Andi's Happy Place

A Single Thanksgiving - Breaking my Blogging Silence

2011-11-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

The View from outside my front gate

My House - View from behind the house and along the road

Morning Routine When the Kids are with me

View from my office - over my right shoulder - faces the road

My Kitchen

Living Area

Office Corner (looks different now)

******************

Ummmmmm...today is Thanksgiving, and I am taking a 'slow zen' approach to the day - the kids are on their way to a big Sexton family celebration with their Dad - four or so hours from here and in another state.

Me? I am currently alone, in my own house, and 'almost' single. This is what I have been withholding from most of you since January - the month when my husband and I (after a series of unfortunate events) came to the decision to end our marriage. No need for details. Let's just fast forward to today, shall we?

So, my kids, and significant ex (I love calling him that! He is significant, and always will be - I truly believe we will be 'stuck' with each other for the rest of our lives, so.. deal with it, right?), waved when they drove by! I was waiting for them - so I could wave (and to suck in a deep breath as I embraced my 'yep, I am alone' time). And, they were late - 45 minutes late. The kids each texted me. I texted back. (Both kids have phones now. With unlimited text so I can keep them at my finger tips!).

I know from first hand experience that their Dad was probably in his sergeant mode and freaking out about being late .. I texted them back (we are soooo into the 'new communication era' now!) and I told them to remind him that his sister is always three or so hours late with her 'cooking'. Yep! I got confirmation... He 'eased' up with the reminder.

Actually, where I live now, everyone drive's by my place...I am on the main road right before getting to town (if your driving from the direction of the ranch - and, to be told, I am on the exact same road as my significant-ex!). I literally moved 7 miles down the road). So, if the driver's know me, they honk or wave! I'm lucky that way. And, yes, if I am inside or outside. My office is at the corner of the house, closest to the road. Totally visible if the blinds are open and lights are on! No worries.. I only have the blinds open during the day! I like to 'see outside'!

So.. this is what I have been doing... on this gifted day off from work.. and day of Thanskgiving

Stayed in bed in until 6:30 am... (very late for me - but notice I said 'stayed in bed'. I was awake for some time before that!)
Got the first cup of joe 'in me'
Sitting at the computer in my jammies - watched a squirrel play in the yard, and sweet little chick-a-dee birdies playing under the eaves of the windows in front of me. I normally don't have this luxury since I leave before they wake, and arrive when they are asleep! (Working girl blues)
I have been watching the snow creeping down the mountain.
And.... of course... slowly reading all the inspirational messages and fun crafty goodies in my blog reader.

And... as I was feeling a little 'melancholy' with the kids not being here, and this being my first 'solo' Thanksgiving as an um, single-ish woman, I decided to 'break my blogging silence' and write. My gosh it feels good to write again. And with this feeling of Peace and Happiness. I am in a good place.

I am thankful that my little house is ever so cozy. And, that I have a beautiful view and live in a very safe part of 'town'.

(GET OUT! Now big fat quail are walking across the yard!!!!) CUTENESS!

Uh oh... it is now 9 am and I should start getting ready for the big day.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Later I will go to a ranch friends home (party is in the shop) with my garlic mashed potatoes, and a bottle of white wine, and the hope that I can pull off being 'just me' and that I don't stick out like a sore 'divorcee single' thumb amongst all those happily married couples! Gag....

xxxxoooooo

Ellen Hutson WCMD#1 - Color Challenge

2011-10-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

Are you celebrating World Card Making Day??? I did the first challenge over at Ellen Hutson's 'The Classroom' Blog (there are a total of 4 challenges!), which is hosted by Julie Ebersole.

Here are the colors:

WCMD #1 - Color Challenge

And.. here is my card:

Supplies Used:
Card Base: Hero Arts - From the Hero Hues 'Sea' Folded Card Set - Purchased through Ellen Hutson
Cardstock: Core-dinations (Basic Grey Ornate Collection, and Cosmo Cricket Neutrals Collection)
Prima Flower
Button (Autumn Leaves)
Bling (Basic Grey)
Sentiment Stamp: Paper Smooches - Friendly Flowers

Thanks for looking!

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5th Paper Smooches Sparks Challenge - #2

2011-10-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Birthday Card Using Two sentiments from the Paper Smooches Birthday Buddies Set

The Challenge Site

The Inspirational Photo

I made a card for one of my co-workers Friday am... and of course, just kept rolling with the current SPARKS challenge. Since it was made in the 'dark' hours, this photo is taken in my car, on the dashboard, when there was actually sunshine later that day!

I seem to be grabbing lots of Core-dinations cardstock these days with my cards! That little label on the left? Is a removable bookmark!

Card Recipe:
Core'dinations Core Impressions card stock (Basic Grey Ornate Collection), SU Kraft card stock
Hero Arts Bling
SU Label punch, ribbons, twine
Paper Smooches Birthday Buddies - sentiment stamps (2)
Button

Thanks for looking!

Today is WCMD! AND.... RAK - Kickoff of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

While we are celebrating WCMD today... let's all make one special pink card for all the women we know, or have known, that have fought breast cancer.

Need some inspiration?

Check out Kim Hughes Paper Smooches Blog Today. She has an awesome new stamp set, and you will find this special beauty that she made with the set:

Kim Hughes' Special Card

Let's celebrate the fight!

ps.. If you go to the Paper Smooches Blog, you will see an awesome giveaway, BUT, if you order this set, please let me know so I can enter you into a special RAK of my own!

Thanks friends!!!

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5th Paper Smooches Sparks Challenge

2011-09-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

Guess What?? There's another Sparks Challenge over at the Paper Smooches Sparks Blog! (To go to the Paper Smooches home site, just click on the button over on the right side of my blog).

Here's the inspirational piece:

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5th Sparks Inspiration Photo

And. Here is my interpretation:

View 1 - (sorry about the dark photo! It's a rainy day here!)

What I was inspired by? The colors (hot pink, mint green), and texture (the ruffles inspired the torn paper).

I would have to say, this was a quick and dirty card. My card looks a bit 'rumpled'. My heat gun and the cardstock did not jive very well!

Card Supplies:
Paper Smooches Stamp: Sentiment from Pretty Phrases
CHF Kim Hughes Collection Stamps: Winter Trees (Tree, snowman, star on tree)
DoubleMates Pretty Pink textured Card Stock, SU textured Card Stock, Green unknown source
White embossing powder.

Thanks for looking!

Happy Dance Day!!! Paper Smooches Blog Hop Win!

2011-09-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

Look What I found on Heather Pulvirenti's Blog! A Saturday Surprise!!!!!

My blog surfing this am sure lifted my spirits! I won one of the new October Paper Smooches sets! Yippee! Anything Paper Smooches brings a smile to my face. Thanks Heather!!!!

*******************

Today is Saturday, September 24th. 2011 (I do this so I have a memory!)

It's been one of those weeks! Jake got sick last weekend, Sami is now sick, and I'm supposed to be taking it easy (I had a trip to the ER on Thursday - we think it was just the result of a nasty virus - and I was dehydrated - I had spots in front of my eyes, my blood pressure was high, and I had uncontrollable shaking. Freaky!).

Today both kids have a soccer game at 3:30 pm. In the heat of the day. To top it off? Our high is predicted to be 88. Which is very odd, for Eastern Oregon! We are at 3,500 feet! The last Harah of summer is going out with a bang!

So.. my blog hoppin' news was a great lift! Now? I want to make something!

It's noon and I am still in my jammies!!!!! Gotta follow Doctor's orders, right?

Catch ya later!

September Paper Smooches SPARKS Challenge

2011-09-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Go to the September Challenge!

September's Inspiration - My take? Twine, lace, Core'dinations textured cardstock, mixed w/ fun & cute

My Interpretation

Another View!

Yes. I am finally back at my crafty table - thanks to Kim Hughes and her Paper Smooches Stamps and the SPARKS challenge!

What I LOVE about these challenges is you can use all your Cornish Heritage Farms 'Kim Hughes' Collection stamps as well! And boy, do I have a collection!!!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms Kim Hughes Collection - Chloe the Deer (a classic!!!), and Paper Smooches Pretty Phrases (Love you dearly). *** What a GREAT match, eh? ****
Cardstock: SU Kraft, SU textured CS, and Core-dinations textured CS from a Basic Grey collection (and sanded)

PP: October Afternoon
Inks: SU ink and markers, Spica Glitter Pens, White Uniball Pen
Punches: SU border punch, fancy label
Button: Basic Grey

Inspiration: I went with the textures. I love linen and lace mixed with blues and twine!

Thank you for visiting!

(Let's share 'why' I haven't been crafting, later, OK?)

Just a Quick Hello!

2011-09-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!!! Long lost friends????

I apologize for NOT posting... in what.. two months? Life.is.upside.down. But, in a good way! I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.. The tunnel I have been crawling through since January....

Hang in there! I love visiting all my creative friends' blogs, and seeing what is going on. Once things settle down I hope to be back 'in the crafty saddle'!

xxxooo

Super Cute 4th of July Crafts!!

2011-06-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

OK.. I LOVE the following post I am going to share with you... And here are the reasons:

Super adorable Red White and Blue project - that is KID friendly
Easy Peasy
I have a MILLION empty TP rolls stashed in each bathroom (3 bathrooms) and I have been waiting for this moment!!!

Here's the share: Davinie's Tuesday Crafts Project . Isn't is just SUPER????????? Don't you want a million of these hanging from your deck and swaying in the evening breeze? Or hanging from the dining room light fixture?

Yes???

I thought so!!

Smokin'!!! HOT!!!

2011-05-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

Go check THIS EVER SO FANTASTIC TEE PEE PROJECT out.... NOW!!!

Oh my gosh...

Is Elise talented, or WHAT???????????

Big Garage Sale Tomorrow!!!

2011-05-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

Yes.. tomorrow.. at Sarah Martina's blog there is going to be HUGE sale of goodies!

Me???? I've got my peepers peeped on Waltzing Mouse Stamps!! Sarah is on the DT.. and
my fingers are crossed that she will be letting some go!

And.. dies!

Go check out her blog for a heads up on what she will have and the deets on how to get the sale...

here's a link: Sarah's Blog with Pre Sale info

ps.. Yes.. I am still alive.. just hangin' low!! On the creative front, I did a bunch of stuff for NSD that I have not posted yet, and I have been running from one daily life 'event' to the next!!!

Hope to see you all soon!

Porch Play Colors - Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger Time!

2011-04-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

TT - My Porch Play Color Interpretation

TT Inspiration Source (Pinterest) over at the Moxie Fab World Blog

What can I say??? This card just so happens to be for two challenges!

It wasn't intentional. But the colors from the Porch Play Challenge over at this Week's Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger somehow imprinted into my brain when I was created this morning's 90 Minute Scramble Card over at the Hero Arts flickr site..... Sally's challenge was to use red, white, and blue.. I added yellow.. and then..it hit me...(little voice, in my head says 'haven't we seen these colors?')...

The Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger!!!

Yippee!!!

So glad when things come together like that (as in my memory, and the actual source!)....

And yes, this card was created under 90 minutes... under 60 actually!

Super.Simple. (It took longer to take a break and mix up lamb milk for Sami's four bottle lambs!!!!!)

Have a GREAT day!!!!!

Card Deets:
Cardstock: Bazzill, Stampin' Up
Stamps: Hero Arts CL488 Type
Inks: Stazon, Stampin Up, and a Stampin Up marker
Fun tools: Stampin Up border punch and circle punch

Welcome to the JUGS Surprise Birthday Blog Hop - for Elise!

2011-04-12T01:00:00.000-07:00


Happy Birthday, Elise!!!!

Oh I am so excited!!!!

It's a Birthday Blog Party!!!!

The ever so talented Dana Gustafson contacted me to see if I would participate in a blog hop for the ONE and ONLY, ELISE!!! The hop is being conducted by the beautiful JUGS girls - and they were kind enough to reach out to Elise's friends/fans/sisters/admirers/girl-friends and ask them to participate! Woo Hoo!!!!!

(P.S.. This.is.my.very.first.blog.hop.appearance!!!! What an honor!!)

You MUST go visit all the wonderful blogs featuring cards for OUR BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!!

Of course I said YES!!! I LOVE that girl and would just stop the world from turning to participate!

