Just Cuttin' Up

A Fun Giveaway at a Fun Craft Site

2011-04-30T09:02:00.000-05:00

Want to win a pack of Viva Pearl Pens, I know I do... LOL... the entry can be found at the Favecrafts website and if you haven't been there, make sure you have loads of time to get lost in all that site offers. It is a GREAT website to inspire you and to help you step by step with brand new projects in just about any craft you want to try!!! My fav is Eco-Heidi and her incredible recycled projects but there is something (or 4 or 5 somethings) for everyone!! It is a site you can get lost in. Have fun there and let me know what you think!!!

Simon Says Stamp and Show and More

2011-04-25T08:28:00.000-05:00

I failed to mention in my post about Terry's card that I was entering it into the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge. Alas, it is too late for that one I think but believe me, I won't be forgetting to do that anymore... and as I think of it, I forgot to mention I also entered it in Hels Sunday Stamper challenge on her blog. There are so many challenge sites anymore and I rarely have the time to participate but it is always great fun when I can... Though I said I entered at Grungy Monday I didn't link to it so go have fun on Linda's blog too. Now, go check out each of their latest challenges. They know how to keep you busy!!!

YAY!!! Terry got her Thank You card

2011-04-22T17:36:00.000-05:00

I am so glad Terry got her thank you card and enjoyed it. Now, I can share it with the rest of the world... LOL... it will be submitted to the Grungy Monday challenge, at the very least, but Terry mentioned some others it would work for. Here it is, using 2 Tim techniques:

That Terry is such a sweetie!!!

MOSAS 29

2011-04-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

I finally completed my last OSA MOSAS 29 project. I chose to make a box with a drawer and then I filled the drawer with some goodies for the recipients. Here are the very poor quality photos of the boxes:

I just realized that at the bottom you can sort of see the drawer. So, I took another photo (of just one box) with the drawer open somewhat, with the goodies wrapped inside:

OK, that's it. I am on to a new project!!!

I WON SOMETHING!!!

2011-04-08T17:18:00.001-05:00

That from someone who hardly ever wins anything... LOL... I follow Terry's Work in Progress blog. She has become a cyber friend, especially after helping me get my blog started but also because we are in several online groups together. WELL... I was totally blessed to win 1 of her 2 prize give aways for her 1-year blogaversary!!!! AND IT CAME TODAY!!!! What a stash!!! Just oodles of wonderful goodies to play with!! BUT the greatest thing I received from Terry was a beautiful tag she had made for Grungy Monday!! I loved it when I saw it online (as I do most of Terry's work!!!) but let me tell you, it doesn't hold a candle to it's real life beauty!!! Here it is:

I just love it!!! Aren't I lucky???? I am so thrilled. THANK YOU SO MUCH TERRY!!!

After the Climb

2011-03-30T07:25:00.000-05:00

I realized after the fact that without the race name (St.Louis Fight For Air Climb) and my bib number (76) you would not be able to see me at that last step. Now, if you still want to see me, just click the link on that post and add the above information... OR, here I am with my daughter and her partner after we had caught our breath and after we had gone down the 40 flights, in the elevator of course. I still look pretty raw but then, some of that is just ole me... here ya go:

It's Been A While Cuz I Was Busy Climbing Stairs!

2011-03-26T09:22:00.000-05:00

I have been busy. I don't think I have been so proud of myself in years as I was last Saturday when I climbed 40 flights of stairs for the American Lung Association, in the Fight For Air Climb!!! It took a while. My daughter and her partner climbed with me and we did it on my schedule, finishing in 23 minutes. To see me abject joy of having completed it, just click HERE. That's my daughter behind me...It was definitely difficult but definitely worth it. Anyone want to join me next year????

I have been creating just a little. Below are 2 things I completed, both for my OSA Yahoo group. The first is my March MOSAS swap. I found the tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers and used a technique called the dryer sheet technique. I simply stamped and colored an image and ran it through my Xyron (with the sticky side covering the image). I then placed a USED dryer sheet over the image and brayered it down to the sticky stuff. It gives a lovely muted touch to the stamped image. I then added some Dazzling Diamonds very sparingly and brayered those down. Unfortunately the image is a bit blurry. I apologize but I tried over and over to work with it to no avail. Here it is:

There was a card I wanted to send to another OSA member, so I used this week's card layout/sketch (#114): It is very simple but I like how it turned out.

