A Scrapper's Musings

Winter Tilda Sends Happy Birthday Wishes!

2012-01-28T08:31:00.011-07:00

Good morning sweet readers,

Happy Saturday to you! Can you believe that January is almost gone? Where is time going! It seems the older I get, the faster time flies! Do you think it's because when we were younger, we had so much to learn that time seemed to be slower, and, now, as we age, there are fewer "unknowns" and time seems to fly? Remember being in school and that last hour of the day just seemed to drag by? LOL

I have a new card to share with you today. It's a birthday card for my sweet friend, Sharon, who has a birthday this week. Her favorite color is purple, so I thought a truly purple card would be perfect! Sharon lives a bit more north than I do and is always cold. With that in mind, I chose to combine a winter feel with birthday and purple! How's that for getting a ton of themes into a card! LOL

This is one of my newest Tilda stamps. I think it is probably one of my very favorites. She's been colored with distress inks. There are touches of glitter on the ground, snowflakes, and ends of her scarf. I even used two different colors of purple glitter on the scarf ends! There is glittery cardstock behind the image mat. The snowflakes are all sparkly, too. I "dunked" the large purple rose into glass glitter to add a frosty feel as well. Inside, I kept the snowy theme and added some pearls, rhinestones, ribbon, and a Magnolia gardenia. The beautiful flowers are from HOOKED ON CRAFT

Here are the shots. Please click on each image to get a better, more color true image. I hope you like what I've created.

Thank you for visiting! I am so glad that you took the time to drop by.

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Deep Ocean Challenge#17 - ends 1/29 - Sparkle

My Time To Craft #171 ends 1/31 - My favorite embellishment flowers

Paper and Such ends 2/5 - Non traditional colors

Magnolia-licious Highlites ends 1/31- Anything Goes

Hotshot Crafts #3 ends 3rd Wk. of February - Flowers

Lily Pad Cards ends 2/23 - Patterned Paper

Simon Says Stamps Challenge - Anything Goes

One Stop Craft Challenge #167 ends 2/2 - Stitching

Crazy for Challenges #121 - Layer it on

A Get Well and Happy Birthday Blog Post!

2012-01-22T14:41:00.015-07:00

Good morning my cherished readers,

Today, it's gray and threatening rain. We had rain yesterday and very high winds. We should get more rain tonight and tomorrow. We need the water. I love it when it's cloudy because it's sunny most of the time. The clouds are invigorating! However, when we lived in Oregon, the sunny days were the days that sparked high bursts of energy! LOL

Today, I'm sharing with you a card that I've made for Hooked on Craft Challenge #16 - SOMETHING BRIGHT. I had a ball with this challenge! I love the color combo of blue and white. It always looks clean. I also added a shaker box with little white beads to resemble sea foam. Also, Hooked on Craft is having a Design Team call. Details may be found on the Hooked on Craft Challenge Blog. We'd love to have you give that a try, too!

I would love it if you joined in Challenge #16 - SOMETHING BRIGHT. The challenge will run from January 23 to February 4. The challenge objective is to create something which celebrates summer in Australia! Feel free to use bright colors, a summer theme, a beach theme, outdoor play - whatever summer brings to your mind. As always, Karen has a lovely gift for the winner. Come on, gals, give it a try!

Let me share my card with you. I couldn't use a flash because it would reflect off the shaker box, so the shot is a little dull. Here it is:

I just thought the image of the whale was too cute! I colored him with Copics, added Kindyglitz and Stickles under his chin, on his spout, and also on his side spots. It just added the right amount of sparkle. Next, I created the shaker box, added the ric-rack trim, and the flower cluster. The flowers are from Hooked on Craft. I did color one white rose with light blue so that it would match my card. Here are the links

Blue Trinket Pin
Large White Fern Leaf
Small White Mulberry Leaf
Blue Calla Lily
White Water Lily
35 mm White Rose
20 mm White Rose with blue tips colored w/ marker
14 mm White Rose
White Rosebud colored blue w/ marker

Here are the interior shots:

I hope this card brightens your day! Please join us at Hooked on Craft Challenges! It's a nice, easy peasy challenge!

Thanks for stopping by!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Sentimental Sundays #86 ends 1/27- die cuts
One Stop Craft Challenge #166 ends 1/27 - Under the Weather
Cupcake Craftroom January Challenge ends 1/30 - Anything Goes

A Special Birthday Card

I made this birthday card for someone pretty special to me! My sweetie! He hasn't seen it yet. It took me longer to make than I had planned! I used Cuddly Siblings from Magnolia's Sweet Crazy Love Collection on the inside and Edwin with his snazzy car on the front. All of the images were colored with distress inks. I this was also a personal challenge to use brown and teal blue. I'd never made a card with that color combo before. I did it to join in the fun some friends were having on their blogs. Here is one blog that shows the challenge this group of gals presented.

The colors are predominantly greenish blue (teal blue?) and brown. Inside, on the left, there is a pocket in which I will write a special message to my DH. The right side is a basic message that will remind him of the cake he so dearly loves to have around. Here are the shots:

I hope you like my card! If you have any questions, just ask! Have a great week!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Birthday Sundaes #40 ends 1/27 - Birthday Card
Magnolia-licious Highlights ends 1/31 - Anything Goes
Party Time Tuesdays #51 ends 1/23 - Happy Birthday
Cards for Men Challenge #2 ends 1/29 - Boys and Their Toys
Paper Playtime #65 ends 1/28 - Tags and Sentiments
Just Magnolia Challenges Week 140 ends 1/26 - A Window or a Door (Tilda's summer car has both a door and window showing)

Tilda With Arrow Shows Trust

2012-01-17T22:23:00.009-07:00

Hello sweet readers,

Have I got a story for you!

On my bathroom counter, right on the corner, I kept (the operative word is KEPT) a 32 oz. pump bottle of Philosophy's Falling in Love Body Lotion. That was (operative word is WAS) a $50 bottle of body lotion that I loved to use when I wanted to lure my DH! LOL

Last Monday night, I went to brush my teeth before going to bed when I realized that the lotion bottle was gone! I asked DH if he moved it for some reason. He said it was there over the weekend. I was quite perplexed. Where the heck did that bottle of lotion go?

Well, it seems my sweet Precious, the cat, has been a busy little girl. She's learned to clean! She's decided that she likes to have a glass of water on the bathroom counter that is just hers. When she is done drinking from the cup, she pushes it into the sink to empty it. It also seems that this clever little feline decided that my bottle of lotion was in her way when she would jump up onto the counter. So, to remedy the problem, she pushed my bottle of body lotion into the trash basket that is next to the end of the counter (where the corner is)!

As luck would have it, Tuesday is trash day, so she had to have done it over the weekend or on Monday prior to DH's emptying all the trash. DH didn't notice that this FULL bottle of lotion was in the trash basket because there were other things I had tossed into the basket which added unusual weight to the basket.

And now, my Philosophy Falling in Love 32 oz. bottle of body lotion is in the Washington County Landfill! Thanks to Precious! *sigh* So, I'm back to Clinique's Aromatics Elixir Body Lotion, LOL. Maybe Precious likes that scent better! LOL

I have a new card to share with you! I have to thank my DH for help on this as he came up with the sentiment on the front of the card. I chose to use the Tilda with Arrow stamp. Since the card will be given, most likely, to a male, I didn't want to make it too girly. I kept the colors sort of neutral, LOL! Tilda was colored with Copics.

Here she is:

Doesn't she look a bit worried? I'm not sure she is trusting Edwin! LOL Here are the inside pages:

My sweet friend, Rosie, sent me a set of stamps one of which has the XO on it. I just love that stamp! It fit perfectly onto the Magnolia tag, too! I used a yellow twill for the ribbon accents. I used a matching Magnolia border die. Love that tag and border duo!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you like my creation. I'd love it if you left a comment for me if you have the time.

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Crafter's Companion Monthly Challenge #20 - ends 1/31 - Love is in the Air

Creatalicious Challenges #30 ends 2/15 - Love

Emerald Fairy Garden #16 ends 1/30 - green and gold/yellow

An Angled Accordion Fold Card

2012-01-08T15:00:00.005-07:00

Hello Ladies,

Before I lose you with this long post, I was wondering if you can tell a difference in the quality of the blue photos vs. the red photos at the bottom. I used a different lens for the Tilda images. I had forgotten I had this particular lens and thought it might enhance my photos. Your opinion is much appreciated. This is a long post with two different cards. The first one is my DT project while the second card is our little Tilda.

It's time for a new challenge at Hooked on Craft! Today, for Challenge #15 - Try Something New, I decided to give an Angled Accordion Fold Card a try. I have to say, it was a lot of work only because of how I did it. I know it would have been a lot easier if I had used a heavy, almost cardstock weight, double sided paper and only did one side. But, that would have been too easy. I wanted to challenge myself! Isn't that what challenges are all about?

Challenge #15 requires that you challenge yourself to try something new - a new technique. The challenge will run from January 9 through January 21. You might want to give this type of card a go. I know there are lots of techniques out there. Find one that you've wanted to try and try it. I can't wait to see what you create. I, personally, would love it if, in your blog post, you share the link where you found how to do the technique and maybe a brief explanation. That way, others can grow in their techniques, too!

Here is the front side of my card:

Here is the back side of my card:

Isn't it cute? I used a lot of glittered cardstock to make the card very festive! I began by folding and scoring a 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock at 4" and 8". Next, I decided how high I wanted it at the highest point. I drew a line and then cut on that line using my paper cutter.

The next step was to use a punch to punch a choo choo train border which I thought was pretty boyish. Now I was ready to do the decorating.

Because I am persnickety, I absolutely had to have each piece of cardstock and patterned paper match at the angled tops. That was not as easy as I first thought, but after a couple of tries, I got the hang of it. Let's look at each segment.

On the cover panel, I used the following items from Hooked on Craft:

Cherry Blossoms - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-cherry-blossoms.html
Roses -http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-roses.html
Rosebuds - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-rosebuds.html

This panel was so much fun! I love that precious little stamp! Karen doesn't currently have them in her store, but keep checking back. I used Copic pens to color the image. I accented the image by adding Kindyglitz in yellow, orange, light green, dark green. I used a cyan piece of glittered cardstock for the background and cut it with one of my dies. The stamp is from my stash. I chose to use my Nesties dies and cut a scalloped background in a royal blue glittered cardstock.

On this panel, I used lovely aqua pearls from Hooked on Craft. I also used red Kindyglitz for the cherry nestled inside the whipped cream which I emphasized by using a texture paste. I stamped the sentiment and then backed it on the royal blue glittered cardstock.

On the back of the card, I used the following items from Hooked on Craft:
aqua pearls - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/embellishments/self-adhesive-pearls.html
bear charm - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/embellishments/metal-charms.html
bud and bow ribbon - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/ribbon/bud-and-bow-ribbon.html

Here are photos of the back panels:

I would like to enter this birthday card into the following challenges:

Addicted to Stamps Challenge #21 - Use the color blue

Challenge Up Your Life#60 ends 1/20 - Bingo (flowers, buttons, sparkle)

One Stop Craft Challenge #164 ends 1/13 - Bingo (Pearls, die cuts, buttons

Tilda Goes Bananas Over You

Oh, I had so much fun with this card! When I first saw this stamp, I thought it was hilarious and maybe very hard with which to work. However, it was a fun stamp to use and I had a riot with it. My husband was doing a little rhumba every time I called him in to get his opinion! Too funny! I wanted to keep the card bright and cheery. Here she is:

Tilda has been colored with Copics. The flowers are felt. I added some Kindyglitz to the purple grapes on her hat and a couple of the red beads on her necklace - just to add some sparkle. The sentiment is elevated on pop dots. I used deep red pearls on the sentiment and the image mat. There is machine stitching on each mat as well. I added a double layered flower to her dress and placed a yellow rhinestone in the center.

The inside is just as bright and cheerful. Here it is:

On the inside, I repeated the use of felt flowers and machine stitching. I stitched the buttons and added ribbon. I couldn't resist adding a banana!

I hope you liked my cards. I love how they turned out. Thank you so much for visiting. I hope you will take a second and leave a comment for me, please! I love reading what you write.

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter the Tilda card into the following challenges:

Creative Inspirations Paint ends 1/14 - Inspired by Something Old (and in my case, it's Chiquita Banana which began in 1944)

Penny Black & More 1/31 - Love/Hearts

Our Little Angel, Tilda

2012-01-06T13:36:00.008-07:00

Hi Sweet Readers,

How has your first week of 2012 been? Are you enjoying this very mild weather? It's like Spring here. We never had Winter. I hope that sometime between now and March (when we really start to feel Spring), it'll rain or do something drippy from the sky! I think the plants are confused!

I've been working on a special project for Hooked on Craft. I can reveal it on Sunday evening. If you wish to see it, come on back! I'll put the water on for hot chocolate (or iced chocolate, LOL).

Today, I have two cards to share with you. Both are examples of the Christmas cards I sent out this year. With my eyes as bad as they are, it took me forever to do the painting on the second one. Good thing I started in the early Fall otherwise, I would never had gotten the finished in time for Christmas. I'm finding that I can only color for about an hour and a half a day before I feel like I'm missing things.

I want to thank Cheryl Rowley for being my inspiration on the second card. Cheryl had used this stamped image on a card she posted in the Fall. My wheels immediately started turning and the finished result is below.

For the first card, I used our little Angel Tilda. Isn't she adorable. I did a lot of embossing on the exterior and interior. I added some rhinestones to add some sparkle. Here she is:

Here is the interior shot:

Next, is the holly card. I loved this one so much! I got so much positive feedback from the recipients, too! I was so surprised that so many took the time to contact me to tell me how much they loved this card. Isn't that sweet? It made all that work and frustration worth it! What do you think?

I painted each image with Distress Inks. I love the new colors and put them to good use! Here is the inside:

I used a ton of white cardstock, but it was so worth it! By doing the dry embossing on the inside, I made up for all the time I spent on the front side.

The last card I want to share is the card I made for my husband for Christmas. I won't share the interior as it has private thoughts just for him, but I thought you might like to see the front. Again, I colored the images with Distress Inks. I pieced the male bear's shirt so that it looked like a patterned sweater. On the girl bear's dress, I added some teeny tiny snowflakes. It turned out so well. He loved, loved, loved it. DH keeps all our cards tucked away in a file cabinet - every card, every occasion since we met 36 years ago! He's such a romantic.

Thank you so very, very much for stopping by! I love that you take the time to visit. Now that I've got so many projects done, I can work on my Magnolias! I'll try to be back tomorrow with more to share that I didn't have time to post!

XO,
Chris

Happy 2012!

2012-01-02T20:43:00.009-07:00

Hello Sweet Readers,

Happy New Year to you! My wish for each of you is that 2012 will bring you much happiness, love, prosperity, and good health. I hope that each of you will find 2012 much better than 2011! ((((hugs to each of you)))

Did you have a wonderful Christmas? We had a delightful one. We celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary, too! That's a milestone, huh? Santa was very good to us. We are so blessed!

For those of you who know me well, you know that I have vision issues. It's been getting harder and harder to do cards. There is a lot of glare, and the floaters in my eyes are getting pretty bad as far as I am concerned. My floaters are like jellyfish which line up right in the center of my vision field. The glare is like cataracts, but I've had mine removed and do not have more growing. The meds caused my cataracts.

Don't get me wrong, I know that there are others who are so much worse than I. It's just frustrating sometimes when I'm trying to see to create, am wearing two pairs of glasses at the same time, and still cannot see well. The doctor said that I've done very well over the past 20 years considering all that is going on in my eyes. I sort of feel that I have to get as many cards done as soon as possible before I can no longer do them. That's why it takes me days to do one card! I have to be very careful as I color, etc. Our sweet son gave me a light to wear on my forehead to help brighten the area where my eyes look when I'm creating. I haven't tried it yet. I hope it helps! :o)

Today, I discovered that I have not posted some cards that I did for Christmas. I hope you don't mind looking at one or two at a time this week. I don't want to bog you down with Christmas cards! Here is the first of a few. I used a green suede paper as an accent paper. It feels like velvet and is very pretty. I used Memory Box dies, Martha Stewart border punch duo, Magnolia tree stamps, Tilda (of course), Nestabilities, a base of white Bazzill with red and white Bazzill layers, watercolors, pop dots to elevate Tilda, ribbons from my stash, green Spica pen, and little poinsettias from my stash as well. I love the patterned paper! It is so cheery! I bought a ton of it, used it up, and bought more when I could find it as it's older!

Here are the pictures:

Do you love that green suede paper? It is so nice with which to work!

Thank you, dear, dear readers for visiting and sharing some time on my blog. I so appreciate it. I hope you will come back often this week to see my "catch up postings!"

Love to each of you,
Chris

Christmas Challenge #14 at Hooked on Craft

2011-12-12T15:00:00.002-07:00

Ho, ho, ho my readers!

Thank you for visiting and Merry Christmas to you! I don't know if I'll have time to write again before Christmas. I thought I'd take the time today to extend wishes of love to each of you during this beautiful season of the year! Each of you is a treasure!

Our challenge this fortnight at HOOKED ON CRAFT is to celebrate the spirit of the season - Christmas - by creating a special something that is reminiscent of Christmas. This challenge runs from December 12 to the 24. What you create is entirely up to you! You always design such lovely things, so this shouldn't be hard at all. ! I considered making a card but thought that maybe this little project might be useful to others who view it. There are a lot of photos, so be prepared!

Inside the bags are eight BROWN candies and one RED candy. I apologize that they look black. For this project, I used the wonderful series of six Christmas Reindeer stamps available at HOOKED ON CRAFT. I also used little red pearls for Rudolph's nose, gorgeous Poinsettia flowers in assorted colors, Kindyglitz for the glitter, Copic markers, some Snow Tex, and a little tiny bit of cotton for the tails! Are you ready? On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer, on Vixen on Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen!

This is the group shot of all the treat bags.

Aren't they delightful! I wish I could say I originated the concept, but sadly, someone else thought that up. I just created the topper the way I wanted it to be for me. I love how my topper turned out. I used my Nesties, Marianne Design, and Cheery Lynn dies to cut the elements out.

Here are the closer shots of each individual bag:

If you're still with me at this point, here are the closeups of the tags:

Well, that's all she wrote, folks! I hope you liked my little collection of sweeties! Good luck on the challenge! Remember, you have until Dec. 24!

Blessings to you,

Chris

I would like to enter this project into the following challenges:

1. The Crafty Blogger's Network #7 - ends 12/18 - Christmas Gift

2. Crafty Boots Challenges ends 12/25 - Christmas

3. Forever Friends - ends 12/22 - Roses (in my case, noses) are Red :o)

4. iCopic Weekly Challenge #60 ends 12/18 - Holidays

5. Truly Madly Crafty Challenges #5 ends 12/31 - Christmas Images and Colors

6. Paper Sundays #99 ends 12/17 - Anything Christmas

7. Lawnscaping Challenges #23 ends 12/14 - Tags or Treat Bags

8. Just Some Lines - ends 12/16 - Handmade gift

Hooked on Craft Challenge #13 - Winter Wonderland

2011-11-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello My Fair Ladies,

First of all, I want to express huge CONGRATULATIONS to Karen (the owner of Hooked on Craft) and her husband on the birth of their twins. They were blessed with one of each! Everyone is doing well. Good work, Karen!

Well, November has almost crept right by! Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas tree is up, the outside Christmas lights are twinkling tonight, and I am so ready for a long winter's nap now that Thanksgiving is over!

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was wonderful! The turkey was perfectly done and not all dry and nasty. My yam casserole was delish. This year, I added chopped dates to it and wow! Did it add a nice subtle flavor. It's weird, though as the dates must have dissolved as we couldn't find any pieces in the casserole at all. My homemade cranberry sauce was nice and refreshing. I always like to add dried fruit to it (even if they are rock hard). This year, I had some hard-as-rock blueberries which I added to the mix. By the time they were cooked and left to set for a couple of days, they were all plump again. The stuffing was a hit with DH as he loves my stuffing. It was a unanimous A+ dinner!

It's time again for a new challenge at Hooked on Craft Challenges. This time, the challenge is to create a card using a Winter Wonderland theme. Here are the details:

This challenge will run from November 28 to Dec. 10. This challenge may include snowmen, Christmas, penguins, cold things, blue, snowflakes, ice, snow - anything involving those cold Winter topics! You may incorporate it into your project in any way you wish. How fun is that? You're in the cat bird seat on this one, ladies! Go for it!

This challenge was right up my alley as Winter is my favorite season! I chose aqua, red, and white as my color scheme. I think it tuned out so well, too! What sayest thou?

Here is the front of my card:

For this panel, I used the delightful Snowman with Heart Buttons stamp from Hooked on Craft. I also used a Memory Box corner die, Magnolia Sweden Doo-hickey tag die set for the tag that is in the pocket. I colored the white mums a matching blue. Gotta love that you can recolor your flowers when you need to match them up! You can find the following products used on this panel at Hooked on Craft:

doily - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/embellishments/paper-lace-doylies/126mm-white-paper-lace-doylies-in-a-pack-25.html

red pearls - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/embellishments/self-adhesive-pearls/self-adhesive-red-pearls-pack-100.html

bird trinkey pin - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/embellishments/decorative-trinket-pins/garden-mix-trinket-pins/handmade-decorative-trinket-garden-mix-pins.html

snowflake charm - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/embellishments/metal-charms/10-pack-of-christmas-mix-of-metal-charms.html

snowman stamp - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/stamps/christmas/santa-snowmen/snowman-with-heart-buttons.html

large white rose - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-curly-roses/mulberry-paper-32mm-curly-roses/32mm-white-curly-mulberry-paper-roses-5-pack.html

red rosebuds - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-rosebuds/small-red-mulberry-paper-closed-rosebuds-20-pack.html

white holly leaves - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-leaves/white-holly-mulberry-paper-leaves-20-pack.html

white mum flowers - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-chrysanthemum-aster-flowers/15mm-white-mulberry-paper-chrysanthemum-aster-flowers-20-pack.html

This is the inside left of the card. i chose a paper line by Martha Stewart for this card. i liked this paper as the work was already done for me! LOL. The white areas are all nicely glittered during the paper production. I chose to repeat the same Memory Box corner die as I used on the front along with the red pearls and white mums. I also added teeny tiny gems to certain areas of the die cut to enhance the sparkle of my card. The red flower is from my stash.

