fresh air crafting

Been Busy

2010-01-26T10:43:00.003-06:00

So it's been a little while since I've been on here! But I have good excuses! You know, being a mom, the holidays and well, just life in general.

I decided that I need to do a "use your stash" challenge. I have too much fabric that needs to be used. (I know the blog used to be more about paper stuff but I've moved back to fabrics. Sorry if it's paper crafts you're looking for.)

Over the weekend, I tweaked my shoulder somewhere between carrying the kiddo and sleeping on it wrong. I decided that I needed one of those rice bags. I did a little blog surfing and found a tutorial here. I dug through my stash of woven fabrics and grabbed some natural muslin for the bag to hold the rice and some apples and pears fabric for the cover. Not long after, I had my rice bag!

It worked wonderfully, my shoulder is feeling much better and I'm back to carrying the kiddo!

Mama's Been Busy!

2009-10-14T13:03:00.003-05:00

Whew! Have I been busy these past few months! It's been great and I LOVE being a mom! It's hard to believe that my little guy will be 5 months next week! Time really flies by too fast.

So far, we love cloth diapering. Which is a good thing for me, since I love to sew diapers! It's really addictive especially with all the cute and super soft fabrics. Here's a sample of some that I've made recently.

I have about 30 smalls (the current size) in my stash. I'm hoping that I can actually get most of the mediums made before he outgrows his smalls!

I'm a Mommy!!!

2009-05-23T05:21:00.002-05:00

In case you haven't heard, our son was born earlier this week! I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it is to be a mom! (Of course, those of you with kids already know exactly what I mean!) So far, he is a perfect baby who is very calm except when he's hungry! He's currently napping so that's what I should be doing as well!

I had to quick get on here to let the few of you who read this know that I will be taking an indefinite leave from the blog to focus on being a mom. Plus, I really have absolutely no time to even think about crafting!

I Got my Baby Back!

2009-05-13T09:08:00.004-05:00

I got my baby back last Friday! Just so we're clear, my baby is my sewing machine not to be confused with the baby in my belly (which can come any day now!).

I spent almost my entire weekend sewing like a fiend! It was great!

I made some Quick Snap Flat Wraps (QSFW) minus the snaps because I don't have a poly resin snap press. I'm just planning on using a Snappi. (Yes, these diapers are on my pressing ham in the photos!)

I also made a couple tiny PUL covers and contour diapers to use with them. Seriously these are tiny!! They fit in my hand and I have small hands! I really hope they fit and work for those first few days! Apparently my doctor doesn't think that my baby will be as little as I was hoping him to be! I was a little baby and my LO is estimated to be at least 2 pounds larger as of last week! (I blame the half loaf of french bread I ate last week along with the pan of brownies that I insisted needed to be eaten with several scoops of ice cream and then smothered in caramel sauce! Mmmmm.... yummy!)

It's a good day to be...

2009-05-06T07:17:00.002-05:00

I've been running a little slow lately. We've have some flooring replaced in the house which lead to us having to clean the entire house top to bottom! I highly don't recommend having tile floors removed while being 9 months pregnant! At least I now have pretty new floors and a very clean house!

With all the cleaning, I haven't been doing a whole lot of crafting. I have managed to make all the cards I'll need this month so when our little guy arrives, I just have to remember to put them in the mail. I did manage to do some small sewing projects last week but then my machine started to make a bad noise and funky stitches. I generally hate having to bring my machine in for repairs. They usually try to convince you that you need to upgrade (which I don't and promptly told them that) and the last time it took several months to get it back! I can't go without my machine for that long!!

Which leads me to my post title...

Monday, was a great day to be very pregnant!

I dropped off my sewing machine after calling an getting a time estimate of 7-10 days. The man I talked with didn't hassle me too much about upgrading. Plus when I asked him about the turn-around time and if it was still the 7-10 days, he asked who I talked to on the phone and then promptly asked if I would like it sooner. Ummm... gee... YES!!! He said that he would try to move it up in the queue and that he might get to it still this week! Then he chit chatted about how one of the ladies who works in the store just had her baby and then asked all the normal questions to me. (Honestly, I'm trying not to be too excited because I'm more of a "I'll believe it when I see it" type of person.)

Then I had a quick little dentist appointment. Generally I despise dentists. I have had some of the worst experiences with them ever since I was a kid. I switched dentists this past fall and so far, it's been fairly pleasant. It was cute how all the ladies were leaning over the receptionist's counter to see just how pregnant I am. The hygienist was very nice with making sure I was comfortable in the chair even if it meant it was a harder angle for her to do the cleaning. Plus, they gave me the best compliment on my teeth that I have ever gotten! (I don't have horrible teeth, it's just that as a child, I was highly prone to cavities.)

After the dentist, I made a quick trip to the grocery store to grab some basics. You know, ice cream (yummy, yummy ice cream!) and milk plus a few other items. As I was walking up towards the checkout lanes, my eyes locked onto the man from the bakery who just happened to be putting out the fresh baked french bread. He definitely noticed my look because he'd place a loaf on the rack, check my progress at waddling my way over to him, place another loaf on the rack, check my progress again, repeat. By the time I made my way over there, he had a loaf in hand waiting for me to ask for it. He even set it in my basket for me since I had the basket in one hand and the gallon of milk in the other. I was so happy! But that wasn't all! I took my place at the end of the express line and the gentleman in front of me turns and told me to go ahead of him since I didn't have too much! He only had two items and I had at least five or six! It was so nice of him! Plus traffic stopped for me so I could waddle across the parking lot to my car!

I think I must have smiled the whole way home. Of course, once there and the groceries were put away, I promptly ate half the loaf of bread! We all know, that it's so much better while it's still warm from the oven!

It really was a great day! Now, if only I can get my sewing machine back....