I think I am all caught up now!!! I appreciate all comments and thank you for them!!!

From The Frugal Crafter A Great Giveaway!!!

2011-03-01T00:28:00.000-06:00

Hi, I just enjoyed two videos by Lindsay, the Frugal Crafter, about coloring with Promarkers and Trias (both are alcohol ink pens), from a company called Letraset, and the really nifty thing is that she is giving away a set of Promarkers if you leave a comment on her blog. Just click here or on the Frugal Crafter link above and enjoy the videos and leave Lindsay some sweetness for your chance to win!!!

MOSAS 29 for February

2011-02-24T11:59:00.002-06:00

The Oriental Stamp Art yahoo group I belong to has a 3-month swap I joined and here is my first swap. I took bamboo tiles and covered them with washi paper and layers of decoupage, stamped on the back (not shown) and strung a beaded trim on the bottom and created a chain. I then made an envelope to place the pendants, also from some beautiful handmade paper I just happened to pick up at Michael's years ago. Here's the photo.

BTW, MOSAS stands for Multiple Oriental Stamp Art Swaps and this round is the 29th one.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T14:45:00.001-06:00

In celebration of this special holiday, I made a unique card gift. It is the bonus technique from the latest Technique Junkies Newsletter. It is called a goodie box and was created by the very creative Hetty Sanders!! I just love the whole idea of it. I used Tim Holtz designer cardstock and score tape to put it all together. Unfortunately, the photos make it look a bit more distressed than it looks IRL. I also used a trinket pin for the tag. I think it's cute. Thanks Hetty and of course, thanks Pat for publishing such an incredible newsletter every other month!!!

Now, I am off to fill the box with candy... the candy box is opposite the tag and pocket. In the above photo I opened the lid on top of the box. The whole box is firmly attached to the card!!

Latest Compendium of Curiosities Challenge!!!

2011-02-13T20:54:00.000-06:00

So, I made it in time!! I used Tim's bird and cage die to create this wall hanging. I also used one of his stamps and some rhinestones. The background is handmade paper (it's really so beautiful)... The title is ...know why the caged bird sings... deliberately, because if you don't then you really need to read Maya Angelou's incredible autobiographical poem, "I know why the caged bird sings." It will take your breath away, and in some very small measure I guess I hope my version will as well...

I do apologize for the poor quality of my image. My cell phone just doesn't have a zoom, why not???

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!

2011-02-09T07:39:00.000-06:00

I want to thank those who vote on Gingersnap Creations for once again choosing a piece I created as a winner in the coffee filter challenge!!! Thank you so much!!! It is so gratifying to get comments from those who take the time to view my work and it is the cherry on the top to get recognized for it. So, I am absolutely joyful to state that I am now a 3-time Ginger Gem!!! I hope my daughter loves the card as much as you all did... LOL... and I know it will be a surprise because she never checks my blog... LOL...

Carole's Beautiful Easel Card

2011-02-08T19:00:00.000-06:00

My friend Carole sent me an email with a card she had made. I thought it was gorgeous and perfect for the Simon Says Stamp and Show blog challenge to use embossing. I told her that she should enter her beautiful card and she tried to. One small problem, she doesn't have a blog (soon to be remedied). So, a friend is someone who helps you out of a jam... I am her friend and here is her card:

There is a slight glare off that incredible paper, but I think you can still tell how really pretty it is. Now, I am off to enter it into the challenge for her!!!

Nate's Birthday

2011-02-06T14:51:00.000-06:00

My grandson is about to turn 13 and he is definitely a star to me... LOL... hence the card!!!! I took white cardstock and used denim blue Glimmer Mist with just a little burnt red. I then used Tim Holtz's gear masks on the same cardstock and sprayed over the masks with coffee shop Glimmer Mist. For the star I used a Sizzix die and for the basketball star circle I used a punch on designer paper by Moxie. The ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon. Thanks for looking...

Ella's Valentine's Card

2011-02-01T08:22:00.000-06:00

Red Lead Paperworks provided the wonderful inspiration for my Great Niece's V-day card. They are a local store with incredible goodies, including their own stamps, and they offer it all online. Just click the link and check out the shabby chic nature of their art and art supplies!!! You won't be disappointed. Well they published an adorable idea for buttons. They wired their buttons together but I decided to just glue them with Glossy Accents. The fun part is that some of those buttons were my mom's, Ella's Great Grandmother. I thought it would be fun to send the card and then Ella and Eden (her mom, my niece) could try to guess which buttons are which. I have a key to which are which to share with them once they have tried to figure it out. Anyway the card is simple but very sweet I think. The buttons are from various sources including my mom's button tin (a Louis Sherry candy tin). The paper is from Daisy D's and the tags on the inside were made from my Sizzix die. The floss is from The Angel Company. enjoy...

