As The Card Rack Turns

Pinteresting

2012-02-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

I pinned this clever idea onto my In the Garden pinboard a few hours ago and it has already been repinned 302 times. Who knows how many more times by the end of the day!

Concrete bench @ Better Homes and Gardens

So when something gets that much attention,

I thought you might like to see it too.

There are plenty of other ideas for all sorts of planters,

garden paths, borders, and birdhouses--gardening hints and tips--

on that pinboard too.

Here are a few of the more unusual items that have been

upcycled for planters:

Rusty toolbox @ Funky Junk Interiors

Flower bed (literally!) @ Ivy Road

Chest of drawers @ Belle Inspirations

Enamel colander @ The Micro Gardener

Garden boots @ Flickr.com

Don't junk it! @ Inspire Bohemia

Tire planters @ More Design Please

Hanging herb garden @ More Design Please

(Would be great for condo living with only a patio.)

Tackle box planter @ Craftzine.com

Hanging gutter garden @ Apartment Therapy

What do you have in your basement, attic, or garage

that would be just a fabulous accent in your

garden this spring?

Butter churn?

Metal milk can?

Filing cabinet?

Antique high chair?

BLT Dip

2012-02-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a BLT sandwich, and this great appetizer shares the same flavors. Bacon makes anything taste good, right? It's very easy to put together and only calls for four ingredients.

BLT Dip

1 cup Hellmann's (or Best Foods) mayonnaise (depending on if you live east or west of the Rockies)

1 cup sour cream (can be lite)

6 slices bacon--fried crispy and crumbled

1 ripe tomato, chopped in fine pieces

Mix all ingredients together gently and refrigerate until ready to serve. Give it a few hours to allow the flavors to marry. Serve with melba rounds, which mimic the toasted bread of the sandwich version of the BLT. This recipe can be easily doubled for a large crowd.

Freebie Friday

Since we're in the kitchen, how about these:

Kitchen gift tags

@ Life in the Craft Lane

Vintage kitchen motif clip art

@ iDIY

3 FUN Kitchen Printables

@ Over the Big Moon

How to substitute yogurt for just about anything

@ Chobani.com

A (Totally Special) Card and a Personal Gripe

2012-02-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Usually when you see this sentiment--Totally Special--it's spelled "Toad-ly Special," accompanied by a frog. Although I do love cards that use puns, it's not the case on this card!

It's an easy card to make--just three--1-3/4 inch squares with

two rounded corners.

They are adhered to a pre-made DCWV card.

The fourth space is punched the same size and

the sentiment is stamped on the inside of the card.

Another punch, this time a flower punch from Stampin 'Up,

was used for the center piece.

A little bling and a strip under the sentiment finished it off.

The strip really is even--it looks crooked because the card is open

for photographing purposes.

And now please indulge me for my personal gripe--
I don't do it too often!

Attention--If you work in an office where you give directions
to customers or patients who will be visiting there for the first time,
please listen up!

Yesterday I have to go see a specialist because my dentist's office

felt that the symptoms I was describing over the phone sounded
like I might need a root canal.
Oh joy, not what I wanted to hear!!!

They gave me a referral and fortunately I was able to see them in the afternoon.

I asked where their office was located since I had never been there.

She gave me the address.

I asked her the cross streets.

She gave me the cross streets.

I asked her to be more specific.
(Hello, there are four corners!!)

She gave me the cross streets again, reversing the order of the streets.

I asked her which corner.

She said the NW corner.

My tooth is hurting even worse after that ordeal!

So I drive to the appointment and fortunately am approaching this intersection
from the west.

Suddenly I see a large building with the address that she gave me.
It is NOT on the corner but before I reach the corner.
There is a shopping plaza on the NW corner!

Had I come from any other of the three direcctions I surely would have pulled into
the shopping plaza, as per her directions!

So I do a quick left and pull into the parking lot of the correct building.

Now I notice that there is another large building direction behind this one
with the same address, building B.

I see no directory.

I drive around both buildings and see no names
on any of the windows.

I am fuming by this time.

I take a wild stab at it because I see a dental van parked in the front so
I chose Building A.

Turns out there are several dentists in this building,
including the one I am supposed to see.

I am sure I did not have a very "chair-ful" look
on my face when I walked through that door.
(Can I make that into a card?)

So, please, please, if you are giving directions, be specific!
The more information you can give, the more helpful it is.
Just because you drive there every day does not mean
the rest of use are familiar with the area.

If you want us to show up on time,
this information can make the difference.

And that's all I have to say.
My mouth hurts.

BTW--Diagnosis--No root canal needed!
(But my mouth still hurts.)

A Thank You Card and A Find

2012-02-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

Today's card was made from Crate Paper's Sweet Branch collection. There was a sheet of punch-outs so I used several of the circles. Sort of the easy way out, but you have to find ways to make life easier when you can, right?

After adding a little bling, it still seemed to be missing something.

So later, I added the faux stitching and then I was much happier with it!

This morning I remembered that I had a box left over from last year's craft fair

that I made out of the same paper.

And I actually found it!

It is the 2-5-7-10 box like I made at Christmas.

I apologize for not capturing the dimension!

If you refer back to that post you will know where to find

the instructions for it.

So now I have a gift box and a thank you card when

the occasion arises.

I will just have to decide what to put in the box!

Any suggestions?

Have a wonderful day,

especially if it is a holiday for you.

One Paper Equals Three Cards

2012-02-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

I had this sheet of designer paper in my hand the other day ready to put away, but then I just decided to make some cards out of it instead. Why not, I'm trying to use up my stash. I would hate to think how many times I would have to repeat that exercise to use up all of the paper I have squirreled away in this room!

I am happy to report that I walked past all of the SALE paper at Michael's this week without hardly a glance in that direction! It used to be that I'd have to have at least one of each! And if it was double-sided and coordinated with other pieces, who knows!

My objective was to let the design in the paper be the focal point, and work my stamps and embellishments into the bare spots.

Stamp--Michael's $ stamp

Spellbinders Fleur de Lis Accessories die

EK Success butterfly punch

Stamp--Hero Arts

Spellbinders Labels 16

Freebie Friday

2 -4-1/4 x 5-1/2" flat note cards and matching front address labels

@ Vale Design

Print and frame

@ Sweet Blessings

Free art shared by aspiring artists

@ Feed Your Soul

What about you?

Do you have a shopping fetish?

Perhaps it's shoes, jewelry, purses?

Time to fess up!

You'll feel better for it!

Love is All Around

2012-02-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Have you been wearing everything red that is in your closet recently? Valentine's Day sure does get a lot of hype. Maybe because retail can capitalize upon it for all ages. Are you looking for a last-minute, easy gift that won't break the bank? Here's a few suggestions.

Cookie Bouquet

@ Then She Made

S'more Goodie Treat

@ one.simple.addition

Ideas for Love Coupons

4 Printable Coupons

@ Love Actually

Popular Pinterests for the Week

2012-02-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I share with you a thought-provoking quote from my Pinboard that had received a lot of attention. It continues to strike home with a lot of people, and now has been repinned 3263 times!

Also Popular This Week

Sangria @ Childfree Chic

http://tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com/page/215

Folded Felt Gift Box @ Curbly

Knock-Off Chain and Pearl Multi Row Bracelet

@ Flamingo Toes

If you want to see what else is on my Pinboards, follow me

to it by clicking on the red button in the right sidebar!

Have a relaxing Sunday!

Cheery Heart Box and Hershey Kiss Stickers

2012-02-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

Last year around this time I made a paper cornucopia and a heart candy holder from The Toymaker.

It is a wonderful website filled with free templates of paper toys, party favors, and other paper printables. I receive their newsletter and decided to see what other Valentine goodies they had this year.

This triangular box prints out easily on an 8-1/2 x 11" piece of paper

and is a snap to put together.

I used the Hershey Kiss Stickers from Shindig Parties to Go

to embellish the candy bottoms of the Hershey Kissses I decided to put inside.

I printed a sheet using regular copy paper and then ran it through

my Xyron machine. I have the 900 model.

I punched the circles out with a 3/4" circle punch and then came

the only hard part of getting the paper off to reveal the sticky backing.

It may have been easier if I had used cardstock.

But I did it in front of the TV and have nails, so it wasn't too bad!

There is a matching bag topper if you want to use the kisses and put

them in a cellophane bag instead of a box.

And for those extra Hershey kisses, here's two more ideas for them:

Hershey Kiss Roses

Hershey Kiss Mouse

So there's two downloads for you on this Freebie Friday,

but I have more!

Today Shindig Parties to Go has

Eight Last-Minute Valentines Ideas

filled with super cute printables

and great easy tutorials!

Go check them out!

Happy Friday to all of you.

Mah Jongg--Have You Heard Of It?

2012-02-09T11:52:00.001-07:00

Mah Jongg is a wonderful game played with tiles that is gaining more and popularity among all age groups. What I love about it is that unlike bridge, you do not have a partner, so you do not have feel beholden to another person if you make a mistake. You're on your own and no one has to know if you make an unwise decision--you either recover or are just glad to get that game over with and move on to the next!

It's takes a certain level of concentration and there is strategyy involved, but you can still enjoy yourself and socialize to some extent during the game. Typically the game is played with four people, but it can also be played with three.

The object of the game is to be the first player to use 14 tiles to make a mah jongg hand, one of many which are printed on a card. Once a year, a new mah jongg card comes out, so you play with this same card throughout the year. Some people even take their mah jongg card with them on a cruise, hoping to get a game going with others on board.

I enjoy teaching mah jongg very much and delight in seeing others appreciate the game as much as I do. I just completed teaching a series of four classes with a group of six lovely ladies in Litchfield Park, located west of Phoenix.

If you enjoy games, you might want to look into mah jongg.

Check with your community center, library, senior center,

golf club, or online to see if there are any groups in your area.

If you live in the Phoenix area, feel free to email me

at 2realtors@cox.net.

Word Play with Tagxedo

2012-02-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Now here's a fun card that I made last night for my daughter's birthday! I made it with a program called Tagxedo. You put in words, chose one of many shapes available, along with one of many color combinations and word layouts, and voila....

Since Kristin is a botanist, I thought that a tree was an appropriate shape!

I can think of all sorts of possibilities for this free program, can't you?

Isn't it amazing what people create, and what they so generously

share with the rest of us?

I am forever grateful.

If you have trouble figuring it out, let me know and I'll try to give you

some help. I had to do some playing around before it came together.

Have a wonderful day.

Food for Thought

2012-02-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
I leave you with this one thought today...

Yesterday afternoon I pinned this thought-provoking quote on my Musings and Affirmations Pinboard on Pinterest.