She is one of my very favorite blogging creative cowgirl friends. Not only is she super talented, but that girl can lift your spirits high and she has a GREAT sense of humor!!! A BIG smooch to you, Elise!!!!

And.. Now.. a special message for Elise...

Happy Birthday my kind, kindred spirit and ever so special rockin' girlfriend! You mean the world to me, and I cherish our friendship and hold it very close to my heart! YOU are the BEST!!! Have the BEST day today, and I know that I am sending you a very big HEART for your day!!!!! Love you!

(okay.. getting misty over here!!!)

Card Deets:
Stamps: Paper Smooches Birthday Buddies
Textured Card Stock: Bazzill
Patterned Papers: My Minds Eye
Martha Stewart Twine (how about that party hat pom-pom, eh?)
Blingity Bling Bling: Hero Arts
Ribbon: Stampin' Up
Ink: Jet Black Stazon; Copic Markers
Super fun tools: EK Success Border Punch (made the bigger banner with it!)

Let's all have a GREAT DAY on Elise's Day!!!!!!

Smooches for the New Bride!!!

2011-04-02T14:33:00.000-07:00


Congratulations to Kim Hughes!!!!

The Design Team over at the Paper Smooches Blog is having a little Wedding Hop for Kim Hughes, the ever so talented designer of the whimsical and happy Paper Smooches stamps (and the adorable stamps 'we' have from her CHF Kim Hughes Collection days!)..

Hop on over and share the fun! Fans are invited to upload a card for Kim on the Fan Flickr site!

I finally inked a few of mine up! They have been waiting ever so patiently in their packaging, and what a great reason to break them out:)

Card Deets:

Supplies Used:
Paper Smooches Stamp Sets: Friendly Flowers (Stem & Leaves); Falling For You (little solid heart); Pretty Phrases (sentiment)

Pretty crochet pearl flower: Midnight Rooster kit
Textured Card Stock: Bazzill
Ink: Stazon Jet Black
Markers: Stampin' Up

Farm Fresh - Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger

2011-04-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

Moxie Fab Trigger - Hand Painted Towel - Source: Etsy

My Interpretation

Hello Blogger friends!

this week I my heart caught when I saw the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger - Farm Fresh.

How?

I LOVE the colors of the hand painted towel shown above! Winter will not end in our world, for months we have had white and gray. When I saw the trigger prompt something just made my little heart sing with the thought of Spring! And, how sweet that the sun came out so I could capture it on the edge my card! Makes me want to take a cat nap!
I love the window in the background of the image - so I created my own with linen thread on the top panel. I thought about making my own 'window trim' to make it more window like, but no... the simpler the better.
Flour Sack Towels. Sigh... I have quite a few in my kitchen. Just plain white. I distressed the edge of the patterned paper to give it more of that 'thready fiber edge' look.
And, there is just a sweet vintage feel to the image, which I tried to capture with the Stampin' UP set Easter Blossoms. I never would have thought to stamp the silhouette with such a vibrant color!

Inspired? The challenge ends tomorrow!!!!!

And... I thought I would share some of the trials and tribulations of attempting to make this card:
1. I wanted to give the silhouette an apron, with orange flowers. I tried a few materials, but nope! Spent too much time trying, and finally stopped.
2. There is a dark blue ink error behind the sentiment panel. The image did not ink completely so I was using a paintbrush with my ink pad. Got a little carried away in one spot! Otherwise you would see more of the image!

Card Deets:
Inks, Cardstock, Linen Thead and Stamps: Stampin' UP
Patterned Paper: Sassafras Lass - Cherry Delicious Spring Sprig (a perfect match!)

Thanks again for stopping by:)

'Thanks' Card - (MME and Hero Arts)

2011-04-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

My Minds Eye meets Hero Arts meets Paper Piercing! - 'Funky Sun Shot' - I like the banner shadow!

Same Card - Different Light Source

Hello blog friends!

Before I share the card....

I have returned!

The kids and I escaped for a week during their spring break. I say 'Spring Break', but, as Mother Nature (one tough mama) would have it, it was more of a 'Winter Break'.

We had a big adventure: We drove 1,613.4 miles, and spent a total of 28.46 hours in the car (12 hours the first day, 9 hours another, etc.) to make our trip - 3 of those hours were sitting in snow storms! (True figures - my car was programmed to track these things!). We drove through snowstorms and rainstorms to visit some of my closest friends - people I grew up with. People I ~~got into a whole bunch of trouble~~ made life long pacts with - during my teen years! Anyway, one of us turned 50 - so there was a HUGE party, and then we traveled some more to stay with my BFF for a few days. This all went down in CA. The place I love and still call home.. sniff.

Anyway, the card above, is for the hostess of the party. She is the girlfriend of the birthday boy, and she generously offered her home when four of us started planning this adventure. However, with the rain, 70 mph winds, and flooding conditions, we did a good job of going in and out of her lovely home, and some of the kids (older ones at that!) weren't very good at cleaning their shoes off!

I thought a card was the least I could do to thank her for putting up with all of us! And besides, I want to be to be welcomed back again!

Card Deets:

Patterned Papers: My Minds Eye, Fine and Dandy Collection (LOVE it!)
Stamps: Hero Arts (CL497 Find Joy (sentiment), CL484 Whimsical House (house, bird))
Ink: Stazon Timber Brown, Jet Black
Fancy Gadgets/Tools: EK Success Big Scallop Border Punch, Stampin' Up 3/4" circle punch

Thanks for visiting!

Announcing!!!!! The Lily Pad Card's Launch!!!!!

2011-03-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

OK.. I have to share some excitement happening over in the card making world..

I know, right? Super duper excitement!!!

I was at the Hero Arts Flickr site yesterday, and boy, was the buzz happening... so, I followed a link, and found out that several of my absolute favorite card friends are involved! Oh my!!!!!!!!

Here... check it out for yourself! There is a blog hop each day until April 1st, and then the official grand opening of the site occurs...

AND - there are HUGE prizes to be had as we hop this week!!

EEEEEEK!

Here.. check it....

There’s a new challenge blog in town with articles, swaps, interviews, videos, challenges, great prizes and MORE! Check out Lily Pad Cards!

One Week Later - Missing Our Kitty - Mouse ( June 2007 - February 23, 2011)

2011-03-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

Baby Mouse - He came to us in June of 2007

Little Mouse

Mouse Trying to Hang with our Older kitties Rosie, and Toes (Toes was ran over and left us in 2009)

Playing with Sami (who is in a box, wearing a Halloween Costume in June!)

Making Friends!

Learning how to hunt - snakes!

Getting older and Riding the Bus!

Our Big Boy - Riding the Quad - Nov. 2010!

Our Cool Cat - Mouse

Out near his favorite hunting spot - Such a handsome kitty

Hangin' with his favorite peeps on the roof

He Was Loved - and Just one of the gang

Mouse's favorite chair. He often just laid here, belly up, legs out. Happy.

Last Wednesday was horrible.

The kids went out to do their chores at 6:30 am... Shortly, thereafter, Sami came in screaming, balling, sobbing. It was hard to get her to talk. 'Mouse is dead! He's out in the field! Maggie and Bugs were out of their kennel'.

I freaked. Maggie. Sami's dog.

She has gotten out before, and has always done damage. Last summer? She and her accomplice Lefty, chewed the heck out of one of Sami's bottle lambs, bloody neck. But it lived. Sami had to doctor it for months.

Then another time. She got out in the fall and killed all of Sami's baby bunnies. Sami found bodies everywhere. They were just 'released' to learn how to be in the yard. Only 2 days of freedom.

The two kennel dogs have been 'on the list'. Sami was to find them new homes, or else Dick would send them to their destiny.

I ran outside. In my jammies. with just mud boots thrown on. Out in the snow. There was orange fur right there at the back door. He must have been corned, fought, then ran.

Jake was standing in the middle of the yard. Sobbing.

The dogs were back in the kennel. I had grabbed a stick and told Jake to leave, that I was going to get the dogs. Dick must have been watching. I heard him yell to Jake..to go.

I did not beat the dogs, but I did give each of them a smack and a few words.

Then, I went out in the field.

Mouse was on the snow. Dead. He had been killed. Poor kitty. I started sobbing. I picked him up and just cradled him. I held him to my chest and carried him like a baby. He was cold, so it happened earlier. The kids did not witness anything, Thank God.

I took him in the garage and found a box for him. I went into the house and got him a large bath towel, and made him a cozy, safe place in the box. Jake came in and said goodbye. When Jake went inside I put the box in the back of my car. In times past, we have had funerals on the ranch, but it's winter. The ground is frozen.

I think Sami was still in the house. I'm not sure.

We made the kids go to school. I told Jake, he did not want to be home while his Dad took care of the dogs. He understood. It was hard to send them to school. It was painful. It was a very bad day.

I drove to La Grande for work. An hour away, with the snowy roads. I went first to an Animal Hospital and told them, our kitty had been killed. That I needed a humane way to let him go.

I decided to have him cremated. I have never done this before. And, it's done in a different state. His ashes will not be here for another week.

After work, I went to a gift shop and got each of the kids a beautiful stuffed teddy bear. I picked them up from school. Poor Jake. We started sobbing the minute we got to the car. They each got their bears. I knew the night, when it was time to go to bed it would be very hard to sleep, and they needed something to cuddle, and remember Mouse by.

And I made spaghetti for dinner. Their favorite comfort food.

Jake. My poor son. He was in so much pain. We prayed and asked God to take care of Mouse. I told Jake Mouse is one of his guardian angels now, and that he is watching us. Poor little guy. Not sure I comforted him. I can still see his face, pools of tears, and just shaking. My little man. Toes was his kitty and so was Mouse. He needs something he can hold onto, that doesn't leave him.

This morning he asked about Mouse - when do we get his ashes. I told him next week.

We will then figure out how we will say goodbye. Not sure yet, but the kids will be in charge.

We miss you Mouse. You were one cool cat. Thank you for taking care of Sami and Jake these last close to four years. Thank you for being a gentleman kitty - you never jumped on the kitchen counters, you always meowed to go outside to do your business, you had your own favorite chair, and you never scratched the furniture or us.

We love you....

Ellen Hutson's The Classroom - February Tag Challenge

2011-02-20T17:57:00.000-08:00

So, apparently there has been a tag challenge going on for over a week at Ellen Hutson's Classroom!

I just clued in TODAY and had to enter. Ellen has an awesome store and the Classroom is the store blog with some great projects, tutorials, and giveaways.

She and her team do a 'Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist' which is awesome! Right now, well, they are wrapping up their Valentine's Tags, and moving onto new product shares! Oh my... Flocked Prima Rubons????????

So... if by any chance, you are 'free' over the next few hours (deadline is tonight - Midnight Pacific) - PLEASE create a tag and upload it to the Classroom Gallery!

So far, only four entries have been submitted and there is a $50 dollar shopping certificate up for grabs.

PLEASE enter!!!!!!

And, you have to go to the classroom gallery to see my how I made this baby... I am hoping you will look around, see the other entries and get to know Ellen!

Hero Arts 90 Minute 'Distress/Shabby' Challenge - Feb. 19 2011

2011-02-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

Hero Arts Stamps + (Ranger Inks + Water) + Watercolor Paper

I got my crafty on yesterday! (Too tired to do anything else: Sami has been bottle feeding baby lambs/goats at all hours and I am her 'bottle warming' assistant, plus, it was a snowing/blustering/ever so nasty day outside...)

Hannah, one of the ever so talented girls at the Hero Arts Flickr site hosted a 90 minute challenge yesterday. The only thing we knew prior to the challenge, was the time the hostess had it scheduled. I clued in about, oh, 30 minutes prior to the challenge during one of my 'surfing' moments:)

At the appointed 'time' - the hostess post the challenge guidelines and all participants have 90 minutes to make, photograph/scan, and post online their creation.

Yes. Stressful!

Yesterday's challenge was to either 1). To use the HA Woodgrain Background stamp (not in my crafty room - yet); or, 2.) Do some sort of distressed/shabby creation.

I went for distressed shabby!

Supplies/Techniques Used:
Technique: Distress Inks/water on craft mat, then stamps onto that, and stamped onto watercolor paper. Used a water color brush to fill in colors on top image - which was cut out and added to Italian Poetry (note to self: do not use little micro detail scissors with thick watercolor paper! ACK!).