A BEAUTIFUL RAK I RECEIVED

2011-01-29T12:12:00.001-06:00

I have mentioned my participation in OSA, a yahoo group devoted to stamp art of an Oriental nature. I have been blessed to be sent many gorgeous RAKs from members of this group but I want to share a very special one all the way from Australia. It is from Adrienne, and I just love it and unfortunately, it was lost for a while (before I got to acknowledge it on OSA) so I wanted to share it on my blog also. Isn't it beautiful?

Gingersnap Creations and Bella Creations Challenges

2011-01-28T19:08:00.000-06:00

I made a card that fit two challenges. For Gingersnap Creations, I used a coffee filter (the cone type) for the flower on the card and those sweet tickets on the front are from the "Voila Ink!" group on Bella Creations. I used a CB embossing folder and made the bow with my Bow Easy. When I look at the photo of my card, it looks like there are way too many different shades of purple on it, but IRL it looks beautiful!! Here it is:

Try That Technique

2011-01-24T14:12:00.000-06:00

Here is my foray into Cling Pearls a Technique Junkies technique from way back (Oct.2007?). It is this week's challenge. I love my frog. He's from I Brake for Stamps and my background grasses stamp is from Stampin Up. It is hard to see the shimmer in the frog but he is really a beauty IRL. I used green, yellow, and shimmering copper Pearl-Ex and just love how he turned out. I kept the card really simple so he would stand out!!! Thanks for looking...

Compendium of Curiosities # 28

2011-01-23T09:22:00.000-06:00

Here is my take on this week's challenge from Studio L3. I am so glad I love wild plum alcohol ink because I now have it all over my hands and my kitchen floor... I can't decide whether to go ahead and clean up the floor or simply spill the rest of it to color my floor in wild plum!!! LOL... here are my entries. The first sample is a 2x2 memory glass pendant for my friend Carole who gave me the stamp that I used for it... those colors are so beautiful together... The second sample is a collection pendant I call "uptown soul" the papers used are from Tim's Lost and Found paper pack and the butterfly is one of his stamps done with a resist technique. Thanks for looking...

Not This Time

2011-01-23T07:03:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Beth Shelly, and Nancy for their words of support!! I really appreciate it but I didn't make the team this time. It was fun to try though and I look forward to the "Hambo Hoedown" challenge site kickoff and congratulating those that did make the design team!!! Now I am off to send the bunnies card to Junior who loves getting cards from me and maybe, like Nancy, work on a Gingersnap Creations challenge. Thanks again for your support and happy crafting!!!!

Well I Got Brave...

2011-01-22T13:18:00.000-06:00

I decided to apply to be on Hambo Stamps design team. I have no idea if I made the team, but I sure had fun playing with the digital images they sent for me to use, and they are generous enough to say I could post them. So, here they are. Far and away my fav is the first one, "Hoppy Spring". Those bunny cuties inspired me to make the sliding pop-up card that was this past week's SCS inkling. I LOVE how it turned out. I used watercolor paints and had a great time!!!

Isn't that image the cutest???

For the second image, I was very close to my deadline for applying, so the result is a bit more conventional. The little guy is wee Henry and he is just so cute. This card looks much better IRL ...

Whether I make the team or not, I feel pretty good for having given it a try!!! Have an awesome weekend everyone and stay warm!!!

A Sweet Tutorial from Sunflowers and Dragonflies

2011-01-20T19:55:00.000-06:00

If you haven't visited Beth Norman's site, you really ought to. She is definitely the Tutorial Queen and when I visited last night, I found the Faux Porcelain technique and here it is: Thanks Beth! The stamp is from Club Scrap and the embossing folder was a gift from my BFF. It is a beauty... You know I love your comments...

I am a Ginger Gem Again!!!

2011-01-19T12:30:00.000-06:00

I am so thrilled to have once again been named a Ginger Gem for the Gingersnap Creations Polar Animals challenge. It is especially sweet, as I had the image of what I wanted to do in my head and almost missed the challenge (I thought it was over). When I realized I had less than 24 hours to enter my vision, I got to work (it just happened to be about 11:00 p.m.) and I created almost exactly what my mind's eye saw. Thanks for the honor Gingersnaps!!! You can see my entry in an earlier post!!!