Apparently others have found it meaningful also because thus far

it has been repinned by 3237 people

and liked by almost 600 others.

I thought it might strike a cord with you too.

Have a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday!

Beer Bread

2012-02-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

I have company this week until next Wednesday so my blogging is a little sporadic.

If you have never made Beer Bread, you are missing out on a very quick and easy recipe, and one that tastes yummy, straight out of the oven, or toasted.

We had spaghetti this week and I made this because I didn't have any garlic bread. I keep self-rising flour in my freezer since I don't use it very often. I won't even tell you how long it has been in there, but the bread still turned out great!

Beer Bread

3 cups self-rising flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 can (12 oz.) beer

Preheat oven to 350. Mix ingredients together and put into a greased loaf pan. The dough will be very dense, not runny. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Cool before slicing.

Now how's that for easy???

Freebie Friday

Valentine Wall Art

Positively Splendid

eighteen23

Flamingo Toes

Vintage Valentine's Day Freebies

@ Free Pretty Things for You

In case I don't get back to you over the week-end,

I hope yours is wonderful!

CASE Study Challenge #75

2012-01-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone---How was your week-end? I hope that you are going into the new week rested and full of energy!

The CASE Study Challenge #75 this week is a fun sketch so I decided to give it a whirl for a card that I needed to make. Here is the inspiration piece created by the guest designer:

So in determining what I was going to do, I saw white or open space,

horizontal lines and color created by string or yarn,

and a simple sentiment.

This is what I came up with:

Take a peek at some of the other creations by clicking on THIS LINK.

"You can always tell a

real friend. When you've made

a fool of yourself, he doesn't feel

you've done a permanent job."

--Laurence J. Peter

Footnote---We made an unexpected trip to the ER last night (aren't they always unexpected) due to hubby cutting his hand. He gashed it in two places when a glass he was washing broke. They patched him up with thirteen stitches and we were home three hours later.

Anyway---two good ER tips--

1. Putting salve on a wound with stitches often inhibits healing.

2. Polysporin is better than Neosporin because Poly has ingredients in it that Neo does not have.

I (Heart) You

2012-01-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

I cannot take credit for this idea.

I saw it somewhere,

liked it, and shamelessly "re-created" it

with a few modifications.

It is a Cuttlebug folder--I cut off the bottom two rows and

layered it on red.

The stamp is Michael's--from a few years ago.

I added a border folder along the bottom--

love those things.

Sometimes it's just what you need to finish off a card.

The red heart is popped up and

covered in transparent glitter.

Freebie Friday

Cute Valentines @ Create

8 x 10 frameable in 6 color options@ Flamingo Toes

(What a great gift!)

Cupcake wrappers and toppers, tic-tac-toe game, and more

@Shindig Parties to Go

2-sided postcard @ The Pretty Blog

Thanks to these ladies for generously sharing their creations!

Crystal Arcand--I need a message from you. I don't see that you have

contacted me via Facebook.

Please let me know if I have missed something. Thanks.

Makeover Card Challenge

2012-01-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Makeover Card Challenge--what's that? It's a challenge where, given a card as an inspiration piece, you run with that idea to make it your own. This Monday's challenge over at Paper Crafter's Library was to make a card inspired by this card created by Lisa Johnson from Poppy Paperie, a talented crafter.

Before I show you my card, let me just say a word about

Paper Crafter's Library.

You really should check out this website--Andrea and Sophia have

wonderful paper crafting projects and great pdf. tutorial,

including videos.

Their cards are not too complicated, yet they have style

and creativity.

So here is what I came up with based on Lisa's inspiration...

I opted for a square card since it worked better to catch all of the

design in the paper, which is the main focal point. I used this paper

because of it's colors--red and aqua, as in Lisa's card.

I did not want to cover up the pretty scroll work.in the designer paper

with vertical ribbon or twine, so to achieve the effect, I cut the paper

in two places and added a piece of coordinating paper behind it.

The Petite Oval Spellbinder seemed to work best in the spot--

again, so as to not cover up the scroll work.

I really like how it turned out!

It is a card I never would have created on my own had it

not been for Lisa's inspiration and this challenge.

If only all of life's challenges were this fun...(sigh)

What is your latest challenge?

Care to share?

Do Colors Challenge You?

2012-01-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

I decided to enter a color challenge over at Just Us Girls--JUGS for short.
Cute name, don't you think? JUGS Color Challenge #120 was to make
a card using red, white and pink.

I remembered that I already had a card base with a piece of ribbon on it that would meet the requirements. Who knows what my original intent was for it? Score, a chance to utilize something I have in this over-crowded craft room/office, which is my goal this year!

Stamp sett--Hello Friend (Stampin' Up) embossed in black

Embellishments--ribbon, rhinestone

I thought it might be fun to share with you some of the

1934 Ward's Wish Book

2012-01-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends--I'm sorry I missed Freebie Friday yesterday but it just could not be helped. I'll offer a lot of freebies all during next week. I'd love to know if you have used any of these templates, clip art, subway art, or other printables!

Remember Montgomery Wards? Some of you are probably too young, but it was a store similar to Sears. And it had a big, juicy catalog like Sears had at one time. Anyone remember the fun of going through it page by page, circling everything you wanted for Christmas?

I thought you might enjoy seeing a a few pages out of the 1934 Wards Catalog. I guess this could have been my mother's wish book--don't miss the baby chicks on the last page! Scroll on the way down for an interesting tidbit!

CHECK OUT THESE PRICES!!!

ON THE ORDER FORM IT SAYS THAT IF THE ORDER IS OVER $100,

BOTH HUSBAND AND WIFE MUST SIGN!

Any thoughts?

Using Paper Piecing for a Card Challenge

2012-01-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I made a card for one of the many card challenges offered every week. That is another great way to draw some inspiration if you are having trouble coming up with something on your own.

One of my favorite challenges is on Simply Less is More because it is my style, clean and simple. This week the challenge was to make a one-layer card using little to no embellishments with a bird theme. I actually had a "bird file" of a few cards that I had printed off a long time ago of cards that I liked. It is interesting how styles change. I didn't like the cards anymore, but it did remind me that one of my retired Stampin' Up sets, Fun and Fast Notes, has a bird image.

I used a pink parchment card from a set that I had won,

so I have a matching envelope.

I stamped the bird and then paper pieced the body

and flower.

Paper piecing is where you stamp the image on

designer paper, cut out the part you want,

and adhere it onto the paper.

This takes the place of coloring.

The sentiment and the pink slash behind it are two stamps

by Hero Arts.

I used a border embossing folder

on the top and the bottom

and added some silver liquid pearls here and there.

I'm not too sure I like the silver. I would have liked something more subtle,

or nothing at all.

What do you think?

"Friendship os a strong

and habitual inclination in two

persons to promote the good

and happiness in one another."

--Eustace Budgell

The Giveaway Winner is....

2012-01-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

CRYSTAL ARCAND

I used random.org to chose the winner and, Crystal, you're the one!

You will have through Tuesday to notify me with your address so that I can

send you your $25 Amazon Gift Card.

My email is 2realtors@cox.net.

I hope that you are not emailing

from a gmail account because for some

reason I do not receive them!

If you do have a gmail account, let me know on my blog

and we will make other arrangements.

No crafts today--I need a break from blogging seven days straight!

Have a wonderful Sunday, my friends.

"If you want an accounting of

your worth, count your friends."

--Merry Browne

What is Your Favorite Product? Here's Mine

2012-01-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

Do you pay a couple hundred dollars every so often to have your tile and grout professionally cleaned?

I am here to say you don't need to anymore if you don't mind exerting a little elbow grease on your hands and knees.

Since I have quite a big area of tile, I don't tackle this job all at one time so it doesn't get too tedious.

The tile on the right was first sprayed --

I used Cedarwood & Sage Multi-Purpose Cleaner from Trader Joe's.

Then I took a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser over it in a circular motion,

and wiped it off with a wet rag.

I keep a bucket of water next to me and change it every so often.

Can you see the difference??

HUGE!

I did not have a new package to show you,

but I first talked about these

Magic Erasers here.

Someone wrote in that she cuts them in half so they last longer

and buys them in bulk at Sam's Club.

I have also heard that the erasers are made of melamine foam and that you can

purchase the material much cheaper on Amazon.

I love Magic Erasers in the bathroom too--in the shower and tub!

I have had friends call and thank me for telling them about this product..

So today is the final day to leave a comment for the

Giveaway of a $25 Amazon Gift Card

which will be announced tomorrow.

Today's question is:

Do you have a favorite product that you use in the kitchen

or around your house?

Or perhaps it's a beauty aid or cosmetic.

I know everyone has at least one--let's share!!

A Hug for You

2012-01-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

This was a fun card to make. I did the cutting last night while we were watching
Water for Elephants. Little did I know when I ordered this movie from Netflix
last week that it would be the recipient of the People's Choice Award for the
Best Drama Movie. I read the book a few years ago and liked it very much.
They showed the previews for Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I will have to see
if I can get that on Netflix. If you have not read that book, it is wonderful!!!

The template for this card is from Cardmaking Paradise and you can print it off HERE.

After I cut it out, I used three papers from a 6 x 6 pack that SU

came out with last year. I love those packs because all the papers coordinate

with each other. I traced the letters on the back side of the paper so

the pencil marks would not show.

I cut a small slit in the fold with my Exacto knife

so I could run the ribbon through it. This allowed you to open the card..

And, did I not have the perfect sentiment for the inside??

If you can't read it, it says,

"This is not an ordinary greeting card,

it's a hug with a fold in the middle."

I love it when a plan comes together!

Freebie Friday

Check out Cardmaking Paradise

for this HUG template and others, such

as a Champagne Bottle and Garden Glove.

You have to be member to access many of the files,

but there are several that are free.

Maybe you will want to join for full access.

There's lots of cardmaking tips and tricks--

a wealth of information.

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging (January 8),

I am giving away a
$25 Amazon gift card--
to be announced next Sunday, January 15.

You will have all week to leave a comment, (any comment)
which will enter you in the drawing.

For each comment you leave, on any post,
starting last Monday,
you will get an entry in the drawing.

If you leave a comment every day through Saturday,

your name will be entered
seven times in the drawing.

If you are an anonymous commenter,
please put your name in the comment
so I will know who you are!
I think that would be one without a google account.

Here is today's question--

What is your favorite movie or book?

A Collection of Boxes for Sinful Sweets

2012-01-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

Giving a gift in a pretty box can be almost as special as the gift itself.

I love having them on hand for that last-minute gift occasion.

In this collection, the one in the back was made out of two pieces of

12 x 12 inch card stock-weight scrapbook paper.