Edges of papers were distressed.

HA stamps:
Italian Poetry, Butterfly Flowers and sentiment from Find Joy.

Other supplies: Lace ribbon, SU linen thread, a HA craft envelope, and purple card stock from Archivers.

Thanks for looking!

Amour - Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00


Featuring My Minds Eye

Everything, except the cardstock, is from My Minds Eye - Lost and Found - Madison Avenue.

***************

I'm catching up on some posting - I had a horrible cold this past week! I was in bed for about 5 days, it started last Saturday, and in between coughing and blowing my nose, all I did was sleep.

I'm in my jammies right now!

So.. I thought I would wish all of you a Happy Valentines' Day - I have not had the energy to plan anything in advance for my crew (or the desire) - so we will see if I manage to pull something off for the kids. I'm thinking some heart shaped pancakes should start their day with a smile!

Hope all of you are staying healthy and germ free!

Lots and Lots of Love - and some kissing, too!

2011-02-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

Lots and Lots of Love (for the Hero Arts February 2011B Challenge)

Did my title catch your eye?

The challenge at the Hero Arts Blog this month is to make a project that features the theme love or friendship or that uses the 'kissing' technique with stamps.

The kissing technique is when you stamp one stamp image directly onto the stamping surface of another stamp to pickup the 2nd stamp's image. Mine was done with an Apple, and a Heart frame.

And, this card is also a Valentine's Day card, which falls into the love category!

Supplies Used:
HA Stamps Used:
Four Apples (LP125) kissed with Heart Frame (CG129)
Antique Brocade (CG102)
Valentine Sayings (CL402)
Italian Poetry Background (S1832)
Other Supplies:
Hero Arts Metallic Decor
Stampin' Up Inks, Ranger Distress Inks
Stampin' Up Kraft Card Stock, Markers
Embroidery Metalic Floss
Little Heart Punch
Mini Bag: Archivers

Thanks for looking!

The Appearance of Cameos Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

2011-01-30T14:18:00.000-08:00

Cameo - Scanned

Cameo - Photographed

One of the current challenges over at the Moxie Fab World is to create a project that feature's a cameo.
I couldn't resist breaking into the My Mind's Eye Lost & Found 'Madison Avenue' goodies that have been waiting patiently for some serious crafting!

That little lady with the parasol? Oh so precious! So Cameo worthy! Love this line of sweetness.

Unfortunately, we have 'no' sunshine! So the photos are a bit 'gray'. Rats...

This challenge is open until February 14th. You can find all the details here!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Archivers
Patterned papers and cardstock embellishments: My Minds Eye
Ribbon: American Crafts
Tools: Stampin' Up border punch; pinking shears

Thanks for visiting!

Ride, Dana, Ride

2011-01-30T08:31:00.000-08:00


(photo lifted from my Cousin Karen's Blog)

Life....

I just read that my older cousin Dana died yesterday. So sad to hear this. He leaves behind a legacy of great memories in my mind. He was that 'cool' older cousin who had an air of 'James Dean' mixed with some sixties rock around him.

He had an aura.

He lived.

I love this photo of him. Thanks Karen for posting it.

Ride, Dana. Ride. Give my dad a hug when you see him...

A Recap of 1-1-11 - Sami's 13th Birthday Slumber Party

2011-01-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

First: Making Pizzas! We had three..

Jake added his cheese expertise! The only 'boy' at an all girl party

First Round of the Monopoly Wars

Dinner! Included Pink Lemonade

Our Creations - One Cheese (not shown), One Super Combo (YUM) and a Pepperoni

Notice the Banner? Sami made it!

THE Cake! Ice-Cream Cheesecake with Brownie Crust. Sami did the chocolate decor

Inferno?

Happy 13th Gorgeous Girl!!!!

The Mani's and Pedi's Begin!!!

Each girl got her own manicure set (seen in the bottom of the photo)

Special Birthday Girl Treatment!!!!

Mani's

Pedi's

The Slumberers.... Sunday Morning

At the End of the Party - Darn that Monopoly Game! It's OUT again (and was played until 1:30 pm)

Treats for the Girls

Manicure Station

Sami's Loot - They LOVE anything Hollister!

And, later that week.. on her 'real' day - Her Daddy made special sour dough pancakes at her request - she asked for a heart, and '13'. She had Mickey Mouse too! He's over there, on the left (parts)

The Invites

*******************

So.. I am just now sharing photos from Sami's 13th birthday... It was a GREAT event for a very special girl. Crossing over from preteen to teen is huge! And we sent her out in style:)

(Note: These are mostly my notes so I don't forget the highlights when I make a layout later!)...

I was 'a bit worried' about five teens all together for an over-nighter. This group is from three different schools - only three of them are together at the same school so we had some 'get to know you' awkwardness. They did great! No weirdness, no one was excluded, and they all got along beautifully. Phew! This was a good number to have!

The biggest 'hurdle' was dealing with cell phones. One girl started texting within five minutes of being dropped off. I asked her to put her phone away. I had this conversation with three of them - and explained why to the whole group - that it is not fair to the girls in the room (it's like whispering), and that it's not fair to the person not in the room (feeling left out). I did say they could use the phones to call their parents. They did good on honoring the request.

Pizzas were a hit! MAN! The tastiest pizzas I might add! Love making the crust from scratch - yeasty goodness - which has to rise for 45 minutes, but so worth it. The girls that arrived on time got to help chop onions and cook the sauce. And, they were the 'shy' girls, so it kept them busy. We were all in tears from those darn onions! And everyone helped make their favorite pizza. Dick made the combo one. Super yummy!

Jake got lots of attention. When it looked like he was 'a disruption' to the 'girl time' I sent him to his room. It wasn't anything he was doing deliberately. He's just a cute charming boy! And he was becoming the center of attention, instead of the birthday girl, so off he went. He was OK with that. He has a TV in his room and his own world. Dick and Jake were supposed to go 'out' and have some guy time - but, for some reason Dick decided they were going to stay home instead.

The manicures and pedicures were fun! And Monopoly? I am NOT a Monopoly player! The TV never go turned on. No movies or shows. (The move I had picked out was not a good choice!)... Again, they played well together. When there were disagreements they did it gracefully and in fun. Monopoly for two days? Crazy...

Sami's cake turned out wonderfully - although the brownie crust was hard as rock! It was her special request, and I made it the day before. It had to be in the freezer over night. Cutting through it was a challenge, and talk about rich! Lordy... It was GONE that night! Those girls all had good appetites. Let me tell you.. girls that eat food instead of pick at it are #1 in my book! We had one girl doing the 'I'm not hungry thing' until she saw the others dive right in. She picked up the pace, and even had seconds...

I slept upstairs so I could 'keep an ear and eye' alert for any problems. They did good. They had some great silly pre-sleeping time. The mounts on the walls all ended up with names, and apparently there was a good story made about them as well. One girl for some reason was standing up in her sleeping bag - head covered, and fell - no injuries - and she was closest to the rock woodstove area. VERY lucky!

Things that did not go well:
The parents were to come get their girls at 10am on Sunday... Single dads were late. One didn't show until 11:30pm. The other? 1:30pm! What the heck? I really don't understand this. The girls called them to remind them. Several times for the last one. The Monopoly game just kept going! I was pooped..

A party on 1-1-11. This was the only day Sami did not have a Basketball Game... The party did not start until 5pm.. But having a party the day after New Years Eve? Brutal! The kids and I stayed up until 1am the nght before, I did not drink, but boy, was I tired! We still had MOST of the Christmas Decor up (tree included) and I had to convert the house from Christmas to a girly party...That was the hardest part.. Cleaning up and turning around and decorating for another event. Record Time getting all that done!

The Best Part? Quote from Sami: 'Mom, I had the BEST time with my friends!'... So worth it:)

Completed Project 12 - 2010 Album!

2011-01-23T15:07:00.000-08:00


Close Up of the Front Cover of the Album (colors are not true, sorry!) created with cricut, and MME goodies. And, yeah, that's my shadow. I was too lazy to take the protective cover off!

My 2010 Competed Project 12 Album

The Inside Title Page (Created with my Cricut, MME papers/embellies, and a Hero Arts Owl that Sami colored!)


All the lovely pages in their page protectors! Each Month is done!

Left Side of September (completed yesterday) - I used my Cricut and this page Feature's Jake's 24 Mile Bike Ride, and the Donor List for when he raised $200! (supplies: MME, Stampin Up cardstock). Sorry for the 'shot' in the album. Lazy.

Right Side of September - Hybrid, with MME goods and Kathy Z. template (I shared this some months ago!)

*********************

It's a wrap! My Project 12 album is done - complete with cover and title page and each and every month is now safely guarded in page protectors! The album is made by Pioneer. I like the 3 rings!

I finished 'September' yesterday. I shared quite some time ago, the right side page, which did not follow the monthly sketch, and when I put it in the album, it needed to be balanced with a left side. I wanted to share the donor list Jake had for the ride, so I recreated it in word, and printed it on one of the MME papers and then made the left page that you see. Yippee! And notice that I used my cricut???? Yes! Yesterday and Today I got some play time with that beautiful baby!!!

Well, friends... this concludes the 2010 Project 12 album! It was so much fun to do, and I have to say, it is one of my favorite albums yet (Disclaimer: My Grandma Marina's Cookbook will always be #1)!

Up Next? 2011, of course!

Some Happy Things! Adventures and Inspiration!

2011-01-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

So..my personal life has been a bit 'of a roller coaster' this month! I will say, it's amazing how things can just change in the blink of an eye! This New Year, 2011 is definitely going to be one filled with new adventures.

New outlook on life, new goals, new directions, new vision...new lease on life...

I spoke with a friend yesterday, who was in my wedding and I in hers... Love friends like that.. ones you have known for a lifetime, and she shared with me an amazing way to look at these new adventures.. As opportunities. As gifts. That there are reasons for things happening, and reasons that some other doors are opening up for me.. OH my gosh.. A beautiful door is on the horizon but I can not share it with you right now! I don't want to jinx it!!!!! Very very happy about this...each time I peak through the door I see more beautiful goodies!!!

And, I do believe my 2011 One Little Word 'Thrive' is in the middle of it... Yes.. Indeed...

So, before I run off to Sami's basketball games for the day (yes, games.. She is on the middle school A team, and the B team!) I thought I would link you up to some very happy inspirational sites I found in today's blog reader:

Moxie Fab - Loving the Pinks and Grays!
Kim Hughes - Awesome Mexico Sights! I want to go here for my 50th!!! But in the winter...
Lisa - Side Oats and Scribbles Beautiful Shot Capturing Love! Check out her sox and jammie pants!

And, the sun is out today! THANK GOD!!!!

December 2010 Project 12 Layout

2011-01-19T09:08:00.000-08:00

Becky Fleck Sketch for 2010 P12 - December

Close Up - Fun Embellies: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses rubons, MME Holly Jolly Brad, and Martha Stewart Twine!

Close Up #2: More Basic Grey Rubons! I love houses!!!

Close Up #3: MME Holly Jolly chipboard trims


My Layout: Photo Heavy!!!! (Click on photo to enlarge and see photos!)

Hello favorite peeps... I am finally sharing with you my December P12 layout! It's been sitting on my crafty desk for weeks.. I even had to dust it to take the photos!

Most of the goods you see on this are Basic Grey (Eskimo Kisses) and My Minds Eye (Holly Jolly). My gosh these two lines are wonderful together!

Photo run down from top left and traveling clockwise:
1. Jake practicing guitar for Christmas Eve's song night
2. The first Monopoly Game of the 'war' - Christmas Eve
3. Christmas Eve snacks: LOVE the Harry and David Pears and apples that I bought for US! We also had home made egg nog, tasty cheeses, tasty cookies, etc.
4. Jake Christmas morning with his 'throwing knives'. They were on his list and his dad got them. Joy.
5. Sami opening her cute white coat that I got her! Christmas Morning
6. Sami's Snowman with his itty bitty arms, milk bottle top nose.
7. Christmas Morning - Opening Auntie Paula's presents!
8. Letters to Santa, cookies, milk
9. Outdoor scene: Our kitty MOUSE by the decor at the front of the drive
10. Our tree (the kids hated this little tree I brought home - it's my size and our ceilings are 20' tall, but heck, if I'm the only one getting the tree, then it's gonna be my size! It looks wonderful)
11. Sami playing with the bears she decorated the window sills with
12. Our wrapping station - everyone grabs their own supplies and goes to wrap
13. Sami on Christmas Eve playing the keyboard - on top of the useless piano
14. Downtown Baker

And, the journaling

December, 2010

Regardless of the snow storms, the ice fog, the below zero frigid temperatures, or even the nasty icy roads and hours spent on the interstate, the days leading up to Christmas seemed a bit warmer and happier than any other winter month!