You can find the following products at Hooked on Craft:

red pearls - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/embellishments/self-adhesive-pearls/self-adhesive-red-pearls-pack-100.html

white mum flowers - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-chrysanthemum-aster-flowers/15mm-white-mulberry-paper-chrysanthemum-aster-flowers-20-pack.html

Let's take a peek at the right side of my card. I like to leave this side blank so that the sender can write their own special message. For this side, I chose to use a Marianne Design Die for the center element. To the die cut, I added a blue piece that matches the background paper. I debated adding a white snowflake to the center of the bow but DH said he liked it better without. Think I should add a sweet white snowflake to the centerpoint of the bow? I finished it off with another corner die, teeny tiny gems, pearls, and flowers. Don't you just love that red and white snowflake ribbon?

The following items may be purchased at Hooked on Craft:

red pearls - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/embellishments/self-adhesive-pearls/self-adhesive-red-pearls-pack-100.html

white mum flowers - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-chrysanthemum-aster-flowers/15mm-white-mulberry-paper-chrysanthemum-aster-flowers-20-pack.html

Last, but not least, is a shot of the inside pages together.

Thank you so very, very much for stopping by! I hope I've provided a bit of inspiration for you so that you will participate in Challenge #13, Winter Wonderland. I can't wait to see your amazing creations!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challeges:

Hooked on Craft Challenge #12 - Something Punched

2011-11-13T15:00:00.002-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today! Happy 11-11-11! What a fun date to be born on! It's also one of those great dates to be married on so your significant other won't forget your anniversary too easily! Was it a lucky day for you? It was a wonderful day for me! When you read this post, though, it won't be 11-11-11 as I'm writing early to post at a later date.

I have such a fun card to share with you. The challenge at Hooked on Craft for this fortnight is "Something Punched." You may include anything punched or diecut on your project. The project will run from November 14 until November 26. There are so many options for you to use as well as themes. The Design Team has created such wonderful projects for inspiration. What an array of colors and themes! I hope you will join in the challenge! As always, Karen has provided a wonderful prize for one lucky participant!

I'd like to share my inspirational card with you. I hope you like it. I had seen something similar on a blog a few years ago. Here is the link: http://istamp4u.blogspot.com/2008/10/halloween-card.html. I never forgot how that gal had made a pumpkin shaped card using her Nesties. I knew I had to make one, too! Because I am in the Northern Hemisphere, we're having Fall right now. I wanted to keep to the Fall theme because of the yummo leaves and flowers that Karen carries at Hooked on Craft. Here is my card:

Isn't that little duckling adorable? I thought his happy little image just matched the sentiment perfectly. You can find the duckling HERE.

I created the pumpkin shape by repeating a Nestabilities die cut three times, embossing each piece, positioning them so that they looked like a pumpkin shape, gluing them together, and cutting the base so they were even. I inked the edges to add some additional depth. Next, I drew the stem and vines, embossed the paper strips, cut them, inked them, and attached them into place. I then traced the shape onto a folded piece of cardstock to form the card base and attached the decorated pumpkin topper to the front of the folded card. Does this make sense? I didn't want the embossed pumpkin to be the front flap of the card. I wanted it to be the cover attached to the front flap.

Now comes the fun part! The embellishing of the pumpkin! I used the most amazing mulberry oak leaves from Hooked on Craft. I loved the Autumnal colors! You can find the Fall Mulberry Oak Leaves HERE. I also used two yellow Daffodils and an orange Tiger Lily. The little sunflower is from my stash.

Now to the inside! Here it is:

Because the challenge was to use something punched, I went die cut crazy! LOL The left side has an assortment of layered die cuts. The center flower is from my stash while the orange Tiger Lilies are from Hooked on Craft.

On the right side, I repeated the flower pattern and added an embossed die cut panel for a personal note. I used machine stitching around both decorative mats prior to embellishing.

I hope you like my little pumpkin. I had a great time making it! I couldn't have done it without the wonderful supplies from Hooked on Craft!

Have a wonderful week! I hope you will join in the challenge. I can't wait to see what you submit! Good luck gals!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Tilda Gives Flu Shots!

2011-10-31T13:04:00.006-06:00

Hi Girls,

Have you gotten your flu shot yet? DH and I got ours last week. The doctor's PA is an adorable, kind, happy, efficient 20 something that is such a plus! I would love to have just a tiny bit of her serotonin! You would just fall in love with her when you met her. While we were in the office, we were chatting about balsamic vinegar. I told her that I have some that is very aged, thick, sweetish in flavor, and so unlike the balsamic on the market shelves. Because I appreciate all she does for us, I decided to give her one of my bottles. I wanted her to know we were thinking of her as well as being grateful for all she does for us. Well, to go along with the balsamic vinegar, I thought I'd make a card for her. She's very girly (with long, dark hair), so I decided to make the card pink and girly.

I chose the Nurse Tilda stamp which is available at Magnolia-licious. As a matter of fact, Diana has Doctor Edwin (the stamp that is exclusive to Magnolia-licious) and the minis of both Edwin and Tilda. You should pay Diana's Magnolia-licious Shop a visit. She has an amazing collection of Magnolia Sweden products!

Ok, back to the card. I cut the shape using my Nestabilities Grand Circle and Scalloped Circle dies. I lined the inside of the top and added gorgeous papers from Papermania. I wanted some texture, so I did some machine stitching. A touch of lace and some pretty flowers finished off the top. I don't like machine stitching to show on the backs of my cards, so I made a third scalloped circle and covered the stitching on the backside. Tucked inside is a nice, large tag on which I'll write a message. I added a "Made with Love" charm to the bow by sewing it to the bow. Tilda was colored using Distress Ink.

I hope you liked this sweet card. I'm not a pink lover, but I do love how this card turned out.

Thanks for stopping by!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Magnolia-licious Highlights October challenge ends 10/31 - Using Doctor or Nurse Edwin

2. Cutie Pie Challenge Blog #4 (ends 11/13) - Use a Charm

3. Die Cut Dreams #101 (ends 11/5 ) - So Charming

4. Stamptacular Sunday Challenge#136 (ends 11/5) - Borders and Frames

5. Mark's Finest Papers #79 (ends 11/4) - Use Your Scraps

6. One Stop Craft Challenges #155 (ends 11/4) - No Sentiments

7. Challenge Up Your Life #55 (ends 11/4) - Color Challenge

It's a Blue Halloween!

2011-10-30T17:00:00.001-06:00

Trick or treat - smell my feet - give me something good to eat! LOL It's that time of the year! Are you ready for the barrage of munchkins who will soon be knocking at your door?

OK, I have to tell you what I saw on TV! A particular show has been sharing recipes all week which use your children's candy. I thought it would be interesting to see what to do with those Tootsie Rolls, LOL. The recipe that made my heart pause and almost call the local coronary care unit all by itself was one using Milky Way Bars. Girls, the cake called for 11 regular sized Milky Way Bars and two sticks of butter! Seriously! If that wasn't a recipe for a clogged artery, I don't know what was! Oh my gosh, I couldn't believe it. If anyone wants the recipe, let me know and I'll copy and send it to you - privately! LOL

I decided to do an unusual Halloween colored card. We all use orange and black, or green, purple, orange, and black. I decided to use blue and black for my card. The papers I chose are Authentique Journey. I think it turned out kinda cool. It looks cold and spooky, LOL, to me, at least. Here is the cover:

For this part of my card, I created a scene using four Magnolia stamps. The tree limb is called Spooky Moon from the 2009 So Spooky collection I masked the moon and kept the tree branch. I also used the owl, pumpkin and leaves, and the toadstools from the Sweet Rainbow Collection. The Pumpkin and Leaves can be found at Scrapalicious.I wanted the perfect backdrop for my little Witchy Bear! Isn't she just the cutest? You can find her at Hooked on Craft. Her name is Bear with Cauldron. I chose to add some dimensional stars and bubbles to the airspace above her cauldron. I also added some acrylic blue stars. The aqua star flower was perfect to pair up with some black flowers and seeds I had in my stash. The images were colored with Distress Inks. I added a touch of sparkle to the eyes of the owl andsome of the spots found on the mushrooms. I replaced the "O" in Halloween with a aqua rhinestone.

Here is the upper inside section of the card:

Look at that little Dracula Bear! Isn't it the cutest? Now, even though Karen is out of it right now, I'm sure she can order it for you. That way, you'll have a head start next year. The entire Halloween Bear collection is fantastic!

The aqua star flower was perfect when paired with the larger flower behind it. The flower behind it is one of Karen's layered flowers which I colored black with my Copic marker. The maple leaves were white, but since I wanted to stick to aqua and black, I chose to color those leaves black also. I had a doily die that I thought looked close enough to a spider web. I even added a pom pom spider from my stash.

The lower inside has a hidden tag which I created using a Magnolia die duo. I chose the loopy ribbon to match the edges of the die. The white strip behind the bear is some very old paper tape that I had from about seven years ago. It has a Halloween theme, so I chose the part that had the word, "Halloween," repeated. I did shade it with a tad of aqua. The stamp is one from my stash. This time, I chose to use the Bear with Broom. This bear is just as adorable as the others. There's only one left, so you better snap her up! She's a keeper! I repeated using the layered flowers again. I also chose to use the maple leaves which I colored black just as I did the others. The one leaf with the crystals is from Prima. I just thought I'd add it on. Here's a shot of the lower portion:

. I have elevated the bear using pop dots.

This is the inside:

Well, there you have it - my first blue Halloween card! What do you think? I'd love to know! I put myself out there, so we'll see if the reactions are favorable or not.

I hope you have a wonderful Halloween. May you get all the chocolate you can muster! Thanks so much for visiting. I'm so glad you took the time to stop by.

Love to you,
Chris

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

1. Crafty Calendar Challengeends 11/4 - Spooky

2. Stampin' for the Weekend #19 ends 11/3 - Spooky

3. Crafty Ribbons Challenge #5 ends 11/9 - Bingo (middle row horizontally)

4. Paper Play Challenges#43 ends 11/2 - Halloween Inspiration

5. Crafts and Me Challenges#58 ends 11/1 - Blue

6. Scrapaliciousends 11/1 - Halloween Spook

7. Simon Saysends 11/1 - Anything Goes

8. The Paper Variety Wk. 57 ends 11/1 - Cute or Spooky Halloween

Tilda Boxes Against Breast Cancer

2011-10-25T21:23:00.003-06:00

Hi Sweetpeas!

I hope this message finds you well. This is all doctor appointment week for us. Make sure you get your flu shots! We got ours yesterday. The temperatures are supposed to plummet tomorrow by at least 25 degrees! woo Hoo! Come on Fall! They are even predicting snow in some higher elevations.

I made this card a couple of weeks ago, but forgot to take the photos and post it. I hope you like it. I used our little Tilda wearing boxing gloves stamp. I did hte last one in red and charcoal. I decided to girly this one up a bit. Here she is:

I used paper from my stash and some lovely flowers from Hooked on Craft. I made the wrought iron gate using my Cricut. I liked having a bit of texture behind the image. The scalloped mat was done using my Nesties with glittered cardstock. I added two little pink ribbons to Tilda's pig tails. I love it when I can add teeny tiny bows!

This is the inside of the card. I'll just insert all of the photos at once.

I love the softness of this card. The tag is removable as you can see. I also left an area for personal sentiments. The oval was bordered witht he pink glittered cardstock as found on the cover of the card.

Thank you so much for visiting. I hope you liked my work. I'd love a comment if you have time time!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Just Magnolia - Breast Cancer Awareness

Paper Cutz Challenges #114 - ends 10/27 - Breast Cancer Awareness

Crafty Ribbon Challenge#5 - ends 11/9 - Bingo

Simon Says Stamp ends 11/1- Anything Goes

Paper Playtime #58 - ends 10/29 - Say it w/Sentiments and use Buttons and Bows

The Outlawz - Pink Awareness

Magnolia Down Under Challenges #119 - ends 10/29 - Getting Punchy

Something Spooky - Hooked on Craft Challenge #10

2011-10-16T12:30:00.008-06:00

Happy, happy Monday, my Lovlies!

Oh, my favorite time of year is getting closer and closer! The holidays! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day - all coming up faster and faster! I hope all of you are well. Everyone is fine. Precious, the Maine Coon, has been helping me make cards! LOL Cedar, the cat that is vision impaired, has developed a need to come into my scrap room at night and find something she wants. We find girly things around the house that came from my scrap room! It might be flowers or a piece of ribbon. It's been wonderful learning that even the female gender in the cat world is feminine, too! They are our little fur babies. We love them dearly.

DH is always carrying Cedar around the house. She is very thin with the thinnest, longest legs and tail! She only weighs about six pounds. One of her new things to do is leap into the air like a kangaroo! Yesterday, from a sitting position, she reached over three feet in height and over four feet in length. She forms her body like the letter "C" or like a half moon. Her body remains vertical during flight! LOL - It's hilarious. I would love to get a photo of her doing it, but I never know when she's going to go airborne! Precious weighs about 14 lbs. She's very big with shorter, thick legs. She's quite a bundle. When I hold her, she just fills my arms completely. LOL

OK, now for the goodies! Our new challenge at Hooked on Craft Challenges for the next two weeks is....**drumroll, please**...

Something Spooky
This challenge will run from October 17 to October 29. There is so much you can do with a theme like this! Also, there is amazing inspiration from the Design Team! You could make a project, card, layout - go in whatever direction your mind decides. Just make sure that it is something spooky.

Here is my example for this challenge:

Isn't that Mummy Bear stamp just the cutest? I wanted his bandages to look old and dirty, so I tinted the brown. I also popped him up using pop dots. I love when I can create various elevations. The background is a modified Magnolia stamp. I created a circular spiderweb trimmed circle mat using one of my punches. The image has been colored using Distress Inks. I love lots of mats as you can see! I used an assortment of papers from my stash. I thought the bakers twine would also be fun. Karen has the gorgeous flowers and stick pin. I thought the pin could also be used as a spidery looking embellie. I know it's a butterfly, but when I look at it, I also see a spider! LOL The little orange flowers under the purple rose were white. I chose to color them orange with a Copic marker.

Here's a look at the inside:

I am so in love with this collection of bear stamps! This time, I chose to use the Bat Bear stamp. He's so cute! I cut the two images separately and applied the bat to the upper left. Both critters are on pop dots to elevate them.

I used an assortment of papers from my supplies as well as the spiderweb border and corner punches. I, then, went to my flowers to make the clusters. I'm trying to remember to make the interior clusters flatter so that the cards close more flatly. Here are links to all the flowers I used on this card:

Flower Links:
Front of Card:

A. Large Purple Rose - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-roses/mulberry-paper-35mm-roses/35mm-premium-open-roses-purple-mix-mulberry-paper-roses-10-pack.html
B. Light Green Roses - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-roses/mulberry-paper-14mm-roses/14mm-light-green-mulberry-paper-roses-20-pack.html
C. Yellow Tiger Lilies - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-tiger-lily/yellow-mulberry-paper-tiger-lily-flowers-10-pack.html
D. Chrysanthemums - I colored mine orange using a Copic marker - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-chrysanthemum-aster-flowers/15mm-white-mulberry-paper-chrysanthemum-aster-flowers-20-pack.html

Interior of Card:

E. Water Lilies - I colored mine black using my Copic marker - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-water-lily/25mm-white-mulberry-paper-water-lily-flowers-10-pack.html
F. Purple Tiger Lily - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-tiger-lily/purple-mulberry-paper-tiger-lily-flowers-10-pack.html
G. Purple Orchid - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-orchids/purple-mulberry-paper-orchid-flowers-10-pack.html

That pretty much is it, folks! Thank you so much for stopping by! I so love your treasured visits. Please leave a comment if you like. They are so much fun to read and mean the world to me (as long as they are good ones, LOL).

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Stamping Scrapping Challenge Central ends 10/31- Halloween

2. Sparkles Forum Challenges #22 - Halloween

3. Creatalicious Challenges #27 (ends 11/14) - Distress Your Edges

4. Through the Craftroom Door Challenges #12 (ends 10/31) - Halloween w/ orange

5. Craft Your Days Away #31 (ends 10/26) - Halloween

6. Crafty Calendar Challenges # (ends 11/4) - Spooky Birthday

7. 7 Kids Challenge Blog #32 (ends 10/25) - Happy Halloween

Anything But a Card - Hooked on Craft Challenge #9

2011-10-02T17:00:00.001-06:00

Happy October, everyone!

Oh, this is one of my favorite months! The leaves are changing. The temps are dropping. The spice scents coming from the kitchen are fantastic! My friend, Alice, brought over a yummy apple spice cake. So, it's not just me who is ready for this time of the year!

We have a wonderful new challenge at Hooked on Craft Challenges for you to join in on. The current challenge will get you thinking outside the box - or maybe about the box! It's ... *drumroll please* ...Anything but a Card! How perfect is that? Look at all the options! The design team has wonderful springboards for you to see. Their links are on the right side of my blog. Check them out! There are a wonderful variety of options done by these amazing gals! This challenge will run from Oct. 3 to Oct. 15. You've got plenty of time to get those creative juices flowing!

For my project, I altered a notebook cover to create my own multi-purpose notebook. I figured I could just write whatever I wanted before I forgot it, LOL! Goodness me, the older I get, the harder it is to remember! Here is an example - I walked into a room and said to my husband, "You know what?" He replied, "No, what?" I looked at him stupidly because whatever I wanted to tell him flew out of my head just as quickly as it had popped into my head! Honestly, I stood there shocked at myself! Just that fast, the idea flew out of my head! *blush* So, this little book should help! (hopefully)

Isn't it pretty, girly, too, huh? I began by using an embossing folder to create the white embossed background and window. I, then, chalked white CS to create the cloudy sky background to place behind the window opening. This created the perfect frame for the hummingbird. I added a gorgeous purple butterfly and some pink pearls. You can find them here:

Pink Pearls
Purple butterfly

I wanted to create something that reflected me. I so love my hummingbirds. I chose to use a delightful hummingbird stamp that will soon be found in Karen's online store. I colored the image with Twinkling H2Os. It gave the stamp such a subtle metallic sheen. Then, to do a little more, I created another layer by creating another wing on vellum paper. This has been attached at the "shoulder joint" to the base image and then elevated using a pop dot to give dimension reminiscent of flight. It looks like a third wing in the photo below, but that is just the way I angled the camera so you could see it more clearly. It looks wonderful IRL because the translucence of the colors on the vellum.

I chose flowers that were also bright and cheery. I love the selection of flowers found at Hooked on Craft. Karen has a wonderful variety in color and style. Here is what I used in my cluster:

Yellow Mulberry Curly Rose
Aqua Star Flowers
Chrysanthemum Flower
Pink Water Lily
Purple Orchid
Small Roses (purple and pink)
Yellow Calla Lilies
Rosebuds

I hope you liked what I've shared with you today. I love the femininity of it.

If you haven't yet visited Hooked on Craft, please check it out. The flowers are gorgeous. Karen's trinket pins are delightful! The stamps are adorable!

See you soon,

Chris

I would like to enter this journal into the following challenges:

1. Creatalicious Challenges #26 ends 10/14 - anything goes
2. Stamp, Scrap, and Doodle Saturdays ends 10/7- anything but a card
3. Crafts for Eternity#39 ends 10/6 - anything goes
4. Fussy and Fancy Challenges ends 10/6 - try a new technique (using Twinkling H2Os for me)
5. GlitterGeeks Blog Challenge Wk. 17 ends 10/6 - shabby chic
6. 4 Crafty Chicks #57 ends 10/5- anything goes
7. Paper-Crafting Journey #20 ends 10/11 - die cuts
8. Crafts and Me Challenges #54 ends 10/4 - flowers
9. Scrapalicious ends 10/4 - anything goes
10. Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
11. Whimsical Wednesdays ends 10/12 - anything goes

Tilda Loves You!

2011-09-30T11:56:00.005-06:00

Dear September,

Good bye, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu - la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! Did you think of the melody found in the song, So Long, Farewell, from The Sound of Music? Oh, October is just hours away! Woo Hoo! The leaves at the higher elevations are changing to their reds and golds already. Soooooooooooooooooooo pretty! My little hummingbirds are gone now. So, their feeder has no visitors. We live in a flyway, so the sound of ducks and geese heading south can be heard in the early morning as these travelers head south for the winter. They sound so cute, especially the ducks! LOL

I made a wonderful pot of soup for a friend the other day. It was truly a no brainer! You might like it. Honestly, it looks like a ton of work, but it isn't at all. Most of the ingredients go in towards the end, so you have lots of time to prep what needs to be cut.

I took five cans of chicken broth and dumped them into a kettle. To that, I added one very small onion that was cut in half, about two inches of fresh ginger that had been cubed, and about six uncut cloves of peeled garlic. I let that simmer for about an hour. After the flavors had infused the broth, I removed the aromatics and added about 3/4 c. of carrot matchsticks, about 2 c. sliced mushrooms, 2 T. soy sauce (more if you like), 1/3 c. + of mirin, zest from whole lemon. Let this cook for a little bit to allow the carrots to soften. Now it's time to finish off the soup. This is quick! Add 3 green onions cut into 3/4" pieces, 14 frozen pot stickers (I used pork w/veggie), 1/2 bag of fresh spinach leaves. Watch those potstickers closely. If they cook too long, they will open and release the filling. Just before you think the pot stickers are done, toss in 2 c. shelled and cooked edamame (in freezer section), 1" of fresh ginger that you've grated finely, 1/2 c. frozen broccoli flowerettes. If you cook the broccoli and edamame too long, they will look gray, add them last and just long enough to soften slightly without losing their bright green color. Add sesame oil to taste, but be careful as it is strong. Lastly, add 3/4 c. cilantro leaves and juice from 1/2 a lemon (or more if you like) to brighten the flavors. That's it! It was wonderful. Our friends loved it, too! If you give it a go, let me know what you think.

Now for our little Tilda. Today, I have made a sweet supportive card showcasing our Boxing Tilda! I love how this turned out! I used 12 x 12 papers which I had in my stash rather than from a 6 x 6 pad, LOL! Tilda is colored with Copics. I used a distressed stitching technique I used when I was scrapbooking. I just got bored one day with the regular look of machine stitch lines and started ripping at it. Cool, huh? There are lots of layers and die cuts. You can't see the embossing on the sentiment banner, but it is also dry embossed. To enhance your dry embossing, especially when using Nesties, take your embossing stylus (mine has three sizes of ball tips to pick from) and go over the indentations by running the stylus along the back side. You'll see that your embossed lines left by the Nesties are very crisp and clear! I thought the inside turned out so prettily, too. Got the floss, die cuts, buttons, flowers, gems, ribbon, stitching, and layering all included. LOL. I hope you like it as much as I do. Here she is:

I am just so pleased with this card. Maybe someone will be cheered up a bit when they receive it!

