Just A Thought Or Two...

Happy HEART Day!

2012-02-14T01:22:00.000-06:00

"There's this place in me where your fingerprints still rest, your kisses still linger and your whispers softly echo. It's the place where a part of you will forever be a part of me."
-Gretchen Kemp

It's February 14th, the day that "Love" is celebrated each year. I will be without my special love this year, the first time in 46 years. I do miss you Michael. There hasn't been a day that I haven't said your name or thought about you. My heart may be sad but it still holds you very, very close. I think about years past and when we were young and how our lives together continued to change and grow. Life was not always simple and easy, but we faced it together. Made me think of a old song by the Beatles, but this version is sung by Emmylou Harris and it reminds me of you - "Here, There & Everywhere"

Hearts, hearts ... I love hearts! I thought it would be a good time to share with you one of my Pinterest pinboards. It is titled "Heartful" and it shows my favorite shape in many, many forms.

Heartful pinboard

"The life and love we create is the life and love we live."

- Leo Buscaglia

Designer Craft Connection-February - CHA & Pinterest

2012-02-06T17:12:00.000-06:00

Last week many designers who are part of this group attended the CHA trade show in Anaheim, California. This particular show takes place twice a year. The winter show (the larger one) is usually in Anaheim and the summer show (some what smaller) is in the midwest, at the convention center in Rosemont, Illinois.

I have been unable to attend the winter show for a few years now, so I rely on those who I know that were able to attend to share what they saw and what they think.

Many of the designers are sharing "pins" on a group pinboard to give some ideas of what they saw or did at the show. Comments and photos are still being shared since they all returned from the show. There is nothing like being there and seeing all the wonderful new ideas the industry has to offer. My hope is that the stores chose some wonderful new products to share with the consumers. It's always amazed me how many things shown at the show never make it to the consumer or only a limited amount of new products get into the consumers hands. It's kind of a shame!

Of course as always the papers that come out at each show are truly amazing. A few of my "favs" are Graphic 45, Cosmo Cricket, and DCWV. This is only three of the many wonderful companies that design papers. I do very limited "scrap booking", I still do a variety of paper crafting, so I'm always looking at papers that can be used in very different ways then scrap booking.

The designs for new "dies" are always something I have a huge interest in. So many wonderful dies are available from a variety of manufacturers. The nice thing is that they are making many of them compatible with the various systems. Smart move for the consumer! My favorites are by Sizzix and Spellbinders.

Spellbinders

I noticed how knitting and crocheting are continuing to interest more and more people. So happy to see this. Though quilting will always remain popular I feel, but this show doesn't deal with this medium as much as Quilt Market show in the fall down in Houston or the spring show that is in various parts of the country each year. I get the feeling that sewing is making a come back ever so slightly.

Of course the "Do-it-yourself" genre is going strong and the "eco-friendly" ideas are catching on and I just love that.

Ranger

Another company that I love is Ranger. Their products are can be used by more then the "stampers" out there and for more than just paper. There are so many other companies that make some amazing products for the creative people out there and way too many to share.

I can't go on with this post without mentioning PINTEREST. I realize it's been out there for a while now, but I was unable to see what this was all about because of what was going on around me last year. Heard other designer friends talking about and didn't give it much thought. I also wondered what and how can it would do for me to become interested in this. Well anyone who has checked it out will probably say - "they are hooked"! I have folders in my file cabinet with ideas of several topics, that I have saved, dating back many, many years. Each time I get a "brainstorm", I go to those files and search for various things. It's very time consuming. Pinterest has put numerous ideas at my fingertips. Love it!!!

So just after I discovered it I shared it with my daughter, daughter-in-law, other son's girlfriend, some relatives and friends - yes, they are all hooked. We discuss ideas we have seen and shared. Even the guys are interested in several topics. If for some reason you haven't seen or heard of it here's a link to my Pinboards: http://pinterest.com/mjagrammie/

Showing My Heart(s)

2012-01-16T16:39:00.001-06:00

With all the Christmas holiday stuff finally packed away, the house was looking a little drab. With everything looking gray and brown outside for so long this winter I needed to think about some decorations. (Though low and behold on Friday we received our first real shot of snow.)

The Big Shot was cranking out a variety of die-cuts for a few days last week. In the last couple of days I finally got the chance to put together some decorations for the house. The mantle here is the perfect place for hanging banners. (In past posts you can see a few of the others I have made for various times of the year.)

This first one here, I used several Sizzix dies and once again went to the scrap bins first to see what could be reused. There was pieces of "warm & white" batting for the background, fabric scraps for more hearts and the side bows, paper scraps galore for the flowers and leaves and glitter glue. The red glittered fun foam sheet, glittered stickers strips, adhesive bubble letters and adhesive heart gems were all purchased on sale at a nearby craft store.

The picture shows the placement of all the pieces used. If you do not own or have access to a Big Shot or the dies, try making your own patterns. I have seen kits available for banners and they go together pretty fast and easily, but I would rather take the time to design and cut my own.

For the second "conversation hearts" banner, I did use purchased felt hearts. Once again I did get them with a store coupon to save a little money. Simply punch holes into the sides of the hearts and thread torn strips of fabric through. Tie bows to connect the hearts. Letters were cut with a Sizzilets Alphabet strip and glued onto the hearts. For this idea you could easily cut your own heart shapes and use store bought alpha stickers for the words. Used some "on hand" wired white ribbon for bows at the ends of the banner. Super simple! I could go back at some other time and add some lace or rick-rack around the edges or some glitter glue embellishments if desired.

I made these heart ornaments last year and wanted to share them. They could be given as a gift with notes or photos attached to the pages. They have ribbon closure to hold it closed, but once opened the ties also hold it open to hang as an ornament. Change it up by using different papers. Fill the pages with love quotes or write a love letter to your sweetheart.

Make some hearts and share some love!

Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop-January-Journaling

2012-01-09T21:59:00.000-06:00

The first challenge for the Craft Connection Group in this new year is "journaling". I'm looking forward to seeing all the ideas the group comes up with. With any tips that are shared and ideas for journals, my goal is to work on journaling my ideas better than in the past.

What I created is made from all scraps - cardboard, fabric, packing paper, paper & metal scraps and even paper towels used for clean up. The only purchased element was the "ring binder" from the idea-ology collection by Tim Holtz.

Follow the general instructions given. Any size journal can be made by just adjusting the sizes you cut the cardboards, fabrics and papers for covering and pages. For the journal cover cut three pieces: 2 the same measurement for front and back covers, 1 for spine (the same length of covers and 1 1/2" wide). For inside journal covers: cut 2 pieces 1/4" smaller then outside covers, 1 for spine (the same length of inside pieces and 1 1/4" wide).

Use a clear packing tape to join the outside covers to the outside spine. NOTE: Leave approximately 1/8" space between the spine and each cover. This will help the journal close easier. A scrap of drapery liner was cut 1" larger on all four sides for the journal covering. Use any type of paints or finishes to cover the fabric. Use any color combination of choice. Allow the paint to dry completely before covering the boards. Use the same paints or finishes to also cover a large piece of brown packing paper. If paper crinkles when dried, iron carefully between parchment paper to smooth. Cut pieces to cover the inside boards for the journal. Again allow approximately 1" around the front and back pieces and 1/2" for the spine piece. NOTE: Cut a piece from the packing paper about 3" to 4" wide and the same length as the outside cover. Glue this piece to the inside center to cover the spine, gap and inside edges of the cover pieces. Glue the painted fabric piece to the outside cover piece. NOTE: Miter the corners in any fashion you like to use. Glue the painted packing paper to the two inside boards and the spine. Attach the ring binder to the paper covered spine using the paper brads. Center and glue this spine piece in place. Glue the two inside cover pieces in place, also centering them evenly.

Finish the front of the journal in any desired fashion. I used a scrap of canvas and stained the edges with Distress Stains. From a scrap of metal, I pierced it with an "M", for Madeline and then colored it with alcohol inks. I die-cut flowers and leaves from scraps and my clean up paper toweling. All were then glued to the top cover. I cut pages for inside from a variety left over pieces of papers. NOTE: Jot ideas on the pages or clip or glue ideas found to the pages. I printed some "creative" and "artistic" quotes found on Pinterest that would be inspiring to add to pages.

Excited to see all the ideas about journals and journaling. This blog has been a form of journaling for me. Pinterest is a digital form with "pinboards" of inspiration. I hope to create journals of all types and sizes this year - any form of journaling that would help me in my daily journey to continue to grow.

IDEAS:
Check out the "app" Evernote for helping to keep track of ideas. With this app you can add notes in a variety of ways: written, photo, audio.

Make a journal the size of envelopes and use the front for journaling and slip photos or notes into the envelopes.

Cover $0.99 Composition notebooks for using as a journal. Make one for each month if you journal a lot or make one for each season and decorate accordingly.

In The Year 2012

2012-01-02T13:48:00.000-06:00

Happy 2012 to everyone! Just returned home after spending a few days "up north" once again with family. The tradition continues no matter what! It has been a strange year and the trip was no different. The lack of that white stuff was not only felt at home but most of the trip north. It was odd to not see any snow on the ground till more than half way through Wisconsin. Luckily there was enough for us to enjoy the stay and more arrived while there. The beauty of the area is just amazing. We toasted in the new year a bit early. The crisp winter air and activity (broom ball, cross country skiing, skating and snowball fights) had almost everyone too tired to stay awake till midnight.

This new year will bring with it many new changes, whether I like it or not. The old year ended and the new one began with family and friends - my hope is that will be one thing that won't change in my life.

I face this new year with so many thoughts of what is behind me and the challenge of what faces me without a very special person to share it with.

Like so many years in the past, January 1st brings with it thoughts of what we want to do to make it a good year. Experiencing this past one has proven that life can change in an instant. Not just for me but for so many others.

Resolutions are something I have never made. This year I will make a list of "hope to do's" and see how many will be completed. It will all start with a plan to reorganize everything. Mike made sure I have a wonderful work space to do all that I enjoy. My first plan is to make it get it in better shape to go with any creative idea that comes my way. Next is to make lists - I have a habit of always making lists - from "have to do" to "maybe I'll get to it". I want to push myself but not to the point of feeling pressured. I don't need or want pressure after this past year!

Going to try to be productive, creative, positive and hopeful. Those are my goals this coming year. All I can ask myself is to TRY!

Christmas Thoughts

2011-12-25T12:35:00.000-06:00

This is certainly going to be a very different Christmas this year for the family and myself. How do you celebrate a holiday like this without someone so very special to you? Do you say "Bah Humbug!" or become a "grinch"? I still think it's best to take each day at a time. Do what I feel I need to do. Never forget how that special person would react or enjoy the moment.

The house is decorated, outside and in. Cookies were baked, but this year without someone coming in and sneaking samples. It's amazing how something that would make me crazy is missed so much. Many cards have arrived again but this year they were not sent. I find it difficult to find the right sentiment to send this year. After much back and forth, we will gather here at home today. It will not be a full house this year - Kevin, Ali and girls, Amy, Joe and kids, Matthew, Andrea and I will spend the day with each other. It will be day when we must all come together and maybe cry and probably laugh and mostly remember a very special man and the meaning of this season - LOVE.

Let it be Christmas everywhere! Peace to all this Christmas and Love!
(Take the time to listen to this song by Alan Jackson - simple, sweet and meaningful.)

Christmas Season in Chicago

2011-12-22T12:38:00.000-06:00

The holiday season has been a busy one for me this year. My family has made sure that I am not alone much and having fun. It began with a day with the two little ones having Santa and Mrs. Claus visit them at home. It was a wonderful moment to share with them.

A couple of weeks ago we took a trip into the city to make a visit to the annual Chriskindalmarket that is held every year in Daley Plaza in Chicago. After a frigid couple of days the crowds came out in droves to enjoy the city. Next year hopefully we will go again at a time a little less crowded. There's nothing like the German potato pancakes or a cup of hot mulled wine! After tackling the crowds we wandered over to State Street to stop by to see the big tree in the Walnut Room. It sure was big and glitzy, but it's not the same since Marshall Field's was sold to Macy's.

Another outing took me to the Mercury Theater to see a performance of the musical "The Christmas Schooner". What a wonderful story, both bittersweet and heartwarming, to inspire the Christmas spirit. The performance was even more meaningful with having someone you happen to personally know as a cast member.

Wednesday night I was part of a group that again traveled into the city once more. This trip took us to the Music Box Theater to see "It's a Wonderful Life" on the "big screen". You would really have to be a "Scrooge" not to enjoy this experience. Seeing the movie in this setting was truly amazing. The audience got into it in a big way. Every time Mr. Potter appeared on the screen everyone would "hiss". When Mary and George get married, rice is thrown. When little Tommy is dressing his dad's head with tinsel, you could find someone placing tinsel on heads. The story is just so sweet and never gets old and is so meaningful.

The holidays will surely be different and difficult this year, but I feel there is someone special watching and seeing that we are continuing with celebrating the season like we usually do.

Good Things Come In Small Packages

2011-12-06T11:13:00.001-06:00

Been busy with many different things lately. My family has been keeping me on the go and occupied. I'm having a difficult time keeping my schedule in order.

This past Saturday I shared a very enjoyable experience with our two youngest grandchildren. Santa & Mrs. Claus made a special visit to their house to see them and a few other friends. Mrs. Claus read two stories for us with the help of Tess. We sang some Christmas songs before each child got to talk with Santa. The looks on their faces was truly priceless. The innocence of children is just so sweet to see.

Last week I spent two days baking some Christmas cookies. Because of recent situations and schedules, we had to forgo the "baking marathon" we had been doing the past few years. Hopefully we will return to enjoy the craziness of that next year.

The baking brought me to the reason for this post today. As I have said in the past - I love Sizzix stuff. To give a sample of my baking to friends, I wanted something handmade to pack them in. Using a recent purchased die, Bigz™ Box #3, I will be making my own gift boxes. This box holds one and a half dozen cookies.

I lined the box with a decorative tissue paper that had the edges cut with pinking scissors. After filling with the cookies, mittens (Original Mittens-38-0240) hold close the tissue.

A wide, gold mesh ribbon was cut to fit around the box and secured with double-faced tape. A small scraps of light green burlap was brushed with Tim Holtz Forest Moss Distress Stain before die cutting with Holly & Berries #2. The holly leaves were then glued on a medium size oval die-cut (Ovals #3). Berries were die cut from a scrap of red painted metal, then glued to the center of the leaves. A small scrap of glossy cardstock was embossed, using the verse from the Winter Set by Rachael Bright. The raised lettering was carefully wiped over with Ranger Ice Stickles, using my finger, then put in place using a glue dot.

What a sweet way to give a very "sweet" and completely handmade gift this season.

Back to the Big Shot!

PS - Happy Birthday to my brother Jim today! Also all the other December birthdays in the family - Bill, Rachel, Amy M., Mary Kate, Rosalia, Alexandra, Colleen, Mary & myself.

NOTE: Please check out the "Sock Monkey" challenge on the Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop. Start with this link and hop on through the others to seeing some creative "monkeying around". There is another give away this month. So many clever ideas again from the group that participated this month.

Special Day

2011-11-21T16:00:00.000-06:00

Madeline & Michael Arendt Bridal Party 11/21/70

A bittersweet day - so many things going through my head today. I want to celebrate this day that is most meaningful to me - Our Anniversary! Forty-one years ago today Mike and I took vows to love one another ... "in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, till death we do part". It also happens to be the date of when I had to say my final good-bye to him that morning before he was placed to rest ... just one month ago.