Sami once again helped decorate the house. She took charge of the stockings and she even setup little bear towns in the window sills. Adorable!

Christmas Eve was my favorite night of all. Our tradition includes singing Christmas songs and having a ‘spread of tasty snacks. Harry & David pears did the trick along with homemade eggnog. Afterward? Monopoly. The game continued into the next day and Christmas night!

The kids wrote sweet letters to Santa. Even though they have crossed the threshold of believing in the man himself, the magic of Christmas lives on in both of them. The next day? After waiting ‘forever’ for Dick to be done feeding the cows and sheep, Jake got his throwing knives, and Sami got her African Dwarf Frogs. To quote Jake, ‘this was a GREAT Christmas!

And, that wraps up 2010 for Project 12!
Thanks for stopping by....

January 9th - A Sunday Share

2011-01-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful Sunday morning. A typical winter day. Clouds are sitting on the Eastern mountains - soon to bring the snowstorm that has been forecasted for the past three days. And the sun is peeking through above the clouds on the Eastern mountain side (we are in a valley). The sheep and llama in the field in front of my picture window are all calm - well, except for the big white guard dog that loped across my view as he is chasing the feed truck!

My family members are all out doing chores and I am just enjoying my morning coffee and blog surfing.

This Sunday, for the moment, my mind is 'at rest' - it was in turmoil the last couple days (tossing and turning) about some personal life issues which I am not ready to address. These things could be life changing. I just don't know if I have the strength to follow through with 'what is right for me' vs. 'what is right for the common good' etc. etc. etc. And I ask myself 'what is truly the right thing to do'? That sort of stuff.

However, I found a beautiful post today over at the Moxie Fab World.. As I ponder the message, it is actually giving me a new perspective on how to approach anything I say, or do regarding 'the events', with Grace.

And that is my goal throughout the walk I am currently on.

To handle it with Grace. And to be true to my 2011 word 'Thrive'.

Peace my friends.

Welcome 2011! My Resolutions for the New Year

2011-01-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We woke to MINUS 10 degrees! Cold! But the sun is out and it is so beautiful! A GREAT way to start 2011! And, the kids and I stayed up to Midnight! Yahoo! We did it!!!!!!

Resolutions?

Why, yes! I do make resolutions!

Here's my philosophy on resolutions, goals, and dreams:

I am a list maker. I set goals. I am a big dreamer! And, it doesn't bother me if I don't reach the finish line, just as long as I am working toward the goal, I feel I have made progress! As in, some work is better than no work.

Last Year's Big resolution was to stick to a year long scrapbook related challenge. Project12 - sponsored by Scrapbook & Cards Today - with sketches made by Becky Fleck, and hosted by Davinie. Guess What? I did it! I have one layout to go (December) and I need to finish my September, and poof! I am done and I have a beautiful Album finished! Yahoo!!!! Accomplishment. Finished.

So.. This Year? I have a list (of course!).

2011 Resolutions/Goals/Dreams:

I am doing Project12 Again. Love it so much! I might focus on a 'theme' for the year. Thinking on that. I found myself deciding between ranch life photos, vs about the kids, vs highlights vs me. All could have their own album but who the heck has the time???? Hmm.. maybe one photo of each category? Let me know your thoughts!
I also signed up for Ali Edward's Class - One Little Word. The word I picked is 'Thrive'. (more on that later - why I picked the word, etc.).
I am a 'lover' of calendars/datebooks/list making opportunities. But, I struggle with finding the perfect 'one size fits all'. I even had an electronic fancy thing (PDA - that I tried syncing with my desktop) that truthfully, drove me crazy! I like to write. I like paper. So, sometime in late 2010, via Ali Edwards Blog, I signed up for the Log Your Memory Log Book. I purchased the hard copy - split into 2 books. I am not using this for my daily calendar but for my 'memory calendar'. ** Note: Edited on 1/4/11 to say: I had my light bulb moment last night! I am getting regular emails from LYM, and am now registered on their website, and my gosh! There is ALOT that goes with this purchase - some real nice exclusive 'members only' goodies for those that purchase the log book! I am now a happy camper!*** I love the themes, prompts, and 'extras' that are tied to scrapbooking. I might get the online version instead so I can 'tweek it' to fit my snobby needs. After I discovered it did not fit my appointment needs, I bought a very nice, glossy, Mary Englebright Datebook, for my 'calendar' and I will use the LogBook for 'memory stuff'. (So far, so good!)
And... Lifestyle Changes. I have a second One Little Word. But, it should be my Big Word. And that is MOVE. I am going to be 49 this year, and I really am not 'the girl' I used to be! Before I married (and these changes were all my doing, not blaming my husband) I used to bike, run, swim and 'get out and play' more. I moved this body! So... before I turn 49 I want to have established a 3x a week moving routine. The deadline on that? May 12!

So.. There you have it! My 2011 resolutions! And I put them here, in print, so I can come back to them, and to be accountable...

Happy New Year! I gotta 'move' and clean the house and get ready for the 1-1-11 party girl birthday!

Another Year is Coming to a Close! Out wtih 2010 and in with 2011!

2010-12-31T17:56:00.000-08:00

Yikes!

I have spent most of today trying to cram in the rest of my 2010 obligations, such as, bank deposits that need to be posted in 2010 (Oops. The bank closed at 1pm!), and, are you ready for this??? I finally finished our Christmas Card for 2010 - just seconds ago! It's actually now a 'highlights of 2010' card... oh well!

So, before we enter into 2011, I just want to say 'Thank You' to those of you, my friends and family members that visit my blog and take the time to leave a sweet comment! You sure make me feel happy and not so 'alone' out here on the ranch!

I won't be doing a 'top ten cards' or 'top ten' layouts post. And, I am too darn lazy to share right now my top 10 events of 2010. I mean, I would like to do these things, but I have a boatload of prep to get done before the New Year gets here!

I will say I am happy that I fullfilled my Project12 Resolution and look forward to doing the same thing in 2011!

I have a few things on my 2011 list that I will share tomorrow, but for now, I gotta get going to prep for Sami's big birthday event tomorrow! Like, making the cake, and cleaning, and squeezing in some fun family time!

Woo Hoo!

Catch you all next year!
Smooches!

December Daily, Day 3 - A beautiful bright and sunny day! (Dec. 31 2010 posted)

2010-12-31T09:10:00.000-08:00

Day 3 - Click to Enlarge. This is one of my Favorite!

Hello blog friends! Here is the hybrid layout from Day 3. This is definately one of my favorites. The SUN was out! During the winter the sun is not out very often (snow, clouds, fog, inversion) and when it is my heart just sings!

Left Side Page: Photos: (from top left and going clockwise): 1. View of the Mountains and back fence to the yard, 2. view of the back of our house, 3. Sami's Ducks out in the 'free range chicken's pen before they got moved to their winter house, 4. The new advent calendar blocks I made at Stamp Camp (supplies are all Stampin' Up) and my Willow Tree Ornament - upstairs by my 'office'. Left Side Supplies: Ali Edwards templates, and Martha Stewart baker's twine.

Right Side Page Supplies: Basic Grey patterned papers! Yummy! Right Side Journaling:
December 3^rd, Friday. Beautiful. Bright sunshine on snow, all day long!
Sourdough pancakes in the am. This is usually Dick’s winter tradition – when someone remembers the night before to ‘feed’ the batter. Sami is our sourdough pancake girl. She was refusing to let me have a pancake – since she made them. Then I reminded her that I cook her breakfast most days! I managed to get 2 pancakes out of the bargaining agreements.
About 10am I helped Sami get 'ready' to bring goats into the scale house... A friend about 30 miles away is renting Sami’s Billy Goat (his name is Billy) to breed her girls. Good God..did I mention our big storm earlier in the week? We had to do a lot of snow shoveling – and not ‘walkway’ stuff – but ranch stuff. As in, getting the gates clear so a truck and trailer could drive through the headquarters, and all the gates to the corrals so the goats could be herded from one pen to the other. We also had to drive out on the quad to the Pratt field.. but we forgot the snow shovels, so we used our feet and some heavy heaving on the gates to clear two sets out there. All that and… the goats did not want to come in. We did entice them through one field, Sami had grain and was leading them. But, they spooked and ran back through the fence! My back hurts from pushing gates in snow!
We got home (2 miles from the headquarters) and shared our defeat. Ramon, our hired hand got the job. Dick called him. Sami and I went back down to the headquarters about 2pm to help load up Billy.
I put up all the outdoor Christmas decor! Fa la la la la. They look awesome with the snow!
Sami made brownies at night.. little chef!
Hmm.. I see Toy Story 3 is available on pay-per-view. Note to self: We must watch it!

*********************

And, following is my blog Diary Post that I saved in draft form: (most of this iwas captured above so I deleted it).

Outdoor Christmas Decor all done! Fa la la la la. Need photos.

Talked on the phone w/ Michele. ODA F2S.. and Tia Upstream Public Health.. Love this job!!!

Sami made brownies at night.. little chef!

Hmm.. I see Toy Story 3 is available on pay-per-view. Note to self: We must watch it!

December Daily - Day 2 (published on Dec. 30, 2010)

2010-12-30T16:05:00.000-08:00

Day 2 - Click to Enlarge

My photos for Day 2 really show 'the snow' from our storm and the events of Day1! Photos are of the kids catching the bus at the end of our drive; breakfast goodies; the llama and sheep, and my chores outfit!

Supplies: Page 1 & Page 2 are templates from Ali Edwards. Again, I used some of the Prima flocked alphas - they say 'daily' down there by the #2. Patterned paper is My Mind's Eye. I also used some October Afternoon stickers. The journaling for my Daily routine on the page says: "4am: Start the fire in the woodstove; clean and prep kitchen. Breakfast? Today? Delayed! Snow Storm. Egg Nog in Coffee. Shoved snow. Haul water to chickens.

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And, here is the diary/journal that I saved in my blog as a draft:

.
Drove over the mountain to La Grande to work.. snowing here, raining there!
We have about a foot of snow now.
Snowpacks.. my shoes for winter.
Trendsetter.

Took lots of photos this am:)

Headache.
It's pitch black at 5:23.pm I want to record sunset and sunrise.....
More wood in the garage! Yeah! We were very low...

Jake: He was real upset when he came home. After some coaxing, and in private, he shared a story about a bully. What is a mom to do? A kid corners him in the locker room. Just the two of them. The bully says sexually nasty things. Things that a boy should not talk about if he is raised in a good home. No witnesses... (Note: After talking w/ Jake, I spoke the coach about this. The coach said he would keep an eye out, try and walk through the locker room, and he talked to the entire team about being a team, and respecting each other, and looking out for each other.) The bully was recently transferred to our school, and is in Sami's grade - older than Jake. The bullying occurs when the bus boys are done w/ basketball practice. The bully is also on the team, but never makes it to any games. Jake and this other kid are the only ones who leave early from practice to catch the bus and that is when it happens. I spoke to Jake, and he did not want to create a scene - he didn't want a 'meeting' with parents and kids, he did not want to stay late and have me pick him up to avoid the locker scenes, and he did not want to quit the team. What a big boy. I asked him if I could talk with the coach, since the coach is in charge of the safety of all the team at that time and it is creepy for a bully to be sneaky like this without witnesses. It's not an attention thing, in my opinion, it could be signs of bad things happening to the boy at home. And I told that to Jake. He let me talk to the coach. Each day I checked in with Jake after school to see how it was going. The peak was during this time - early December, and then it died down. I think between the coach, and my giving Jake the power to have choices and knowing an adult was backing him up, helped. Scary stuff.

December Daily - Day 1 & Tim Holtz 12 Tags

2010-12-29T13:10:00.000-08:00


Day 1 (Click on Image to Enlarge!)

