. The banner itself is from Papertrey's banner dies, including the trim on the top -- it's a breeze to use!

I used cream seam binding to tie the bows, and topped eat bow with a button tied on using red twine. Such a cute little Christmas-y feel to it!

The word "bliss" is spelled out on the little hang-tags. A good word, don't you think? Good for more than just the holidays .... it should be good to hang during the entire winter season!

I can see myself enjoying making banners for many more occasions!

Hope you have a BLISSful kind of day!

Christmas "Microscope Glass" Necklaces

2011-01-04T20:42:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (belated, of course, but genuine none-the-less)! I've been truly on-the-go since Thanksgiving but I didn't want to miss posting a few goodies that I was able to work on throughout the holidays. These adorable Christmas necklaces were the perfect gifts for my precious little granddaughter and niece. Simple too. 1x1 inch memory glass and frames (by Ranger), hanging on a fan-pull chain (purchased from local hardware store), and I added a cute little crystal jewelry heart.

I used some Christmas scrapbook paper, and specifically cut out the part that I wanted to frame, and then stamped the words on there separately.

Same technique with the 1x3 glass slides and frames. I gave these as gifts to all the girls in my family when we gathered together for Thanksgiving.

I've seen these necklaces for sale on Etsy for a pretty penny, but I think these are just as cute and believe me ... they are affordable!

Since the frame simply clicks open and shut, it would be fun to cut some "interchangeable" pieces of scrapbook paper that one could simply switch out the necklace after the holidays are over. Oh, I love it!

Glimmer Glam Envelopes with Ruffled Notecards

2010-10-18T09:37:00.005-04:00

Our swap group, affectionately called Art & Soul, made a beautiful mess last night and ended up with these beautiful note cards. It was so much fun!

The scrunched paper flower is 4 layers of Spellbinders Circle Scallop Die cuts, glimmer misted, and embellished with fun stuff in the center. Making these flowers can become addicting - so fun!

Each flower was tied onto the gate fold envelope with scrunched seam binding, that had been glimmer misted as well. When I say we made a beautiful mess - believe me - it's true!

The scrunched paper flowers can be as thick/thin as you want, depending on how much you pull the layers apart. They dry kinda stiff after glimmer misting, so they hold their shape beautifully. Oh -- by the way, the envelopes and cards were first embossed with clear embossing powder, then glimmer misted. Which means, the embossed areas acted as a resist for the glimmer mist. Very pretty!

The note card itself pulls out from the bottom of the gate fold envelope. You pull on the little crepe paper (or scrunched up sheet music ruffle) and out comes the matching note card! Obviously, this card requires a bigger mailing envelope but it's a perfect card for including in a gift bag or with a wrapped present or with home-baked goodies, etc.

The crepe paper ruffle treatment at the bottom of the card is done by running a bead line of clear drying glue across the bottom of your note card, then lay down the top piece of your crepe paper and "push it into a ruffle" as you continue to lay it down. It gathers as you go, making it an easy way to ruffle (without sewing!). This particular ruffle was glued down, and then folded over to make a double ruffle.

The note cards were then stamped with a nice border above the crepe paper ruffles, and various designs and sentiments can be added at the top of the note card.

It was fun to mixxy and matchy colors, stamps, and glimmer mists. Did I mention we made a big beautiful mess?

I should have warned you that this was a long post with lots of pictures!

Are you getting a feel for the colorful fun? The great borders? The ruffled goodness on each and every one?

I hope you get a chance to get messy with glimmer mists. It's an instant gratification technique that makes the inner-artist in you feel free! When mixed with a little embossing, its extra special. And when you add stamping ... well ... be still my glimmer misty heart!

Grunge Paper Tags

2010-10-18T08:48:00.005-04:00

I went grunge! Not exactly my style, but after playing around a bit, I think it could be my style - hah! Grunge paper is best described as a "discovery" ... so soft and felty and bendy. First, I set up my Distress Ink Pads in a row and went to town with sponge applicators as I inked up the background colors for the tags. Then I stamped various backgrounds and borders. The tag itself is NOT a true shipping tag (it's grunge paper)!! The reinforced hole at the top is a small circle punch of brown cardstock.

This blue and brown number uses original Sizzix Decorative Accent #2 die and Flower Layers #4. The background of the Decorative Accent was stamped with Queen Wendy Vecchi's background from Artfully Said. The gorgeous stamped lace at the bottom is from Queen Wendy Vecchi's set In Love With Art.

This background stamp is Unity Distressed Dots which is very cool look! The flower was made using Papertrey's Delightful Dahlia Die which I cut in half, then cut slits in toward the flower center, so that I could curl the petals upward. That's the bendy fun part of grunge paper! Saying is from Queen Wendy Vecchi's set Art By the Number.

This purple & green number is my fav! Background lines are from Queen Wendy Vecchi Dreams of Art. Leaves are a Sizzix die, as are the tulips. Both of these Sizzix dies are eon's old - which means they are Originals and these two particular dies are the yellow half size ones. Now aren't those purple flower centers to die for? Prima -- they KNOW flower centers! Get thee to Archivers and grab 'em up!

This yellow number has a YOUnique stamp and flower stem ... the saying is a Limited Edition wooden stamp by Stampendous and the leaves are from My Cute Stamps Nature set (stamped and cut out with scissors). Once again, I cut a flower in half so I could show off the bendy petals better!

This blue tag sports a Sizzix Original Bird, Sparrow Die. Background is Unity Aged Sheet Music stamp ... with a Unity saying from an old Kit of the Month. It's fun to cut up any stamped sentiment, and apply it "collage" style! So ... all in all ... I'm hooked on grunge ... I'm in Love With Art ... and I'm still trying to clean the ink off my fingers! :)

Susan G. Komen Walk For the Cure

2010-10-15T13:37:00.005-04:00

My bank teller was telling me how excited she was that this year, her and her mom were going to participate in the Susan G. Koman Walk For the Cure. Her mom is a breast cancer survivor and it means a lot to them to be able to do this!

So I thought it would be nice to let her know how special she is! The gemstone word CURE is from Michaels, and inside the notebook cover is a nice pretty pink note pad. I'm proud of my first ever Wendy Vecchi stamp set called "In Love With Art" (it's that fabulous lace stamp at the bottom, and the saying). The Take Note sentiment is from Papertrey's set "Take Note".

I slipped the notebook it into a large Papertrey Glassine bag and clipped a pretty silver pen to finish it off. I hope she likes it! Thoughts and prayers to all those who have been touched in some way by breast cancer.

Thankful For You

2010-10-15T13:05:00.002-04:00

Papertrey's new stamp set, Wreath For All Seasons, is one I think I'll reach for again and again. It fit perfectly in the center of these small lace paper dolies (and inexpensive too!), which I clipped to bags of candy corn with embellished mini clothespins. I took these to a meeting at church, and everyone seemed to enjoy them! They were sure fun and easy to make.

All packed up, pretty in a Longaberger Pie Basket. I really am thankful for YOU!

C-R-E-A-T-E a Banner

2010-09-30T07:37:00.004-04:00

Good day to you! I recently became enchanted with banners. Why? Mainly because I didn't get to take a Halloween Spooky Banner Class from my friend Cindy, so I decided to try my hand at one, and guess what ... I'm in luv with my banner that says one of my favorite words:
C-R-E-A-T-E .

First I started with corrogated box board cut to desired size. I swiped the grooves with an Adirondack Paint Dabber (color - Juniper) ... just enough to give it an aged or worn look. (An aged or worn look is a very good thing on crafts ... but not on me - hah!)
The bottom trim on each of my banner pieces was my attempt at NOT buying expensive fancy lace ... yet giving it a fancy lace look. First I cut the largest size of Spellbinders Labels 5, then embossed it with the Damask Cuttlebug Folder, then lightly inked the raised embossing with various ink colors (each one is different.) The tuffs are pleated crepe paper.

The banner is assembled with white jute at the top, and bows were tied with black tulle. Looks pretty cute as a window topper, don't ya think?!

The flowers were made from old sheet music. I used two of the largest spellbinder scallops, and sprayed one with glimmer mist. Then my favorite part ... scrunch it up like trash! Unfold and layer together, using clear-drying adhesive. These scrunchy flowers are SO FUN to make so be warned -- they are addictive!

I hope you have a chance to C-R-E-A-T-E something today!

Altered Art - Got Green Bean Cans?

2010-09-13T09:19:00.005-04:00

Inspired by this tutorial, look what I came up with ... More altered cans ... more fun ...

It was so much fun to embellish each one in a different way, using all manner of goods from my stash ...

Chipboard pieces and buttons and flowers ... oh my!

Seam binding and pearls - be still my heart!

Notice the matching Little Book of Big Ideas for each altered tin can? $1 each from Hobby Lobby. I found them in the area with brown cardboard type items ready to be altered, such as big letters and cute sizes of boxes, etc. Next up, some fun with pleated crepe paper ...Some nifty flower topped pens to add to the mix ...

And now some close-up's of the little books ...

I used lots of modge podge on this project ... I even applied another layer on TOP of the embellishments (buttons, pearls, etc).

First I painted the books with acrylic paints and modge podged. Then stamped with staz-on inks. The words were computer generated and cut into pieces, glued, then outlined with black or gold Krylon Pen.

Do you know how much fun I had doing these? There are no words!

The Moments We Share

2010-09-10T09:15:00.000-04:00

Do you have a bunch of rub-on's in your craft stash? I finally cleaned up my beautiful mess of a craft room and it inspired me to make these cards with rub-on's. I guess you could say I was in the moment! Moments are memories, am I telling you the truth?I confess ... I was cleaning up for the cleaning lady who is expected today! Does anyone else do that? What an oxymoron. But clean makes me happy, and happy makes me creative, and we all know that Creativity is Good! Maybe today's moral of the story is this: go clean?

I hope you have a beautiful moment today! Find it. Make it a memory. And come back here and share it with me. Or ... if you have a mess, then make your mess your message. Either way, we'll be enjoying life's journey together and that part is so fun!

Presto ... Card Sewing Made Easy

2010-09-09T08:28:00.003-04:00

Recipe for cute sewing on cards: 1. Buy paper with sewing already on it. 2. Use that portion of the paper on your card. 3. Cut out the cute scallop border. 4. Enjoy! So fun and easy peasy! Someday, I'm going to learn to sew on paper for real, with my mom's sewing machine that I inherited (without a foot?!). So I really need to go foot shopping. Did that sound funny to anyone else but me?! Anyway, the moral of the story here is this - and yes, I have one. USE UP some of that beautiful, gorgeous, rock star paper you have in your stash and be happy!

I want to take a mushy minute here. My bloggy friend Mary wrote a beautiful post about sharing God's love through creativity ... my creativity! It would be worth a mushy minute of your day to read it because I SO want to share the blessing! To the crafty creative peoples in the bloggy world out there, be encouraged! I was. SO .... VERY ... MUCH!

Cheerio!

2010-08-19T22:58:00.005-04:00

Cheerio to you and you and you! Today's card is a mix of happy-go-lucky and warm romance all in one. I had a big fat happy blast in Archiver's the other day, with a gift card from my sister, for my big fat happy birthday. And I was smitten with this little Hero Arts banner stamp! Maybe you've seen it in their mini-card displays?