Thank you so much for visiting! Your comments are so appreciated. Leave a little love if you wish!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Papers and Such Ends 10/7 - Recipe (I think I have 3 of each)
2. Tip Top Tuesday#53 Ends 10/3 - Chose 2 items from list *tip is above*
3. Stamping Scrapping Central ends 10/9 - Red
4. Addicted to Stamps Challenge #13 ends 10/1- Stitching
5. Magnolia Stamp Loversends 10/8 - Distressing
6. Paper Sundaes Challenge Blog#88 ends 10/1 - anything goes
7. My Sheri Crafts #69 - ends 9/30 - sewing
8. Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog ends 9/30 - anything goes
9. More Than Favors - Breast Cancer Awareness Card#53 ends 10/4 - Breast Cancer Awareness
10. Scrapalicious ends 10/4 - Anything Goes
11. Just Magnolia #126 ends 10/6 - sketch

Gymnast Tilda Card

2011-09-19T11:00:00.008-06:00

Happy Monday Everyone,

Here's a bit of Monday morning humor. I pride myself on my cooking ability. It is one of the things I do easily. However, did I do the stupidest thing ever! Sit back and enjoy this, The Tale of the Orange Package.

I love macaroni and cheese! I bet I've prepared it less than ten times in the 37 years DH and I have been married. It's something I know isn't good for me, so I avoid. I had such a craving for it, though, that I had to break down and make some. I just craved that ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness! I was pulling an assortment of cheese from the fridge when I spotted a clear package of orange colored goodness tucked away on a shelf on the door. I thought, "Oh, good, I'll use that up, too!" I assumed that I had a product that came with a package of cheese sauce which I hadn't used and tucked on the shelf.

I grated my cheeses, cooked the pasta, and added the shredded cheese to the warm pasta. Next, I decided to add the package of orange stuff to the pasta/cheese mix. After squeezing it all into the pot, I nonchalantly licked my fingers. GASP! IT WASN'T CHEESE SAUCE!!!!! IT WAS ORANGE FROSTING!!!! I had this huge blob of orange frosting (the kind that comes with frozen breakfast rolls) right there on the top of my once wonderful mac and cheese!

I burst into peals of laughter! I couldn't stop! I wished I was wearing Depends! I quickly began scooping up the frosting to get it off the pasta before it melted into the pasta/cheese mixture! I got about 97% of the frosting out. But, as we ate the mac and cheese, I thought I would, every once in a while, taste a slight orange flavor. I figured that is probably where it did melt into the mix. *sigh* LESSON LEARNED: Mark what is contained in those little packages you don't toss but want to keep around! LOL

Did that brighten your day? If not, maybe my new little Tilda card will! Here she is:

Isn't she just the cutest? The colors of the card are burgundy and pale blue. I used my Copics to color her. I also did some inking, distressing, and machine stitching with and without thread. I added some Kindy Glitz to the ribbon which adds nice sparkle. Here are the interiors:

This was a perfect opportunity to use up some older Prima flowers.

Well, there she is! I love how the stamped image has a sense of movement rather than a posed stance. I can almost see Tilda dancing her routine.

Have a wonderful day! Thank you for visiting. Leave a comment if you wish. It would be so very much appreciated!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Order of the Opus Gluei#113 (ends 9/24) - Dancing

Kaboodle Doodles Challenge Blog #85 (ends 9/25) - Layers

Lexi's Creations #49 (ends 10/1) - A card for a child

Make It Monday#55 (ends 9/25) - Anything Goes

Ooh-La-La Creations (ends 10/1) - punches or dies

Stamp with Fun#129 (ends 9/26) - Anything Goes

There She Goes Clear Stamps #123 (ends 9/25) - Birthdaiy with Pizzaz

The Ribbon Reel #11 (ends 10/2) - photo inspiration/happy birthday

Addicted to Stamps #13 (ends 10/1) - Stitching

Corrosive Challenges #133 - Punches or Dies

Hooked on Craft Challenge #8 - Using Ribbon & Lace

2011-09-18T17:00:00.008-06:00

Happy Monday, to all you little chickadees! Today, I am sharing my card based on our new challenge theme at
Hooked on CraftChallenges . It's to create something using.....

RIBBON AND LACE

This challenge will run from September 19th to October 1st. Think of the possibilities of lace in its many forms! Then, to add to the mix, think of all the possibilities for the gorgeous ribbon you've been buying! This is such a fun challenge! So easy, too!

For my project, I chose to use an Asian theme. I just love, love, love these little Geisha Bears! They are just so cute! I've been holding back using my Basic Grey Kioshi papers, and I'm glad I did! They were perfect with my theme! All of the products from Hooked on Craft are listed at the bottom of this post. Here's my image, take a looksee...

The little Geisha Bear has been cut out and elevated using pop dots to give some dimension. I used Copic markers to color the image. I thought the gorgeous purple rose, rosebuds, and berry stamen cluster were perfect companions to the image and color scheme. The stamen cluster has a lovely shine to it. The paper I use for my stamped images also has a sparkle to it. It's cool because it shows through the Copic coloration giving the colored areas a subtle sparkle. You can see it on her hair. I did use Kindy Glitz on her bow and the leaves on her dress. For the swirls, I used a Doohickey Die from Magnolia as well as an accent of Magnolia ribbon.

Let's take a look at the inside of the card!

I have fallen in love with the floral lace from Hooked on Craft! It comes in an assortment of colors and is the perfect width. I chose to keep the interior relatively flat for easier mailing. I had the gem tree in my stash and added a flower and leaves from Karen's store. The stamp in called Geisha Bear with Umbrella. What a cutie!

Here are some closer looks:

Look at that lovely purple lace! Is it gorgeous or what? The color was perfect with this card! Thank you, Karen. I love it! The stamp is my most favorite quote in the whole world. It's by Khalil Gibran and says, "It is when you give of yourself that you truly give." It was a gift from my dear, sweet cyberfriend, Rosie. Love you, Sweetie! Talk about intuition - she didn't know it was my favorite quote! Imagine my surprise when I saw it!

In this photo, you can see the second little Geisha Bear with Umbrella up close. She also has two colors of Kindy Glitz on her hair adornments, pink kimono trim, and bow. The camera didn't manage to pick it up. I love the lavender pearls and that perfect purple and white flower. They were the perfect finishing touches.

Well, if you've managed to make it this far, I'm challenging YOU to play along and join in the fun! Get out that ribbon and lace. Create a masterpiece - card, scrapbook page, other craft item, using that ribbon and lace! What a great opportunity to toss your hat into the ring to win a great price compliments of Karen at Hooked on Craft Challenges! This challenge, #8, will run from the 19th of September to the 1st of October. You've got time!

Here are the links to the fabulous supplies found at Hooked on Craft in case you missed any of the links above:

Flower Lace Ribbon - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/ribbon/flower-lace-ribbon/25mm-lavender-flower-lace-craft-ribbon.html

Geisha Bear w/ Umbrella - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/stamps/bears/geisha-bear-with-umbrella.html

Geisha Bear - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/stamps/bears/geisha-bear.html

Purple Pearls - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/embellishments/self-adhesive-pearls/self-adhesive-purple-pearls-pack-100.html

Lace Doily - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/embellishments/paper-lace-doylies/126mm-white-paper-lace-doylies-in-a-pack-25.html

Purple Berry Head Stamen Bunch - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/embellishments/paper-lace-doylies/126mm-white-paper-lace-doylies-in-a-pack-25.html

Purple Layered Flower - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-layered-flowers/purple-and-white-mix-of-mulberry-paper-layered-flowers.html

Purple Mulberry Rose - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-roses/mulberry-paper-25mm-roses/25mm-purple-mulberry-paper-roses-10-pack.html

Small Purple Rosebuds - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-rosebuds/small-purple-mulberry-paper-rosebuds-20-pack.html

Medium Leaf - http://www.hookedoncraft.com/flowers-and-leaves/mulberry-paper-leaves.html

Other supplies include:

Basic Grey Kioshi papers and gem tree embellishment
Bazzill Cardstock
Magnolia Doo-Hickey Swirl die and heart tag die
Magnolia floral ribbon
Nestabilities dies
Go Kreate dies
Color Box Ink
Martha Stewart Border die
Close to My Heart sentiment stamp

Have a great week! I can't wait to see what you've created!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

1. The Crafty Pad ends 9/24 - Diamonds
2. Corrosive Challenges Blog #133 - punches and/or dies
3. Crafty Calendars Challenge - Let Sleeping Bears Lie
4. CES Challenges#54 - ends 9/24 - Embellish Me More
5. Designed2Delight Challenge Blog - ends 9/23 - Girls and Glitter
6. Card Making Mamas - Getting Punchy
7. Paperworks Company- ends 9/30 - distressing, lace, and pearls
8. WagsNWhiskers Rubber Stamps#63 - ends 9/30 - Lace
9. Crafty Ribbons Challenge#2 - ends 9/28 - Anything Goes
10. Cute Card Thursday #182 - ends 9/20 - Anything Goes

Paper Creations Ink Guest Designer!

2011-09-05T13:54:00.006-06:00

It was such a sweet surprise to be asked to be the Guest Desiger for Challenge #8 at Paper Creations ink. I have to tell you, I was a bit apprehensive because I was going to use digital images! I was so worried I'd not do it right. I only have an ink jet printer, so I took the images to a copy shop and had them printed using their laser printer. That was a good choice because I could use my distress inks!

Here are the details on this fun challenge if you'd like to join in the fun! The theme is Vintage/Distressed. You can use any image you'd like. It can be an ATC, scrapbook page, card, or other crafty entry as long as it has paper which you've incorporated into the challenge of Vintage/Distressed.

The challenge runs fro today until Sept. 18. There is a nice little digi gift certificate prize for you, too! Come on, give it a go!

Here is my card for inspiration:

I used paper from several different manufacturers. The CS in Bazzill. The large pearls are Martha Steward. The small pearl string is from my stash. I used Distress inks to ink the background papers as well as color the stamped image. The corner is by Dress It Up. The tag is from K & Co. The flowers, I believe, are from Prima.

Thanks for stopping by!

Chris

Hooked on Craft Challenge #7 - Spring has Sprung!

2011-09-04T17:00:00.000-06:00

It's so hard to think about Spring when I am waiting with bated breath for the cooler temperatures of Fall and Winter, LOL. Those of you in the Southern Hemisphere are probably just as anxious for Spring as I am for Fall! It's been so hot and humid here. Temps were about 110° F (about 44° C) on most days for the past couple of weeks. It really won't really cool down until November, but it will at least be less than 110° very soon. With the humidity, it has just been uncomfortable! At least we haven't had any hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes - for that I am truly grateful!

Our new challenge at Hooked on Craft Challenges focuses on the theme, "Spring has Sprung!" How perfect is that? The challenge will run from September 5th until September 17th. The theme is broad enough for you to include Spring flowers, plants, gardens, etc. Elements related to the theme may be found in your paper, embellies, or images. As always, Karen will have a sweet prize for our winner! Good luck, gals!

I know that it is hard to see the complete banner, but Blogger limits the photo size. I think if you click on the image, it will reveal a larger one. I will give you photos of all of the components. Each pennant has been separated from the next by a little tag made from a Magnolia doohickey tag set. I used Quickutz dies for the alphas. In the upper left of each alpha tag is a beautiful little white daffodil accented by punched stems. On the upper right of each tag, I have also used gorgeous roses as a way to separate the components. The roses are in three differing shades of pink. Soooooooooooo pretty!

Now, for the pennants. These were made with my Nestabilities dies. I used three sets: scalloped pennant, straight edged pennant, and a pennant border set. Each of the stamped images has been colored with Distress Inks.

For this pennant, I used the sweet little stamp called Cute Puppy With Flower Isn't it just the cutest? I also used tiny Prima flowers and centered each one with a little white pearl.

This pennant features the stamp entitled, "Cute Puppy with Bone." Again, this image was also colored with Distress Inks. The top of each banner has been elevated using pop dots.

Here is the midpoint pennant featuring a stamp entitled, "Cute Puppy Sitting" Look at the perfection of that paper rose! These are G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!

Our fourth pennant features Cute Puppy in Kennel. I thought that little dog house was so adorable with the flowerpot chimney. The Distress Inks really made the slats look like wood. I tried to give some depth to the image of the dog house. It's hard to see in the photo, though

The final pennant has the adorable Cute Puppy Walking stamp. I love that little ladybug on the pup's tail! Too cute!

Thank you so much for visiting. I hope you enjoyed your visit and got some inspiration from what I've created. Have a wonderful week!

XO,
Chris

Tilda Does Yoga

2011-08-27T21:36:00.009-06:00

Well, the weekend is half over. For those of you along the eastern seaboard, be safe. Bless your hearts, you've had a week like no other, huh? First, you have a significant earthquake and now a hurricane. If you are reading this, that's good! That means you have power!

Before I discuss the card I'm posting today, I want to share a photo of an orange dragonfly that I was able to get today (the photo, not the dragonfly, LOL). For the past couple of weeks, he's been buzzing through the back yard. I thought it was one of our hummingbirds because of his huge size and because he was flying with two hummers. Now, I realize they were chasing him! He's really big! He was a very good subject. Look at his wings. Aren't they beautiful? You can even see the shadow of his digestive track fro his thorax down through his abdomen. I'm sure I'll lose some of the beautiful colors and contrast since I'm uploading directly from Blogger. He is a very vibrant orange.

Now, for our little Tilda. She's much calmer than I because she does her Yoga each and every day. I wanted to create a card that was calming - reflecting what Yoga gives to its diligent practitioners. I chose aqua, purple, and a very pale sage green for the papers on the card. The cardstock is eggplant, aqua, and white. Tilda was colored with Copics. Even the ribbon has a texture that mimics the flow of the card.

This is the interior of the card. Again, I wanted to keep the theme as serene as I could. On the sides of the sentiment tag, I double stamped the floral spray. You cannot see it, but there is a very pale aqua image under the pale purple flower spray. The paper on the right side appears darker than it really is because of the angle and the way the light was unable to catch the paper properly.

I hope you enjoyed my not so little orange dragonfly and my Yoga Tilda. I so appreciate your visiting and hope that you will return! Thank you so much for visiting!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

Send a Smile 4 Kids(ends 9/2) - punches and die cuts
Just Add Ink #82 (ends 8/31) - Use something from stash (corner shape)
Just Magnolia (ends 9/1) - Bingo - gems (pearls are classified as organic gems) - flowers - Ribbons/Lace
Crop Stop Challenge #34 (ends 8/31) - Aniything Goes
Crafting for All Seasons #8 (ends 9/6 ) - Bingo (ribbons, glitter, flowers)

Hooked on Craft Challenge #6 - Things with Wings

2011-08-21T17:00:00.002-06:00

Good Monday morning fellow card makers! I hope your week will be off to a wonderful start!

This week, Hooked on Craft Challenges wants you to take on the challenge of Things with Wings ! This challenge will run from August 22 until September 3. This challenge is so open, that it shouldn't be hard for you to complete. You could incorporate fairies, butterflies, dragonflies, even angels! The winged element may be found anywhere on your card - the stamped image, an embellishment, and even your paper! You know the lovely Karen will have the perfect prize for the winner!

For my card, I chose to not only use Butterfly Bear With Flower, but I decided to put his little wings to good use by having him float in the air! Because I created an "A" frame card, Mr. Bear can swing in and out with a touch.

His sweet little flower has dimension as well. I chose to cover the flower petals and center with Flower Soft. I used a bright yellow for the outer areas, a pale yellow for the inner areas, and green for the flower center. I love how it gives the flower a velvety look!

I accented the card by using an assortment of gorgeous flowers from Hooked On Craft. I began by first placing the green Gardenia and building outward.

Next, I added Star Flowers which were white. The thing I so love about the white flowers is that I can make the any color I need! In this case, I needed yellow. So, I colored each one using two different yellow Copic markers. Easy peasy, right? You bet!

I absolutely love Calla Lilies - real and paper! Karen has WONDERFUL Calla Lilies. For this card, I chose the lemon ones.

Next, I accented the flower cluster with green Mulberry Leaves (medium and small) as well has a heart trinket pin. The finishing touches were swirl die cuts and banner by Magnolia, Prima flowers, brads, and a mulberry butterfly with pale green rhinestones.

I hope you will create a wonderful card for Hooked on Craft Challenges. You have until September 3! I cannot wait to see what you create!

XO,
Chris

Tilda Goes Snorkeling!

2011-08-19T11:25:00.010-06:00

Summer has decided to really turn on the heat at a time of the year when the temperatures should be gradually decreasing. We are well over 100° F. The temp inside the car yesterday was 147°! So, we're having July temps in late August! With that being said, Tilda needed to go for a swim. It helped me keep cool to do this card, LOL. I used the new Swimming Tilda (which, I think, should be named Snorkeling Tilda. I had so much fun with this card which has turned out to be one of my very favorites of the Tilda cards I have ever done. Let me know what you think!

Is this cute or what? Does Tilda look like she is under water? That was the effect I was trying to achieve with the microfine glitter. I colored the image with my Copics and then did the covering. I kept the colors to teal, tan, and white with splashes of red, green, and yellow on the stamped image. The papers I chose to use were those, I thought, had a watery feel.

Click on photo above for a larger image, if you wish.

I don't know if the side shot gives you another view of the image. Maybe you can see how the image is so muted.

I had gotten this sand dollar stamp and thought I'd put it to good use on this card. I love, love, love sand dollars. Every summer, for 22 years, we'd head to the Oregon Coast for the summer. We were right on the beach. I'd get up every morning and be the first on the beach to gather up the sand dollars that would wash up over night. There were times when I found well over 100 in one morning! We have a garage full of them, LOL. Every year, I'd give each of my students a sand dollar at some point during the year. They loved getting them. I digress. OK, back to the card. I changed the border punch, added some shell embellishments, and a sentiment made with alpha stickers.

This is the completed inside. I added an area for a personal sentiment which I chose because it resembled a shell.

There you have it! You likey?

Thank you so much for stopping by! You are just the sweetest gals for taking the time! Come back again!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

All That Scraps Blog #13 (ends 9/16) - Stretch Your Imagination
Colour Create Challenge Blog #77 (ends 8/24) - Color Challenge
Crafts and Me Challenges - #48 (ends 8/24) - Blues and Blue Greens
My Mum's Craft Shop #19 (ends 8/23) - Summertime
Scrapbook Sisters #48 (ends 8/23 ) - Blue
Clear It Out Challenge Blog (ends 8/29) - Glitter
Deep Ocean Challenge Blog #6 (ends 8/28 ) - Light Blue
My Time to Craft Challenges #153 - "G" is for...
Papertake Weekly - Bingo (I chose center, vertical column)
Shopping Our Stash #13 (ends 8/22) - Weakest Link (for me, It's Magnolia Stamps)
Tuesday Throwdown #62 (ends 8/22) - Non-stamped Sentiment

Sweet Treats!

2011-08-07T17:00:00.007-06:00

I have a delightful card to share with you today! The Hooked on Craft Challenges Blog is sponsoring a Sweet Treats Challenge! It's easy peasy! Just include in your creation the image(s) of something sweet. It could be ice cream, cupcakes, candy, etc., and may be found on your paper, ribbons, or other embellishments. Oh, I think this challenge would be one that most of you would love to join! I had a "sweet time" working on my project! LOL

Here are photos of the project I created. The first shot is of both components, the card and the treat basket that is filled with little Mounds bars (because the wrappers matched the papers I used in my project, LOL).

I love that little treat basket. I created the handle with two 12" paper scraps and a Martha Stewart border punch. The frosting on the cupcake, as well as the cherry, have been colored with Prismacolors and then covered with Kindy Glitz. Kindy Glitz was around long before Stickles glitter glue! When I first saw Kindy Glitz, I ordered every color they had and then some! I was a trend setter here in the US (not) by using glitter glue! The darling stamped images have been colored with Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol. You can find the stamped images at Hooked on Craft!

Here are the photos of my card:

I chose to cover the cake in Kindy Glitz so that the card front would look more festive. Because of reflection, it doesn't show the depth of the cake's colors. The yellow is very pronounced. I found the chipboard heart in my stash and thought it would nicely showcase the ribbon bow. The addition of the roses and yellow rosebuds finished the upper left corner. I kept the flowers in the color scheme of the card.

For the interior, top, of the card, I chose to use an assortment of flowers and leaves. Do you know you can color the petals with your Copic markers or Colorbox Ink Pads? Just gently remove the petals, color them, let them dry, and return them under the stamens. Glue into place. I also colored the tips of the white chrysanthemum aster with one of my yellow Copic Markers. I love, love, love calla lilies, so the light lemon colored one was a perfect addition. I've also added a length of Tim Holtz filmstrip as well as an embossed postage stamp to add more textures. That stamp is part of a very hard to find set of four celebration themed mini embossing folders that also come with the stamp shaped cutting die. You can find the Provo Craft Embossed Postage Stamp Set HERE. The owner does ship abroad. I chose to color the raised sections of the embossed stamp with Pebbles iridescent chalks. That stamp just makes the cutest embellishments! Inside the sentiment circle, I did add three stamp dots. One is yellow, one is greenish yellow, and the other is red. I couldn't pull up the brightness of the ink colors or chalk colors well at all. Sorry about that!

Here you can see the complete interior. I prefer to leave one sentiment area blank for a personal note. The white leaves that I used for the card are just wonderful! I keep going to them to enhance the flowers. I wish I had ordered a ton more. They match everything and come in four different sizes! Yes, they are also from Hooked on Craft. You should see the new metallic leaves that Karen is carrying. They'll be wonderful for Christmas/winter themed cards!

I used the following products from Hooked on Craft's wonderful selection of products:

Bear Stamps

White Rose
Red Rose
Black Rose

White Leaf - large
White Leaf - medium
White Leaf - small

Red Rhinestones

Doily

Cherry Blossoms
Calla Lily
Chrysanthemum Aster

Thank you so much for visiting! I hope you like what I've shared with you today and find that it has prompted you to join in the Something Sweet Hooked on Craft Challenge! The is a really nice prize up for grabs! Come back soon!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Birthday Sundaes (ends 8/13) - Birthday Card
2. Here Come the Boys - Challenge #8 (ends 8/18) - Critters
3. Allsorts Challenge Week #115 - Red
4. Craft Your Days Away #26 - Birthday
5. Mark's Finest Papers #67 (ends 8/12) - Card Size Challenge
6. Send a Smile 4 Kids (ends 8/18) - Anything Goes
7. Card Makin' Mamas #26 (ends 8/18) - Birthday
8. Wags 'n Whiskers Stamps #60 (ends 8/18) - Sparkly
9. Little Miss Muffet Challenges #15 (ends 8/16) - Outside the Diecut
10. Amber's Crafts & Stuff #21 (ends 8/9) - Sparkle and Shine

Tilda's Out of This World!