OSA Challenge #105

2011-01-16T17:11:00.000-06:00

Here is today's new OSA weekly layout challenge. It is the year of the rabbit so I decided to honor that. The floral papers are washi paper, as is the purple, larger squares. I also used one of the Oriental embossing folders. Thanks for looking...

Junior's School Photo

2011-01-16T12:20:00.000-06:00

Here's my cutie!!! Junior (Lance Eric) is my youngest grandchild and I just adore him. Here is his first real school photo. I had found the paper and didn't realize initially that it was high school album paper, I was just thrilled to find "Junior" paper... LOL... it turned out to be perfect for a little frame (Sizzix die) for his photo... Thanks for looking:

I am hoping to flatten out those small wrinkles by putting the whole thing under a heavy book... Isn't he adorable!!!!

Gingersnap Challenge - Polar Animals

2011-01-15T21:48:00.000-06:00

I barely made it in time for this challenge. I knew I wanted to do it because I love this penguin stamp... it is from I Brake For Stamps and I love the detail of it. The background one from Gina K. called baby wipe background. I made the sentiment on my computer... enjoy....

A "Lovely" Card

2011-01-15T14:55:00.000-06:00

I am on a roll here with this design style. Here are two more, the first one with pink and chocolate (hard to tell, I know) and one with pink and black:

OK, break time and on to other styles!~ Thanks for looking...

Another OWH "Scraps" Card

2011-01-15T10:18:00.000-06:00

This morning I watched Dawn Griffiith's video and was inspired to make a similar card using my scraps of course. I really am looking for something simple enough that I can make tons of them but alas, I am one who can make any seemingly easy project difficult!!! LOL... well here is my take on her adorable card!! I love it's simplicity in that you use essentially one piece of cardstock. I will keep working on this card because I just love the idea of it. In my card, the patterned paper (smaller circles) is some of the oldest I own. Seriously, it is from my very first days of cardmaking/rubber stamping... talk about hoarding!!! Ok, here it is:

What I love about this card is that though it is only one piece of cardstock, it can still stand up. I just like that it is a little bit different than a standard card. I am off now to try to simplify my process, to make it, as Dawn would say, easy-peasy!!! While you are at her studio, check out some of her other videos. She has some great tutorials and she has a great laugh!!!

Operation Write Home Challenge

2011-01-14T13:38:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone, Hope you new year is a going just as you planned!!!

Operation Write Home challenged us to use only our scraps to make cards. I thought that was a great idea and I had the perfect stamp to do that with...it's a Gina K. stamp perfect for paper piecing. This is what it looks like stamped...

Then I set about choosing just the right scrap colors to create a pleasing composition... so far, so good. Next I started cutting each section. Unfortunately, I used the stamp itself as the guide for the pieces (as I think about it, how the heck did I even do that????) Anyway, I cut all 10 pieces before I realized that the shaped pieces were all backwards!! Are we having fun yet??? Not only did the cutting take hours, but then, I had to start all over using the stamped image as the guide. LOL... gee, I don't think this is what OWH had in mind for making multiple cards... I do like my finished project, which looks better IRL, cuz, every little imperfection shows up on the scan and not so much on the actual card... anyway, I am glad I completed it and even though afterward I wondered why I didn't just cut squares and rectangles and overlap them, I am also happy that I chose to do it just the way I did. I might try this card again because I love the idea of it, even if mine is less than perfect. Here it is:

Have a wonderful crafty day everyone!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-04T09:21:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone's holiday season was/is as special as you had hoped it would be!!! I know for me, anytime at least some of our family is together it is very special!!! My big wish is that we all can be together for one big holiday!!

So, once again I have been a bit MIA, but here is my first card of 2011... it is for my daughter-in-law's mom. The sketch is from OSA, an oriental stamping art yahoo group I belong to and the sketch was done by Lindsay Weirich , who has an awesome blog and great digital images and templates. I used washi papers for the floral paper and the pale violet background paper. I used a Spellbinders label, turned at an angle, for the sentiment, which is a Club Scrap stamp. I like how it turned out and I hope you do too...

OOPS, I forgot to add that even though on the scan the ribbon looks black, it is actually a very dark purple. OK, I'm done. Enjoy the day...