Assembly Line Sewing

2009-04-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

I FINISHED!!! What a project! I don't think I'll attempt it again any time soon. I think the worst part was putting on all the snaps! 4 pairs of snaps per shirt, 7 shirts equals way too many for me! :D

4 short sleeved 3-6 month shirts

3 long sleeved 6-9 month shirts

I love how they turned out! The white is so white, won't be once they start being worn but they are for now! I think my favorite one is the animal print one with the white short sleeves. I didn't have enough print fabric left for the sleeves so I used white instead and love it!!

Turtle Blanket

2009-04-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Over this past weekend, I took a break from my assembly line sewing project to make this cute blanket.

I found the pattern on youcanmakethis.com. I've really been liking that site lately!

I used a cotton print for the front (how could I pass up those turtles) and some faux minkee for the back. The faux minkee has raised heart shapes and it is so super soft! I finished the edges off with some light blue jumbo ric rac that matches the light blue on some of the turtles and circles as well as looks very nice from the backside with the ivory. It really was an easy and fairly quick blanket to make.

Happy Birthday

2009-04-14T08:00:00.002-05:00

Here's a quick card I made for one of my friends whose birthday is later this week. How tempting is that slice of cake??

ETA: All stamps by A Muse --- Happy birthday mix (9-8251B), Tiny Slice (7-2414A), Cafe chairs (7-7048D retired) and Cafe Table (7-7047C retired)

Frames

2009-04-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wow, was last week a busy week!! I was working on a fairly large assembly line sewing project but I still haven't quite finished it. Hopefully I'll be able to finish it up this week!

Here are a few frames that I altered.

These are just the unfinished wood frames from Michael's that cost $1. I painted them with some ivory acrylic paint. I added a little texture with a canvas background stamp, then finished them off with sentiments and ribbon.

More Pencil Shading

2009-04-03T07:48:00.002-05:00

Wow! Where did this week go??? I can't believe it's already Friday!

Here's a "not as quick as normal" card I managed to do this week. I wanted to try some more pencil shading on a larger image. I think it's okay but it could be better! I guess I'll stick to the smaller images that I enjoy!

Have a great weekend!

Pencil Shading

2009-03-31T10:13:00.002-05:00

One of the things I've wanted to work on is shading while coloring images with the Koh-I-Nor pencils. I have no interest in going the whole OMS route just because I like simple and quick.

Here's a quick card I made last week to try shading by just varying the pressure on the pencil while coloring.

I really like how it turned out. I'll have to search for some more images I can try this with.

Bones and Dalmations

2009-03-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

I couldn't resist this fabric when I saw it on clearance at JoAnn fabrics. Of course, it was on a weekend when their clearance fabrics are 50% off. So I picked up a yard for $2.50! I didn't even use half of it to make this shoulder snap t-shirt and diaper cover. With the prices of other fabrics and notions I needed to make these, it probably cost me about $4. That's the price of a t-shirt from WalMart or Target. PUL diaper covers run anywhere from roughly $8 to $15. That's a good savings in my book!

This was my first time sewing with PUL (polyurethane laminate) fabric. I've heard some say that it can be difficult to sew with but I just slapped my walking foot onto my machine and it sewed just as smooth as butter! I placed my Aplix (diapering version of Velcro) a little too high on the front piece but it'll still work just fine.

It always seems like no matter what pattern I use for shirts, they look much wider than the ones you find in the store. For this one, I used a Kwik Sew pattern which is supposed to be truer to size than most of the other brands. (I have the diaper cover closed on the smallest setting so the shirt looks even wider.) Oh well, as my DH tells me, "He'll always grow into them".

Wohoo! It's Friday! Have a great weekend!

New Maternity Top

2009-03-26T08:07:00.003-05:00

One thing I've discovered is that - Yes, you can outgrow your maternity clothes! My biggest problem is that tops tend to be too short especially after repeated washings.

Here's a top that I made earlier last week. It's a little snugger around the belly than I like. I've had a terribly itchy belly throughout the entire pregnancy so far. I can't really tolerate anything touching it! I preshrunk the fabric so hopefully it'll fit for a few more days, right? ;D

Crib Sheets

2009-03-25T08:38:00.003-05:00

Here's a quick peek at our crib.

Originally I was going to try to go with either dog print fabric (since I love dogs, in case you didn't know) or some plaid flannels. But once I saw this brightly colored fish fabric, I was in love! DH was all for using this fabric because he's a fish guy and all the bright colors are highly stimulating. I had to wait for the fabric to come off it's 30% off sale just so I could go back and use a 40% off coupon for it. I'm all about getting fabric for as cheap as I possibly can!

I made the crib sheets to match the bumpers. (The extra sheets are the orange and blue fabrics laying on the mattress.) The sheets were so easy to make and they match perfectly!

I'd love to hear from you about whether or not you used crib bumpers with your children. I've read that most doctors are recommending not using them since they can contribute to SIDS. But I'd love to hear your opinions!

Baby Legs

2009-03-24T18:54:00.003-05:00

So last week I shared cards, so this week I'll try to share some of my sewing projects.

This is a pair of baby legs that I made from a pair of ladies knee-high socks. The one on the top is the original sock. It's not a normal sock since it doesn't cover the toes, it just goes over the heel. Weird, huh? No wonder I found them on clearance a little while back. All you do to make them is cut out the heel part with straight lines and sew the foot part back on. (If it's a regular sock, cut the toes part off and fold in half before stitching back on.)

If you don't know what baby legs are, they are essentially leg warmers for babies that cover from ankle all the way up the thigh. It's a great alternative for pants in the cooler months. Plus I've heard that it helps speed up diaper changes since you don't have to take pants off.

I can't wait to try them next winter!

I'm on a roll...

2009-03-20T18:36:00.003-05:00

I've really been on a roll this week with posting!!

This is another really quick card using pretty much the same layout as this one and this one.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Relax

2009-03-19T08:00:00.002-05:00

Originally I planned on using these images to make a set of four cards but at the last minute I decided to use all of them on one. I love how all the soft colors go together!