There had been many tears shed this past week and have a feeling there may be several more days ahead that will be the same. I'm trying to find ways to cope with the sadness, the loneliness, but mostly the loss of his physical presence. I find when I look through photos and see Mike's smile or the looks that only I can read on his face, it brings a smile to my own face, and I get a sense of him and all the wonderful things he possessed.

Everything I see, touch, watch, hear or think seems to all relate back to Mike or to our life together. I had hoped that we would have had the chance to make more memories together but we must be satisfied with those we have from all our years together. (Mike and I met in 1965, while we were in high school. - he a Senior at St. Patrick's and myself a Junior at Alvernia.) Others have not been as fortunate as us, so I will be grateful for our time.

Just love those "crossed-eyes"

I have wanted to write a post about this special day, even though Mike had to leave us, and wanted to make it meaningful yet not sad.

Listening to songs that speak of what we shared are difficult. So many songs spoke my mix of feelings, but I wanted to try to be uplifting and smile about all our years together. So Sweetheart, with every heartbeat, this one is for you.

I miss spending this special day with you, leaving those cards for each other, and having a "dinner date". I know that when I need you ... and I will - there you'll be!

Always & Forever
XOXOXO

It's Coming!

2011-11-15T10:07:00.001-06:00

It's that time again! Everywhere I look I'm seeing lights, greenery, red & green and lots of sparkly stuff. I know we just finished with the spooky stuff and we are all preparing to get stuffed next week. It always seems that the Christmas holiday is so very far away but it then it is here and gone again before we even realize.

I want to enjoy the season no matter how crazy and hectic it seems to always get. The big basket of holiday magazines came out yesterday. I keep a very large basket with old issues of Country Living, Living and various others at hand to browse through. Picked up one old one this morning and already found three ideas.

There are several holiday magazine available already. I want to share a few that I have either looked at already or purchased. For ideas for your house take a look at Holiday with Matthew Mead. Always one with so many details and ideas for festive decorating.

For anyone wanting handmade ideas, there are two that are worth the purchase. Stitch Craft Create is a new one and I like it.

Cloth Paper Scissors Gifts is another worthy purchase.

For wonderful ideas for edible gifts take a peek at Better Homes & Gardens Food Gifts.

It's OK to start getting in the holiday spirit. Pull out those holiday movies and music and start with one a night. No need to go crazy with decorations, gifts or entertaining. The season is about giving and you give in any way you choose or can. Make a gift for someone you know is alone, take a plate of cookies (homemade or bought) to a neighbor who has no family around. Giving in big or little ways are what make the season bright.
Don't be a humbug!

ADDED NOTE: The Designer Craft Connection is doing another blog hop starting today. I was not able to take part in this one because of timing but please take some time to click on the "blinkie" at the top right of this post and take a peek at a neat product and of course, creative ideas!

Easy Banner Decoration

2011-11-07T15:07:00.001-06:00

This banner was made a couple of months ago but I never was able to share the idea with readers. So much had been going on here for months that has kept me from writing and sharing posts. I had committed to designs for a "challenge" from Westcott® Cutting Tools and a "hop" with Sizzix Fresh Vintage dies, by Eileen Hull, the past two posts.

Life happens and it took a very serious and difficult turn for me a few weeks ago. I will try to address this situation in a few weeks. I hope that sharing thoughts and emotions will be helpful in some manner.

BUT ... here we are into the second week of November and the "crazy season" is almost upon us!

I will quickly share an idea, were once again I turned to my Sizzix dies, to make a simple holiday banner for the mantle. All materials used were scraps of burlap, felt, papers and fabrics that have been around for some time.

I cut the burlap into rectangles and fringed three of the edges. Brown felt leaves were die-cut from scraps, with Original Leaf #1, Large. A green leaf was cut from a fabric backed paper using Tim Holtz Alterations Tattered Leaves die. Sizzilits "Twang" alphabet dies were used to spell out "AUTUMN WELCOME" from two colored papers.

Use glue of choice to layer the letters, shadowing them slightly, onto the green leaf. Apply them to the brown felt leaf, then place each completed set onto the burlap rectangle.

Rub the edges of the burlap with Distress Stains of your color choice. Once the stain is dry, I simply brushed on some Opal glitter glue around the edges for some sparkle. I found some glue-on acorns to add for extra embellishment.

Cut a length of jute cording to length needed. Turn over the top edge of the burlap pieces about 1/2" and clip to hold with tiny wooden clothes pins. Tear pieces of fabric into strips and tie on to cording in between the burlap banners.

Easy and simple but attractive holiday decoration ... easy enough that my 10 year old granddaughter, cut everything out herself to make a similar one for her house. I'm thankful for quick projects!

Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop - Flower 3D Wrapped

2011-10-12T23:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another day, another die, featuring Eileen Hull's Fresh Vintage dies from Sizzix. Today's selection of Eileen Hull's Fresh Vintage Dies is Sizzix Bigz Die - Flower, 3D Wrapped. When I received this die, I immediately had an idea of how I wanted to use it. Sometimes you never know if your idea will pan out in the way you would like. I like the experiment of trying and it came out pretty cool. It is being used as a new autumn decoration in our house.

The die-cut pieces make the perfect little shade for miniature lights. I chose to use both of the sizes for the shades, but use two different papers and two different colors. The type of papers used were parchment paper, used for baking, and orange glassine paper. The two-tone shades on the lights looked fine, but I needed to take it a step further and add some leaves. So what better leaves to add but those cut from Eileen's Fresh Vintage Leaves die. The leaves were cut from dark green velvet paper and fabric that was fused together with an iron fusible. (I used Steam a Seam.) The velvet paper leaves were embossed with a Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

To attach the flower shades to the lights, I began with the larger flower shape. Use small pieces of red line tape to form the flower shape. (NOTE: I overlapped the ends by one scallop.) Complete all before adding the smaller shape. Attach the smaller shape the same way as the larger, except, overlap the ends over two scallops. I cut the flower cap out of green vellum, any lightweight paper can be used. Clip the shape so it can be placed around the top. Slightly overlap the cut edges and glue with Beacon Zip Dry glue. To add the leaves, I slipped the stems of the leaves through the wires and glued the stem to the back of the leaf with Beacon Fabric Tac glue. Alternate the groups of the leaf die-cuts between the lights. Hang the strand up for display or wrap the strand around a post or find another interesting area to display the light strand.

I was also sent some fun products from Epiphany Crafts. I was not familiar with these until receiving them. Some fun embellishments can be made with these products. The products I used along with Eileen's dies were the round shape tool, the scallop circle tool, the corresponding epoxy shapes, felt flowers and vintage settings embellishments.

I combined Eileen's flower die, the Epiphany Crafts tools, one of Karen Burniston's dies and older Sizzix alphabet dies to create this three-dimensional table decoration.

To see all the other creations for the "Wrapped Flower" die, all you need to do is click forward or backward on the "Fresh Vintage" button that is located to the right of this post at the top of the right column.

You can see the previous creations by others with more of Eileen's new line by going to her blog to check them out in case you missed them. Also, go visit Oh My Crafts blog and please leave a comment for a chance to win this die.

EXTRA! EXTRA! Visit Sizzix.com today only (10/13/2011) and receive 25% off all Eileen Hull dies. Promo Code is:SZEH25. This offer excludes "Outlet" items and cannot be combined with other discounts. Check out this link to read about Eileen and the dies.

October's Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop - PINK

2011-10-03T00:08:00.000-05:00

This month's blog hop is being officially sponsored by Westcott Brand® Cutting Tools. As part of "breast cancer awareness" month, we received an assortment of pink Westcott cutting tools. VELCRO® Brand Fasteners and The Duck Brand® also supported this challenge by providing materials.

I love a challenge and love working with interesting materials, so what follows are ideas I came up with using all these wonderful products. This was the first time that I have used Westcott® products and have to say they proved to be great to use for cutting. Working with the very sticky duct tape was made extremely easy using the Westcott® Non-Stick scissors that were provided. No sticky residue was left on the blades, unlike other brands that I have used in the past.

To see all the other ideas from many other designer participants, click forward or backward on the blue "Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop" button at the right of this post and hop through many, many creations.

Pink Tiger Stripe Bag

I realize I could have used only the Duck Tape to make this bag, but being someone who likes to recreate usable items from something I have available, here's my take!

This canvas bag was covered with the pink tiger stripe, Duck Brand® Patterned Duct Tape Roll. Each strip of tape was butted along the edge. The tape also continues to the inside about half way down. The handles were also covered with the tape. A length of VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back™Fastener was cut with Westcott Brand® Titanium Bonded Non Stick Scissors, then applied along one side of the bag. Small squares were cut to stick just below the handles on both sides of the bag. Lengths of 3/8" black with white ribbon was glued over the tape seam on the handles with Beacon Dazzle Tac Glue. Additional ribbon was glued near the top edge and bottom edge of the bag. A pink metallic 3/8" ribbon was glued around the inside of the bag for a finished look. Flower shapes were cut from black and pink felt by National Nonwoven. The flower pieces were stitched together with a button center. A corresponding small square of black VELCRO® was attached to the back of each flower and placed onto the bag for embellishments.

Kids On The Go

For this project I again used something reusable for part of this idea. Cut a piece of thick, clear vinyl to the size of a placemat (17" x 12"). Place a strip of the "Hello Kitty" Limited Edition Duck Brand® Duct Tape along each edge of the vinyl piece. I began with one of the longer edges, placing the tape about one inch onto the vinyl. Turn the placemat over and place another strip of the tape along the edge. Line up the tape carefully to match the edges to the strip on the opposite side. Repeat this on the other long edge and again for the two shorter sides. Cut two pieces of clear vinyl: one measures 4" x 8", second measures 4" x 10". Line the two vinyl pieces up, with sides and bottom matching. NOTE: the two extra inches on the back piece will form a flap for the closure. Cut a 4" piece of VELCRO® pink plant ties. Place the VELCRO® strip 2" down from the top front edge. NOTE: a small rolled piece of duct tape was placed under the VELCRO strip to hold it in place. Tape one side edge together with the duct tape, start at top with a straight cut. Trim any access tape at the bottom away. Repeat for the second side. Repeat with a shorter strip of tape for the bottom. Cover the inside of the flap with a piece of duct tape, trim. Cut another piece of VELCRO® pink plant tie about 6" long. Form another rolled piece of tape to hold it in place along the inner edge of the flap. NOTE: the extra inch of plant tie on each side will be held down by the top piece of duct tape. Cover the outside of the flap with another piece of duct tape. Cut a 3" piece of the white VELCRO® Sticky Back Hoop & Loop Fastener and place onto the back top edge of the silverware holder. Place and stick the holder at the top of the placemat near the center of the mat. NOTE: trim tape and cut the sticky back VELCRO® using the the Westcott Brand® Titanium Bonded Non Stick Scissors. For the scalloped edge on the mat I used a Sizzix border die and cut a pattern from heavy paper to match the sides of the mat. Using a fine point marker, I traced the scallop edge onto the tape then cut the pattern using the non-stick scissors by Westcott®. For a placemat closure, cut a length of the pink plant tie long enough to wrap around the mat twice. To hold the tie in place to the mat, I punched two smalls holes into the tape and laced ribbon through the holes and a decorative button and tied a bow. Finished the end by sewing another smaller button near the end.

To carry along drinks, eats or treats while on the go with little kids, I reused a insulated lunch bag. The closures on the bag were removed and the blue surface of the bag was covered with the Hello Kitty duct tape. To give the bag a finished look, white mini rick-rack was glued around the edges. Two small red bows were added to the front corners. A large red button was sewn on and a loop of black cord elastic form a new closure for the bag.

Art & Craft Stuff

What can you make with "Pink" duct tape, to support breast cancer awareness, a large piece of quilting vinyl, and the shipping box the tapes were mailed in? I thought why not recycle the sturdy box that the tape was shipped in and make something useful for my grandkids to use when they visit.

After measuring the size of strips I would need to cover the box, I cut them one at a time with the Westcott® Non-stick scissors and covered the box. NOTE: I opened the box to make it easier to cover with the tape. I folded the flaps from the cover inside and taped them down. I began the strips at the top of the box (not adding tape to the front flap). Each additional strip overlapped the previous one just slightly. Once covered with the tape, cut a slot in the front top flap using Westcott® Hobby Knife and punch two holes into the inside front of the lower box. Cut a length of ribbon for a handle. Feed the ends of the ribbon through the holes and knot inside. For closing the box, push the ribbon through the slot. Add a strip of VELCRO® Sticky Back Fastener in white along the front flaps of the box for a closure. NOTE: Pieces of VELCRO® can be added to the inside top of the cover in desired to hold some supplies. Add any type of embellishment to finish off the box. For this project I used packaged foam letters and other designs.

For the table mat, cut a piece of clear vinyl, 30" x 18". NOTE: Any size is fine. Strips of the pink duct tape are placed on the two shorter sides first. Cut the strips about two inches longer then needed (access can be trimmed away). Lay the tape onto the edge covering the vinyl about one inch. Turn the mat over and carefully bring the tape over the edge and press in place. Repeat the process of covering the two longer edges with the duct tape. Cut a length of VELCRO® pink plant ties to wrap around the rolled mat for storage.

Precious Gold

To make this frame for a photo of my precious little granddaughter, I used four 5" x 7" photo mats that I saved from other frames. Use a glue stick to hold the mats together before covering with the new gold Duck Brand® Duct Tape. Cut a back for the frame from foamcore board, 1/2" larger on both sides then the mats ( 7 1/2" x 5 1/2"). Cover the mats with the duct tape, starting with the 7" sides. Cut the strips of tape about 2" longer (9"). Cut at the corners and bring tape around the center opening and outside edge to cover the edges. Press the extra tape onto the back of the mat. Repeat with the shorter sides. Cover the foamcore board back with the duct tape. Start the tape at the center of the back piece that will be the inside of the frame. (The photo will cover the area where the tape will meet.)

To hold the pieces together, cut three lengths of VELCRO® Sticky Back Fastener. One will be 5", one 6 1/2". Use the Westcott® Non-Stick Scissors to cut the VELCRO® strips in half. Apply the 5" piece to one side of the frame only (the other 5" side will become the opening to insert the photo). Apply the two longer pieces to the mat. Once applied to the back side of the mat piece, remove the backing plastic and position the frame onto the foamcore piece. Form a stand from a scrap of matboard, cover it with the duct tape, cut a piece of VELCRO® to hold the stand onto the frame.

To make the flowers and the leaves, I added taped two pieces of the gold tape together. I made several strips. I made patterns of flowers and leaves using my Sizzix dies. Trace the patterns onto the duct tape and cut the shapes out using the Westcott® Non-Stick Scissors. Use Ranger® Alcohol Inks to color the flowers and leaves. Sew on a button for the flower centers. Cut small strips of VELCRO to place on the back of the flower/leaf clusters, then place on the frame.

I must say this challenge was fun. I want to thank Marisa Pawelko for organizing this challenge and giving me the opportunity to work with great products.

Actual prize assortment may vary slightly

There is a product giveaway from Westcott®Brands, view the above photo. To be eligible to win you must comment on the Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop at http://westcottbrand.blogspot.com/ before November 1st. Westcott will choose and then annouce the giveaway winner on November 1, 2011. Prize must be shipped to a U.S. address. Also take time to check out Westcott's Facebook page for an additional chance to win.

Westcott has teamed up with Charity Wings.org for an online auction. Designer items made for this hop will be auctioned and the funds raised will go for breast cancer awareness. Please go to the online auction link: "Charity Wings" here:
http://charitywingsnews.blogspot.com/2011/10/westcott-brand-and-friends-auction-for.html
The auction will be ongoing through the month of October. Go to the link above and read about the auction and see the items available to make bid.