First, I used a SU Top Note Die cut for the background piece, which I embossed with a cuttlebug folder. Then I tried my hand with one of Tim Holtz's paint daubers - a super yummy color called Juniper that makes me happy. I want my entire dining room walls to be Juniper! I stamped the little flag pendants on various patterned paper and cut them out, adhering with pop dots.

The little flowers are handmade -- a tip I picked up while blog hopping one day (I'm sorry I can't find the tutorial!) but it is simply done by layering several tiny prima flowers together. I pinched together the petals and twisted the bottom, then snipped a tiny bit off the bottom and glued to another tiny prima flower. Repeating process until I was happy! It makes the banner look so darn cute!

The sentiment is from Waltzingmouse, Fancy Phrases, including the little flourish. Ruffled ribbon from the fabric store, with some bling added. And I'm getting A LOT OF USE out of my Diztresser tool -- buzz buzz buzzing around the edges and making me shabby happy! I hope you have a Cheerio! kind of day!

Crepe Paper Gift Bag

2010-08-07T13:28:00.003-04:00

Tattered to perfection! Consider adding a feminine touch to your everyday brown paper gift bags! I wrapped it lovingly with a flower fashioned from crepe paper, and some old sheet music as a center bud in the flower. I gave this gift bag a boost with some beautiful delicate designer paper. On one side of the blue pindot paper, I used a Spellbinders Impressabilities plate as a mask and sprayed it with glimmer mist. I can't get enough glimmer mist these days ... I'd glimmer mist my underwear if I could!?

Some vintage buttons adorn the Happy Birthday sentiment (Papertrey Say It With Style). Every single time I stamp something with that set, I swoon!

Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day for me ... I'm meeting dear friend Debbie for a day trip to Brown County. We have some serious window shipping to do! We are celebrating our August birthdays in style! Hey -- Say It With Style ... Papertrey, get it?!

I'm already giddy! IF I come home with some goodies from the stamp store (IF?!), I'll be sure to share! Have a lovely day!

Mini Scripture Book

2010-08-06T08:58:00.005-04:00

A month's worth of my heart & soul went into this little book ... I actually made two of them identical (my theory has always been if you're going to make one, might as well make two while you're at it!). It all started with inspiration from my bind-it-all, distrezz-it-all, and a compulsion to make my own papers using Glimmer Mist! After my Glimmer Misted papers were dry, I stamped various images (mostly with Tim Holz and Prima stamps) using Smokey Shadow Ink (Papertrey). Such a nice soft ink color, works so well with the imperfections of vintage style! A quick buzz on every edge with my Diztresser tool, then bound it with the bind-it-all, and the fun part of filling the pages began!
All scripture verses are from Our Daily Bread designs. It was fun to mix & match them with Spellbinders Dies! Note the lacey scallop punch from Stampin Up -- it melts me! And you will also note throughout a new double edge scallop punch from Stampin Up!

TRUST is my 2010 word! Last year my word was GRACE. Do you have words?

A close up of the scrunched flower ... the middle is made from sprayed and scrunched seam binding. I love how it turned out!

This might be my favorite page ...I love the curved detail on the stamped verse. I put a small paper bracket underneath so it would stay in place. (Shhhh - don't tell anyone that it was simply too wide for the page, and I had to come up with a Plan B! LOL) And I really love the lace and button treatment! Such love!

Okay, perhaps this next page might be my favorite! The tiny rosebuds are handmade, each one has 4 or 5 tiny prima flowers rolled into a bud and layered onto that new Stampin Up double edge scallop punch that I mentioned earlier. I simply hand-wrote the theme words "grow" and "grace" onto the big flower stem and leaves.

I centered the stamped verse in a Walzingmouse Stamp that coordinates with a Nestie Die -- many of their stamps coordinate with the Nesties. You should check 'em out!

Some vintage sheet music was the basis for building a layered focal image, and the pretty ruffled brown velvet ribbon was a find from the Michael's ribbon bin.

So much goodness here! A month's worth of love (yes, I was working at a snail's pace, enjoying every mili-second of detail and love! Isn't that what it's all about?! Enjoy what you love ... love what you enjoy!

At first, I thought that 6 pages was simply not going to be enough! But look at how plump and juicy the pages look after distrezzing, and loving them with so much goodness! My second nature is to second guess, I guess!

I hope my little project spread a little sunshine on your day! Thanks for dropping by!

All Things Are Possible

2010-06-24T21:22:00.004-04:00

I gave the old blogaroonie a face lift ... and it was kinda fun to do! Then I got down to business and made this cute card. A very simple, but snazzy card Great colors! There are two fun new things on this card that tripped my trigger. 1) did you notice the nice lined border around the Spellbinders Labels 8 die? I simply taped my die to the paper and traced around the inside with a fine tip Martha Stewart brown pen before cutting. Neato! 2) did you notice the glittered filigree? That was a cool find that my sister and I stumbled across (and for the life of me I can't remember where or when?!) but it is actually a package of various small accent designs that are on two-sided double stick tape. All you do is place the desired design on your card and press, lifting off the clear overlay. Then it is ready for glitter, tap the excess, and you are left with the cute design! It's called Design Adhesives by ClearSnap.

And what's a cute card without a cute matching envelope? Well, let's just not go there! I enjoyed coloring with copics on this one. Haven't done that in a while. I even threaded a dang-blasted needle and tied cute pink Martha Stewart floss on my buttons. Awwww.

Bluebirds and Paris

2010-06-10T22:11:00.002-04:00

Here are a few gift card sets for a wedding! The bride owns the Bluebird Candy Dish Company, so I thought a set of simple bluebird cards would be perfect. I love how simple and elegant they are ... just like the candy dishes she sells! This has become one of my favorite card designs lately. The focal point, in this case the bluebird, hangs slightly over the edge of the card allowing the pretty scallop edge inside to show. Simple technique ... adds so much flair!

I think they will also enjoy the next set of cards since they are honeymooning in Paris! Same card design with a new theme.

I did use a stipple brush very lightly over the stamped design while it was still in the spellbinders die. And I dyed my own scrunched seam binding to match each card set.

Weddings and honeymoons --- so fun!

Bird of Grace

2010-05-08T08:33:00.001-04:00

I finally finally bought the Stampin' Up bird & branch punch, and I'm so glad I finally did! These cards were a snap, and turned out so cute. The DP is glittery, so it's almost a stand alone. But ohhhh noooo, I am the original add-on, doo-dad, embellisher person. Can you see the faint music notes on the peach strip of paper? A unity background stamp. And I had some more fun making hand-dyed crinkly seam binding. And how fun was it to mix and match the bird wings? Ohhh, how tweet is that! I did enjoy aging the little guy with tea-stained ink. He just needed it.

The will of God will not take you where the Grace of God cannot keep you. Beautiful sentiment we can all do well to remember! It's from Our Daily Bread, and I was able to score a few stamp sets earlier this year at the Heirloom Stamp Show.

Birdy full of grace. Ya never know, she might fly her way to your mailbox!

Color Me Organized

2010-05-06T09:00:00.001-04:00

Please clap your hands for me ... I finally did it! Organized my Spellbinders Dies ... and few things make me happier than "neat" and "organized". It rarely happens. Mostly in my dreams. But today ... it's a reality! I purchased see-through slim-line DVD cases at my local office supply store. 25 cases in a package for $20. Then I purchased magnetic vent covers, sold in any hardware or home-improvement store like Home Depot. They come 3 in a package (15" x 10" each) and cost $5. They were easy to cut with scissors, and the dies stay nicely arranged on the magnetic sheet.

I typed labels and punched with a small oval, and labeled each case accordingly. Now I can FLIP to my hearts content! Can you see me smiling? Are you clapping? I love it when things like this happen to me!

Cry With Me, Mr. Butterfly

2010-05-03T10:19:00.005-04:00

I have a friend, Debbie, who is way more than a friend. A sister, really. We've gone through LIFE together. Ups & downs & all arounds. Not enough room on the ole' blogeroonie, or time in the day if I got started on the travels we've traveled together. The most recent season of life we've traveled together is the death of her husband, George, at the early age of 66. Cancer claimed his body. God claimed his soul. We are claiming His promises and, girlfriend, that alone makes ALL the difference in moving on! Hard as it is. Heart-breaking as it is. One step at a time.

I made these cards for Deb to write special notes to special people who shared their sympathies in so many loving ways. Perfect butterfly, don't you think?

I am l-o-v-i-n-g the hand-dyed crinkled seam binding. Here's a great video that's worth your time. The crinkled effect adds a vintage feel, not to mention how you can paint the rainbow with your choice of colors! And the best part ... in my humble opinion ... is how the bow goes through the mail. It's all nice and crinkly in the first place, and it's a thin material that smooshes into the envelope very well, and since it's already crinkly - it just gets better en route! :)

George Proctor -- enjoying heaven!

A Little Bit of Unity Fun

2010-04-20T08:14:00.001-04:00

So Stella is really getting her stamping groove on now-a-days! I thought it would be fun to play with a pack of cute note cards that I picked up at the Dollar Tree (gotta love those bargains!). The scalloped cards were pre-cut, and included envelopes. Since they came in such fun, funky colors, I decided to find fun, funky papers to line the envelopes in order to tie it all together. I thought it odd that they give you such an unusual color scheme: deep red scallop note cards, blue inserts, and lime green envelopes --- are we talking funky colors or what! (I guess you gotta remember that they were only $1.00!)

But let's look at the transformation. So here are the envelopes after I lined them. Stinkin' cute! The cute little flower pot stamp is from a past Unity KOM. It just seemed logical to make a grab for Unity Stamps when I was headed for fun and funky!

I packaged the whole shebang as a gift set, clipped with a wooden clothespin and some felt flowers. Since I'm giving it as a gift, I'll leave the note cards blank (no sentiment). But since there are 7 cards total, I think I'll stamp something on the bottom of one of them (near the flower pot) and use that one to write a personal note to the recipient. Then she can have the remaining 6 note cards to use as she pleases! I love the Dollar Tree! I love gift sets! I love making something into something special!

Singing Bird Canvas

2010-04-19T09:12:00.004-04:00

This is truly a gift of the heart ... don't you just want to melt when someone does that for you? I do. It makes me feel happy and loved. One of my girlfriends made me this canvas, using supplies that I had given to her when I cleaned out my mom's stamp room after she passed away. She first painted the canvas gray, then used glimmer sprays to give it glitz and glam. She then stamped various patterns from mom's stamps, and added an antique button from her jewelry box as part of the embellishment. The tiny button next to the bird beak says "How Lovely". Enough said!

And here's the truly best part ... the verse is ultra-special because I sang at my mom's funeral service. I'm telling ya -- truly a gift from the heart! Thank you Deanna, from the bottom of my heart!

Hello Miss Bindy (Bind-it-All---101)

2010-03-24T09:22:00.006-04:00

Guess who finally got back in her scrap room? In other words, Stella found her groove! Friends, I am pleased as punch to not only be in a happy dilema (once again) over designer papers, but I'm triple pleased as punch to be playing with a new toy ... my brand spanking new pretty pink bind-it-all. I'm so glad the bind-it-all has come to live with me! So here's my first project with my new baby girl, Miss Bindy. I covered both sides of some chipboard coasters with designer papers, sanded the edges a bit, and embellished with a scrumpled squished up beautiful glimmer misted flower, added some bling and ... get ready, this is the best part ... punched and squished the whole thing together in Miss Bindy. SDE ... Super Duper Easy! Ladies, I've got a silly grin going on ... this is just a cool tool sweet darlings!

