PaperJoy!

Advent is a time for preparation...

2010-12-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Thought it was about time to get back into blogging, since I haven't posted in FOREVER!!! Life does get in the way, sometimes!

Anyway, I love the season of Advent! Preparing for Jesus' coming... Celebrating His historic debut AND looking forward to His return to reign!

With that in mind, I just finished a project that my family and I can enjoy for years to come... I was inspired by an advent calendar posted last year by a talented paper-crafter -- Sharon Harnist! She used an MDF kit by Kaisercraft to make her own calendar and I loved it so much, I had to buy one, too!

I've been collecting little pretties for this for over a year now, and I think it came together nicely... But, I have to say, it is IMPOSSIBLE to find any beautiful scrapbooking paper that has sacred images on it. SO, I made do with a set of background papers by Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby brand) and then found a GREAT nativity pop-up card and some paper "scraps" at D. Blumchen Co. for the centerpiece! LOVE DBC!!! They have some wonderful German crafting things, including the old-style lametta tinsel, glass glitter, Dresdens, etc.!

Without futher ado, here are some pix of the finished product -- hope you like it! To quote my eldest son, "there's a lot going on" here, but that's what makes it fun, eh? :)

Blessings to you and yours, this Advent season and at Christmas!

A Gift Set!

2009-01-11T20:44:00.004-07:00

Here is a gift I made for my sweet little friend, whose mom asked me to be with her in the delivery room while she was being born. I must say, that was quite an honor!

And, now, little Paris is 4 years old -- hard to believe!!! Her birthday was today, and this is what I gave her to show her how special she is...

This tin is one of the mini-CD tins I got from eclectic Paperie (http://www.eclecticpaperie.com/) a while back. It was the PERFECT size for what I was planning to put into it! All I had to do was remove the innards, add a pretty designer paper to the top & Bottom, and embellish!

The background designer paper is by Fancy Pants. The flowers are Prima. Everything else is by Stampin' Up!

I clear-embossed the bird image twice, using Old Olive Craft Ink and Glassy Glaze embossing powder. This gave it a great dimensional look that I couldn't help but touch all the time! LOL!!!

This next picture is the tin opened. I cut some quilt batting to fit the top and bottom of the tin, and used Monoadhesive to stick it down.

I also made a little insert, to be used as the birthday greeting "card." It sits on top of the gift.

If you flip the insert over, it looks like this. The ribbon holds the accordion-folded note closed.

Underneath, is a bracelet and earring set I made for her. They fit so nicely -- like they were intended to be there all along!

Since garnet is the birthstone for January, I HAD to use it for this set. The other beads are gold-plate. Kind of a "regal" combination, don't you think?

Paris let me put her bracelet on her wrist today and it looked so sweet on her!

And, here is the complete set. Hope you like it -- I was was very happy with how it came out!

Thanks for looking!

Blessings,

Quick Update!

2009-01-11T20:29:00.003-07:00

Hey!

It's time for me to get back into my blogging... It's been suffering terribly from neglect, but I hope to rectify that from here on out.

Before I start posting projects, though, I want to share that my family and I will NOT be moving away from here anytime in the forseeable future. That's right... Due to the current economy and the tech industry, the Singapore Project is, for all intents and purposes, dead. We will not be moving overseas, as far as we know. Bummer for us, since we won't have the cool experience of expatriation and being able to check out so many different countries within a reasonable distance from our home, but that's how it goes. I'm sure God has a plan for all of this. I just wish I knew what it is! LOL!!!

So, that's the big news from here... Now I get to start posting some fun stuff again!

Blessings,

M.

What's in a Name... ???

2008-09-02T00:01:00.001-06:00

No doubt you've heard all kinds of sayings about names... How important a good name is, how much better it is to have a good name than riches, etc... I've always had a "thing" about names. I've always wanted to be sure I spell others' names correctly (and that they spell mine correctly, too), always been interested in how people's names were chosen, what the name means in the original language, and so on...

So, I suppose it comes as no surprise that, now, I have a framed name picture hanging in my living room!!! LOL!!!

Remember all the stamped "name frames" that were REALLY popular a year or two ago? I sort of took that idea and built on it a little... Here's what it looks like and what I did:

My surname is now Japanese, thanks to my DH, and my maiden name was German! I like to tease him that our union represents the "axis" nations in WWII... Weird, but true! LOL!!! Never mind that we BOTH are citizens of the USA, and our families had been, as well, before WWII! LOL!!!

Anyway, wanting to create a piece of framed art based on our surname, I asked a dear friend, who is from Japan, to do our name in Japanese calligraphy (kanji) for me. She sweetly obliged and her work is featured in the top portion of the piece.

The other section of the piece spells out our name vertically, with each letter of our name as the first letter in a Bible scripture that means a lot to us. I tried to come up with scriptures that were representative of our family in some way, and here is the result (all from the KJV):

A -- As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, o God. Psalm 42:1

R -- Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice. Pilippians 4:4

I --It is God that girdeth me with strength and maketh my way perfect. Psalm 18:32

M -- Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Psalm 100:1,2

A -- And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psalm 9:10

I printed the verses out on a transparency sheet, then backed it with a piece of brushed gold CS, attaching it with gold mini-brads.

After creating the art panel, my next step was to cover the mat with some washi paper that coordinates with my family room decor.

The frame with the filleted mat is actually one I picked up at Fred Meyer(?), with a different piece of art in it. I just liked the frame and, since the picture was on a great sale, I figured I could remove the original work and insert my own! I have to say, though, that installing the fillet back onto the newly-covered mat was a little tricky! There has to be a way to make it a little easier... I just haven't figured it out yet! LOL!!!

Anyway, I'm very pleased with the result!!! Hope you like my little experiment, too!

Blessings,

Birthday Gift for a Nephew...

2008-09-01T14:18:00.004-06:00

Happy Labor Day! I want to take a minute to remember all the hard-working members of American society and thank you for your contributions to the American way of life! We really DO live "the American Dream," for the most part, and the USA really IS the greatest country in the world -- thanks, in part, to our citizens and the hard work done to make it so! OK -- Enough blabbering about the good ol' USA! LOL!!!

I want to show you another project I made recently, for a nephew of mine. I didn't make the bag -- just the card to match it! He asked for a University of Utah hoodie for his birthday, so we obliged and got it for him, along with a U drawstring bag, for hauling around all of his sports equipment, etc. The funny thing is that he lives in Colorado, so it's funny sending him Utah stuff! Oh well... Guess he's a fan! LOL!!!

For those of you who do not know, the University of Utah is known around "these here parts" as "The U." Thus, on the card is the "Happy Birthday 2 U" pun that I just couldn't resist! LOL!!!

This card is made with all Stampin' Up! products...

Stamps: Happy Everything; Letterpress Numbers; All about U; Party Punch

Ink: Basic Black craft; Real Red classic

Paper: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White CS

Other: Forest Branches Cuttlebug folder; paper snips; dimensionals; bone folder (for distressing edges); 1-inch circle punch

It's pretty simple, so I'll spare you the detailed directions! LOL!!!

Anyway, happy birthday, Bret!!! Love ya!!!

Sympathy Card -- Psalm 23

2008-08-14T18:49:00.004-06:00

Hey!

It's always hard to do sympathy cards, isn't it?!? Seems like it takes me a while to come up with something. However, it's nice when one has an inspiration source! I don't remember where I got the inspiration for this card, but I saw a great card made with the Psalm 23 stamp I used on this one, and knew I HAD to have the stamp!!! I love the script font and the oval shape!

I made this card for the mother of My DH's BEST FRIEND from forever ago... She and her husband were sheep ranchers, then cattle ranchers... But they've always had sheep! Seems kind of appropriate, eh?!? LOL!!!

Anyway, here it is:

And here is the recipe:

Stamps: Psalm 23 by Stampabilities; Lovely as a Tree by Stampin' Up!

Inks: Palette Noir hybrid; Creamy Caramel dye ink; various markers

Papers: Very Vanilla, Creamy Caramel & white vellum CS

Other: Black detail embossing powder; vintage mini-brads; Moss organdy ribbon; Distressor tool; Sponge wedge

I colored the oak tree image by first inking it on the Creamy Caramel pd, then applying green and brown markers to different spots, direct to rubber. I stamped this in the middle of the vanilla panel, followed by the Psalm stamp in black. After it all dried, I used a sponge wedge, inked with Creamy Caramel, to create the oval of color around the tree, using the script image for a guide and leaving the center un-colored, to highlight the tree. Next, I distressed the panel edges with my distressor tool and sponged that with caramel as well.