Link to:

Westcott® Brands on Facebook - http://facebook.com/WestcottBrand
Velcro ® Brand on Facebook - http://facebook.com/velcrobrand
Duck Brand® Tape on Facebook - http://facebook.com/ducktape

Fresh Ideas Coming Your Way

2011-09-22T11:27:00.000-05:00

This new post is announcing another "blog hop" that is coming very soon. Thanks to Eileen Hull, a very creative "girlfriend", who has added more wonderful designs in her line of Sizzix dies, this will again be possible. This is really a very fun way to showcase the great products from Sizzix.

I can honestly say that the investment that I made several years ago, when I purchased my first little red Sizzix machine, was the best one I ever made. Of course I graduated to the "Big Shot" and hope to add the "Big Shot Pro" to my workspace.

In most of my creative work I have in some way incorporated the use of my Sizzix products in my work. In my work area I have a cabinet dedicated to Sizzix dies and accessories and have the machines out and ready for work. From the "Original" dies to all the newest, speciality and "Designer" dies available, they are used over and over and over.

Whether I'm working with fabrics, paper, felt, metal or other interesting medium, I love the way these tools work

Hope you will take the time to browse through all the wonderful blogs by a creative group during this latest "hop". Eileen's new line is called "Fresh Vintage". Check them out on the Sizzix website to see them, along with other wonderful dies that can be used in so many creative ways. You can count on getting many ideas by taking some time to check out these blogs in the next several weeks.

I thank Eileen for inviting me to share in this wonderfully, fun and creative opportunity!

Just a couple of my favorite ideas from previous hops:

Autumn

2011-09-16T17:01:00.001-05:00

"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, as I have seen in one autumnal face."
-John Donne

September first to me ushers in Autumn. This is the season I enjoy the most. Because of family health issue the Summer season came and went for me. Honestly with the extreme weather we had this year, just like much of the country, I missed much of the hot temps, and that is OK with me.

There is a change in the air the past few days and signs that seasons are changing. I spent a little time today bringing out some of the seasonal decorations. I think a banner needs to be created for the fireplace mantle. What material should I use? What should it say? I'll share the finished project as soon as it's complete.

I came across a wonderful magazine a few weeks back while making a quick stop at the store. I'm always looking for new magazines to browse through. This is a new one to me but enjoyed all the wonderful ideas throughout the publication. The photography is wonderful and filled with decorating ideas for many styles. Autumn Cottage is one of those magazines that I will place where all can share and enjoy flipping through.

Some other favorites that will remain on the coffee table for constant viewing during the season:

Country Sampler - love reading how others decorate with the country style and seeing so many interesting country designs.

Midwest Living - especially at this time of the year, this magazine shares many ideas for areas around us.

Martha Stewart Halloween (Special Edition) - always filled with many ideas that I can learn from and share with family.

Flea Market Style Fall/Winter 2011 - a must have for anyone who loves to hunt for "junk".

Check them out!

Designer Craft Connection-September Post: Celebrations

2011-09-05T13:17:00.001-05:00

Though I'm not participating in this months design ideas, I still wanted to add a short post to stay in the ring connecting one blog to another.

With so many things to celebrate, the ideas that the designer group will share here should be fun and varied. Whether it is a holiday or a family event, I enjoy making my own invites and other co-ordinated decorations for any celebration. Sharing some ideas that I have made in the past for baby showers, weddings and holidays to share with photos only.

Baby Shower Invite

Invite For Baptism

Wedding Invite and Extras

Wedding Shower Invite

Shower Favors

Wedding Favor

St. Patty's Day Invite

Please hop along through the blogs for fun and creative ideas from the designers connected with this group. Move forward or back through each using the "blue button" to the right of the post. Come celebrate good times!

...In Good Times And Bad, In Sickness And In Health...

2011-08-29T15:57:00.000-05:00

Sorry for my lack of posting for that past couple of months. My personal life took a quick and crazy turn this summer. I have debated whether to post here about something so personal, but now feel it could be a little therapeutic to write about. I realize that I have made reference to my husband's health a couple of times but never went into many details on this blog.

When I started this blog my intention was to share ideas and thoughts on a variety of topics, but mostly along the creative lines. What I will write about may seem a bit "off topic" but it may explain how everyday life can change one's priorities. And, I'm sure that many others have faced something similar.

Those that do know me personally, are aware of the issues that have faced our family since June of 2010. It was just a few days before the Memorial Day holiday (the official beginning of summer) that we found that "the greatest guy" I know was diagnosed with lung cancer and a brain tumor. It's been a fight against a nasty unknown, that he has faced courageously and quietly. As he continued this fight, it was early this June that he had to face an additional difficult time. He was admitted to the hospital June 27th, for what was supposed to be a easy procedure that began with complications from diverticulitis. What followed was days and weeks of surgeries, hospitalization, rehab therapy and more hospitalization.

As I sit here near his hospital bed, the month of August will soon be coming to an end. We are hoping and praying the the month of September will begin with him being at home and enjoying his favorite chair, sleeping in his own bed (without any interruptions), and enjoying any variety of his favorite foods prepared the way he likes.

This summer was a series of "ups & downs" that at times was difficult to understand and deal with. Moments like these we ask ourselves over and over "Why? Why? Why?" I still don't know that answer to that! What I do know is that in these moments, no matter how difficult, you find the strength to just keep going on when you know how special someone is to you.

As others began to hear of my husband's situation, the outpouring of prayers, good thoughts, support and love, for him has been so very welcoming and helpful. He has touched many people in the 34 years of teaching, 40 years of marriage and 63 years of life. Co-workers, former students, high school and collage classmates, neighbors (old & new), and many others (family and friends), who have sent messages and cards or have visited during this time, we are thankful for all you. You have helped us in more ways then you could know.

The other "loves & likes" in my life have had to be put on hold for some time now, though I plan to get back to spending time on all of them soon. I have several other things I plan to share here in the near future ... please be patient with me as I get my everyday life back in order! This special man has needed my time, my support and my love. If things were reversed - he would be doing the same for me.

Through all these weeks, I have watched this wonderful man deal with so much, and still have the determination, and muster the strength, to do what was asked and needed from him. You have taught us so much during this time!

August Designer Craft Connection - Favorite Technique

2011-08-01T14:54:00.000-05:00

Once again I'm late to the party! I apologize to my fellow bloggers for the delay. Unfortunately, my everyday life continues to be taken up with dealing with my husbands health issues first. This months topic was one I found fun I would love to share. It's difficult to choose just one technique though. Tough choice to make - mixed media, felting, stamping, crocheting or collage?

A quick look through my files and I want to share one technique that I find fun and easy. Take any type of "box" and then use papers, fabrics or other found items or pieces of "this and that" to collage onto the surface. Turn them into a keepsake box or a purse.

Take the time to hop through the blogs by using the "Designer Craft Connection" button that is just to the right of this post. Leave a comment on Julie McGuffee's blog to tell her which technique you enjoyed the most, to win this collection of punches.

The winner will be announced on August 15th.

July's Designer Connection Challenge - Beads In A Bottle

2011-07-01T19:58:00.000-05:00

What fun it was to challenge myself with a product that I have never used. I anxiously await "hopping" through the blogs in this group to discover amazingly creative ideas.

My projects combined some of my other favorites: Sizzix dies, felt, buttons, fabric and altered art ideas.

Never having used this product before I know that it would take some practice. After some practice runs to get the "right feel" for forming the beads I created a few very simple items.

After die cutting two shades of aqua blue felt into flower shapes, I used only one color of the Beads in a Bottle to outline the pieces. Once the beads were dry, the flowers were created and completed with a button center and felt leaves. The flowers were glued to a narrow strip of felt. This is then attached to a stretchy headband. This strip had a small Velcro closure attached, to make the flower accessory changeable.

Another similar hair accessory was made again by using felt, die-cut flower shapes. Just by using only two colors of the Beads in a Bottle, another look was created. The flowers were then glued onto a ribbon covered headband.

To coordinate with the "red,white and blue" headband, just perfect for celebrating the 4th of July, I used a very simple design on a T-shirt for my granddaughter to wear for the holiday. Used Sizzix star die-cuts as a template and laid down masking tape for the red lines. Finished off the look with star buttons and "stars and stripe" ribbon bow and fabric glued letters.

Finished off with a cigar box purse, collaged with papers on three sides and a canvas square on the front. The shape of the butterfly is made with another Sizzix die. Free form scrolls designs with black "beads in a bottle". I used Tulip fabric paints for coloring the butterfly and watered down inks for a light background. Misted the entire canvas with gold Tulip glitter spray paint.

I like the look of a single color and simple lines but I would like to attempt a more intricate design with multiple colored "beads".

I did "love to create" with this fun product!

Coming Soon - A New Challenge

2011-06-24T10:50:00.001-05:00

Coming next week, on July 1st, the Designer Connection Group will be sharing ideas that we created using Beads in a Bottle, from the Tulip line of creative products.

Check out this video to get an idea of what we were working with.

Then go to the "i love to create blog" link here and read more about this challenge. Take some time and visit the website and main blog to find much more information about the many amazing products, projects and other information for all you creative souls out there.

There will be a prize given away once again this month, which is shown in the photo above. What a great selection of products that you will receive if you win. All you need to do is go to the "i love to create" blog and leave a comment to have the chance to win this wonderful collection of creative products.

Father's

2011-06-19T10:13:00.003-05:00

Today is their day - well their "Special" calendar day. So to dad's everywhere, I hope that they will enjoy the day. Some will be golfing, some lounging, some grilling, some even working and many sharing some time with those they love and love them back.

For my husband and I, we will be remembering. Both of our fathers are gone, but we will have memories to think of and share. Those photos of "family" that are many in our house, are filled with thoughts of them and how their "fatherhood" shaped us.

Dad with baby daughter long ago

Dad with sons (future dads)-David was only a gleam.

Then there is our oldest son (father of two sweet little girls, Tess and Zoe) and our son-in-law (father of two tweens, Joseph and Maddie), they are both spending their day working. Both are firemen/paramedics and today is their shift day. Both are great daddy's to their children.

A very young father

The rest of us will gather here with another special dad. He has much to be proud of in his three children and the family additions. We honor him for the wonderful teacher, worker, friend, neighbor, son, brother, sweetheart, husband and loving Dad he is!

A Sunday Drive

2011-06-12T16:20:00.000-05:00

Earlier today we took advantage of a beautiful day to get out with some of the family and enjoy the fresh country air and the sunshine.

We made a visit to an alpaca farm. Along with seeing and learning about these animals, the owner of the farm also had a display of how the fibers from the alpacas are used. There was also a marvelous array of lovely handmade items by the owner of the farm, Susan Waldron. Please take the time to check out the link of the website of Waldron Grove Farm for some photos and information. I hope to have an opportunity to possibly take a class at the farm. Though I have had some experience with the different methods of felting, I am always up to learn more.

I was able to purchase a bag of the raw alpaca wool. I am looking forward to working with the raw fibers. It will be a new experience. Here is a photo of the two pounds of "fluff". Hopefully you can follow me through the process of cleaning, washing, dying and creating with these fibers.

Here's a link for information on alpacas that I also found interesting.

How cute is this face?

Here is another interesting blog, "the mental farmer", written by Mary Logsdon, who we had met during our visit. I found her blog interesting because of what she is sharing about the local area where she lives. Of course, mostly it is my love of anything that shares a little of "country living" that gets my attention.

June's Designer Craft Connection - Red, White & Blue

2011-06-06T10:02:00.002-05:00

"Every heart beats true, 'neath the Red, White and Blue" - George M. Cohan

The theme for this months blog post is "patriotic" and what better way to express the love of country with this color scheme. Here is a easy project to make so you can show a little patriotic pride.

Cut royal blue cardstock into 4"x 6" rectangles. Cut a "V" pattern into one of the 4" edges. Score and fold over the opposite edge about a 1/2". Cut a length of a wired edge ribbon and apply to each of the the paper shapes. Fold over about 1/2" of ribbon on each of the 6" sides to the back and glue down with glue. Star shapes and letters are cut from white and red cardstock using Sizzix dies for stars and letters. Simply glue letters onto the stars and then onto the ribbon covered paper shapes.

To make the banner: Cut a long length of 1/8" white ribbon, enough to span the area where it will hang. ( I used a length approximately 100".) Each of the blue "flags" is attached to the ribbon by placing the folded 4" edge over the ribbon. Adhere a piece of tape along the edge of the folded flap. (NOTE: A very fine line of glue can also be carefully applied instead of taping, as long as the ribbon can move freely through the flap.) Continue adding all the "flags" leaving a small space between words. Tie a loop for hanging at each end. Two bows were formed using a 1/2" patriotic ribbon and wired to the end loops after hanging the banner.

An additional quick and easy patriotic decoration -
For this project I painted wooden letters in red, white and blue. Glittered each letter with a coordinating glitter. Each letter is glued onto length of wired ribbon. A 3/4" wooden block is glued to the back of each letter along the bottom as a stand. Apply a small wooden, gold glittered star to each letter for easy embellishment.

Julie McGuffee has another "give away" for the blog readers once again. Please check out her blog for the prize and directions. So get hopping - hit the craft connection button after reading here and see what patriotic ideas you can find. Since this is probably my favorite color combination, I will be looking for ideas too.

Honor Service To The Country

2011-05-30T14:40:00.000-05:00

Beside parades and picnics, today there are more importantly, memorial services taking place all over the country to honor those who have died in service.

This morning we visited a nearby cemetery, just after a tribute honoring those who have fallen in service to the country. The Bluff City Cemetery dates back to 1889 and is located near the Fox River in the city of Elgin.

Because of the age of this large, old cemetery, it is filled with stately oaks, rolling hills and thousands of dated headstones, monuments and family mausoleums. Entering the hallowed grounds, you immediately see hundreds of large American flags lining the narrow roads that wind there way through the cemetery. Driving up a hill, you come to an area where the ceremony took place.

Here is a link to open and read about the history of this cemetery and the event.

Down another path you find a large area filled with the graves of the fallen from all wars that Americans have fought.

In each and every town and city, across this massive country, there are sites like this and services that take place each year. We have attended such memorials in the past in different suburbs around us. They are truly moving experiences for all to take part of to share the true meaning of this holiday week-end.

Here Comes Summer (Sort Of)

2011-05-28T14:16:00.000-05:00

Yes, the calendar reads May 28th. We start the season with the extended week-end and the celebration of the Memorial Day holiday. Our weather is not being very cooperative with the first summer holiday week-end. The expectation for the next couple days does improve though. I won't complain, because my thoughts are still with those across the country that are dealing with the devastation from storms, tornadoes and flooding the past few weeks.

This week-end is more than a time for that extra day off, or picnics and barbeques, or sporting events. (But I wouldn't deny anyone the opportunity to enjoy themselves however they wish.)

Check out this link for some history on Memorial Day. Do you ever attend a parade in your area on Memorial Day? If you never have, take the time - It can be a very moving experience to see those "who have serviced" participate and be applauded while marching. On Sunday evening, tune into the National Memorial Day Celebration. It can be seen on any PBS station. It is surely a moving concert that takes place in Washington DC. Here is a link to go to for more information.

This is an event that is never partial to any "party affiliation" but honors all those who have served for the rights and freedoms that we have. It's on days like this and while watching celebrations like this, that my biggest wish is that people of "all different thinking", will realize that compromise is a "two-way street". Those who have fought and died, did not fight for the "left or right" (or whatever silly label people want to use) American, but for ALL AMERICANS!

God Bless you all & God Bless the USA!