Have a great day!

Have a Bee-utiful Day!

2009-03-18T07:19:00.003-05:00

The weather is heating up here in Texas! It feels a little like summer this week. What better way to celebrate than to do it with this...

Strawberry Pie!! It's one of my favorites especially since DH is the one to make it!

Now onto a quick card...

I really liked the layout of yesterday's card so I used it again! I've had this sentiment for a little while but just got around to inking it up.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2009-03-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

Wow! Three consecutive days with posts! I have to admit that I'm impressed with myself!

Here's a quick card I made for my DH today. We don't really ever celebrate the day but I couldn't resist using the sentiment and tiny shamrock from A Muse!

It's a Little Late...

2009-03-16T09:38:00.003-05:00

It's a little late but here's the Valentine's Day card my made for my DH. Let's just say, I've had a little thing for homemade chocolate milkshakes (even with the whip cream!) for the past several months....

(sorry it's a little blurry)

Here's a close up of the milkshake. I used liquid applique for the whipped cream and paper glaze on the glass. I stamped the image on the inside of the card and again on some scrap paper, colored the scrap paper one, trimmed around it and pop-dotted it up for a little more dimension.

Just Gotta Share

2009-03-15T07:35:00.002-05:00

I've seen this online a few times and I just have to share it! It makes me giggle everytime!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19137847

Baby Cards

2009-03-09T09:48:00.002-05:00

This is a sample of some of the cards I've been making in advance for thank yous. I've realized that I don't use my embossing folders nearly enough so I whipped one out for this!

MIA

2009-03-06T13:10:00.003-06:00

Sorry I've been MIA lately!

Life has been absolutely CRAZY around here lately. We're definitely in the full swing of getting ready for the baby! I've been busy sewing, cleaning and organizing. I've taken pictures of most things but I just run out of steam before I reach the computer!

Here's a quick prego shot. (Just ignore the look on my face and shininess! DH was making me laugh and it's getting hot out already!)

This is a shirt that I made back in early December. I've been waiting to grow into it and for the weather to get hot. We're definitely there now! One thing I love about this shirt is that it's lightweight and actually long enough to fully cover my belly! I hate the feeling that I'm outgrowing my maternity shirts!

Hopefully, I'll be able to post a little more but I'm not making any guarantees! :D

What a Wonderful World

2009-02-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a quick, super simple card I made while listening to Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World.

Life Is Green

2009-02-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

Here is another pocket diaper I made a little while back.

I absolutely love this fabric for a couple reasons.
1) It's green! (green's my favorite color!)
2) Really it's green! Seriously. Green. Like "crunchy" green. I forget the exact percentage but ~30% of the fabric content is made from recycled plastic.

I made four of these in different sizes just so my little one can wear them longer!

Welcome Baby!

2009-02-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a quick little card I made last week for a neighbor who just had a baby girl!

Something's Fishy

2009-02-10T16:55:00.002-06:00

Over the holidays, my DH and I combined our talents on a special project for our upcoming little one. DH is the artist and I'm the crafter. We've never combined the two before but I can see us doing it more in the future!

I made the shirts. DH drew and painted the fish.

My favorite is the shark! What's yours???

No Time for Crafting

2009-01-28T06:45:00.002-06:00

I've officially reached the nesting phase! I spend most of my time trying to figure out how to better organize our house and cleaning. I even scrubbed out the inside of my washing machine last night! Really, who does that???

Anyhow, I just haven't been spending much time crafting lately. My back bothers me too much to sit for too long!

A Little More Organization

2009-01-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

Besides being OCD, I'm also a list maker. Always have been, always will be. For me, it's just the best way to get the most done in the shortest amount of time.

I almost never go to the grocery store without my list. I keep a notebook especially for the grocery store but I get annoyed that I never have a place to keep my coupons. So I decided to make my own little folder for my weekly trips to the grocery store.

I took a file folder and folded the bottom up and secured it to create pockets to store my coupons. One pocket for my stash and the other for ones being used that trip.

I made the other side of the folder into my list side. I trimmed down some loose leaf notebook paper to fit.

I kept it simple on the front by just adding some A Muse paper.

I adore my new little folder and it works perfect for me at the grocery store!

What a Mess!

2009-01-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

One morning last week, I decided that I just couldn't live with the mess that has become my desk!

I've been told that I'm slightly OCD (okay so that is most likely an underestimate) but I really can't stand messes like this especially in my crafty areas. So I spent most of that morning cleaning it up.

Cleaning for me also involves reorganizing!! Which means I needed to make some things to help contain the clutter.

I've eyed up these boxes that Geeta made. I finally had the reason to make some! The first one I left the lid off just so I can have a quick place to stash my recently made cards.

The second one I made specifically for the BRAKs I send out. I used to just keep them in a ziploc bag on my desk but I really like having them in a cute little box! They now have a real home! Hopefully I'll remember to actually mail them!

Preparing for Next Winter

2009-01-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

I decided that since I have all my fleece out, I'd make a sleep sack for our little one to use next year. I'm not entirely sure I made the right size or that I'll use it but I think it's just too cute to at least not try!!

I made the applique out of some scrap quilting fabric. Hmmm... I still haven't finished the quilt it's from but that's a story for another day (or year) when I actually finish the quilt!! I haven't appliqued for a long time and now I'm looking at every single shirt asking what image I could do on that! It'll be hard to just have plain tees for him!!

Recycled Project

2009-01-15T07:47:00.003-06:00

So I did really well posting last week but this week has well, kind of slipped by me! I even had projects finished and photographed!!

One of the things I wanted to do more of **ahem... start** is doing more recycled projects. My DH and I have tons of t-shirts that we no longer wear but they still have some good life in them. Some of those shirts are sentimental and difficult to give away! I've decided to use some of them to make some clothing for our upcoming arrival.