After tying the moss ribbon around the panel and affixing the panel to the caramel base with mini-brads, I decided it needed a little something more. What to do? I finally decided to emboss the oak leaves on vellum card stock and color them on the reverse side, for a subtle touch of extra color. I cut the leaves out and affixed them to the vanilla panel using mini glue dots. Tah-dah! All done!! It's a pretty simple design, but I think it works...

Another Manly Man Gift

2008-08-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey -- am I on a roll, or what?!? LOL!!! This is several posts in a row... Amazing!!!

Here is another gift that I made for my DH's birthday. This one was from me and contains not one, but TWO gift cards. Here it is:

This was made from a CD holder that Daisy (eP) sent me. It's fabulous with those little pockets already made! Since it is white already, all I had to do was embellish it!

My inspiration was my husband's love of sports, particularly football. He played in high school and was a full-back. Never mind that he got his knee blown out all three years; he still loves the sport for some odd reason! LOL!!!

The colors were inspired by the designer papers I used.

Here is the recipe:

Stamps: Rough & Tumble (ret.); Lexicon of Love (ret.); It's Your Birthday (soon to be ret.)

Inks: Palette Noir hybrid

Papers: Basic Grey Urban Couture DP; Chocolate Chip CS; copy paper

Other: Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware (soon to be ret.); Chocolate & Cranberry grosgrain ribbon; Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets; Tab punch; 1-inch circle punch

Urban Couture papers were adhered to both front and back covers.

The angled band was made from one of the tags in the Urban Couture packet. I just took another piece of the same paper and made another tag, a little longer, to attach to the wide end of the first tag and make a band. I placed both tags on Chocolate Chip CS, measured out 1/4-inch, and cut out the contrasting paper. This was attached to the CD holder with sticky tape I got from Taylor VanBruggen at a great price! After that, I attached jumbo eyelets at each end, for the tie.

Does it look football-ish?!? LOL!!! You know how the uniforms have all these ties and things on them, right? I was going for that look! LOL!!!

I knew I wanted the ball carrier guy from Rough & Tumble on the front, so I stamped him, colored him with watercolor crayons, and cut him out. The front needed just a little something else, so that's when I came up with the contrast panel to his side. I stamped that with the "Celebrate" sentiment, added the hardware to the top of the panel, and tied it off with cranberry grosgrain. Voila! The front was done!!!

I covered the inside of the holder in a similar manner as the outside, using various coordinating DPs, one for each section.

The sentiment was stamped on copy paper and adhered to the inside of the front panel.

After covering the white space, I needed to make little folders to hold the gift cards I'd be giving. The folder for right-hand side is square after being folded, and I attached the cute circle paper after punching it out with the tab punch. I made 2 tabs, so it would be easy to open the folder, and

offset them a little, placing the rear one a little lower than the front one.

The left-hand folder is also square, after folding it, but I decided to use a slightly different pull on it. Since it goes into the pocket with a circle-indent, I punched another half circle in the center front of the folder, to make a cohesive look. Then, I attached a jumbo eyelet in the back sid eof the folder, in the center of the punched circle area, so it would be "framed" by the punch. The last step was attaching a chocolate grosgrain ribbon to the eyelet, to help pull the folder out of the pocket. Done!

OKAY, now, I have a question for all of you bloggers out there! I seem to have trouble getting my paragraphs to be paragraphs... All my words are running together, regardless of how many spaces I put between paragraphs. What's up with that? Anyone have a solution for me? TIA!!!

Hugs & blessings,

Surprise!!!

2008-08-09T00:01:00.001-06:00

I was so thrilled the other day when I discovered some of my flowers were blooming! These are stargazer lilies -- one of my very faves -- partially because they are one of our wedding flowers! I just think they are so elegant...

Isn't it so cool to see different things blooming at various times of the year? This is one of the joys in my life... life's changes... the seasons... the different stages of maturity in my children... and in myself! Even though change can be stressful, it always brings with it some new blessings!

Like moving... Wow! Talk about changes... But won't it be great to see so many different cultures, plants, etc, where we are going?!? How fun!!!

Chatatcha later!

Manly Man Gift Holders!

2008-08-08T16:03:00.003-06:00

So, when your dear husband (DH) has a birthday, what do you get him? If he's like MY DH, he already has pretty much everything he wants! So, the boys and I decided to give him some gift certificates this time, so he could just pick out what he likes.

Of course, once you decide on giving a gift certificate, then you need to decide how it should be presented to the recipient, right? So, here is what I came up with for us.

The first project is made from a CD holder (from eP -- eclectic Paperie). This was fairly simple to make... Just embellish top and inside front...

Recipe:
Stamps: So Cool; It's Your Birthday (soon to be ret.); Bold & Basic Greetings (ret.); Background Sampler (ret.); Sporting Goods (ret.)
Inks: Palette Noir (black hybrid ink), Sahara Sand
Papers: Basic Black, Sahara Sand & So Saffron CS; Spring Showers DSP (ret.)

Dotted paper was cut to fit the top of the lid. DUDE sentiment was stamped in Palette Noir ink, after taking a cotton swab to the unwanted areas (that is so cool sentiment & part of the circle, to make room for the birthday greeting). The Happy Birthday sentiment was stamped after DUDE... Stamped the diamond background image in stamped-off Sahara Sand, and distressed the panel with a distressing tool and DTP with more Sahara Sand. Layered this on Saffron panel, overlapping the black strip and the background paper. Added an origami "shirt" made with Spring Showers DP. Stamped the tee and ball on Very Vanilla CS, cut them out, and attached to the top!

Inside, I used more Spring Showers argyle paper inside the lid and topped that with another birthday sentiment, creating a space for a signature.

As you can see, the Sports Authority gift card fits perfectly inside! I just cut 3 pieces of packing foam to fit inside the base, so the card wouldn't slide around so much.

The second project, I will share with you tomorrow... Hope you like it!

Basic Grey Book Clips

2008-08-08T15:12:00.004-06:00

Hi!

I mentioned in my last post that I'd share some more information on the bool clip blanks I used on that project... So, here is a photo of the Basic Grey Book Clips in their package.

I picked up these clips at a local scrapbooking store that was going out of business, and they had them in black, white, and pewter colors. I got them for a steal, so what's not to like about that?!? LOL!!!

Anyway, they come with pre-shaped, adhesive-backed chipboard that fits perfectly in the little "hollows" in the clips. All you have to do is to decorate the chipboard, peel off the adhesive covering on the back, and stick them down onto the clips!

I haven't seen any of these anywhere else, so I'm hoping I can find some more when I run out! LOL!

Also, I've been TAGGED by Katie! Her blog is listed on my blogroll, so go check out her fun stuff! For this tag, I'm supposed to list 7 random or unusual things about myself, and then tag 5 other bloggers.

Here are my facts (whether or not they are INTERESTING may be another story! LOL!!!):

1. I finally have a hobby room all my own!!! It was finished this past January, and I've been enjoying it so much!

2. I have a lot more crafting supplies than I thought I did, which I CONTINUE to discover as I keep trying to get everything into my new hobby room and keep finding more "stuff!!!"

3. I used to sew the majority of my clothes when I was in high school. I've just recently re-discovered the joys of sewing and started making other things, including a quilted hip bag for a good friend of mine!

4. I love to sing and if you were a fly on the wall in my house, you would find me humming or outright singing whenever I'm doing mindless chores!

5. But I CAN'T sing when I have to focus on something else (like posting on my blog), so right now, I'm not making music at all! LOL!

6. My favorite thing to do right now is to get a nice cup of something yummy to drink (almond latte', green tea latte', etc.), come down to my hobby room, laptop in hand, and putter with my stuff while periodically chatting online with friends or looking at cool projects on Splitcoast Stampers (SCS) or other favorite sites! This is what inspires me!

7. I don't know what I'm going to do without my hobby room, once we move to Singapore in Dec/Jan timeframe... Whaaaaa!!! But I have to say I'm looking forward to the expeience of living in another country!!!