Time To Get My Hands Dirty - Just A Little

2011-05-15T19:03:00.001-05:00

Spring has been late in arriving this year. It's time to think about getting my hands dirty and begin planting but the weather has once again we are at the mercy of the weather. There have been only a few truly spring-like days, tons of rain, a few 80+ days and now a string of 50 degree days. Oh to be able to predict the weather!

The bulbs have all bloomed and faded. The flowering shrubs and trees are filled with flowers of many colors. All of the perennials are sprouting through the earth, and with warmer weather and sunshine, will be showing off each of their shapes and colors.

After years of having a large area to tend to outside the house, I can honestly say that I really enjoy minimal gardening work these days. Since moving into our newer community, were the landscape work is mostly taken care of by others is fine with me. But just like decorating the inside of the house to fit our lifestyle and design, I have been working on choosing and planting the types of plants that do the same outside.

Containers are an important part of my decorating scheme for summer planting. Just as flea market finds and other interesting items find their way inside the house, they are also used outdoors. The old milk cans will again hold different sweet potato vines that will trail from them by summer's end. Old enamel pans will contain pots of geraniums along with a english ivy. Metal wash tubs, placed on an old wash stand will display one of my favorite summer annuals like Osteospermum. Superbells, Supertunias or Gerbera Daisies are other plants that will be used. Our old, hand-crank ice cream maker has found it's way to the deck (and not the garbage) for a couple of small plants along with a few old aluminum cooking pots. This year I'm planning on giving the few plastic tubs a look of weathered metal. (NOTE: All the plants mentioned work for our climate. It took a few years of experimenting with plants to find those that work best for us. Each are available in a variety of colors which makes them a good choice.)

Gerbera Daisies

Various Sweet Potato Vines

Osteospermum

Superbells

Geranium

Supertunia

Just another idea for outdoor decor is to use a collection of jars filled with sand and place tea lights or votives inside for lighting around the porch and deck. NOTE: If candles are a concern, use the battery style lights.

With temps being a bit below normal again this week-end, planting will have to be postponed a little longer, but it give me time to look for the perfect plants at the best price.

Hopefully one of the summer's trips to flea markets or barn sales will offer the opportunity for some other unique containers for planting.

May - New Month - New Blog Hop

2011-05-03T13:34:00.000-05:00

Welcome May! I'm looking forward to all those flowers you should be bringing us, especially after all the April showers we had here.

It is also time for another hop from the Designer Crafts Blog Group. This month you will find ideas for Mother's Day or Father's Day or Birthday's. I'm looking forward to seeing what ideas everyone will be sharing. I am choosing to only focus on Mother's Day for now but may be adding something later this month for other themes.

The annual day to celebrate Mother's is this coming Sunday. We will gather with the paternal matriarch of the family for brunch. The mother of nine children, grandmother of 21 and great-grandmother of 19 (with 2 more arriving this summer). I, unfortunately, will only have memories of my own mother to celebrate. It is because of her I will begin with two ideas that I have previously created for her.

I do love using a mix of mediums when I create and both of these projects follow in that use.

Here is a inexpensive collage frame that I altered by changing the color and then adding a variety of photos, and embellishments that represent my mother. NOTE: This project was found in a issue of "Crafts n' Things. I apologize for the glare on the photo, this was taken a few years ago.

This project was created using a children's board book. The surface of the book was first altered with papers and paints. It then tells the story of her life with photos and journalling from a daughter, to sister, to wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. NOTE: This project can be found in a book titled "The Altered Book Scrapbook".

These are the type of gifts that I enjoy making and sharing to honor those who are meaningful to me. These same ideas can be used for a sister, brother, child, husband or friend.

So now it is May and everything around is budding and sprouting. The crocus' have bloomed, some daffodils are still blowing in the wind, the tulips are opening with added color to the landscape and the flowering shrubs and trees are showing off! Most people love flowers - many types and at any time they always are welcome. That makes flowers the way to go for many gift ideas.

I used the latest punches by McGill, called Paper Blossoms to make this necklace. A peony was shaped with the required punches. After some experimenting, I found that a thin metal could be used to punch the flower shapes. Also I try to fashion something with more then one purpose. Beside the use of this flower as a necklace, it can be removed from the ribbon than used as a lapel pin or pinned onto another item as an embellishment because a pin back was also applied.

Maybe you will find some inspiration before Sunday and make something for a very special lady in your life.

I hope you will continue to take time to hop through the blogs of the group of designers who participate. Also there is also another "give away" being offered by Julie McGuffee. Please check out her blog for information.

There Will Be A Slight Delay

2011-05-02T07:16:00.000-05:00

The latest post is partially written, one project done, another almost complete - BUT there will be a slight delay in posting due to some technical difficulty.

I will get the May Designer Craft post up as soon as I can. I hope you will please understand.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T10:51:00.001-05:00

Easter greetings to everyone. The day speaks to us in different ways. For me it says - renew, new hope, new life, rejoice. However you participate in this day and this new season, I hope it will bring hope and awakening to all that is good.

The best part of this day will be sharing it with my family and enjoying the awakening of this season of renewal that is surrounding me. Peace!

Be Kind To Our Earth Today and Everyday

2011-04-22T13:02:00.001-05:00

Do something, anything today (and everyday), to celebrate this planet we live on. I refuse to abuse this place that we call home. If you cannot do something to help in a "BIG" way, work at doing small things to show some care. The first and easiest thing any of us can do is to recycle. We now have cut our trash to only one bag per week, in most cases, but never more than two on occasion. Our recycled items have tripled.

I'm a happy "Green Bagger"! It takes a plan to get in the habit of reusing bags, but it can be done. I smile every time I shop and see more getting into the habit. Plastic bags are only good for deposing of "pet litter".

Take time to think about our environment. Why are so many more people today having respiratory problems, cancers, allergies? Come on people ... it's not all hereditary. What we breath, eat and how we live does have an affect ... and sorry it cannot be denied!

Some sites I enjoy visiting for information follows:
   Mother Earth News - great archives, lots of info on various subjects
   Environmental Protection Agency - information galore
   EcoGreen Crafts - ideas for the "green crafter"
   Earth Safe Finishes - a "green" company for creative people with safety in mind.
   Green Thing - how to live a greener life
   The Green Guide - handy information about living green from National Geographic
   Reusables - shopping for clever reusable items

Take some time to check these out. There are many, many more that you can find, just "google", and many facebook pages that you can "like" and find what others are doing to be kind to our earth.

Earth Day.org
Earth Day network

The Green Grass Grows...

2011-04-18T15:46:00.000-05:00

Only six days till Easter Sunday. Now that the decorations have been made and are on display throughout the house, it is time to think about the dinner menu and final plans for the day.

Much of the food shopping is complete. Tomorrow I will begin setting the table. If something is needed, there will still be time to complete the setting. Also, tomorrow night I hope to get some baking started.

In two previous posts I mentioned one of our favorite decorations for Easter and I thought I would now share a photo of it. This is something I have been doing since our kids were little and always enjoyed by all who see it.

Sprouting the grass seed

I will again give you the link that is found on Martha Stewart's site, which is exactly the way we have always created this decoration. The grass looks like it might need a little "haircut", but I just may let it grow.

Two days later

On Wednesday, I plan to dye eggs with Tess, since she and Zoe will be here. They will go into the basket on Sunday along with some small pots of flowers.

Another link that I did not share from the last post, are the directions on how to fold napkins to form the bunny for the table setting. This was found last year on the Martha Stewart site. I will be using those small, invisible hair bands to hold the bunny shape before adding the punched, decorative trim around the neck.

If you haven't already read the last post or seen the projects I made, here is the link to that post.

Spring Time Decor Around The House

2011-04-13T06:00:00.006-05:00

"Spring is when life's alive in everything." --- Christina Rossetti

It is always fun to decorate for the holidays. We all know the biggest is Christmas with Halloween following close behind. Like I mentioned in a previous post - being "empty nesters" and moving into a new house, much of what we had around, was either given away or thrown away. Creating new decorations for the house, to share with the readers of the blog, was truly enjoyable

Let me start with an idea to fill a variety of containers with seasonal flowers or holiday related items. Baskets are one of my favorites to use around the house and I have all types: willow, metal, wire and wicker. I have used several different artificial flowers around the house. As it gets closer to the Easter holiday, I will include some fresh flowers here and there. I also used some other interesting containers to hold things like natural looking eggs in other places.

With banners being popular right now, I created two different type. One is simply rabbit shaped chipboard, that was easily coated with glue and then covered with a variety of Martha Stewart's colored glitters. They are tied onto a strip of torn cotton fabric, with matching bows adorning each end of the garland.

A second banner was made using egg shaped cut-outs from Michael's creatlogy™ line of creative shapes. The eggs were covered with fabric. Using Therm-o-web Heat-n-Bond, I could iron the fabrics to the front and back of the eggs. The fabrics were trimmed and a strip of constrasting, torn cotton fabric was wrapped around each shape. The edges were finished by glueing on a cotton lace and pearl bead trim. I enlarged Sizzix Round-a-bout letters to spell "HAPPY EASTER". The letters were traced onto yellow fabric that was also backed with Heat-n-Bond, then ironed onto the eggs. To finish the decorations on the eggs, I added a crystal glitter to the letters for some sparkle, plus Sizzix die-cut butterflies, 3-D flowers and leaves. Each of the eggs were tied onto a length of white tulle, then added large tulle bows on each end.

Larger butterflies were cut from five different papers using another Sizzix die and then painted with colored glitter glues. They are adorning a pair of old shutters that frame the opening above the fireplace.

What would Easter be without bunnies or chicks? Here are my needle-felted version of both. The bodies are two Styrofoam balls ( 2 1/2" and 3"), they are covered with wool roving from National Nonwovens. (NOTE: the chick was first covered with a light yellow roving, but I added a variegated roving that I had purchased at a quilt show. I like the color variation it give the chick.)

One Easter decoration I remember as a child were decorated eggs made of sugar with an Easter scene inside. When I found a large egg at Hobby Lobby, similar to "Funkin" pumpkins, I knew I had to make my version of this childhood egg. I cut an opening in the egg using an X-acto knife. The egg was aqua blue, so it needed to be painted. It was given three coats of an eggshell white acrylic paint. The final coat was an iridescent glitter glue. The inside was sponge painted with sky blue and white paint. A platform for the inside was made from two cut pieces of styrofoam. A green artificial spray was glued to the base as a tree. The base was glued into the bottom of the egg and left to dry for several hours. Moss was glued to the the platform to cover, then a fuzzy chick, a glittered egg, some ribbon flowers and a little frog was added to the inside. A length of tiny lace edging was glued around the opening and the egg was finished with a decorative ribbon and bow.

The family will be coming for Easter dinner and that means some added decorations for the table. The place settings will consist of a placemat made from a colored paper with the edges punched using a Martha Stewart's Punch Around the Page set. Napkins are folded into a rabbit shape and adorned with a band punched with another decorative border punch. A little basket will be placed at each setting and tagged with a name. They are cut from Sizzix Scoreboard Box with lid die and then covered with a strip of paper ribbon with a natural wood covering. Each will be filled with paper grass and Lindt chocolate carrots and bunnies.

My favorite Easter decoration is a large basket with real grass growing inside. It will hold a cute muslin bunny and dyed eggs and maybe some tiny pots of primroses or violets.

Hope my ideas inspire you! Feel free to contact me for any information concerning the projects. Please continue to hop along through the other blogs for more inspiration. You can see them all by clicking forward or back from the blue web ring button that you will find just to the right of this post.

Time To Bloom

2011-04-11T21:51:00.000-05:00

What a thrill to finally see more and more blooms and buds! Just with a couple of days of warmer temperatures, along with the sun shining after some spring showers - life is blooming all around. The buds on the trees all around us are swelling with new life. The bright yellow blooms on the forsythia shrubs and daffodils just seem to shout "spring is here"!

We have been celebrating family birthday's for several weeks now. Joseph and Amy began the "family birthday marathon". Mike's was last week and this past week-end Kevin and Tess celebrated their special days. Just before Easter Sunday we'll celebrate with Matthew before we take a break till the next set of special birthday's.

Tess turns three

On Wednesday, my post for the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop will be published. I'm looking forward to sharing the decorations I made with you. I have enjoyed creating these projects to share with you and to help give our house a "touch of spring"!

Take A Peep ... I Mean Peek

2011-04-04T15:49:00.007-05:00

Here we are on April 4th - later this month will bring us Easter, Passover and Eastern Orthodox Easter. Our group will be sharing ideas for holiday and Spring decorations. I already have some of them up around our house. I'm thinking of sharing them in at least two posts or just give you some peeks till the posting day of April 14th.

We are celebrating Easter this year at our house, so that gave me even greater incentive to come up with decorations with the theme - Spring/Easter. In the past I always made a point of having some type of decorations for this season, especially when the kids were home. After becoming "empty nesters" the reasons for decorations became less and less. When grandkids arrived things changed again. The fact that Easter is quite late this year helped with the time to create some lasting decorations that now can be reused.

You can go to Julie McGuffee's blog - "Life in the Craft Lane" for information about next "giveaway" for hopping through the "Connection" blogs. You will find instructions on what to find and what to do to win this giveaway.

Crafty Kids

2011-03-26T15:40:00.000-05:00

We had a sleepover at our house last night. The two older grandchildren spent 24 hours with us. Mom and dad had a chance to spend a night with friends in the city.

We made a quick trip to our nearby Michael's to pick up some stickers for two projects that they worked on. The afternoon was spent painting and decorating lamp kits that I discovered packed away in boxes along with some metal frames.

For the frames, they glued small magnets or magnet strips to 3-D stickers to decorate the frames. They will be able to change them from time to time to suit the photos they place in the frames.

The lamp kits will make a nice night-lite for their rooms. Again, they used a variety of stickers to decorate the translucent shades, after painting the base with their choice of colors. If they desire, they will be able to add other decorations at a later time.

It's fun having crafty kids in the family!

After dinner we laid around the family room watching a "marathon" of Harry Potter movies before calling it a night. Before getting picked up by mom and dad, we made them their
favorite breakfast when they stay over - French Toast with crispy bacon.

Spring Has Sprung ... I Guess!

2011-03-23T10:57:00.000-05:00

Officially Spring is here! At least that is what the calendar is saying. Sunday, March 20th it arrived. Really?

Usually not one to be bothered by the weather, for some reason, I will admit this year it truly is. Those few days of sunshine and warmer air have teased us all. Well after all it is still March and it can always be a rather fickle month.

The bulbs are popping through the soil, some of the early perennials are showing some signs of new growth, the grass seems to have a greener tinge to it and I see some buds on trees and bushes swelling with new life. Hopeful signs of the new season are becoming evident - but very slowly. While leaving the hospital the other day after Mike's treatment, the frogs could be heard loudly chirping from the woods across the street. Everything seems to be waking from a very hard winter.

Our little yellow crocus's are finally blooming. There is something I just love about these tiny little flowers. Just like the yellow daffodils that I have been buying to bring a bit of sunshine into the house the past couple of weeks, these bits of flowers just make me smile. Think they need some grape hyacinths for company next year. Don't think there is a flower I do not like, nor a color, but for some reason "yellow" at this time just warms me.

Amongst all the everyday happenings in our lives these days I'm determined to still have fun creating. Always a fan of the holidays, there were decorations everywhere for each. With grown children and moving a few years back, I lost the desire to go "all out". So with Easter coming, there are a few new decorations in the works.

One of the things I have done many, many times is to grow grass in a basket or tray to hold eggs and other decorations. Everyone loves this and I'll do it for sure. (If you click on "grow grass" it will take you to a link on Martha's site with her instructions for this.) Working on an Easter banner for the mantel and various other decorative items for the house. We have planned to have Easter dinner at our house with just the kids this year. That means some thinking of some ideas for table decor and for the grandkids.

