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Showing posts from 2012

Growing in Unity - Day 1 {Mon Chapeau Chaud}

Here we are the very last day of 2012.  How was it for you? For me, a wonderful year...too much work, but wonderful all the same. My highlights were: (1) Visiting the west coast to see my daughter and her grandfather (2) Lots of arts and crafts (3) Many long walks with my lil babes in the woods (4) Visiting with my sister at Thanksgiving (5) Spending time with my husband What were your highlights? While you're thinking that over, let me tell you a little about my project above.  I am delighted to be ending this year and starting next year as part of Growing in Unity! Such fun, oui? Be sure to stop in and comment on my posts each day this week to qualify for awesome winnings! At the end of the week I'll pick a random winner from all the comments.  The fabulous lucky winner will receive two itty bitty stamps. YAY for Unity Rubber! Over the holidays while I was relaxing and enjoying some time with the family, I made a few knitted items.  The above I made

Snowman Greetings to You!

Just a super quick, happy, snowy hello to you! Today, I've whipped up one of my all time seasonal favorites - a happy snowman.  With less than a week before the big day (and MORE than a week of preparation to do), I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. So, what does that mean?  It means, sit down, ignore the to do lists, grab a goblet of wine, and make something beautiful that makes me happy. Hope you share my sentiment in the fun of this card!  I added a bit of the variegated ribbon on my sentiment from the  Seasons Bundle .  Do you love the little roses as much as I do? Other elements include watercoloring, sponging, linen thread and button from Stampin Up!, and stamps as follows: Snowman and Stocking are from Purple Onion Designs Snowflake background and sentimen t from Unity Stamp Company.

What Do I Stand For?

Most Nights....I don't know.  But I think my daughter knows.  And I am f'ing happy that there are people like her with the passion to hope for better. Bravo You. Sweet. Daughter. of. Mine. You kick some ass when the time comes! In the meantime....Happy 27th Birthday. May you have 100 more in a world you are thrilled to be a part of. Love, Your Mamma

Vintage Family Photos and Scrapbook Pages

If you remember, when my sister was here for Thanksgiving, she helped rekindle my energy for working on my Mum's scrapbook.  My lack of focus for this project wasn't on a lack of follow-through but rather a fear of failing to produce something beautiful.  It was so much easier and quicker to complete my Dad's...I think MAYBE because he wasn't going to scrutinize it (he was already gone.)  But my Mum, she's still here, and that VOICE in my head that always challenged me to do better, be better, be perfect, etc...just still chimes on EVEN though I'm almost 50.!  I guess the convictions of a mother never fade. Yikes.  I'm a mum.  I wonder what damage I've done. Well. Enough of that. Now that I've shared much too much information, above is another page in her scrapbook...for which I am quite happy and satisfied.  Let's just hope, for the sake of my psyche, she does too! Lots of little elements on this page, but let's just start with t

Ho Ho Ho - Let it Snow!

Hi!  Today I'm participating in a fun blog hop featuring projects and inspiration from two awesome companies, 3GirlJam and Pinque Peacock!  If you are already participating in the hop, then you came here after visiting Jessica.   Aren't her creations just lovely? However, if were unaware, then you'll want start at the beginning, over on the 3GirlJam blog.  Why, you ask?  Because there are some really nice prizes for those who participate!  Be sure to leave comments on all the participating blogs so that you'll be eligible to win.  You don't want to miss out on this one!   Prizes include a $15.00 gift certificate for the 3GJam blog and a $15.00 gift certificate to Pinque Peacock. The hop is open for comments until Sunday Dec 9. So if you don't have time to do it THIS SECOND, then you have some time to hop and take in all the creative goodness!  All weekend long. Winners will be announced on Wed Dec 12th.  Be sure to check the  3GirlJam   blog to see if

Autumn Glow

So, is everyone recovering from their big guzzle and splurge?  Well, not me....not yet.  I still feel a little pinch in the pants.   Yikes.  Cleansing teas for me...for a week! But enough about that. Today I'm showing you a candle I decorated for one of our daughter's birthdays.  Isn't it lovely?  And it only took a little bit of running around my craft supplies and 20 minutes - Start to Finish!   I just love it when just a little extra time and energy transforms an otherwise simple item into a such an elegant and pretty gift.  I do.  I dig it. And that's about how much time I had before Caitlin came over to visit with her boyfriend on their way to his family's house for Thanksgiving.  Since her birthday is next week and she was stopping by to introduce her beau, Dave thought he better give her her birthday presents while we had the opportunity in person.  (Otherwise, it would probably get to her much later and past her actual day). This time of year has