I'm smitten with scrumpled squishy glimmer misted flowers lately. If I had a do-nothing day and I could do-anything my little heart desires from sun up to sun down, I'd scrumple and squish and glimmer mist all the live long day until I had a bouquet fit for the heavenies! I've started tearing pages out of my husband's old college algebra and psychology text books (shhhhh, that will be our little secret). They make for a ravishingly cute flower layer, and besides, they absorb the glimmer mist spray like a sponge! Enough said.

The inside of my first Miss Bindy project is a birthday calendar ... a place to record very important birthdays, such as August 12 (write that down, I want a card from everyone!). It was quick to computer generate the pages and cut them to size. My sweets, you can bind any little thing your brain can dream up in a 24 hour period between the covers of two cutsie covered coasters!

So here's another book I dreamed up ... Grandma's Brag Book ... perfect for the grandma-to-be who will have an instant place to put pictures of that new angel face. By turning the book length wise, it's a perfect sized mini-scrapbook.

If I had my druthers, I would have a treasure chest smack full of swirly bling in every color combination of the rainbow cuz don't you just love the touch of pizzazz that it adds to your project?! I do declare!

The inside of Grandma's Brag Book is kinda jazzy too, a little bit of matching designer papers were added so that Grandma could instantly slap the angel's pictures right inside, with a totally biased word or two of honest journaling, and wa-la, instant cute.

I love instant cute! In fact, I wish my hair and make-up would be instant cute each morning but, unfortunately, that takes effort.

I love Miss Bindy! We're gonna get along like peas and carrots. Chocolate and peanut butter. Cheese and crackers. And she's pink? Did I mention that she's pink? She is. Pink.

Not Just Any Sympathy/Thank You Card

2010-02-09T12:58:00.005-05:00

For those of you who don't already know, didn't hear from me personally or get word through another source, on January 28, 2010, my mom entered heaven! She was a sweet, beautiful, spunky, fiercely independent 87 year old who lived life until she died, peacefully, in her sleep. You can read more at my other blog post if you care to. We will miss her like crazy, but our loss is heaven's gain! So now you better understand why these are not just any sympathy/thank you cards ... they are more than special to me, carrying a message from my heart along with a keepsake picture that was taken of her and I just this past Christmas Day! Mom's favorite color was pink, and she loved pink carnations -- which was my card inspiration.

My creative juices are still running through the shabby-chic/vintage phase, so I started with Rustic Cream cardstock, and shot it with my newest favorite glimmer mist, Vanilla Breeze (ooooh so glimmery, yummy!). The harlequin diamond background stamp, topped with PTI's Background Basics-Hearts -- just makes mush outa me. I LOVE IT! A very simple design, really!

A computer generated thank you message -- when words fail and hand-writing isn't so sure of oneself -- edged with vintage chamomile tea dye ink (PTI). My mom and I spent Christmas Day making THIS very card pouch design -- for some birthdays coming up --- namely, hers! But she didn't know that that's what I was doing at the time we were both making one! LOL A few days later, she grinned with bright blue sparkling eyes when we gathered at Red Lobster and she saw my card that "we" had made together! Two giggling girlfriends we were!

I truly believe that Karen Lockhart's stamp "...live each day on purpose ..." must have been made for my momma! No one did it better, for 87 years!

Until we meet again in the heavenlies ...

Shabby Elegance

2010-01-10T17:22:00.007-05:00

Been a real good day here ... got myself together this morning after a simply wonderful hot shower and headed out in the cold to a nice warm church service. It was a pretty good "first outing" after saying Goodbye to Ms. Bladdie. Kevin is my hero for carting my black & blue tummy around, being ever so careful on the drive. God bless 'im!
Today's cards went with me to church this morning, to the sweet Ms. Cynthia who delivered yummy homemade vegie soup and jello salad to us in the days following Goodbye Ms. Bladdie. {Personally, I think anyone out there who still has a Gallbladder should donate it just so they can get some of Miss Cynthia's soup!} These cards were inspired by this post and I'm so excited about the upcoming new Spellbinders release! Debbie's intro of the Jumbo Scalloped Petite Borderabilities just mesmerised me! I've pre-ordered mine, but my mind was working overtime trying to concoct a way to make Debbie's card right now {patience has never been my best attribute!}.

By George, I'm stinkin' happy with the result! (well, not really stinkin' after that wonderful hot shower this morning...). I used a Martha Stewart wide scalloped edge punch to get the same effect of the new soon-to-be-released Spellbinders Die. The pretty ivory scalloped ribbon was a fun find from JoAnns, and I added large pink pearls to the center of the PTI vintage buttons.

Now the really fun part was dolling up the designer paper, which is from Making Memories Vintage Findings Collection. First, I stamped PTI's polka dot basics, using Peeled Paint Distress Ink. Then I added a touch of sheet music stamp in Chocolate Brown, and edged it with Antique Linen for a nice aged-to-perfection look! The card base is a scarlet burgundy (source unknown), edged with PTI's Snow White ink.

These cards are almost as yummy as Miss Cynthia's soup! Oh -- and did I mention that I made these from 9 to midnight last night? Ya just can't keep a true paper crafter down, even if she does have a black & blue tummy! Amazing what a good gallbladder surgery can do for ya! Get your plastic out girlfriends, and pre-order your Spellbinders! Happy happy happy!

Goodbye Ms. Bladdie

2010-01-06T19:52:00.006-05:00

I wish I knew the identity of the anonymous comment left on my last post ... thank you, whoever you are, for your kind compliment and encouraging words! I appreciate it very much!

So here I am, coming to you live ... gallbladder-less! The surgery was originally scheduled for 2pm today, then it was bumped up to 11;30am. And then, just yesterday, they bumped it up again to 10:00am. I told Kevin at that rate, it could be out by the evening! LOL! Well, as God would have it, today's surgery was indeed orchestrated by the Great Physician Himself and I can honestly say I feel better right now (just hours post-op!) than I have felt in the last several months! This pain is nothing - natta - lower than low! They even gave us 4 sequential pictures of the inside of my guts, showing all the parts & pieces! That's just too much!! Scrapbook material?!? Ha Our Sunday School class pretty much had a party in the waiting room. And now that they've seen the pictures, they can honestly say they know me inside and out! So --- the parting was graceful, and although I appreciate everything she did for me while we were together, it's goodbye Ms. Bladdie. Rest in peace.

Kevin & I truly do appreciate you praying us through. Anyone who might doubt the power of prayer hasn't been hanging around with us enough! Of course, it's not the power of prayer. It's the mighty miraculous power of God sought in prayer. I praise Him to the highest heavens for His generosity! Not once did I feel apart from His tender care. Not once. N-o-t o-n-c-e. He even granted us an opportunity to witness (of course, we did that all the live long day), but a specific opportunity to talk with my nurse about Jesus and to invite her and her husband to join us at church. I think she will -- Cindy, God is anxious to prove Himself to you! He loves us so much, and He is all the time arranging details to let us know He's there. This, I k-n-o-w!

I'll be crafting soon! It might be my most inspiring creations to date! Amazing what a good gallbladder surgery will do to ya! Thank you again family & friends. You are loved. You are never forgotten. Never overlooked. My heart is completely stolen by God over each of you, with bleary eyes.

If you can spare one last prayer, my very very very dear friend, Eleanore, is having lens replacement on her eyes starting tomorrow. And we are expecting a snow storm as well. Please pray for her surgery to be perfect, and her pain to be tolerable, and their safe travels. She was very very very instrumental in getting me the medical attention I needed so quickly (she's kinda a big shot at the hospital, but you'd never know it. Especially since she's a short tiny little speck of a thing!). We have been very very very close friends for like-ever (23 years) and she is precious. Thank you for remembering her and Brent.

Kiss your life. Accept it, just as it is. Today. Now. So that those moments of happiness you're waiting for don't pass you by.

Cuttlebug Kittens

2010-01-03T19:33:00.003-05:00

I just know you are wondering why I made a set of cutesie tootsie cards, all dolled up, with no focal points?! There's a reason .... Each card features the same cuttlebug kitties that I used on the previous post! {They just don't photograph well -- really!} So, now you can breath a sigh of relief ... knowing I am still sane.

The papers are from Lasting Impressions (In the City) -- delightful, eye candy colors. I am learning to add stamped images to designer papers and I'm loving the results. On this set, I used PTI's polka dots ... and my trusty sheet music stamp by All Night Media which I picked up at Hobby Lobby on a whim (with a coupon, I might add!).

Some fun buttons and various highlights with crystal stickles completes the set. These are another gift set -- and I like to keep the embellies rather flat for mailing -- so sometimes less is more. (Not very often, in MY book!) LOL

So how is your Christmas tear down coming? I made a run to Wally World today and purchased some plastic totes and drawers, and spent a few hours crawling around in my attic organizing and putting away and throwing out. I LOVE the result ... but my back does not! Why must we get old?!

It's back to work for me tomorrow! For two whole days -- then a weeks vacation, if that's what you call recuperating from gallbladder surgery! I'm not sorry to say goodbye to it, but it does simply amaze me that God gave us removable body parts! Have a great week!

It's a feeling ...

2009-12-31T12:33:00.004-05:00

It's a feeling I get whenever I see vintage cream cardstock, and pink & green girlfriend papers, and polka dot stamps, and french script stamps, and sheet music stamps, and lace scallops, and antique linen ink on everything, tied with fluffy bows and soft flowers and glittery sheen. It's just the most wonderful feeling! These paper flowers are SO much more beautifuller (is that a word?) in person! Three sized scalloped punches, crumpled in a ball and held together with a brad, covering with a button & pearl. I am in laaave with these! I stickled the edges with crystal stickles to make 'em say wow!
This set of cards is going to my kitty cat friend (if I can bear to part with them - they are so stinkin' adorable and I want to stare at them first for a few days :)! Karen & I lunch together often, and we do cat talk .... making sense of our four-legged friends! The kitties were a set of four small cuttlebug embossing folders.

We are going out to dinner with 6 couples this evening, to ring in the New Year! As God would have it, the group has had long standing plans to drive to a well-known smorgesborg an hour away (the point being to be real hungry and real happy to eat a 10 course meal). All this -- and I am having my gallbladder removed next week! :) Do you think I'll get my $18 worth?! I'm planning on it! The bible says to approach the Throne boldly. So what if me and food do not get along well. I'm feeling frisky .... here I come Mac/Cheese!

Happy New Year! God's best blessing to you in 2010!

Polka Dot Vintage Christmas

2009-12-17T08:10:00.010-05:00

How about a little "hip" vintage? You know the song "Just a Little Bit Country .... Just a Little Bit o' Rock-n-Roll!" Well ..... how about "Just a Little Bit Vintage ... and a Little Bit o'Hip!" These two darlings are Pocket Cards that have been customized for the girls who work in Kevin's office. The base card pocket is made from Kraft cardstock, cut in half lengthwise, then scored at 6 1/2 inches. I used PTI's polka dot basics to stamp the background - one of my all time favorite go-to stamp sets! I also used a sheet music stamp (source unknown) on vintage cream cardstock, but you could use actual aged sheet music if available.

The notecard with the personalized sentiment is computer generated, but after I cut it to fit the pocket and rounded the corners, then I ran it through my sizzix to emboss it. I like the way it turned out!