With the next Designer Crafts Connection Hop coming, this also is giving me incentive to have some creative fun.

Wedding Ideas - A Personal Example

2011-03-13T21:47:00.002-05:00

Having two sons and only one daughter, I figured that once my daughter was married, there would not be another chance to create ideas for another wedding. In October of 2006, my oldest son was married. My very lovely daughter-in-law asked me for help in planning several things for their wedding. So for this post, of sharing ideas for weddings, I chose to show actual projects that I designed and helped with, to create the atmosphere that the couple wanted for their special day.

Long before they met, both Kevin & Ali have vacationed in Door County, Wisconsin with other friends. Though after meeting, the avid campers they are, they had camped out at the State Park on this very famous peninsula. It was easy to see why this was their choice for the location of their wedding.

They had no desire to have the traditional white engraved invitations, so I worked up several styles for them before making a final choice. Taking into consideration the time of the year, the location, the color of dresses and the couples passion for camping and the outdoors, all the elements fell into place.

The invites were made using a duo-tone paper similar in color to the bridesmaid dresses. A white mailing envelope with muted, colored specs along with matching card stock and reply size envelope, completed all the invitations. All printing was done by me and my Mac. Printing was done using a dark green color ink for all the invitation correspondence.

I colored a natural piece of card stock with inks and Perfect Pearls to replicate the coloring of fall leaves. A leaf shape was punched and attached with a small paper brad for a closure. A beautiful crinkled ribbon, from May Arts in a matching color, completed the wrapped closure.

A leaf image was stamped onto the inside of each tri-folded invite, using three colors of ink. The actual wording for the invitation was printed onto vellum so the stamped leaves would show through. A silk, leaf shaped ribbon from May Arts, secured the vellum sheet to the card stock. The front edges were cut with deckle patterned decorative scissors.

Programs to be handed out for the ceremony at church, were printed on a green cardstock with a colored ink to match the ribbon accent. A corner punch was used to add interest to the program.

The setting for the reception was on a golf course that was surrounded by trees that had already turned every imaginable hue of russets, gold, reds and yellows. Seasonal and color theme was continued for the reception and the table decorations. Squares of fringed, natural burlap were placed at the center of the tables. Pots of fall mums were wrapped with twisted lengths of white tulle. A collection of gourds, mini pumpkins, apples and amber candle holders were placed around the flowers.

A twist on table numbers was devised for the seating arrangement of the guests. As mentioned earlier, Kevin & Ali are into the "outdoors". Between them, they have visited almost every U.S. National Park around the country, either together or on their own with family or friends. For each table, a oversized postcard was created with a photo of a National Park. On the backside, a message was printed about the park and when it was visited and by who.

These large leaves were die-cut in coordinating colors for the dinner selection of each guest.

So I hope you enjoy seeing these ideas. No longer is summer the only season for weddings and though my ideas specifically were designed to incorporate the fall, any of these can be changed to fit another season or color palette or setting. Traditional and formal ideas can make for a spectacular wedding but I like how little "out of the box" ideas can make it so much more personal and enjoyable for all.
(NOTE: Instead of a small favor for the wedding guests, Kevin & Ali chose to tell the guests that they made a donation to the National Parks Service and a environmental organization.)

ANNOUNCING A DELAY OF MY POST - WEDDINGS

2011-03-13T11:11:00.000-05:00

Today is the first official monthly post of the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop. Not a good way for me to begin. Some unexpected problems have caused me to delay posting on time this morning. I apologize for the delay of the post about wedding ideas. It will be up later today or by tomorrow morning.

Please continue on your hop through the blogs. I hope you will return once my post is up.

Spring Fever

2011-03-10T15:23:00.001-06:00

It seems like I have abandoned my "post(ing)". I'm having trouble getting myself motivated again. Winter have taken its toll on me this year. Normally, the long days of winter never really bother me. This year I must admit I'm ready for some green grass, buds on the trees and a little spring in the air.

The day to day health situation with Mike is, a good reason to put aside the several project that are in various stages around my workroom. I keep telling myself that I need to do what is most important and all else will follow (maybe slower then I would like though).

Outside I can see the bulbs poking their way through the soil. Last year, the crocus's were already blooming. During a stop at the grocery store the other day I couldn't pass up the bunches of fresh daffodils. (One of my very favorite spring flowers.) I think it was worth the trip to bring a little bit of spring sunshine into the house.

In a couple of days we will be posting wedding ideas for the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop so get ready for more inspiration!

So Let It Begin

2011-03-03T08:57:00.003-06:00

"There are no rules. Just follow your heart." --- Robin Williams

Today the Designer Crafts Blog Connection Hop officially begins. The posts that you will be reading, for the first installment, will be mostly about what the designers who attended the Winter CHA show observed in the way of trends, designs, experiences and all things crafty.

I was unable to attend the Winter show, but I have seen photos that many have posted and shared. It will be interesting to read more of what they have to tell us. Though I didn't attend, I still find ways to check out trends and new products. One is searching online for both trends and products. As I mentioned in the last post, blogs are a good way to keep up with new ideas. I also find it fun and interesting to just browse stores and malls. If you have stores in your area like Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, visit them and be aware of colors, shapes and textures. Large department stores such as Macy's is also a good place to wonder around in too.

What I enjoy most about designing and crafting today is that nothing is written in stone. If I like a certain look or style, it can become trendy by just using the color trends for the season or patterns and textues. Search for trends online. Here's just a couple that might like to check out:
1. http://yourhomeonlybetter.com/color-trends-for-2011/
2. http://www.fashionising.com/trends/b--pantone-2011-colors-4885.html

Just checking out photos from CHA and shared photos from a gift show, I can see certain things repeated over and over. Flowers are everywhere, made from just about anything and decorating almost everything. It seems that "vintage" is still very popular in crafting and decorating. I get the feeling that holidays are a big deal and not just Christmas. Natural fabrics seem to be used in a variety of ways. Photos are framed, collaged and displayed in a variety of ways. I would call them "3D Memory" Displays. Jewelry is still big. It just seems to get more and more creative with all the wonderful products being manufactured. Plus I still see a move to use eco- friendly products and recyclable materials, that I really like.

There is a fantastic give away to some lucky crafter who is hopping through the blogs. While you are reading them, keep your eye open for the little "cricut" cricket (that little guy in the upper left corner of the ad above). Nine logos were randomly placed on several of the blogs. Take note of which blogs you found it on and keep a list. Once you have read them, please go to Julie McGuffee's blog: Life in the Craft Lane. You need to leave a comment and the names of the nine blogs the "cricut" logo was found on. The winner will be named on March 13th when the designers will be sharing a variety of Wedding ideas with everyone.

NOTE:
If anyone is unfamiliar with how to navigate the blogs, you will find the "Designer Crafts Connection" button at the top right in the sidebar of my blog. You can move forward or back to each participant. On some of the blogs you may have to look a bit further down in their sidebars for the button.

Happy Hopping Friends!

MARCH - National Craft Month - 2011

2011-03-02T02:56:00.000-06:00

It that time of the year again to get - crafting! Truthfully, any time is crafting time in this house.

Whether you are a crafter or not, this may be a good time to get yourself started. Take a class to learn something new or teach someone what you enjoy doing. Visit a craft store, check out some magazines or books, share ideas or search online. Here are just four sites that you can find ideas:

1. Crafts: transforming traditional crafts
2. Craft Gossip. Com
3. Favecrafts
4. Craftplace.Org

These four are a great starting point for finding ideas and inspiration. Websites and blogs that feature crafts are numerous. Something is bound to give you the urge to get crafting!

March 3rd is the official starting date of the Designer Craft group blog hop. On that date, designers will share with you their thoughts of what they saw while attending the Winter CHA Show in Los Angeles. This is a large trade show for the craft and hobby industry. The show is where the newest products are on display, plus trends in all the crafting areas. Since I did not attend this year, I will be interested to read what everyone saw and what their thoughts are.

Come by and hop through the blogs. It will be worthwhile! You will have chance to win a Circut Expression machine.

On March 13th the projects begin ... the first series of designs will feature Wedding ideas. So any DIY brides out there or someone who knows of one, come by and get some ideas.

Framed Fun

2011-02-18T15:49:00.000-06:00

This post should have been published earlier this week, but I'm a bit behind.

I love photos, so we have framed photos all over our house. There is a wall devoted to photos. Eventually the entire wall will be covered with photos. So making some frames as Valentine's just seemed like the right thing for me to do.

Using a Sizzix Scoreboard Frame, Easel, die by Eileen Hull and a variety of materials I created three small gifts. This one used a white chipboard that is slightly thinner then matboard. A piece of pink velvet paper was adhered and then the entire piece was cut using the die and Big Shot. For embellishments, a patterned paper was used along with Sizzilit strip die, "flower & stems, finishing the frame with tiny buttons, a bow and some iridescent trim.

This frame was made with two coordinating fabrics, adhered to an iron-on batting. It was then die-cut. Tiny white rick-rack trims the frame, along with red heart buttons and a red cord.

The third frame is made from quilting vinyl that was inked with Ranger's Adirondack Alcohol Inks. For added support, another frame was cut from a white board. It was finished by edging the frame with a Krylon Gold Metallic pen, gold metal tape, charms and adding a gold wired ribbon and bow.

*****Just adding two other projects here *****
Again these are made with other Scoreboard dies and various materials other then matboard. It's meant to show you that it's always fun to experiment with what you have in the way of tools and materials.

Scoreboard Box with Scallop Flap, Iron-on batting
covered with fabrics, buttons and decorative trim.

Scoreboard Notebook Pocket die, Groovy Girl
Alphabet die, double-sided adhesive matboard ,
and various embellishments.

My Valentine, Forever & Always

2011-02-14T18:05:00.000-06:00

"Love is the best medicine, and there is more than enough to go around once you open your heart." - Julie Marie

All I am going to say today is - I love him today, as well as every other day we have been together, and everyday to come that we spend together. We have traveled down a long road so far and managed to maneuver "bumps, detours and some road blocks" that we have found in our way. The "bump in the road" we face now, we will work through.

Those vows we made ... "in sickness and health" ... are testing us again. We've been a lucky couple. You are my "guy" forever and always!

Something New Coming Our Way

2011-02-11T09:35:00.000-06:00

If you like crafts and enjoy getting ideas and inspiration, then get ready for a something new that will give you just those things.

If any of you have been checking out my blog from time to time, you will know that I have taken part of "blog hops". Both times they have been to help promote and support very creative designers that I know. Of course they design for Sizzix, which is a company whose products I absolutely love. If you haven't seen the projects that were designed using specific dies designed by Eileen Hull, Karen Burniston and Brenda Pinnick, you can still go to the "Triple Play Blog Hop" button that is on my blog. You can also see my designs in the "archives" from November '10 to December '10. Other designs from an earlier "hop" can be viewed in the archives from March'10 to May '10.

So what up next is a group and a site called "365 Days of Crafts". You can go to the Facebook page and "Like" it. You can check out the website to see other ideas. You can hop through the webring of designers that will be sharing ideas with you. There are a variety of things planned for the group and site. There will be challenges from time to time. You will find out about new ideas, products, techniques and other creative information.

I hope you will all come and "like" us, "follow" and "hop" along with all of us. There will be forty-something designers sharing their talents with everyone. The above image is what you will see on each blog and we will be all linked together, connecting each one to the next. NOTE: Everything should be finalized by next week and connected and ready to go!

Hug'em, Kiss'em and Love'em

2011-02-08T12:48:00.000-06:00

Not just in February or on Valentine's Day, but everyday of the year it's great having grandkids to hug and kiss and love!

Today's post is all about them - four great, sweet kids, how lucky can a "Grammie" be?
Yes that is what they call me and it's sweet and I love it.

Joseph (3-8-99) is the oldest and only grandson (right now anyway). In Junior High this year, he plays baseball and football, an excellent student, loves to build things and has a heart of gold!

Madeline (6-22-01) is next (sister to Joseph) the oldest granddaughter and my namesake. I feel very humbled that she was given my name. Very athletic, daring (like her mom), creative (great attribute) and quite a social lady.

Tess (4-11-08) is next in line, the big sister in her family. She is funny, sweet, keeps me laughing and amazed. She too, already loves to draw, paint and make stuff.

Zoe (7-28-10) is the baby of the bunch. I can tell already that she is going to be a girl on the go, in constant motion and aware of everything.

I love them all so much!

(I also love their parents very much too! And Matt will look forward to more if and when.)

A Rose Is A Rose

2011-02-07T00:15:00.000-06:00

"There may be many flowers in one's life, but there is only one rose."
Who doesn't like flowers? They seem to always have a way to make a person happy. Flowers can say... "I love you!", "I care", "You are special", "Feel Better", "Happy Anniversary", "Happy Birthday" or numerous other intentions.

I have been experimenting with making flowers, using punches made by McGill. They have a line of punches, called Paper Blossoms, that are used to create various flowers from paper. Being someone who just has to see if there is another way to use a product, I had to try something a little different.

Using a thin gauge metal, I painted it on both sides using Ranger Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabbers (Red Pepper) and Adirondack Dimensional Pearls (Cranberry). The shapes were punched from the metal. Basically the same instructions can be followed for working with the metal pieces as with paper.

I printed a color copy of one of my many vintage postcards. Cut a piece of heavy card stock for backing and adhered the copy. Of course the edges needed some Distress Inks and added a little touch of Stickles along the top and bottom edges. After gluing the large rose, a rose bud and several leaves onto the image, a organza ribbon finishes the card.

Another example of a flower made with the punches.

Hearts In Hand

2011-02-03T13:19:00.000-06:00

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller

The weather is forcing me to stay inside and not venture out the past couple of days. Listening to weather updates and watching the snow blowing gets a bit boring. Kids of all ages are loving every minute of this "blizzard" and the curmudgeons ... not so much!

Still hoping to share some photos and maybe a short video soon of the "Blizzard of 2011"! Sounds ominous doesn't it, but being someone who lived through the one in '67, the winter of '79 and the storm of '99, this was a "biggie", but honestly think too much is being made of the whole thing. I should say the media is trying to make more of it then needs to be. That's something I could write pages about but there are more creative and fun things to get on to.

Here is a pattern that I bought a year ago at Spring Quilt Festival. Actually found two different patterns, along with handles to make "changeable" purses.

This particular pattern has been sitting on my sewing table for months just waiting to be made. When I decided to make the blog posts this month about hearts and love and such, it gave me one of those "lightbulb" moments. So I took the pattern and made up a purse cover for the month of February. With this one finished, I think I'll feature a new one each month with you. I love the handle! Here is the website of the company for you to check out: www.quiltplus.net. I'm sure that I will do a couple of quilted versions, but it will be more fun to experiment with the pattern, using various materials and changing the size.

I used scraps left from a recycled, felted wool sweater. Using my trusty, always "go to" Sizzix dies and Big Shot, I cut out a variety of primitive heart shapes. They were then felted onto a piece of cream colored felt, cut to the size of the pattern. It was then embellished with "strings of pearls", a few heart shaped sequins and tiny Swarovski crystals for just a touch of bling!

Let February Begin

2011-02-01T16:20:00.000-06:00

"Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart." - Confucius

It looks like the next couple of days will give me the opportunity to do many things. The blizzard of 2011 has arrived! Here in the Chicago area this is nothing that we have not dealt with before. Some years are worse than others. Everyone has been talking about the Blizzard of '67 and waiting to make comparisons. In '67, as in most years, we had the "January thaw" during our midterm break while a Senior in high school. Three days before the record breaking blizzard brought Chicago to a halt, we had temperatures in the 60's. Forecasts for snow were posted ... well it began snowing and it seemed to never stop. Got another week off from school so back then that was a pretty big deal.