Childhood

Brilliant day.  Warm'ish, sunshine, and family.  My sister is here visiting for the holiday, so we decided to get cracking on the scrapbook I'm making for our mum.  Here is what almost 5 hours turned into on Thanksgiving before we ventured over to my hubby's parents for the feast. Yes, 5 hours.  Not having scrapbook exercised for a bit, it took awhile to adjust my brain to an 11x8.5 layout.  But I really love how it turned out in the end! All the stamps are Unity, from several different sets: Grandma's Needlepoint Explore today & every day Chicken wire Le Chic Everything else is Stampin Up. Off to get a walk in (while it's still fabulous) and work on some more pages, and explore some other blogging friends to see what they are up to! TTFN

Jingle All the Way

Yikes I was just under the wire getting this done and posted for Unity's weekly FWF!  Seriously, I think I posted this at 12:56 AM EST this morning and the linky closed at midnight CST. The photo above doesn't really illustrate the way the card is constructed.  So, here a photo with the card open: I love this particular folding pattern and over the years have used it on several different  occasions from birthdays to weddings and baby congrats. "Jingle all the Way" is from  Unity's SMAK November 2012 kit . and the sentiment on the inside and the snowflakes are from the Welcome Winter stamp set. I think someone asked about the designer paper in the comments, below.  It's Stampin Up! from the holiday catalog, as is the card stock, embossing folders, little pearls, and ink.    Besides FWF, I'm also posting this over in Freshly Made Sketches . Anyway, have a great weekend.  It's beautiful and warm here today, so I'm going

Joy

Here's another card...This really has to be one of my favorites so far this year. Not feeling too chatty right now. Remember all the crafting I had to do?  Well, I'm in the midst of it! All the stamping is from the Unity's Season of Joy Stamp Set The ribbon is 3GirlJam Aqua Splash Crinkle Ribbon from the  Caribbean Splash Bundle .    Ok, well....Tata and have a great rest of your weekend!

Fa La La La La

I'm starting to make my holiday cards and this is the month! Not only for taking note and giving thanks, but also preparing for all the holiday fun in December.  I have to admit that when I get in the midst of holiday preparation, I do alot of card surfing and CASEing (Copy and Steal Everything).  That and entering lots of challenges, which help inspire me.  I am excited about this card, because it's one of the few times that I got a chance to use my SMAK kit almost as soon as it arrived!  Just got it this week and it was perfect for what I wanted to do.  If you are interested, following are the products I used for this kit. Product Information All the snowflakes are part of Unity's SMAK November 2012 kit . "Christmas Wishes" is also Unity from Joy and Wonder The ribbon is 3GirlJam Summer Sprinkles Crinkle Ribbon from the  Seasons Bundle .    Everything else is Stampin' Up and I even took the time to add a little stitching to b

Wooo-Hooo Hop-a-Long and a Boy Card!

Today I'm participating in a Cross Promotional Blog Hop between 3GirlJam and Creative Inspirations Paint!   If you've been playing along, you should have come to me from Emily's blog ! And if you just happened to be visiting me, well, Hi! But you'll want to start at the beginning to see all the wonderful projects we've put together for you today. To start at the beginning: 3Girl Jam Blog I've been playing with these paints for a bit now and if you have seen some of my project over the last week or so, you'll see some of the paints in all of them. My project is a boy project - somewhat difficult for me to do. Funny thing, tho, my husband looked at it after I said it was a boy card and he said, "Well, it's got a fancy sports car on it...That is something I can see you enjoying!"  I laughed, but it's true.  I'm a sucker for a fast and loud car. Well, a little about the project.  My goal is Clean and S

With a Grateful Heart

Simple, quick post today to show you what I baked up for Freshly Made Sketch Challenge. Here's the sketch: There is so much I am grateful for and over the course of this month, I want to make sure I pay attention to all I have and have been able to accomplish and share with those I care about. Today I'm grateful for a warm home.  I feel lucky that we didn't experience the wrath of Sandy as experienced by others not too far east of us.