OK... That's it for me, for now! I get to tag some others at this point! So, here they are:

Charmaine George -- http://charmainescafeink.blogspot.com/

Sharon Hebestreit -- http://doghasspots.blogspot.com/

I can't add anyone else to the list because the ones who know me have already beeen tagged! LOL!!! But, if these two post off this tag, you are sure to find out some interesting stuff from them!!! Hugs, ladies!!!

2008-08-04T16:26:00.009-06:00

Wow! Have I been a slacking blogger, or what?!? My most humble apologies for letting the time get away from me like I have!!! But, I'm back in the saddle again (I hope!!!), so let me share some of my latest projects with you!

Today's project is a small gift set for a very special lady -- someone who has been fighting cancer for several years, and is now going back in for her fourth round of chemotherapy. Her husband works with my husband and Harry asked me to make a card for her... So, I found out what her favorite color is (red), set about to make a card, and got a tad carried away! LOL!!! Here is the set I made for her:

The set contains: a square card (5.5 x 5.5 in.) with a book clip embellishment; a small tin with a book clip inside; and a bookmark made from cardstock.

Here is the card by itself -- and a description of what I used to make it:

Papers: Basic Black & Whisper White CS from Stampin' Up! (SU!); Basic Grey's "Scarlett's Letter" 6 x 6 designer paper pad

Inks: SU!'s Real Red; Palette Hybrid Noir (black)

Stamps: SU!'s Petal Prints; Hope; So Many Sayings

Embellishments: SU!'s Cranberry grosgrain ribbon (ret.); Basic Grey's Book Clips in black

I used a hobby blade to cut around the white leaves on the BG paper, then slipped the stamped panel behind the leaf silhouette and added another stamped flower that I cut out separately.

I stamped the BG paper with the sentiment and applied it to the book clip's chipboard piece, sanded the edges, and inked them on the real red stamp pad. After tying the ribbon on the top of the clip, the card was done!

The gift tin is made from a business card holder I got from eclectic Paperie (one of my favorite online stores!!!). With such a nice base, I felt it unneccessary to add too much to it, so I simply added a CS/designer paper top, stamped with a simple sentiment, and embellished with flowers from the SU! Pretties Kit (one of which was dyed real red via the ink pad), a black mini-brad, and some "silk" leaves I had. Tied the whole thing up with some more cranberry grosgrain and the outside was complete!

The inside was simple, as well. The inside of the lid was lined with more designer paper (DP). I made a little folder from real red CS and yet more DP for the lining. I stamped "For You" on the front of the folder, added another book clip to the front flap, and the tin was complete. This tin isn't big enough to hold a gift card (I tried it!), but you could put money, a check, or another small item inside to surprise the reciepient.

Here is the bookmark. It is pretty simple, and I used the same CS and stamp set as on the card, adding only a sentiment from SU!'s Hope for Comfort set (ret.) and some black grosgrain as well.

The corners were shaped with the tag punch and I set a heart-shaped eyelet in the top of the bookmark with my Crop-a-dile.

Now, all I need to add is a gift certificate to a book store and, voila'! A gift of love for someone who could use a little cheer!

I hope you like it... More later on the book clips I used!

You've Got Mail!

2008-02-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love these adorable "mail boxes" from the Target dollar spot? My good friend, Katie, picked up some and gave me one to play with!!! Here is my version... And it will be used to give a gift card to my SIL for her birthday this month!

I used SU!'s "Cerise" and Cosmo Cricket's "Dutch Girl" designer papers... They coordinated beautifully!

The ribbon is SU!'s retired "cranberry" grosgrain and the flowers were created with SU!'s punches.

The leaves on the side of the box were made with the 5-point flower punch, and I just cut 2 petals off and shaped the remaining 3.

The leaves on the front of the box were cut out of one of the Dutch Girl papers...

I hope she likes her gift!

YIKES!!!

2008-01-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

OK... I am a total blog flake!!! Never mind that we didn't have internet access from Dec. 11 until last week... Never mind that we got some BIG news about our future the day after Christmas...

...I'm still a flake. Sorry for the ultra-long blog silence! I promise I'll be better about posting from here on out (barring anymore unforseen circumstances -- LOL!!!)!!!

Anyway, wanna know what's going on with us? We're going to be MOVING! Not to the next town... Not to the next state... Not even to the next country! We're moving to... SINGAPORE CITY, SINGAPORE!!! This summer!!! DOUBLE YIKES!!!

I never thought I'd have an opportunity to live overseas... Wow! I'm so blown away! Harry's company is building a new fabrication facility in Singapore, and he is on the start-up team! Did I say, "WOW!"??? Wow. Exciting and scary at the same time. Wow...

More later!

Hugs & blessings,

M.

Origami Gift Box!

2007-12-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the Origami Gift Box project I promised yesterday! It was inspired by the Holiday Project Blitz on SCS! Jenn Balcer wrote a great tutorial (here - (http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/origami_box/), so if you want details on how to create the box itself, click on the link for awesome instructions!

I made this box and matching card as a birthday gift for a niece. Jenn's tutorial came along at just the right time! The box is big enough to hold a small jewelry presentation box (earrings- or ring-size), which is just what I needed!

I used a full 12" x 12" piece of designer paper for the top, and another for the bottom. This paper is from Basic Grey's Urban Couture collection. Isn't it beautiful? I got it at eP (see link on the right), one of my favorite online shops!!! I got the Prima flowers there, too (thanks, Daisy)!

Once the box was made, I embellished it with the gorgeous chocolate satin ribbon from SU!'s Theater ribbon collection. Then, it just needed a tag. The tag layers are (from bottom to top): scallop-punched Chocolate Chip CS; more of the DP punched with a 1.25" circle punch; a Prima lace collection flower; and the brad is one of SU!'s Build-a-Brads, using more of the DP stamped with the small flower from SU!'s Baroque Motifs set. I LOVE these Build-a-Brads! They add such a "finished" look to things!!! The tag was attached to the ribbon with some SU! copper cord (ret.).

This box matches the card I posted yesterday. Scroll down for info, and thanks for looking!

Did You Know...

2007-12-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

...how EASY it is to dye the flowers in Stampin' Up!'s "Pretties Kit?!?" It is incredibly easy! Those little blooms absorb ink like you wouldn't believe! Here's a birthday card I made for another of my nieces (in November), which uses a couple different techniques to dye the flowers.
This square (4.25 x 4.25") card was made using Chocolate Chip card stock and one of Basic Grey's GORGEOUS Urban Couture papers. It coordinates beautifully with SU!'s Almost Amethyst ink! Taking my color cues from the origami gift box I made for my niece (which I will post next), I stamped the DSP with SU!'s Baroque Motifs set, using CRAFT Almost Amethyst and CLASSIC Basic Brown inks. I never would have put Chocolate Chip, Amethyst, and (esp.)YELLOW together, but the paper tied the color scheme together like a dream!

Of course, for a vintage-y look, one must distress the paper a bit with a distressing tool and some DTP (Direct-to-Paper) inking. Paper piercing, too, adds to the look.

The lovely velvet ribbon on the top L.H. corner is from SU!'s Theatre ribbon collection. Isn't it YUMMY?!? I would buy an entire spool of this stuff, if I could! I used the Key Tag punch for the sentiment papers, and stamped it with the Happy Birthday phrase from Warmest Regards (ret.?).

The largest flower was created with SU!'s scallop punch (Chocolate Chip), 1.25" circle punch (Almost Amethyst), a Prima "lace" flower, and topped off with SU!'s new Build-a-Brad in Pewter (stamped w/Baroque Motifs flower in Basic Brown). WHEW!

The uppermost flower embellishment was created with SU!'s Pretties Kit stick pin, pearl bead, and clear teardrop bead. The small Pretties Kit amethyst flower was next (inked with the amethyst pad and then highlighted on the edges with a marker -- both inks absorb QUICKLY!!!), followed by two more Prima lace collection flowers (cream/script & cocoa). The cocoa flower was rubbed on the Basic Brown pad to bring out its texture more and help tie it in better color-wise.