This is what the inside looks like so you can get a better idea.

It is actually an easy origami box and requires no adhesive or cutting.

The main thing to remember is that you can start with any size squares--

just make the bottom 1/2 inch smaller.

My squares were 12 x 12 for the top and 11-1/2 x 11-1/2 for the bottom.

It looks nice with a piece of tissue paper in it, don't you think?

This is a piece of Martha Stewart's.

I can just visualize it filled with candy or cookies

for a Valentine's gift.

You can find the instructions for making this

Origami Box HERE.

The hydrangea rose pillow box is a free printable template

that you can find HERE.

(Tip--Just print page 1)

The pillow box opens at each end by scoring

on the curved lines and gently pushing them in.

****Note--I did add a 1/4 inch margin to one of the long sides

so that there was a way to attach the two sides

when it was folded in half.****

The third box is a simple cube box that measures

1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4 x 1-1/4.

It is also a free printable template

that you can find HERE.

Tip: When you need a fine-line scoreline, use the back side of your Exacto knife.

That is what I used on these two templates and it worked like a charm.

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging (January 8),

If you are not already a follower,

I would really appreciate it if you would become one!

Here is today's question:

Do you remember any special gift you received as a child

or one that you gave to someone else?

A Good Deviled Egg Recipe

2012-01-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

I just don't see very many recipes for deviled eggs around, but I have a good one, so I thought I'd share it with you . I think it is from an old Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, but I couldn't swear to that.
I love making deviled eggs for a number of reasons:

They are a great appetizer or fill-in dish with any kind of meal. You have to have them at Easter!
Men love deviled eggs!
Most of the time, you have all of the ingredients on hand, so it is a great go-to recipe.
They are inexpensive to make.
They are easy to make, even though a lot of people don't like to make them--for some reason.

I am often asked to bring these to a gathering, so they must be good.

Deviled Eggs

6 eggs

2 T. mayonnaise--heaping

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. prepared mustard

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. salt and pepper, each--or to taste

Boil eggs and peel. I always do a few extra in case I have trouble peeling them. Slice and remove yolks. Combine yolks and all other ingredients in mixer until smooth. Fill eggs. If you want them to be pretty, put the filling in a pastry bag or a ziploc bag with a hole in the corner and then fill. Garnish the top with paprika. Carefully cover and chill in refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving.

Note: For an extra zing, add a bit of horseradish or wasabi, or a mustard that has one of those ingredients in it.

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging (January 8),

Here is today's question...

Do you enjoy cooking?

If so, what types of food do you enjoy making the most?

Have a wonderful one--

Mine's busy!

White on White

2012-01-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

Layering white on white can create a very effective card. It is one of my favorite looks and one I don't use enough. I chose it for a sympathy card that I needed to make.

SU Embossing Folder by Sizzix--Elegant Bouquet--3-3/4 x 4-1/2

with tiny punched flowers popped up on top of the embossed flowers

Scalloped border--Fiskars punch

Textile embossed layer--4-1/8 x 5-3/8

Card base--4-1/4 x 5-1/2

Half pearl embellishments

Stamp--My Sentiments Exactly

I used my stamp-a-ma-jig for the placement of the sentiment.

I pinned this affirmation on my Musings and Affirmations Pinboard today:

and it brought this conversation to mind...

The other day I was talking with a few friends about New Year's resolutions. One friend shared that instead of making a whole bunch of specific resolutions, she chooses a specific, meaningful word every year to focus on--practicing it, living it, reading about it--

using it in her daily life.

In the past she has chosen forgiveness, hope, faith, grace--

this year she had chosen peace.

I thought it was a wonderful idea

and decided to choose gratitude.

If you were going to choose one word, what would it be?

That is the question for the day!

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging (January 8),

How Organized Are You?

2012-01-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

Valentines are popping up all over blog land so I thought I'd better

get with it, even though there are a few Christmas decorations.

still lurking around the house.

I have quite a few heart stamps that have never seen ink, and this

cube stamp by Just for You is one of them.

There are four hearts on one stamp--I stamped them with Versamark and then used Black Diamond embossing powder. The card stock that I stamped them on was a glossy piece that I had in my stash. The effect was created by using alcohol inks. Thank goodness I remember to swipe the paper with my embossing buddy first--otherwise I would have had specks of embossing powder

everywhere.

I have been going through drawers in my craft room and

found all sorts of unfinished projects.

My goal is to try my best to utilize some of these pieces in up-to-date

projects rather than start from scratch.

I also found the white embossed piece and thought the swirls went

perfectly with the swirls on the hearts.

I cut out the hearts, and popped up the love one.

This card was inspired by one that I had pinned on my Pinterest board

that you can find HERE.

I'm sure you can figure out which one it is!

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging (January 8),

I am giving away a
$25 Amazon gift card--
to be announced next Sunday, January 15.

You will have all week to leave a comment, (any comment)
which will enter you in the drawing.

For each comment you leave, on any post,
starting yesterday,
you will get an entry in the drawing.

If you leave a comment every day through Saturday,

So here is today's question--

Do you have an unfinished project that you hope to work on this year?

Do you have plans to de-clutter or organize some part of your house?

P.S. I'm sorry this is such a late post!!

I played mah jongg today.

Congrat to Karen for winning with a concealed pairs hand!

This Is a Day of New Beginnings

2012-01-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

This Is a Day of New Beginnings was our closing hymn at church this morning and an appropriate title for today's blog, being that I am begining my second year of blogging today!

January 8th, 2011--I took the big plunge and began blogging. I sure have had my ups and downs, but definitely more ups than downs! I have made a lot of projects that I would not have made otherwise, which was one of the reasons I wanted to start blogging. You know how it is--putting things off without a real deadline or anyone to be accountable to, especially when you are retired.

The biggest adrenalin rush has been knowing that there are other women out there who find my blog worthy of a few minutes of their time --my followers and subscribers, I can't thank you enough. I am always striving to increase those numbers. It gives me validation, something we all need in one form or another. I feel like I have met some wonderful women that I would not have otherwise known.

Of course, I appreciate my other readers even though I don't know who you are.

And I can't forget to mention my projects that have been recognized this past year by other bloggers. What an honor that has been.

I would considered the following as: My Most Popular Posts of 2011

Crazy About Cupcakes

winner of an Etsy inspired cupcake challenge

My First Tutorial--Ruffled Ribbon

Featured on Craft Gossip

How to Print on Ribbon
Featured on Craft Gossip

How to Make Strawberry Limoncello Shots
Most viewed recipe

Springtime Wishes
Card receivng most comments

Love Letters
Received kudos on Splitcoast Stampers

Baker's Twine: Finding a Practical Way to Store It
Best craft tip

Peeps in a Jar
Most viewed holiday craft

GIVEAWAY--GIVEAWAY--GIVEAWAY

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging, I am giving away a
$25 Amazon gift card--
to be announced next Sunday, January 15.

You will have all week to leave a comment,
which will enter you in the drawing.

For each comment you leave, on any post,
starting today,
you will get an entry in the drawing.

If you leave a comment every day through Saturday, your name
will be entered
seven times in the drawing.

If you are an anonymous commenter,
please put your name in the comment
so I will know who you are!
I think that would be one without a google account.

So here is today's quesstion?

What was one positive and new experience did you have in 2011
that stands out in your mind?
Redecorated a room, discovered a great recipe, read an inspiring book,
started a new job that you really love, took a much-needed vacation.

It can be big or small--whatever pops into your mind as being fun or satisfying.

Drawing on Others for Card Inspiration

2012-01-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

When I am looking for inspiration, one of the things I do is look through some
of the member galleries on Splitcoast Stampers. One of my favorite stampers
is Karen Dunbrook. I spotlighted her back in February and you can find that post HERE..

I have some of her cards on my CAS Pinboard on Pinterest too. Please don't tell me you haven't discovered this fantastic resource yet??? I pinned these cards there so that when I want to make something similar, I know just when to find it! No more hunting and searching--it's right there on my Pinboard. I pinned this card of Karen's:

who had been inspired by someone else's card.

I liked the wood-grained background, the corner-placed bough,

and then the sentiment.

I guess that means the whole thing!

and this is what I did with the idea ....

I also pinned this card of Karen's:

I liked the Penny Black stamp placed in the forefront and the reverse mask.

and this is what I do with her idea....

What do you do when you are looking for inspiration?

Freebie Friday

Like maps?

Great for Bon Voyage cards!!

All compliments of The Graphic Fairy

Finding My Mojo, but in the Meantime.....

2012-01-05T10:43:00.001-07:00

Where's My Mojo?

I really am trying to get back into the swing of card-making and paper crafting--after all, that was the original intent of my blog. Because I have interests in many other areas, I have found myself sharing many other types of projects and ideas with you over this past year--I'm sure you are aware of that!

It will soon be my one year blogiversary--January 8--so stay tuned for a

big giveaway!

It's one that no matter what your interests are, you will like winning!

In the meantime...

I want to share with you my chili recipe. If I do say so myself, I make--

One Mean Pot of Chili

1 large onion--chopped

1 lb. ground beef or turkey (this is approximate, can use combination of both kinds of meat-- whatever you prefer )

2 cans chili beans in zesty tomato sauce

1 can pinto beans with jalapenos

1 lg. can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes (if you like the tomatoes chunky

use whole or chopped)

1 can tomato soup + 1 can water

3 T. chili powder

1 T. sugar (to cut acidity)

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Brown onion until soft in olive oil. Remove from pot.

2. Brown meat in olive oil. Drain and add onions back in.

3. Add chili powder, salt, and pepper and stir well. The meat takes up the seasonings better than if adding to liquid.

4. Add 3 cans of beans, tomatoes, and sugar.

5. Add tomato soup and water. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Simmer on low heat for a few hours. It's even better the next day--if there's any left.

That's it. Easy peasy and it turns out great every time! DON'T substitute the olive oil!

After all, you gotta keep putting meals on the table even

if the craft productivity is low!

I'm taking this recipe to the following link parties:

Stuff and Nonsense Friday Unfolded #48

Awesome Article Alert!

How to Naturally Clean a House After Illness Strikes
With the flu and cold season around the corner,
it never hurts to have this information on hand.
You can find it HERE.

This article will be placed in the Awesome Articles Archives
that you can find at the top of the page for future reference.

Ringing in the New Year

2011-12-31T15:16:00.000-07:00

Wishing you the very best in 2012!

Thank you for visitng my blog this year and

for your kind comments.

If you want to leave a comment sometime but haven't yet,

just hit comment and it will take you through the easy steps

to set up a Goggle account. It's free and you won't get annoying emails

from anyone!