2011-07-28T11:32:00.005-06:00

Good morning everyone,

I have a fun Tilda card to share with you today that I made when my Magnolia Club Kit first arrived. I held back sharing it because I didn't think it was very good. It wasn't girly enough. I was torn because the astronaut was a girl and the theme was more boyish. So, I just put it aside. I didn't even put it up on Etsy. So, I'm swallowing hard and hoping that you will enjoy it (or learn from my mistakes, LOL).

I kept the cardstock navy, yellow, and red. On the card's cover, I created the frame using my Nestie dies. Then, I popped up the frame so that Tilda could sit on the edge. Someof the papers are glittery while others are shiny or just plain. On the front, I used plain and shiny papers. I had the silver stars already, so they got put to good use. I took the sentiment and backed it on navy blue glittered cardstock. Tilda's little helmet was lined in Crystal Stickles.

I chose to make the inside playful. I used a rustic pointillism technique for both of the moons. The paper on both the top and bottom have glossy elements printed on them. I added red and orange Stickles to the flames coming from the rocket ship as well as adding crystal Stickles to the porthole. For the bottom section I repeated the frame I used on the front panel. I also added the same silver glittered stars and a cute little gel rocket.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I am so glad you visited! You are such sweethearts for doing so. I hope you will come back soon.

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Scrapbook Sisters - Birthday

2. Ladybug Crafts Ink - Summer Birthday

3. Clear It Out Challenge - Anything Goes (I used the stars and ribbon from my stash)

4. Totally Stampalicious - Anything Goes

5. Magnolia Down Under - 3 D (my frame, Tilda, and sentiment are elevated. Inside my card, the rocket ship is elevated, too)

6. Catered Crop #FTR17 - Recipe (I chose the following:Colors - blue, red, white; Stamps & Stickers - sentiment, science subject (space); Patterns - scallops; Embellishments - glitter, ribbon, buttons (stars), rhinestone stars, stickers); Tools - die cut shapes; Theme - birthday

7. Wags n' Whiskers Stamps - Buttons & Bows (my silver stars are buttons covered with glitter)

Tilda is Bringing Some Cheer!

2011-07-26T23:05:00.011-06:00

Hello to each of you in the blogosphere! It's just about "Hump Day" again! I just cannot believe that July is almost over. Where did it go and how did it get away? At first, I thought it was just because I'm getting old and time is going faster. When you are younger, there is so much to learn that time goes slowly. Now, I'm NOT saying that I don't have much to learn - oh my gosh, that isn't so! It's just that, oh, I don't know, I'm getting old! LOL

Today, I am sharing with you our little Tilda as a cheerleader. Many, many moons ago, I was the university mascot for my school. I did that for a couple of years. It was a riot! I had so much fun! I got to travel with the teams and see so many places from Honolulu to New Orleans during Mardi Gras! I got to fly a Leer jet - sort of. I didn't know the pilot had put the jet on auto pilot, LOL. Imagine my surprise when the jet made a curve to the left and I wasn't the one doing the turning! I was just flying along in the sky thinking I was right where I was supposed to be! I think we were halfway to Guam! LOL Another time, I got a standing ovation from 10,000 people when I did something just a teeny bit risque during a half time performance. I made the newspaper, too! I was even written up by an famous sports writer/commentator named Jimmy "the Greek" Snyder. Maybe your hubbies would have heard of him. It was back in MY day! LOL So, cheerleading was a very positive experience for me! I think I lost about five pounds a game because I was sweating so much in that costume!

Enough of my babbling.

I have a new card to share. I think it's cute. I love how the inside turned out. I colored Tilda with my Copics. I went through distress ink withdrawal, but I had to do it. I colored and then used Stickles on the pom poms. They just look so cute IRL. I thought Tilda might help someone cheer up with her happy disposition. I left the inside lower half blank for a personal message. The top half was fun. I combined some small swirls I had to make the ones you see. Then, I enhanced the top with the gorgeous flowers. It just looks cheery to me.

Here are the shots:

Thank you so much for visiting! Please come back again to hear me yammer about what's happening in my kitchen, LOL! That's how my life is - not as interesting as when I was a working gal! I so love your visits!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Stamp Something - Embellish It

2. Papertake Weekly - Getting Cute!

3. The House that Stamps Built - Glitter

4. Papercraft Star - Anything Goes

5. Scrapbook Sisters - Candy

6. Kaboodle Doodle Challenge Blog - Stitching

A Beary Cute Card

2011-07-24T17:00:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for stopping by! It's been a very busy week for me. I need a vacation! LOL I've been busy taking care of things around the house, cooking up a storm, tending to doctor's appointments, and working on cards.

I was just so tickled when I found I was selected to be a DT member for a wonderful site called Hooked on Craft! I am flattered that Karen chose me to be on her team. It is such an honor to have been selected! Karen has the most scrumptious flowers, adorable little stamps, as well as other embellishments such as mesh ribbon and pearls. The best part is that the exchange rate is pretty good! The store is located in Victoria, AU, and Karen does ship to the USA! Stop by and take a peek at her yummy craft goodies!

This is my first card for the Hooked on Craft Challenge Blog. Our challenge theme is Cute and Cuddly. I decided to jump in and make a tag card. The tag opens from the top to reveal the inside panels. I used layering, machine stitching, inking, die cuts, and lots of embellishments. Isn't that little bear stamp the cutest ever? I think it is just such an adorable image. It's perfect for so many sentiments. I colored my little guy and grass with Copic Sketch Markers (E35,E31,E53,E50 for my bear). I chose to go with a friendship theme for this card. I absolutely love, love, love the daffodil and tiger lily flowers you see in the lower left. I have a feeling that these are going to be one of my "go to" embellishments! I especially like that they aren't as high as some of my other flowers. They'll fit nicely in an envelope without distorting the envelope at all.

The next panel is on the inside top portion. I cut the shape with my Nestie die set. I left the sentiment area blank. I chose to place it at the top so that there is nothing behind it to affect the writing of the personal message. I chose to use a cherry blossom flower as the base for my button with baker's twine. I like the look.

I apologize for this photo. For some reason, I just couldn't get it the same color as the first two photos. Photoshop hates yellow, so there was no managing this at all. It's way too dark. I chose this sentiment because of it's sweetness. I added a trio of rhinestone stars for emphasis. I repeated the scalloped circle shape that is in the panel above. I enhanced it with a fancier scalloped circle done in green Bazzill cardstock. I was worried that if I added more flowers, it might look over done. So, I kept the decorative aspect the circled area containing the sentiment.

The following items may be found in the Hooked on Craft storefront. By clicking the link, you'll go right to the page!

Honey Bear with Flower

Daffodils

Tiger Lily Flowers

White Rosebuds

Teeny Tiny Mulberry Leaves

White Cherry Blossom

Thank you so much for stopping by! If you are in the mood for a fun challenge, stop by the Hooked on Craft Challenge Blog and join the fun! I love the topics that are coming up. You don't want to miss them!

Blessings,
Chris

Just Chillin'

2011-07-23T21:23:00.010-06:00

I cannot believe the temperatures so many of you are feeling this summer! My heart goes out to you! I know that when our A/C has gone out during the heat of the summer, it has been horrible! When we lived in Las Vegas, there were those times that we borded the pets and got a hotel room so we could sleep at night in the cool air conditioned room. Hang in there. Just a little tidbit of historical info - when the early settlers to Las Vegas wanted to stay cooler at night, they would wet their bed sheets and sleep outside! If the upper sheet dried during the night, they rewet it again so that they could stay cool - ER.

I've been working on a couple of cards. I'd like to share one with you today. It's in honor of those of you who are hot or on a diet! Go figure. The two are NOT connected at all! LOL

Here is Miss Tilda staying to keep cool while NOT watching her waistline! It's weird. The actual colors in my original photo are much more intense. When I uploaded them to post here, they got all washed out. I'll never understand. *sigh* I colored the image w/ distress inks, added some little ribbon bows to Tilda's pig tails, and added some pretty flowers and glittered accents. The rhinestone heart is a pale blue set in silver. Tilda is elevated on pop dots. I added additional glitter around the edge of the paper on which Tilda was painted. I also used a MS border punch behind the scene.

Here is the inside of the card:

The top half features a punched circular border as well as a horizontal punched border. I cut the banner from glittered cardstock in a pink that matches the borders and the ice cream dish. The bottomhalf repeates the punched borders and also adds some fuchsia branches tucked under a leafed rose and bow.

I really enjoyed creating this card. It all came together so well. Some cards just flow so easily while others seem to create bumps in the road to completion!

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope that you will come back again. If you would like to leave a comment, please do, do, do! I so love that you cared enough to leave a little love. Each one is so uplifting, appreciated, and what keeps me moving forward. I so appreciate you for visiting and leaving them.

Have a wonderful weekend!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Magnolia Stamp Lovers (ends 6/31) - Summer Colors

2. Little Miss Muffet Challenges #14 (ends August 2) - Summer

3. Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge #41 (ends July 28) - Summer

4. Just Magnolia - What's Cooking

5. Stamp Something Challenges(ends July 28) - Something Embellished

6. Totally Gorjuss #90 - Punch or Die

In a Crafting Frenzy

2011-07-12T21:47:00.008-06:00

Wow, I just cannot believe that it is almost mid-July! We've had our monsoon days for a week and a half with a bit of rain as well as wonderful thunder. For those who have been with me, you just know I love, love, love the thunder here in southern Utah! It just rolls and rolls off the canyon walls. It's unlike any thunder I've ever heard. So, we're drying out now. Hopefully, we'll have another visit from Mother Nature's summer monsoon!

Some of you have asked me about the little embossed stamp that I used on my Father's Day card. Here it is:

These came in a little set of four small embossing folders and one metal die. It's available at HAPPY SCRAPPIN' SCRAPBOOKINGYou can find it HERE. The owner, Sharon is a very close friend. She ships the day after you place the order. You won't be disappointed!

My DH hates cole slaw. He'd rather eat spinach than cole slaw. Well, I found a copycat recipe for KFC's cole slaw (which I love). I gave it a go and voila! My DH now loves cole slaw! The recipe is a "no brainer." You can Google it and see the entries which are all the same (Look for copycat recipes). If ever you don't have buttermilk in your fridge, just add some vinegar to the milk and wait about 10 minutes. It'll work perfectly! If you want the recipe without searching for it, e-mail me. I'll be happy to send you a copy!

I've been making some cards. The one I'm going to share tonight took me about four days to do. Why does it take me so long? Ugh! I hope you like it. I'm going to put it into my Etsy store and see if anyone else likes it enough to purchase it. I'll add a specific initial to Edwin's shirt! I love how it turned out. What do you think?

DH wanted a teeny tiny star by Edwin's eye, so, if you look closely, you'll see it on the side of his right eye (as you are looking at it). The circle is elevated on pop dots, and Edwin is also elevated. His shirt awaits a nice white alpha!

This is the interior top:

Here is the interior bottom:

The little ticket at the bottom is removable for later use. LOL I stamped it with midnight blue ink.

I think my DH would love a card like this for him, too. I could tell by his ahhhs and ohhhhs. He's such a wonderful support! I love him to death!

Thank you for stopping by. I so appreciate your taking the time to visit and hope that you will come back again to see what's new.

Blessings,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog (ends July 25) - Photo challenge

2. Creative Inspirations Challenge Blog #63 (ends July 16) - Red, White, and Blue

3. Order of the Opus Gluei #108 (ends 6/17) - Red, White, ?

4. If the Shoe Fits, Scrap It! #85 (ends 6/14) - Red, White, & Blue

5. Send a Smile for Kids (ends 6/15) - Red, White, and Blue

6. Our Daily Bread Designs #67 (ends 6/15) - Red, White, and Blue

7. Paper Creations Ink #4 (ends 6/17) - Red, White, and Blue

8. Pattie's Creations Design Challenge#25 (ends 6/14) - Red, White, and Blue

An Uneventful Week

2011-06-27T12:04:00.010-06:00

I've had an uneventful week! I guess that could be viewed as a good thing, right? Nothing exciting happened. Our son is fine, my DH is fine, the cats are fine, I'm fine. I didn't cook anything exciting, nor did I bake anything special. What a BORING WEEK!

I have a card to share today. Since the 4th of July is right around the corner (wasn't June 1 just a couple of days ago) I thought I'd make a patriotic themed card using Tilda in Star Dress. She looks so cute. This card has lots of layering. I hope it doesn't look like a target! LOL I added Stickles to Tilda's dress (stars) to add a touch of sparkle. I made a double bow using my Bow Easy. I had soe red and blue flowers, so they went on the card, too. Here it is:

Here is the inside. There is a strip of star ribbon on the bottom to hold the tag into place. I love that star ribbon so much!

It's a really simple card. I just had fun with a new-to-me-technique of using a border punch around a circle. It looks OK, I guess! LOL.

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you will visit again.

XO,
Chris

NOTE: I started writing this post on 6/27 but didn't finish it until tonight, 6/30. I hope that doesn't disqualify me from participation in challenges. That's the first time I've ever saved a draft, so I didn't know how the dating was configured.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Die Cut Dreams Challenge Blog (#92 ends July 2) - Red, White, & Blue

2. Scrapbookaholic By Abby (#8 ends July 9) - Red, White, & Blue

3. Stamping Scrapping Challenge Central (ends July 3) - Red, White, & Blue

4. There She Goes Clear Stamps (#113 ends July 4) - Use multiple dies

5. Pile It On (#26 ends July 2 ) - Going Round in Circles

6. Off the Wall Craftiness (#56 ends July 7) - Red, White, and Blue

7. Craft Us Crazy (#11 Ends July 6) - Red, White, and Blue

Exploring My Inner Pioneer Woman

2011-06-13T18:54:00.018-06:00

I love Ree Drummond. I love her light heartedness. I admire that she pitched her business attire and found herself quite comfortable living ranch life (while still doing well financially) - smart woman! Then, there was me - waking up, donning my heels and dresses, and loving each and every day for 32 years. I'm still trying to do the best I can while quietly attempting to be a better person each day. In true Ree Drummond style, I cooked my heart out this weekend. My sweet DH appreciates my endeavors. The house smelled delicious. I baked, I cooked and cooked, and cooked - from Friday until Sunday.

I started on Friday by making a huge pot of spaghetti sauce. My mother and grandmother would be very proud of me. It was rich with meatballs and Italian sausage. I, like my mother before me, let it simmer all day long to reduce and thicken. My home smelled like my childhood. I found myself wondering if I had instilled this slow simmer technique in our son. He loves to cook and is quite good at it. Did I teach him to let the gravy simmer for a long time? In the evening, I put the gravy in the fridge so the flavors would marry even more. Saturday night, we had homemade rigatoni pasta with the scrumptious gravy.

Sunday, I put on my Ree Drummond hat once again. I made a Brussels sprouts salad with dates, almonds, dried cranberries, and a mustard vinaigrette. I served this with Asian style sausage and green beans served over rice. My DH LOVED the sausage and green beans. I couldn't get him to ever eat them at a restaurant. Same thing with anything Brussels sprouts. But, he did manage to eat some of the salad. He kept telling me how delish the sausage and green beans were! Success!

Now, on to a card to share with you.

I've been working hard and trying to improve my skills. I started this card a while ago and just got to finishing it this weekend. I think I actually began it in March! On the front, I've masked two stamps to create the background. Then, there is sweet Tilda in the yellow dress. The yellow just didn't photograph well. If I tweak the brightness, it'll bleach out the other colors. So, her dress looks yucky! She and her balloon are elevated on pop dots. I wanted the walkway to look like gravel. I hope I succeeded. This is also my first attempt at creating black hair. I like it! LOL. Here are the pages of my card:

This is the inside left. I stamped a Magnolia butterfly image and added some glitter to it for sparkle. It's elevated on pop dots as well. The print of the stamp looks weird for some reason in the photo. The lens didn't see what was on the paper very well.

Inside right:

Both interiors:

I have to make a Father's Day card for DH. I've been procrastinating in case the one I have for sale doesn't sell. I could just change the sentiment on the front and use that card. *tee hee* When we first met, DH and I went trout fishing in central Nevada. He had this expensive rod and reel. He made me a line from a willow branch and added the line with a hook attached. He showed off his fancy gear. I just flicked my willow branch into the stream and immediately got a trout! My DH was quite chagrined! LOL Then, I tossed my little hook back into the stream again and caught trout #2! DH never caught a fish at all. LOL So, that card is reminiscent of our fishing date, LOL.

Have a wonderful week! Thank you for stopping by and reading my small book above, LOL. I so appreciate your visits and comments. Thank you sooo much!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Magnolia Stamp Lovers(ends 6/18) - Anything Goes

2. HookedonCraft Challenges(ends 6/24) - Anything Goes

3. KB Challenges #17 (ends 6/19) - Anything Goes

4. Catered Crop (ends 6/23) - Follow the Recipe: Colors: Blue & Green, Stamps: Nature (buttefly, tulips, and sky stamps, Color Medium: Painted Ink, Embellishments: pearls, lace ribbon, pearls, Tools: Die Cuts, sewing machine, Techniques:sewing machine

5. Paper Sundaes #73(ends 6/18) - Girly Girl

6. Catch the Bug Blog (ends 6/18) - Pearls and Lace

7. Creations by GillM - Sketch w/ circle shapes

8. ECP Challenges #40 (ends 6/23)- photo inspiration (I chose colors yellow and green)

A Magnolia Tilda Father's Day Card

2011-06-09T01:08:00.010-06:00

With Father's Day quickly approaching, I thought I better get myself into gear and make a card! So, I hunkered down and got to work! I used one of the new Sweet Rainbow stamps of Tilda and put a different spin on the card. Instead of having a little boy on the front, I put gorgeous little Tilda while continuing to keep the card masculine by using "manly" (LOL) colors - brown, green, and grey.

I chose to use Basic Grey papers, Bazzill cardstock, Robin's Nest dew drops, Prima flowers, machine stitching, embossing, punching, and anything else I could think of! I had some fake cattails, so I used them to help set the stage for the fishing theme of the front.

Here are the shots:

The little charm says, "World's Greatest Dad." Some elements are on pop dots. I love that little stamp! Tilda just is too cute!

Thanks for stopping by. Sorry for the quick post. I hope you liked my card and will come back soon!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Amber's Crafts & Stuff (ends 6/14) - special man

2. The Paper Variety (ends 6/14) - Father's Day

3. Lexi's Creations (ends 6/11) - Father's Day

4. Craft Your Days Away (ends 6/9) - Father's Day

5. ECP Challengs (ends 6/9) - Father's Day

6. Ladybug Craft Ink Challenge Blog (ends 6/13) - Male Theme

7. Fussy and Fancy Challenge (ends 6/16 ) - A card for a man or a boy

Hooray for Hump Day

2011-06-01T16:07:00.008-06:00

It's Wednesday, everyone! It's all downhill from here! You CAN make it - repeat, "I CAN make it!" Then, you have two days to kick back! That's one of the nice things about retirement - everyday is the weekend!

I resolved my computer issue for the time being. Thank you so much for caring. FYI, I left the unplugged computer on and drained the battery. Then, I let it sit overnight to make sure that every ounce of "juice" was out of that battery. I checked to make sure that there were no lights showing on the computer. There were none which told me I could now plug it in. I didn't turn it on, I just plugged it in. By afternoon, it was up to 100%! It still drops its charge too soon for my liking, so I guess I'll eventually need a new battery. I have to thank my DS for telling me what to do.

I have a new card to share today. I hope you like it.

I used one of the new Sweet Rainbow Collection stamps. Tilda is flying her kite. It's soooooooooooo cute! I did some paper piecing to create the scene behind Tilda. There are Stickles on the kite, hairbows, and eggs in the nest just to add a little sparkle. Here is the cover of the card:

The left interior card features a handmade pleated ribbon flower, lace trim, and a punched border. Also are die cut leaves and removable stamped tag tucked into the pocket.

The inside, right, of the card is fairly basic. I used a die for the brown, a border punch for the tan sentiment area, and a slotted bow. I love those bows because they are so neat and tidy looking.

Thank you so very much for visiting. I hope it was worth your time. I sure love when I am able to share with you. Please do come back again!

Blessings,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Creative Craft challenges - restful color challenge

2. KB Cute Monday (ends 6/5) - Anything Goes

3. Stamp with Fun - In the Garden

4. One Stitch at a Time(ends 6/4) - Fourth of July/PIcnics

5. Crazy 4 Challenges - Favorite vacation spot or activity

6. Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog - Here Comes Summer

I May Have a Computer Issue

2011-05-29T18:42:00.009-06:00

YIKES! Today, my laptop is being very weird. I have it plugged in. It says the battery is only at 45%, and it has not changed all day long! Right there, in front of my eyes, it sits at 45% while plugged in. The little green light is on (where the plug attaches to the computer). I'm afraid it'll drop down to zip, and I won't be able to fire it up! It was fine yesterday. The battery was at 100%. Go figure. I think my little "Macalina" is too tired to accept a charge! Hmm, I know that feeling all too well! LOL I took the battery out and put it back in. No change. So, here I am while I can! On Tuesday, I'll call the Apple Store and order a new battery. Hopefully, that will resolve the problem. I still have my desktop MAC that is brand new and turned on only once, LOL! I just love my laptop. It goes where I go. This MacBook Pro is four years old. It's time, I think, to begin considering a new Pro.

I have another card to share with you. I hope you like it! I had fun with it. Here are the shots:

The door, Tilda, and the fence are each at their own depth. I didn't take a side shot to show the "layers" of depth. Each section is separated by dimensionals. I also embossed the background so that it resembled bricks. I used a Robin's Nest acrylic bead for the handle on the screen. There is grass around Tilda's little feet. I've glittered the crowns on her shirt as well as her wings, the perimeter of the sign, and the butterflies.

Here are the interior shots:

The inside is so bright and cheery! I so love this paper! I thought the polka dotted ribbon would be a nice accent. Then, I decided that I wanted buttons. So, there's one section of the interior.

I chose to vary the angle of the tag. Next, I used yellow striped baker's twine to wrap the bottom portion. I thought I'd use buttons in the primary colors. They also repeated the shapes found on the paper.

This is it - the complete interior. Doesn't it just look happy?

Thanks so very, VERY much for visiting! I love to read your comments, so if you feel like leaving one, I will treasure it! Thank you and enjoy your holiday!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Magnolia Stamp Lovers (ends 6/4) - embossed background

2. Catered Crop (ends 6/9) - recipe - Ingredients include: Colors: red, white, blue, yellow; Color Mediums: distress inks; Embellishments: twine; Tools: die cuts; Techniques: square card, distress inking; Theme: Summer

3. Allsorts Challenge Blog(ends 6/3) - Things with wings

4. CES Challenges (ends 6/4) - embossing

5. Totally Gorjuss (ends 6/4 ) - String's the thing!

Happy Three Day Weekend!