The smallest flower, on the R.H. side of the bunch, was two of the Pretties Kit flowers, in different sizes, dyed with the Caramel and Amethyst stamp pads. The center is a pearl "stamen" left over from when I made my grandparents' card cake. It was a very fun project -- I hope she likes it!!!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

2007-12-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

CHRISTMAS!!!!!!! See all the beautiful white stuff God sent to us on Saturday?!? We awoke to 4 inches or snow, and then it continued snowing into the afternoon, and we ended up with SIX inches that day!!!

The boys went sledding twice on Saturday and had an absolute ball! What a wonderful day!

Aren't these trees and bushes in our front yard lovely?!? I love snow-laden trees!

This is the view from our back deck, Close to the middle of the yard...

And this is the view from the deck, into the right-hand corner of the yard (the rose arbor!)...

Here is the left-hand view of the yard...

And the bird feeder...

I tell you -- with each change of season, I always marvel at the things God has created and how well He orchestrates them all! Everything designed to perfection... such amazing variety (even no two snowflakes are alike)... Our God is AWESOME!!!

Glitz Galore!

2007-11-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hey... So sorry it's been so long since I posted last! Time sure flew... Yikes!

But, I'm back now and hope to share some fun things with you! The card I'm posting today is one I made for a sweetie-pie friend of mine (hi Katie!), for her birthday! She loves PINK and BLING, so I thought I'd accommodate her in that! LOL!!!

The background papers are from Basic Grey's "Perhaps" 6"x6" paper pad. I did the wallpaper "wainscoting" thing. After adhering the 2 backgrounds to the Pomegranate panel, I took my Essential Glue Pad and stamped the Stampendous flower with it -- and then added SU!'s Dazzling Diamonds, of course! LOL!!! This gave the background a glittery swirly effect (can't really tell in this photo, though).

Then, after tying the Pomegranate stitched ribbon at the paper seam, I added SU!'s (ret.) Vintage Diamond Mini-brads to the corners of the panel.

I stamped the Stampendous bloom again, on vellum CS, Pomegranate CS, and one of the "plain" Perhaps papers, using my Palette Noir black ink pad (that pad is FABULOUS!!! First time I've used it and I was very impressed by the coverage, etc.!). After letting the ink dry, I cut out all three flowers and shaped their petals with my fingers. And, of course, added more Dazzling Diamonds glitter to their centers, with the help of my Sakura Quickie Glue Pen! I LOVE how you can control exactly where you want that glue!!! It's FABulous, Dah-link! The flowers were mounted onto the card using dimensionals.

The last touch was the Happy Birthday sentiment (SU!), stamped on more of the pink Perhaps paper, punched with the ticket corner punch, and backed with a Pomegranate panel done the same way. Added more diamond brads, mounted it on dimensionals and, voila! 'Tis finished!

In case you are wondering, all the non-Stampin' Up! items listed here I got from eP (eclectic Paperie at http://www.eclecticpaperie.com/index.html), my FAV online paper-crafting store!!! In fact, it has been impossible to find the glue pad here in the SLC area, at least in the major craft stores. I know, because Katie looked for one ALL OVER after I gave her this card! LOL!!! Nothing like being an enabler, eh?!? LOL!!!

Anway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Katie!!! Have an AWESOME year! (Go check out the cake her DH decorated for her, here: http://eitakwilson.blogspot.com/2007/11/birthday.html -- Don't you just LOVE the cute hearts he made with ALL THAT FROSTING?!? LOL!!!)

Jewelry Gift!

2007-10-22T18:05:00.000-06:00

I mentioned earlier that I'd post a picture of the jewelry I made for my niece (Funky Color! post), after I knew she had opened her gift, so here it is!

Chains are really big right now, so I wanted to do something with a great chain! I found this silver-electroplated chain at the Gem Faire in September, and snapped it right up!

Then, I needed to pick out some great beads for accent! Since my niece's favorite color is PURPLE, amethyst was the only stone to consider! LOL!!! Then, I found these AWESOME rock crystal (quartz) beads, as well, and HAD to add them to the mix! (I NEEDED them!!! LOL!!!)

So, here is the finished product... A long necklace, to wear in a single layer or drape in more layers, a matching bracelet, and earrings! Oh, what fun I had making these!!!

And, to top it all off, she LOVED them!!! Happy birthday again, Stacee!!! Love you!

Funky Color!

2007-10-15T08:53:00.000-06:00

Yikes!!! It's been too long since I posted last... Hopefully, I can be more consistent from here on out...

Anyway, here is another gift set, for another niece of mine, that I just sent out for her birthday! The colors are, to me, a bit funky and definitely a "stretch" for me, but they are close to the colors in her bedroom (she does admit her room is a tad on the bright side, and she doesn't need a light at night! LOL!!!)... But I didn't really use the orange in her room so much... Instead, I pulled the coral and rose red out of the Fancy Pants paper that I chose because it screamed her name to me -- KWIM?

The card here is 4.5" x 4.5" square, plus the scalloped circle hanging off the top of it. I know I CASEd this concept from someone on SCS (Cambria?), but can't put my finger on who...

The card base is Cameo Coral, layered with Rose Red and the darling FancyPants paper, Aged Florals - Honeybunch. The paper-piercing template aided me in creating the corner accents. The sentimant is from SU!'s Warmest Regards set.

I used my Giga Punch for the large scalloped circle, and cut the patterned paper with my circle Coluzzle. Punched each scallop with my 1/16" circle punch, stamped the flower from SU!'s Looks like Spring set, with Rose Red craft ink, let that dry, then set the pewter jumbo eyelet for the flower's center.

The small "flower" (scalloped circle) was punched with SU!'s new scallop punch and 1.25" circle punch. I used Mellow Moss 1/4" grosgrain ribbon for the flowers' "stems" and "leaves," tucking the end under the Rose Red layer of the card to finish it off.

Here is the gift box I created to go with the card. It is just a simple, white necklace box, finished off with a "belly band" of Rose Red CS and the same Fancy Pants paper I used on the card. The tag is, again, made with SU!'s new scallop punch (gotta tie in the scallop motif, you know!) and SU!'s 1" circle punch. Punch the small circle first, with enough space around it so the scallop punch can do its job. Punch another scallop in the designer paper, and layer the rose on the patterned paper to make a cute little flower. Punch a hole in each scallop (1/8" punch), tie the tag on with Moss grosgrain ribbon, and you are done!

I'll post the gift itself after I know she has opened it!

Happy birthday (tomorrow), Stacee!!!

A Small Gift...

2007-09-21T16:54:00.000-06:00

... for one of my nieces!

Her favorite color is PINK and she is turning 14 this year! What do you give a young teen for her birthday?!? Why, JEWELRY, of course!!! Especially if she is a FASHIONISTA like this one (and her sisters)!!!

So, here is the gift I made her:
This jewelry set is made with Chinese pink opals, rhodonite, onyx, and silverplated beads, with sterling silver spacers and findings. I hope she likes it! I LOVE pink and black together!!!

Here is the gift box and card together. I had to stick with the pink and black theme, you know! LOL!!!

Here is the card and the creative deets:

Stamps: Oh, So Lovely
Inks: Going Gray, Basic Black, Pretty in Pink, Pixie Pink
Papers: Pixie Pink, Basic Black, Whisper White
Other: Aquapainter; Pretties Kit Rhinestone Brad; Doodlebug Paper Frill (white, dyed with Pixie Pink pad); Flower & Leaves from Michael's.

I CASEd this card from Chrissyd723's cards, here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/664375. I totally fell in love with the gray background stamping she did, and then the colored focal point done with the same stamp. I think it is an elegant way to tie background and foreground together! Thanks, Chrissy!

I embellished the gift box very simply, by just wrapping a 2-inch designer paper strip (Fancy Pants Designs, "Lovebird") around the center for a belly band and adhering with sticky tape. Then, I punched a 1-inch circle out of Basic Black CS, centered the circle in the scallop punch, and got a cute little black "flower" out of it. Backed the black with another scallop, punched from Pixie Pink CS. Added detail by punching each scallop with my 1/8-inch circle punch for a more "lacy" look. Tied the scallop gift tag onto the box with (ret.) black organdy ribbon, over the paper band, and wrote my niece's name in the center of the flower. I like how it turned out! I hope it's a hit!

A Glimmer Mist Gift! Go eP!!!

2007-09-21T15:38:00.000-06:00

Woo-hoo!!! Have you seen what eclectic Paperie (eP) is offering their customers this month?!? Get a load of THIS (from an e-mail I got from eP):

JOIN THIS GlIMMER MIST PARTY!