Today's Christmas Card

2010-12-19T16:18:00.000-06:00

It is feeling a little like the 12 days of willow's Christmas cards... LOL... so, here is today's card. It's another take on Tim's tag. I once again stamped on the embossing folder but this time I used a speckle stamp from The Angel Company (my new most favorite stamp!!). I hope I was able to evoke the sense of peace I feel when it is snowing and swirling in the middle of the night. Let me know what you think...

One More Card Done!!!

2010-12-17T11:45:00.001-06:00

Thanks Michele for your kind words and letting me know I am not alone... LOL... So, here is my take on a Technique Junkies Warhol technique. The papers are from Reminisce, Paper Wishes, and of course that gorgeous red is from Paper Temptress. The tree stamp is a Hero Arts stamp and the greeting is an inexpensive clear stamp of unknown origin...

Oh, I forgot to mention that I had such good success with the craft knife yesterday, I decided to give it another try... LOL... not too bad I'm thinking...

Slowly, I create

2010-12-16T09:45:00.000-06:00

At the rate of 1 card per day and having just started, I am thinking I am not going to get many Christmas cards out in the mail this year!!! Oh well... I am having fun once again, so that is encouraging!! Yesterday, I watched Beate's tutorial which you can find here on Splitcoast Stampers and was inspired. She made a beautiful Z-fold card and I just had to give it a try (quite interesting seeing as I am more than a clutz with a craft knife). I managed to create a card for my son and his family and I am happy with how it turned out (and I suffered no injuries from the knife...LOL). The paper I used is some "old" Bo Bunny it is from a page kit called Cherry Pie Family Ties, but I thought it looked very Christmas-y... The stamp is from The Angel Company and the die cut bow is a sweet little punch from Martha Stewart. I hope you enjoy it and better yet, give it a try...

I realize now that I should have taken a photo to show the "swinging" part of the card (the tree with the large bow) but if you watch the tutorial, you will see the mechanics of the card.

Just a Couple of Cards

2010-12-14T19:10:00.000-06:00

For this first card, I did my take on one of tim's tags this year. I just love the idea of stamping on the embossing folder. So, I gave it a try and here it is:

And here is a card for my BFF Carole:

Thanks so much for looking!!!

Day 2 and 3 of tim's 12 tags of Christmas

2010-12-10T09:37:00.000-06:00

Well, to my loyal follower Terry, LOL, thanks so much sweetie for your kind comments, here are the tags I managed to create. I really want to do yesterday's tag but haven't had the time. Terry and anyone else who stumbles on this blog, enjoy!!!

I'm Back, sort of...

2010-12-09T12:19:00.000-06:00

For anyone who wonders, I am still around. I have been busy losing over 36 pounds...LOL... I feel better than I have in most of my adult life and I'm not done yet. Unfortunately, at the same time, I was not feeling particularly creative, though I did make a few things.

But now, I am in the middle of watching tim's 12 tags of Christmas and have a couple to share. For today though I want to share a never-ending card I made for my son and daughter-in-law's anniversary (thanks to Christie Hund's instructions) and a simple birthday card for a friend (thanks to Gina K. I believe).

Here's the Never-ending card (created with K and Company papers):

Here is the birthday card:

I appreciate all comments and would love to hear from whomever comes across this post...LOL!!! I will post my tim tags tomorrow....

Challenges

2010-10-23T10:51:00.000-05:00

Hi again!! I have created an arch that fits the CCC #18, the Gingersnap Creations Arches challenge AND Simon Says Stamp's, anything but a card!!! So, hey I am going to enter it into each one...

I used a template that I had from somewhere. The beautiful lady comes from I Brake For Stamps, the flourish stamp is from The Angel Company, and I got that beautiful lace and the pearls from Scrappin Deals n Steals.

WOW!! It's Been A While

2010-10-22T22:22:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I blogged!!! My vacation was so awesome... it was great seeing my family and watching my grandson head off to kindergarten!!! He is just sooooooo cute!!! I loved my week on the coast with all my sister crafters!!! We had a great time and Penny and Bea did an incredible job organizing everything!!! I met some wonderful women and had such fun learning new techniques and completing a ton of shoebox projects!!! I also got to eat my favorite seafood... steamed clams!!! Yummmmmm

Maybe the most important thing that happened to me while I was in Oregon was to learn about Medifast from another crafter, Donna Downey, who lost a ton of weight and now coaches others on their Medifast journey. I have been on the program for just over 2 weeks and have lost a total of 14 pounds and feel healthier than I have in years!!! I still have 34 more pounds to go but I feel so free of the dependence I had on food. It has been my "drug of choice" for all my life and I finally feel like I have a solution!!! Thank You, Lord!!!