Now for the BEST and most FUNNEST (is that a word?) part of this card -- besides the cute vintage postage stamps which were on a 12x12 piece of DP that I cut out -- is this WAAAY cute and fun crumpled paper flower that I ADORE! Stinkin' adorable!

My favorite tutorial for these scrunched paper flowers is found here (the girl is a HOOT) -- but there are many many many examples on the internet if you google it! I sprayed mine with Gold Glimmer Mist before crumpling which not only added some yummy glimmer glow, it also made it easier to crumple and then the flower dried stiff since it had some ink on it. SO SO SO SO fun to make!

Lastly, I added some bling and a satin-edged olive green ribbon. Only 7 more days till Christmas! My wrapping is not done - I'm SO grateful for the invention of gift bags! Have a great day!

Gift Ensemble

2009-12-09T22:46:00.004-05:00

I had the most thankful Thanksgiving - ever! We were blessed to enjoy some extended travel time amidst the holiday. I love treasured time with my family! Re-entry is tough, but I'm back in my craft room. Today's post is a gift ensemble, inspired by Michael's dollar bin! I started by stamping an ornamental filigree design onto diamond patterned paper. The medallions shown in the first two pictures did not ultimately go on these cards, but you get the idea!

Then I simply embellished a notebook and magnets from the dollar bin, and then I made a set of cards and a bookmark to match. I love how this gift set turned out! It was easy and really makes a impression. Most of the vanilla cardstock is embossed with a cuttlebug folder, then I lightly sprayed it with Iridescent Gold glimmer mist (LOVE that stuff!). It adds a hint of sparkle and really makes your project pop!

This picture shows the card design ... the medallion "hangs" off the edge of the card front, so much of the inside card is exposed. Doesn't the scallop edge on the inside look pretty!? You can see the medallions that I ultimately ended up using ... because they match the paper I stamped. I'll use the others in a future project!

The above picture shows the Prayer Journal (computer generated), but it also shows the embossed and glimmer misted vanilla cardstock. The below picture shows the matching bookmark in detail. Since it is to be used in the Prayer Journal, I chose three sentiments that I thought might be inspirational. The bookmark is a bit oversized so it matches the length of the notebook Prayer Journal.

I SO love Michael's dollar bin. I SO love black, vanilla, and pink. I SO love lacy beautiful vintage feeling projects. I SO hope you enjoyed this project! Have a beautiful day!

Glittered Stockings

2009-11-22T20:44:00.004-05:00

I found a little time to start my Christmas cards today! Yay for Kay! These are very simple and easy to mass-produce. My new PTI Stocking Prints set was begging to be inked. I can think a million thinks about the many ways to use this set, but today my goal was simple and easy!

First off, some time ago when my sister was cleaning out her stash (shouldn't we all do that once in a while?!), she gave me a pack of cream colored cards and envelopes. Simple and easy! Nice big size too! Next, I chose a glittery Christmas designer paper from My Minds Eye Signature Christmas. It was already glittered and aged and its beautiful! Once again, simple and easy!

After stamping the stocking in chocolate chip ink and cutting out with a fine-tip pair of scissors, I added a chocolate chip scallop border (Martha Stewart wide scallop) and a bow. Sentiment is also from the Stocking Print stamp set -- such pretty handwriting! I added a few crystal gems and wa-la -- simple and easy Christmas cards! Oh -- and one more thing ... that's a picture of my sister & I in the teeny tiny little picture frame on the shelf in the first picture. She's the best! She's going to cook our Thanksgiving dinner! I'm so thankful! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have SO much to be thankful for. Make a joyful noise to the Lord!

Vintage Journals

2009-11-21T15:13:00.005-05:00

Happy is the heart that is busy making journals for the Women's Christmas Tea! (See prior post) Here we have a table full of lovlies for my guests. I learned some tips and tricks this time around ... Rub-on's do their thing better with my fingernail than with a popsicle stick! I must have broken a dozen popsicle sticks before I learned the secret! (yes, I'm blond) Another thing I learned is how much fun it is to mix and match various flowers and chipboards, laced with glitter and stickles!

The vintage feel of old sheet music is a winner! If you don't have a music sheet type of stamp, get thee to your local scrapbook store. It just warms up everything -- paper, chipboard, flowers!

Look at that lovely new K&Company paper mache' flower?! Drool. And another thing is ... A girl can never under-estimate the power of her ribbon stash.

I used PTI's new Take Note stamp set for most of the tags, and the rectangle in the center is stamped first, then hand-stitched with a brown fine tip pen, and then cut with decorative scissors. Lots of subtle backgrounds here, so the glitter and bling would really stand out. I'm planning to put these into simple glassine bags, they are just so pretty all by themselves!

The inside looks stinkin' adorable, all dolled up with clever stamps from Take Note. I am quickly falling in love with that set! Have a great weekend!

With Grace Journal

2009-11-08T18:14:00.008-05:00

This homespun journal was created because I'm feeling a little bit shabby chic and Victorian all at once. My thoughts are filled with preparations to host a table for the Christmas Women's Tea - it will be beautiful! Lace tablecloth, candles, sparkling white dishes with a different tea cup and saucer for each place setting. And of course, a glittery, sparkly, scrap-booky gift for each precious lady!

Cardstock is PTI Sweet Blush, stamped with PTI's Polka Dot Basics on the bottom third, journaling lines in the center third, and french script on the top third -- all tone on tone so it's very soft. Everything - absolutely everything - is inked with Fresh Snow and/or Antique Linen. I added some rub-on's in the corners. The chipboard flourish was first inked with Fresh Snow, then glittered with crystal stickles. I also glittered many of the lines in the flourish stamps here and there, and then added some pearl embellies and white satin ribbon.

I tried a new way to cover my notebooks, by using one full sheet scored at the binding (rather than making it an exact fit and then covering the back separately). I found this to be a snap and I love the way it leaves a generous border around the notebook, enough to thread a ribbon closure. There is something about Victorian and nostalgia that I just love!

The inside was easy to doll up, using a vintage rose stamp from Stampin Up. And yes, I really did stamp each and every page in the notebook. It speaks love, the kind of love you feel when you dip lace in tea, and when you bake homemade Cinnamon rolls, and listen to Bing Crosby sing White Christmas. Do you feel the love?

Notes from home is from PTI's Vintage Picnic Sentiments. This little list can hold about any thoughts you can think! Grocery lists, sweet nothings for your family, an address, a Christmas or birthday list. Do you do shabby chic? I can't wait to do more!

Owl-ways In My Heart

2009-11-02T06:32:00.000-05:00

I had a little Unity Fun today (okay -- a LOT) with the October KOM! How caaauuute is this owl?! He's a rock-star! I used some fun paper by GCB Studio called Chic BeBe (I found it at Michaels), which is an eclectic mix of double-sided yummy papers. This piece already had the cute scalopped edge, so I made good use of it!

With a teeny tiny bit of copic coloring, and smattering of sponging around the background of this little guy, I thought he was good to go! I embellished the eyes with pink shiny flat metal stickers, they came on a card much like tiny crystal embellishments do. I think I'll name him Moe. He just looks like a Moe!

The squiggles on the chocolate brown card stock at the bottom of the card, this is an old TAC stamp that I wouldn't take a million bucks for! I used PTI Snow Ink. Moe is always gonna be in my heart, I just know it. Ya wanna know sumpthin tricksy? All this started because I bought this really darn cute shoulder bag that looks like something out of the 70s, and has an applique owl on it, looks much like Moe here! I'm sending it to my nice neice who is away at college, so I needed a card to go with it. But hey -- you know me. Why make one Moe when you can have a bundle of Moe's?! AND *yes there's more* I stamped a gazillion more Moe's onto white tissue paper before packing her shoulder bag. Ahhh-More Moe! LOL

I turned some Moe's sideways on the card, and other Moe's vertical - just to be Moe Different. The fabulous green glitter chipboard hearts are by K&Company, and I embellished some of the hearts with the metal stickers (those things really ROCK). Hellow, my name is Moe!

Knit Purl ... Knit Purl

2009-11-01T18:11:00.003-05:00

Ohhh, how pretty is Karen's Lockhart's Knit Purl Basket Stamp! Me, myself, and I do not knit, crochet, or even sew ... but I know plenty of people who have those talents and this set is for one such lady. Some time ago, Carol made a lap blanket for a friend who found herself unexpectedly in the hospital, fighting an infection that threatened to take her life. Carol then asked her Sunday School class to pray over the lap blanket before taking it to the hospital. It was a beautiful thought and the gift meant a lot to the recipient. So ....

before you knew it, many ladies were making many lap blankets with many many balls of yarn! And sent them to many people who were very sick with cancer, tumors, infections, surgeries, etc. But never a lap blanket gets sent without first having 20-30 people each hold an edge and cover that person and the lap blanket in prayer. Such a simple idea. Such a big impact.

I feel so privileged to know Carol. And I wanted her to know. Enjoy!

Get Comfy, Get Rest, Feel Better

2009-10-18T20:59:00.003-04:00

With all the flu and flu-like symptoms running rampant on planet earth right now, I thought it would behoove my card stash to have some of those kinds of cards at the ready. So I pulled out Karen Lockhart's bathrobe stamp and found some comforting paper that looked like a bathrobe that I would want to wear! Designer paper is more good stuff from K&Company's Wild Raspberry collection. I enjoyed using this new wide scallop Martha Stewart punch, and I added dots on the scallop edge with a white Ink-essentials pen. Too cute! Matches the dots around the heart from PTI Borders & Corners/Hearts set.

Sentiment is also from Karen Lockhart. So is the a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e kleenex box on the envelope. A girl can't have enough Karen Lockhart stash! Bottom of card is stamped with a Denami Design Filigree Stamp - what a neat company! Check 'em out.

Inside of card is finished with a strip of matching designer paper layered over brown cardstock, and sentiment is from PTI's Vintage Picnic Sentiments. If you are sick, let me know.

Thanks for stopping by!

Always In My Heart

2009-10-13T18:13:00.001-04:00

I'll have you know we are finally at the last of the last of the notebooks! YAY! I did not procrastinate on doing 50 notebooks at all - no no no! It was fun to do 5 or 10 at a time and then sit back and marvel with satisfaction at the basket full of love! Moral of the story is this: If you are ever asked to do 50 notebooks for a group of Shriner's Ladies, say yeah! Fitting that the last bunch says "Always In My Heart" as that's how I feel about dear friend Debbie, who asked me (a year ago!) to do this project! (Emphasis on dear!)

First, I stamped a Unity Company heart with stem from the September KOM (NOT the store kit - there really are two separate and distinct kits each month). Then I stamped it again onto DP and punched out a heart using the EK Success Medium Heart Punch which coordinates perfectly with PTI's Heart Borders & Corners set. Capeesh? Topped off with a button!

If I know anything about our blogging world, it's that you all can do some serious Woo-Hoo's when a project of any size is done! Since I also have a pretty good idea of how many of you are out there, I absolutely cannot resist gathering our hearts to offer a collective Woo-Hoo for each other's freindships, encouragements, and accomplishments. Not just crafts -- our lives are busy! We all have things on our plate that we are called to do for our friends and families and co-workers and yes, even strangers! But know this -- there is NO SUCH THING as serving in obscurity. It MATTERS. God sees you doing "the thing" day in and day out. And if it's a really crazy day, one spends as many evening hours as needed. To all of you who keep doing "the thing", you're always in my heart!