Hello friends!
I am now going to share with you my December Daily Album! Not sure if I will share one page a day, or several. Today, I am just sharing one.
The photos on the left are of a gift 'a salt box' one of my sweet customers gave me for Christmas. She got it in Bali, while away on a 2-year detail in Singapore. She is one of my Boise Customers, Thank you, Elaine!. On the right, you can barely see the title 'First Gift' - in white flocked alphas from Prima. Yummmm!

And, these pages have absolutely nothing to do with the 'diary' post below! But, I wanted to capture my first gift in the album:)

Enjoy!

Below are the actual blog notes I wrote on December 1st.

*******************

December 1st - Daily Diary
I'm just writing thoughts right now! Capturing some ideas...

Approach to December Daily: Ali Edwards - December Daily Dec. 1
Just one story a day! Love it...

So.. which story????
Today is December first... And it came with a BANG! At 6am we got the 'all call' phone call from school. School is delayed for 2 hours due to last night's huge honking snow storm. The kids were released early yesterday, but did not get home until late. Bad roads. I had breakfast ready at 5:45am. Oatmeal with raisins and cranberries, and sliced apples on the side. The kids opted to sleep in an extra hour.

My morning? Up at 4:00 am. Started a fire in the woodstove, made coffee, cooked breakfast. The usual.

Then caught Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas - Day 1! Giddy... I just love sneaking up to the computer once all my indoor chores are done, with my first cup of coffee (today I put Eggnog in!) and seeing what Tim has to share! (Note: later I found out I was a winner from Tim's day 1 comments!)...

Fa la la la la!

Note: Tim's Tag: I want to put a scene behind the house windows... a peek at Christmas!

Outdoor chores: Phew.. boatloads of snow. I sweated when hauling water to the chickens. Shoveled snow out front. Man, I am out of shape!

Lunch with Ann Louden - she is leaving for 6 weeks to take care of a friend who had a lung transplant. Ann is an Angel. Talk about giving of one self.

today was 'Cut and color' day. My hair.

Thank You Cards - Featuring the Large Blossom Stamp from and for Hero Arts!

2010-12-27T16:52:00.000-08:00

Large Blossom Card #1 - My Thank You Card for Hero Arts!

Large Blossom #2

Experimenting with Glossy Cardstock, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Spiced Marmalade, and Clear Embossing Powder

The Goodies I won from Hero Arts!

So... Back in mid December my blog was 'spotted' by the Hero Arts folks for having the Hero Arts Blinkie, over there on the right sidebar, and poof! I won all the goodies you see above! These are NEW stamps from the 2011 Catalog! I am so lucky!

They arrived Christmas Week, and, as my super duper luck would have it.. the stamps are perfect for 'Thank You' Cards and celebrating spring! Yippeee!!!

But first.. A confession. I am NOT a good image colorer, or good with 'flowery stamps'. Because of this, I shy away from them! Look who has to put her big panties on, eh? Don't ask my why, but the Spiced Marmalade called me.. It said 'we belong together large blossom'! I think it was right!

I have several Thank You's to send out, and the current challenge at the Hero Arts Blog is to make Thank You cards:)

These ones are for you, Hero Arts!

Thank You so much for all your inspiration and for a very fun 2010!!!

Technique Note: During Tim Holtz '12 Tags of Christmas' he shared that the distress inks can be embossed! Hello! How many years have I had distress inks??? So that is what I did! I stamped with the Distress Ink onto glossy cardstock, put on clear ep, and heat embossed the image. Fun!!

Supplies Used:
Hero Arts Large Blossom CG271
Hero Arts Find Joy CL497
Card Stock and Glossy Card Stock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: My Minds Eye
Flowers: Prima
Inks: Ranger, Stampin' Up
Clear ep: Ranger
Ribbons: orange polka dot (stash), grosgrain- Stampin' Up.

Thanks for visitng!

Birthday Party Invites for a 13 Year old! And, ideas requested!

2010-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hand Made Invitation Cards - Featuring the SU Owl Punch!

This view shows that sparkly paper better - and the owl body parts!

So.. my sweet little girl will be turning 13 on January 5th!
Lordy... my little girl.. sweetness personified. Seriously? A Teen? I've heard so many horror stories about this transition! Heck.. I was the poster child for the horridness!

In the midst of holiday preperations my sweet thing and I had to bang out about 10 invites for her 1-1-11 sleep-over birthday party. That owl punch? Lots of little body parts that take lots of patience. Patience is not one of my better known qualities!

(I know!!! 1-1-11! How's that for a memorable significant age party date??? Truth be told, it's the only Saturday that she won't have a Basketball Game in the month of January!).

The invites had to be done and handed out to her friends right before the Christmas Break, which started December 17th. The party will be during break as well. This poor girl has ALWAYS gotten the short end of the 'my birthday lands just after Christmas' stick. So.. since this is THE BIG ONE, for a tween, we have been planning away!

Here are some of the ideas:

The girls are going to take over the house.. The boys (all 2 of them) are going on a road trip so we can have the entire house to ourselves! Our house has an open floor plan so when guests are here, it's hard to just hang out if you aren't part of the party.
Sami strung white lights in the living room for the occasion - sure, they looked great for Christmas, but they are intended for the living room sleeping quarters!
I have purchased and hidden away packets of 'girly' gift goodies: makeup remover travel packs, cute lip gloss gift packs, and some other girl stuff.
She loves all things Hollister. I'm wondering how to work that into the party.
We 'think' we will be doing manicures and pedicures
Sami wants an ice-cream cheesecake. Is there such an animal?
And, Sami has requested one of those Vampire Movies... New Moon.
Dinner? Clueless.
Breakfast the next day? Again.Clueless.

Keep in mind, we live on a ranch, 17 miles from a decent 'town'. We just can't 'go to dinner' or 'out for breakfast'. So, if you have ideas. please share!

If you are a parent of a girl that also has crossed this right of passage, please, share your recommendations on how to send ours out with just the right amount of fun with a group of other tweens!

Thanks for visiting!

Project 12 - November in December!

2010-12-26T14:20:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!!! Happy First Day of Christmas! I hope your holidays were filled with magic. Ours sure were, and we are still in 'holiday' mode!

What a GREAT month this December has been! I promise to share all the deets later, but for now, I have a November Share.

(Note: I actually blogged every single day during December, however, the posts are saved as drafts for my December Daily Album. Sometime in the next year I'll get around to posting my pages!)

OK.. the purpose of today's post is to share my November Project 12 Layout...


Becky's Sketch (Click on Project 12 on right sidebar for more info!)


My Interpretation - Oopsy. Please excuse the crookedness where the pages meet!


Close up of some of the elements

Close up of this super stinkin' cute Raccoon!

Click on the layout for closer views.

Confession Time: I LOVE the Imaginisce Apple Cider Collection! I spotted this at Archiver's in Chesterfield, MO back when the kids and I went to visit my baby sister Paula (smooches to Paula!!!). The Raccoon is what sold me, however, the real big sell of this line is the 'blues'! It's a Fall line, and Fall in our area often includes snow (as you can see in the layout)! I love the blue trees, leaves, and snowflake like designs made with leaves ... A perfect marriage for those of us that get to experience full weather seasons!

Journaling Reads:

November, 2010. This was Jake’s first year for Basketball! He was on the middle school team and, for a first time player, ever, he did awesome!

Sami was on the middle school dance team and they performed during home games - also a first! I love that they are trying new things all on their own!

Sami turned out her weaned bummer lambs into the field with the market lambs. This is now becoming an annual event for our girl that loves to bottle feed all the bummers that were itty bitty in May!

Thanksgiving? Just the four of us. The night before was very eventful! Sami and Dick had to go and rescue 100 baby chicks that were 'lost' on their way to us via the mail. They had to go 90 miles away, in Pendleton. They intercepted the truck at 10:30 pm, and didn’t get home until 12:30am. Thanksgiving was spent waking up late, having a relaxed and beautiful meal with fresh and local foods (brussel sprouts, our leg of lamb, potatoes, our apples in the pie, fresh milk!). And, poker games. Sami made the Pumpkin Pie, I made Apple!

Supplies Used:

Card Stock: Stampin Up (Kraft); Bazzill (textured blue)

Patterned Papers & matching elements: Imaginisce Apple Cider

Digital Solid Paper (background of journaling): Michelle Martin for DesignerDigitals.com

Bracket chipboard: From my stash: Altered with Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

Ribbon and Alpha Thickers: American Crafts

Buttons: Autumn Leaves

Altered Felt 'leaf' Border Strip: Queen & Co.

Fun Tools: Sizzix Big Shot & Stampin' Up Top Note Die; SU Border Punch

Thank you so much for visiting!!!!

Share the Magic - December 12th

2010-12-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would share a sweet little thing I found in my blog reader this Sunday morning:)

Listen, Up, People! Santa's Coming Tomorrow!

( Be sure to click on the video to get the full effect!!!)

Do you know Santa, too? I hope so!!!!!

I have always had a special spot in my heart for Santa! Hope you do too!

xo

December Blogging... Some Shares! Top 9 Favorite Inspirations

2010-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

What have I been up to? Fa la la la la!

Fun stuff!!!!

I've been blogging every single day... But, you have not seen the posts!

What I do is journal about the day. I capture the stories for my Dec. Daily album.

I take photos. And work on the album - ever so slowly.

Nothing has been posted 'here yet' - but I am working on it! So many fun things going on!!!

So.. to hold you over.. I thought I would share some very favorite inspiring sites that I have been enjoying this month: Now, don't get me wrong.. I have LOTS of favorites, but right now, today, these are getting me very very inspired!

1. Tim's 12 Days of Tags - Every Single Day. More Ideas for my projects!

2. Sues' version of the tags... Breathtaking. This lady is one of my absolute favorite artists!

3. Louise's versions of the tags. She is right up there with Sue! Her post yesterday cracked me up!!!

4. Ali Edwards December Daily Posts - and her entire blog. Love what this gal does.

5. Virginia's Wednesday Cookies and Cards... Today's is on this weekend's cooking list!!!!

6. Nichol's December Daily Album and her blog. She is super talented! I love her scrapbook pages, classes, and this album captures 'her' style!

7. Ellen Hutson's Classroom Take on Tims Tags - The Feminine Version. I'm linking Becky's tag with the Hero Arts stamp House.. Oh I am a sucker for houses!!!! LOVE this tag!!! Love Ellen's store and goodies! She is one of the Hero Arts Stamps 'party hosts' this Friday! Yippeee!

8. The Hero Arts Blog - Inspiration Station. Every week and every day new goodies to see. Two challenges a month, very generious donations, and this Friday is the big catalog reveal and parties!!!

9. This Sneak Peak at Paper Trey- Oh my gosh... Did I mention I have a 'thing' for houses???? I am wanting this already! The designer is one of my all time favorite vintage meets shabby artists... Melissa Phillips. Can't wait!

Catch you all later! I have to go photograph some lights in my daughters bedroom... Christmas lights from yesterday's December Daily favorites!!!

Fa la la la la!

Are YOU Ready??????? Tim's 12 Tags Start Tonight!

2010-11-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

Here's the trailer.. seriously.. a trailer!!!

http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/11/are-you-ready.html

So.. I'm thinking of creative ways to do this year's tags..

I have presents to give.. perhaps the tags will be presents!
I have my December Daily I want to.. perhaps they will go into the book or the techniques will be featured in the book!
I have an ornament shape in mind.. perhaps I will just use the ideas on the shape instead of a tag!

Just a few ideas floating around up in the cabasa today!!!

Mrs. Claus' Workshop.. Day 2 - Featuring.... December Daily - First 5 Pages

2010-11-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

One of my Digi Pages: AE Template & Digi items from Creativity by Crystal

Another Page featuring: AE Template + Mindy Terasawa's Christmas Dreams Kit

Same Formula: Ali Edwards Template + Mindy Terasawa's Christmas Dreams

AETemplate + Creativity by Crystal

AE Layered Template + Mindy Terasawa's Christmas Dreams Kit

Supplies: I am using this 12x12 layered templates kit - and I resized the images to 6x8

Supplies: This kit for my foundation pages - resized to 6x8 - and I printed the first 5 on vanilla card stock

Supplies: Mindy Terasawa's Christmas Dreams Kit

Supplies: And, These Freebies From Creativity by Crystal

My crafty zone is a disaster! Today's focus (actually, yesterday, Saturday) was purely daily.... As in the December Daily project inspired by Ali Edwards.