We are excited to host our first event called "An eclectic Coterie". We've all heard the buzz on Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels. They are releasing seasonal colors for a limited time only. So we are having a party for all Glimmer Mist fans. The more people that come to the party, the more free Glimmer Mist you get! Read more for offer details and don't forget to invite your friends.

An eclectic Coterie - Glimmer Mist Limited Edition Special

The Details: Purchase all twelve (12) seasonal colors for $79.99 (plus shipping).
FALL: Aspen Yellow, Autumn Leaves, Harvest Orange, Juniper, Merlot, and Red Maple. WINTER: Frosty Nights, Gingerbread, Winterberry, Mistletoe, Snowflake and Sugar Cookie.

Now some the additional FUN Details: If we sell 40 bundles, everyone who purchased the seasonal bundle will receive a free bottle of Glimmer Mist Patina($6.95 value)absolutely free!

If we sell 80 bundles,everyone who purchased the seasonal bundle will receive both Glimmer Mist Patina AND Glimmer Mist Antique Brass($6.95 value) free.

That is right. The more people at our Coterie, the more free stuff you will get with your bundle purchase. We'll keep you posted on the eP blog as to how many more people we need to invite in order to add free Glimmer Mist to your packages. So your mission is to share this offer and enable all your friends. The more people who join this coterie, the more Glimmer Mist we all add to our collection. These limited edition colors are only available for the fall and winter season. eclectic Paperie is making this exclusive offer through this special newsletter. This eP Glimmer Mist special will not ship until the eclectic Coterie is over.

This special offer is only available from September 18th to September 30th. These special orders will not ship until early October.

Please email info@eclecticpaperie.com if you have any questions. Visit the eP Blog for more information and photos of how Glimmer Mist can work into your paper crafts. Glimmer All the Way!

Daisy & Joy

***************************
So, how about it?!? I know *I* want some of this cool product! If you need further motivation, go to Vicki Chrisman's blog (listed at right) and check out her awesome projects! She's the QUEEN of Glimmer Mist!!! LOL!

M.

My 93-Year-Old Grandparents!

2007-09-18T22:06:00.000-06:00

Oh, I have to say it was SO WONDERFUL to be able to share my grandparents' 70th anniversary with them!!! They are two of the dearest people in my life, and I can't even begin to express my deep love for them, and the great JOY I feel when I get to spend time with them!!!

And, bless their sweet hearts, they are still VERY spry and healthy for their age -- 93 years old!!! I just want to share a few pictures of them with you, since they are so special to me!

Here they are, next to the card cake I made for them -- getting ready to greet their friends and family at the anniversary party! Isn't my grandmother ELEGANT?!? Still straight as a pin, and dressed in her favorite colors, too! Granddad is looking pretty dapper as well!

Here, they are reading together a note someone wrote to them...

And, last but not least, here they are laughing about something... I think I still see a little "spark" there! (Isn't is SO CUTE?!?!) What do you think?!?

GOD BLESS MY GRANDPARENTS!!! Heaven knows how much they have blessed MY life, for all these years... I LOVE YOU, Grandmother & Granddad!!!

M.

70 Years of Marriage!!!

2007-09-05T22:09:00.000-06:00

WOW!!! My maternal grandparents will be celebrating their 70th anniversary this Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007!!! What an accomplishment! I definitely admire them for this! Not too many people get there... They are such a neat couple, and I'm sure their faith in God has been the foundation for their strong marriage! I hope I get there, one day... I was figuring it out the other day and discovered that I will be 102 that year! LOL!!! (Whew!!!)

Anyway, one of my uncles is planning a "surprise" reception for them on Saturday! (I'm not sure it will be a complete surprise, though... He placed an announcement in the paper and Granddad reads the paper regularly! LOL!!!)

My contribution to this special day is this "card cake" I just finished making today! It's a container for the cards they may be receiving. When I saw the one Vicki Chrisman posted on her blog, I knew I had to make one as well! Hers is FAB-OOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! (Check it out here: http://vickichrisman.blogspot.com/2007/08/beautiful-day-for-wedding.html)

Knowing that my Grandmother's absolute favorite color combination is blue and white, I took those as my color cues and found some lovely ribbons at Hobby Lobby! I think I went a bit overboard on the ribbon -- what do you think?!? (Couldn't resist!!!)

Here is the "big picture" of the completed cake front:

And back:

And, here is some detail as well:
I stamped the boxes with SU!'s Brocade Basics stamp set, using my Essential Glue Pad and applied Dazzling Diamonds glitter (this is their "diamond" anniversary, after all! LOL!!!). The card stock I used for the flowers was SU!'s Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue, and white vellum. I punched out the petals with both the large and small oval punches, curled each petal, and adhered them to a smaller circle base in the matching color. The bling in the flower centers are the clear rhinstone brads from the Pretties Kit! Love them!!! The leaves were punched from vellum, then I used my stylus to create the veining and make them more dimensional.

The lacy edging on the box tops is just the edges of square paper doilies. I had to use several pieces to make it all the way around the cake, but the doily corners made a good accent at the seams, I think! Looks a lot like Battenburg Lace to me!

The photograph in the frame is one taken of my grandparents about 20 years ago... I wish I had a photo of them as newlyweds but, alas, I do not! I'm so excited to see them this weekend!!! Thanks for sharing my joy with me!

A Back-to-School Oldie...

2007-09-03T16:31:00.001-06:00

ETA (Edited To Add): A tutorial for this project has just been posted on SplitcoastStampers.com! If you want to see the tutorial, here is the URL for it:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/backpackbox

Thanks & blessings,

M.

Hi!

Just so you know I haven't forgotten about my blogging family, I thought I'd post a project today. I can't yet post what I've been working on this past couple of weeks, so here is a project from my *ancient* past, when I was a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! LOL!!!

I created this project from an existing box on the demo website, tweaking it here and there to create a backpack, for a Back-to-School swap I was in. Just might be appropriate for NOW, eh?!? LOL!

Not much stamping here, except for using the Classic Alphabet and Numbers sets (ABC, 123)... Used my coluzzle to create the flaps and Velcro half-circles to close the flaps...

I think the rest is pretty self-explanatory, but if you have any questions about it, feel free to ask! Just be sure and leave your e-mail addy on your post so that I can reply, okay?

Happy Back-to-School time!!!

Sports, Injuries, The "Sports Mom" Thing...

2007-08-18T13:33:00.000-06:00

YIKES!!! Ya know... When I signed on to be a mom, I didn't count on a lot of things... Like sitting for 2-3 hours at a sports practice, when my son can only WATCH, because HE BROKE HIS WRIST!!!

But, that's what happened... He broke his wrist at school last Wednesday, during recess -- playing football, wouldn't ya know it -- and now he can't practice football with his team! But, as a dutiful supporter of his team, he "gets" to go to practice and watch, in the rain, wishing he could do it all with everyone else... Poor kid!

This is the one who did the flip off his bike and got 7 stitches in his mouth. Now he has a "buckle fracture" on his left Radius... At least he is right-handed!

This is the one who just "knew" he would be "good at football," causing us to get him AND his brother signed up for the sport!!! (I won't even begin to discuss the cost difference between football and the other sports he has played -- let's just not go there.) And, of course, we couldn't get a refund on his fees, even though the games haven't even started yet... Sheesh!

But, motherhood IS rewarding! (If I say that often enough, it will begin to sink in, right?!? LOL!!!) At least I get to build some more character... Even though I'm enough of a character to begin with... ROFLOL!!!

Well, enough rambling for now... Gotta go back to my mothering duties! Here's to all you mothers out there! May you always see the silver lining!

Blessings,

M.

MIA...

2007-08-10T16:17:00.000-06:00

Hey!

You may have been wondering where I disappeared to, since I haven't been blogging for a while! Well, it's called going home to see family (1 week), having family come see us (for 10 days), and then working in our VBS program for a week! Whew!!! It's enough to keep a person pretty busy!!! Good, but ***BUSY!!!***

Tomorrow, the VBS families are going to have a swimming day and, on Sunday, we get to present a program for the parents, sharing what the kids have learned all week (and I'm the one who gets to recap it all for them! LOL!)... So, sorry, I'm not posting any projects today or this weekend, but maybe Monday evening, after I've had a chance to stamp again!