I hope you will come back often in 2012--I'm making a lot of plans!

What Have You Been Reading?

2011-12-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you haven't had time to sit down with a good book, but maybe you will again soon, now that the holidays are almost over.

In December, my book club always selects a light read--one that is not too long or requires a lot of deep concentration. This year we read Once Upon a Town, by Bob Greene.

This is the story of the small town of North Platte, Nebraska and a community
of 12,000 people who generously opened up their hearts for 6 millions servicemen
passing through on troop trains from Christmas Day 1941
until the end of World War II.

Turning their modest train depot into the North Platte Canteen, they offered
these soldiers support and encouragement who were en route to places unknown
in Europe and the Pacific.

The trains, up to 32 a day, from 5 A.M. until midnight, were allowed to
stop for 10-20 minutes.

The soldiers, rushing to the Canteen, enjoyed magazines, coffee,
homemade pies,cakes, fried chicken, hard-boiled eggs, music, motherly hugs,
and conversation from local volunteers, who staffed and funded this effort with
the assistance of surrounding areas and donations.
No federal or state funds were used.

Bob Greene went to North Platte to interview remaining volunteers and
soliders who had once passed through on these trains, some of which who
had met theirspouses from this experience.

Being a newspaper journalist, Greene also found old documents
and transcripts which further aided in telling his story.

The book is filled with heartwarming vignettes of a nostalgic piece of
American history.
It changed peoples' lives forever--those that were served as well as
those who served.
There was no other town like it in the United States.

If it sounds like I enjoyed this book....I did!
Very inspiring!

New on My Nightstand

And for January 2012 Book Club--Finding My Voice by Diane Rehm

Has anyone read it?

Freebie Friday

How to Make Paper Hats

Paper Source

3 pages of work sheets to

conquer the chaos for 2012!

mommytracked.com

Delightful Cherry Delight!

2011-12-22T07:45:00.004-07:00

If you're getting weary of all my posts lately, I'm taking a break for the holidays as of today so you won't be seeing any for about a week! I don't usually post this often, but I had to try and share all my Christmas ideas! I'll have to save some for next year.

But I did want to leave you with a yummy recipe in case you have to make a dessert over the holidays. I brought this to a party last Friday and it got rave reviews. One of the ladies said her mother used to make it but she had lost the recipe so I was happy to share it with her along with a few other people. I figure that's always a good sign of a successful dish when people ask for the recipe!

Cherry Delight

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 stick butter, melted

1 (8 oz.) and 1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
2 T. milk

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup heavy cream, whipped
2 T. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

1 can cherry pie filling
1/2 tsp. almond flavoring

Combine crumbs and butter and press into 1 9x13" pan. Chill in the freezer for 25 minutes.

Beat the next three ingredients together until blended and smooth. Spread over crust.

Top with pecans.

After whipping the cream, fold in sugar and vanilla. Spread over the nuts.

Combine cherry pie filling with almond flavoring and spread evenly.

Chill overnight in refrigerator.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

For a 15x10 pan, use 3 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1-1/2 sticks butter, 2-8 oz. cream cheese, 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar, 3 T. milk, pecans to cover, and double the rest.

EDITED 12/30/11--I recommend using 2 cans of pie filling even for 9 x 13" pan for generous coverage.

Thanks to my sister for reacquainting with Cherry Delight after many years!

Taking this to the link party:
Lolly Jane Boutique Whatcha Got Week-end

Rae Gun Ramblings

Family Ever After

Pinteresting!

This wreath has been repinned from my Just Wreaths Pinboard

by 168 people!

Check it out HERE

to see how it's made.

Have a joyous holiday

with family and friends!

See you next week .....

Recycling Corks

2011-12-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that a lot of wine bottles now have screw off caps, or the "corks" really aren't corks at all, but some other material? So hang on to your corks--they may become a thing of the past!

We have seen corks used in crafts in a wide variety of creative ways. There have been a lot of cork projects on Pinterest, many as gift or home decorating ideas. It's great to see them being recycled, don't you think? I made a simple cork ornament to commemorate one of our family's favorite Napa wineries that went out of business this past year--Graeser Winery. We found Mr. Graeser's off-the-beaten path winery many years ago on our first visit to Napa and have been ordering wine from him ever since.

My husband, having farmed in Illinois for 16 years, could relate to this man trying to run a small-time business in less than ideal conditions. Mr. Graeser could not afford the new oak barrels, so he bought the used ones, but we actually thought this worked in his favor as we do not prefer the real strong oak taste in wine.

HERE is where I got the idea.

We've all seen cork trivets, coasters, and trays, rights?

Here are some of the more unusual cork creations I found

for your viewing pleasure:

Cork chess set

Recycle Raccoon

Cork wreath

Moms Crafty Space

Succulent holder
Beach bliss

Cork necklace

Cork bath mat

Cork candle holder

Cork boats

Cork curtain

Cork painting

Cork art

Cork mirror
iwish-ilike

Cork place card
Style Me Pretty

Cork stamping
Sweet Spot

Cork letters
Green is Universal

last but not least.....

Cork chair!
Alcohol Bars

And that's a lot of corks!

It's a Hard Candy Christmas

2011-12-20T14:09:00.008-07:00

Here's another last-minute Christmas gift that can also be adapted to other occasions--birthday, graduation, or when you are just needing a little something to let someone know that you are thinking of them.

This is a plastic parfait glass from a party store, but you do have to buy a

whole package of them. Fill it with candy, almost to the top.

Take a 3" styrofoam ball, cut it in half with a serrated knife

and push it down into the glass. If it does not

want to stay, run a bead of hot glue around the edge to secure it.

Starting at the bottom, use candy that is kind of flat and

attach it around the edge.

I used cocktail toothpicks, the kind with the colored frills at one end.

Make sure this bottom layer hangs over the styrofoam ball so it doesn't show.

Continue layering upwards, filling in the gaps.

Don't forget the small candy canes!

For the center, hot glue three strawberry candies in place.

Adorn with basket filler around the candy--using hot glue again.

Insert a crazy straw into the styrofoam by using a scissor's point

to make a hole.

Finish off by adding streamers of gift wrapping ribbon all

the way around and a bow at the base.

You may have to hot glue the base to the stem

if you use this type of glass.

Be creative! Use bells, bows, candy bars!

For birthdays, I have used the small cards and holders

that accompany floral arrangements

in lieu of a straw.

Hope you like the candy parfait.

I'm taking it to these festive parties. Come join me to see awesome projects:

Sew Darn Crafty

A Holiday Haven

I Heart Naptime Sundae Scoop

Yesrerday on Tuesday Crafty Soiree

Someday Crafts

Need A Last-Minute Homemade Gift Idea?

2011-12-18T15:37:00.004-07:00

Are you looking for a last-minute homemade gift that is easy to put together and doesn't require baking or craftmanship? These would be great stocking stuffers for cooks!

I've got one for you--and it's useful and unique!

Emeril's Essence

2-1/2 T. paprika

2 T. salt

2 T. garlic powder

1 T. pepper

1 T. onion powder

1 T. cayenne pepper

1 T. dried oregano

1 T. dried thyme

Mix all ingredients together and put in bottles.

For these five bottles, I quadrupled the recipe. You can find containers at a dollar Store, World Market, Hobby Lobby, a kitchen store, or Ikea. (Recycle during the year.) The two with the silver top are from the Dollar Store.

I bought my spices at Smart & Final in large containers for price effectiveness. But I would suggest only doing this if you were going to make a large amount as spices do have a shelf life.

The label, done in Microsoft Publisher, says:

Use as a rub for pork & beef ribs, chicken, roast pork & beef, fish, grilled veggies. Use to season bread crumbs, mac & cheese, fried onion rings, french fries, soups, deviled eggs, omelets, stews, salads, dips, potatoes & pasta.

Ingredients: (list)

I attached the label using clear wide packing tape.

Disclaimer--I got this recipe off of the internet so I have not stolen Emeril's secret combination!

However, I have never compared it to the "real thing," so I don't really know if it tastes just like it!

I especially like to add it to the flour when I am making oven-fried chicken.

I'm taking this project to some link parties this week.

Come visit to see tons of other great ideas shared from all across blogland!

Sew Darn Crafty

Tip Junkie

Blue Cricket Designs

How to Use Frame-It's

2011-12-17T12:48:00.003-07:00

Here are two more Christmas cards that I am using this year:

Stamp--Carolers (Judi-Kins)

Paper--White

Ink--Passport Green (Inkredible!)

Other--Joy and Cheer embossing folder, corner round punch,

markers, star embellishment (Michael's $ bin)

Stamp--Stampin' Up (sentiment), Clear Stamps

Paper--Cream

Ink--Adirondack Denim, Staz-On Forest Green

Other--Snowflakes embossing folder, snowflake garland, silver half metals

Do you see that on both cards the embossing is around the border

and the middle is left unembossed?

This creates an area that can easily be used for stamping.

Now, how is that done?

It is very easy if you have a Frame-It's Kit.

Set #1, which is the one I have, includes:

--1 circle Frame-It

--1 oval Frame-It

--1 square Frame-It

--1 rectangle Frame-It

--Complete directions for use with the Cuttlebug machine

--1 extra shim (space if needed) I did not use it.

They are 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 inch pieces of chipboard to be used for a

standard A-2 size card.

You place one on top of the embossing folder so that this area

is not embossed as it goes

through the Cuttlebug.

This visual will help:

A Plate
Embossing folder with cardstock in folder, close folder
Layer Frame-It on top of closed folder and center it on cardstock. That it easy since it is the same size.
Put C Plate on top of that. My C Plate is very marred up so I did not photograph this step.
Roll through Cuttle to emboss.
( Since all Cuttlebug machines have varying spaces between the rollers, it may be necessary to add the thin shim provided to add a bit more pressure . Place any shim needed on top of C Plate. )

This is what it will look like when you take it apart!

Frame-It's can be used with any manual embossing/die cutting machine

such as Sizziz, Big Shot, Cuttlebug, Wizard, etc.

Frame-It's are made in the USA--yeah!

www.stamponit.net

I purchased mine last year at a

stamp show for $6.95.

(I did not get paid to tell you about this product!)

I hope you are having a nice week-end--

next Saturday will be Christmas Eve!

Christmas Card-Making Final Phase

2011-12-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Card-making is winding down at my house--how about yours? Several creations, if you want to call them that, are only mediocre, and I'll pass on sharing those, but there's a few that I'm pretty pleased with and will make more than one of that design.