Progress: I am on page 6 of 'just' my foundation pages. Meaning, the 2-page spread that will hold journaling/stuff on one side (foundation page with the number down in the right corner), and a cute, digi page for the right side that I will add photos to in some of the boxes whereI currently have digi papers (Note: I filled in most of the boxes 'just in case' my photos are smaller, or I want to put something else there, like, ticket stubs, are receipts, or lists... This way I am 'ahead' of the curve!).

Note: These pages are currently made and printed at 6x8, but, after a night of 'sleeping on it' I think I will mount them on 8.5 x 11 Kraft cardstock and make my finished album at 8.5 x 11.

And, this album will be a hybrid project. Meaning, some digi mixed with some real sweet traditional supplies that are in my stash!

So.. after 5 hours, why am I only on page 6?????

I got side-tracked!

I got lost 'loving' on some of the digi goodies I purchased from Designer Digitals (note: purchased during the last quarter sale - no Black Friday stuff).

I am LOVING the Christmas Dreams Kit' by Mindy Terasawa. It's from 2008, and available at Designer Digitals. I LOVE the patterned papers! There are so many different things on one sheet - which works great for the whole 'template masking' thing. Meaning, you can use different parts of a page to fill in 'windows' on a template. Fun.Fun.Fun. Super fun.

And I am loving the free Christmas goodies from Creativity by Crystal. The Write.Click.Scrapbook blog hosted some of Crystals goodies and tons of giveaways from her. They are so adorable! You might recognize 'her style' on my blog design. Yep. Her goodies! You can find more of her goods at the Jessica Sprague store... Yum.Yum.Yum.

Technical Things that delayed my progress:

Ali's instructions in her template files do not work with my version of PSE6. I use Cathy Z's instructions instead. Which work perfectly!

When it came time to print... I had 'issues'. My printer hates cardstock. I have to feed one sheet at a time, and print real slow and on super best quality. Pffft.

I ran out of my very favorite photo paper, (HP - Premium Semi Gloss, 6.5 mil) and had to use what was in stock at our local office supply store, which is Kodak glossy stuff, and my colors are not printing right!

These things are enough to drive a girl crazy and make you want to ... scream!

But, I thought I would share with you my progress and what I have been doing!

Thanks for the visit:)

Mrs. Claus' Workshop - Day1 Jillibean Chestnut Soup, Hero Arts, MME

2010-11-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

Magnetic Christmas Wish List Wall Hanging

Welcome to Mrs. Claus' Christmas Workshop! Today I managed to get two projects done as part of this year's Christmas in a Box gifts (what I do each year for family across the miles!).

First, is this wall hanging featuring JilliBean Soup Chestnut Soup stickers and papers and their Canvas Stars. The Stars were adhered to magnets with a glue gun, and the project 'idea' is to hold all your family member's wish lists under a star (when you wish upon a star....). The background is a piece of metal sheeting. I need to back it with felt, so it doesn't damage a wall!

Door Hanger - Hero Arts Stamps and My Minds Eye Lost and Found Boy Collection

Back of Door Hanger - featuring a pretty Prima Flower

This little door hanger was made using the Hero Arts Cozy Moments stamps, along with Ranger Distress Inks, Black Stazon and the other items mentioned in the photo captions. It could also be used as a Christmas Ornament!

There you have it!

Giving Thanks 2010

2010-11-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

I posted my 'giving thanks' post on the ranch blog. Here you go!

Here is a link: Winter Shots and Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving 2010 - What a Week!

2010-11-26T11:40:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Week 2010.

Monday's Drive to Boise - 3 hours each way. This is 'our' road - ranch is on the left. My wipers were frozen!

Town. Shopping for our Thanksgiving Meal. Oh gosh! some blue sky! Yipee!!!

Prepping Dinner: Brussel Sprouts off the stalk! Leg of lamb in back

The Poker players - enjoying fancy drinks and appetizers before dinner. The poker chips are antiques!

A shot of the cutting boards made by Jake (holding the desserts) and Sami - the board in back

Jake is in charge of researching the rules

Desserts Made by Sami!The leftover filling was turned into little itty bitty pie snacks! She also whipped the cream and topped everything before we dug in.

The night time Poker Players - dessert was eaten at this time, then they had leftovers!

My antique sifter!

I made an Apple Pie, today, a day late. The crew was missing it! Made with our apples.

What I will remember.. (this is for my memory for a future layout! Please excuse the length!)...

Our coldest November yet! A week's worth of frigid temps.. Waking to minus 10, or zero, and today, the high was 10. Breaking ice each day. Hauling water to the range free chickens - which are still out far in their field, and snow on the ground. Monday I drove To Boise. That night and the next day we had a Winter Storm Warning. Portland got hit, Seattle got hit. Us? Cold and Snow. As long as we have heat, we are fine. Just keep the wood-stove burning 24/7!
Water buckets get filled in the house. The outside faucets are frozen up.
I moved our 15 year old dog, Ernest, into the house Monday night. He was shaking on the front porch - while sleeping. He is now in one of the barns, cozy, with blankets, and a heat lamp (he is babysitting the baby chicks!).
On Nov. 20th, Dick brought home some beautiful purple artichokes and some Brussel sprouts still on the stalk - from the Portland PSU Saturday Market (he is a vendor - still selling this time of year!) for our Thanksgiving Meal.
100 new baby Roade Island Red chicks were shipped to us on Monday, Nov. 22nd. They were to arrive on Wed., the day before Thanksgiving.
On that Wednesday, at 7:30 am, I got into my Eskimo gear, drove on icy roads to the Post Office, seven miles away, and the chicks were not there.
Dick called the shipper. The truck broke down on Monday, and the chicks were transfered on an Express Mail Truck. There is no such thing as Express Mail where we live.
Our Haines PO lady called the Pendleton Post Office - the nearest Hub. Nope. No Chicks. I called the Pendleton folks. Express arrives at 10:30am, or 8:00 pm or 10:00 pm. This lady was no lady when I talked with her. Grump! Gave her my phone number and asked if she would call us at 10:30 am. She never called.
At 11:00 am, since no call, I called the Pendleton office, again. A man answered. I shared our story. He was very sympathetic. He took my number, and called Portland, the other stop for Express before coming to Pendleton. He called back. The chicks were in Portland! Next step: To Pendleton, and arrive at 10:30 pm. For us? We had to drive to get them. Over two mountain passes. In frigid weather. But, the clearest night of the week!
Still Wednesday. I did our Thanksgiving Meal shopping. Home at 5pm. Made a nice dinner of lamb chops, artichokes,and rice. Movie Night. National Treasure. Hmm.. almost as good as Thanksgiving!
Pendleton is 1.5 hours away. Dick and Sami left at 9:15 pm. I took a nap at 8pm and woke at 9pm stayed up - to be their support. I cleaned the oven, set the Thanksgiving Table, drank coffee, finished a layout, and blog surfed. I actually saw Tim's big announcement!!!!! At 12:07am!!!! Me!
At 11pm Sami called. They had the chicks and were on their way home! (Reminder: There is a whole story about there trip - to be written)..
At 12:30 pm they got home. Dick set the chicks up in the barn with food, electrolites, and a heat lamp, and Earnest - their babysitter.
All to bed. I wore a beanie - our room is the coldest in the house. My daily attire now includes long under gear. Night-time includes socks in bed!
Thanksgiving Day: We all slept in! Tired. At 7am I made a big breakfast of bacon and eggs and mexican rice for the crew. I stayed in the kitchen most of the morning! Dinner was at 1pm.
Our dinner? A true bounty. Leg of Lamb (ours), brussel sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes with cream cheese (yummmmm!), salad, Sami's pumpkin pies, relish plate of pickled Okra, pickled baby corns, olives, and pickles from the Portland market. Special drinks: Cider for the kids, fancy wines for adults!
Appetizers and drinks and Poker until dinner was ready.
Naps until 4pm!
Chores. Poker. Leftovers. Pie. I just had pie:)
Around the table giving thanks? Food and a warm house. Unanimous!

Project 12 - October 2010

2010-11-24T23:27:00.000-08:00

The October Project 12 Sketch

My Layout - Click on images to enlarge and see all those fun photos!

A Closeup of some fun elements - dark purple pearls and a super cute 'press on'!

Another Closeup of another rubon, some cool rick rack ribbon, and pearls and those purple thickers!

OK! So this is only 4 days late:). I'm getting closer and closer to catching up! Although, I did skip September. I'll come back to it!

As a reminder, Project12 is a monthly sketch challenge hosted over at the Scrapbook and Cards Today Blog. There is a link over on the right side on my blog to go to their site and learn more about it. I have to tell you.. I am getting more comfortable with 2-page layouts and I am getting them done faster! Becky's sketches are fun to work with, so much, that I purchased the 2011 calendar they are selling on their blog/website! I can't wait to get it! An actual scrapbook calendar with sketches that I can hang over my scrappy zone!

I love this layout. Oh my gosh.. all of these fun papers, and colors and photos just were fun to play with! I love the photos of the pumpkins that my kids carved, and of them out in their costumes (my 'sitters' took the photos - I was out of town in CA) and of Sami's nails - which she did herself!

Supplies Used:
Patterned Papers: Pink Paislee, Cosmo Cricket, Dream Street Papers LLC, and a Digital patterned paper that I did my journaling on by Celeste Rockwood Jones of Design, Wash, Rinse, Repeat. Note: I am having issues with my printer. I can't feed thick cardstock or photo paper through it! Arrrrrr. I have destroyed many a cute patterned paper! Any hints???
Card Stock: Stampin' Up
Embellishments: Pink Paislee Rubons; Queen and Co. Dark Purple Pearls, American Crafts Dear Lizzy Thickers, and purple glittery rick rack ribbon purchased off a reel at a lss.

And, here is the journaling:

October 2010.

Turning to Fall. Some days are spent picking apples off the trees and storing them for winter breakfasts, and the start of sourdough pancakes.
Fluctuating weather. 18 degrees, 70 degrees.
The end of the Farmers Markets (ours).
Saying goodbye to soccer, and starting basketball and dance - both new for the kids this year.
Shorter days (which means darker mornings - yuck!) Neither of which is a good thing in our book.
And, then the real fun begins.. kicking off the holiday season - starting with Halloween!
Carving pumpkins at the Maxwell’s - it was raining so we did it in the shop. Power tools came out again...
I traveled to CA. Flew into Sacramento. Did ‘the trip’ with Erin, my BFF of 30 years. We were in Davis, San Carlos and Half Moon Bay. A great trip, but the reason was to celebrate the life of one of our own. Bittersweet. And, I missed Halloween! The first time in my kid’s lives.
The kids got to trick-or-treat twice - downtown in Baker with the two sweet gals that watched them overnight - and then on Halloween, in North Powder.
This October? A busy month. A sad month. And, life just rolls on.

Thanks for visiting sweet friends!!

I Have 'lots' To Be Happy About! And, Thank You Hero Arts!!!!!

2010-11-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

This morning the sun is out - brightening the snow and making our day a little warmer than predicted:)

It's ten degrees, instead of minus ten. And I am so happy for that! We still have a winter storm advisory, but for the moment, life is sunny.

I am also doing a little happy dance because the sweet people at Hero Arts randomly picked my blog as the featured 'blinkie' winner.. and I will be getting a goody box full of stamps!!! Happy.Happy.Happy!!!!!

What's a blinkie, you ask? See over there on the right? The super cute animated 'blinking' enticement for Hero Arts? That is a blinkie. And, if you click on it, you will go directly to the Hero Arts home page!

So.. in honor of my Hero Arts win, I thought I would share with you two cards that I recently made using one of my favorite Hero Arts stamps of 2010!

Featuring.... H5328 Row of Houses..

I made this one for last Saturday's 90 Minute Challenge!

And this was made for Jennifer McGuire's Week 6 - Thinking Inking over at 2Peas

Thank you for visiting!!!

My Mind's Eye - Challenge #17 - Sketch & 'Lessons Learned' Theme

2010-11-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

The challenge this month at the My Mind's Eye blog is to follow a sketch, and use the theme 'lessons learned'.