2011-05-28T18:44:00.012-06:00

Well, the unofficial start of summer is just two days away! What do you have planned? I'm hoping to play with something that DS got for me for my birthday (this week). It's a Himalayan Salt Block! It is the most beautiful block of salt I have ever seen! It is maybe 9 or 10" square and at least 2" thick. The color is very close to a pale apricot. It's translucent and, yes, I had to taste it, salty! No, I didn't lick it! It is used for cooking! I'm thinking grilled scallops might be my first venture on Monday. I love playing with new kitchen goodies, and DS won my heart with this cooking toy! It can also be used to serve cold items and is pretty enough to go right to the table.

A sweet cyberfriend had my heart and prayers this week. Her town was hit by a very severe tornado. I was so worried about her all day. I logged on to a TV station in her area and heard my very first broadcasts from the station's constant on air updating. I had never heard anything like that before. What I saw on the screen gave me chills. I've only seen one tornado in my life. It was in the mid-1990s. I remember the atmosphere turned greenish yellow. As I looked to the south, I saw the "elephant's trunk" hanging from a very black cloud. I went to the teacher across the walkway from my door and asked him to verify what I was seeing. He did. It was not that big. It did touch down and do some damage. However, it was NOT like what I saw on my computer screen or on TV! Las Vegas wasn't the place one would see tornadic activity. The important ending to this story is that my sweet cyberfriend was safe and sound. She took shelter along with her family. Her area, however did not fare so well. There was much damage in her town in Oklahoma. Prayers were answered that day. Prayers of thanks are continually being given!

I have a lovely card to share with you today. I hope you like it. I loved making it. I used a one of my favorite images from the Magnolia wedding collection. I also added lots of goodies to compliment the theme. Here is the first image:

The cream cardstock is dry embossed with lovely floral impressions. I made some rosebuds (the ones with pearls). The edges have been distressed and inked. I gave Tilda a pearl necklace and rhinestones in her hair.

The second page of the card shows the dry embossed cardstock very nicely. I used Nesties for the center element as well as some pretty flowers.

This is the third side of the wedding card. I just love that die. It reminds me of Battenburg Lace.

Do you ever surprise yourself when you finish a card and it looks better than what you had envisioned or felt surprised that it came together better than you had anticipated? This card did that for me! I surprised myself! LOL

Well, my sweet visitors, thank you for stopping by. I am so happy that you took the time to visit. I so appreciate that you dropped in. Please come again!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Magnolia-licious Highlights Blog (ends 5/31) - wedding
2. Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog (ends 5/29) - color inspiration challenge
3. Creative Card Crew - (ends 5/31) - anything goes
4. Stamp Something (ends 6/2) - Something Sentimental
5. Mark's Finest Papers (ends 6/3) - ivory and lace

It's a Terrific Tuesday!

2011-05-17T13:25:00.011-06:00

Happy Tuesday everyone! It's a cloudy day here again today. It's been such a wonderful Spring! The longer we get clouds, showers, and cool temperatures, the better it is! Those 110°+ days are just lurking around the corner waiting to attack! So, we savor these cool days! It's only in the 60s today. Love, love, love it!

I have a card to share with you today. It's for the current sketch challenge at Magnolia-licioushighlites. The sketch is the creation of the amazing Suzanne Dean. This is my take on that wonderful sketch. If you haven't seen it yet, here it is. Give it a try!

OK, now for my card. I think I should have made it 6 x 6. I made it 5 1/2 x 5 1/2. I could have used a bit more space.

I love this paper. I bought tons of it! I love the colors as well as the designs. The butterflies have been covered with glitter. You cannot see it in the photo, though. It adds just a highlight of sparkle.

This is the inside of the card (DAH!). I love the sentiment.

Well, folks, that's all she wrote. Thank you for stopping by. Tomorrow is hump day - so, it's all down hill from there!

Blessings,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following sites' challenge:

Anything Goes Challenge Blog - Bingo (diagonal lower left to top right) - ends 5/31
Claudia and Company - girl birthday (ends 5/28)
Paper and Such Design Blog - Birthdays (ends 5/21)
Cupcake Craft Challenges - In the Garden (ends 5/22)
Stamping Scrapping Challenge Central - birthday (ends 5/22)
Creative Inspirations Paint - Inspired by Butterflies (ends 5/21)
Paper Sundaes Challenge Blog - birthdays (ends 5/21)

It's a Mid May Monday!

2011-05-15T21:37:00.007-06:00

Well, not quite Monday, but in a couple of hours it will be!

We've had a really windy weekend! I felt sorry for my little hummingbirds! I hope they hung on! They sure needed to! Other than that, it's been a great week!

I don't have a lot to chat about - relief, huh? LOL But, I do have a card to share with you. I made another graduation Tilda. This time, it's a girly version. The primary paper is a lovely black with silver swirls. So, I kept the black and silver theme throughout.
The flash sort of bleached out Tilda, but you get the idea.

This is the cover of the card. I used some silver ink to tip the flowers. There are also some silver roses. The sentiment tag has been elevated on pop dots.

This is the inside of the card. Again, I used the black and silver swirl paper as well as some black floral paper. The punched border strip is done on silver foil cardstock, but it looks white. There is a cap and diploma charm hanging in the loer right corner.

This is the inside, lower half, of the card. I've used a Magnolia stamp and added a cute little graduation themed charm suspended from the flowers.

Thank you so much for visiting. I so appreciate the time you took to do so.

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

Creative Inspirations Challenge Blog - Glitzy (ends 5/21)
Magnolia Stamp Lovers - Graduation (ends 5/21)
Art Impressions Stamps - Decorate the interior - (ends 5/19)
http://ssdschallenge.blogspot.com/- Use Old Supplies (ends 5/20)

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T18:52:00.010-06:00

I hope your Mother's Day was wonderful and filled with love! I had a quiet day! I started a card, visited w/ a friend, chatted on the phone with my DFIL and DS, and laughed a lot. All is good!

It is so windy here today. As I sit at my scrap table, I watch the hummingbird feeder blowing in the wind! Some gusts have been over 50 mph! My hummers are back. Yesterday, though, we had two interlopers at the feeder drinking the nectar. They were about the size of a parakeet but much slimmer. They were a gorgeous green with red heads. They scared the hummingbirds away. Today, though, the hummers have had the nectar all to themselves. They are just soooo cute when they stop dead in the air and stay positioned before swooping in or out. Bless their little hearts.

I finished a card yesterday. I thought I'd share it with you. I made a "grown up" card, LOL. Tilda is dressed to the nines, and I'm sure she's wearing Christian Louboutin pumps even though you cannot see his signature red soles on Tilda's shoes. I know they are there because I did the coloring, LOL! I hope you like her (and the card). Here it is:

The base of the card is a pale blue. I coupled that with the palest pink and burgundy. The patterned paper has foil inserts which make it just so pretty. I paper pieced Tilda's chair, added a spray of flowers. The greeting has been elevated on pop dots. The insert behind Tilda has been dry embossed. Note the pearls going around the shape. Here she is:

The first interior panel is just companion paper with machine stitching. I did repeat the pearls around the die cut. (My stitching lines are straight and that's a good thing, right? LOL)

The second interior panel features that gorgeous paper with the foil inlays (also on front of card). Because the paper is so stunning, I wanted to keep this simple. Maybe I should have added more flowers. What do you think? I could place them in the lower left corner.

This is what the interior looks like:

I just love the colors on this paper! They are so rich.

I have three brand new Tilda stamps for sale, if you are interested. I bought duplicates - again... If you are interested in them let me know. I have Tilda holding the little lamb, Tilda w/ an eyepatch and the barrell w/ the anchor resting against it. Both are from Pirate theme grouping. I haven't even opened their packaging. I think I have a duplicate of the flying angel Tilda, too.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I love that you took the time to visit. I so appreciate your visits.

Love to you,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Hello May, Goodbye April

2011-05-03T05:55:00.010-06:00

Good morning! It is very early and I've been up for HOURS! I woke up and just couldn't go back to sleep for some reason. I hate when that happens and I lay in bed trying so had to go back to sleep. Then, the longer I try, the more thoughts race through my mind. So, two and a half hours later, here I am writing to you, dear readers.

I have a card to share with you today. First, however, I would like to share the story of the teapot. One day, I came across a blog that had an adorable teapot card. As I read, I learned that the mother of the author of the blog had drawn four differently styled teapots for her. The gal posted the patterns on the blog to share with others. This was one of the four. Sadly, I didn't bookmark her blog! I have no idea who she is (and I don't have the other three patterns, either)! So, I deeply apologize for not giving this wonderful blogger credit where credit is due. If you know the name of her blog, please let me know. I sure would like to use the other patterns and give the blog owner credit.

I love how this card turned out. It is so pretty in real life. There is lots of layering on all three "pages" of the card. I've also used machine stitching and pretty doilies throughout. Tilda was colored with inks. The background paper pictured on the inside of the card isn't quite as dark as it looks on the screen. The solid color on the front of the card is quite true. I used pearl accents on the spout (it looks like swirling steam) and along the edge of the teapot opening. Iand even added tiny little pearls on Tilda's "ears."

Here are the shots:

Have a wonderful day everyone. Thank you so much for stopping by. I love your visits and love, even more, the comments you share!

XO,
Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. The Crafty Pad - Pearls and Swirls

2. Creative Cowgirls - Mother's Day

3. Creative Inspirations Paint - Mother's Day

4. Magnolia Stamp Lovers - Flowers

5. Stamptacular Sunday - Mum's the Word

Just Another Manic Monday!

2011-04-11T13:49:00.007-06:00

Well, the weekend flew by, didn't it? I kept very busy working on projects and cooking. I figured that it would be nice if I cooked a few meals instead of ordering in. With just the two of us, it is just easier to eat out - no muss, no fuss! We don't have a lot of restaurants here, compared to the restaurants we had in Vegas, but we've adjusted - sort of! DH still brings pizza home from Vegas when he has lunch with the guys. I miss our Mediterranean restaurant so much. Here, all the Mexican restaurants taste the same. It's like they all use the same sauces, etc. In a blindfold test, I wouldn't be able to determine who was who, LOL!

I have to share an unexpected event today. I was looking through some card entries for a challenge. DH came and sat beside me and also looked with me. He'd offer his "artistic" critiquing at the ones I was viewing. I went to my submission and DH ripped it apart! He didn't remember it was MINE! I expected him to look at the card and say all good things! Silly me! I should have realized that he wouldn't remember it! After he shredded my entry, I told him it was mine, LOL! Talk about back peddling. Gals, that man was back tracking so fast, it was as if he was moving at warp speed! Bless his heart. He had the canary's feathers sticking out of his mouth as he choked on what he had said. So much for my card being anything exceptional. Now, if he had been smart, he would have said something like, "I was just seeing what you would do. I knew it was your card all the time!" He didn't. He's too honest, LOL. I was so surprised, too, because that wasn't what I expected to happen! It made for a good laugh and a lesson on loyalty. If he knows its mine, he's filled with support. I love that about him!

I have a card to share with you today. It's another Easter card. I hope you like it. It's done in a color I don't like very well, LOL.

The "awning" is on pop dots to nice elevation. The wagon and character are popped up above that. I like having the dimension. I used a metal egg trio photo corner as an accent piece

This is the upper inside of the card. I love the pretty flowers! There is a little egg charm tucked under the flowers.

I used a matching ribbon slide. The tag is removable.

Well, there you have it! I think I have one more Easter card in my head bouncing around. I'll know once I start looking at my papers.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I really appreciate your taking the time. Have a wonderful week!

XO,
Chris

April's On the Move

2011-04-08T10:53:00.005-06:00

I cannot believe that today is April 8. Time is just flying by! Where do the hours go? I know I'm busy, but the weird thing is that before I retired, my days seem to pass so slowly! Now that I have the luxury of doing as I please, when I wish, the days are just zipping by! I was much busier when I was teaching. After 32 years in education, I am so loving scheduling my own day!

One such activity of choice is the card I have to share with you today. I love this stamp! It is just the sweetest image. Here it is:

Lots of pop dots were used to elevate the center element. The plaid papers are not that orangy gold color, but a sweet sunny, butter colored yellow..

This is the upper inside of the card with poem I created.

This is the lower portion of the interior:

I just so love that bunny stamp!

Thank you so much for visiting! I hope you will come back again when you're in the neighborhood! I'll make us lunch!

XO,
Chris

Happy April Fool's Day!

2011-04-01T10:34:00.019-06:00

Well, did you prank anyone today? Since DH is out of town, I haven't anyone to pull a trick on! The cats wouldn't get it. LOL This day always seemed to mark the start of Spring for me for some reason. I guess, for some of you, that would be hard since you've gotten snow! Maybe April snow brings May flowers! Keep a head's up today so you won't be outsmarted! LOL

I have an Easter card to share today. I chose the colors pink and green. I just love this stamp! Tilda looks so cute! Here are the card images:

I used paper lace and elevated the center image on pop dots. I chose to add tiny little pearls around the oval. As you can see, I also used machine stitching, inking, and WOC flowers. There is also a tiny Easter egg charm which says, "Happy Easter" on it.

This is the upper inside of the card. I used more paper lace and elevated the sentiment on pop dots.

This is the lower inside of the card. The center panel has not been elevated so that a sentiment may be written with ease.

This card is available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Magnolia-licious Highlites - Easter/Spring themed card
Colour Create Challenge Blog - Pastel/Easter
Craft Us Crazy - Easter/Spring
ABC Challenge - Roses
Sweet Stamps - Easter

Thank you so much for stopping by! It is so appreciated that you took the time to visit. I hope you will continue to stop in and see what I've been doing. Know that your comments are the incentive I need to keep going!

Have a wonderful weekend!

XO,
Chris

Happy Monday!

2011-03-28T17:10:00.012-06:00

What a gorgeous day! It's about 70° outside and there is a breeze blowing through the house. The air is rich with pollen - a sure sign of spring! My hummingbirds haven't shown up yet, but I'm sure they'll be here soon! The other day, as I watched out the window of my scraproom, I witnessed two cabbage moths "playing" together as they fluttered through the air. I KNEW they weren't playing but doing what the birds and bees do in the Spring! LOL It was so sweet! Cabbage moths are those pretty white butterfly looking critters. Bless their little hearts!

I have a new card to share with you today. I just give up on getting the lighting right. How I can take the exact same shot three times and get three different color outcomes is beyond me! Arrgghh! One version came out all magenta. One came out looking green, and one was "workable." I wish I knew what the secret to good photos is! I'm at a loss. I'm using an Ott light and it still looks fluorescent. I know there's enough light because my flash won't work.

Here's the card I did:

The little angel has been colored with inks. I am so comfortable using them over my Copics. I get sweaty palms just picking up the boxes of Copics to start working with them! LOL

These are the shots of the inside:

I just thought that Magnolia infant stamp was adorable. I've used it since I got it, but never posted a card to my blog on which I used it.

I am submitting this card into the following challenges:

CES Challenges - die cuts
Magnolia Stamp Lovers Challenge - ribbon
RESQ Challenge - Scrub It Up! (I chose #1 with the flowers & pink colors)
Wild Orchid Crafts - Sketch
Just Magnolia - Bingo (ribbon, flowers, gems)

Thank you so much for stopping by! Your visits are such a joy! I hope you will come back again!

XO,
Chris Christensen

Do March Showers bring April Flowers?

2011-03-24T22:22:00.008-06:00

We have had such a wonderful March! It's been cool and damp here in the desert. Last night, I was awakened with the wind outside just hauling! Then, later, I was awakened with pouring rain outside! Morning came with bright sunlight! We're in a wet pattern that is great for the water levels and horrible for those of us with allergies!

I've been working on cards. I do have one to share with you today that is for Easter. I put it up on Etsy and it was gone in no time! That's the second time in a week that one went right after I posted it! The nice thing is that it is the same person, so I can only guess she likes my work! I like her, too! I hope she isn't disappointed. LOL

Here it is:

I decide to do a round card this time. I love this little Tilda. That egg is adorable. I inked the edges of the lavender papers and cardstock just to give it depth. I used the Cat's Eye Lavender inkpad to match the papers. I colored the image w/ Copics.

This is the inside top of the card. I pulled out my Cricut and put it to work for me. The stickers are rimmed in a multicolored silverish effect. It made a nice contrast against the papers.

I fell in love with that ribbon. The flowers on it are just perfect! For the shapes, I used my Nesties.

Here is what the card looks like completely on the inside.

So, that is one of the cards I did this week. I am so not a purple person! The papers are lovely with it.

I'm going to hunker down with a book, I think. I'm tuckered out. I had a busy day, LOL.

Thank you so much for stopping by! It is so sweet that you have taken the time to visit. I hope you will come back again!

Blessings,

Chris

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Stamp with Fun - Spring
2. Stamping Scrapping Challenge Central - Pastels
3. Card Cupid's Blog - Spring
4. The Corrosive Challenge Blog - Recipe
5. Creative Inspirations Paint - Easter
6. Gingerloft Creations - die cuts

Happy First Day of Spring!

2011-03-20T18:54:00.017-06:00

What a wonderful first day of Spring it was - temps in the 50s, a gray overcast sky, and rain coming! Any rainy day in the desert is a good day because we need the water! Also, I know that on any given day in June, July, August, or September, I'll be dreaming of temps like today!

As I sat at my scrap table and gazed out the window, I noticed that my two bridlewreath plants had fresh, green leaves! They're awake! I love bridlewreath bushes. We had them at our home in Bucks County, PA. We also had gorgeous forsythia bushes which just don't grow well here. At least the bridlewreath can take the heat!

I have a new card to share with you today. I thought I had the frog stamp. I just KNEW I had the frog stamp. I went through all my stamps and it must have hopped away, because there was no frog stamp to be found! So, I ordered one to complete the card I had started. I am such a reflective person. I have ideas bouncing around in my head for months before they all fall into place. Such is the case with this card. I hope you like it. Here it is:

I loved this Basic Grey paper! It was just right for a masculine card such as this. I've inked and distressed the edges, added lots of layers, too. There is machine stitching around the stamped image. The wings have been filled in with glitter glue as is the frog's crown. It adds just the right amount of sparkle! I had to have flowers. What can I say? LOL So, I chose to use masculine colored flowers instead of girly ones.

The next image is of the upper inside of the card. Again, I added my flowers and used my computer to print the sentiment. I love these papers!

Below is the lower inside of the card. Here is the frog that got away! LOL His crown has been filled in with yellow glitter glue. I thought about using one of the gold shades that I have, but I liked the yellow so much better! Again, the sentiment was printed on my computer.

The last shot is of the what the card looks like on the inside.

This card was so much fun to make! I really got into this one for some reason!

This card is available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Magnolia-licous Challenge Blog - green
2. Let's Ink It Up - Die cuts/punches
3. Sentimental Sundays - Sentiment
4. tamptacular Sunday Challenge - Sentiment
5. Delightful Sketches - Green
6. Moving Along with the Times - Good Luck

**A note about the word verification** - I apologize for leaving it on. I have found that when I turn it off, I am receiving disgusting messages from "anonymous." When it is on, the bot that leaves these pieces of trash is unable to do so.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I so appreciate the time you took to visit and leave such a treasured comment!

Blessings,
Chris Christenen

Daylight Savings Time

2011-03-15T19:47:00.007-06:00

Does Daylight Savings Time mess you up? Boy, it takes me time to adjust! It's almost 8:00 PM and the sky is still light.

I've been up early the past two days, and busily working on a card to share. I had this card in my head for such a long time. I wanted to wait until I got a different kind of watercolor paper. When DH went to Vegas on Friday, he brought a couple of sheets home for me to test. I like it! Don't ask me what it is as I haven't a clue! A little background. Shortly after high school, young men in my church go on 18 month missions somewhere around the globe. Just before they leave for their missionary training, they have a "Farewell." It's a special time. So, I thought I'd make a Farewell Card using Edwin. Here it is:

Oh, how I wish you could see the clarity of the colors on this. They are very vivid in real life. I've elevated Edwin and his trunk on pop dots so it stands out a bit more. I colored the image with distress inks - my new love! Edwin's face is a bit darker than it is showing. I think I had the light aimed too closely to his face. The colors of the card are dark green, beige, and brown. I wanted to keep it masculine, so there are no frills.

The stamp is a Magnolia stamp. It's an interesting stamp as it has little dots around a couple of the letters. It sort of bothers me because they look like bad stamping! LOL

This page is for a special message from the sender to the recipient. I thought that shape was a nice one in size and shape.

This is the card inside:

This card is available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

I would like to submit this card for the following challenges:

1. Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog - green
2. Dream Valley Challenges - new beginnings
3. Paper Sundaes - keep it simple
4. CES Challenge Blog - men
5. Crazy 4 Challenges - trees
6. Color Create Challenge Blog - green, cream, brown, black

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog. I hope you liked my card! I loved that you took the time to visit.

Blessings,
Chris

Such Trying Times

2011-03-13T00:05:00.020-07:00

My heart aches. I feel helpless and wish I could do something huge to help those in need in Japan. What a huge tragedy! I know my prayers help, but I wish I could do more. Such loss.

I did get a card done this week. It turned out better than I've been doing! LOL I love the inked images. The colors are hot pink, lime green and yellow. Here it is:

I did use distress inks on the stamped image. There are lots of layers, machine stitching, a gold tone metal corner, some pretty ribbon, and a Prima flower. The green on the flower does match the card, but got skewed when I took the photo. Now, it looks more mint than lime.

Here are photos of the interior:

I think the card is bright and cheery. I think I should have upped the contrast a bit, but it's hard to tell as I lose contrast when I post to my blog or even Etsy. It just dulls. I never know how it is going to be viewed after I post it. The balloons are elevated on pop dots. Again, lots of layers and machine stitching was used.

Here is the opposite side. It's not doing well on Etsy. Should I stamp a sentiment in the empty square?

This card is available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

I would like to submit this card for the following challenges:

1. Fun With Shapes and More - Birthday/die cut
2. Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog - birthday
3. Cute Card Thursday - birthday card for three year old
4. DYSU Challenge Blog - layers
5. Paper Romance Challenges - colors
6. Simon Says Stamp Challenge - anything goes
7. Paper Take Weekly - Bright and Zingy
8. Wild Orchid Crafts - Anything Goes

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog. I hope you liked my card! I loved that you took the time to visit.