Now on to a card I made for my friend, Carole. I used the texture duet technique from the latest Technique Junkies newsletter. The stamp is from Inky Antics (isn't she adorable??)... The sentiment is from Stamps of Life. I actually put the "trick or" on the envelope... LOL... both embossing folders are from Cuttlebug and I got the pattern cardstock from Scrappin Deals n Steals. I will be back with more later this weekend... thanks for looking!!!

Heading Out of Town!!

2010-09-09T10:54:00.000-05:00

Well, next Wednesday I am heading to Portland, Oregon and then the following Sunday, to Depoe Bay on the Oregon coast for a week of relaxation and crafting with old and new friends!! It is going to be an awesome retreat and I just can't wait!!! I am traveling with my girlfriend, Carole, and we just keep calling each other saying, is it time yet???? Are we there yet???

For now, I have had some things other than cards to share and just haven't gotten to posting them, so I am going to today... One is a bamboo domino pendant to which I added some beautiful Washi paper, wire and beads, and Diamond Glaze.

The next piece of jewelry is a pendant and chain I made using chip board, an image, and glossy accents. And, yes, the chain design is asymmetric. It looks much better when worn than on a board.

Lastly (and definitely least... LOL) I tried my hand at a technique I saw on you tube. Here is the link, RachO113 and here is my interpretation. Unfortunately, I chose to use a cardboard cheese container LOL not quite sturdy enough for this technique, but it was fun to try...

And as always, I love to read your comments and if I don't get back to you with a personal thank you, please know that I love all the love notes you each leave... I sometimes cannot figure out how to let you know I read your comment, especially if your email is not on your blogger profile... but please know I read and love every one of them!!!

Scraplings...

2010-08-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

Gingersnap Creations is doing a scrapling swap. What in the world, you say, is a scrapling??? Well, it is a 1-1/2" x 8-1/2" (folded at 4-1/4") piece of art. I am not even sure if using a paint chip is an integral part of the definition but that is what was asked of those participating in the swap. I am not joining the swap but had to give this a try and so, this is my first (and quite possibly only) attempt at a scrapling...

Fossil Stone

2010-08-28T11:37:00.000-05:00

This week we were challenged by Diana and Beth to create something using the fossil stone technique from Technique Junkies Apr/May 2006 newsletter and yes, all the issues are available to paying members. It is wonderful to just browse through them all!!! Ok, so here is my card using fossil stone as the background and an Innovative Stamp Creation stamp, Martha Stewart punch and PEARLS... I know they look silver but they are very pretty white pearls, a touch I thought went well with the underwater image, sorry they didn't show up that way on the scan..

Thanks for visiting and I'd love to hear from you...

Junior's Birthday

2010-08-24T21:40:00.003-05:00

My youngest grandchild will be turning 6 in Sept. and I can't believe I am ahead of the game in making him a card!! I loved the fold of this card, which was the online bonus technique from Technique Junkies...I used Stampin Up stamps to make the card. I "suspended" the frog and dragon fly by attaching them to a piece of acetate... Now I have another one to make for my great niece Ella who is 3 days older than Junior...will post it once it is done...Here is Junior's:

I added a second photo, as I added the forgotten snail and to hopefully get the color more in focus.

As always, your comments are greatly appreciated!!

I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT THIS CARD ALSO FITS THE GINGERSNAP CREATIONS 3-D CHALLENGE WHICH YOU CAN FIND HERE Go check it out. It should be great fun to see what everyone comes up with...

Incredible Blog Candy

2010-08-11T17:56:00.000-05:00

We are all lucky enough to try to win not just the blog candy in the button on my sidebar but another somewhat smaller prize, still all Tim Holtz! Just click on the blog candy button and follow Stacy's directions and you too might win a huge stash of Tim!!! Good Luck!!!

Pinwheel Drawer Box

2010-08-09T10:45:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since I've posted. I have been working a lot. I have a wonderful Oregon coast retreat/vacation coming up in Sept. (email me if you want to know more about it, especially if you love Trish Morris from Club Scrap). Anyway, I have been working on this box and on making pinwheels which is a Technique Junkies tutorial and had the brilliant idea to put them together.