Just Bee-Cuz

2009-10-12T09:11:00.000-04:00

Ever want to do something, just bee-cuz? Then the ladies who receive these notebooks will now have a place to write it down just in case they want to do it just bee-cuz!

I suppose the cutest part of these notebooks are the red polka dots on the blue cardstock, mixed with the colorful papers! Oh, no I'm sorry! I was mistaken. It's the bee, an old Angel Company set that warrants a nod for being too cute!

Oh, no I'm sorry! It's the matching inside cover and the adorable flower punch that stays near my right hand at all times. How is it that the littlest things make us card-makers the happiest?!

I have beans cooking & cornbread baking, along with a fresh apple cake made from apples we recently got from the orchard. Just bee-cuz. Have a super duper day, just bee-cuz!

Happy Funky Fall

2009-10-10T21:07:00.002-04:00

This morning, I realized the air conditioning was still on! It's only 43 degrees and looks like it could rain for 40 days and 40 nights! But alas, I LOVE Fall. It's when I become a better me! I DIG sweaters and scarves!This girl is beginning to grow weary of notebooks (it's about time!) so I'm into doing easy peasy here ... as I hit the home stretch toward 50 of them! The sentiment and funky tree is from Unity's Setpember Store Kit, and all I did was stamp it with chocolate chip ink onto some funky K&Company paper and add a few crystals here and there.

The paisley embellishment is from a 12x12 strip of funky scrapbook page dividers by K&Company. I cut them apart and had instant funk for each tree. I think it gives a wind-swept look to the already windy tree!

Inside and back of notebooks - on SU Night of Navy cardstock, stamped with more Unity swirls using PTI Fresh Snow ink. Let the winds blow!

Coffee & Friends

2009-10-09T20:55:00.001-04:00

More notebooks! Popular little things arn't they? Today's notebook cover is a paper-pierced coffee cup from Unity's September KOM. I don't even drink coffee (Diet Coke-aholic) but these turned out so cute it makes me want to try a sip!

After trimming with fine-tip scissors, I added some shading with a Cool Gray copic marker and that - my friends - was that! I stamped the image onto the cocoa brown designer paper to get the top of the "coffee cup steam" and then used it as a guide to adhere my cut out design. I really love the saying too!

Inside of notebooks. Hip Hop colors aren't they! Once again, paper from the Wild Raspberry collection by K&Company. Ya think I like it cuz of the name? Kay? Get it? LOL Naw - I just like it cuz I'm a paper hog! Us Wild Hogs have to stick together!

Back of notebooks, personalized after random versamark stamping. What's your perfect blend?

Precious Tears

2009-10-08T20:05:00.002-04:00

Firstly, allow me to humbly offer thanks to every sweet precious blogaroonie friend who missed my face during the last few weeks as we prodded through life! My fingers have been busy since my brother-in-law's funeral, both here and at work as I finished off the biggest conference that I do for my job, just last week. O-V-E-R has a nice ring to it! It's timely that I've been blessed to get to know a widow lady over the Summer Scripture Challenge, who is learning more about tears this year than she ever wanted to know! Tears come to her as a period comes to the end of a sentence. It's her birthday, so I made her this set of cards entitled "Precious Tears", each one signifying something different.

Computer generated sentiments: Tears of Sorrow - Tears of Love - Tears of Laughter - Tears of Joy. I enjoyed this paper from the Wild Raspberry collection of K&Company. Makes a dang cute picnic basket from PTI's Vintage Picnic set!

This was my ever-loving first use of the Spellbinders Labels Two Nesties - oh be still my beating heart! Great size and I love the edgy design! I used a Fiskars scallop punch and some cream satin ribbon to finish things off. Bottom edge of card is randomly stamped with versamark.

Might be a little deceiving in the picture, but the set of cards fit nicely in one of PTI's Clearly Creative Card Boxes, which I decorated to match the cards. Tears have a mind of their own. So unexplainable at times. They might even take all the energy you have. The river runs deep. Only YOU know what is deserving of your precious tears. God bless you today and any day that you might have a wet face!

Pumpkin Cuteness

2009-09-27T20:13:00.004-04:00

Edited to add: Bob Evans has it's annual Pumpkin Bread in stock now! Get thee there and say yum yum! Having Bob's Pumpkin Bread made me realize I had not titled this post. Funny how the mind works, yes?

This might be my favorite set of notebooks so far! At least it won the "most colorful" award! The little pumpkin stamp is from Papertrey's Vintage Picnic Baskets, one of my fav fav fav sets! Once I got that set out of the package, that baby was inked. Now my next latest fav fav fav Papertrey set is the Heart Borders and Corners. Yes, I know I'm one of the last people on the planet to own this sweet heart (get it?!) but since it is a sin to covet I thought it best to order it! I've paired it with the medium Marvey heart punch, and delicious pumpkin colored button.

When choosing paper patterns to mix on the same project, I like to be bold enough to see a definite difference in each paper which, believe it or not, makes it easier on the eye. When I "play it safe" and try to be subtle (not my best quality), then I usually end up having to add a thin solid paper strip for accent. Since this was a mass-making project, I went bold!

Back of notebooks ... I used a funky tree stamp from Michaels $1 bin (yay!) and stamped it as a background, using Groovy Guava SU ink which almost gives the effect of Versamark, only more definitive on Kraft Cardstock. I hope you enjoyed your weekend! And that your week ahead is simply the best!

It's Fall Y'all

2009-09-27T16:30:00.004-04:00

Don't you love Fall?! Today is the most beautiful Fall day here in Indiana. In keeping with the Fall theme, I'm knocking out my next 10 mini notebooks for the ladies upcoming trip to Brown County. 25 done to date, 25 more to go!Gina K'w Whimsical Autumn stamp set is simply adorable. This little squirrel almost looks like he's prancing around in the snow ... but I LIKE dots so I'm USING dots! Isn't being queen of your own scrap room the bomb?

Unity Stamp Company's September Kit SO rocks! I stamped the pumpkin on DP and cut it out with fine tip scissors, adding very little copic coloring. A real time saver when working in mass! All of the papers on these two notebooks are from the Autumn Collection by Recollections available at Michaels. SO many cute papers that coordinate, just close your eyes and grab!

"Hey Pumpkin" was computer generated before cutting into strips. "Have a Nutty Day" was also computer generated, before punching with SU nested circle punches. Let's take a look at the inside of these cute little notebooks ...

And the back is just as cute as the front! Yes, more dots. But to my credit, the leaves on the Kraft back piece is a stamp from Michaels $1 bin - So Stinkin' Fall Cute! I stamped it in Chocolate Chip ink onto the Kraft cardstock, and colored a few leaves with copics to add some color. Sometimes those $1 finds are the best!

Complete with my signature stamp ... a gift from my sister who loves me like crazy! She's mine, you can't have her.

I hope you enjoy your Fall Y'all!

Stack of Stuff

2009-09-13T16:56:00.003-04:00

We are celebrating Kevin's last week of physical therapy around here, and as long as I am in the journal-making mood, I put these two notebooks together for the physical therapy gals who come to the house every week to help Kevin's new knee settle in just right! That's about as nice as it gets ... because I canNOT take credit for this design! Check out this post for Mish's cutest ever stack of Vintage Picnic Baskets! I've been using the sentiments in this PTI set for all kinds of stuff, but this is the first time I've inked up the basket-a-roonies! LOVE THEM! Here's the scoop on my stacks: Scarlet and Blueberry Pie cardstock from Archivers, and a dash of Old Olive stamped with a very old Angel Company Squiggle stamp that I love! Of course, I used PTI's Polka Dot Basics (ah-hem, just get it) stamped in Chocolate Chip. Ya didn't think I could make anything withOUT polka dots lately, now did ya? I went through my scrap bin to choose patterns to stamp my picnic baskets, and then cut them out with fine tip scissors.

If you have an eye for detail (and I know you do!), this next shot shows how I "stitched" around the computer-generated sentiment --- because I just thought it needed it! :)

Here's the inside cover, with a matching piece of cardstock to coordinate.

And here they are bagged, tagged, and ready to go! I gotta stamp a whole STACK of these again. It is just too cute!

Happy Sunday!

Halloween is Almost Here (ssnotime104)

2009-09-13T12:55:00.006-04:00

I decided to make a Halloween project out of some wonderful stamped images sent to me by Sweetie Pie Janine! And since she is on Sharon's design team, it was a perfect time to play along with this week's Halloween challenge! Some time ago, Sweetie Pie Janine sent me a goody box plumb full of happiness - it made me squeeel! I love her style, her work is inspiring, and her heart is bigger than a moon pie! Thanks, Janine, for making light work of this Halloween project! These line art images said "color me with copics, Kay". So I indulged - sigh. But I told them they must endure bright colors that make your eyes blink! And yet, they still agreed. Thus, welcome to my rendition of Halloween. I'm not big on spooky, so rather than traditional Halloween sentiments I chose a theme of "anything goes" and it was a blast!

Some images are over stamped with PTI Polka Dot Basics (ah-hem, just get it!) and other images I simply used my trusty technique of sponge daubing while still in die. These beautiful line art images stand alone, especially with these bright colors, so everything is grounded in basic black cardstock, on a Kraft base.

The "other" side of this cool black polka dot paper has bowling balls and pins on it! I don't expect to go bowling anytime soon, but you watch -- next week Mr. Stubborn with the newly replaced knee will want to try it! I'll just have to say "Nope, I already used that paper!" :)

Some cards have rounded corners, some have ticket corners, some are sideways, some are longways. I just went to town with no never mind! I always wanted to live in a purple house with an orange roof, don't you? Just look at the warm glow through the front doors! What a NICE neighborhood! It just needs a Harley parked along side the driveway ...

You will notice that some cards have a smaller piece of the "inside/out bowling paper" (i.e. black polka dot). In those instances, I stamped a black or purple cardstock with CHF Pretty Pattern Backgrounder using Fresh Snow Ink. I LOVE this gal and her pumpkins! Perhaps it's because I'm kinda short (and chunky), and a streak of jealousy might pass through my mind for a fleeting second?! Or maybe it's because I love pumpkin bread so much?!

The best for last! Jeepers Creepers, I'm smiling almost as big as this guy! Thanks, Sharon, for a fun challenge. Thanks, Janine, for contributing to a smashing fun set of cards!

You're A Tweet-Heart

2009-09-12T15:13:00.002-04:00

I am loving this K&Company Paper by Carolyn Gavin, called Greenhouse. Get thee to Michaels! Today, I paired it with Kraft Cardstock for my notebooks. It's a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e with this clear Hero Arts set, Who Loves You from Archivers! The "stump" can hold about anything your sweet self can think to plop on it!
I chose this bird simply for the tweet sentiment! Once my images were stamped, colored with copics, and cut with spellbinders ... I left it in the die and used a sponge dauber to add a faint blue sky. Then I removed it from the die, and over stamped the entire image with PTI Polka Dot Basics (ah-hem, a stash staple, just get it!).
Can you spot the one all packaged up in a clear cellophane bag, with pen, and altered wooden clothespin clip? Be still my beating heart!
Did I mention how MUCH I enjoy mass-creations for my sweet soul?