I have to share something else, though! I've been ***highly honored*** by being listed on eclectic Paperie's eP Friends list a few weeks ago!!! Woo-hoo!!!! Thank you, Daisy & Joy!!! You should see the other eP Friends listed on the eP blog (http://eclecticpaperie.blogspot.com/)... They are all such fabulously-talented women... WOW!!! I'm a little intimidated to be in their company!

Anyway, that's the news from here, and I'll be back to posting more regularly next week! Chatatcha later!

M.

For My Dad...

2007-07-16T20:30:00.000-06:00

I LOVE the new Crafty Secrets Clear Art Stamps! I picked up the Bird Notes set from Eclectic Paperie and *had* to use them on a birthday card for my dad! He's such a bird lover!!! He has a gazillion bird feeders in his yard and loves watching the birds visit them! So, here is what I came up with...

The card base is Chocolate Chip, with layers of True Thyme (distressed) and the new Brocade Background DSP (sanded) from SU!

The bird image was stamped on Very Vanilla CS, then colored with my aquapainter and River Rock ink pad. I used my Watercolor Pencils from SU! to lay in some more detailed color on the birds and branch, then used my Bashful Blue ink pad and aquapainter to color in the sky. The edge was distressed for more dimension.

The bird feathers were stamped in a line, using black, on the DSP panel. The sentiment is stamped with Basic Black on Very Vanilla CS, again distressing the edges.

Chocolate Chip CS was punched with the Word Window punch and attached on one side with the brass Vintage mini-brads.

It's a pretty simple design but, I think, effective for a man's card! Hope you like it!

Another Creative Outlet for Me!

2007-07-16T19:23:00.000-06:00

I'd like to share with you one of my newer "vices" that I've been involved with lately... You know that beading craze? Well, it hit me, too!!! LOL! Here are a few projects that I've made in the past couple of months...

This first jewelry set is made from blue lace agate and Austrian blue crystals, with silver spacer beads. The photo doesn't do it (or the others) justice at all.

The next set is snowflake obsidian, black onyx, and these CUTE little turtle beads! I LOVE turtles... The turtle was my personal mascot, bestowed on me by a teammate, when I was swimming with my high school swim team (slow and steady wins the race, I guess! LOL!)

I love the speckles in the snowflake obsidian! What a pretty stone!!!

This last set is much more simple, but is a great "everyday" kind of set... It is made with sodalite and silver beads. Since blue is my favorite color, and the sodalite goes so well with denim, I "had" to make this set for myeslf! And, of course, the cross has tons of meaning for me. I like to wear a cross everyday. Guess I'd better make more jewelry with crosses, so I have one to wear with every outfit, eh?!? LOL!

Thanks for looking!

I've been Tagged...

2007-07-09T10:10:00.000-06:00

...Thanks Charmaine!!!

Ok... If you don't know Charmaine George, you're missing out! She's an "ultra-cutie," who has lots of interests that aren't your run-of-the-mill American-type interests!!! She blogs, too, and here is her site: http://charmainescafeink.blogspot.com/. Check it out and you'll get a taste of what I mean, esp. if you read HER "tagged" post!

So, I've been "tagged!" That means, I get to list 7 little-known facts about myself, and then tag someone else to do the same!

Here are my facts:

1. Even though I'm *VERY* outgoing and **LOVE** spending time with my friends & family, I also ***ADORE*** having time to myself, for myself, by myself. Guess it's a "personal space" issue -- or, maybe just a reaction to having grown up with 8 siblings! LOL!

2. People think I'm always "up" but, in reality, I have plenty of crabby moments -- esp. in the morning, before I get my almond latte'! LOL!

3. I was born and raised in the Western US, but my *heart* is in the East! I always thought this was the case and, after visiting VA, MD & DC last September, that thought has been confirmed! I would ***LOVE*** to live there (I ***HATE*** the desert!!!)!

4. I have *extremely* strong feelings about things! (Oh -- wait -- that's not a little-known fact about me -- EVERYONE who knows me at all knows this! LOL!!!) BUT, I tend to back down on things that aren't as important, or just not push the issue if I think it will cause a major conflict. Guess I get that from my Dad! NOTE: I DON'T back down from my boys, though. And they don't like that very much! LOL!

5. If I had an "idol," my maternal grandmother would be it!!! She is THE most loving, genteel, gracious, elegant, and gifted woman I know!!! I want to be just like her when I grow up!

6. If I could play an instrument on a professional level, I would play the harpsichord (see #5 above -- my grandmother plays!!!).

7. Classical music (esp. sacred) is my VERY FAV!!! It just calms me! Having grown up in a family devoted to classical music (and with professional classical musicians) was a ***great*** gift and one I will always cherish!

I would talk about my faith in God, too, but I think everyone knows about that, so it wouldn't fit into the "little-known-facts-about-me" category! LOL!

So, now I get to tag someone else who blogs! I have to say, the only one I know who blogs and hasn't been tagged yet is Katie (http://www.stampingspot.blogspot.com/)! So, Katie, here is your tag! You're it!!!

...And the Matching Card!

2007-07-08T17:19:00.000-06:00

Here is the card I made to go with the Post-it Note holder in my previous post. It uses the same products, PLUS...

The Pale Plum strip was pierced using the paper piercer and...

...see the cute little mini-card on the front?!? It stays closed via this GREAT magnetic snap closure by Basic Grey! These "snaps" are just SPIFFY!!! They are only 1/16" thick when connected, have an adhesive already on them, AND they have enough magnetism to stay connected, despite the doubled ribbon between them! Now, if I'd been thinking ahead, I would have placed the bottom one underneath the Vanilla layer, to hide it -- but such is life... Since I don't always think ahead, the recipient of this card will just have to deal with it -- and I will know better next time! LOL!!!

By the way, I got these magnetic snaps at ***eP*** (http://www.eclecticpaperie.com/i-need-that.html), one of my VERY FAVORITE PLACES to shop!!! If you check it out, tell my friends Daisy and Joy that I sent you! (You'll LOVE what they offer!!!)

Here is the set together, so you can get the "big picture!" Hope you like it!

Carte Post-It!

2007-06-29T10:24:00.000-06:00

I was sooooooooooooooooo happy to learn that Carte Postale made it into the new (Fall/Winter 2007) Stampin' Up! catalog!!! It is one of my very favorite sets from last year's mini-catties! So, I hastened to put together this FUN project! It just took me a while to get it posted! LOL!

I realize the Enchante' papers are retired, BUT the same design is available in NEW COLORS in the new catty!!! How fun!

This is a Post-It note holder, made with the heavy-weight coasters, Bind-It-All, and binding wires I got at eclectic Paperie (eP). Daisy and Joy are AWESOME to work with!!! So is the Bind-It-All! It can punch thru this heavy coaster with no trouble whatsoever!!! I did discover, however, that a heavy-weight coaster + designer paper (on both sides of the coaster) + card stock + twill tape makes it all a little too thick to place into the punching slot... So I don't think I'll put twill tape there next time! LOL!!! I ended up using my 1/4" circle hand punch to make the holes where the twill tape was.

This is the inside of the post-it holder. I used the other side of the paper that I had adhered to the outsides of the covers. Crystal Effects makes a GREAT glue for this. After adhering the papers, I sanded the coaster edges, punched the spine, and started embellishing with ribbon (twill tape & Ribbon Originals - Prep School - celery) and card stock. Tab was created with SU!'s tab punch. Layered medallion was stamped in Perfect Plum and colored with Watercolor Crayons and markers.

Once the ribbons were on, I bound the coasters together with the binding wires.

Then came the MOST FUN part! I LOVE making little 3-D embellishments! The larger flower was created by cutting a flower out of one of the Enchante' papers, adding the central flower and a black Vintage mini-brad, and shaping the petals. The smaller flowers were made by cutting out the flower from the medallion stamp in Carte Postale, after stamping it on different Enchante' papers and shaping the petals. The two flowers on the right also have the smaller, central flower, cut from paper in another shade or tint of the plum. Add a black Vintage mini-brad to the centers and you are done!

The leaves are simply the central flower stamped on celery DP and cut in half. I made the little bud with 1/2 of a plum flower and 1/3 of a celery flower. Roll the three plum petals into a cone shape and adhere the overlapping sides. Roll the two celery petals into a cone and adhere to the outside of the plum bud. Adhere to cover as desired. That's it!