I cut the applique from one of the free t-shirts we received when we got married. We got married at the Salt Lick down in Driftwood TX. I have to admit it's a great place to get hitched, very laid back and relaxing. Anyhow, needless to say this XL shirt never got much use on my XS frame!! :D But I just couldn't part with it! As it was it was hard enough to cut up! I cut the body of the shirt from the remaining front of the shirt. I saved the print from the back ("I got hitched at the Salt Lick"). I'm not entirely sure where I'll use it but I know I will!

Naughty or Nice???

2009-01-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a Valentine I made for Heather's Spark Challenge this week. I used a gate fold which I've never done before!

I've had the idea for this card (minus the gate fold) for a VERY LONG TIME! Last year, while Nicole was the Guest Designer for A Muse, she used this sentiment on her U-Pick Honey card. I absolutely LOVED it! I searched for the sentiment but didn't have much luck. Then I found it one of A Muse's new clear sets for this past Christmas. That sentiment alone, made me HAVE to have that set! I wish I had stamped the Heart Trio just a little bit higher, guess I should have kept the stamp positioner out!

Supplies: All stamps by A Muse, Copic markers, Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, Red Magic VersaMagic chalk ink, cardstock by SU! and A Muse, ribbon by A Muse

Baby Boy Thank You

2009-01-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a Thank You that really does look baby boy!

I completely forgot that I had the little footprints stamp! I think it's just so cute!

Supplies: Sentiment by A Muse, Footprint stamp by Hero Arts, Summer Sky Memento Ink, Ribbon from JoAnn Fabrics, scrap cardstock from unknown source

Can You Believe It???

2009-01-06T07:46:00.003-06:00

I actually made a few cards this past weekend! It's been a little while! Although I must confess not everything I made was a complete card, some I just made card fronts so I could keep them for my idea bin.

I intended this one to be a baby boy thank you but it looks more boy than baby boy so I'll just save this one for a future day! I used my melon Spica pen over the lizards to give them a little sparkle and it just adds a little something extra to the card.

Supplies: Stamps by A Muse, Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, Ultramarine Prismacolor Marker, Melon Spica pen, SU! cardstock

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T09:53:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the start to the new year!

We have many new and exciting things happening this year! Besides our little addition to the family, we have several trips planned, some renovations to be done in the house plus a new little adventure for myself. It's definitely going to be a wonderful year that we will never forget!!

May your year be as memorable as I'm planning mine to be!

More Dipes

2008-12-23T07:56:00.003-06:00

I remember reading something about how once you sew your first diaper, you'll find that you can't stop. It is SO true!!! They are just so easy, quick and not to mention CUTE! (at least in my opinion!)

Here are two that I used the same fabric for just different on the inside versus the outside. I even broke out my manual for my machine to refresh my memory on how to program it for the alphabet. Now all my diapers can have their size embroidered on them!!

I also tackled making some fleece soakers to go over the diapers. I used this pattern I found online.

The one on the left is a newborn size and it sure is TINY! It's hard to believe that they will probably be too big to begin with! It's a little hard to see in the picture but I added two button holes on the waistband just in case they are too large so I can add a drawstring in to tighten them up.

We're all ready for Christmas here. I just need to bake up a fresh batch of cookies since we're running low again. I tend to bake a batch, eat them, bake a different kind, eat them, etc. Otherwise I have a tendency to store my peppermint cookies in the same container as my chocolate ones and then everything becomes peppermint flavored!

Long Time, No Post

2008-12-19T12:05:00.003-06:00

I don't know about you but time is just flying by here! I've been super busy getting ready for the holidays. Of course, I can't share any of my holiday projects with you yet and some I can't share at all since they've been boxed, wrapped and shipped!

So since I can't share the holiday stuff today, here's another project I did during my absence.

I found an adorable infant/children's moccasin pattern online (I can't remember where right now). I've never played around with sewing footwear but these looked simple enough.

I made them out of some scrap fleece I had laying out. I made the 0-6 month size and I can't imagine them fitting until closer to the 6 month time. I think they turned out really cute, of course, they look better in person than in one of my photos! I'll probably make some more later on but I'll skip the elastic and just use some ribbon or drawstring cording so I can adjust the fit.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T15:48:00.002-06:00

Just a quick card for tomorrow!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A little more sewing...

2008-11-25T09:10:00.003-06:00

I warned you last week that I've been on a sewing kick lately and it hasn't slowed down! I do try to sew a little each day, even if I don't accomplish much.

Here are some Rita's Rump Pocket diapers that I made. I bought all the flannel for less than $7 and used elastic that I had on hand (I think I accidentally bought the wrong width for a different project a few years ago.. oops!).

I've decided to give cloth diapering a try for several reasons.
1 - it's better for the environment
2 - it's easier on the pocketbook
3 - I'll be a SAHM
4 - it just feels like the right thing to do (or at least try to do!)

I used my remaining scraps to make some cloth baby wipes. Hey - if I'm going to wash poopy dipes, I can wash poopy wipes!!

Puppy Tee

2008-11-20T08:00:00.001-06:00

I used some scrap fabric from a different outfit to make this simple baby tee.

I'm big on using as much of a piece of fabric as possible! Have you seen the price of baby clothes??? Holy cow!

I'm very glad that my Mom taught me to sew when I was little! Granted back then, I was making all my doll and Barbie clothes from my Mom's scraps! Both my sister's did the same thing so you probably don't want to know how many clothes our Barbies had! Although the prized Barbie outfit was the wedding gown my Mom made for us out of scraps from when she made her own wedding gown!

Planet Fun

2008-11-19T07:54:00.003-06:00

A few years ago, I picked up this knit fabric from JoAnn's. It was on sale for $2 / yard. On the plus side, it's flame retardant!

I only picked up a yard of it but I was able to make 3 (yes THREE!) baby items from it!

a simple tee

a basic onesie

a kimono

That's a good deal in my book!

WooHoo for Energy!!