Stamps--Pinecones--retired (Stampin' Up), Sentiment (Hero Arts)

Paper--Red, Confetti White

Ink--Staz On--Forest Green, Timber Brown; Versamark

Other--Black Diamond embossing powder, fine white gitter

Stamp--Penny Black

Paper--Shimmery cream (Petallics--Beargrass)

Ink--Colorbox Chalk warm green

Other--Embossing folder winter house (Provo Craft)

Stamp--Studio G (Michael's)

Ink--Passport Green (Inkredible)

Paper--Red, White

Other--Spellbinders oval, Snowflake embossing folder,

star embellishment (Michael's $ bin)

There's no two ways about it, I'm just a simple kind of card-maker.

When I start getting too many layers, it's just not me.

I have a few more to show you next time,

along with a tutorial for the technique

that I used on them that is pretty neat.

Freebie Friday

Christmas Tags
Sweetly Scrapped

Spice jar labels
Worldlabel.com

Hello Neighbor gift tag
Joy Ever After

2012 Owl Calendar
My Owl Barn

Have a wonderful day.

Have I told you lately that I really
appreciate you?
It really makes my day when I
see that I have a new follower
or subscriber.

And I love all your comments.
Thanks for taking the time to
spend a few minutes with me.

Looking for Cookie Ideas?

2011-12-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

I've got to get some Christmas cards made today and my book finished for book club tomorrow so this is going to be short, but you know how I am about wanting to pass good things on to you.

Stephaine Lynn over at Under the Table and Dreaming has gathered together 100 Christmas Cookie Ideas -- both modern and traditional. The pictures alone of these delectable goodies will tempt you to grab one right through your monitor (if you didn't know better.) Ladies, this is better than a cook book, I kid you not. And of course, the links to all the recipes are right there for you. You're going to be introduced to some pretty amazing blogs. I can't decide where to start, but I think the Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Swirls look really fantastic!

Good for a giggle

An Anniversary Clear Ornament Gift

2011-12-12T07:59:00.007-07:00

Our son and daughter-in-law are celebrating their sixth wedding anniversary

on December 15th. I know they don't need more ornaments for their tree,

but I couldn't resist making them this one.

I took their wedding invitation and cut it in horizontal strips,
making sure I had a line of script on each piece.

The strips were rolled around a pencil and put inside a clear round

ornament. It was a large ball, (four in a pack from Michael's) so I used some

white sparkly gift wrapping ribbon,

also curled, to help fill it up. I worked the strips around with a skewer to

get as much of the script showing as possible.

I printed their wedding date on white ribbon, using this tutorial

that I wrote back in October.
(I had made one for a wedding couple's first Christmas.)

Some maroon and silver ribbon

added the final embellishment.

I wish I had a little bit of the sand from the beach where they got

married to put in the bottom of the ornament.

It was a beautiful sunset wedding on the big island of Hawaii.

That would have been a fun touch!

I'm taking this project to the following link parties:
Positively Splendid
Embellishing Life Everyday
Under the Table and Dreaming

Home Stories A to Z
The Crafty Nest
A Holiday Haven

Other clear ornament projects from talented crafters:

Santa's Belly Ornament

A Crafty B

Swirled Wire and Chain Ornament

Flamingo Toes

Photo Ornament

Scrapper Girl

Pearl Ornament

The Ivy Cottage Blog

Nativity Ornament

The Sew'er The Caker The Copy Cat Maker

Find their tutorials by clicking on their blog's name.

Do any of these give you an idea you can use?

Have a lovely day!

We're getting wonderful rain here in the Phoenix area,
which probably means snow in the high country.

Easy Banana Bread

2011-12-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

This is a tried and true banana bread recipe that I have had for years. If you have a couple of over-ripe bananas, you probably have all of the other ingredients on hand and can whip this up in no time. What's neat about it is that you mix the wet ingredients in the blender, then fold that into the rest. Takes about five minutes to put together and the taste is really great.

Blender Banana Bread

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 cup mashed bananas--about 3

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1-1/4 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar--or less

1/2 cup chopped nuts--optional

In blender or food processor, mix first five ingredients; blend well. In mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar. Add ingredients from blender with 40 gentle hand strokes until just blended. Add nuts if desired. (Nuts can be added to blender instead for less obvious taste if desired.) Pour batter into one large loaf pan or two smaller pans that has been sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting toothpick into the middle.

Making this easy blender banana bread recipe is one way to salvage over-ripe bananas.

Read about 7 kitchen tricks you should know

which includes some other great ideas.

Don't forget about the banana smoothies
posted back in April!
Another great way to use bananas before they spoil.

7 Kitchen Tricks You Should Know About
will be put in the archives of AWESOME ARTICLES
for future reference.

Vintage Paper Christmas Cards

2011-12-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

I bought an interesting piece of Christmas paper at a scrapbook store a few weeks ago--one with many small vintage images that were easy to divide--either singly or leaving two or three together, depending on their size. This type of paper is very condusive to easy card-making. Just arrange on a card front with some layering and it can make a nice card that goes together quickly. My kind of card! Here's a few that I did, using my DCWV note cards. While I was in the store, I also bought a few sheets of coordinating background paper.

With my wide variety of Christmas stamps, I will have no problem

finding something different for the inside of each one.

No chance of getting bored.

I think I'll need to add some touches of glitter--definitely.

I hope your holiday preparations are moving right along.

My Version of An Advent Calendar

2011-12-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

There are two special little boys in my life, ages 5 and 3. I wanted to make some sort of advent calendar for them this year, but I knew it was useless to spend a lot of time making cute little boxes or other type of containers to hold the presents. After all, they are boys and just want to get to what's inside! Besides that, I needed something that was big enough to hold two items, since I was trying to keep the number down to 25, not 50! So I decided to use brown lunch bags and number them.

This was an experiment--I did not really how the idea was going to be received!

I told Polly and Eric (mom and dad) that I didn't think they were going to hate me

too badly when it was all over--there was only chocolate in two bags and one

that made a lot of noise (kazoos). And Eric was only going to help in

the construction of one toy for each of the boys.

He will probably have more fun than they will

as he's pretty much of a big kid himself!

Here is the Hershey chocolate bar that looks like a Santa coat--

So on the night of December 1st I took them over to their house and explained

the "concept" the best that I could. They seemed to understand it, and they got to

open their first bag. They each got a little stocking with their initial on it

(Target $ bin) and 4 gold foil-wrapped chocolate coins.

Polly said they each could have one, but Caleb had already taken off

to hide his in his room! Elias, the 5-year old was very sweet and asked

me if I wanted one, which made mom very proud!

So based on the number of hugs and thank yous I received, I think they liked it.

The dollar bins at Michael's helped out a lot with finding the little gifts,

so it really wasn't a whole lot of work either.

When I had called Polly to tell her of my idea,

she wanted to know if she was

going to have to do it next year if the boys liked it.

I told her that it would become

a tradition that I would be happy to continue.

Digi Stamps from Gina K.

2011-12-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

I usually save my freebies until Friday, but I was so excited to find these today that I wanted you to have them right away! If you are making your Christmas cards, these two from Gina K. Designs may be just what you need to get started or finish up, whatever the case may be.

This could be used on a card, stickers for envelopes,

tags for packages, or on scrapbook pages.

This would be so easy to color, even if you only have markers.

Click HERE for both images and "Save as" to your computer.

Put in your Pictures file where you will be able to find it.

You will be able to print 6 on a page of the round one.

While you're at it, take a moment or two

and cruise around this wonderful website.

Gina K's Stamp TV has forums, step-by-step card making videos,

card galleries,and more freebies than you can imagine.

Her line of stamps is great too--many of which you

can order either clear or digi.

Become a subscriber and you won't miss a thing she has to offer.

Two Awesome Articles to read

Seasonal Strategies:Helpful Hints

Seasonal Stratedies:Week by Week

These articles will be put in the AWESOME ARTICLES archive

for future reference.

Have a wonderful day!

Christmas Containers for Goodies

2011-12-02T16:08:00.001-07:00

Do you make Christmas cookies, pretzels, candy, or other goodies for gifts? Or perhaps you'd like to have an idea for a way to package a small gift of any kind? Here's two cute boxes--both easy to make.

The directions for both can be found in the resource section

on Splitcoast Stampers.com.

The one on the left is the 2-5-7-10 Box, left open at the top.

The box on the right is the Box in a Bag.

I used a border punch on the top of the 2-5-7-10 Box

and on the botton of the Bag in the Box.

Scor-Pal type double-stick tape is my adhesive of choice.

If i am packaging goodies, I use the cellophane bags that

you can find at the dollar store or in the candy department at Michaels.

Freebie Friday

25 holiday quotes for your scrapbook or cards

creatingkeepsakes.com

Vintage clip art in 3 color options

thegraphicfairy.com

(This would make a cute card!)

Another ----- Cookie box template

Don't Eat the Paste

Printable gift card holder

Vale Design

The Card-Making Continues

2011-11-30T12:25:00.005-07:00

I realized that on Monday what I really meant to ask was--"Are you making Christmas cards this year? Because, you may be sending cards but not making them which is perfectly ok too.

Remember the sunflower shutter card I showed you a few months ago? Here's one using patterned paper.

This is a standard 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 card, each piece scored on the sides at
1/2 inch and 1 inch.

I used Labels 2 to cut out the middle, then two sizes smaller to create the frame.

The frame is popped up, carefully placed so the pattern lines ups.

The round sentiment is from a retired Stampin' Up set.

I put Scor-It tape on the 1/2 inch sides and bent the folds to

creae the shutter effect.
The only problem with this card is that there is no place to write,
so this would be fine if you were doing a Christmas letter to include.

I used the same paper to create the next card and the stamp set I used

on Monday. By the way, it is called Big on Christmas and retired from
Stampin' Up after last year.

The card base is one by DCWV. Yeah for using up another one.

I don't think I will ever make it through my stash, but I'll keep trying!

The card is pretty self-explanatory, but here's a tip.

If you purchase a package of pre-made embellishments,

like the scalloped border on this card (turqoiuse originally),

and you want to change the color, just run it over an ink pad.

The color just has to be a little bit darker to cover.

Speaking of snow--or cold

If you live in a part of the country where you have to contend with these winter

conditions, do you know how to:

--ice-proof your car windows

--prevent your car doors from freezing shut

--de-ice your frozen car door lock

??????

If not or you need a reminder, here's a good article for you.

This article will be placed in the archives of AWESOME ARTICLES.

In the future, just click on that tab at the top of this page to find this

and other informative material.

Are You Sending Christmas Cards?

2011-11-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

I believe that those email subscribers who have not been receiving notifications the past few weeks are again receiving them. I hope that you will browse back through the latest posts and see if there is anything that might interest you. Thank you for sticking by me. I appreciate all of you so very much!