Not the best photo ever but you get the idea. I love how it turned out. The papers are from The Angel Company. The beautiful crochet trim and barely seen brad, in the center of the flower, is from my fave, http://www.scrappindealsnsteals.com/ They have some incredible deals daily!!! Check them out!!

The directions for the box can be found here complete with a video! Enjoy!!!

I Am a Ginger Gem!!!

2010-07-27T11:40:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe but I was chosen as 1 of 7 Ginger Gems for the Shades of Blue challenge on the Gingersnap Creations blog !!! I am beyond excited and so proud to wear my Ginger Gems button on my blog!! Thanks to those who voted and congrats to all the other winners!!!

Play Date Cafe Challenge

2010-07-25T17:31:00.001-05:00

I thought I would give this color theme challenge a try. Here's the inspiration

And here is my entry:

My main image is a TJ technique called cracked glass using an I Brake For Stamps stamp. The ruffle around it is made with a Stampin' Up medallion stamp (you can find video instructions here ) The ribbon is black twill and I used Word to write out Cherished and used a Stampin' Up punch to cut it out. Finally, I added pearls, from Kaiser. They are white though they don't look it.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS LEFT ME COMMENTS!!!

I totally appreciate each and every one!!!

Tag Tuesday Challenge

2010-07-21T21:42:00.000-05:00

I thought I would jump in... Even though my style is rather different ... LOL... This is Reach for the Sun. The theme is faces, and I have 3 on my tag...

First I used scraps to create the faux quilting on the tag background!! The person stamp is from Stampers Anonymous and the bird stamp is from Stampin' Up. I picked up the sun and ribbon at my local Scrapbook store. I hope you like it!!! You know I love your comments...

Shades of Blue

2010-07-20T15:11:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone! I got these adorable 2x2 canvases from http://www.skybluepink.com/ and decided to use my first one for the shades of blue Gingersnap Creations challenge . I love that blog (and yahoo group)!!! Such creative, caring, and sharing artists are part of this group!! Check them out...okay back to my creation...

It's a mini wall hanging!! I used Broken China distress ink direct to canvas and then a Tim Holtz ATC stamp in Chipped Sapphire. I also added some Chipped Sapphire direct to canvas and sprinkled peacock extreme embossing powder (impossible to see on the scan). I then embossed silver Glue Foil and cut it and attached it to the sides of the canvas frame. I then stamped the same distress colors on white card stock and cut and rolled them into paper beads. I colored some twine with the Chipped Sapphire, strung the beads, glued them to the back of the canvas, added the hanger and covered the back with more of the stamped cardstock!! Ta-Da!!! Oops I also used a dab of acrylic paint to give me a surface on which to use a gel pen and write ART. I also used some white gel pen to highlight the "streams of light" coming from the heart.. I hope you like it and I would love to read your comments!!! Thanks for stopping by...

Soar Album

2010-07-13T21:44:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, I am participating in an ATC swap on Gingersnap Creations with the theme of Soar. I don't want to share my ATCs until they have been sent out to whomever gets them but I did want to share the album I made to hold the ATCs that I am lucky enough to get in this swap!!! I had seen a Hero Arts video on bookbinding using the Japanese stab technique. So I thought I would give it a try. Here is the result...

For the cover, I used a Ranger Dauber and then a piece of cardstock from Tim Holtz's Lost and Found paper pack. I distressed it, after using his Alteration edge die, with Vintage Photo distress ink topped with a Zia stamp butterfly that I distress embossed with Terra Cotta distress embossing powder! The word soar is from Tim's Sizzlet alphabet. For the bookbinding, I used ribbon. I used acetate envelopes inside to hold the ATCs I get. I covered the back cover and inside of the covers with patterned cardstock. I can't wait to see the ATCs I receive!! It's kind of like Christmas in July!!!