2008-11-18T09:38:00.003-06:00

So last week, I finally got some of my energy back and started to feel better! So far, it's much better being in my second trimester than the first! Thanks to all of you who wished me all those feel betters!

I've been on a huge sewing kick but I haven't taken the time to photograph any of my projects. (They aren't too exciting.) Hopefully I'll take a little time today to snap some!

Here's a card I made for my DH. His birthday was last week. I like that he keeps the cards I make for him out on his desk by the computer! It makes me feel appreciated!

Just a Simple Thank You

2008-11-06T12:50:00.002-06:00

I had a little energy yesterday so I took a few minutes to start making some simple thank you cards for future use. I was going to put the sentiment on the front but I like it without.

I hope you all have more energy and feel better than I do!

Bright White Challenge

2008-10-28T07:53:00.002-05:00

Here's a quick card I made this weekend for the A Muse Addicts weekly challenge. This week's challenge is to make a one layer card with a white base.

Have a great day!

Another Day in Paradise

2008-10-21T14:21:00.003-05:00

The weather has been gorgeous here lately! Fall is my favorite time of the year! To bad we don't get a true fall here in TX. I love the chill in the air and the changes in the leaves that I grew up with in WI.

I made this card in remembrance of my youth! We had a tree swing in the backyard (not a tire one though) and I used to spend countless hours swinging on it lost in my thoughts. My siblings and I would rake a huge pile of leaves near the swing so we could land in it after jumping off the swing!

Look Dawn - STICKLES!!! At Geeta's class this weekend, I refused to put Stickles on one of the cards just because they take too long to dry. I mentioned that I own a couple things of Stickles (8 to be exact) but I never use them. So I had to break them out just for this card! This is actually the only image that use them on too! Can you tell that someone needs to step out of their little box???

Meeting More Addicts

2008-10-19T16:53:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I ventured down to San Antonio to take one of Geeta's classes at Stamp Antonio. Normally I take Geeta's classes here in Austin, but my friend Dawn was going to be there while in Texas for her vacation. Of course I couldn't miss the opportunity to see her in person!!

While I was there I also got to meet Rose! I had no idea she lived in Texas! For some reason, I always thought she was a west coast gal. Luckily for us, she was able to stay and take a class with Dawn and I!

(left to right- Rose, Dawn, Geeta and myself)

I had a great time with all of these ladies! I am so glad I got to meet them and spend part of my afternoon with them!

A Few Sewing Projects

2008-10-15T10:51:00.004-05:00

First of all, thank you for all the congratulations! We are very excited!

Second of all, I feel the need to apologize (again) for the lack of blog posts but honestly, I don't see an increase coming any time soon! It may get worse as I go through my pregnancy and eventually stop once the baby comes! Sorry!

Now for some projects!

I managed to do some sewing before the morning sickness and exhaustion set in.

Here's a diaper bag I made from some fabric that was intended for another project but I liked it too much for this purpose! After all, green is my favorite color!! Plus it's gender neutral!!

I love the elastic pockets on the sides and all along the inside! Plus there is a pocket on the back. I chose to line the inside with plain white muslin in hopes that it might make finding things easier!

The whole time I was making this, I kept thinking about how big it was! I'm sure there will be plenty of days where it will seem too small!! Especially once there are a few pairs of diapers, wipes, changes of clothes, blankets, bottles and whatever else we'll need to carry along with us!

I used another fabric from the same collection to make a changing pad to carry in the bag. The pattern said to use vinyl but I've sewn on vinyl in the past and have sworn to never do so again! Plus everything I could find was hand wash only. I don't do hand washing, that's why I have a washing machine! So this is actually just a small quilt that I can throw in the washer.

I had some scrap flannel around so I made a quick cloth diaper. I know my sister's both used them as burp cloths.

Finally, I made some pacifier clips by attaching lengths of ribbon to suspender clips and making a loop at the opposite end that closes with Velcro.

I hope this makes up for a week without any posts! Hopefully I'll start feeling better soon so I can get back to my sewing and crafting!

Exciting Times

2008-10-07T11:25:00.003-05:00

So you've probably noticed that I haven't been doing many posts here lately. There is a very good reason for that! I've been exhausted! Of course, I can't just tell you why I'm exhausted but I'll give you a few clues...

Hint #1: DH has informed me that I'm excused for eating an entire one pound box of Cheez-Its in four days by myself a few weeks back.

Hint #2: I have a reason to finally dig into my stash of knit, pastel fabrics. (I've collected discount fabrics for several years just for this cause.)

Hint #3: So this one is easy:

Have you figured out my secret??? :D

Orange Crush Challenge

2008-10-04T07:55:00.003-05:00

OMG, it has been ages since I've done an A Muse Addicts weekly challenge! I ran out to my LSS yesterday and picked up the Robot Kid stamp. I've seen him used different ways and he was on my list and actually in stock! I had my vision for this card while I drove home. I was excited to see that it would fit with the Orange Crush Challenge!

I masked off the antennae from the tops of the "robots" and colored them orange so they would look more like little men in bio hazard suits. (DH thinks they look like radiation suits... but he got the right idea) Of course I had to give Boris some salt and pepper hair, I colored the grey streaks first, then filled in the black and finished the streaks with my silver spica.

Halloween Thank You

2008-09-30T10:42:00.004-05:00

Here's a quick Thank You card I made a few weeks ago.

I inked up my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder to make the black and white dotted paper. It was the first time that I tried it, it's cute but not something I will do too often!

National Sewing Month

2008-09-22T13:09:00.004-05:00

Some of you may know this already but September is National Sewing Month. I had an idea earlier this month to help promote sewing since it is one of my first crafting loves. I have decided to have a little blog candy give away!

This is a half apron that I have made just for this occasion. All you have to do to win is to do a little sewing of your own and leave me a comment here with a link to your project. Now your sewing doesn't have to be anything elaborate or fancy. It doesn't even have to include fabric! You could do a little stitching on a card!