Here is a news story about that event if you would like to get more facts: Blizzard of 1967 . Hopefully I will be able to share some photos at some point. It's certainly a good day to stay in.

With all this time on my hands, my hope is to share some fun stuff with everyone this month. Everything will, in some way, relate to love, hearts, Valentine's and February.

There have been several wonderful ideas emailed to me from Martha Stewart.com. She definitely has a great team working on ideas for crafts and more. Two that I'm thinking of trying are a recipe for Mocha Brownies and Cobweb Valentine's. To find a numerous ideas for cards, decorations, gifts and more use the link and click yourself through the ideas and get inspired!

Another cute project I came across is a crocheted heart garland. I just might start one of these to hang from our mantle. Check it out here.

Love Is In The Air

2011-01-31T14:53:00.000-06:00

A simple no sew project made for Beacon Adhesives CHA booth last year.
Ultra suede was die-cut using Sizzix products. Stuffed and glued with
Fabri Tac. Punched and die-cut embellishments are added. Finished
with a beautiful ribbon from May Arts.

Yes, tomorrow brings us the beginning of February, the month when we celebrate the LOVE holiday of Valentine's Day.

I'm thinking it would be fun to make my posts this month about LOVE. A good time to share with you some things that I like and love. Not quite sure where this may go, but it sounds like a great idea to share some things with you.

My workroom is filling up with many "heart" shaped pieces for sewing, felting, jewelry and paper crafts. Plus there are several other "loves" that I may like to share with you too.

According to weather reports we have been hearing since yesterday, I will be spending more time inside the next few days anyway. We may see a storm as large as the one we had here in '67. (That was when I was a Senior in high school and I guess I can also be referred to as a Senior again.)

So from here in the midwest - there is more than love in the air!

All You Need Is Love

2011-01-29T10:58:00.000-06:00

Thinks it's time to share some "love"! So several of the next post I will be making will relate to love, hearts, special things, valentines and maybe some others things thrown in for good measure ... we'll see where I go with this.

Simple to make. Die-cut and punched pieces from metal and papers.
Alcohol inks for coloring metal, Dimensional Magic for coating
the papers. Ric-rac and ribbons for finishing touches.

To start off here is a little necklace that I made for my daughter last Valentine's Day. Had my Sizzix Big Shot out, along with some dies and various materials that I like to play with and came up with this little treat!

Here I Go Again

2011-01-25T16:56:00.000-06:00

So that track that I was off the last time I posted -seems like I happened to get "side tracked" once again. I'm just going to have to say - "here I go again"!

The calendar is now reading January 25th, so it was twelve days ago when I was telling everyone and myself that it was time to get "back on track". Family and everyday life just seems to get in the way of my plans! What's a creative person to do?

I'm happy to say that I accomplished a few things. The most important was getting Christmas decorations down, packed and stored till next time. Another job that needed to be tackled was cleaning and a quick organizing of my work space once again. I have many different work areas and there was not one that I could work at without pushing everything out of the way. So I reorganized a few of my most used supplies, with a few more things to tackle, but at least some new work can begin. I have sewing of pillowcases for children with cancer, quilting to finish, felting projects in various states of completion, submissions for magazines and classes and several other "just for me" projects.

There are some changes and additions that I have wanted to make to this blog, but decisions haven't been finalized yet. My hope to make it more interesting and fun to read. If you have followed my blog you will know that I was connected with a "hop" for Sizzix. Participants were all connected by a "button" on each of our blogs. In the near future I will be adding a new "button" that will connect a number of designers blogs to each other. We will be sharing ideas for products, our own designs, some challenges and other creative happenings from time to time. As this takes shape, I will keep you informed and hope you will come read about all the creative fun!

So all I'm going to say is ... here I go again ... come join me for the rest of the year!

Time To Get Back On Track

2011-01-13T18:09:00.000-06:00

So the calendar shows that it's January 13th, just about halfway through the first month of this new year. I'm sitting here wondering where did the first 12 days go and what have I done?

This whole holiday season has been a huge blur to me. Did all the usually holiday related things: sent out cards (early for a change), decorated the house (using almost everything), baked some cookies (not the usual 12 different kind), shopped for the family, readied the house for Christmas with the family, made a few handmade cards for some special friends ... and some other things too! Then we were off to Wisconsin for a few days to ring in the New Year.

The holidays were joyous because we were with family but yet difficult for me. Coping with the loss of a young mother, who is a friend of my daughter's, was difficult for everyone during this time. A new round of tests for my dear husband to go through again was another added concern, along with the waiting for results. On returning from a nice time "up north" with the family, word came of the passing of a very dear, close friend. Needless to say the way the year ended and began was upsetting.

My mind can't seem to stay focused too long on one thing. I've neglected much around here. I"m thinking it is now time to get back on track. There were plans on making some changes to this blog - they will happen slowly, but I'm determined to make them. My workroom is looking like a tornado hit and that needs to be attended to. Sewing projects have piled up, so a schedule to complete those will have to be made. And a big "to do", is to get back to some long range goals that I have tried to set for myself. They need to be addressed, without anymore procrastination!

So let this new year begin once again!

New Year - New Decade

2011-01-04T15:14:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year to you! I wish you all a great new year ahead but for whatever reason I can't get excited about this holiday or why and how people celebrate it, never have and probably never will! It was great to be away for a few days. There were a couple of hours of craziness during the days away but it was still relaxing and enjoyable.

Funny how the days since Christmas seem like a faint memory already. We are about half way through the first week of the first month of this new year. So what will this new year of a new decade bring? Is there any easy way to answer that and really know? I can't say that there is.

So did you make any "resolutions" for the new year? If you did I would love to have you comment on what and why. I don't make resolutions but I am thinking and hoping about what I would like to do in the coming year. There are a number of things that I wish will happen and hope to make happen this year. Though I refuse to put so much pressure on myself to get it all done.

I have some ideas about changing and adding to my blog this year. If you are a reader I would love to know what you like about coming here and what else you may like me to include. Blogs are time consuming but I like this format of connecting with people. I also would like to increase my followers and readers. Though I know by tracking stats that there are many who have not become followers but come to the blog from time to time. Come on and just sign up to follow!

I have a list of ideas to keep me in a "creative" mode. My hope is that some of them will be accomplished and that will make me feel productive. If I meet them all ... that would be even better, but no pressure!

The one thing that always comes first is my family and that will still be a priority. With health issues still confronting us, those are my first concern. I have and always will have the support from my husband and family for working on my creative goals. We have discussed some of the projects that I would like to move forward with this year with a resounding, "Go for it!". So that is my hope this coming year, to continue to "go for it", even though I may have to pause from time to time for other important issues of life.

"In the new year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want."

-Irish Saying

Days After Christmas

2010-12-29T01:39:00.001-06:00

The hustle and bustle is over, the packages are unwrapped and the Christmas celebration is over for another year. The house was filled with family Christmas Day.

Our little family shared gifts before the others arrived. Having little ones to share this day with is always fun. The photos and video from the day are still on the cameras. I may get the chance to share a few in the next post.

We will be heading up to the Wisconsin north woods tomorrow. This trip has become a tradition the week between Christmas and New Year's. There's sledding, skating, snow shoeing, and snowmobiling to do. There is also just the beauty of the surroundings that make this trip worth it.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T10:22:00.000-06:00

This card was made by Sue Arendt. This is one of many old handmade cards.

It has arrived ... it is Christmas morning. It arrived quietly here with a fresh coating of snow on everything outside. As I sit and write it is peaceful and still. (Later the house will be filled with family of all ages, so we won't have much "quiet".) So I will send wishes to all my family and friends and blog readers for a MERRY CHRISTMAS today. If I was able to send you all a gift I don't know what to choose. We all know that we could all use more understanding, more love, more hope, more faith, more caring for one another. During the crazy rush that always seems to be a part of the season, what many people need is more patience.

So now take some time to be patient with family and friends to help you be more understanding, more loving, more hopeful and more caring of those that touch your lives everyday of the year.

From our house, and family, to yours - Merry Christmas Everyone!

The Eve of Christmas Eve

2010-12-23T15:53:00.000-06:00

Christmas time's a coming!

Hand cut, painted and stenciled blocks stacked into a tree

Here I sit, taking a break from dozens of little odds and ends that need to get done. The music is playing, listening to Andrea Bocelli's - My Christmas - right now. The Christmas lights are on throughout the house. It won't be long now that all the preparations for the biggest holiday of the year will be complete and with the snap of our fingers another Christmas Day will be history.

Handpainted butter knife by Dorothy Egan

The house is ready for the most part. Shopping is done! Food prep is beginning by getting as much cut, cooked, grated and mixed before Saturday morning. Pulling out serving pieces for the buffet and working on how to fit everything for our "on-going" buffet on the counter and around the family room.

Quilted Santa card by Chris Malone

I had hoped to write posts each day till Christmas, unfortunately everyday life seems to always throw me a curve. What a person to do? Best to just not worry!

Sculpted Snowman by Rebekah Meier

It's such a pleasure sitting and enjoying the decorated house during this time. The scents of pine and spices in the air say Christmas ... wintertime.

Just finished making homemade Hot Fudge Topping and Caramel Topping for Christmas Day. Dessert will consist of Homemade cookies and ice cream sundaes with these luscious toppings.

Heavenly Hot Fudge Sauce
1/2 cup butter
4 oz. of unsweetened chocolate
3 cups sugar
1 (14 1/2oz.) can of evaporated milk
Melt butter in top of a double boiler. Add chocolate and stir till melted. Add sugar and milk to chocolate mixture and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring constantly. Store unused sauce in refrigerator. Heat slightly before serving.

NOTE: Photos are all handmade decorations. Just a couple of holiday items around the house.

Hope

2010-12-20T02:59:00.000-06:00

Christmas time can exciting, overwhelming, frustrating, depressing for some and memorable. I'm sure we all can add our own adjectives to describe our feelings about the holiday and time of the year.

This year I am feeling such a mix of emotions during this season. I'm anticipating the holiday with my grandchildren. To see and feel their excitement makes me feel like a kid again. It can be overwhelming trying to accomplish all you plan to do, to be ready for the holiday. It's easy to get frustrated when you realize it can not all get done. I realize that the whole celebration of the season can cause some to feel depressed. No matter what, each Christmas that passes brings it's own memories.

I have found that I want this time of the year and Chirstmas itself, to be more about the reason behind the day. This is one reason that I am pleased that the exchange of gifts has changed for our family. It means more to me that we are giving in different ways to causes that can help others, and we are spending time to be together.

There is a Christmas song (My Grown Up Christmas Wish) that makes so much more sense to me these past years. It makes me hope that people would truly learn to live and act as if Christmas time is everyday of the year and realize life on earth is more about helping, caring and sharing with everyone.

There is sadness mixed in with thoughts of the upcoming holiday. There is a family that we know that is facing a difficult time right now. Sarah is a 38 year old wife and mother of two young boys who has fought a valiant fight for several years, but is now at the point where the fight is ending. They have had hope along the long road they have traveled dealing with this situation. Each time they hit a wall there was hope for something else to try.

Though the fight looks like it will be over, my hope is that Sarah will find peace, that her family will know that she will be at peace and within time they too can be at peace with their great lose. I am hopeful that they will know that many people care and will be there to help them. Feeling hopeless does nothing ... it's so much better to have hope!

Sarah, you have touched many people and been an example to many. I am hopeful that we have all learned from you.

In all things it is better to hope than to despair” - von Goethe

Hope is grief's best music. ~Author Unknown

Christmas Shopping

2010-12-18T23:26:00.000-06:00

Well a day passed by without a post. I had hoped to post something each day till Christmas Day. This is sure a hectic time. We were up and out early yesterday and started shopping. Yes, I did say "Start". More about that in a bit...

With large families, we made changes to gift giving many years ago. We have gone from "grab bags", to choosing a needy family to give to, and now, someone chooses a charity in their area, then the entire family can donate to the chosen cause. With family living across the country many causes are helped. This year the family is donating to a Veteran's Outreach Center in Rochester, New York, where our niece is attending school and our nephew is working.

I little information about this center follows:
The Veteran's Outreach Center "provides a collaborative approach to treating the ‘whole’ veteran, enabling them to receive the breadth of services needed to restore their mental, physical, emotional and economic well being and to reunite with themselves, their family and community to resume productive lives." The Center has many functions, ranging from physical and mental clinical assistance, to employment and training guidance. The center also has several offshoot programs such as ‘Operation Welcome Home and Recovery’ and ‘The Richard’s House’ which houses Vets coping with chemical dependence. I would encourage everyone to take a look around the website to learn more about the organization- http://www.veteransoutreachcenter.org

So, our Christmas shopping is for our children and grandchildren.

The Chicago area family will be gathering here on Saturday for time together sharing a meal and being together. Isn't that what Christmas is about?

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 7 - "Treat Toppers" Three Ways

2010-12-16T09:34:00.000-06:00

This is it ... the last set of dies brings us to the end of this amazing blog hop. Thanks to Brenda, Eileen and Karen for the opportunity to participate along with all the other very talented designers - this was fun for me. The last die is by Eileen Hull and it is called "Treat Bag Topper".

I wanted to challenge myself to use as many of the pieces that came with this packet. At this time of year, I knew that I could have used the toppers for several treats that are being made in the kitchen the past couple of weeks. Instead I came up with three other ideas.

The largest topper was covered with some decorative holiday paper, inked and glittered and embellished with a Christmas flower. The topper holds together an album of Christmas photos that we receive every year from family and friends. I hate to throw away these photo cards after receiving them, by keep them in a fun album that can be added to every year. A clear cover, recycled from Sizzix packaging, was embossed with a Sizzix Impression Folder just along the bottom. Adhesive letters cut with a Sizzilit alphabet die make the title.

The next topper was painted with Fired Brick Distress Crackle paint by Ranger and inked with Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Heavy cardstock and papers make a back and a piece of clear acyrlic make the cover. Small binder rings hold everything together for the collection of cookie recipes that can be made for a cookie exchange. A Sizzix Gingerbread Man was decorated for the front and snippets of ribbons are tied to the rings for simple embellishments.

The smallest topper was painted with Adirondack Gold Acrylic Paint. A small length of gold ribbon was tied to the top. The extra cut-out hearts were painted and coated with Glossy Accents for an added embellishment. I made a slit into the top so the bag could be pushed through. The cellophane bag holds a paper ornament made from a Sizzix die.

These little toppers can be used in many gift giving or keepsake projects.
So get yourself hopping and see how everyone has "topped" themselves for the final hop!

Sizzix Materials:
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
Sizzix Scoreboard XL Die - Treat Bag Toppers by Eileen Hull
Sizzix Scoreboard Mat board, white

For Photo Holder:
Sizzix Flower Layers #6 - Basic Grey
Sizzix Holly & Berries
Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations - Scallops Edge
Sizzilit Wingo Zingo Alphabet
Sizzix Impression Folder - Snowflakes

For Cookie Recipe Holder:
Sizzix Gingerbread Man
Sizzilit Skittle Dee Do Alphabet

For Ornament Bag:
Sizzix Ornament, Circle 3-D
***Note from Brenda, Eileen and Karen***
Thanks for taking time to check out the Triple Play Blog Hop. You can visit - www.tripleplay.typepad.com, for more ideas from Brenda Pinnick, Karen Burnison, Eileen Hull and friends. Also, if you have enjoyed being inspired by the ideas during this blog hop, please "like" Triple Play on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Triple-Play/125068950891362

Christmas Movies

2010-12-15T07:59:00.000-06:00

Just like Christmas music, there is a number of Christmas related movies that find their way center stage at this time of the year. I realize most of them are shown on television but usually not without commercials. If there is anything I dislike, it's watching a Christmas movie that is setting the holiday mood and it stops for a commercial. Now that makes me say "Bah Humbug!"