A Tribute to Debt

2010-07-10T14:33:00.000-05:00

I lost my 13 year old granddog, Debt, yesterday. He was really a grandchild of mine like any of my 2-legged ones. I loved him so much. For a lot of his life, he was King!! He ruled the neighborhood wherever he lived, herding and nipping anyone who didn't follow his directions!! LOL... At home, he did the same thing! The kids (Shani, Simone, and Nate) loved him but no one loved him more than Nate. Debt was there before Nate's birth and no matter what other dogs came and left (my daughter Drea fosters for a stray- rescue organization), Debt was his dog!! I think it was a blessing that Nate was in GA this week. Though we all knew Debt was getting old, he became acutely ill while Nate was gone. Lately, Debt just laid around. The spunk was apparent only when another dog got on his nerves... LOL... see, he ruled the roost right up until the end!! I think my most favorite memory of him is when he would take a blanket and wrap himself in it!! I loved to watch him do it and I loved how he looked all wrapped up with just that long nose of his and his eyes showing!! Such a character!!! (I will post a photo that shows him wrapped up as soon as I can find it!)

So, Shani gave him his last bath, which he obviously loved (that's the photo above) and Drea let Debt sleep with her his last night (he usually slept in his own bed!) and then, this afternoon, after millions of hugs, kisses, and pets, he was put to sleep, with Drea, Shani and I present. Drea held him, while he looked at me, and the vet (who was absolutely wonderful) gave him an IV medication and within seconds he was gone... I realized then that he was once again healthy and whole and very happy!! So we felt a little bit better, but as with any loss, the pain is for ourselves and the heartache of not having our loved one around anymore!! His memory will live on forever!

This photo is dreadful of us humans but Debt once again looks happy! This was taken outside the Humane Society where we had him put to sleep...

Brazen Brilliance Wings

2010-07-03T18:34:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to participate in the Try That Technique challenge that Beth and Diana do each week and I finally got a chance to. It's a shame that the technique does not really show up on a scan because it turned out pretty. I also wanted to be sure to get in on the Wings challenge from Gingersnap Creations. I definitely like how it turned out. The butterfly is from The Angel Company. The background stamp is a world map from Flourishes though it is difficult to see. To gather the crepe paper ribbon I used thin Score Tape. I first taped one side of the tape to my craft sheet (where it won't stick) then laid the crepe paper down on the tape, gathering as I went. Then I lift the whole thing up and put it on my card. That was the first time I had tried that. Anyway, without further ado, the card, Wings:

Background Whimsy using dye ink

2010-07-01T10:37:00.000-05:00

This was a tough one for me. I am not very good with detail work and this technique (from Technique Junkies) required me to outline some of my stamped image with white gel pen... eeeeek!! I gave it my best shot and this is the result. I would love to read your comments!! Thanks for looking. Oh, by the way, this card is going with a stack of cards I am sending to Operation Write Home, and organization who ships handmade cards to our military overseas, for them to send back home to their loved ones... an absolutely great group!!!

For My LJ

2010-06-21T18:29:00.000-05:00

I have been horribly sick but I was able to put this cute clown together for my youngest grandchild, Lance Junior, who loves getting cards from me... I saw this on youtube. It was done by Stampfest and I just thought LJ would love it!! (I did get to the doctor today and hope to feel better very soon!!)

Another Faux Dominoes

2010-06-19T13:36:00.000-05:00

I forgot that I wanted to post this card, though I know the shimmer will not show. I am hoping you get an idea of how it looks. The stamp I believe is Sunday International and on it I used Judikins extreme peacock and the result so far has been different every time I use it. It also changes with the length of time it is heated!! It provides a gorgeous result that is not easily caught in a scan...

Another TJ Technique

2010-06-19T13:30:00.000-05:00

So sorry I haven't posted in a while, I have had some kind of bug!!! I just now read a bunch of wonderful comments... THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!
This issue of Technique Junkies is just filled with great techniques !! The background on this card is called Antique Wallpaper and it was so easy peasy and I like the results. The stamp is an old one I got on ebay and I'm not sure who the seller was. The sentiment (which I love) is from Stampendous...

Stamp Zia Workshop

2010-06-12T18:43:00.000-05:00

I was blessed to be able to attend a fun workshop led by Zana Clark of Stamp Zia. It was great fun and I learned some great new techniques! Thought I would share my creation. Thanks for looking and I would love to read your comments!

The Card I Posted

2010-06-10T09:36:00.000-05:00

I should mention that the card I posted uses 2 Technique Junkies techniques. From the latest newsletter, the faux dominoes technique and the background on the dominoes is called washed color from an earlier newsletter!! If you like trying new techniques, Technique Junkies will keep you busy forever!!

I DID IT!!

2010-06-10T08:41:00.001-05:00

Well, I created a blog. I never thought I would but here it is and here is the reason I created it; so I can post crafty creations, especially for challenges!