Autumn Trees

Well, it's official.  We're tumbling towards short days and long nights!  My husband and I were whining earlier this week about just that.  As outdoor blokes (well, he's the bloke, I'm the fancy gal), we really enjoy warmer weather. So, while it was nice to have an extra hour of sleep, that only means that it gets darker one entire hour earlier, which makes our evening jogs much harder to achieve....actually almost impossible with our work schedules. Poo. It's a good thing there is at least one consolation when the winds blow a little cooler...the trees! Inspired by the walk I took with my little babies the other day and all the beautiful colors I've seen whilst clogging back and forth from work, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with this stamp when I saw it.  It was a bit tedious cutting out all the little pieces, but when I finished it up, it was definitely well worth it! Do you agree? The little leaves are some punched sand colored card stock

Sandy, The Little Witch

This little witch will most likely be my last Halloween project this year!   Created last night while listening to Hurricane Sandy's wind howl and rain pummel our house.   She was quite the storm. Thus, I've christened my little witch - Sandy!   Not that this little one would cause such havoc...she's way too sweet, don't you agree?  Maybe because I was treating her kind and gentle, she returned the favor?  As we were lucky.  No lost power, no damage... Just a very soggy paddock. I used a new product I've been playing with on this project... Creative Inspirations Paint - Blue Ice . It's a bit hard to see in the photo, but added such a nice shimmer to her dress and the lacy border (and a wee bit in the web on the tag)!  I can see myself going broke once again in the near future getting lots of awesome glimmery colors! The little witch and "boo" is from the Phyllis Harris Unity Stamp kit, "A Tiny Witch" (such a dar

Be Strong

I decided to take a bit of a break on the Halloween treat packages (I was eating way WAY too much chocolate), and instead make a card on the feminine side.  Also, it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I hadn't yet made any cards. I wanted my card to focus on strength and hope and courage.  And I found a good stamp set for that. The sentiment is from a Unity / Donna Downey stamp set, " Empowered Words " .  I think all the stamps in this set are very uplifting! The ribbon is from 3GirlJam and is a special holiday edition, " Seasons Bundle " .  I really like the swirls of different colors. At the top corner, I tied a bow and then made a little ribbon rose, backing it with a bit of brown/white twine, and popping a little pearl in the center. Here's a close-up of the ribbon rose at the top:   I'm linking this up with the Paper Issue challenge, " Believe in Yourself " .  I think it fits, don't you? Unti

Getting Ready for Franken-Storm

Well, you'd think with the weather reports the way they are, I would be frantically shopping and getting ready for the hurricane of the decade. But no, I say BRING IT ON Frankenstorm and all.  I'm going to have spooktacular fun crafting instead!   And really, what better way to spend THIS particular day than completing the final touches of your Halloween decorations and treats! So, while I'm usually up to NO GOOD, today I'm having some good old fashioned fun making (and eating) treats so that the little tricksters out there will NOT target me on Halloween. As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, we don't get many kids on Halloween around here, so I usually put together a few unique packages filled with candy to give each little cutie that comes by all decked out in fun costumes. The above is one of those packages.  And I love that it's quick AND pretty AND festive.  Oh, and it fits the 3Girl Jam Challenge .  A Halloween Treat usi

Storms a Brewing

Super quick post this evening.  I've had a bloody-ell-uva week!  Ready for the weekend.  This is another treat I'll be handing out this next week for the little trickers. The stamp is from Unity's October 2012 Kit of the Month.  I have all kinds of plans for that set. And, here it is full! So, I am of course linking this up! Unity Friends with Flair Amusing Challenges - Fall Colors Enjoy what's left of your Friday night!

Pretty Pretty Package

Just thought I would share another project I made using some of the wonderful ribbon available from  3GirlJam ! I really had fun decorating this little package...and it's not even for a birthday!  I have this thing...even if  I make something pretty...it just feels SO MUCH MORE SPECIAL if it's in a nice package!  Don't you think?  I used several different Crinkle Ribbons and the all NEW  Burlap Trim! Here's a list (and links) to the ribbons if you are curious and want to make one too! Christmas Candy Harvest Orange Coral Crush Burlap Trim If you are visiting from the 3Girl Jam blog , you came here to see what's inside the package, yes? I know you are wondering what's inside. So, here it is: I created this sweater when I was on vacation a few weeks ago visiting my daughter in Seattle.  I was working on the same design, but using a hand dyed brown wool, and she really loved it. I talked her into trying something with more col

