Tilda Loves You!

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

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

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!

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!

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