Candy Sushi!

2007-06-20T14:27:00.000-06:00

*GIGGLE!!!* So, aren't you tickled when you get an idea and it turns out EXACTLY like you were hoping?!? Well, I have to say, I just had one of those awesome experiences!!! I found this candy nigirizushi recipe (with the Swedish Fish) on AllRecipes.com, and once that turned out (SOOOOOO CUTE!!!), I had to move on with a lightbulb idea I had when making the nigiri... the makizushi (rolled sushi)!!! Check it out! I'm absolutely beside myself with glee!!! Hee, hee!!!

The base of both is just the Rice Krispie treat recipe. The nigiri base is hand-formed and set aside to cool. Then, the Swedish Fish are placed on top and Fruit by the Foot is wrapped around the entire piece, in the middle. Voila! Nigiri!!! (Aren't they adorable?!? Hee, hee!!!)

Here's a close-up of the nigiri...

The embellishments -- er, I mean, *garnishes* (I think I've got stamping on the brain! LOL!) are as follows:

"Grass": Glorious Green CS, cut just right

"Gari" (ginger): Sliced Laffy Taffy

"Wasabi": Molded Laffy Taffy

Hee, hee!!! I tickle myself!!!

And, here is a closeup of the maki:

The "innards" are made of Laffy Taffy, Chocolate Twizzlers, and Twizzler Pull-Aparts (hard to see... It's the little red dot).

Lay out 2 Laffy Taffy colors (green and yellow or orange) and stick them together. Add the thin red string on one side of seam and the chocolate on the other.

NOTE: Prepare all your candy strips first, or your Krispies will harden too much to mold (don't ask me how I know this! LOL!).

To assemble: Lay out a piece of waxed paper on the counter. Scoop some Krispies from the pan and form a small rectangle with it -- long enough to go the length of the candy and 3x as wide. Lay set of candies in middle of rice and wrap rice around candy, forming it into a log. Try to ensure the candy is in the center of the log, for the best results. Mold fairly tightly, to ensure it all stays together. Set log aside and finish others. Allow logs to cool COMPLETELY. Wrap each log with Fruit by the Foot (FBTF -- spiral wrap is good, overlapping edges just a tad). Press ends of FBTF to seal. Slice logs with VERY sharp, buttered knife, cleaning it as necessary. Enjoy!!!

Grad Season!

2007-06-13T11:12:00.001-06:00

'Tis the season to honor graduates, so I made several graduation cards, all in their school colors! All the high school graduates in our youth group were girls, so I got to make a more girly card, instead of a more generic one. I've been wanting to use this Stampendous! Agapanthus Cluster stamp, so the grads gave me the opportunity to use it a bunch!

Aside from the Agapanthus stamp and the Cuttlebug embossing folder, all supplies are from Stampin' Up!

For the background pattern, I "Cuttlebugged" some brushed silver and gold CS, punched the panels with the ticket corner punch, and adhered the panel to the colored CS base (in this case, Brilliant Blue and Bravo Burgundy). Stamped the agapanthus and "rivet" in the card base color, distressed the flower panel with my distressing tool, then DTP'd the edges of the images with the appropriate Encore! metallic color (silver or gold). I then backed the images with CS and mounted the flower panel on the card. I made a slit in the card's fold for the grosgrain ribbon, then wrapped teh ribon around the card front and tied it in a square knot. Attached the rivet over the ribbon's knot with Dimensionals, allowing the ribbon ends to hang out of the center hole and then trimmed them to length.

Here is a closer view of one of the cards:

The following photo is the inside of the card... Guess I got carried away with the innards! LOL! Actually, I needed to add more sentiments and a short note to each of the grads, so this layout enabled me to do just that. Again, I used the ticket corner punch and DTP to add depth and personality.

So, that is my foray into the world of graduation cards this year! Fun stuff!!!

Enchanting Fresh Bloom!

2007-06-02T10:54:00.000-06:00

This Fresh Bloom stamp by Stampendous has me enthralled! Its simple beauty just screams, "Stamp with me! I'm FUN!!!" And, indeed, it is! Thanks, Daisy, for enabling my habit with your wonderful products!!! (This stamp is carried by Daisy & Joy in their online store, eP -- see previous post for link.)

So, I made some very-belated birthday cards with it (inspired by Julie HRR many weeks ago!) that should have been sent LOOOOOOONG ago! Didn't take too long, either, amazingly enough!!! (LOL!!! Did you know I get "paralyzed by perfection" all the time?!?) But, when I determine that SIMPLE is the key word, I don't get sidetracked by labor-intensive techniques that add a bunch of time to the project! LOL!

At any rate, here is the finished product -- two 4"x4" cards, using the Enchante' papers and coordinating card stock from Stampin' Up! Here are the deets...

For this card, I made a 3.75"x 3.75" card from one of the Enchante' papers, then backed it with a black 4"x4" square. I stamped the bloom off-center, then added the sentiment from the It's Your Birthday set (SU!). Feeling a need for embellishment, I added the Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the bloom center and stamens. Topped it off with a black organdy ribbon and, viola'! The card was complete! This card was created using the reverse side of the designer paper (DP) used above -- don't you think this fresh and youthful side is more appropriate for a 12-year-old girl?!? So fun! The bloom was stamped onto a piece of 3.75"x4.75" acetate with Staz-On ink. Once the ink was dry, Dazzling Diamonds glitter was adhered to the back side of the bloom with my 2-way glue (every girl likes glitter, right?!? LOL!). The extra inch of acetate was folded over (after scoring) so it could be attached to the back of the DP. The sentiment was stamped onto the reverse side of a scrap of the same DP, then trimmed to fit and attached to the DP card. The flourishes (from SU!'s Carte Postale set) were stamped onto the DP, eye-balling placement around the bloom. I should have used my Stamp-a-Ma-Jig for better placement, but I was in a hurry! LOL! The finishing touch was to attach the bottom of the acetate to the DP card with SU!'s Vintage brads in silver. A sweet card, don't you think? I hope she likes it!

Dutch Girl Birthday

2007-06-01T17:41:00.000-06:00

My friend Corina is THE ORIGINAL Dutch Girl!!! LOL!!! seriously, she immigrated to the states from Holland when she was about 7 years old... So she even speaks the language! (Lucky lady!!!) And, she just celebrated her birthday this week!

Anyway, I thought that the Cosmo Cricket Dutch Girl papers would be PERFECT to use for her birthday card! ( know -- sometimes I'm in definite "cheesy" mode!!! LOL!) So, using the Dutch Girl crafting kit, I swiped the die-cut "C" from the letter pages and backed it with Stampin' Up's Ruby Red card stock, for a border. Ruby Red matches the red in the papers perfectly!

The card base is Ruby Red, with one of the patterned papers for a contsrasting panel. Another pattern was used for the red strip and edged with one of the "Paper Frills" by Doodlebug Design. SU!'s Vintage brads finish off the strip. The "Joy" sentiment is from SU! as well and was stamped in black on Whisper White CS, then punched out with the smaller of SU!'s two oval punches. The larger oval pounch was used on the red patterned paper from the Dutch Girl collection, to finish it all and tell Corina how much joy she has brought into my life by her friendship!

BTW, if you are looking for a great source for the non-SU! items used on this card, check out Eclectic Paperie -- http://www.eclecticpaperie.com/index.html -- that is where I got the paper frills and the Dutch Girl papers! My friends Daisy and Joy will treat you right and they have so many awesome things at eP!!!

I have to apologize for the poor coloring on this photo -- I am still learning how to "stage" these projects and get good images of them! Please bear with me as I work through this!

Happy Birthday, Corina!!! Hope this year brings all good things to you! Love ya!

Easy Ruby!

2007-05-13T21:52:00.000-06:00

I'm finally getting around to posting some paper-crafting things here and I'm very excited to share them with you! This starting piece was a VERY easy card I made for a friend's birthday, using the Stella Ruby papers by Basic Grey (got them from http://www.eclecticpaperie.com/index.html) -- luscious stuff, that really should be the spotlight of the card! So, that is how it was designed.