Apple of My Eye

2009-09-12T14:22:00.004-04:00

Today I am preparing for Fall! A friend, God love her sweetness, is hosting a women's bus trip to Brown County, Indiana for the Lady Shriners. Debbie herself is Indiana's First Shriner Lady, a divine appointment by virtue of being married to the Grand Poopaa (Potentate, for real). If you've never seen Brown County in the Fall ... well, you are missing some of God's best leaves, shopping, and food! Think "Shipshewana" times 10! Today's notebook project, and many more to come, will be included in their gift bags.
If you know Mish's fabulous blog, you know she's queen of notebook covers! They are SO fun to make. The apple basket is from Gina K's Whimsical Autumn stamp set, colored with copics and cut with a regular square Spellbinders Die. The sentiment was curved on a glass block before stamping onto old olive cardstock, the background is stamped with PTI polka dot basics (an absolute stash staple - just get it)!

A neat trick: BEFORE I removed the stamped apple basket out of my die, I used a Martha Stewart fine tip brown marker to outline my image. A nice and easy touch, that really sets its off. (see below) In keeping with the polka dot theme, I used a white Inkessentials pen to dot my punched embellishment before topping off with a shiny red button. Mass producing is my most-best-favoritest way to create! Gives "satisfaction for my soul" and makes me feel extra productive! My notebooks came from Walmart, and any office supply store will cut them in half for you. Ready, set, create!

I cover my notebooks using a 1/4" score line for the fold, but there is some variation between notebook brands so best to measure! The back cover is all one piece, which is attached separately after the scored, folded, cover has been adhered with the red sticky never come off adhesive tape. But I used regular adhesive for everything else. Stretch your cardstock and your adhesive = stretch your dollars = go online and shop!

Now we have a cute little shopping list notebook, with a matching inside! Paper is from K&Company, delicious paper I might add! (from Michaels) 5 down. 45 more to go!

I hope you have a chance to create this weekend! For me, the last month has been filled with Kevin's knee surgery, Kevin's brother's massive stroke (still not responding), Fall conference season at the law firm, state certification process in our family-owned business, and ... yes, I'm still smiling! Learning to turn chaos into calm! Praise Dee Lord!

A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine

2009-08-30T15:32:00.007-04:00

This is my hubby on his Harley just 6 days after knee replacement surgery! And he is not just sitting pretty either ... Kevin zoomed off into the sunshine with his cane inside his saddlebag. I'm not sure if my sweet self is recovering from his surgery as well as he is!

We believe that you will never meet another set of faces on the planet that has been graced more than us! Throughout the time leading up to, during, and after surgery, a wonderful support system of family & friends showed us buckets of love. So many prayers, visits, calls, cards, emails, and help ... too numerous to count. I'd like to share a little project that Nurse Kay put together for sharing with our church family this morning.

First, I made two sets of tags. One girlie tag which represents the thoughts of yours truly, and a manly man tag that represents Hubby Harley. More tag detail later. While I was busy tag-making, a yummy Chocolate Zucchini Cake was baking in my oven. Several of our Sunday School friends have the gift of garden, and they regularly share with us. I like to say that going to church is like going to the Farmer's Market!

The recipe entitled "K&K's Knee Replacement Chocolate Zucchini Cake" is computer generated and adhered to cardstock. This is the best most moist slice of cake you will have this side of heaven! Works very well with apples too, instead of zucchini. It's a multi-seasonal recipe!

After cutting and wrapping cake slices, it was time to assemble gift bags. I used birthday party loot bags, which I have a fetish for whenever they are on sale. It's handy to have a drawer full of all shapes, sizes, and colors to use for cards, gifts, and the like. A fun tip from Mish that I enjoy is to clip bags closed with a decorated wooden clothespin, but I chose to use pretty ribbon for a tight closure on my food project. In short order, I had a basket full of goodies!

It was so much fun and more than a little humbling to distribute these thank you bags at church this morning! While some scurried to help Kevin find a seat as he trotted off on his walker, I mumbled a silent prayer for the blessing of ministry & fellowship of God's peoples, not to mention the enjoyment I had from this project after a very long week!

I used a Sizzix Scallop Tag Die, and Marvey oval and scallop punches for the stamped designs. I chose Proverbs 17:22 for my girlie tag sentiment -- part of a clear inspirational stamp set by Stampendous that I picked up a few weeks ago at Shipshewana (SHOPshewana!). The heart trees are from a past Unity KOM, and the thank you is from Papertrey's Vintage Picnic set.

"If You obey all the rules, You'll Miss all the FUN" is the perfect sentiment for my Hubby Harley's Manly Man tag! It's from The Paper Company Clear Stamp Set Playful Expressions which I scored at Michaels with a 40% off coupon! SO many good sentiments - SMILE! The tiny motorcycle (is that a dichotomy or what!) stamp is by Inkadoo and it has helped me make great wrapping paper and tissue on other projects! Have a beautiful day!

You Make My Heart Flutter

2009-08-28T18:55:00.002-04:00

This month's Unity KOM is FABULOUS! Best investment on the planet and top notch style month after month after month. Today's card is for a 50th wedding anniversary for a very hip couple in our church. Who knew you could be so hip after being married for like-ever!

Didn't have a whole lotta time for this one, girlies! My hero husband had knee replacement surgery on Monday so my week has been a little more mixed up than usual. My cuttlebug swiss dot embossing folder was already out on my desk, so I first stamped the Unity heart and colored it with copics, then I embossed it. What a pretty effect! A little bit of dotted paper compliments the "dot theme" together with a snazzy Unity "Happy Day" stamp! All cut with spellbinders rectangle dies.

Short-n-sweet and snazzy and full of Unity Hip! I'm telling ya, Unity stamps hold their own baby! No need for lotsa foo foo, if no foo foo time is available! But foo foo is ALWAYS good in MY book!

Nurse Kay Signing Out

Serving Up!

2009-08-22T20:59:00.003-04:00

My good blogarooni friend Lori inspired me to post these pics using the SU chef set! This chubby chef can serve up just about anything! These are just two things he's served up lately!

One is a birthday card, serving up a cake which comes with the SU set. The other card is a graduation card, serving up a diploma from the $1 bin at Michaels. Both chubby chefs sport some happening bloomers thanks to paper piercing! Then I copic colored their jackets and embellished the buttons with brads. I used a sponge dauber to highlight with antique linen ink to add some depth. I thought chubby chef needed to be walking on a wooden floor, so I lightly inked the edge of an acrylic block and made "floor slats" to ground the big guy! Overall, these cards were just crazy fun to make! Thanks for the inspiration Lori!

Flower Girl

2009-08-09T22:50:00.003-04:00

I didn't feel like coloring today, instead I felt like clean and simple lines. My Cuttlebug swiss dot embossing folder got a little workout with this bunch! It sure packs a great design punch, especially when mixed with an art stamp like this one! My camera didn't capture the colors well, so be sure to check out the Papertrey cardstock colors of Aquamist, Spring Moss, Berry Sorbet, and Enchanted Evening. Yummy!

This gift set has an assortment of different sentiments, taken from Papertrey Vintage Picnic Sentiments and Kim Hughes Silhouette Blooms II. So many cute ones to choose from! I bagged this set and clipped with a decorative wooden clothespin, and will be delivering it to one of my dearest friends for her b-day this week. We are both AUGUST b-day girls! And we are both turning 29 again!

The Good Life

2009-08-09T22:25:00.004-04:00

What does one do when you retire? Some good friends of ours threw themselves a retirement party! About 100 peoples had fun in the sun, got wet in their swimming pool, and ate hot dogs and hamburgers until it was time to stuff ourselves with frozen fruit salad. I wanted to make a gift set of cards for HER and a separate gift for HIM - what do ya get the couple who has everything? So I made three additional cards to match up with this set and it was the perfect HER gift!

If you don't have a stash of Papertrey Clearly Creative Card Boxes, you are missing out on a clearly easy peasy way to package your talents! Tie with a pretty bow and wa-la! I knew that I wanted these three cards to say "The Good Life" so I computer generated it using word art shapes, inspired by the Karen Lockhart sentiment on this post.

The HE gift didn't get photographed -- sorry! I separately wrapped three of Rick's favorite candy (Neapolitan coconut bars) and paper crimped the ends before tying the entire stack with a bow and a "Good Life" tag. But wait! The good part is that I stamped black and orange cardstock with little motor cycles and the words "Happy Place" and then wrapped and crimped them. Did I mention we ride cycles together? :) It was cute! As cute as Harley coconut bars could be!

Be Still and Know

2009-08-01T22:11:00.003-04:00

Early in the summer, we went on this road trip, and I scored this beeeeutiful rocking chair stamp! I remember every single thought I had at the time I saw this stamp. I taught my granddaughter to say Grandma Rocks as soon as she could talk! Also, I already had a stamp that says "You Rock!" So I'm betting you will see this rocking chair another time or three. But I can think of no better way than to christen this stamp than today's bible verse.Be Still and KNOW that I am God. Psalm 46:10. I wanted this scripture card to remind me that whenever I feel God's presence, or I feel He is working out details in my life, or I feel His love ... I want to challenge myself to replace the words I feel with the words I KNOW. Perhaps it is God's work in the small silly details of life that astonish us the most. A God who does things with personal significance only He and we could have known. So, let's be still and KNOW that he is God today.

Bible verse stamp is from Verve. And yes, Virginia, there really is a Top Note Die from SU and I finally finally finally got it! The pot of flowers sitting next to the rocking chair is from this stamp set used on this post. I paper-pierced the pillows - just think of the possibilities! I think this stamp really rocks!

Gardners Know the Best Dirt

2009-08-01T21:37:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine loves to flower garden in the spring and summer months. So it gave me a chance to break out these new Lockhart stamps and make her a set of note cards. Patio Petunia's is a new release this year and it's a perfect match for the "best dirt" sentiment. You know those little plastic flower ID's that are stuck inside the plastic containers of flower flats? Wouldn't it be cute to gift a friend with a flat of garden flowers and simply add this sentiment on a lollipop stick in the dirt? Mental note for next year .... ha.

The funnest part of this stamp was paper-piercing the garden gloves. I remember having some pretty gaudy looking 99 cent ones over the years! A white ink-essential pen dots this pair of gloves and all the petunia centers. These colors worked great together for a summery flower feel, and I like the thin brown cardstock strip as a divider - just sets it off. These cards were so quick and easy. I stamped a white cardstock background with chocolate chip ink using Papertrey Polka Dot Bascis, which makes your DP papers s-t-r-e-t-c-h so much further since you are not covering the entire card front. I added a double row of two different kinds of scallop punches, and when I pop-dotted my stamped image on the card - wala it was done! "Best Dirt" sentiment was cut, embossed, and stippled with a Labels Trio Spellbinders die. I hope Donna enjoys these "dirty" cards!

Vine & Branches

2009-07-24T08:26:00.004-04:00

Jesus said, "I am the Vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

A well-known bible verse for this week's Scripture Challenge. This verse reminds me to look up when life is looking down. Life can be hard…sometimes to the point of feeling as though your struggles will never end and God isn't anywhere near. That's when I look up and take note of every branch on my most favorite best ever tree in my front yard, pictured below with some special friends.

My stamped tree (as opposed to my real tree!) and darlin' lil' swingin' owl is from Swingin' By, Our Craft Lounge. Notice the darlin' bitty bird? In the darlin' tree? Colored with copics, then I used a sponge-dauber for the light blue sky and soft green grass. There is actually a double row of ribbon, the underlying green ruffle is on elastic - a great find from Archivers! I used the tip of a stylus to make grid lines on the paper ribbon tufts. All settled nicely onto one of my very best fav Cosmo Cricket papers! (Early bird - Apron Strings) Have a beautiful day! I hope you notice a tree!