I like to watch them late in the evening while the house is lit by only the Christmas lights, snuggled on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate or chai tea. I work my way through them all, usually ending up just before Christmas with "It's a Wonderful Life" or the original "A Christmas Carol". I love them all and could watch them over and over, and since Christmas comes but once a year, why not enjoy it while you can. I guess there is still a lot of kid in me! A few years back when Polar Express was released before Christmas, I was just as excited about seeing it as my grandchildren were. It was a delight going with them to see it. The season would not be complete without watching "Christmas Vacation" usually with my youngest son, who can recite most of the lines in the movie verbatim.

Christmas Cookies

2010-12-14T10:29:00.000-06:00

It was a perfect day to bake yesterday. I wasn't planning on getting anything in the way of cookies made this year, so I was pleased with what I finished the day with.

Normally the baking would have been done by now and between myself, Amy and Ali we would have cookie tins stacked with over a dozen different kind. I ended up with five.

Two were family favorites: "Jimmy Cookies" and "Chocolate Spice Drops". Tried a twist to the usual cut-out butter cookie recipe from my grandmother with a cinnamon cut-out. It's has just a touch of cinnamon and cut small gingerbread men shapes and trees that are dusted with cinnamon sugar. Then I dared to try two new recipes in hopes that they would turn out and be good. Thankfully they are!

One is just titled "Italian Christmas Cookie", the other "Pecan Crisps". Both very good and both yielded many cookies. Great for a cookie exchange!

The recipe for the "Jimmy Cookie's" will follow. Actually they are an icebox cookie that came from my mother-in-law. They received the title because Jim would devour both the cookies and the dough.

Chocolate Shot Cookies (alias "Jimmy Cookies")
1 cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup oatmeal
Sprinkles

Cream butter and sugar well, until fluffy. Add vanilla. Add flour and baking soda, mis well. Add oatmeal and mix again thoroughly. Chill dough about 30 minutes. Shape the dough into 1 1/2" rounds. Roll them in sprinkles to coat. Roll them into wax paper and chill well. Slice rolls into 1/2" rounds. Place on parchment lined sheets, 1" apart. Bake at 325 for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Christmas Sounds

2010-12-13T10:18:00.000-06:00

One thing I love about this time of the year is the music. It's only around for such a short time that I don't mind hearing it play at home, in the car, at the stores all day long.

We have been collecting various forms of Christmas music since our very first Christmas together. Each year would would add a new album to the collection. There are several 33 1/3 albums packed away that I would like to find someone willing and able to get them transferred to CD's.

The sweet sound of "Silent Night" or "O Come All Ye Faithful", the wishful sound of "White Christmas" or "The Christmas Song" or the hopefulness of a newer song like "Believe", it's difficult to pick a favorite.

Many of the songs bring back memories of Christmas's of being a small girl, decorating the Christmas tree with family and so many other remembrances. Then I can remember songs sung while part of my high school glee club. I remember sing-a-longs when the family would gather on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Countdown

2010-12-12T11:07:00.000-06:00

Two weeks till the big day! The decorations are up inside and out. The weather is telling us it is winter. The Christmas music is playing in the house and car. The favorite "Holiday" movies are sitting near the television. The cards have been sent (early this year).

This old chalkboard hangs on the wall in the entry way. The greeting on this changes throughout the year.
On the chalk ledge is a tiny strip of wooden houses. This dates back some years. Made these for a gift shop
and gave as a tiny addition to gifts many years ago.

My idea for the next fourteen days will be to share something each day about what goes on here in preparing for Christmas. As most families, we have some traditions we try to follow year after year, but it's best to say "nothing is written in stone". Things change and if there is one thing that I have learned in life is sometimes you need to "go with the flow".

For the past few years I have baked cookies with my daughter and daughter-in-law. Because life throws us curves, we had to take a pass on that this year. Next year hopefully we can get back to our marathon baking session. Because the winter weather is going to be a bit bitter today and tomorrow I have decided to bake ... only a few.

So come by when you can ... I'll be sharing a number of different things with you... recipes, decorations, ideas, thoughts. It will all lead up to Christmas Day when we will have the "Chicago" area family here at the house.

Triple Play Blog Hop Week 6 - Little of This, Little of That

2010-12-09T09:58:00.000-06:00

Here we are at week 6 and only one more after this. It's a crazy time here but I surely enjoy this "push" each week to do some quick creative thinking. So this week we have another die by Brenda Pinnick.

You can see here the pieces that I received for the hop. I have a variety of dies in my collection that are part of Brenda's collection. My first thought was to combine the pieces I received with some of the those dies. I wanted to use all the pieces in my package in some way, but it just didn't happen. So now I'll share the two pieces that I did finish. (At some point I hope to get to the third project, along with several other almost finished Sizzix projects that I have been playing around with, when I do, I will be sharing them.)

For the Valentine hanger, (which could be mailed as a Valentine) I began with the square frame pieces. The cardstock pieces (2) were covered with a lightweight gold foil, by ironing on a small piece of heat-n-bond. Once they were covered, they were glued together, then embossed with a texture folder.
The front frame was cut from Brenda's fabric line.

The fabric was backed with an iron-on interfacing. For this project I wanted a different color. I diluted Adirondack Acrylic Raisin paint and the metallic gold, and spread the colors onto the fabric, both printed side and opposite side. This photo shows how the diluted paint changed the color of the fabric slightly with the design still showing through.

Two squares of clear plastic were cut slightly smaller then the frames. Glued the plastic to the backs of the fabric and embossed frames. Two "Salvage Stickers" were placed
back-to-back. On one sticker place a small dot of Glossy Accents to the corners and center onto one of the plastic inserts. Using FabriTac, glue a narrow lace around the outside edge of one frame. Glue the two frames together. Trim the front edge with narrow red metallic ribbon. A gold metallic wire cording was glued inside the front edge.

Formed flowers out of quilters vinyl and canvas. Die cut leaves and small flowers from a lamented coupon card that I received in the mail. Colored these with alcohol inks and metallic paint. Positioned flowers and leaves onto the frame. Added a length of ribbon for a hanger. Added another bit of embellishment to hang from the bottom.

Dream Angel

For this pendant, use the smaller inside pieces from the die cut frames. Used two cardstock pieces and glued them together. Glued on the tan canvas piece for the back and the burlap piece for the front. I inked the edges of the "sandwiched" pieces with Vintage Photo and Black Soot Distress Inks. Crocheted a necklace from ribbon yarn. Attached a gator clip hanger to the piece and threaded the crocheted necklace through the hanger and pinched it closed with pliers.

Then the angel was created with "bits and pieces" of found stuff. A "dream" quote was printed on the backside.

Materials: (Valentine Hanger)
Sizzix Bigz XL, Album Brackets
Sizzix 3D Flower
Sizzix Original Hearts
Sizzix Texture Folder - Hearts & Vines
Sizzix Big Shot
Gold Foil
Heat n Bond - ThermoWeb
Clear Plastic
Tim Holtz Salvage Stickers - Holidays
Ranger Adirondack Acrylic Paint - Raisin
Delta Gleams - Metallic 14K Gold
Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Raisin, Cranberry, Pesto, Lettuce
Kreinik Metallic Ribbon, red & gold
May Arts Metallic Gold Wire Cording
Scraps of Lace and Ribbon
Gold Heart Charm / Clear Heart Beads
Beacon FabriTac
Ranger Glossy Accents

(Dream Angel)
Sizzix Bracket Die
Beacon FabricTac
Ranger Glossy Accents
Ranger Stickles - Frosted Lace
Ranger Perfect Pearls - Blue Smoke, Perfect Gold
Ranger Distress Ink - Vintage Photo, Black Soot
Lion Ribbon Yarn - Crochet Hook
Clip - 7 Gypsies
Pewter Legs & Arms
Molded Face
Plastic Wings
Letter Tiles
Lace Scrap
Piece of "Tortured Felt"

NOTE: Please continue to hop through the blogs by following the "Triple Play Blog Button", by clicking forward or back to see the other wonderful ideas. Thanks for stopping and please leave me and all a comment to tell us what you think!

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 5 - For You, From Me

2010-12-02T09:33:00.000-06:00

This week we are using another of Karen Burniston "pop up" dies. Another die with may possibilities and I can only create one right now. It can be used in many clever ways to give gift cards for all occasions.

I chose to use the recent anniversary that my husband and I celebrated a couple of weeks ago as my inspiration for a different version of a gift card. A small, black and white copy of a recent photo was printed and becomes the focal point on the "pop up" billboard inside the card. The die-cut pieces, of Karen's die, that I received in my package were shades of grey, so I stayed within the hues of black and grey for this project.

The phrase "for you" was cut from one of the two pieces that I received and used on the front of the card along with a strip of satin ribbon. A small bow was created using the "create a bow" die by Eileen Hull and black and silver paper. These two elements were layered onto a glossy black piece of card stock that was embossed with the "dots" impression folder.

The inside of the card was completed according to the directions that come with the die. NOTE: You can watch a video by Karen that shows how to assemble the card by clicking here.

Besides the photo, include a hand written note. Eyelets were added to the center bottom of the card, both front and back. Short lengths of the same ribbon are tied into the eyelets to form a ribbon closure.

A super, simple, all-in-one "gift card" to wish a special wish to someone special!
This is another very versatile die, just using it once I can see very many possible ways of using it.
Materials:
Sizzix Bigz XL Gift Card with Phrase Die
Sizzix Bigz Bow, Create-a-Bow Die
Sizzix Textured Impressions Folder, Dots
Sizzix Sizzlits Easy Peasy Alphabet Die
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
Metallic Card Stock, dark grey
Glossy Card Stock, black
Colored Paper, flat black, metallic silver
EK Border Punch
Photo
Wonder Tape
Beacon Zip Dry Glue
May Arts Satin Ribbon, 3/ 16" black&silver
Silver Star Paper Brad

Now take some time to sit down and get loads of inspiraton. Check out all the other designers version of this project. All you need to do is click "forward" or "back" on the Triple Play button that is just right of this post. If you click on "Sizzix" it will take you to a master list of all the designers who are participants. Take some time to leave a comment, short or long, it will be appreciated to hear from you. Any questions about the project or product, please ask.

Flurries

2010-12-01T10:12:00.000-06:00

How appropriate to wake up this morning with snow flurries flying and seeing patches of white on the ground. The calendar says - December 1, 2010. I may be getting older but I guess I'm a kid at heart. I could sit and watch the snow come down. I love the first snow and even the second and third.

I'm sure many are going "ugh" and that's alright. There's something about winter that I just happen to like. It could be the holidays, it could be my birthday, it could be just that it's a time that has a way of telling us "stay in, sit down, think about things, try to relax". All easier said then done, especially during this busy holiday time. Families will be celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

I'm going to take some time each evening to sit down with a holiday magazine in my hand, and watching a holiday movie or listening to holiday music quietly playing, with a cup of hot chocolate or steamed vanilla milk or hot cider, while the Christmas tree twinkles with lights next to me.

Take the time!

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 4 - What I Am Thankful For

2010-11-25T09:38:00.000-06:00

Today is a day to give "thanks". I feel very grateful to have a number of things to be thankful for. We will be gathering a little later, for a day with our children and grandchildren. This will be the first Thanksgiving were we will not be with relatives that travel from out of state to celebrate this holiday. In other words it will be quiet and laid back with only eleven instead of as many as forty. I love family, but I am thankful for the quieter time!

If you take some time to spend reading this blog today, I will be extremely thankful!

Thanks Kids!

So on to this next design ... I decided to change things up a little with this wonderful die, designed by Eileen Hull. It's nice to design something for these "hops" that I can use or give away when it's done. For this week's idea what better subjects to use but those sweet grandchildren that I am extremely thankful for.

The larger pieces from the die.

A 6"x 13" mat board for three frame backs

I used the majority of the pieces cut from the die. The smallest frame back is cut using and Original Sizzix square die. The middle two frame backs were cut from the mat board using an X-acto knife, then rounding the corners with a Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper.

The frame line-up.

Again I wanted to show a variety of ways to finish the pieces. This project used mainly papers, paints and inks.

Tiny hinges hold the four frames together

I apologize for the "bad" photos. The ink supply in the printer was very low on a couple colors and there was no time to get replacements today. (Busy with preparing several things for Thanksgiving dinner.) If time had allowed and if I had another set of the die-cuts, I would have added additional frames and photos to the opposite side of each square.

Back view - Another place for additional photos

So start the hop from my blog by clicking on the "Button" on the right of this post, or start at the Sizzix site to go alphabetically through the list. Either way the "button" with guide you to each designers blog post to get some wonderful inspiration. (NOTE: If you have any questions about process or products, please feel free to ask.)

Happy Thanksgiving all you readers ... I will be very thankful if you leave a comment!

Materials:
Sizzix Scoreboard Pro Die Frame & Frame Back w/ stand by Eileen Hull
Sizzix Big Shot Pro Machine
Sizzix Little Sizzles 12" x 12" Matboard, White (for Frame)
Sizzix Little Sizzles 6" x 13" Matboard, White (for extra backs)
Sizzix Original Square #2
Sizzix Bigz Tag, Super Crescent
SIzzix Original Super Crescent Tag
Sizzix Original Tag Set
Sizzilits Tag Set, Crescent
Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper
Cardstock DCWV "Crafty Stack"
Cardstock My Mind's Eye "Wild Asparagus"-"my family" stripe
National Hardware Decorative Hinges, 5/8" x 1" (7)
Mini Paper Brads
Ranger Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabber - Willow, Hazelnut, Lettuce, Aqua, Metallic Copper
Ranger Distress Crackle Paint - Peeled Paint, Vintage Photo
Ranger Distress Ink - Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, Vintage Photo, Antique Linen
Beacon Zip Dry Glue
May Arts Ribbon, Copper Metallic, Wired
May Arts Rick-Rack, Antique
Assorted Solid Cardstock
Transparent Adhesive Letters
Wire Clips
Paper Piercing Tool

Repost Of Week #3 Triple Play Blog Hop Design

2010-11-23T09:54:00.000-06:00

Thought I would repost this spot before the next hop begins on Thanksgiving Thursday!Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 3 - Say It With Flowers

How can anyone not like flowers! This next Sizzix die design would be a fun to tackle. A couple of weeks ago I picked up three 100% wool sweaters at an area resale shop. The fact that Tuesday was America's Recycle Day, this project fits the bill! The color of one of the sweaters seemed the perfect base to use for my project using Brenda Pinnick's flower die.

Maddie, my oldest granddaughter modeling the headband and purse.

The package with the die-cuts we would be using, contained some pieces using some of Brenda's designed fabric, along with some burlap, stitched with gold thread and white paper pieces. I was determined to using all of the pieces I received in some way.

So here's what I did ... After washing and drying the "wool" sweater, I started to cut it apart. Just the sleeves were used to create the purse and headband. Once the purse part was cut, I cut the cuffs off and another "slice" of the leftover to match the cuffs. The pieces were sewn to create both items. The knitted sweater gives just enough to make a perfect headband for my oldest granddaughter. (Actually the headband fit me quite well too.)

So now comes the flowers ... On the headband, the flower die was used to cut the remaining part of the sleeves, plus some white glittered organza. It was handsewn to form the embellishment. (NOTE: I am lucky enough to have this die in my collection and have used it often. All the materials used cut beautifully. I used a variety of combinations of petals to create all the flowers.)