Some crafters have been working on Christmas cards all year long, but I am not one of them. I am just now thinking about them --now that Thanksgiving has past. Although mass production would go faster, I get bored making very many of the same design. So I will be showing you several different cards, some of which I will make four to -six of, some just two. I find that it takes very little extra effort to make one more, so I usually make a minimum of two. If I hate it, that first one gets trashed. Why bother?

I still had my Penny Black stamp out that I used for the invitations that I made, so this time I inked it up three times with the Royal Satin Kaleidacolor

(remember those?), choosing a slightly different spot on the pad each time for variation.

I used the same Hero Arts bough and adorned it with some fine glitter.

The strings are made with a gold spica pen, and the card is layered on a blue/black marbelized

glossy paper.

Sentiment by PaperTrey--embossed in gold.

Image--3-3/4 x 5 (cut longer to allow for scallop)

Blue--4-1/4 x 5-3/4

Card base--4-5/8 x 6-/3/8

Christmas plaid is so traditional and one of my favorites,

so I never run out of this paper!

Embossing folders can be your best friend to help

you create a simple yet attractive card--

this is the Swirls, one of the first and most versatile, in my opinion.

The stamp is from a three-piece stamp set by Stampin' Up.

I stamped the Christmas tree again on green and popped it up,

added some glitter with Stickles, which can also be very helpful

in adding some bling, especially at this time of year.

The slot punch provides the way for the ribbon to pass

through the card stock. It is often just the width that you need!

Image--2-1/4 x 4

Gold glossy--2-1/2 x 4-1/4

Background--3-1/2 x 6

Card base--4-3/4 x 6-1/4

Have your creative juices started flowing yet?

Steps to a Juicy, Moist Turkey

2011-11-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

I apologize to my Feedbliz subscribers if you have not been receiving email updates. I am trying to find out what the problem is.

How was your Thanksgiving? How did your turkey turn out.? If it was dry, you might try this suggestion next time. My husband came up with this technique and swears by it. Several of our friends have tried his steps for a moist, juicy turkey and have had success also.

Stuff the cavity with citrus--halves of grapefruit and oranges, also onion, garlic, apple, fresh herbs such as sage, rosemary, basil, thyme, tarragon--whatever you have.
Salt and pepper outside; put in foil pan.
Cook on outside gas grill. Turn on outside burners to 325 degrees and middle one same, adjusting middle one as needed. Do not cover with foil until it is sufficiently browned. Baste periodically. I am sure you could do this in the oven also.

We have done several turkeys this way now and each one has turned out great.

Freebie Friday

Get organized for Christmas with this selection of printables HERE

Vintage calendar 2012 at Crafty Secrets

Christmas Gift-Giving Printables by HowDoesShe

Napkin Folding--Adding a LIttle Extra to Your Table

2011-11-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Today my wish for you is:

Suggestion: Save as, re-size, print, frame and give it as a hostess gift tomorrow!

I have an easy napkin folding technique that you might want to use on your table tomorrow.

It is so pretty!

Napkin Folding 101--The Rose

Step 1

With a square napkin, fold all four corners to the middle.
(The squarer the napkin, the easier this is.
Mine is a little off but not to worry.)

Step 2

Repeat step 1, folding all four corners to the middle again.

Step 3

Turn the napkin over, and repeat step 1, folding all four corners to
the middle again.

Step 4

Reach underneath the 4 corners, and pull out the "petal."

This is what it will look like when you have done step 4.

Step 5

Reach underneath between the petals, and there is another petal
that you can pull out.

Done!

Be creative with what you put in the middle.

Perhaps a place card or salad plate.

What ideas can you come up with?
There's lots of possibilities for Christmas, but we'll talk about that
once Thanksgiving is celebrated.
I believe that Thanksgiving deserves its full recognition first
before we jump into that!

Hope you enjoyed learning The Rose Napkin Folding Technique.
If so, I learned others on our cruise that I'd be happy to show up!

Have a wonderful day with family and/or friends.

If you are traveling, please be safe.

Creating Christmas Invitations Using Microsoft Publisher

2011-11-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

One of my friends asked me to make invitations for their Christmas party again this year, so that is what I have been working on. I am happy to say that they are in the mail and everyone should receive theirs today!

I have used Microsoft Publisher over the years for my real estate newsletters and any other documents that required text boxes and printing. I found this program extremely computer-friendly--the boxes are so easy to move and re-size. It is easy to add clip art, pictures, and borders also. This is what I came up with this year.

I decided to go with a flat card, 5 x 7 inches.

I used a pre-made card, ran it through the printer, then cut it in half,

and cut the printed side 1/4 inch larger than the border.

Next I stamped the ornament (Penny Black) in Versamark

and embossed it in Fire Opal Gold. There is a sparkle to it even though it does

not show up in this picture. The bough is by Hero Arts stamped

with Staz-On Forest Green.

The string was drawn with a Sakura gelly roll pen.

The card is layered on My Mind's Eye designer paper.

For a finishing touch, I added fine white glitter by The Rubber Cafe

to the bough.

As a surprise, I decided to line the envelopes--I hope she likes them!

I really think it adds a lot!

" 'Friendship' said Christopher Robin,

'is a very comforting thing to have.' "

-A.A. Milne

Let's Talk Turkey for a Moment or Two

2011-11-17T05:53:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is next week and I know that a lot of you are planning a dinner for the big day. I have found some very practical articles on Real Simple.com and am sharing them here. They are definitely worth a look.

Choose the Right Turkey for You

How to pick the bird that best suits your palate,

your philosophy, and your wallet.

Thanksgiving Dinner without the Stress

Your Guide to a Foolproof Thanksgiving

How to Fix 10 Common Thanksgiving Problems

10 Tricks to a Trouble-Free Thanksgiving

Easy Thanksgiving Desserts

How to Carve a Turkey Properly--VIDEO

3 Helpful Hotlines

I guarantee you'll learn something you didn't know!

These articles will be archived in the AWESOME ARTICLES page so you will be able to
refer back to them easily at a later date!

How to Make Strawberry Limoncello Jello Shots

2011-11-15T12:00:00.002-07:00

These started out to be strawberry margarita jello shots, but my husbard suggested I try making them with my homemade limoncello instead. I'll save that tutorial for another day. I think they turned out even better!

Choose large, ripe strawberries. Ream out the centers--I used a melon baller and it worked great. Do not go to the bottom.
Slice off the bottoms so that they will stand up. Turn them onto a paper towel to drain.
Boil 1 cup water and combine with 1 small package of strawberry jello. Once the jello is dissolved, take off the heat and add 1 cup limoncello.
Put the strawberries on a cookie sheet and carefully fill with the jello mixture. I found that a small funnel helped. I also found that it helped to work near the refrigerator since the strawberries have a tendency to fall over.
Carefully place in refrigerator until firm. You can add more jello as it tends to settle.
When ready to serve, wet the rims and dip in lemon drop cocktail sugar.

Linking up to The 36th Avenue last party of the year--2011!

Newsworthy

2011-11-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well, this couple decided to do something pretty extraordinary for 11-11-11!

The Associated Press is reporting that a military family welcomed a baby boy into the world at exactly 11:11 on 11-11-11, which was Veteran's Day. To add to the already amazing coincidence, the mother

of the baby is a veteran.

The mother – Danielle Saydeh – was a member of the Air Force and the father – Staff Sgt. Christopher Saydeh – is currently serving in the Air Force.

Jacob Anthony Saydeh weighed in at 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and one thing for sure, no one should have trouble remembering his birthday!

Have a great week-end!

Hope you have time to use some ink, glue, pretty paper,

yarn, beads, fabric, or whatever craft that gives you relaxation.

What the Heck Are Fractals?

2011-11-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia defines a fractal as:
A Geometric pattern that is repeated at ever smaller scales to produce irregular shapes and surfaces that cannot be represented by classical geometry.

That's about as clear as mud to someone like me who is not mathematically inclined. All I know is that they are pretty fluid shapes that I stumbled upon a while ago. If you goggle "fractal galleries" you can find some beautiful photograpy such as this one.

I have no idea how they are produced, but the colors and designs are so beautiful that I decided to see what I could do with them on a card. I chose one that was not totally solid in color and printed it on a transparency. I stamped an image that I thought would work behind it--one that was solid enough to show though the fractal. I stamped that in black on white card stock and mounted the transparency over it for an interesting effect.

Freebie Friday

Thanksgiving isn't far off so here are some holiday printables.

I Am Thankful tags from Jones Design Company

Several place cards, favors, Mayflower centerpiece by Martha Stewart

A whole collection by Kind Over Matter

Fun coloring pages by Parents Magazine

Reminder--Besides being Veteran's Day, it is 11-11-11.
Las Vegas wedding chapels are super busy and
lottery sales are expected to go off the charts!
What about you?
Are you superstitious and doing anything out of the ordinary?

Returning to the Original American Christmas Tradition

2011-11-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

I received the following email last evening and it really struck a cord with me. See what you think and share your thoughts.

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.

This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery
and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

Also, don't forget about the people who have Mary Kay, Arbonne, Avon , Fuller Brush or other home-based businesses. Most of these businesses also have nice Christmas gifts available.

It's time to return to the original American Christmas tradition.

Together we can all make a difference.

Birthday Greetings from Friends

2011-11-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

I recently celebrated my birthday and was blessed with some beautiful cards, Facebook greetings, phone calls and e-cards. I even got to see both of our children and their spouses.

I thought you might like to see the handmade cards that I received.

The last three cards were sent by Splitcoast Stampers who so
generously send birthday cards to ladies they don't even know.
The idea is to leave it blank inside so that the recipient has a card
that she can use when the time is right!

If you enjoy card making, and don't know about Splitcoast Stampers
you must check it out HERE.
It is THE gathering place for stampers to post their cards
and other paper crafting projects--a wealth of information!

I'm Back and Unpacked!

2011-11-07T10:18:00.003-07:00

Hi Everyone--We had a wonderful 7-day cruise from Boston to Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine on up to St. John's and Halifax, Canada. The only problem was that we then got caught in the big Saturday snow storm driving from Boston to New Jersey as we planned on spending a few days with our son and DIL before heading home to AZ. It was harrowing, to say the least!