Welcome Home

2009-07-24T08:05:00.002-04:00

I had one more "baby" card base leftover from my last post, so I put together a Welcome Home card for my sister who will soon be returning home from the Asia, Africa, and Europe regions. Our cell phones miss each other! I'm nuts over Karen Lockhart's chair stamps because, for one thing, they offer such sweet nostalgia. This wicker chair reminds me of our front porch when I used to sit on the wicker bench while the kids waited for the school bus! And I changed the bench cushions often! So I paper-pierced a pretty pink set of "pillow cushions" for this card, and stamped a sentiment from Papertrey's Vintage Picnic Sentiments. Sweet way to use a leftover card base!

Baby Gift Set

2009-07-18T12:47:00.003-04:00

My very good friend Eleanore is going to be a first-time grandma in August. Today is the baby shower so I stamped a set of baby thank you cards for the sweet mommy-to-be, Molly. Very simply cute! Sentiment says "it was so nice of you to be so nice to me" which I curved onto my glass block before stamping. Isn't Karen Lockhart's Sweet Pea stamp adorable? Vintage button and sweet blush Swiss polka dot ribbon by Papertrey.

Inside of card has a matching strip of SU dessigner paper, thank you stamp is from Vintage Picnic Basket, Papertrey. Baby shoes stamp by Stampabilities, is stamped with versamark ink and I love the way it looks like a simple water-mark!

Baby Bottle stamp is one of those great $1 bin finds, and it made the envelopes so stinkin' cute! Grandma Eleanore, Mommy-to-be Molly, and Aunt Kay were tickled pink with the results! I bagged the set of cards and clipped to the outside of the gift box with a decorated clip clothespin. Aren't babies fun!?

Sister & Friend

2009-07-15T00:27:00.004-04:00

Say to wisdom "You are my sister" and call understanding your intimate friend. Proverbs 7:4

I'm really close to my sister and our phones call each other on a regular basis! So when I read this verse, I really "got it". That's what I'm saying! "You are my sister" to wisdom and "You are my intimate friend" to understanding. Now that's what I call some mighty fine soul mates! Since we are half-way through our Summer Bible Study and Scripture Challenge, I thought this was a super duper verse.

The stamped panel is a mixture of Unity April KOM (two girls) and My Cute Stamps (flowers) and did I mention how cute they look? Colored with copics, then dotted with a white inkessentials pen. I'm going dot-crazy since my pen purchase, love it! As if there were not enough polka dots, I overstamped the entire image with PT polka dot basics (a staple in life, just get it), then I roughed up the edges of my stamped strip with an edge distresser, and bordered it with a brown cardstock scalloped panel {Fiskars Running Water Edge Punch - one of my favs}. I cut some faux ribbons from matching pink cardstock for strips underneath the computer generated scripture verse, and embellished with punched flowers & buttons.

Oh my Kitty Soul - is this not darling? Looky who worked with me on this one! Hard to say who's cuter! It's so hard to parent O'Malley with that precious face! Have you ever tried gluing and punching and coloring stuff with a furball in your lap? Sigh.

Plans For You & a Bee Sting

2009-07-09T07:57:00.005-04:00

This cute polka dot paper is My Minds Eye -- but here's what on my mind today. God has a plan for me and I'm so glad! Left to my own sweet self, I might not experience living out God's purpose for my life. His purpose is highly personalized. He has thought your life through. God thinks about you! Jeremiah 29:11 says that nothing in this life is haphazard.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

You & I have a little spin around this planet earth, and we must be extremely intentional about serving God. His purpose in each persons life is perfectly timed. You were assigned to this generation. After all the centuries have come and gone, the important thing is that we served Gods purpose in our own generation. I don't know about you, but my sweet self is all about clinging to this promise ... God has a plan man!

So ... I got stung by a bee while riding with Kevin on the motorcycle and that wasn't so fun, but my hero husband got the stinger out in 63 seconds. Thus, the cute little bee buzzing around on today's scripture card. There are SO many things I love about this card! My 86 year old momma crocheted the super cute flowers! If you "need" a few flowers and if you ask sweetly, I bet my sweet momma will indulge you. The stems (and stinging bee) are from My Cute Stamps {hint: get thee to the website, they are toooo cute to pass up). There is a row of crystal diamonds in the middle of each stem. I traced the bird from a chipboard piece, and the wing is a Hero Arts Paisley stamp. Entire card is stitched with a white inkessentials pen by Ranger. I love it when a plan comes together!

Grab a chair ...

2009-07-05T21:20:00.003-04:00

My honey got a brand spankin' new shiny motorcycle and to make the first ride extra fun, my honey took me an hour and a half away to a fabulous stamp store called Papertrix! They have thousands of stamps (but who's counting!) and the owner, Cindy, knows me by name (okay, so I've been there a few thousand times!). But the point is, she recently had Karen Lockhart teach a class in her store and even though I wasn't able to attend, she let me in on the "deal" which was buy 10 Lockhart stamps, get 1 free, and get 10% of all of them, and (yes, there's more) ... all stamps signed by Karen Lockhart herself! So, grab a chair and let's visit my first set of cards!

I have wanted this beach chair stamp for like-ever and it did not disappoint! Karen likes to color with Prisma Colored Pencils, but I prefer Copics and boy, did I have fun with these shades! I just gathered up all my favorite Copics and went to town! The flowers are highlighted with a White Inkessentials Pen by Ranger.

Get a load of these kites on the envelopes! Flying by to say "you've got mail" - how cute is that?! {Note: the kites are from a Unity KOM}

Each Kraft card is stamped with PaperTrey's Polka Dot Basics in Fresh Snow Ink, then I chose assorted sentiments from various sources, just whatever struck my fancy. If you're interested in a particular one, just let me know! I particularly like the inside of the cards below:

Everyday has the possibility of a miracle! (Like when your honey gets a shiny new motorcycle and you get an unexpected trip to the stamp store! "R-e-l-a-x" is on the inside of the "Summer Days" card ... to remind me to enjoy the lazy hazy days of summer! I'll be sending these out to friends this week! I hope you had a beautiful Sunday!

Well-Watered Garden

2009-07-04T17:49:00.004-04:00

The Lord will guide you always. He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11

We had a very hot spell here in Indiana this summer, and I don't do high humidity heat well. Allergies, flopped hair, and sweat (yuck!). But on the flip-side is cool watermelon, Redkin Super Strength Finishing Spray (24 hour humidity resistance), and Claritan. This past week as I was preparing for our summer scripture challenge, this verse seemed perfect. Let the Lord guide your steps this week with me and you will be like a well-watered garden!

I enjoyed making this 6x6 card to add to my scripture collection. The bird houses is a very old stamp from Stampin' Up (1997!), colored with copics to match my Cosmo Cricket paper. Once my bird houses were colored, I overstamped the entire image with Pretty Pattern Backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms. I LOVE all my backgrounder stamps, use them loads! The verse was computer generated, and cut with the largest Nesty from Spellbinders Labels Four. The embellishment was inspired by Mish Mash back in March when we were getting ready for Spring! I have learned to never sit idle while watching TV - busy hands are happy hands when making cute little embellishments for half the cost! Have a happy day!

Blessed Beyond Words

2009-06-23T21:12:00.011-04:00

Hey you Summer Scripture Chicks! You girls are doing great. I've heard testimony after testimony how God has been using our summer bible study and your memory work. He has sure used it in my life! I've been making duplicate sets of my scripture cards. I add one card to my pretty wooden hanger collection, and I keep one in my car right by my gearshift so I can say my verses over and over as I am driving. It works for me!

Lately, I have found myself feeling and saying that I am Blessed Beyond Words. You'll never find another soul on the face of this earth who has been graced more than me! Psalm 36:5-7 sure comes in handy for being Blessed Beyond Words, doesn't it? I enjoyed making this scripture card almost as much as I love moon pies (you know those dreamy marshmallow concoctions)! Notice the delicate floral treatment surrounding the scripture verse? I used a fun set from Rubber Stamp Tapestry, as shown here and I love the result! Ribbon and vintage button by PaperTrey Ink. Flowers by Prima. Paper by Basic Gray. Blessed Beyond Words .... by God!

RAK Happy

2009-06-22T21:07:00.004-04:00

I am nothing but grateful for the beautiful crafty ladies in blogland! Just look at the love I received in my mailbox recently! This first card is from a sweetheart who lives in rural Australia. Theresa is a very talented lady and I'm sure you would enjoy visiting her blog at Misstreez's Weblog. Theresa not only sent me this adorable card that I admired (no, I actually coveted the sweet thing!), but she also sent me some adorable handmade folded flowers! They are some of the cutest things I've ever laid my eyes on! I'm dying to know how to make them, but I don't have the heart to tear one apart to figure it out so I'm depending on y'all to visit her blog and ask her (beg her) to spill it in a blog post! You can get all the deets on this beautiful dress card here on her blog. Doesn't it put ya in the party mood? Thank you Theresa!

Now, onto more RAK happiness! Lori is no stranger to many of you who visit my blog, she made a guest appearance here. She has a heart the size of the moon. And I love moon pies, so that's pretty big! Lori is participating long-distance in our Summer Scripture Challenge, isn't that smarvelous?! If you little darlings will visit her blog at Lori's Addiction: Playing With Adhesive, not only will you see some beautiful scripture cards, you will get sneak peaks of the new Stampin' Up soon-to-be-unveiled catalog. Now, back to this RAK which truly showed up inside my mailbox one day as a big fat surprise! Isn't it pretty? And clever? And cool colors? And a way cool sentiment? And get a load of this girl: she wrote me a message on a large yellow post-it note that was slapped inside the card so that I might be able to use the card to send to someone else! Isn't that too much?! I hereby humbly decree this card to be the gift that keeps on giving! Thank you Lori!

Blog Hop

2009-06-10T17:34:00.003-04:00

What time is it? It's time for another blog roll. When I discover blogs in cyberspace that are worth discovering, I like to share them with you. I hope you enjoy the blog hop!

Amazing Paper Grace - Becca Feeken is amazing! Her style oozes of elegance and layers. You'll see what I mean! Better get a cup o' Joe first, I'm just saying ...

Lori's Addiction-Playing With Adhesive. Get to know this one, gals! Sweet, fun, generous, talented -- ya get the picture?! Lori is participating in the Summer Scripture Challenge so be sure to check out her scripture cards in addition to her other great inspirations!

Make A Difference - Another Lori! I ran across Lori's blog through her "Divine Design" category and boy, am I glad I did! I often go to her blog and park it on my laptop right in front of me as I create.

2bKrafty - Think you have no time to stamp? Think again. Janine is on the design team for No Time To Stamp run by Sharon Johnson. That's how I stumbled into Janine on cyberspace, but she quickly became a regular stop for me! Her stuff is beautifully done, she has projects that make you want to stop everything and create, and the best part? .... she's SO nice!

Have fun hopping!

Scroll of Remembrance

2009-06-07T22:49:00.004-04:00

Hello! How are my favorite crafters on God's green earth? Kevin & I had a bumpy start to our weekend when our family cat of 14 years went to cat heaven (click if you are a cat lover and want to see and read about our Cozy Cat), but we just clung to each other and tried to keep on going. You tend to get more attached to your mate when your kids are grown because you're all you have left within your own four walls. You young darlin' wives and moms need to remember that one day. It will happen before you know it. There are all sorts of adventures to have together. Just keep investing. Hence, we enjoyed our family cat together.