Sketch for Challenge 17 My Mind's Eye Blog

View One - Showing you some of the gorgeous MME elements I used

View 2: More Elements and a peek at my hidden journaling

View 3 - My accordion style hidden journaling


My Interpretation of the Sketch

Products Used: MME: Lost and Found Union Square designer papers, 'moments' buttons, 'favorite' brads, 'Beautiful Day' Trims - twine, and die cut accessories. I also used Cosmo Cricket tiny type letters. And, my journaling was written in word, printed out on regular paper, and distressed with Ranger Distress ink and adhered to one of the Union Square designer papers.

To see the challenge and other entries, go here: My Mind's Eye Blog . I just have to say, I really enjoy this blog! Such great 'life' stories are being shared through scrapbooking. And that is what it's all about!

Here is my hidden journaling:

Dorothy had it right. There’s no place like home. I found that out when I ‘went home’ after 20 something years to help celebrate the life of one of our own. A bittersweet reunion, you might say.

This group of friends, ‘Our Gang’, as we call ourselves, has known each other for decades. We tore up the town when we were in High School and in our early 20’s. We caused a lot of mischief and ironically we would be appalled if our children ever walked in our footsteps! Gradually we went our own ways – college, other towns, other States, other lives, and new families. And here we are, 25 years later. Still the same. Still caring for one another. Still there for each other. And still, family.

What lessons have I learned? I learned that my heart can still skip a beat when I am in the same room with some of ‘our boys’. I found out that my BFF, will always be my BFF, and through all the curve balls we have been thrown, we will always love each other. I found out, that I can be myself, in my own skin, and love it, and this group just accepts me for who I am. And, I found out, that no matter what happens in my own personal life, no matter how far removed from ‘our home’, this group of special friends, will always be there to celebrate life, as we each choose to live it. Andi. November 18, 2010.

*************************

Getting personal - more on the layout story... Last month one of our friends passed away from pancreatic cancer. We all knew she was ill, and had planned a get-together to celebrate with her, the last weekend of October. She wanted to celebrate in Half Moon Bay, CA, which is 'over the hill' from where we all grew up in San Carlos, CA. We planned this for about a month, and that very week, on Wednesday, our good friend Judy passed away. Those of us that could, still stuck with the plan to celebrate. And, I am so glad we did. It was a very emotional weekend - most of my friends are avid SF Giants Fans, and the world series was going on as well! I flew down from Oregon, and another one of our friends flew in from Washington. And, I landed in Sacramento and stayed with and carpooled with my BFF Erin whom I have known since I was my daughter's age! 12!!!! We were maids of honor for each other's weddings.

Anyway, this last month has been very emotional for me. I got to catch up with great friends, see my BFF and say goodbye to one of our own. You know, we miss so many opportunities to just be with the people we grew up with - the people that really know us - because of our own individual lives. And you know what? Life is short. Take those opportunities. You will be so glad you did!

Thanks for visiting...

Project 12 - August, 2010 - Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

2010-11-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

August Sketch - Project 12

My Interpretation of the sketch

Ah yes.. Another Project 12 layout!

About Project 12:
Each month Becky Fleck creates a sketch for a 'make a layout once a month' challenge, hosted by Design Team Member, Divinie, over at the Scrapbook and Cards Today Blog. I'm getting caught up! This was one of my New Year's Resolutions, if you recall! Only 2 more to go and I am caught up!

Supplies Used:
CS and little scallop punch: Stampin' Up
Big Scallop Embossing Punch: EK Success
Patterned Papers: October Afternoon & Cosmo Cricket
Stamp: Kim Hughes Spring Trees (Cornish Heritage Farms, so sorry they are no longer!)
Ink: Stampin' Up and Ranger
Embellishments: Cosmo Cricket and goodies from my Midnight Rooster Kits!

See the Vintage label above my journaling? It used to say 'Hudson' but I cut it out with a craft knife, and put 'Missouri' in it instead! Added a little distress ink to try and make it blend better than white.

Journaling Reads:

August 2010

For our big summer vacation, the kids and I went to Missouri to visit our favorite auntie, Paula! We flew into St. Louis and had a week of blissful days. Her apartment was right against a creek. Oh the sounds of the cicadas! I LOVE the sounds of the insects. The weather was wonderful with just a touch of humidity!

We got our school shopping done at Chesterfield, Mall where I used to work when I was in High School! And low and behold, they now have an Arichvers!!!

We showed the kids our old home, our schools and the Lake where we played.

We spent most of the time at Tan Tar A, a Resort at Lake of the Ozarks. We each had ‘our day of saying what activities we would do.

Jake: Bears Den Arcade

Sami: The Indoor Waterpark

Paula: Poolside, with cocktails!

Me: Golfing!

We were poolside daily, and had a blast. We also found outlet stores and Sami was in heaven with a visit to Aeropostale. And, every single day, we made sure we ate ice-cream.

Lake of the Ozarks

To go to project12, click on the Project12 button over on the right in my sidebar. It will take you to the Scrapbook and Cards Today Blog and give you all the scoop!

Thanks for visiting!

Today is Veteran's Day... Thank You to all!

2010-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

David Paul Walsh - My Father - A Marine

I come from a family of women... I have three sisters. My father was the sericeman in our family. He was a Marine. He went to Korea, but I don't know if he ever fought. It's a mystery in our family. He did not speak of these things. Some stories we just don't know, which is one reason I try to capture our stories when I scrapbook. My father died in 1990 - but not from anything related to his service to our country.

I would like thank all of our servicemen, servicewomen and their families that sacrifice for us. That are sacrificing right now, so that we may enjoy the warmth of our homes, the closeness of loved ones, our freedom to choose what jobs we want to work at, where we want to live, what we want to learn, and who we want to represent us when we vote.

We are lucky. We are blessed.

If your family is one that is giving on our behalf, I thank you.

If one of your family members is deployed right now, my prayers are with his/her safety, and your peace.

Project 12 - July, 2010 - Silver Lake, CA

2010-11-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

July Sketch - Project 12

My Interpretation of the Sketch

Close Up of some of the elements

Another Close Up

Things are finally slowing down for me and I am catching up on my Project 12 layouts! Today I finished up my July layout of our trip to Silver Lake, CA.

*** To go to the Project 12 challenge site, hosted by Scrapbook and Cards Today, click on the Project 12 blinkie on the right side of my blog ***

I LOVE the 2nd page of this 2 page spread. I printed the photo of the sailboat out in black and white, and gosh, it just makes my spirit happy!

Supplies Used:
Bazzill, (textured) and Stampin' Up (black) cardstock
Creative Imaginations Patterned Paper (butterflies)
Crystal Stickers Black Pearls
October Afternoon ticket stub stickers (October Midnight Rooster Kit)
Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch
Stampin' Up Border Punches

Journaling reads:

July 2010 –

When Dick was young, he spent his summer’s at Silver Lake, in CA near Susanville. The family cabin was sold long ago, and late July we found out his sister had it for a week! With just 2 weeks to plan, each of our kids got to invite a guest and we hit the road!

The drive was long. From Eastern Oregon to Burns Oregon to Alturas, CA and then to the Susanville area. And getting to the lake? Practically impossible! If it wasn’t for a paper pie plate, we would have missed the turnoff!

Sami and Jake got to do all the things their daddy did during his summer months. They sailed, they paddled canoes, they hiked to the small lakes nearby, they roasted marshmallows at night, and Jake got to climb the rocks across the lake and even found the cave where his Grandfather and his dad both had written their names. Jake got to write his name also.

With no electricity, or even cell phone service we were off the grid. We managed just fine with antique gas lamps and wood-heated cook stoves. The best part? Seeing Dick be a kid again!

SILVER LAKE, CALIFORNIA

Thanks for visiting!

Sami's Perfectly Placed Pleats - Moxie Fab World Challenge

2010-10-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Sami's Entry for the Perfectly Placed Pleats Challenge

So.. Sami likes to do challenges! Yesterday she strolled through my blog reader looking for her favorites, and stumbled upon the Moxie Fab World Perfectly Placed Pleats Challenge.

I am just her photographer and blog poster!

Here are her supplies:

Sentiment: Hero Arts Holiday Sayings
Christmas Tree: Her version of unique pleats
Racoon Stamp: Imaginisce - Apple Cider Collection
Star Punch: Stampin' Up
Copic Markers
Cardstock and Paper stock: Archivers, Stampin' Up

Any praise left will be shared with Sami!

Hybrid Layout - Cathy Z. Template meets My Minds Eye Lost & Found

2010-10-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Step 1: I created a digi layout using Cathy Z's 'The Monthy' Album Set - Available at Designer Digitals


Step 2: I printed the digi layout, then created a 12x12 with the MME Lost & Found "Boy" Collection

Oh friends....
I am in crafty heaven!!!! Between three different tutorials, and some wee hour video watching (3:30am this morning!) I think I have finally gotten this whole digi hybrid thing - well, at least using templates!

Confession: I have tried digiscrapping several times. I have purchased three different online classes, all very good, and from very talented instructors, but the LIGHT BULB just wasn't turning on! And, I have purchased some lovely kits, only to get frustrated when my computer would not do what I was telling it to do (actually, it was doing exactly what I told it to do, but I was of course, doing the wrong wrong wrong things over and over.. Mainly, when using the templates and trying to get my photos into different layers and CLIP them!)

Here are the links that helped me, which are all free, and are all on blogs that I subscribe to, that finally master clipping, and get to the layout you see above:
1. This past week's featured theme on Write.Click.Scrapbook was hybrid scrapbooking. Francine Clouden has several great tutorials on creating a hybrid page using layered templates! And, she had some links to two other great tutorials...
2. Here is the one from Cathy Zielske, which also includes a free template. I watched her video over and over. THEN, the light-bulb finally went on! I got it!!!!!
3. And, the icing on the cake... Ali Edwards has an awesome 40 minute long tutorial that takes you step by step through all things layered in templates!!! LOVE that one!

And, here are the products that I used:
1. 8 1/2 x 11 Monthly Layered Templates kit by Cathy Zielske, via Designer Digitals
2. My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Kit: Portobello Road. Patterned Papers, button, twine, bicycle stamp, and sticker embellishment. LOVE LOVE LOVE this kit! Thank you MME!!!!! (I won the entire Lost and Found collection one fine day, when stalking their blog!)
3. Ink: Stampin' Up Going Gray. See that little bicycle down near the September title? The color matches this collection perfectly!!!!!!!
4. HP Premium Plus Photo Paper: Soft Gloss. 11.5 mil. The weight is very important! I was upset when I first opened it because the paper is 'thin'. But for this type of work - layering onto other papers, I LOVE IT!!!

Journaling Reads: 24! That is how many miles you rode your bike for the school bike-a-thon for the Newport Trip! The route was 5 miles. I thought '5' would be it! YOU raised $200 dollars! WAY TO GO JAKE!

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Background story about my layout: My son was in a bike-a-thon for school one fine day in September. I found out on a Monday, or Tuesday, that he was expected to ride his bike (on one of my market days), to raise money for his class trip to Newport, Oregon (in May of 2011) that Friday. I was having a lovely conversation with his 6th grade teacher about him not being prepared, and that I had to drive 60 miles for work that day, etc. First, I was a bit peeved about the lack of communication from the teacher. And, that we had to get pledges (it's always a 'we' thing) for the ride, and this was just poor timing. Anyway, we 'manned' up. The course was 5 miles. I got all the pledges within 24 hours (thank you family and friends!). My son rode 24 miles! This is a boy that does not ride his bike - hardly ever (on a ranch, nearest paved road is a highway and I do NOT allow the kids to ride w/o me). I was so proud of him!!! He did it, he was exhausted afterward, and he raised $200!!!!!

Thank you for visiting! And THANK YOU so much to the blogs that helped me finally 'get it'!

MME Challenge #16 - Use Black, and a Sketch

2010-10-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

My Minds Eye - Challenge #16 Sketch

My Interpretation - Family Watch Dog

I've had this layout in pieces and parts on my crafty desk for quite some time! Today, I finally got time to play with it. Then, I discovered I'm a day late (and a dollar short!). I'm sharing it anyway, and I'll share it on the MME Blog as well.

The challenge got me motivated to do something and that is the best part!

The photo? That's our retired dog Ernest. He's out in one of the fields south of the house, watching his master work with other dogs and the cattle. Ernest is now a yard dog - and does a lot of watching, instead of working.