I'll randomly pick a winner on October 1st so you have plenty of time to work on some stitching!

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Now to share a little sewing project of my own.

Here is a little shirt I made the other week. I have difficulty making tops that actually fit me. Let's just say that I'm not as well endowed as most women! :D I made a few adjustments to the pattern so it would fit a little better but it's just a little too low cut for my tastes! I'll have to find a cute little camisole to wear under or keep praying for a larger bust! (I'm not betting on the later!)

I used New Look pattern #6515 and some crepe satin material that was on clearance for $1 per yard. $2 plus the price of a zipper isn't too bad for a quick shirt. Plus I don't feel bad about looking to buy a little lacy camisole to wear under it!

New Calendars!

2008-09-17T15:56:00.003-05:00

Wow! It's been quite awhile since I lasted posted. I've been doing some crafts (honestly!) but I've just been too tired to take pictures! So today, I'll try to make it up to you!

This week A Muse released their new calendars. If you haven't already bought at least one, you really should. The great thing is that 100% of the proceeds are benefiting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It's a great way to give a donation for a great cause!

This year the calendar covers 16 months and includes a perpetual calendar! I chose the 4 bar version and am so glad that I did!

The first project I did, was to use the perpetual calendar to make a little book that I can record all our birthdays and anniversaries. Every year there are always a few that miss being put on the regular calendar.

I covered a chipboard album with some paper from American Crafts that I found in my stash. I printed my calendar in black and white so I didn't have to deal with the colors not matching my paper.

My second project was a full 16 month calendar. I used Elena's instructions for how to make the holder. I chose to use my Petal Prints set from SU! after seeing Jody's wildflower calendar.

I did make a third calendar but I can't share it quite yet. sorry

Manly Birthdays

2008-09-11T12:48:00.003-05:00

Boy this week is flying by! I've just been thoroughly exhausted this week and haven't gotten much crafting done.

I needed a couple guy birthday cards for this month. So I broke out my Mainly Men set from A Muse and got to work this morning. I used the same supplies and layout to make it really easy and quick. I tried to do a little shading with my markers. (I really need to work on that!)

I hope they enjoy them!

My Version of a Bold Design

2008-09-08T14:03:00.004-05:00

I was one of the lucky recipients of one of Jen's Bold Design cards. I just had to try one myself.

I had some notecards from Michael's sitting in my closet so I grabbed one and trimmed it down to be a layer on my card. Pretty easy card but I still like the one from Jen better!

FYI - I've added a few more boxes to my Etsy shop. There is a link to it over on the right.

It's Already Friday???

2008-09-05T06:09:00.003-05:00

Wow! This week has just flown by! It's been an exhausting week for absolutely no particular reason!

Here's a card I made this week for the SOTW challenge. I used the number 9 from the Birthday Builder set to create a subtle background. It's kind of a play on the Love Potion #9 bottle.

I inked the edge of my bottom circle, which I haven't inked the edges of something in what feels like forever! I used to ink the edges of everything! I ran my love potion circle through my Xyron and then covered it with crystal glitter. I love that little shortcut!

Supplies: Stamps and note cards from A Muse, Memento Rich Cocoa ink, Copic Markers, Ribbon from JoAnn Fabrics, Xyron, Crystal Art Glitter

Mmmmm...

2008-09-02T16:17:00.003-05:00

I had a wonderful birthday weekend! We relaxed, played some Wii, ate some cookies and read books. I polished off 2 books in the Aunt Dimity mystery series! I totally played up the "it's my birthday weekend", you know it goes great before or after sayings like - "I don't want to wash the dishes" or "I don't feel like cooking dinner". Needless to say, we had some easy meals and some extra dishes on the counter! But my DH did bake cookies, well, in a pan and he did wash dishes once.

Here's a card I made last week.

I picked up the shower gifts stamp while I was in Seattle and this is the first that it's seen ink! I used my Swiss Dots embossing folder to decorate a layered background. I added some glaze to the tub and of course, got some air bubbles in it. Grrr... oh well, it adds character! Right???

A few months ago or so, I noticed online these paper piercing templates. I've wanted the piercing template from SU! but just couldn't justify spending that much money on it. When I saw these, I thought they looked familiar. Then I realized that they are the plastic canvas that you use for needlepoint! They are super cheap at craft stores. I picked up a pack of five circles (6" circles) from WalMart for less than a dollar! If you don't have these, you need them! It makes it sooo easy to pierce an accurate circle! All you have to do is make sure to pierce in the same corner of the little squares!

Happy Birthday to ME!

2008-08-29T14:35:00.003-05:00

Yep! Today is MY birthday. I have always loved my birthday and I probably always will!

I had my DH take this picture of me today at lunch. I did absolutely nothing to the photo! I didn't even crop it!

To celebrate my day, I got dressed up (well, nicer clothes than just a t-shirt), styled my hair, put on some makeup (a rare occurrence!!), painted my toenails and headed to JoAnn Fabrics.

Did you know that JoAnn Fabrics has a special sale every year just for my birthday??? Granted they disguise it by calling it a Labor Day Sale but it's really just for my birthday! Shhh... don't tell anyone!

Supplies: MST_Overlayed_Alpha, USC_Brushes_Grungings, MST_Overlayed_Paper, SBA_SSStyles_BasicShadows6501 from ScrapGirls; egiovanni_kraftfreebie1 from Emily Giovanni

Sneaking in a Sketch Challenge

2008-08-28T15:31:00.004-05:00

I'm a little late on doing this one but hey - better late than never! I was having a slight case of stamper's block today so Tracy's sketch totally helped me out of it!

This is Tracy's sketch:
Here is my card:
I rotated the sketch so the band would be across the top rather than the side. Funny the band kind of reminds of you the A Muse border.... It actually was my inspiration. It hit me while I was looking at my clear stamp sets and there it was right in front of me!!