Flower made from fabrics designed by Brenda Pinnick

This fabric flower is the one I received in my packet from Sizzix. These are fabrics designed by Brenda. Additional flowers were cut from wool and bamboo felts from National Nonwovens, along with the organza for some glitz.

Paper Rose Brooch

I created the flowery brooch with the other materials in the packet. The white cardstock pieces were first shaped with a large ball-end stylus to crease and cup the pieces. A variety of Ranger Distress Inks were applied to the petals to color. The larger center was also tinted with ink and the tips have Distress Stickles applied to them. The smaller center was painted with Espresso Adirondack Acrylic Paint. The paper pieces and burlap pieces were glued together with Zip Dry glue and completed with a felt leaf and a pinback.

Materials:
Sizzix Flower, Beauty Bloom by Brenda Pinnick
Sizzix Flower, Wedding Foliage by Brenda Pinnick
Sizzix Flower Layers with Leaf
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
National Nonwovens Woolfelt "Naturally Inspired" Pink Violet
National Nonwoverns "XoticFelt" Passion Flower and Fuschia
Glittered Organza
Brenda Pinnick designed fabric die-cuts
Beacon Adhesive FabriTac
Repurposed Wool Sweater
Acrylic Purse Handles
For Flower Brooch:
Distress Inks
Beacon Zip Dry glue

Forty Years Ago

2010-11-21T11:18:00.000-06:00

Without much hoopla, today Mike and I are celebrating our 40th anniversary. In this day and age it's a pretty big deal to get to this point in a marriage. Originally we were planning on a "celebration" of some type ... maybe a party, maybe a dinner, maybe a trip! Without going into details, we are staying home and just enjoying another day together.

Last week-end we spent the day with the kids and grandchildren, getting pictures taken and then having a wonderful meal with everyone. Thank you very much for the fun meal that included the kids version of the "Newlywed Game" and a fabulous tiramisu cake for dessert.

There is just too much for me to say about the last forty years. Anyone who knows us, realizes that we met in high school back in 1965. We have had a good, happy life together. I would be lying if I said everything was perfect and wonderful all the time ... there is NO such thing! If anything, our years together have been "realistic".

With all the ups & downs that we have faced in our years together, I can honestly say I would not change it for anything else. We have always thought of ourselves as fortunate people. We are not rich, do not have many things others have, but we have each other and our family. Our love has changed but it also has grown ... we don't know what else will come our way, but as always, we will do it together!

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 3 - Say It With Flowers

2010-11-18T08:57:00.003-06:00

Maddie, my oldest granddaughter modeling the headband and purse.

Flower made from fabrics designed by Brenda Pinnick

Paper Rose Brooch

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 2 - We Are Family

2010-11-11T09:30:00.006-06:00

So what do you do with a box that twists? This clever little box is looking for ideas. Here is my version.

It seemed a little complicated when looking at the pieces, but once I got the box together I had an "ah-ha" moment, actually a few. Since I could only make one project, I wanted to make something functional and that I could leave out on display. In our house, it usually means something to do with family. Since we recently celebrated Gramma's 90th birthday with a gathering of the family ... what better subject to use.

Besides Karen's very cool die, I included other Sizzix dies in the project. I always seem to go for a challenge - My initial idea for the twist cube was a bit more than I bargained for, so I just did "simple". (Though I'm going to keep trying and if I get it to work, I'll share.) I like the way it will collapse to make it fit nicely in a card, book or album. The idea using it as a "box" without collapsing will be fun to experiment with too. Using the die either way with other materials besides paper is an exciting challenge that I'm up for.

What I ended up with is a small compact photo album, with a little "twist" at the end of the album, and filled with just enough memories of this family celebration.

Below you will find the list of materials I used. If you have any questions about any part of my project, please feel free to contact me. I am more then happy to respond.

The accordion album pieces were easily threaded together with ribbon, to hold the album together. I used a paper that was already textured for the backs of each page, though I could have textured my own using the Sizzix texture or impression folders. The parchment pages were aged with Distress Inks for a vintage feel. The photos were changed using the effects in iPhoto for a slight antique look. The twist cube states the title on the inside. I had other ideas for what to place on the cube, but went with "easy". It folds nicely and is held closed with a wired trim, adorned with a flower embellishment.

Materials;
Sizzix Twist Cube Die by Karen Burniston
Sizzix Die XL, Album, Accordion
Sizzix Big Die, Flower Layers #6, for Basic Grey
Sizzix Big Die, Flower, Wedding Foliage
Sizzilet Alphabet, Groovy Girl
Papers: Chipboard, black texture cardstock, DMD Clay Parchment,
BoBunny Burnt Orange Dot,Graphic 45 Christmas Past Collection,
black smooth cardstock, Acrylic Packaging (recycled)
Ranger Distress Inks: Vintage Photo, Black Soot, Rusty Hinge, Forest Moss
Ranger Alcohol Inks: Terra Cotta, Raisin, Espresso
Ranger Perfect Pearls: Perfect Bronze
Thin Acrylic ( I recycled plastic from Sizzix packaging)
May Arts: Ribbon 3/8" Woven Bronze, 1/2" Jute Wired Trim
Beacon Zip Dry Glue
Double-Faced Line Tape
Reprinted Photos
Wooden Barrel Beads
Miscellaneous Beads & Wire
Flat Buckles, Nunn Designs
Green Fabric

***You can start at the Sizzix blog and hop your way through all the sites to see ideas, or here at my blog by clicking the word "forward" on the Sizzix button just to the right.

"... Be Kind."

2010-11-10T12:09:00.000-06:00

I couldn't let today pass without writing a post about my "kind" friend Mary. This morning we gathered to say our good-byes to her.

I met Mary many years ago while working at our near-by high school. It's here where I, along with a number of others formed a "friendship". While working there, Mary was a "teacher assistant", though she spent years before working as a "Special Ed" teacher. Our little group worked in a variety of positions at school, but we had something that brought us close as friends. Mary had many groups like this in her life and knowing her you could see why.

Cheerful and smiling and soft spoken are what I remember about her instantly. There are many things I could say about Mary, those of us who knew her are likely feeling the same as I do today. We are sad to see you leave all of us, though we realize you are at peace.

You have fought through a difficult time and I so admire your fight!

So I will remember her smiling Irish face, her sweetness, her thoughtfulness and so many other moments of laughing with friends.

In the obituary from the paper was a quote that she frequently used:
"If you have a choice to be right or be kind ... always be kind."
And you were Mary and I love you for that! Will miss friend.
Peace

Get Ready For A Little Twist

2010-11-09T12:00:00.001-06:00

A new week brings another new idea. Hope you enjoyed the first blog hop and loved all the ideas that we shared with you using a Sizzix die designed by Eileen Hull.

In two days we will be sharing the ideas for the next die. This time it is one designed by Karen Burniston. My "twist" on her die is just about complete.

Come back on Thursday around 12:00 EST (11:00 CST) to do some more hopping!

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 1 - Shine A Little Light

2010-11-04T10:28:00.001-05:00

So it begins ... It was a tough choice on what to do with this "house die". The more I looked at it, the more ideas started to come to me. I haven't seen the other designers ideas yet, but as I write this post I'm thinking that you will see many varied ideas. This little house could have many variations. Just the surface alone could be painted, papered, glittered, stamped and embossed with impression folders. Any variety of mediums could be used to complete this house and embellish it.

I chose to use fabric to decorate my little house, seeing that I would make it for my little granddaughter's bedroom. You see I made it into a little "night light" to sit on the bookcase next to her bed. The roof opens on one side to insert a battery operated candle that gives off a soft glimmer.

Extra windows were cut.

Once I completed this, more and more ideas came to me. I could see using the house as decorations for any of the holidays, just by changing the colors and embellishments. Being used as place settings on tables for parties or other celebrations or, for holding a variety of "goodies" for your guests are just a few ways to use it.

Starting out with the Scoreboard Pro Die, of the 3D House, #65279, I also used the Sizzix Album Cover & Page, by Brenda Pinnick, as a base for the house, plus Sizzilit Butterfly #2 Die to create my project for Hop #1. My list of materials follows:

   Sizzix 12 x 12 matboard, white
   Sizzix Big Shot Pro die cutting machine
   Fabric scraps

   Steam a Seam sheets
   Zip Dry glue
   Doodlebug Design Fancy Frills stickers
   Wooden heart buttons
   Wire
   Velcro pieces
   Paper flowers & leaves
   Battery operated tealight candle

I covered all the basic pieces with the iron-on backed fabric. Because of the use of fabric, I glued the pieces together instead of using redline tape. Once the house was together, decorating commenced. Used leftovers of glittered stickers for edging and outlining. When I have fabric, I seem to have to use buttons. Wooden heart buttons were glued to the roof. A length of wire was spiraled and attached to the underside of the house and to the die-cut butterfly. Punched paper flowers add a finishing touch. Small pieces of self-adhesive velcro were placed on one side of the roof and house edge to hold it closed. Finally the house was glued onto the base.

It would have been fun to have a few more of these die-cut houses to play with!!
NOW - you can "click" on the Sizzix Triple Play navigation button just to the right of this post, near the top. You can click the word SIZZIX and start with the official Sizzix blog, or click on "forward" and it will automatically take you to the next blog and so on through them all.

Enjoy the inspiration!

Recap

2010-11-03T11:00:00.015-05:00

Just thought it would be fun to show projects from the last Sizzix Scoreboard Blog Hop from earlier this year. Ideas using Eileen Hull's wonderful Scoreboard Dies.

Hint Of What's To Come

2010-11-02T10:00:00.014-05:00

A hint of what's to come.
Check out this UTube video with Eileen Hull talking about the blog hop ... listen in!
CORRECTION: The hop starts on Thursday, November 4th ... not the 3rd.

Countdown To Creativity

2010-11-01T11:00:00.005-05:00

Three days to go! Get your fingers ready to hop around the blogs to see wonderful ideas!
Can't wait to get inspired!!!!

First project will be using Eileen Hull's Scoreboard Pro 3D House Die by Sizzix.

One Week Away

2010-10-28T22:58:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for the "TRIPLE PLAY BLOG HOP" in one week! Work has began on my ideas using the Sizzix dies designed by Brenda Pinnick, Eileen Hull and Karen Burniston. So starting on November 3rd and continuing each week till December 15th, come and see some creative ideas designed by a great group of very talented people.

I'm anticipating being surprised by the ideas each one will come up with. It will be fun and inspiring for me, as I think it will be for everyone that comes and "hops" along the blogs.

Each of the participants have the above, "Triple Play Button" on their blogs. All you need to do is click on it to start and it will take you from one blog to the next by clicking "forward". It is set up to take you through the blogs so you can see each idea.

History Can Be Sweet

2010-10-27T20:36:00.000-05:00

I love History. I enjoy interesting old things. I like visiting places that have "history" to tell and what could be better then a place that has a story, plus sells some wonderful goodies.

Back during the summer I posted a story about a town that is "just down the road a bit". This small town is one of the reasons I love where we no live. Up and down the Fox River are amazing towns and small cities that are filled with history stories. I love it! From time to time we drive through these towns and take in as much as possible of their history, plus the more modern offerings they also have.

So today here is a business called the "Pretzel Palace". It is located on Main Street in West Dundee along a stretch of the road that is almost entirely lined with "turn of the century" homes.

This tiny little house dates back to 1848. It was built 100 years before I was born. This is the historical marker that sits in front of the home. This house was stop for the "underground railroad" during the Civil War.

Sorry for the glare that makes it difficult to read

The handmade candy is made in the upstairs area of the house. This was our first visit to the store after passing it several times in the last five years of living near-by. It was closed much of the summer because of road repair just out front. Well the selection of wonderful sweets was interesting. Covered pretzels are the speciality, so we found many combinations. They also had some coatings for carmel covered apples for this time of the year that sure looked yummy! You will find a variety of krispy treats and skewers of marshmallows covered in amazing ways. We walked out with "tortoises" instead of "turtles". One made with pecans, really great carmel and milk chocolate and the other with the same ingredients plus giant cashews. Everything was decorated for the season. Looking forward to making a visit closer to the Christmas holidays.

Our Four Little Gremlins

2010-10-24T21:00:00.000-05:00

It sure is fun being a grandparent! Our neighborhood came alive today from noon to 3:00. Since moving into our 55+ community five years ago, one of the best things that happen here, is that on the Sunday before the actual Halloween date, we invite all the residents grandchildren to come and "trick & treat".

Madeline (the rocker vampire), Baby Zoe (little pumpkin),
Tess (fairy princess and Joseph ( the Marine sniper)

The parade of kids of all ages today was so much fun. The costumes were so great on both kids and adults who enjoyed the walk from house to house.

Days like today are wonderful! Sharing these times with our kids and grandkids are priceless!

Simple Spooky Jewelry

2010-10-21T17:10:00.001-05:00

Hating to throw any leftovers away, I decided to come up with some fairly quick jewelry to wear for Halloween. A couple of weeks ago when my older grandchildren were here to spend the night, we found our way into my workroom to create something. They really enjoy spending time there and trying out crafting tools and ideas.

Joseph came up with an idea to make some sort of creature that he cut from felt and stitched together with floss, then stuffed and embellished. Maddie was busy cutting out "Halloween" shapes with the Big Shot, decorating them and then stamping and creating Halloween cards.

After their visit, I was back in the workroom sewing up a costume for Tess to wear for "trick & treating". Taking a break to clean up some materials that were left out, I had an "aah-haa" moment. So with bits and pieces of things just laying around, I made a Halloween related choker and a funky flower ring.

For the choker I used four small Sizzix ghosts that I glued together with an eye-pin sandwiched between. Then covered the surface with glitter glue and set aside to dry. I coiled black wire to make spacers between the pumpkin charms and the felt ghosts. They are all strung on a rubber cord.

I used the 3D rose and tiny leaf dies to create the ring. The flower was cut from canvas and painted, inked and glittered before forming and gluing. Cut three leaves and a tiny circle using my Sizzix dies. Glued the circle onto a ring base, followed by the leaves and flower. Squeezed some yellow glitter glue into the center of the flower and dropped a bead into it.

Fun jewelry to wear and share. IDEA: Use "glow in the dark" paint and glitter.
If you missed them - easy flower pins from leftovers too.

Never Enough

2010-10-19T10:51:00.000-05:00

Come on in and enjoy!

On September 1st, the Fall decorations started appearing around the house. This being my favorite time of the year, what better way to enjoy it by surrounding myself with little bits of the season everywhere in the house and outside too. (See earlier post here.)

Makes a great centerpiece

In an earlier post I did share some of the decorations I like to use. There are many pumpkins involved, but with the huge variety of heirloom pumpkins that can now be easily found ... why not! They just happen to look really cool no matter where you place them. Here are some photos of some, and these will last through the entire season (and beyond).

Along with the "real thing" there are many "faux" pumpkins around the house, molded, glittered, wool, felt and ceramic. Those with faces will be put away after Halloween but the rest can remain till the next season of decorations goes up.

The little goblins will be out around our neighborhood this week-end. On Sunday our community hosts a "trick and treating" afternoon for the grandchildren of the residents. **(We live in a 55+ community.) So the house needs some appropriate decor. So out comes the ghosts, witches and a few creepy things. We now leave the really spooky stuff to our kids but we enjoyed decorating the outside with spiderwebs and gravestones and other scary stuff. We're "grown-ups" now! ... I guess!

Outside we have a little bit of straw bales, Indian corn, pumpkins of course, some broom corn stalks and autumnal colored mums, along with a strawflower wreath to welcome the goblins this Sunday. The family will be here to share the fun with a pot of chili on the stove and pumpkin and apple pie to enjoy!