Supplies Used:
My Minds Eye - Quite Contrary Patterned Papers
My Minds Eye - Lost & Found Stamps (flourish, family)

Bazzill Cardstock
Kim Hughes Stamp (tree - from the Spring Trees Collection - a fave!)
Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type
American Crafts Thickers
Clouds created from quilting batting.
Inks: Stampin Up, Stazon, Sharpie

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas in October!!!!!

2010-10-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow.

I struck gold my crafty friends... Struck Gold!

Remember my new Expression Cricuit (birthday present from my ever so sweetest sister in 2009)?

Well, it looks like it has a new BFF!!!!!

Have your heard about the new Cricuit Circle Club?

We are going to be fast friends, because of this! Sarah Martina's Announcement!

Uh huh... That's right.

The gypsy and I. Pals. Buddies. Just in time for Christmas!!!!!

Thank you Sarah, ProvoCraft and Cricut!!!!!!!

falalalalalala!

Soccer Games That Get Played in the Dark! And What Happens When the Kids Are in Charge!

2010-10-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, there was a game going on when I shot this! Poor kids!

That's Better. Gradually the full moon rose under the clouds - and the sun went down on the other side!

Oops. I shot more moon shots than kid shots. Nice mix of dirt mound, wheel lines, and housing, eh?

Different Day - Better Light. There's a ball in the air instead of the moon!

Fall. The bummer about this time of year and outdoor sports, and living so far up in the Northern Hemisphere is the shorter days. Our soccer games are played at a Sports Complex - with no outdoor lighting.

Then, you have the ever so brilliant schedule makers, who schedule 6:16 pm games,for our age group (older kids, later bedtimes) that run 1.25 hours, yet the sunset is 6:28 pm - seriously. I looked it up just now.

And sunrise? 6:52 am. I'm sitting here in the dark at home at 6:08 am!

The kids won their 10 am Saturday game yesterday (yeah! And against some amazon Bigger kids. All the other teams have huge monster kids. This is the age group before High School Soccer. We are playing the same age group - 10-14, however, ours are the youngest (you can play up, not down and ours are aged 9-12). Sami said 'some big fat girl' pushed her down. Good thing I was not there and a safe 150 miles away in Boise. I have those mommy instincts. Killer mommy instincts. I'm sure the big man upstairs deliberately had me elsewhere so I would not have embarrassed my dd, or the coach or the rest of the team - and those parents that watch without saying a peep. I have fantasy visions of me encouraging my daughter to take her out or say something snarky, like 'excuse me for getting in your way'. But she did the right thing. She got up, and walked off and hid her tears!).

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Speaking of kids... I left at 4am.. all they had to do, was wake up, eat, have their soccer stuff ready and do chores. I called at 6am to wake them. And on my second (third?) call, at 6:15am, they were up and moving. The game was 9:15 am.

Well.... Something happened during that whole time frame. Rumor has it (well, reality), that their ride arrived (even a half hour late!) while they were still out in one of the fields changing wheel lines. Jake was out in the field while Sami ran home and got both of their soccer gear.

Between them, at the game, they had 1 pair of sox, and 3 soccer shoes! They had to take turns playing! But they had their jerseys! And their team still won!

And, a 'new dog' was at the house when I got home. While they were doing the morning chores, they had time to find a stray dog, bringt it home, set it up with food and water, and well.. got side tracked!!!

Cute kids.

And the dog is back with her family:)

More Missouri Shares! Layouts Made While On Vacation

2010-10-03T05:49:00.000-07:00


2 Pager of our 2009 McCall Idaho Trip (Not completed - still needs work)

Another 2 Pager of McCall Trip


One Pager - of Sami at 'Our Pool' - She was NOT Happy to Share her Pool!

These are the layouts I made when I was in Missouri. I had packed some supplies and took them with me. Sami did too! This was my morning therapy. Just playing with goodies while the everyone was waking up!

The last two on white cardstock are messing with me... The photos have that funky 'casting' going on, and I tried to make them white in PSE with the eyedrop tool, but alas, this is what it is!

So.. I think that's a wrap!!!!

Again, thanks for looking!

Andi's Day! Missouri - Photo Share - Batch #5

2010-09-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

The View from our Terrace

My Foot - with a Peace Sign courtesy of Sami

There I am! Like that Rooster Tail pony tail job?

Me... Lovin' Missouri (and my farmer tan)

My Day - Golf!

Jeff - Childhood Friend from CA - but also in Missouri!

Just a Sign!

The Capitol - Jefferson, MO

The Girls

So.. as you see, there are not many photos of me! My sista (the one on the right in the photo above) has not loaded her photos yet.. rats.rats.rats.

Our home in Chesterfield, MO

What's this???? An Archivers in the town I lived in???? Come to Mama! It's a sign!

Poolside!

My toes... I have lots of feet photos! My self portraits...

Loving our deck and the morning sun!

Morning goofy face... Where's my coffee? Don't you people know I need coffee!

Oh.. I miss Missouri. I miss the sun, the beauty, the landscapes and my little sis and her son....

We had a blast. We all said we would love to move there! Love it.Love it.Love it.

My 'day' was golfing. Which, only my sister and I really seemed to enjoy! So.. it was one hour of lessons for all.

Yet, each day, I dabbled in some scrapbooking (I took it with me!) during the first morning hour or so, had a blast either swimming, or lounging, or eating, or drinking or napping or laughing or driving or just plain getting on my sisters nerves... we do that. I love her dearly.

I would do it all over again in a minute! Love Missouri. Love my sista. Hope to get back again, but before another 6 years flies by!

Thanks for looking. I still have one more batch!

Layout - Sweet Bunnies - Midnight Rooster September Kit

2010-09-26T14:58:00.000-07:00


Sweet Baby Bunnies

I just got my September Midnight Rooster Kit (OK, on Thursday) and got to play today!
In addition to the kit, I used some of the Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type letters, and two embellishments from previous kits - the white flower, and the journaling card.

Note: You can click on the Midnight Rooster Blinkie on the right side of my blog to go see this kit as well as the post ones.

Journaling:

Sweet Baby Bunnies. Mopsy's Bunnies (above) and Bitsy's Bunnies (right). Photos from Nov. 2009.

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Yes, that's right! Two sets of bunnies from two different mama bunnies... at one time we had 12 rabbits - all Sami's. Phew!

And speaking of bunnies, we have another set of bunnies right now in the barn.. way way way cute!

Here's a photo of the little suckers:

Two of Suzy's Bunnies

All of Suzy's Baby Bunnies!

Still got more to share!

90 Minute Challenge - The Result - Candy Cane Cozy Moments

2010-09-26T12:41:00.000-07:00


The Challenge: Make your own background paper with stamps

Alrighty folks...I'm back! I'm trying to catch up on all that I did last week, and boy, what a week it was! (More shares coming up!)....

I played in last Monday night's 90 Minute Challenge over at the Hero Arts Flickr site, and boy, was THAT a challenge! It started at 5:30 pm, during the 'dinner hour' so I was multitasking - actually making dinner, eating dinner and helping Sami with math homework... What a workout! I did manage to 'forget' to put water in with the Kale... and the bottom of the pan was 'crispy'. The only moisture was the water droplets from washing the goods... hilarious.

Needless to say, I did get a card made and it's right there, up above.

All stamps are from Hero Arts... And, boy, some of the entries are drop dead gorgeous! Those girls can 'stamp' under pressure! You can see all the beautiful entries can be seen: If you Click Here!

Thanks for the visit!

Latest News: Got a call this morning.. My MIL is coming Tuesday night!

ACK!!!! Speed Cleaning is on the list!

Coming Up! Monday's 90 Minute Scramble Challenge: Hostess: Virginia

2010-09-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

Next on the fun list is one of the 90 minute scramble challenges being posted over at the Hero Arts Flickr site.
If you click on the link, it should take you to the thread of all the 90 minute scramble challenges with each hostess and her date and time of the challenge.

Here's how it works: Each week a different hostess will take charge, during a different 90 minute segment during that week, and post a challenge giving us JUST 90 MINUTES to make a card! (Edited to ad: I noticed that not all the weeks are filled in yet, so check back often!).

*** Edited to Add: Here are the Guidelines! ****

For this one you'll need to create and upload a one layer card! That means 1 layer of cardstock for the base and no additional paper layers. Embellishments like gems, pearls, ribbon, etc. are fine to use...just no extra paper!

This challenge will end in 1.5 hours!

And, if you would like to see some examples, click on THIS THREAD for last week's submissions.

The genius behind this inspiration occurred last weekend during the Hero Arts Operation Write Home Birthday Bash which was hosted by Tami, one of the Hero Arts Blog hostesses and artists. I tried to multitask and make my family their dinner and eat during the time block. Needless to say, I failed miserably hand have a Christmas Card sitting in my 'recycle' pile!

So, for tomorrow's night's challenge I hope to be better prepared (once again it's during the dinner cooking time, so it will be a challenge!). Virginia has already hinted that she has a great idea at the ready for all of us!

On my preparation list is to get my crafty area cleaned (let's just say 'tidy' instead - cleaning would take a week or so), supplies at the ready, and hopefully I will be organized enough to find any needed theme related items and go go go!

So.. care to join me?

Tomorrow night, 5:30 pm, Pacific! Just 90 minutes.

Technique Tag - For Gaal Creative Challenge!

2010-09-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

My Technique Tag for Anne's Challenge

So! I did it!
I completed a tag for Anne Gaal's current challenge over on her Gaal Creative Blog.

From the list of 25 techniques that she shared (and, that she has provided tutorials on in her blog posts, just do a search under 'techniques'), I used:

1. Making a Distress Ink background using blending tool and foam
3. Water splotching on Distress Inks
10. Using glossy accents as glue (to adhere the torn tag piece to the bottom tag, and to adhere the leaves)
15. Resisting with clear embossing

Supplies Used:
Tim Holtz Ranger distress ink colors: Spiced Marmalade, Pine Needles, Vintage Photo, Broken China, Black Soot
Black Stazon Ink (sentiment)
Stamps: Stampin Up (stampin' around wheel and sentiment)
ribbons: Prima (yellow lace), and unknown for the brown stripe stuff
White clear embossing powder
Versamark
Water spritzer, and craft matt also by ranger
heat gun

So! There you have it! Thank you Anne!

ps. Sami is making one too!

Sami's Day! Missouri - Photo Share - Batch #4

2010-09-19T08:32:00.000-07:00


Sami and her long wrap around legs! Salt Lake Airport


Playful Sami with her Auntie Paula

Sami on the rght - Pink Goggles and all! Jake, and Paula

Sami Capturing the Morning Sun - Love that Bed Head!

Swoosh!

Fashion Sami - Wearing her Hollister Hoody, and her Aeropostale Loot, and Skeechers Shoes

Golfer Sami - And new Shoes -

Sami's Day - Indoor Water Park (funky photo)

Bikini Sami - A 12 year old lean fighting machine!

Super Swoosh down the enclosed tube - doubled up with Jake!

Sami's Day - Indoor Water Park


Lovin' every part of it!


Miss Legs


The climb to the top!

I'm back again with my Sunday share's from our epic trip to Missouri.

Sami's Day was all about the indoor water park. Once again, we pretty much had the place to ourselves! The kids were busy sliding and playing.

And I am sharing photos from other days that feature our Sam Sam. That's her 'family name' - what I have been calling her since she was a wee babe. Kind of like Bam Bam, but Sam Sam.

Sami also loves to shop. We did our school clothes shopping on this trip and the big thing at her school is all things 'Aeropostale' or 'Hollister'. Labels. Fashion. The in thing.

Thanks for visiting!

Current To Do Challenges On My List - Anne Gaal's Technique Tag Challenge

2010-09-19T06:09:00.000-07:00

OK.. I thought I would post about the challenges that I am wanting to do.. before I do them!

The current one on my list is Anne Gaal's Technique Tag Challenge

Anne is one of the first people I met over at the Hero Arts Fickr Site. She does all sorts of amazing things and techniques on her blog Gaal Creative.

The challenge is due tomorrow, by end of the evening. And one random winner will get a beautiful stamp set!

So, if you have time, let's play today! There aren't that many entries right now and wouldn't it be great to pack that place with tags?

And, be sure to tell her Andi sent you!