But we're home now and settled back into our routines. While I'm thinking of it, I do have a few TRAVEL TIPS:

Start a list as soon as you get home of the items you forgot or would want include on the next trip. Put it someplace you will remember to check prior to your next rip. I put mine in my Rolodex under T.
Cruise items--Even though I don't normally wear a watch, I would have liked to have had one, since I did not have my cell phone. There are not many clocks on the ship, and if you're off the ship, you need to keep track of the time.
It's nice to have a canvas bag or tote to carry your items in such as: a book, camera, sea pass (ID card and key for room), glasses, lipstick, sweater, etc.
If you depend on a curling iron, take a few velcro rollers along in case your curling iron breaks and you are someplace that you won't be able to replace it. It happened to me!
I never travel without Immodium AD!

The Versatile Blogger Award

Upon my return, I learned that I was the recipient of The Versatile Blogger Award from
Decorating with CENTS.

My prime objective in blogging is to share ideas and projects that I hope other women will find interesting, so I am honored to be recognized by a fellow blogger for my efforts. Blogging has opened up a wonderful network of creative women who are so eager and generous in sharing their ideas, and I am happy to be a part of it. Thank you to Sherry at Decorating with CENTS--make sure you check out her blog.. She turns junk into treasures and decorates more for less with her kitchen and pillow makeovers, window treatments, and floral and furniture arrangements. She is one of my followers and I always appreciate her kind comments, as I do from any of you. It means so much, especially for a new blogger who is trying to find her place among this vast world of extremely talented and energetic women!

The rules for those who receive

The Versatile Blogger Award

are as follows:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Send it along to 15 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them

7 things about myself--well--here goes:

I grew up in Oak Park, IL but got "transplanted" to a farm in central IL when I married my husband who unexpectedly went back to farm with his brother because of family circumstances. We lived there 16 years before moving to AZ.
I love to watch people dance and would love to take dance lessons but my husband isn't too thrilled with the idea. I also love to listen to good karioke. (no participation though!)
Besides crafting, I love to play mah jongg and give mah jongg lessons too.
I love Jujubes and red licorice.
I am terribly afraid of being in water over my head--and snakes.
I am very nostalgic. Our children are 36 and 37 and every day I wish that they were little again.
I am trying to remember to thank God every day for His many blessings after recently reading--"What if you only had today what you thanked God for yesterday?"

I would like to pass on THE VESATILE BLOGGER AWARD to:

Do yourself a favor and visit these blogs.

These ladies have so much to offer!

See you tomorrow with handmade cards that I received for my birthday.

My Suitcase is Packed

2011-10-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

My hubby surprised me by planning a trip to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary and my birthday which is October 31st. So I will be taking a leave of absence from blogging for about two weeks while we see the colors in New England and Canada.

I know some of you are new subscribers and followers and I welcome you to my blog. I hope you will stick around as I appreciate each and every one of you.

My Printing on Ribbon Tutorial was featured on Craft Gossip.com

this week and some of you popped over from there.

Thanks to all of you who validate my blogging efforts.

I strive to make it better and better all the time!

See you soon!

Pumpkins on a Post

2011-10-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

It's about time that I posted something for Halloween. I have to confess--I made this many moons ago but I still like it and put it out every year. Some crafts get out-dated, but I think this is still a fresh and creative idea, and not one I have seen on every other craft blog. So maybe you would like to make one too.

I have to admit, those pumpkins are starting to look a little tattered,

so next year I will jazz it up with some embellishments, but no time today.

You get the idea though--go crazy with yours!

Supplies: cedar plank from Home Depot, black paint, wire, screws,

ribbon, fabric, glue, felt, silk leaves, pinecone, raffia

Pumpkin Collections a la Martha Stewart

Scary Pumpkin Templates

Carve-by-Color Pumpkins

Easy Pumpkin Templates

How to Make Homemade Granola

2011-10-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

My favorite breakfast is plain yogurt ladened with granola that I have made. It not only tastes delicious, but is good for you too. Here's how to do it::

1. Choose ingredients of choice from the bulk bins at the grocery store. I chose oatmeal, raw cashews, raw almonds, pepitos, unsweetened coconut, and dried apricots. I use about a cup of each, as I would rather make it more often and have it fresh.
2. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, except for the dried fruit. Coat lightly with olive oil, no more than 1/4 cup.
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
4. Add honey--1/4 to 1/2 cup--depending on your preference of sweetness. Coat everything well.
5. Lay out on a cookie sheet and bake in 200 degree oven for 2-4 hours, turning often.

6. Once it has browned nicely, turn out on a towel to cool. Mix in dried fruit and store in airtight container.

Homemade granola also makes a wonderful gift for your health-conscious friend.

Enjoy!

I'm going to the linky parties to share this recipe.

Click on the top tab and visit them too

for other great ideas.

The Beauty of Designer Paper

2011-10-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes all you need is a beautiful piece of designer paper to make a lovely card. Why ruin a good thing? Why cover up an image that is so pretty in itself?

I find that is often the case with Basic Grey designer paper. This is an image from one of their past collections--I can't even tell you which one. To add a
little interest, I ran it through the Cuttlebug using the Birds and Swirls
embossing folder. That was one of Provo's first and still one of my favorites.

I double mounted the piece, added a bow,

stamped "Thanks a Bunch" on the

inside, and it's good to go.

What Are YOU Doing to Get in the Halloween Mood?

2011-10-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

Halloween has become a very commercialzed holiday. The retailers certainly have capitalized on what used to be a simple "Trick or Treat" night and turned it into the second most profitable holiday. I think that adults love it as much, if not more than children!

Dressing up as someone else for this one occasion really appeals to some people. I guess it is because they don't have to be accountable for their silliness, for once. It never did much for me, even though my birthday is on Halloween. The best part for me was making the homemade costumes for my two children. Now that was fun!

If I were having a Halloween party, I think these free Halloween party printables would be just the ticket to help set a spooktacular mood! April of Second Sister entitled them "The Witchs Larder" and created them for your personal use.

They include cupcake wrappers and flags, straw sliders,

apothecary labels, menu cards, a vintage banner,

and much more.

She has shown us how they can be used in

creative ways to make a great tablescape

and party scene.

I'm sure you can take her ideas and run with them

to give them your own twist.

Are you in need of Halloween invitations or cards? Take a look at the variety from Parents.com here.

And of course you can always count on Martha Stewart for a wide array of Clip Art and Templates for Halloween Decorations. There is everything from spiderwebs to candy jar treat labels to scary silhouettes lurking in your windows, but one of my favorites is this staircase template!

What are YOU doing to get in the Halloween mood?

Button Love

2011-10-15T10:14:00.003-07:00

Do any of you love buttons like I do? I haven't always appreciated them as much as I do now, but I can say that for a lot of things!

Besides being very functional, buttons are also used in countless ways in the worlds of arts and crafts. Recently I found this fun set of 4 vintage button tags on http://www.doecdoe.blogspot.com/. It is a pdf. file that is easily printed off. Here is what I did with one of them.

I pulled a real button out of my stash and attached it with a glue dot up in the top right.

Perfect match wouldn't you say?

Don't you just love that pink jar?

I got it in a thrift store in Santa Barbara this past spring.

I was cleaning out a container full of all those little envelopes of extra buttons

that you accumulate

from garments when you purchase them.

These were from clothes that I did not have anymore.

It occured to me that this jar would be just perfect for them!

Martha Stewart had a clever idea this past week

Use a business card case--available at an office supply store--

to keep extra buttons, yarn, thread, and fabric care instructions

for your garments.

Do you have a system that works for you?

If so, we'd love to hear about it!

Blog Candy!

2011-10-12T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have been cleaning my craft room--again. It seems to be a never-ending task. I was paring down a paper drawer and came across these circles. They almost ended up in the waste basket--then I decided to make a card out of them instead. This is what I came up with.

I used the Quick Kutz Polka Dots embossing folder on the

background. If you look closely you can see them.

The sentiment is from Gina K's Simple Pleasures.

Now--be the first to identify what stamp set the flowers

are from and I'll send you some blog candy!

Thrifting
Do you like to scour the local thrift stores in your area
for fabulous finds?
Here is a great website where you can enter your zip code or city
and search out what's around.
Your can read the reviews and see how they are rated.
You can also enter new ones into this national directrory
and find out more about thrift shopping.
Go to TheThriftShopper.Com

This thrift store national directory website and more
awesome blogs and websites can be found
on my Web Links
Pinterest Pin board.

Harvest Time in Illinois

2011-10-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

Even though we stopped farming in cental Illinois in 1984 and moved to Arizona, my husband loves to hear how the harvest is going. When did they get in the fields? How is the yield? Is the weather holding out? What is the price of corn and soybeans? All that farmer talk that goes on in the local grain elevator....

One of our very dear friends back there sends us a package every year during this time. I look forward to receiving it as it is a reminder of those years when the fruits of the labor and God's greatness came together.

Her package arrived on Saturday and honestly, I could smell the corn dust
as I opened it
For once, dust was a welcome smell...

Using Scraps to Make a Card

2011-10-06T14:08:00.002-07:00

I really have a thing about throwing out perfectly good paper scraps. In fact, I am overloaded with scraps! I have a drawer dedicated with hanging files for colored scraps, so that when I am looking for a certain color, I go here first, rather than start a new piece. But I am still overloaded with smaller pieces--that is a whole other drawer--or just the top of my desk. It gets confusing...

These red pieces have been lurking around for quite some time, so I decided to finally put them to use. We are going to a birthday party for a sixteen-year-old young man this week-end, so here is what I came up with.
I knew I didn't have to get too carried away.

I used my trusty Zyron to adhere the pieces. It is one of my favorite tools.

Stamps: Hero Arts Clings; (inside) Hope Your Birthday Rocks--The Stamp Doctor
Accessories: Baker's Twine, Zyron

You can see what kind of a day it is in northeast Arizona. I have been waiting for it to stop raining so I can go run my errands, but it does not look like that is going to happen. Guess I will have to face the rain. The trees are liking it, anyway!

"What are some ways that you use your scraps, or do you just toss them?"

How to Print on Ribbon

2011-10-04T14:42:00.001-07:00

Last Friday I showed you the Christmas ornament I made where I printed on the ribbon. So today I am going to share with you the step-by-step tutorial on creating your own printed ribbon.

Using Microsoft Word, on landscape layout, choose a font

and print what you want on the ribbon. Make sure the font is

an appropriate size and not too elaborate.

Put double stick tape or glue dots along the back of the ribbon.

Get down close to the ribbon and carefully lay it down over the print,

lining it up in the center.

Now you are going to put the paper back into the printer

in exactly the same place as the first time!

To do this, I butted mine

up along the right edge of the tray both times.

It may take a little practice.

I also marked the paper to make sure I had the right side,

right end going in first.

Please let me know if you have any questions on
how to print on ribbon. Using this technique, you
can create printed ribbon for any occasion.

Click on my Linky Parties to see where I'll be going with this tutorial.