Supplies: Scent-sational day, Flower shop and Fancy borders all by A Muse; Cuttlebug postage stamp die; Copic markers

Best Wishes

2008-08-28T07:08:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I was in the mood to play with my stamps. I have some that really needed to see some ink.

I've been playing with embossing ever since I got my Nestabilities. Here I used one of my Cuttlebug embossing borders.

I like how the only splash of color is in her bouquet. I love the sparkle I got off her dress, veil and shoes with my ultrafine glitter.

Supplies: Bride stamp and Simple Wishes clear set by A Muse; Frills Cuttlebug embossing borders; VersaFine onyx black ink; Prismacolor markers; Crystal Ultrafine Transparent Art Glitter

Foil Embossing

2008-08-27T16:38:00.003-05:00

The other week I was chatting with a complete stranger in Hobby Lobby about the Cuttlebug embossing folders. She happened to mention that she embosses aluminum foil to use on cards. Yep, regular Reynold's foil from the kitchen.

I thought I'd give it a try this afternoon. I'm not too sure about it. It's just too fragile for my taste. It makes a pretty card but I think I'll be leaving my foil in the kitchen!

Improvising

2008-08-26T09:57:00.003-05:00

I had to do a little improvising this morning on a gift bag. I had to mail the gift today and of course, I don't have any little bags that aren't Christmas themed. I spent a few minutes thinking of how I was going to wrap it when I remembered that I have some brown paper lunch bags. Bingo!

I pulled one out, grabbed some stamps, ink and embossing powder. Here's what I came up with.

If you haven't guessed, it's a bag for a new toy for my in-laws dog. Her birthday is the same day as mine.

Supplies: Paw print stamp by Inkadinkado. Birthday Builder set by A Muse. Super Dog stamp by The Cat's Pajamas. brown paper bag, versamark, Ranger Seafoam White embossing powder, Adirondack espresso ink, brown sheer polka dot ribbon

Just Because

2008-08-25T11:12:00.002-05:00

I picked up my very first set of Nestabilities this weekend, so I spent most of my time playing with them. It took me a little bit to figure out the stacks for embossing without the infamous tan mat. I think I have it figured out.

Here's one of the cards I made while playing. I actually made several of these since it's always a good idea to have some on hand.

Supplies: Paper by SU! and DCWV. Stamps by A Muse. Nestabilities scalloped rectangles. Copic markers and Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

I Finally Did It!

2008-08-23T10:25:00.002-05:00

I opened an Etsy Shop!!

I've been toying with the idea for several months and after a little encouragement from some friends and family, I finally took the plunge!

I only have one item currently listed but hey! ONE item is better than NO items! I'm hoping to add a few more items this week. (The item I have listed is the same type of box from this post that I use to store my A Muse notecards in. An excellent way to use it, in my opinion!)

You can see my shop here. I also added a link to it over on the right.

Have You Seen..

2008-08-22T07:47:00.002-05:00

Have you seen the NEW A Muse site???

It is absolutely B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!! I find myself gazing at them main page. It's so pretty that I don't want to click on anything. Just like I do with their papers (except with cutting rather than clicking!)!!!

They now have online ordering which makes it so much easier to get their stamps into my hands! It's just so much more dangerous for my pocketbook!! or should I say DH's pocketbook...

HA! I Know!

2008-08-22T07:36:00.003-05:00

HA! I know! More holiday cards. But I just can't help myself. I have so many holiday stamps and they are just screaming for me to ink them up! (I'm restricting myself to only showing one a day so guess what'll be in my next several posts...)

To keep things simple, I've been using variations of the same layout. I've just been switching papers, size of papers, colors and of course, stamps!

I haven't even thought about my own holiday cards but I'm thinking about making different ones but with the same layout. But who knows, maybe by the time I get around to making them, I might have changed my mind!

Supplies: Stamps, paper and ribbon by A Muse Artstamps; Memento ink; Copic Markers; Scalloped edging scissors

I Want to be Just Like You

2008-08-21T07:26:00.002-05:00

Here's a page I worked on last night. I couldn't resist snapping this picture. Our dog is lucky that we have low windows in our house so he can look outside all over. The window sills are the perfect height for him to rest his chin on while staring out over his domain. He spends most of his day watching the yard and neighborhood. Hmmm... what a life!

Better Late than Never...

2008-08-20T09:07:00.003-05:00

I've been on a card making kick this week! I have a friend that is collecting cards to send to the troops in another month or two. So I've been busy making a little collection to send to her.

I couldn't resist using the new MS drippy goo punch! After all, snails do leave a little slime trail!

Supplies: Stamps by Inkadinkado; Paper by SU!; Memento Ink; MS Drippy Goo punch; Copic and Prismacolor Markers

WooHoo!! A Sketch Challenge!

2008-08-19T07:59:00.003-05:00

Yay! I had a little time yesterday to participate in Tracy's sketch challenge.

The sketch:

My card:

Supplies: Stamps by Inkadinkado; circle stamp from SU! Cold Play; Paper by SU! and A Muse; Memento Ink; VersaMark; Copic Markers; paper piercer

Totally Bombed!

2008-08-18T13:46:00.003-05:00

So I've totally bombed on my little challenge to scrapbook a page a day! Maybe I should shoot for a page a week!! I know that most of you know how it goes - the mood to scrapbook can go as quickly as it came!

I've been busy sewing this past week and weekend. I don't have much to share though!

About a week and a half ago, I decided that I needed a pair of dress slacks. Why? I don't know! I just needed to have them since I currently don't have any. So I forced my DH to go to JCPenny's with me. What a disappointment! I always have the hardest time finding pants that fit. Misses' sizes are too big on the waist and thigh while Juniors' rest waaaayyy too low on the hips, too tight in the thigh and usually look too much like bell bottoms! None the less, I still looked. I still fit on several pairs in each department. Needless to say, I left empty handed.