Blessings,
Chris

Spring is in the Air

2011-03-03T16:59:00.015-07:00

Oh, the glorious fresh air of Spring! I've had the windows open all day and has it felt wonderfully! It was in the mid to high 60s today and such a difference from a week ago! I wish I could bottle it and keep it this way for the next six months! It is just so perfect outside!

Not much happening around here. I've been working on cards and playing with lighting and taking better photos. I worked on three cards over the past few days. My scrap room is a mess! LOL I've had things pulled for each of the three cards. I think I figured out it isn't that smart to simultaneously work on multiple cards!

I think my Cuttlebug is dying. It's been a great tool over the past seven or so years. It's getting persnickety about allowing things to roll through. Of course, I want to give myself a good kick for NOT taking advantage of a recent sale at Joann's when die cutting machines were in sale with free shipping. I passed on getting the Big Shot Pro. I just wasn't sure which machine would work for the Cuttlebug, Sizzix, Nesties, etc. I want one that will work for ALL. If you have a suggestion, I am soooooo open to hear it! HELP!

I'd like to share a St. Patrick's Day card with you. It's one I finally finished today. I had fun and loved that I think Tilda's red hair looks pretty good on both images! I surprised myself when they both matched! For me, that's a miracle! Here she is:

I used lots of layering, multiple papers, some pretty ribbon, die cuts, flowers with gem centers, gold coin paper embellishments, and machine stitching. There's a lot packed into this little card! I have to tell you a funny story about the shamrocks on the dancing Tilda inside the card. I had this unopened package of glittered shamrocks in my St. Patrick's Day stuff and thought they'd look cute. Well, I opened the package only to discover that the adhesive had been put on the wrong side of the sticker sheet! What's with that? LOL So, I got creative and cut them out using a knife. Then, I glued them to the paper. Instead of having the adhesive on the back, they put the adhesive on the front of each shamrock! Too funny! I've never had that happen before!

This card is available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

I would like to submit this card to the following challenges:

1. House of Gilli - Green
2. Flourishes - St. Patrick's Day
3. Bling it On - anything goes
4. The Paper Variety - Green
5. Shelly's Images Blog - layers
6. Sassy Studio Designs - green
7. DYSI Challenge - Green It Up
8. 4 Crafty Chicks - Stitching

Thank you so much for stopping by! I so appreciate your visit and know that it takes time to do so. Thank you! It means the world to me!

Have a wonderful weekend - it's just a day away!

Blessings,

XO,
Chris

Goodbye February, Hello March!

2011-02-28T16:42:00.016-07:00

I don't know what it's like in your neck of the woods, but after a cold, wet weekend with a snow line just up the road a little bit, today is bright, blue, and sunny! I had so hoped the snow level would drop just a little more so we'd get a final dusting. When I got up early Sunday morning, everything outside was iced over from the rain that had fallen and then froze. But, Spring is just around the corner. It usually begins to warm up here in March and then stays hot until November. Yuk!

I have a variation of a favorite card to share today. I liked the older one for a couple of reasons and decided to make another with a few differences. I love this vintage Tilda stamp. It is perfect for dressing up! LOL I had leftover papers and ribbon, so why not? I'm really trying to get the lighting right when taking my shots. I think I'm getting worse. I just can't seem to get it right. The card below looks all washed out and that isn't even using a flash! Ugh! Back to the card - I colored this card with distress inks, made her dress from matching paper, used pink photo corners as well as die cuts and Stickles. The inside features a sentiment area made from my Nesties, charms (that's a dragonfly in the sentiment area), pretty ribbons, and additional die cuts and flower. The dragonfly paper has a glossy surface which enhances the look a bit.

Here it is:

See what I mean about the lighting? The pink on the bottom card is pretty accurate while the top looks red. When there was less contrast, the yellow looked all washed out. Now, you can see the yellow, but the pink is so ugly. I just give up with the photo lighting for a while! Today was frustrating. Even DH tried to help get the lighting right. Nothing seemed to work.

I'm going to enter this card into the following challenges. Hopefully those sponsoring the challenge will look past the crummy, inconsistent colors, and see the elements.

1. Scrap Creations - birthday
2. Outlawz - birthday
3. Paper Sundaes - how charming
4. Squigglefly - scraps
5. Totally Stampalicious - Recipe
6. Woodware Clear Stamps - anything goes
7. Birthday Sundaes - birthday card
8. Sugar Creek Hollow - inside out challenge

This card is available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

Thanks for stopping by. I know how busy your life is! That makes your visit even more treasured! Have a wonderful start to March!

Blessings,

XO,
Chris

Way Out in the Land of the Setting Sun...

2011-02-13T17:41:00.018-07:00

where the wind blows wild and free, there's a lovely spot, just the only one, that means home sweet home to me... Those are the words to the State Song of Nevada by Bertha Rafetto. Even though I am in Utah, those words ring true for here as well. The desert is so lovely at sunset and sunrise. The colors of orange, red, yellow, and blue are so vivid against the black or deep purple shadowed mountains. I have never experienced such beautiful sunsets as I have in the desert (although there have been some heart stopper sunsets along the Oregon Coast as well). Those desert sunsets were the springboard for this western themed card.

In this card, I've included a little friend for Tilda. Tilda and friend - I'll call him Beau - as well as all other colored areas have been colored using distress inks. I tried to make Beau's shirt look like green corduroy and his chaps like brown suede. I distressed the paper's edges, added burlap for texture, and lots of layering, and included a copper tag holder on the front. I also fringed and removed strands from the burlap strip to make it more interesting. Hey, I tried! LOL I've had this card in my head for such a long time. I just loved creating this card!

Here it is:

This card is available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

I have entered this card into the following challenge:

Magnolia Down Under - sketch

Thank you so very much for stopping by! I hope you liked my little creation. If you would like to leave a comment, I would love it!

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Blessings,
Chris

Love is in the Air

2011-02-09T08:53:00.010-07:00

Are you ready for this month's holiday? What do you have planned? We have reservations, but for some reason, I want to stay home. I have goodies in the freezer that would make a very romantic dinner. DH wants to go out to a steakhouse. It's his day, too, so we'll probably go out. I just know that I'll eat too many bad things, LOL. You see, the restaurant is fun - you start out with a cheese fondue. Next comes the salad. This is followed by cooking your steak on your own lava rock placed in front of you. The dinner is completed with a chocolate fondue. Now, you know why I want to stay home.....

I have a Never Ending card to share with you today. It's my first attempt. I have to say that the photos aren't that hot. I did go and get a frog for future photos, but these were already taken and I didn't want to retake them. I had fun with it, though. I used a variety of Magnolia stamps as well as other embellishments. This is the card I'll be giving to my sweet husband. The sentiment will go on the page with the circles. Here are the photos:

This is the cover of the card. The papers are so pretty in that there is a subtle sheen. The flowers sparkle. I used a mini Tilda stamp, Tilda with Hearts, available at Magnolia-licious. The bunny stamp is an older Magnolia which I always though was so cute! It's one of the first I ever got many years ago, LOL.

Page two is where I will write a personal message to my sweetheart. The glittery paper is "sugar coated" and sparkles so nicely. I used epoxy stickers and punched hearts from my stash.

The next page features another mini as well as additional Magnolia stamps. I apologize for the horrible photo. The card looks so much better in real life. My stamped images do NOT look all splotchy and the colors are very even and graduated. I did place a piece of clear packaging over the surface of the candy jar so that it looks like the cookies are behind glass. The embellishments are elevated.

For the final page, I used a Magnolia doohickey tag die. There are also some smaller epoxy stickers as well as punched shapes (heart and squares). All stamped images have been colored with distress inks.

I'll be submitting this card to the following challenges:

All That Scraps - Queen of Hearts
Totally Tilda- Tilda w/ Lots of Hearts
7 Kids College Fund Challenge Blog - I {heart} You
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #97 - Hearts Gone Wild!
Crafter's Companion Monthly Challenge - Romance
A Spoonfull of Sugar - Just Show Some Love
PapertakeWeekly - Have a Heart
Stamping Scrapping Challenge Central - Valentine's

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and tolerating my horrid photos of my never ending card! I so appreciate your visits!

Blessings,
Chris

Are You Ready for Some Football?

2011-02-05T12:47:00.014-07:00

Black and yellow, black and yellow - green and gold, green and gold - decisions, decisions - which one will win? I think I'll be neutral and wear all yellow tomorrow! LOL I'll look like a lemon, but that's OK, right?

Are you doing anything special for Superbowl Sunday - a party, friends over, CRAFTING? I'm a sweet wife, so I'll be my hubby's football companion otherwise he'd be watching the game all alone. He'll appreciate that. I hate football. What can I say? Love means never having to say...oh, wait, that's wrong...Love means sharing what he likes to do!

There are a couple of commercials that I think are too funny - the one is a Dorito commercial where two guys are discussing Doritos. At the very end, one guy sticks the Dorito flavored index finger of the other guy right into his mouth! The second one is for Pepsi, I think. A couple is sitting on a park bench having a bite to eat. A gorgeous jogger runs by and sits on the bench next to the couple. The male half of the couple is distracted by the gorgeous jogger. The female half notices the distraction and tosses her hamburger (or was it a can of Pepsi?) at the guy who, right at the same time, bends over! The result is that whatever is thrown hits the jogger on the side of her head, knocks her right off the bench and onto the ground. The couple runs away leaving the gal on the ground. Both commercials have that unexpected twist which I find to be the best aspect. You didn't see "that" coming!

I have a couple of snack goodies all lined up. One is mini BLTs in puff pastry. It's easy and self contained! The other is soup. For us, soup is a must on Superbowl Sunday. I'm thinking cream of almond soup or split pea (hubby's fav). That's quite a contrast of flavors, isn't it? LOL Then, I got it into my head to go back in time and make a Chex Mix from the 1960s. When I looked for the recipe, I found one that said it was the original recipe. When I read it, it included pita chips! I don't think so! Pita chips weren't heard of back then! I dug a little deeper and found one that I think is the original as I remember it. We'll see.

I have been busy, busy, busy! I'd like to share a Valentine card with you. It's my second ever easel card. I had a little fun with it by placing Edwin inside the dry embossed bird cage, LOL. Of course, DH had a lot of "guy things" to say about Edwin in the cage. I won't share them here, ahem. I used punches, ribbon, pearls, Stickles, Bazzill, patterned papers by Bo Bunny, Distress Inks, and, of course, Magnolia Stamps. Tilda has been elevated on pop dots as are the little butterflies (which are also Magnolia stamped images). On the back is a little, white vellum envelope for a love note. I wish you could see all the embossed details on the bird cage, but white just isn't a good color for showing embossing. The cage is so beautiful!

Here's my creation:

I'm going to enter my card into the following challenges:

Crafty Emma - Red and Romance

Crazy 4 Challenges - Valentines

Creative Inspirations - Valentine's Day/Love

Paperplay Challenges - Stamp It Out

Simon Says Stamp and Show - Show Some Love

Thank you so very much for stopping by. I so love that you took the time to visit. Have fun tomorrow!

Blessings,
Chris

Sometimes Patience is a Virtue

2011-01-31T16:13:00.008-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I need patience! LOL Don't you just hate it when your computer acts up and you don't know what to do to fix it? My desktop MAC went into the shop and came home no longer "talking" to my printer. *sigh* I haven't a clue why. I hooked up my laptop to the printer and they refused to "talk" to each other! So, a quick switch of printers and I was in business again. Ugh! I envy you "younguns" who are so at ease with a computer! I feel so helpless when I find I don't have the knowledge necessary to look at a computer problem and determine what to do to fix it!

I need patience! LOL My flower order from Wild Orchid still hasn't arrived. I've had to resort to using old flowers on cards! So, when you see upcoming cards, it's not because I wanted to use them. It's because that's all I had! LOL

I need patience! Are you seeing a pattern here? Does it take Stampin' Up two plus weeks to get an order to you? I ordered from their corporate site. Oh well. I'm practicing my patience. I really shouldn't be stalking the mailman, though.

I need patience. I had a knot in my stomach caused by that crazy computer that is no longer part of my life and has since been replaced by a brand new MAC! Of course, it isn't set up yet so I need patience!

Patience is a virtue. I'm practicing it each and every day. At this point, I believe I am trying to be extremely virtuous! LOL

I have a card to share today. It's a card that I sent as a thank you to our doctor. Here it is:

I used Distress Inks to color the image. Isn't she a cutie? I love that stamp! I elevated the bench and Tilda stamp just to add t the texture. Speaking of texture, I love the snow that I placed in the tree, cabin roof, and ground. For some reason, whatever that product is, I love playing with it! I have to admit - I thought this was Edwin! It wasn't until I started coloring that hair that I realized that it was pretty long for Edwin. I did a search for Bandaged Edwin and saw that that stamp was completely different! Then I searched for Bandaged Tilda and there she was. Well, I colored her in boy colors. So, it's now Edwin w/ long hair, LOL! Since I was giving it to our doctor, I wanted to keep the lines clean and - arghhh - no flowers! LOL Now, if our doctor was a woman, it would be different. I wanted it to be a masculine looking card. On the interior of the ard, I kep the same clean lines and added Basic Grey rub ons and border. I hope he likes it.

I've got some more images to share and will do so later this week, so please come back!

If, by chance, you see my Wild Orchid flower order sitting on a curb somewhere, would you please tell it to get a jiggle in its wiggle and get itself home to me, please! LOL

I hope you are having a wonderful start to your week. Thank you so much for stopping by. I love that you took the time to visit.

Blessings,
Chris Christensen

It's a Beautiful Day!

2011-01-19T17:44:00.008-07:00

I have been having so much fun working with Distress Inks! I have completely come to screeching halt regarding my scrapbooking so I can make cards using Distress Inks! I surely didn't get this enthusiastic or driven with my Copics! I've been struggling with the water brushes I previously bought. Yesterday, though, I finally broke down and bought a set of Stampin' Up water brushes. I had bought a set of Aqua Flo water brushes, and they surely live up to their name - Aqua Flo! All they do is leave huge puddles on my papers! I'm not even holding the area where the water is! The water just gushes out and then what's the point? I was given a Pentel water brush as a RAK from a friend. That's the one I've been using. It's better than the Aqua Flo, but I want something even more consistent. The Pentel tends to either get too wet or too dry. It must be me! LOL

I have made a monochromatic card for my dear friend, Sharon. Her birthday is later this month and purple is her favorite color. I don't have a lot of purple stuff since I don't really care for the color. But, for Sharon, I dug through my stash for paper and cardstock. For this card, I chose to use a deep eggplant Bazzill cardstock with Stampin' Up papers in the same color family. I I used the Distress Inks to color the image, added flowers by Prima (which my sweet husband bought me as a surprise when he went to Vegas last Friday), and stamped the interior sentiment using Distress Ink on vellum so that the patterned paper can be seen beneath. The greeting on the front was metallic gold. I colored it purple with a Copic Marker. The lacy circle on the front is elevated using tiny foam pieces. It is also beautifully dry embossed. I used the same embossing set on the inside for the circles as well as that interesting shape on the inside top flap. It's a shame you cannot see the dry embossing. It's beautifiul! The embossing die is available at Crafts U Love. The adorable stamp, Tilda with Small Gift, is available as a preorder through Magnolia-licious! Diana at Magnolia-licious has all of this collection available as a preorder. If you stop by, be sure to check out her exclusive line of MAGNOLIA MINI STAMPS! You don't want to miss those!

I have chosen to enter this card into two challenges. The first is a monochromatic card challenge found at Cute Card Thursday. I'm not comfortable with challenges, but I figured why not? If my card is one thing, it's monochromatic! LOL The second challenge is a Use Your Stash challenge found at Sketch and Stash Here is my card:

Well, that's all she wrote (or created) folks! I hope you like my card. I want to thank sweet Zoe from Make It Crafty for sharing her expertise with me. Love ya!

Thank you so much for stopping by. I love having your visits. They mean the world to me!

XO,
Chris

Happy Three Day Weekend!

2011-01-14T14:09:00.005-07:00

Thank you so much for all the sweet well wishes regarding my knees. I so appreciate it. The doctor prescribed three meds and I do NOT feel any pain at the present. I can't live on these medications and don't really know what the future holds. Without any cartilage, I don't have many options. DS says I played too hard when I was in my 20s and 30s. He may be right. That shouldn't have worn out my knees, though. Getting old is supposed to be fun! LOL

I have a card to share with you today that I hope you will like. It is my very first easel card! I'm so proud of myself, LOL! I thought it would be hard, but it wasn't at all! I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. Now, I know why everyone is making them! DAH!

I made this card for the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog. The challenge was to use orange and green as the primary colors for your card. I love the color combination - it's bright and cheery. With that in mind, I wanted to make the card sentiment one that would also lift the spirits. So, using "Ruff" as a play on words, I went with the canine theme! I also thought I would enter it for a challenge found at Stamp Something. This challenge was to just stamp! So, I did (three times over, LOL).

I used three Magnolia images - Tilda from the new You're So Special Collection which is available as a preorder at Magnolia-licious as well as two Magnolia pooch images. Aren't they cute? I just love those furry faces! Can you tell I love Golden Retrievers? LOL

I colored the images using Distress Inks. The sparkly ribbon is from my ribbon supply. The flowers are Prima while the pearls are Kaiser. I had my desktop worked on and now it no longer reads my printer. So, since Necessity is the mother of invention, I had to use rub ons for the sentiments which are elevated on pop dots. I added a couple of dog bones to go with the themel The papers are from my scrap box. I KNEW there was a reason to keep them! LOL I wish I could find reasons to use all the other paper I cannot seem to part with!

I hope you like my card. I'm just tickled that I made an easel card!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I so appreciate it. Your visits are so special to me. Thank you!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2011-01-11T18:57:00.005-07:00

Hello fabulous friends,

Would you believe the snow that fell over a week ago is still on our lawn? It's been that cold that it hasn't melted! I don't remember snow ever lasting this long! I'm getting an extra treat - seeing snow without having to clean it up! I'm sorry for those of you who are getting blasted with unassembled snowmen! I wouldn't want snow all the time.

Oh, and do you remember all the rain we had - with all the flooding? Well, all that water elevated the water level in Lake Mead two feet! Lake Mead is huge! It has a surface area of 247 miles and is 110 miles in length. For it to go up two feet is amazing. That's a lot of water (most of which came from our Virgin River).

It looked like snow here today. I got up at 4:30 A.M. and worked on a project. Then, I made avocado cornmeal muffins which were yummy! After lunch, I pulled out the slow cooker and got a huge pot of ham and bean soup going. My house smells soooo good!

I have two cards to share with you today. The first card is for DH's birthday later this month. I'm submitting it to Just Magnolia Week 89 challenge - My Favourite Things.I made the card a couple of days before the challenge was posted. I hope it counts. I used three Tilda stamps, a Magnolia background stamp, Distress Inks, two different texture pastes for the snow and snowballs, Icicle Stickles on the falling snowflakes and snow, and cotton for the hat pom poms and boot tops. The inside is also done with matching paper, ribbon, and stamp. It showcases one of my favorite things - snow! Living in the desert southwest, we don't get much snow like other areas. It's such a treat when we do! Click on thumbnail to see larger image. Here it is:

I am so loving using Distress Inks! They are just a pleasure to use!

The next card is a thinking of you card for a friend. For this card, I used Copic markers, black PP with silver foil swirls, silver metallic cardstock, Cuttlebug embossing folder, silver glittered cardstock for the punched snowflakes, texture paste for the snow on the ground, Stickles, Nesties, rhinestones, ribbon, and white cardstock. Here it is:

So, two cards using two different techniques. I hope those who get them love them. I sure hate parting with them! Do you find that the more you work on the cards with these adorable stamps, the harder it is to give them away? It sure is for me!

Thank you so much for stopping by. I know you have a busy, busy life. Your visits mean the world to me.

Have a good one!

XO,
Chris

I'm a Terrible Mother!

2011-01-01T18:44:00.008-07:00

Why? Well, here is the Christmas card I made for DS. I just finished it today! Yes, we did send him a commercially made one. Yes, I think I have a good reason for being a WEEK LATE!!!! No, on second thought, I don't have a good reason. I have several mediocre reasons. First of all, I over did it between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have two knees that need to be replaced. I am at war with those two joints. I have bone on bone. Standing, sitting, walking, any movement is painful. Even laying with my legs extended hurts. Now, with all that, I still managed to cook Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, and make all of the Christmas cards that needed to be mailed. Sitting at my scrap table hurt. Getting up and down to get supplies hurt. Spending 14 hours a day working on stuff hurt. So, onto the back burner were DH's anniversary card and DS's Christmas card. I knew better. I could have purchased Christmas cards to send to our friends and family, but nooooooooooooooo, punish those knees!

Then came the day when DH brought home some stamp pads for me to use. The stamp pads and I sat and looked at each other. I thought, "Will I be able to play nicely with you?" The stamp pads thought, "Why are you sitting there looking at us? Open some of us up and give us a try. You might like us." Well, I caved. I started ripping open the protective covers. I started working with the inks and a warm, fuzzy feeling swept over me from my head to my toes. Honestly, it made me happier than all the king crab I could eat at a Vegas buffet!

So, I promptly finished DH's anniversary card - it's the orange/yellow card in the previous entry. Next, I went to work on DS's card. I had the idea in my head, so I didn't have any planning. The minute I saw this Edwin stamp, I knew exactly what I was going to do with it. It was just a matter of mind over knees.

This is the end result. After I finish posting this, I'm heading into the bedroom with ice packs. Maybe my knees will forgive me for beating the up so much for the past month. Maybe my DH and DS will understand. Maybe I'll forgive myself. I feel pretty crummy about not making their cards first. Stupid!

The details:

I used MS PP for the card and a variety of Ranger Distress Inks. There are some elements that have been elevated using pop dots. I stitched the "wire" using silver embroidery floss. The "lights" are gems I had in my stash. The circumference of the circle has been chalked and dry embossed using a metal die that does the cutting and embossing . I didn't have the right alphas for the greeting, so I took the silver ones I had and colored them using a dark green Copic marker. That worked! The flowers, border, and vine are all die cut using dies I had in my stash.

Thank you so much for coming by. I so appreciate your comments. I treasure each one and appreciate all the suggestions. I hope your New Year is amazing and so much better than you could imagine!

Love to you,

Chris

Happy New Year!