Spaghetti Squash is in Season

2011-10-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know what I was thinking on Friday when I said that I would have the tutorial for printing on ribbon ready to show you on Saturday! Wishful thinking, I guess. Nothing ever goes that smoothly when putting together a picture tutorial, I should have known. But I do think it will be up by tomorrow!

In the meantime, I do have a delicious recipe to share with you today. It is a good time to make this as spaghetti squash is in season. We had it at a friend's home and liked it so much that I served it for company two days later, accompanied by garlic bread and a salad.

Baked Spaghetti Squash

1 medium spaghetti squash

12 oz. bulk Italian sausage (I used 8 hot Italian sausages--sliced in small rounds)

1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1 medium green or red sweet pepper, chopped

1/3 cup finely chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small can chopped pitted black olives (optional)

1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoing--or more

1 jar purchased red pasta sauce of choice

1-1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Italian blend cheese

1/4 cup snipped fresh Italian parsley

Halve squash crosswise, remove seeds. Place cut sides down in 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Add 1/4 cup water. Cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on high power 13-15 minutes or until squash is tender when pierced with fork. Rearrange once for even baking. In a large skillet cook sausage, mushrooms, sweet pepper, onion, and garlic over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink. Drain off fat.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Scrape pulp from squash (about 3 cups). Wipe out baking dish, coat with nonstick cooking spray. Spread half the squash in dish. Add half the sausage mixture and half the olives. Sprinkle with seasoning and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Top with half the sauce and half the cheese. Top with remaining squash, sausage, olives, and sauce. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.

This is even better the next day!

New to My Pin Board...

How to Make a Dress Form Mannequin Pin Cushion from DIY Dish which I received today. It has been repinned several times--maybe you would like to see it too.

Creating Your Own Christmas Ornament

2011-09-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

Do I dare mention the C word already, but do you realize that Christmas is less than 90 days away? Isn't that a scary thought!

The reason I brought it up is because I actually have a glass Christmas ornament to show you today. No, don't be impressed, I am not ahead of schedule, I have to admit I am behind. You see, this is part of a wedding gift for a young couple who got married in July. But I didn't know about the idea back then so I'm going to send it to them belatedly. Thank goodness I kept their wedding invitation.

I took the picture a little bit off center so that you could see the printing on the

ribbon. I thought it would be fun for them to have a special ornament for their

first Christmas as a married couple.

I cut up the invitation using a border punch and rolled each strip around a pencil,

creating spirals. There were not enough pieces to fill the large ball, so I used

gift-wrapping ribbon as filler. A smaller ball might have been better!

Printing on ribbon is a tutorial in itself that I will be featuring tomorrow.

So this is an easy gift idea that you can make for

an occasion for which you receive an invitation or announcement,

such as a graduation, baby shower or birth (you could put in both).

For a wedding you could include the Save the Date announcement.

Freebie Friday

Today I want to spotlight a great website, One Pretty Thing,

featuring DIY Craft Tutorials, including 11 pages of free downables.

The website is categorized into roundups such as :

April Fool's
Bath and Beauty
Charity--ways crafters are raising $$
Gifts for co-workers
Gifts for geeks
Gifts for grandparents
Gifts for pets and their people
Winter decorating--(one article is "Warm up a winter room with these cozy ideas from BHG")

The list goes on and on and there are articles, not just tutorials. The site is easy to navigate, and I think you might like it. So check it out, and see if it doesn't take you some idea you can use. I hope so!

Baker's Twine: Finding a Practical Way to Store It

2011-09-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love my Baker's Twine! The colors are luscious and I enjoy using it on cards and in gift-wrapping.

I have purchased all the colors in the smaller quantities, so as much as I liked the idea of using a sugar dispenser to host the bolts, I came up with a more practical way to store the smaller skeins.

This is a Parmesan Cheese Shaker that I repurposed to hold six skeins.

There is still enough room inside of the container for the twine to be pulled out

as you are using it without getting tangled with the other colors.

View my Linky Parties Page to see where I am participating this week
with my original idea for storing Baker's Twine.

I rounded up some of the other creative ideas I have spotted on

Pinterest for storing ribbon, thread, and twine--

you know all those "tie-ables" that we crafters couldn't live without!

Muli-tiered pants hanger @ Creating Keepsake Blog

Optical disc spindles @ Makezine.com

Metal funnels @ Martha Stewart.com

Plastic bin @ Spunky Junk

Homemade thread dispenser from Russia @ The New Museum

Soda straw dispenser @ All People Quilt.com

Tic Tac dispenser @ Cut Out and Keep

Small hardware store bins @ All People Quilt.com.

Shoe holder @ Celes :) tambien cose!

Flowerpot string dispenser @ Martha Stewart.com

Doll pins (aka old-style clothes pins) @ ECAB

Are there any ideas here that you can incorporate in your craft room
to help you keep your ribbon, twine, and string more organized?

This, That, and The Other

2011-09-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Someone asked me yesterday if these two bracelets I made were

for a child. No, this is the size of my wrist. I have often said,

"Why do my wrist and fingers have to be petite?

Why couldn't it have been something more important

like my legs or upper arms??" Oh well...

So {easy jewelry-making} is my latest handicraft, but I have not

given up card making, honest! This is just a slight diversion.

Thought I'd also show you the

{Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus}

I made last night. Yummy!

Take asparagus and break them at their natural breaking point.
Coat lightly with olive oil.
Take about 4-6 spears, depending on thickness, and wrap with a strip of prosciutto.
Sprinkle with sea salt or kosher salt and pepper. Bake in 425 degree oven for 10 minutes.

Note: You can do this with green beans too.

{Organizational and Storage Kitchen Idea}

For years I have used a {wire dish rack to store lids to left-over containers}

in a lower kitchen cabinet. I have never found anything that keeps them

more accessible to the containers, and at the same time keeps them easy to

see and separates them so they are not piled on top of each other.

Works great for me. Maybe it will be an

idea for you too if this is a problem in your kitchen.

Hope you are having a great week-end!

Thank you so much for stopping by.

And if you were so kind as to have left

a comment I especially appreciate it

because then I know that you were here!

My Friday

2011-09-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last two days learning how to make two bracelets at the new beading store in town. I will take a picture of them and show them to you tomorrow.

Then I went to Walmart for a few groceries and also bought a thin black scarf. I am trying to pull some of my pieces of clothing together to make up a fall wardrobe that might have a little bit of style to it. I am hoping that some scarves and jewelry will help! I would not know what to do with this scarf if it were not for the help of these awesome tutorials that you can find here and here. I also found an amazing YouTube Video on 25 Ways to Tie a Scarf that I hope I have correctly linked you to.

For Freebie Friday, I wanted to turn you on to The Vintage Workshop. Amy offers free vintage graphics several times a week and projects ideas. You can subscribe to her blog so that you won't miss out on any of these lovely graphics. Here's the one for today:

Isn't she lovely?

"Remember that no time

is ever wasted that makes

two people better friends."

--Anonymous

When in Doubt Wear Red

2011-09-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

I was going through My Pictures folder and found this craft fair

item that I have never showed you. I found these cheese boards

and spreaders at Michael's and bought the cocktails napkins

in the clearance aisle at Pier 1 Imports.

What would I ever do without my Spellbinder nestabilities?

They were one of my best sellers!

Reverse "Mask"ing

2011-09-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

I used a classic Spellbinders rectangle to "achieve a reverse mask on my card."

I placed it in the middle of a piece of copy paper,

the same size as the piece of card stock I was going to stamp on.

Here is what it looked like once it was cut out.

I placed it over the piece of card stock
and taped down both pieces so they did not move around.
It is best NOT to use textured card stock so that you get a crisp, clear, stamped image.

Stamp your image, applying a lot of pressure.

I used a Stampin' Up background stamp.

Remove the mask and embellish.

I attached the 4 x 5-1/4" piece to a card base measuring 4-1/4 x 5-1/2",

using dimensional foam tape. I like the white on white look, don't you?

"Reverse masking" is a fun technique that can create a clean and simple card.

Things to remember when "making a reverse masking card"--

Use copy paper for your mask as you want it to lay flat when putting it over the card stock.
Use smooth card stock for your stamping so you get a crisp, clear, stamped image
Use a juicy ink pad.

Here is an image from Real Simple that I thought was appropriate since we are talking about "masks," and you know I always like to talk about friends.

Image by Tara Donne

"The most I can do

for my friend is

simply be his

friend."

--Henry David Thoreau

Is It Friday Yet?

2011-09-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

Mr. Monster Migraine has been paying me a visit the last two days so I will be brief today.

But today is Freebie Friday so I did want to share with you two wonderful sites that have a tons of "free digital images, graphics, and sentiments" for you to use in a number of ways.

Create with TLC offers "free digital graphics, scrapbook paper and word art" that can be used not only for cardmaking but also for such projects as:

tags
packaging and gift wrapping
invitations
scrapbooking
magnets
candy wrappers and party favors

Pauline has freebies almost everyday that are easy to download. She also has a wonderful selection of "digi stamps for sale."

Wild@Heart has "free graphics such as vintage journals cards, note cards,
pillow boxes, take out boxes, tags, and recipes cards."

Tania sells her beautiful images but has "freebie friday" every week.
Click HERE to see her lovely "hydrangea rose pillow box" offered today.

It wouldn't take much paper or ink to print out a
set of vintage crockery recipe cards (with recipes)
and give as a unique gift.

Or package a little gift in a butterfly takeout box
or the hydrangea rose pillow box to make it really special!

Or if you already have the gift and the gift bag, why not print off
one of these Happy Birthday or Vintage Fashion tags??

Have a wonderful week-end, my friends, and thanks for stopping by.

Butterfly Birthday Moments

2011-09-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

I created the background on this card by using Fluid Chalk inks on matte whitte cardstock. Starting with the darkest color, I sponged ink randomly, then moved on to the next color, ending in the lightest color. Then I heat set it before proceding. That piece measured 3-1/2 by 5-1/2, but I did extra for the smaller background pieces. I stamped the butterfly in Maroon and mounted it on Bazill Velvet, measuring 4 x 6. The other inks are Tangerine, Warm Red, and Warm Violet. It's ok to leave a little white showing.

The butterfly piece measures 3-1/2 x 1-1/2 and is clear embossed. The Bazill Velvet is 4 x 2 and is raised with pop dots. Butterfly by Cozy Cats Stamps.

The sentiment is by Hero Arts and is also clear embossed. The piece measures 2-1/2 by 1-1/4 and the purple piece is 3 x 1-3/4, also popped up.

The card base is Bazill Watermelon and the card measures 5 x 7.

These are some of my favorite colors. What are yours?