Princely Boy

Right about now my husband, his cousin, Layla, this little prince, and I are hiking on the Appalachian Trail for a few days. I'm probably miserable right now. And stinky. But this little guy...he's probably comfy and cozy and having a great time taking in the sights and sounds. Oliver in the picture above is trying out his new princely carriage. I created it last weekend when I realized that I had to figure out some way to get a lazy boy across the miles! You see, he is a little spoiled.   OKAY.  SPECTACULARLY SPOILED. He loves the woods and likes to walk...but not for more than a short distance. I just could not bear to leave him at home.  We enjoy the woods near our home about every morning, but he likes to take them in style (usually in my arms) while Layla has fun trekking along the ground, sniffing, prancing, and having her own sort of fun. Having to use Leki poles made carrying him a little hard...so THIS was invented. Anyway..

Girly Girl and Her Little Mate!

Hi Everyone. I've been a little quiet lately, because work is driving me nuts.  I come home from a nice wonderful vacation, only to double time it to the next deadline! But hey, in my downtime, I'm here, sitting at my craft table, surrounded by my bestest and furriest buds, creating! Today is another great challenge over at 3 Girl Jam! The challenge is being sponsored by Saturated Canary. Chances to Win Yes!  You read that correctly....So, you will definitely want to participate! My little project has a story. It's been a long time since I had a little girl.  And I had a girly girl.  All pink and lace and glitter. But no more.  She's all grown up and even more spectacular...Here's a couple recent pictures of her over our vacation.  She makes me smile.  What a free and lovely spirit.  With such passion and goals for a free world.  I admire that in her. Oh, but back to my story!  (I was day dreaming about vacation...sorry) As I sa

Regurgitated Candy

If you ventured over here from 3GirlJam's blog, not to worry...not gonna repeat myself too much! I thought I would share the instructions so that you can easily create the above silly treat I've made for Halloween next month! The overall dimensions (Finished) is 4.5 x 3 x 1 inches. Following is a diagram for creating the box: Instructions: (1) Cut your black cardstock to a size of 6 x 8.5 inches. (2) Score it where indicated (along the 8.5" side) at 1, 4, 6, and 8 inches. (3) Score it where indicated (along the 6" side) at 1 and 5.5 inches. (4) Cut where indicated by the solid lines.  Some of the cutting will cut away the areas indicated by the hatch marks. (5) Fold it along the score lines and examine it until you understand how to glue it together. (6) Glue or use super sticky double sided tape (I use Sobo glue or Sookwang tape). (7) Embellish until you are just super pleased with yourself! (8) Fill with yummy chocolate (or s

Happy Bird-Day

Hi Everyone! I am currently on the road so I'm going to keep this post QUICK.  I am on VACATION! SO NEEDED. That's right, I'm on vacation, but had to stop by and show you a little of what I was up to before I left. I created this simple and elegant card for my mom's birthday.  This card features a Happy Birthday greeting from the Party All Day set and one of Donna Downey's newer stamps, Whispy Blue Bell . You will also notice I used the crinkle ribbon, Sunflower, from the Harvest Bundle.   It is one of my FAVORITE yellows...not too bright, but not dull.  Just right.  And the nice color yellow will ease me right into the autumn season.  So, from here until next Spring, no more light blue flowers and springtime sprigs! Well, that's it for me.  I'm going on the prowl for Cougars on the Cougar Mountain Park trail in Seattle! Here, kitty kitty!

Laugh with Your Eyes

Well, I told ya!  Last week, I was writing Santa a wish list and asking that the summer not end...and this week, our Fabulous Feature is the set, Fall for You, but I'm adding a little summery flower! So there! This set has lots of swell designs for fall...Go Look HERE .  I'll have to use it again, when I'm feeling the rustle of leaves and cool breeze of autumn evenings!  I actually can't wait for that, because I want to burn some stuff in my fire pit! Despite torrential downpours yesterday evening, it was 85 F and about 200% humidity at 6 pm....I was a soggy mess when I finished my jog after work. Not Yet Autumn (yippy) Today is no better, but that's okay, because I am wearing my new little sweater I knitted this weekend to work! Now, go check out all the other wonderful creations over on the {ippity} blog , using this same set. GO (yeah, that's me...being bossy)