The top-fold card base is Pretty in Pink card stock from Stampin' Up! and so is the pink strip backing the second Stella Ruby paper (the stripe), which I cut with scallop scissors on both sides for a fun trim! After mounting the stripey strip (technical term! LOL!!!), I made a slit in the top of the card for the Cranberry Stitched ribbon (also SU!), then tied on the SU! Hodgepodge Hardware frame, which has the greeting stamped onto So Saffron CS and attached with mini-pop dots. I finished off the other side of the frame with a matching mini-brad.

The only stamping was the greeting and I didn't use any additional techniques on this card, such as DTP... So quick and easy, but elegant enough to be a Mother's Day card as well! Hope you like it...

M.

Melodrama Madness!

2007-04-24T12:57:00.000-06:00

My son's 6th-grade melodrama performances last week went off well and the play was well-received by the audiences! It was a blast watching the kids' hard work (3 months' worth) pay off in this hysterical final product! They have only one more performance, at another grade school, and this saga will be over!

My in-laws even came for a visit just for this (they have a 7-hour drive to get here), and my son did them proud! LOL!

So, now that I FINALLY have decent photos of the melodrama backdrops... Here they are!

This is the BIG ONE! It is12' x 27' and was hung on the curtain track at the very back of the stage...

Here is one of the three smaller ones (9' x 12') we painted-- this one was used for the classroom and the wall behind the saloon bar:

Here is the street scene:

And here is the mercantile interior (the teacher's favorite!):

I wish I had gotten a less-fuzzy photo of the last one, and had better lighting for the big backdrop... But, oh well... Can't win them all!

So, as you can see, I've been plenty busy myself, creating the artwork for these backdrops and then helping paint them! I think it took us (the other parents and me) about 1.5 months' worth of work to get these done -- but it was sooooooooooooooooo worth it, and great fun!!!

The kids and the teacher loved the entire set! You should see the GREAT free-standing saloon doors that another mom made for the set! They actually swing just like the real thing! And other parents made the bar/mercantile counter, the PVC frame for the backdrops, "wagon wheels," "tree stumps," etc.! I tell you, these kids were SPOILED!!!! LOL!

Anyway, that is the result of my very first foray into the world of drama set production! Hope you like!

Amazing Grace

2007-04-14T23:39:00.000-06:00

Wow! If you haven't seen the movie "Amazing Grace" yet, you MUST!!! It is an absolute tear-jerker! My family and I saw it this afternoon with some of the youth from our church (youth function) and, I must say, it is VERY powerful!!!

If you have any interest at all in human rights...

If you have any interest at all in history...

If you love to hear an authentic British accent...

If you want to see a great example of God working in people's lives...

GO SEE IT!!!

I want to hear what YOU think of it!!! (WOW!!! Have I said that enough yet?!? LOL!)

I know, I know...

2007-04-14T23:03:00.000-06:00

...it's been a while since I've posted! But, hopefully, I can post more regularly, now that I'm finished with my latest HUGE project!!!

I'll even post some pics of it, once I get some!

"What project?" you might ask...

Okay... I'll share... Have you ever volunteered to do something that you thought would be an absolute "breeze," and would put NO crimps into your schedule, only to discover IT'S NOT, and it DID?!?!?

Well, I just did!!!

Who knew that assisting with stage props would consume three days a week (PLUS!), for a MONTH?!?

But, it was done for my oldest child... My darling, almost-12-year-old son, who is participating in the 6th-grade melodrama (performances THIS WEEK!!! YAY!!!)...

So, it turns out that no one else on the crew was comfortable drawing the backdrops... So I did.

And, no one else was comfortable tracing the drawings onto the backdrop cloths without guidance... So I gave the guidance.

And, no one else was comfortable painting the backdrops (without specific color guidance)... So I gave the guidance, and painted along with them...

...and then finished the job, when the shading had to be done...

Good thing one of the other moms was right in there, working right beside me, everytime!!! I would have been lost without her!!!

And, I "crashed" a week ago... Just got too overwhelmed with it all (that happens to me from time to time)... and decided I needed a break. From EVERYTHING. For one day only. (Had to finish the job, you know!) LOL!

But now IT'S DONE!!! Not only that, but I'm VERY HAPPY with the results! And, even MORE importantly, the KIDS in the play are, too!!!

I guess it was worth it, after all!

But, don't ever ask me again to create backdrops for a play, because my answer will be an instant and firm, "NO WAY!" (Unless, of course, there is no one else comfortable with drawing things out, etc...) LOL!!! (I'm such a sucker -- esp. when it comes to my kids!!!)

Parenting is NOT for Wimps!

2007-03-11T13:08:00.000-06:00

Thinking about having a baby? Prepare to be challenged FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!

It's hard enough to try and figure out how to take care of your new baby (they don't come with manuals, you know -- and I'm very bad at reading my manuals, anyway! LOL!!!)...

And, once you've figured out how to diaper, bathe, feed, etc, the baby grows into a new stage, which requires more adjustment on your part! And so it goes, through the years...

Well, considering that my boys are (almost) 10 and 11.75 years old, I think I've done an OK job of figuring things out (for the most part -- everyone makes mistakes!)...

They are even into a really FUN stage right now! They are independent enough that I don't have to "hover" over them all the time, but not yet into the challenging teen years. I can even have an almost-adult-conversation with them! I LOVE this stage!

But you know what the ABSOLUTE MOST DIFFICULT thing is about raising kids? It's when they get HURT!

My youngest had a biking accident yesterday, which required 7 stitches inside of his mouth. He was SUCH a trooper! He barely reacted to the local anesthetic needle as it probed the cut... Even the nurse said she couldn't believe he is only 9 -- he did so well! He is now in charge of icing his lip on-and-off, every 20 minutes, and is doing a GREAT job with that! This is one proud mama, here!!!

But I would take his place in a minute. It is so difficult to see him deal with the pain, to watch him get stitched up... Somone once said, "Being a parent is like having your heart walk around outside your body." It's so true!

There goes my heart... Into the kitchen to get his ice pack...

Cool Beans!!!

2007-03-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

I'm SO EXCITED! One of my good friends has opened up an online store, in partnership with another friend of hers, that caters to those of us who LOVE playing with everything paper-related!!! It's SO COOL!!! If you get a minute, go check out http://www.eclecticpaperie.com/index.html -- you won't be disappointed! There are beautiful (and funky!) designer papers, embellishments, tools, and some great alterables to play with! Hmmm... What's next on my wishlist?!? LOL!

And, even better, I get to help design things for their blog!!! What an awesome compliment to be asked!!! So, while you're checking out the new store, also check out their blog to see some of my own projects and those of others!!! Their blog is at: http://eclecticpaperie.blogspot.com/

And, if you contact them, tell them paperfrenzy sent you!

Sweet Memories...

2007-02-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

So I've been following some blogs of a couple who just adopted three children from Colombia... Talk about a heart-string tug!!! Their thoughts have triggered *sweet, sweet memories* from when I was a child, and some deeper thoughts as well!

I have an adpoted sister from Korea. She arrived on February 11, 1970, when she was almost 15 months old (and what a *baby doll* she was!!!). She is my best girlfriend of all time AND my sister! You can't beat that!!! And that's saying a lot, since I have seven other siblings as well! LOL!

Anyway, as I've been reading their blogs, I've been thinking about how wonderful adoption is! God takes the orphans and sets them into families! The adoption process -- and the resulting family -- is as much of a miracle of life as giving birth! Different, definitely -- but a miracle all the same!

Seeing the deep *LOVE* these new parents have for their children is like getting a glimpse of God's love! How wonderful it is that *HE* has chosen to adopt *US* as His children! We have all of the legal rights that Jesus has in God's family! We can claim as our inheritance all of God's riches in glory! And, even better, we can claim God's *amazing LOVE* as our own!!! Wow! What a great gift to us!

I wonder what gift we are giving *back* to Him?!? What expressions of love can I offer Him today? It's worth some thought...

Taking JOY in the journey,

M.

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This!

2007-02-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Hey!

I'm just trying the blogging world on for size! Seems like a neat way to stay in touch and share one's life, so here I am... Starting my own blog! I have lots of friends in the stamping world who have inspired me to try this!

I hope to share my thoughts and creative endeavors here, so feel free to check back frequently to see what's up! And thanks for sharing my blog with me!

Blessings,

M.