2010-12-29T22:28:00.004-07:00

Hello and happy New Year from a very chilly southwestern Utah! Last night, we had rain, sleet, snow, wind, and plummeting temps! The storm system has long since moved out and it's now sunny, windy, and cold outside. Thank you for braving the weather and stopping by! LOL

What do you have planned for New Years? It'll be a quiet night for us. We like to have a nice dinner for New Year's Eve. It's been a tradition in our home. So, I've got lobster tails and steaks ready to go. Then, on New Year's Day, we'll just snack. There are lots of activities planned within the community for New Year's Eve, but we'd rather stay inside where it is warm and cozy! Do you enjoy the New Year's Day parades and football games? I wish we could see the Philadelphia Mummers' Parade. I miss seeing their beautiful costumes with the men struttin' their stuff! LOL When I was young, I had uncles that were involved with one of the bands. They had to make their own costumes and go to tons of practices. It was a huge commitment. I personally think the men had to spend so much time preparing because no women were involved! I don't know how it is today, but, back then, women were not allowed to participate in any way, shape, or form. It was a mens' only organization! It was always a tradition to see that parade.

Well, I finally decided to give coloring stamped images with distress inks a chance. Here is the very first result. It's my anniversary card to my DH. It really looks so much better IRL! Here's the funny part. Those of you who are comfortable and well practiced with this technique could have gotten the same results using, probably, less than six stamp pads. I used 14!!!! LOL Is that funny or what? Talk about blending! (not that you can even see that I used that many, LOL) I counted up the stack and 14 was the number, LOL. Isn't that hilarious?

The photo colors are a bit off. Edwin's jeans do look like the color of jeans - that nice deep blue. I left the pockets a lighter blue for contrast. I wanted to keep the card colors in the palette used in the PP. If I adjust the blues, then the rose gets a darker lavender. As it is, the flower color is pretty true.

I believe I had the wrong watercolor paper. I used what I had at home - the Strathmore Watercolor Paper (the one with the maroon and black cover on the pad sold at M's. I don't know much about paper, but since I had it on hand, that is what I used. Are you able to use the paper you use for Copics/stamping for this technique, too? I have Neenah, Gina K., and Cryogen. Can they handle the water?

I had an aqua brush in my supplies. I don't think I had a very good one. It's a Pentel. It just started leaving puddles of water until I shoved a wad of paper towel inside the pen to slow the flow. I also had trouble with the nylon bristles staying together. They tended to separate and resemble a rake. Water was coming out nicely, but the plastic bristles just didn't stay together. Any suggestions for a good water brush?

Well, here it goes:

Happy Anniversary

Is it OK?

Thank you so much for stopping by. I'm so glad that you took time to visit. You are such wonderful card makers, I learn so much from you. You give me courage and curiosity! Without the courage to try something new, I wouldn't be curious as to whether or not I can do the technique! You keep me motivated and challenged! Thank you with all my heart.

Happy New Year! I hope your New Year is filled with health and happiness.

XO,
Chris

This Time of Year

2010-11-20T08:03:00.007-07:00

Fall is finally here - REALLY here! After so many long months of heat, it is such a treat to feel the chill in the air and see the colors of the season! We have very tall trees in our front yard. From our upper windows, we can see the leaves which are the most beautiful shades of gold (Copic Y-38, Y-04, YR-16, YR-65, YR-15, YR-24, and YG-25). LOL! The wind is supposed to really blow the next couple of days which means that many of those gorgeous colors will blow away.

Today, I have a couple of Tilda cards to share. The first one is for a challenge on the new Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog. This is the blog's very first challenge - to use pink and yellow on a card. I've had this card done for a couple of weeks and just procrastinated posting it - especially after I saw the beautiful creations of the other gals. What a treasure trove of talent! If you're into Tilda, then, come join the group!

Happy Birthday

For this card, I used my Copics, Nestabilities, Stickles, patterned paper, ribbon, a border punch, Primas, pop dots, and, of course, a darling Tilda!

The next card is also a Magnolia stamped image. The colors are blended perfectly. The camera didn't help me out when I took the shot! There are no lines where the colors begin and end. I may reshoot the photo. I just don't like how it turned out (especially when I took extra care to blend, blend, blend). I made this one for a male friend. It's one of Magnolia's early images. I especially love those old ones because of their simplicity. I love this image for get well cards!

Get Well Soon

I wanted to make this card masculine. I think by using the blues and browns, it does look like a card a man wouldn't mind getting! The ribbon has the same colors as the papers, so it went perfectly.

For this card I used Bazzill, Basic Grey, Stickles, Copics, micro mini buttons, Nestabilities. and ribbon.

PAY IT FORWARD - A Holiday Challenge for You

I have a special challenge for you. Since blessings come in so many different ways, some subtle while others are more obvious, I'm challenging each of you to do a Random Act of Kindness. If you're in the grocery line, grab a bunch of flowers, pay for them, and give them to the person behind you in line. Buy a box of diapers or some baby food for the local food pantry. So many people are in need. The blessing you would give another will create a ripple. As you share your RAK, ask that person to Pay it Forward in some way. Thanksgiving is this week and Christmas is only 35 days away. What a wonderful reason to do something out of the ordinary to brighten someone's day.

If you would like to share your RAK, come back and share with my readers what you did and how that person reacted! You will feel so good after doing that! You will be the one who received the gift - the gift of the season - the gift of caring.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I so appreciate that you took time from your busy life to visit my blog. I treasure each of you!

XO,
Chris

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T17:46:00.008-06:00

Soon our bell will be ringing, and little ghosties and goblins will be looking absolutely adorable while snagging some yummies for their tummy! Our area is celebrating Halloween tonight since Halloween falls on a Sunday this year. So, tonight is the night! I miss not having little ones of our own to take photos of in their costumes! That's a definite downside to becoming a senior citizen! Think parents would mind my taking shots of their children for MY scrapbook pages, LOL - NOT!

I had a bad week. Early in the week, my vision decided to plummet. I couldn't see to read or do much. I hate when I have those flare ups, but am blessed in that there are meds available now that mitigate the problems and quiet the flare up - eventually. My vision was somewhat good yesterday and almost normal today. It doesn't take much, though, before those tired, old eyes of mine go back to their blurriness. I felt as if I was looking through water or a margarine smear on a windshield. Not fun! I was wearing two pairs of glasses at the same time just to see the computer screen. Now, I've just got my reading glasses on. Progress.

I worked on this wall hanging for a challenge for the Magnolia Blog. The requirements were to use at least one Magnolia stamp and have a kitchen/cooking theme. I chose to make something for my kitchen. I went to a local antique store and purchased this silver serving fork. It's about 7 1/2 inches long. Then, I found the perfect frame for it. This frame is 13 x 7 1/4 inches. I used adorable rooster paper and some yellow gingham paper with red rick rack as the divider. My stamps are Chef Edwin and Chef Tilda which were colored in Copic markers. I added a sweet little bow with a matching yellow flower at the knot. My plans are to continue creating other framed utensils to create a wall grouping in my kitchen. The downside is that that fork will have to be polished as it is silver - pretty, but silver! LOL Here it is:

Stick a Fork in It!

Next, is a card I started before my eyes got all wonky. I had most of it done and just had to add the finishing touches which I was finally able to do. It's for another challenge on another site - Totally Tilda Challenge Blog . The challenge was to utilize pearls as well as the color pink on a card. It is Challenge #8. You should see the gorgeous things gals have created for this challenge!

For this card, I chose to use Basic Grey papers, pale pink cardstock, a gorgeous Tilda stamp (I think it is Fairy Tilda), some glitter, pearls, die cutting, and roses. I colored the centers of the roses with my Copic markers so that they would match the paper colors. Tilda was also colored with Copic markers. The pearls are in the exterior low points of the shape behind Tilda. Here she is:

Pink and Pearls

Well, there are munchkins making their way to our door. I need to help DH with the treat distribution.

Have a wonderful evening! Thank you so much for stopping by. Your visits mean the world to me.

Blessings,
Chris

Stop the Political Spending!

2010-10-21T13:05:00.003-06:00

OK, I'm on my soapbox again! I'm not going to go on and on about anything, but I want to leave you with a simple point to ponder.

Why do the current midterm candidates scream, "Stop the spending!" or "Washington's spending is out of control!" when the very people screaming those remarks are guilty of the very same exorbitant spending in attempts to BUY their political office? $140 million from one candidate. $25 million spent on the campaign of another. Do you see any hypocrisy here? If the candidates are willing to spare no expense to BUY their seat, how can they have the audacity to criticize Washington? ~ just a thought. Think of what that money could do for the children of this nation...you know, those very children that are the future of this nation...

Thank goodness, Fall is finally here! Last night, we had a wonderful thunder and lightning storm! The rain came and went for a couple of hours. Wonderful! The air is clean today. The windows are open, and it is GORGEOUS! Did I mention that it is cooler outside, too? Yay!

I have some goodies to share with you today. First is a Tilda card. This stamp is named Tilda in Dalecarlia Coat. I also used the Magnolia stamp of the blanket covered bench. I used liquid embroidery on the blanket, heated it with my embossing gun to fluff it up. The images were colored with Copics. It's hard to see, but I added ultra fine clear glitter to the embroidered details on her coat and hat to add some sparkle.

Thank You Card

Next, I have a couple of scrapbook layouts to share with you. Life Preservers Scrapbook Club had an online crop this weekend and I scrapped my heart out. Here are just a couple of layouts I did:

My Paella

This challenge was to scrap food! Well, that was right up my alley! One night, I had made a wonderful Paella after DH came home from the store with bags of seafood! I put some of it to good use right away! I was so happy with how pretty the Paella turned out that I had to photograph it! Doesn't that look delish?

OUCH! There's a Stake in My Heart!

This challenge was to scrap a non Halloween photo but use Halloween items for the actual layout design. Well, I thought this photo was just the thing! I love, love, love this donut from Voodoo Donuts in Portland,OR. It is just the cutest thing! There is a pretzel stick stuck in its chest for the stake. Then, raspberry filling is oozing out around the stake's hole! Yummy! Is that cute or what?

How Does Your Garden Grow?

This LO is a tribute to the gardening endeavors of our DS! He proudly sends photos of things he is growing in his yard. I thought these photos were perfect with the paper! Aren't those colors wonderful?

Thank you, sweet visitors, for stopping by. I so appreciate your visits! I hope you will come back soon!

XO,
Chris

Getting Political about Education!

2010-10-15T16:08:00.002-06:00

OK, this is my blog, and I can say what I think, right? As long as it isn't a personal attack, a profane comment, or a statement that is just plain whacko, I should be OK. What I'm going to share is my frustration with the increasing separation between the wealthy and the middle and lower classes regarding wasteful spending, out of touch wealthy people, and the children of this nation!

I spent my adult life teaching children. I loved each and every day that I went to work. Children are precious to me. The children of this nation are the FUTURE of this nation! If we don't start caring for them, nurturing them, and providing for their needs, our nation will disintegrate!It will happen in YOUR lifetime or, at the latest, your children's lifetime!

When I hear the amounts political candidates are spending on their campaigns, I want to cry. Have we come to the point where we just buy a political office? Is that what America has become? It doesn't matter if you don't have the intellectual ability to represent your constituents, or adequately do the job, as long as you had the money to buy the position! It makes me ill! With $140 million being spent by one candidate, $25 million by another, how does this glut of campaign funds better our children's futures? It doesn't.

Today, Hoda Kotbe on Today, recalled a time she was visiting an elementary school in the good old USA. It began to rain outside. She was stunned when the little children working at their desks, automatically pulled out rain caps from their desks because the roof leaked so badly! Everything in that room got wet, including the children, the students' work, and their supplies. How can this happen in our country? How can we allow it to happen in this country? We need to open our eyes and do something! Did anyone care that there was probably mold growth throughout that one school - sickening those children and staff members?

Our schools are crumbling. They are in a literal state of disrepair. They are under budgeted. Teachers have to spend funds from their own meager salaries to help make their classroom be a better place. Many schools can't even supply pencils. My goodness, this isn't a third world country. Yet, there are glimpses of such a country reflected throughout this nation's schools. How does your local elementary school shape up?

Would you want to show up day after day as a student - or even a teacher - knowing that your school was infested with rats or other disease laden critters? Would you want to go to work in a room that was broken down on so many structural levels? I seriously doubt it. Yet, there are real troopers out there - sucking it up and going in each and every day so that the children of this nation, our children, can have a better future, but will they? Children go in so that they can learn. Teachers go in so that they can work with their young charges.

Yes, $140 million for one, $25 million for another - for what? Those are just two figures for two candidates! How many textbooks and roof repairs could be accomplished with just a small portion of those war chests. Imagine what is truly and totally being spent every time there are elections in this country.

How can we have allowed it to come to this? Where are those that can afford to give a little to help those children and schools in need throughout this country? What would it take?

I think we've become a nation of greed. The man or woman with the most money wins. Where are the Oprah and the Gates' Foundation mindsets? For those who just keep adding to your coffers, think abut this - You've been blessed with riches - share them - just a little bit with the children. Bill and Melinda Gates have it right. Oprah has it right. Too bad they are among so few.

This class division, flamboyant and political spending are just three more nails in the coffin of our country. Did you really need to spend $5,000 for a handbag?

God help the USA!

XO,
Chris

Just One More Sleep

2010-09-26T19:18:00.005-06:00

DH has been gone for what seems like forever. It's been just shy of three weeks. I've been home alone with my feline friends. You would think I would have scrapped my heart out. I didn't. He left and took my mojo with him, I guess. It was very hard to be alone so long. I'll tell ya - it's pretty darn hard to do everything around here by yourself! I'm too old and things hurt now! But, tomorrow is the big day. DH will be home in the early evening. I never slept like an average person. I went to sleep at three AM and got up around nine AM when the cats decided I should open my eye lids. Quite frankly, I think they were afraid I may have passed away and then what would they do!

I am so ticked. Things I've ordered on line are not getting to me. It really bugs me. I bought stamps as a gift for a friend. They never arrived. What made it worse was that I told her I had found them (they've been discontinued). Then, a stamp I sent to her never reached her either. I had my return address on the envie, too. Another friend sent me something from Australia. I never got it, either. Add to that another order that never found its way to my mailbox or front door. I think someone is getting pretty lucky. I'm not. Doesn't that bug you, too?

I made some fruit leather today. It's been dehydrating in the oven since this morning. I'm using the heat of the light to do the work. I started out with the oven on convection. My lowest temp. is 170° and you were supposed to set it at 140°. So, I got it going at 170° on convection and then turned it off. I'll check on it before going to bed. Have you ever made fruit leather?

Yesterday, DS and DH went to the Olympic Peninsula and visited the rainforest and FORKS, WASHINGTON!! It was a downpour, but my DH, the trooper he is, got out and stood by the "Welcome to Forks" sign so DS could get a picture for me to scrap. No, they didn't see Jacob or Edward. *sigh* How fun was that? I told DS to tell his dad that the picture wasn't good enough and that he had to take a couple more, LOL. DH didn't fall for it, though! LOL.

I made a birthday card for a friend. It's Singing Tilda. I loved this stamp. I loved the gown. I forgot to add the green leaves before I took the photo. They are on there now, though. I colored her w/ Copics. Then, I added some Stickles in strategic areas to make the gown look like gossamer. I added silver Stickles to the end of the microphone. It looks really nicely, I think. I hope you like it. Here it is:

I am so far from being a good Copic user. I try, though. I loved the pale color I managed to achieve on her gown. I wouldn't mind one like it, LOL

Thank you, friend, for stopping by. I appreciate the time you took. Leave a little love if you want. That is always a treat!

XO,
Chris

Some Tilda Cards to Share

2010-08-28T19:42:00.003-06:00

A funny thing happened during an organizational cleanup session - I found a note written by DS from 1987! He was six when he wrote the note. I had it tucked away all that time. The funny thing is that I had recently done a scrapbook LO journaling that very event! So, I modified the scrapbook layout so that the handwritten note could be included. Here is the revised LO:

The Great Knott's Berry Farm Caper

The unedited handwritten note reads: "Dear Mom; Dad,
Leo (as stuffed lion) and I are down eating breakfast.
wait for telephone call.
PS: I took the key"

Of course, we didn't wait for a telephone call because WE WERE ASLEEP AND HE HAD LEFT THE SUITE ON HIS OWN BY QUIETLY GETTING DRESSED AND LEAVING! Be still my heart. Of course, we didn't get the note because HE LEFT IT ON HIS PILLOW IN THE OTHER ROOM!

And this is probably why we only had one child. The Lord knew that we'd have our hands full with just this one! He could have so easily been taken since the courtyard was open on three sides to the parking lot with hallways leading right to the lots!

Here are the Tilda cards I made. I hope you like them. Each has been colored with Copic Markers. I'm trying to get better and better. LOL It's a very slow process for me! LOL

For this card, I did double stamping. I stamped the hay bale and Farmer Tilda as one piece as well as the fence pieces and the attached horse. The sheep and the rooster are individually stamped. I added some bronze and yellow Stickles to the rooster to add some bling. The shee'p's inner ear parts are covered in hot pink Stickles. I elevated Farmer Tilda and the hay bale, the rooster, and the head and tail of the sheep using pop dots.

Hello Cupcake
I used Fairy Dust Tilda and the Love Muffin for this card. I colored the Fairy Dust in crystal Stickles so that it sparkles.

Hang in There
For this card, I used an acrylic card as my base. I took the predominant figure, Edwin on the anchor, and placed it on the front. Inside the card, I created the remainder of the scene. Mermaid Tilda has a delightfully glittered tail. The scalloped circle behind her, flips up so that a message could be written inside. I had some paper that had water marks on it and accented it with matching Robin's Nest dots. I love these acrylic cards! You can get the acrylic cards at Happy Scrappin' Scrapbooking. They are listed under the Page Frames section.

Try to Relax
I know that everyone likes to make blue water, but really! When was the last time you went to the lake or the ocean and the water color was a pretty blue? Isn't it usually a greenish brown? LOL. This is another card in which I combined stamps so that they made one image. In this case, it is the background stamp paired with the dock stamp. I may have also made the Tilda as part of the single grouping. It's a little tricky to do that, but I think I'm getting better at layering the stamped images.

Lady Tilda
OK, first of all, all of the shades of purple go together. I have no clue why the camera gave me three different shades - paper, flower, and ribbon. They look weird, but trust me, they all are in the same hue family. Go figure. I mounted the papers and matting on a card base of very pale grey Bazzill cardstock.

Tilda with Fairy Wand
The background papers are a pale cyan and match the dress perfectly. There is a very subtle print on the PP.

Pregnant Tilda
The greens just didn't come up well. They are a pretty pale, mint color. This is such a cute stamp and I love that baby buggy!

I've had fun stamping and coloring with my Copic markers!

Thank you for stopping by! I hope there is something above that will provide some inspiration!

XOXO,
Chris

It Finally Rained!

2010-08-19T14:28:00.003-06:00

Last night was heavenly. We had wonderful thunder, rain, and the not-so-much very likable lightning! When it thunders here, it just rolls and echoes forever off the walls of the canyons in this area. The rain was so needed and, even though we didn't get tons and tons, it was enough to rehydrate the trees, shrubs, and flowers.

I only have a card to share today. It took me a while to do it, but I'm happy with it.

The photo colors are a little off on the rose and the bow. I don't know why the camera didn't get it, but they have more blue and really are close in color to the paper. The card has a pale grey Bazzill foundation. Then came the eggplant cardstock and paper. I colored Tilda, her frog, and the window with my copic markers. I also added just a tad of Stickles to Tilda and the crown of the frog.

Here is a LO I did to journal the time our DS ate a bottle of Children's Tylenol in an attempt to make himself well. He figured that two Tylenols weren't working, so 22 would work better. DH was so tired the night before, that when he put the medication back, he inadvertently din't place it in the locked cabinet. DS had been ill for so many months and, at age 3, was down to 24 lbs. We were always at the doctor's and had tons and tons of tests done. It turned to be an inner ear infection that had gone undetected! After I discovered what he had done, we spent the night in the Emergency Room. Poor baby! He looks so ill in the photo.

How to Give Us Gray Hair

Thanks for stopping by my sweet friends. Your visits mean the world to me! I'll have more to share in the next few days as I have other cards in various stages of completion!

XO,
Chris

At Any Age, Being a Mom is So Hard!

2010-08-14T23:21:00.008-06:00

Dear Readers,

I don't even know if there are any readers out there, but if you are reading this, thank you!

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MY MONTHLY VISITING TEACHING LESSON IDEA, PLEASE GO TO VISITING TEACHING SISTAS. All of my monthly ideas may be found on that blog now.The link is HERE.

I've been so very blue lately. I'm missing DS so much that it hurts! I don't think I could make the drive due to some physical limitations. I know I cannot fly. So he's 1100 miles away and I feel like crud - racked with guilt because I am unable to be close. I've missed his birthday. I miss him. I miss his voice, his humor, his bear hugs. I miss being a mom who is there. For all of the previous reasons, I am filled with guilt and such a feeling of sadness. I've just been so teary eyed for about the past month. I never thought that being a mom would ALWAYS be this emotional! I worry so about him.

I've been scrapbooking and card making in an attempt to keep my mind busy. I've read tons and cooked/baked tons of new recipes. This week, I made a grape cake using fresh grapes. It was surprisingly very good, sweet but good. I also made a talapia oreganata which was delicious, too! My most favorite cooking endeavor this week was a huge pot of cioppino. I had all sorts of shellfish/fish in it. It made for many great lunches and two dinners as well. I also baked a batch of popovers for DH again this week. He really enjoys warm popovers with jam or honey. I'm seeing a pattern here - sad? Then hit the kitchen! That can't be a good thing, right?

Here are a couple of LOs I did.

Toothless

DS was about six when these shots were taken while vacationing in Oregon. He was so tan! I made the filmstrip and then printed the filmstrip image on a transparency so that it would look realistic with the photos behind it. The inner perimeter of dots may look crooked, but it isn't. It's just the way I had the camera. I loved using the Kraft card stock.

Back Seat Monster

There is quite a long story with this layout. I have it all written down and tucked behind the monster. The orange fibers are on the end of the journaling tag and are positioned to look a little like the monster's hair. I thought the monsters were so cute that I took one of them and made it large for the layout's focal point. It's cute, huh? Suffice it to say that DS spent two hours, NONSTOP, saying things like, "I want McDonald's. Why won't you buy me McDonald's? I want french fries. I want a Happy Meal. I want a cheeseburger. Why won't you take me to a McDonald's..." We were on a road trip and had no idea where we were. DS kept this up to the point that DH and I thought about putting DS in the trunk (not really), but we did consider it as a possible solution. DS wasn't yelling or anything. He just talked incessantly saying things like what I wrote for two hours straight. I was driving. Suddenly, as if the heavens felt our pain, there, in the middle of the road, was a McDonald's bag and french fries all over the roadway. Now, we were in a very rural area (lost) and had no idea how they got there (a miracle maybe?). I quietly pointed them out to DH and wondered if I should pull over and pick them up or just get personal satisfaction by running over the whole thing. I chose the latter and told DS to look about the back window at what I had just smooshed in the road! Revenge is best served up cold, right? LOL Then, all of the sudden, the road opened from a two lane to a 3 or 4 lane highway. Still lost, I continued to drive north. Lo and behold, all of a sudden, a McDonald's appeared! We had managed to find ourselves in Carson City, NV! Yes, DS did get his McDonald's. We had been traveling up through the Sierras and somehow wound up in Carson City on our way to Auburn, California. Who knows how I got us there from California's Hwy. 395 and the Sonora Pass!