Now, the title of this post, Scroll of Remembrance, does not exactly refer to our Cozy Cat. Our first summer bible study was so much fun, and this is my chosen scripture verse for this week!

Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. Malachi 3:16.

Try to grasp what that scripture suggests. Every time we speak of the Lord with each other - face-to-face, on the phone, in the women's restroom at work, over email, on the blog - God stops to "listen and hear". Then it indicates that a secretary in the Kingdom of Heaven literally records either the occasion or perhaps the conversation itself on something called "a scroll of remembrance." I don't know about you but over the course of my life time, I want to keep that secretary writing as fast as his hand can fly across that scroll. At this very moment, an historical record is being kept of our communication in His Name. That's too much, isn't it?

Give Him plenty of stuff to write about, girlfriend!

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

2009-06-01T23:26:00.006-04:00

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, and I know that full well. Psalms 139:14

I bet there was a time in your life when you didn't know that. Maybe you don’t know it now. A time when someone let you down – big time. A time when, maybe, you let yourself down. We've all been there. That's why I chose this verse to kick off our Summer Women's Bible Study at my church. The theme is "Celebrate Life" which is an 8-week study on how to thoroughly enjoy the life God has designed for each of us. It includes a Scripture Memory Challenge for each lady to make a weekly scrapbook page or card that includes a bible verse that is meaningful to her.

I am taking these two examples to our first class, since many of the ladies are new to paper-crafting. Each lady will have a basic kit for a 6x6 page which includes this selected scripture verse, and they will have an opportunity to embellish using a variety of punches, flowers, ribbons, etc. Then, in the weeks that follow, they will choose their own weekly verse (because we have the most victory with the verses we each need most). Scripture memory is work -- but it can be fun, especially when we do it together! So get ready for some fun because - after all - you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

A Paper Vacation!

2009-05-26T23:47:00.004-04:00

We've just returned from a visit to DC/Virginia Beach and look what jumped into my suitcase during vacation?! Loads of beautiful scrapbook paper! Is that trendy scallop Kraft paper not gorgeous?! Doesn't it just say "Please embellish me with Unity Stamps?" Yes, it really said that to me! The clerk in the local scrapbook store she had never heard it say that to anyone else!

Lynn and I graciously agreed to shop our way to DC/Virginia Beach so the guys could ride their Harleys, arn't we the bomb? We googled "local scrapbook stores" and away we went, baby!

Get a load of this bicycle paper, which I HAD to HAVE because of the gazillion bikes we saw at Virginia Beach. What a great boardwalk, full of families and Schwinn bikes of every shape & size. I wanted a pink one, with a basket for my beach towel, and a bird bell on the handle bars! The clear Hero Arts set is full of cute birds, and squirrels, and owls to go along with that nifty tree and tree stump. And the rocking chair stamp? Ohhh, I have it all planned out to paper pierce the pillows!

These papers have matching glitter adhesive borders, be still my heart! I can't wait to play with these goodies. God bless Harley Davidsons and Local Scrapbook Stores!

Coral Funky Monogrammed B-Day Cards

2009-05-17T21:03:00.006-04:00

Sara B. is having a B-day! {the "B" is not for B-day, but it works, yes?} Sara B. is my son's strong girlfriend. So I made Sara B. a gift set of monogrammed note cards. Sara B's favorite color is coral. This rockin paper is the Blue Hill Collection by Crate Paper. It really gets me that they call it Blue Hill when it oozes of these wonderful shades of coral! I'm re-naming it Coral Hill, okay?

The "S" Monograms were made with JustRite Borders and Times New Roman Font. Notice those funky squiggly lines? I was inspired by the oh-so-uber-cool squiggles on this card made by Lauren. No sense making traditional monograms traditional!

I wanted to add a little funk to these cards since Sara B. is a trendy DC gal. Thus all the polka dots and squiggles. The funky bird on the matching envelopes is from a past Unity KOM Stamp set, colored with copics to match the Coral Hill (new name!) paper collection.

More funky squiggle stamps! Are we thinking that trendy Sara B. is gonna like these Coral Funky Monograms?

Summer Scripture Challenge

2009-05-10T11:04:00.006-04:00

Since I began preparing for our weekly bible studies for the Summer Scripture Challenge (beginning June 4), I could not for the life of me focus in on any one topic or study guide. So I pulled out this Verve Stamp and made another 3x5 scripture card ... and prayed for God to not only guide me, but to make it clear to me when He did! I actually said these words "... hit me over the head with it, Lord!" Have you ever prayed that prayer?! This stamped scripture verse was cut with Spellbinders Labels Four, and then stamped with PaperTrey's Polka Dot Basics. The verse is pop-dotted up and embellished with pink rhinestones. And I am trusting God!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-09T19:06:00.005-04:00

I needed to make a few Mother's Day cards in a snap, as in like "Gee, I need cards for tomorrow!" and here is what I cooked up! I used a mixture of SU Bloomin' Beautiful and Bloomin' With Love stamp sets. Apparently, I was in a Bloomin' mood but just couldn't make up my mind, so when in doubt use them both!

This beautiful dainty background paper is an old SU DP, and it reminds me of country wallpaper in a welcoming bed-n-breakfast - that's my story and I'm stickin to it! I lightly stippled my stamped image with Antique Linen to highlight the spring yellows! I love it!

The tabbed sentiment looks like tiny typewriter print - remember back when the old typewriter keys looked like that? I must be feeling nostalgic today or something!

Inside of card to match! Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there!

Summer Scripture Challenge

2009-05-04T22:46:00.000-04:00

Here is another idea for the Summer Scripture Challenge project. This is a 3 x 5 card - same size as a recipe card! Recently, on one of my trips to Wally World (Wal-Mart) I noticed a 3 x 5 spiral-bound index card notebook. I thought how easy it would be to make this size scripture cards throughout the summer and then have them spiral-bound at your local Kinkos. This size is so very easy to work with - and so quick! I liked this verse for the first card in my collection. The verse is computer generated, then stamped with PaperTrey Journaling Lines, and cut with Spellbinders Labels Four. Since I'm hiding scriptures in my heart, I embellished with tiny hearts. I also used a paper edge distresser on the Basic Gray DP, and stitched the border with a fine tip black marker. Are you thinking about your Summer Scripture Challenge project? You are invited to participate at any time.

Summer Scripture Challenge

2009-05-01T22:40:00.014-04:00

This is my first scripture page that I made for my 2009 Faith Journal -- a collection of 6x6 scrapbook pages that I will display on this wooden stand to help me memorize scripture. Each week over the summer, I will add a new scripture page with a different verse that is meaningful to me. By the end of the summer, I will have 12 scripture verses at the ready!

Do you want to join the Summer Scripture Challenge? You can! Over the summer, my Bible Study Group will study a specific word each week and then search scripture for a bible verse that relates to that word, and commit to memorize or meditate on that verse for one week. We will not be memorizing the same scriptures. I will post each week here on my blog, and you can join in! Please leave me a comment if you do, so we can share in your bible verse.

My first scripture card was based on the word "faith". Jesus always spoke to His disciples about Mustard Seed Faith. We do not start out with a mountain-moving faith, but grow as we pursue the word of God. A seed is something you drop, and seeds are small things that grow into something larger. I want mountain-moving faith, do you?

Wishing You ... a Happy Birthday

2009-04-24T23:30:00.001-04:00

PaperTrey's March release included this fabulous set entitled Wishing You. I tried to resist, I really did! But there are so many great sentiments with this set, that I convinced myself it should be in my stash. I'm really glad I listened to me!

I paired Ripe Avocado and Kraft cardstock together, and added bright beautiful tulips that pop right off the page! I love to stamp on Kraft cardstock because it gives a nice muted tone, and in this instance it made a great background piece to tie everything together.

Inside of card matches the envelopes. Stamping these little flowers is addictive because they are separate clear stamps and you can angle them any way you please - it gives them character! See the little wisps in the flower center? Such detail is offered with this set! I can't wait to play with it more. Wishing You .... a very happy day!

Sending Cheery Thoughts

2009-04-20T23:34:00.006-04:00

How about some cheery cards with lots of colors to make them pop and brighten someones day! Who doesn't need that these days? I mean, it has rained so much here that I'm about to build an ark! Maybe I should have stamped animals 2 by 2?! I used a smattering of fun stamps and embellishments, whatever made me smile!

A Hero Arts birdie on a branchie ... with a message circled in blue rhinestones ... makes me giddy! "You're Tweet!" I know I know -- the "T" is kinda off but then again, I think it looks kinda cute that way. I started to re-do it, but sense got the best of me. If you want a perfect card, go to Hallmark (that's what my sister always says, and I believe everything she says).

A good friend of mine is having some medical tests done this week on her ticker (i.e. heart) so I stamped this heart tree for her so she knows she is in my prayers. All of the cards use PaperTrey AquaMist Cardstock (have you tried that stuff?! Oh my heck, it is the best when it comes to heavy cardstock!), and all of the card backgrounds are stamped with PaperTrey's Polka Dot Basics.

These two sweeties were part of the April Unity KOM. What a bargain! I'm big into buttons these days, are you? I hope these Cheery Thoughts brightened your day! And that you don't have enough rain to consider building an ark ....

Somebunny Loves You

2009-04-08T20:18:00.006-04:00

I pulled out the cutest little bunny stamp from my stash! It's an old set from The Angel Company (TAC), but I can't bring myself to let loose of it because of the cuteness factor. This little guy has a girlfriend too! Maybe I'll get something made with her too.

The new Spellbinders Labels 4 die is to die for! This card shows the largest nestie, so imagine how darling the tiny one is! I glittered my own embellishments with a glue stamp pad and Martha Stewart's AquaMist glitter, and tied the buttons with Martha Stewart's new spring colored twine - both products rock!

The stamped images are colored with copics. Base cardstock is Kraft, and the polka dots are stamped with PaperTrey's Polka Dot Basics. Hope you have a Blessed Easter!

Happy Happy FlowaBella

2009-03-29T21:26:00.003-04:00

FlowaBella makes this sista Happy Happy! In keeping with my springy mood of late (no thanks to uncooperative weather with spitting snow flurries today!), I had some fun with my girlfriend Bella. Two Scoops paper by Basic Gray has been sitting on my shelf for way too long, and it was calling Bella's name! I had fun choosing the bright and cheery papers to match Bella's springy attitude and her wirey hair. That's the very reason I chose to include ric-rac on my flower/button embellishment - because I think it looks much like Bella's hair! LOL

All Bella's were stamped in SU Chocolate Brown ink, colored with copics, cut and embossed with Spellbinders Long Classic Rectangles, and then stippled with a pale yellow background while still in the die. I am love love loving having these pre-made button embellishments on hand. They really get my mojo in gear!

Notice Bella's polka dot skirt? After I colored with copics, I held a 0-colorless copic marker in place at various points to wash out the color, thus creating dots. Go copic markers!

Inside card, with matching DP and sentiment. Card base is Kraft, my latest new love. I dream in Certainly Celery and Bashful Blue, but lately Kraft has been making guest appearances!

Matching Flowa envelopes for FlowaBella! Okay, so have you seen the new Bella release? Meet Ketto ... she's coming to my mailbox soon! Who can resist a girlfriend with cute wirey hair?