Quick Update!

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... ???

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,

M.

Birthday Gift for a Nephew...

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!!!

Surprise!!!

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!

Basic Grey Book Clips

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!!!

YIKES!!!

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.

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

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!

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!!!)

MIA...

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.

I've been Tagged...

...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!!!

Amazing Grace

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 Can't Believe I'm Doing This!

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.