Taking a Chance on Love

This is a LO of DH. Sorry about the glare off the title alphas. I printed DH's photo on aida cloth to give it texture. That's why it has all those little dots. In case you don't know, aida cloth is the fabric on which cross stitching is done. I think red, white, and black is one of my favorite color combos. I love this man! The little hearts on the oval tags are black heart shaped brads.

Sunkissed Me

This is just a fun LO for my Book of Me. I spritzed the white CS with Smooch in red, yellow, and blue. I cut the flowers and added pop dots of differing heights underneath so that some are higher than others. Because I love textures, I added several kinds of textures to the LO as well. The crocheted pieces that look green are really yellow. For some reason, my camera just hates yellow and makes it look an ugly green.

Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your visiting.

XO,
Chris

A Moment to Treasure

2010-07-16T13:15:00.005-06:00

I've been a busy bee this week. Today, I would like to share the LO I finished last night.

This LO really started in the Fall. DH and I sat and watched the movie, "UP," and just loved it! We both got misty eyed. I know we both saw parallels in our lives together with the life Carl and Ellie had together. At that time, I just knew there was a LO in there somewhere.

Just after Christmas, DH traveled to AZ to help his dad open up the winter house. While he was gone, I purchased a DVD of the movie. I sat and watched it. Once again, I was all teary eyed. I took notes as I watched the movie. I knew I needed info from the movie and wouldn't be able to watch it when DH was home. That would ruin his surprise!

Months passed. My wheels kept turning as I pondered the LO in the back of my mind. I knew which PP to use with the house on it. I was unhappy with all the cloud papers out there until I saw this one. Because it had grass and trees, I thought it was perfect to ground my LO.

Last night, I sequestered myself in my scrap room and started assembling all the precut pieces. What you see is the final result. Now that DH has been given his surprise gift of love, I've pulled the DVD from the pocket behind the house and replaced it with a love letter to DH. When DH saw the LO, he got all misty eyed! It really touched his heart!

Some of the balloons are elevated on pop dots. I didn't like the clouds as they seemed lost on the paper. By sewing around the perimeters of the clouds, they became more visible. There is a little heart where the strings tie. It says, "Made with Love." I added some bling to the flower centers and took a phrase from the movie for my title - "Thanks for the Adventure." TFL!

Thanks for the Adventure

Thanks again for stopping by! Love you guys!

Blessings,

Chris

Spellbinder Nestabilities Storage Idea

2010-07-15T00:32:00.006-06:00

Hello from a very hot southern Utah! It's supposed to be 110° by the weekend. Too hot to do a single thing!

I wanted to share with you how I store my Nestabilities. Yes, I tried the clear plastic CD boxes, but even all those little clear plastic cases took up way too much space. I wasn't pleased with the result at all. Then, one day, I was going through my music CDs which are stored in a small metal carrier with a sturdy lock and handle. The lightbulb in my mind went off and my Nestabilities storage issue was solved in such a nice way!

Below is a photo of the carrier. It is filled with about 180 pockets - four pockets on each side of the page (8 per page). Well, why not use it for the Nestabilities? I kept them on their backing cardstock - the taped one - which came in the packages when purchased. I did, however, cut them down and curve the edges so that they would fit better in each pocket. The flaps fold over the opening. For the larger Nestabilities, the super long ones, I have used two pockets. One end goes in a pocket and the other end goes into the adjacent pocket. Because I have so many larger ones, I stick another set in the second pocket and reverse the process.

I cannot tell you how delighted I am with this! Here's a look:

I have filled almost all of the pages, LOL! It is so wonderful having all my Nestabilities in one place. The case is so strong that it can take the weight of all those sets. When I fill the entire case (which won't be too long), I'll start a second one. It is a compact way of storing a ton of metal Nestabiities.

Next, I'd like to share a LO I did of DS. I used OA papers and elevated a ton of the components using foam dots. I love how this turned out. It's just so happy! DS is about three in this photo. My mom had given him a Mickey Mouse phone for Christmas. He had her number memorized right away! The phone spent years on the dresser next to his bed. I miss my mom. I miss DS. I wish he lived closer.

Thank you for stopping by. I'm fighting a migraine and am going to hit the hay! I hope you are well. I love that you cared enough to come by. Thank you for that. You are wonderful!

XO,

Chris

How Was Your 4th of July?

2010-07-06T17:35:00.003-06:00

Did you have fun? Was the long weekend a good one? Ours was quiet. It is just too hot to go out. Over the past couple of months, I've already whined enough about the heat. I honestly feel guilty with having the air conditioner run as much as it does to keep us cool. We don't run any major appliances during the peak hours - washer, dryer, oven, etc. I guess I'm helping out a little bit by not doing that. I try to use the crockpot to minimize cooking and heating up the kitchen. My scrap room is very hot. I have a fan going in there whenever I'm in there scrapping. I'm still warm even with that blowing directly on me. Come on November!

I did a LO yesterday that is just so so. I don't know what else I could have done to make it better. If you have any ideas, I'm open for them! I thought the theme might be something our son might appreciate some day - or not, LOL.

That is me in the photo. My mom and my aunt told me that the coat and hat were a beautiful emerald green. I used that info to make this monochromatic LO. It's too much, huh? The photo was in black and white. Using Photoshop, I made the coat and hat green. The rest of the photo is still in the black and white. Sometimes, I just surprise myself with what I can do in Photoshop! I am strictly a trial and error person when it comes to Photoshop!

In the pocket are strips. Each strip has two tiny photos. One photo is of something from my childhood that we had in our home or I remember from my grandparents' homes. The other photo is the modern component. If you look carefully, the photo in the center of the pocket has something that looks like a "V." That was our refrigerator when I was growing up. If you pulled down on one side of the "V," the door would open from one side. If you pulled down on the other side of the "V," the door would open from the other side! It was sooooo cool! My mom was just tickled when she got it. So, the counterpart photo is the beautiful stainless double fridge and freezer in my kitchen. The tiny photo you see in the right, back, looks like a fly swatter. It is a photo of a carpet beater! I remember my grandmother taking the rugs out into her back yard, hanging them over the clothes line, and then whacking all the dust out of it with the carpet beater. Sometimes, I would even get to do it. The matching photo is of our Dyson vacuum. I thought it would be fun to record these things. Each strip also has some written journaling regarding the items in the photos. The ticket under the clockface says "Always Remember."

Then and Now

Thanks for stopping by! I'll have something more to share really soon.

Blessings,

Chris

Visiting Teaching Lesson & Idea, July 2010

2010-07-02T21:42:00.003-06:00

The new July Visiting Teaching Idea is up on my Visiting Teaching blog. If you are on this site thinking that you're at the right place, please go HERE (it's a pretty good one!)

Thanks for stopping by, though! :o)

Blessings,

Chris

S'mores on the Dashboard!

2010-06-28T16:37:00.002-06:00

Well, it's that time of the year! It's time to make s'mores on the dashboard of the car! It's currently 105° outside - perfect baking temperature! All you need to do is arrange the ingredients the way you would normally prepare s'mores. Then, wrap the s'more very carefully in aluminum foil. Make sure that you do this very well as you don't want a mess on your car's dash! Seal those edges! Park the car so that the sun shines through the windshield. Place the packet on the dash under your windshield, close the windows, and then go away for about 15 minutes. Return and check for doneness! I guess that is one advantage to living in the desert, right? Do you think the heat has gotten to my mind? LOL

After a long and arduous task, my scrap room is now back in working order. DH and I spent days putting things back. How did I ever get all of that stuff in there? I think it multiplied once it was set free in the more spacious confines of our home's other rooms! I know there are things I cannot find, but, you know what? I don't care. I was so tired of replacing and reorganizing that I actually thought it would be easier to just throw it all out and start over again! At least it's very clean and everything is in its place (for the time being).

Feline Frenzy News: Precious, our Maine Coon, never growled. She was always so loving and caring. Now that we got her a companion, Cedar, she is always growling at Cedar and whacking her. I feel so badly because Cedar doesn't see very well. She runs into walls, doesn't see food, and just has a hard time tracking. Can a cat be far sighted? She would never survive in the wild. She would never be able to catch food. Cedar, at last check, weighted 2.8 lbs. Precious, at last check, weighed 14 lbs. Cedar will take a flying leap at Precious and knock Precious right over! It is hilarious. What is NOT hilarious is waking up to growling in the middle of the night or early in the morning. Cedar is pretty scrappy. I give her credit. She is NOT intimidated by the larger cat. As large as Precious is, Cedar is very thin and long. Her legs are sooooo long! Her body looks like an eel's when she is flat. She's not quite three months old, but is amazing long. About a month ago, we would be afraid to wake up in the morning because we didn't want to see her tail! It was growing by leaps and bounds. Her body was so small and her tail was so long! We felt if we watched carefully, we'd be able to actually see it grow! Even Cedar didn't know what to do with it. Now that her body is getting larger, she is becoming more proportioned (except her really long, thin legs).

I did a LO over the weekend. The challenge was to use orange, yellow, teal, lime green. I immediately knew what paper to use! There is a glittery finish to the word "carefree," the sun, the flowers to the left of the photo, the trim at the lower right. When I took the photo using the flash, I got flashback. I had to take the photo without the flash and lost all visuals of the sparkle. Here it is:

Our Carefree Summer Days

Thank you for stopping by! It is just wonderful to have visitors that are the sweetest on Earth!

Blessings,

Chris

Mid June Already?

2010-06-15T19:24:00.007-06:00

Hello everyone! Happy Tuesday to each of you! I cannot believe how quickly time is flying by! Can you believe it is mid-June already? I am so happy that you took the time to stop by!

The weather is hot, but not over 100°, thank goodness. We had some rain and thunder toward the end of last week and over the weekend. I think I actually heard the plants and trees in my yard emit sounds of ecstasy! Poor things were fried!

DH is sick. He sounds awful. I think it's a cross between a cold and allergies. I made a big pot of chicken tortilla soup for dinner at his request. I'm so glad that he wanted soup. I love making soup and am pretty good at it! He's quietly watching the Lakers play in the basketball playoffs. There is a kitten asleep in the crook of his arm. It's soooooooooooo cute!

I did do a LO of our sweet little kitten. Of course, she's not that sweet in the middle of the night and early in the morning when she is flying across our bed! I never knew a cat could just levitate about 2 feet off the bed, do a 180° turn while in the air, land, and zoom at the speed of light to a destination unknown! My DH, after she pulled this in the middle of the night while in a frenzy, nicknamed her "Crackhead!" She was so wired. She pulled the same stunt this morning before the sun came up! Ugh!

As I wrote before, we adopted her from a local shelter. She has an eye problem called nystagmus. Her little eyeballs constantly bob up and down. I don't think she sees very well because she slams into furniture, walls, doors, us. It is so wonderful that she came to live with us as we will care for her better than any where else she may have gone. The older cat, Precious, loves her some days and not so much on other days. That all depends on the annoyance factor. Precious has a habit of flicking her tail. She's done it since we got her two years ago. Well, Little One thinks that catching the tail is a really fun game! She attacks it and bites it! Precious doesn't think it's very funny! Cedar constantly annoys Precious. There are even times when Precious is so frazzled that she gets mad at DH and myself. I know what she is thinking, "Why did you bring this animal home?" LOL Speaking of tails, Cedar's tail just keeps growing. Right now, it is longer in length than the length of her entire body from head to hip. We would wake up in the morning and think that that tail had grown two inches over night! Poor little thing doesn't quite know what to do with it! She keeps trying to catch it.

I did do a LO of Cedar. I used Basic Grey PPs for this one. I think they all came from the Origins line. I did it for a challenge to use distressing. I used several types of distressing on this LO. Here it is:

On this LO, I've torn paper, sanded, painted, inked, applied green Perfect Pearls to the birdcage, machine stitched, and scraped (see two corners on the photo). I wanted to make the LO match the green in her eyes. She has such interesting coloration. If you look to the right of her nose, it is white. The further away from her nose, the white changes to a pinkish color. It's like that on her bib as well. She's going to be a great feline friend.

My scrap room is still a total disaster. They haven't come to do any replacement yet. I was going to put down hardwood. Then, because I'm always dragging 35 gallon Rubbermaid storage containers out of one closet (I store my alphas and ribbons in them), I was afraid I would scratch the wood. The containers are just too heavy to lift, so I just drag them over to my scrap table. I nixed that idea and went back to carpeting I've made my choice and it's been ordered. I don't know if we're going to repaint the room. I honestly don't know what color! The interior of our entire home is painted a very nice tan (like a rich hot chocolate beverage color). I don't want to have a rainbow house with each room a different color. So, I need to be careful what I paint in that room. It should be a color that compliments the rest of the home. Any ideas? So, as of today, my stuff is in every room of the house except the two bathrooms! How the heck did I get all of my scrappy stuff in that room?

I would like to provide a word of warning concerning an internet scrap site. The name of the internet store is Stop and Scrap located in upstate New York. Here's why. I placed an order on April 20. Four weeks later, my order arrived! I tried to cancel the order after three weeks, and the owner told me it had already been pulled and was in the process of being mailed. She stated she couldn't stop the process and that it was in the mail. The postmark was after I tried to cancel. She only got her tushie into gear when I unsuccessfully tried to cancel the order! When the box finally arrived, we didn't even open it. We immediately put it into the mail and returned it. The owner received the returned box right away according to the tracking number. As of today, almost four weeks after she received the return, my credit card account has not been credited. I called Stop and Scrap and left a message to return my call. As of this evening, I have not had a return phone call. I don't know about you, but I would be very wary of ordering from this site! I know I won't be doing it anymore. I hate when people put me in this position. I do NOT like conflict. I do NOT like people taking my money and not providing the goods or service. I do NOT like people who are dishonest! Be forewarned!

Well, that's enough yammering for today. I'm glad you stopped by! I'll be posting in a few days.

Blessings,

Chris

Visiting Teaching Idea for June, 2010

2010-06-06T21:25:00.004-06:00

If you would like the info for June, please visit my new Visiting Teaching blog HERE. All future Visiting Teaching entries will be placed on that blog rather than this scrapping one. Please bookmark Visiting Teaching Sistas so that you can go directly there in the future!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope I don't lose you!

Blessings,

Chris

My Scrappy World is Upside Down!

2010-06-01T19:26:00.004-06:00

I'd like to begin by apologizing for not having my Visiting Teaching lesson idea ready and posted. Read on to find out why, LOL. Also, please use my new Visiting Teaching blog, Visiting Teaching Sistas as the site to view each month. I just don't wish to mix my scrappy stuff with my VT things.

Now for the entertainment portion of this post.

I did absolutely nothing in my scrap room for just about all of the month of May. I don't know what was going on, but I just didn't feel like scrapping. Usually, I am in there every day for just a bit. On Sunday, I decided to go in and get my tushie in gear to get my Visiting Teaching idea all ready. I walked in and the carpeting squished under my bare feet! My first thought was that our feline friend had decided that her box wasn't her preferred depository. I quickly realized that what was squishing between my toes was more like that of what a baby elephant might have eliminated rather than a cat!

Suddenly, terror set in. Where was the water coming from, and how much damage was there? I turned on the light (I hadn't even done that yet) and saw that, indeed, we had a water problem. DAH! I called DH into the room. We began moving everything out in order to find the source of the water leakage.

Now, I do believe that blessings come in all forms. I was truly blessed. I keep my paper and cardstock in 36 drawers, on shelves and in drawers of my hutch, and the brand new goodies are stored upright on the floor in a box right next to my chair by the scrap table. I have always had the habit of keeping the papers in their cellophane wrappers or in zip lock plastic bags. I lost only about 50 8 1/2 x 11 pieces of discontinued Lasting Impressions paper that I use for making cards. The bottom portion of every sheet is water stained. The top half, however, is still fine. I just kept those in a brown envelope. I'll just cut those in half and use what is left. Not a single thing was lost! Can you believe that? The 36 drawers are in one of my closets. The water there was the worst. Nothing - absolutely nothing - was ruined.

Opposite the end of my closet, on the other side of the wall, is the culprit that has turned my scrappy world upside down. What, you may ask? It was the hot water heater! It died. It lived a good life but finally succumbed to age, spewing all of it's life fluids through the wall(s) and on the carpet.

We didn't think that our insurance company would have anyone working since it was a three day weekend. So, we didn't call AAA. We should have. Someone is always there for emergencies such as this. DH, just on a hunch, called them yesterday evening. They have already been here, ripped up the carpeting and pad in the affected half of the room, sealed the floor, assessed the wall damage, and will be here tomorrow to get the hot water going again and continue with the repairs. I'll get new carpeting and the walls will be repaired. Talk about fast! I love AAA!!! They may cost more, but I have to say that they have always been there right away to take care of any problems we've had in the past. For us, it has been such a relief. The first thing that AAA offered was hotel lodging during the repairs. We declined as there was no need. We only lacked hot water and could make that by heating water on the stove.

So, that is why I'm late with my posting. I have scrappy stuff all over the house. There isn't a room that hasn't been affected in some way. OK, the bathrooms have been spared! My poor husband just looked and everything and said to me, "There is just so much stuff!" That made me feel good (NOT)! Guilty, yes. The workmen will take out the table, the desk, the shelf units, and computer stuff. DH is currently emptying the shelves of all the baskets.

I can't help him because I shouldn't be in that room until everything is done. I had been having asthma and didn't know why. Now, we know. It was the mildew from the wet carpeting. The short time I was in there on Sunday, I was wheezing terribly. I could smell mildew. So the door is shut, the room is airing out, and a huge fan is helping to eliminate any moisture.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! It could have been so much worse. In the grand scheme of things, my inconvenience is absolutely nothing compared to what is happening in Lousiana and areas of the midwest who have recently had severe flooding.

I am blessed. I am grateful. I am ever so thankful.

XO,

Chris

Corrected Link

2010-05-18T19:02:00.003-06:00

OK, I don't know what happened, but I know I was the cause of the problem which is now fixed. I posted a link, w/ an error in it, to my new VT blog the other day. The error has been corrected and the link will now take you directly to the new site. I don't understand, however, why Google isn't pulling up my site when I type in the name of the blog (Visiting Teaching Sistas). If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I'm clueless.

Visiting Teaching Sistas

I hope you will move over to the new blog if you need a VT handout idea! I'd love to see you there.

Thanks,
Chris

A New Visiting Teaching Blog For You!

2010-05-18T18:49:00.004-06:00

Well, I finally got the courage to create a new blog just for Visiting Teaching lessons and ideas. I didn't like having it on my scrapping blog and, after much thought, decided to use a specific VT blog for those entries. You can now find my new VT blog at:

Visiting Teaching Sistas

Everything that is here will remain here for a little while. All future VT posts will be posted only at the above address and not on this blog. I hope you will bookmark the new page and visit often!

Blessings,
Chris

Visiting Teaching Message, May 2010

2010-05-04T12:59:00.021-06:00

I want to begin by thanking those of you who were so sweet and caring and left a message for me to continue posting my ideas. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! I want you to know that those comments are gems to any blogger who writes and provides helps in cooking, church related items, scrappy items, etc. It takes time to create, shoot the photos, upload, and then write the blogged item. We all love "warm fuzzies," so why not give someone one? It doesn't cost you anything, right? It'll give a little love to someone you don't even know! Your comment may turn a bad day into a bright one!

As a convert, I watched conference for years before I even considered joining the church! I always found it so inspiring. I look forward to each one so much.

We have been asked to find something from Conference that personally touched us during Conference. I love President Monson and hang on his every word. I chose his closing talk in which he said, "...My counsel for all of us is to look to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life. The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals readily recognized and never failing." Isn't that a powerful statement?

Here is the link for all the talks given:
http://www.lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-1207,00.html

Now, what I am going to share is NOT DIFFICULT! It took no time at all to make the craft item. The things that took the time were covering of the box and making the cards exactly layered the way I like them to be. You can make them as simple or elaborate as you wish. I love layering. The purse front and back were done in a snap! I bet you could even stick a sack in between the two purses if you wanted. I had my darling husband cut a USPS small, assembled priority box in half. It was perfect. I'll place the note cards in the box.

How to make this purse:

1. Find a round pot lid, move the bottom of the lid off the paper about two inches or so (to create the straight edge), and trace the remaining portion of the lid on the back of your paper. I chose double sided paper. Cut out.

2. Stack the front and back together. Cut an oval shape for the handle area.

3. Decorate the front however you wish. A ribbon and flower would be perfect! I did make the back match the front of mine, but without the flower.

4. If using a box, cover it or paint it. Attach to back first using adhesive. Now attach the embellished front. If using a sack, attach it as you would the box. Then, stick a rectangle, cut to fit the bottom of the sack, from a stiff cardboard. That'll help keep the bag's opened shape.

You're done!

Next, I made six note cards for each gal. Since I loved President Monson's lighthouse comment, I went with that as the theme for my note cards.

For the note cards, I chose to use Bazzil cardstock in a bright white and navy blue. Inside the card, I added President Monson's quote and attached it to the TOP of the card leaving the bottom half empty so that a personal message could be written. Each sister will have six note cards.

The lighthouse image came from the Ensign, Feb. 2001, p.3. You can find it here:
http://www.lds.org/gospellibrary/pdfmagazine/0,7779,592-6-1-2001,00.html

I did crop it and made rectangular and oval versions. Here are the images for you to drag to your desktop, if you wish. If you would like a larger version of either one, let me know and I'll send it to you via e-mail. There is a particular maximum width allowed by blogger, and these images are both as wide as blogger allows.

Here is the message which I attached to the inside top half of the card. I did print it on white cardstock. Click on thumbnail to see a larger image. If you wish, let me know and I'll send you a copy via e-mail.

I did find this image, wrote to the person who had the blog, but never got an answer. That is what held me up from posting on April 30th. Today, I found the image on a free site. So, I guess it's all right to share. Whenever I look at this image, I get the chills. It is so beautiful! What do you think?

I hope this month finds you well, happy, and enjoying Spring. Thank you so very much for stopping by and checking out my VT info. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

Blessings,
Chris