It leads me to this question - Why bother with a 1" zipper????? If you've ever shopped in the Juniors' section, you probably know what I'm talking about. I just don't understand why??? Clearly, it's a sign that they are going to rest too low! Also, I can't figure out whose body these pants are made to fit. On me, they are tight on the hips but then there is this 2-3" gap in the back. I can only assume that they are made to be worn sooo low that they only cover half a bottom while standing. I'd really hate to be behind someone wearing these pants if they ever needed to bend over.

*sigh* Now that the venting is done...

I came home, browsed through my hordes of sewing patterns and found one for pants that looked somewhat normal. Then I tackled my stash of fabric. (If you're a crafter, you know what I mean by stash. All crafters have them. It's a requirement.) Luckily I found some suiting fabric that I've had for probably 5 years and enough of it to make at least one pair of pants.

Sewing a pair of pants, is not my favorite thing to do, unless they are flannel pjs. Those I really enjoy! But dress pants, they usually get a "No thank you." I was desperate so I dove in.

I didn't have to alter the pattern which is almost unheard of for me!! Everything was going great until I reached the side zipper. I hate zippers. I'm going to admit how many times I tore that thing out and started over but I'll give a hint... I tore out at least 5 rows of stitching. I had to take a break before I ripped the entire pair of pants into little shreds from frustration! I finally got the zipper in and I have to admit, it's one of the best looking zippers that I've ever done!

So after a whole lot of chatting... here's my pair of pants.

(Note: the hems aren't that uneven in the back, it's just how I was standing while trying to take a picture of myself in the mirror. It's more difficult that it sounds!)

They fit wonderfully! I'm so happy with them. Now I just need a shirt to go with them!

Supplies: Pattern 4951 from Simplicity. Fabric from ??? Cost ??? but probably pretty cheap knowing me!

Using my Leftovers

2008-08-16T16:18:00.003-05:00

I have some leftover pieces from the Austin A Muse Gathering. I put them to use for a couple quick cards. I used the same background that I used on my swap card (I did the same card as this one). I used a couple of the building stamps that I had out on my desk and just matched a couple sentiments.

Supplies: Namaste sentiment by MFT; all other sentiments and images by A Muse; ribbon by A Muse

Door Prize

2008-08-15T13:12:00.003-05:00

Last night I attended the Austin A Muse Addicts gathering. It was so much fun! I got to meet other addicts that I didn't know including the ever-so-talented Lexi! It turned out to be a much later night than I expected and I'm having a little trouble getting going this morning!!

Anyways.... Here's the door prize that I made.

Publish Post

I think some people liked the box since I have a couple requests for them! :D

I'm Melting...

2008-08-14T13:17:00.003-05:00

I know another Christmas card. I just couldn't resist. I just picked up one of the new Drippy Goo punches from Martha Stewart. I wasn't going to buy it because I didn't think I'd really use it. Then I saw Jennie's card! My mind did a complete 180 and I had to have it!!

I know it's a Halloween punch but it's so much more! Someone on the Addicts board mentioned using it as snow and that got me thinking.

Supplies: SU! Cold Play and A Muse Holiday Greetings II, Simple Snowflake, Funky Flake and Loopy Flake; VersaMark, VersaFine and Colorbox inks; Prismacolor markers; Quickie Glue pen; Clear UltraFine Glitter

Swimming at the Park

2008-08-14T07:02:00.003-05:00

Here's a quick page I worked on yesterday.

I don't know about you and your pets but we have certain words that we just can't say without ours getting all excited and barking. Park is one of those words. It involves most all of his favorite things wrapped into one event - ride, walk, swimming, meeting other puppies and another ride.

Water Fell from the Sky!

2008-08-13T16:49:00.003-05:00

Okay so it was yesterday morning. But still! Water fell from the sky! You know that event that doesn't happen near often enough here in TX! RAIN!!! I even grabbed my umbrella and went for a walk in it!

I was so excited that I was inspired to make a card. Yes, I stopped sewing yesterday, just long enough to make this card. Of course, she wouldn't be complete without a little glaze to make her look wet!

Supplies: Stamps and card stock by A Muse; Memento inks; Copic and Prismacolor markers; scalloped scissors; Aleene's Paper Glaze

So I Got a Little Behind...

2008-08-13T07:47:00.003-05:00

So I got a little behind on my scrapbook challenge. But I did work on it last night while watching the Olympics. I made some progress on two pages until the battery on my laptop died. Let's face it the summer Olympics only happen once every four years so my pages could wait.

I finished them up this morning. I just 'gotta say, I LOVE DIGITAL!!! It is just so much quicker. I know my pages aren't like the ones you see in magazines but trust me - they are much better than the ones I did with paper!!

Supplies: SNU_AYO-ZmPg_4x6_Dad; MRE_SSTools_PhotoBasics; SNU_SSTools_Styles_SandedEdge6301; DEB_SS_Tools_Styles_Distressed5102; MJO_BrushSet-4x6_BeyondMyself3

Meeting Inspiration

2008-08-12T15:35:00.004-05:00

This week's A Muse Addicts challenge is to CASE another person's card from this past VMAA. I LOVE this card by Rhonda. The part that I love the most is how she used the green madeira for grass and that's the main part I copied along with the sentiment and tree swing. I had to try out the new fence border punch from Martha Stewart. It's the perfect size for lots of the A Muse images and it's not too Halloween-y.

I've been super busy today so I haven't had a chance to make a scrapbook page but I'm hoping that I'll have a little time after dinner while watching the Olympics.

So what have I been so busy doing???

Yep sewing some new pillows for the living room! We finally finished painting our living room and I wanted to add a little *pop* of color. Most of the walls are just an off-white but I did the wall with the fireplace in a pretty light green. Unfortunately it doesn't show up too well in a picture.

I remember when I picked out the fabric that I was worried that I might not have enough fabric for the four pillows. I don't have a clue what I was thinking!! I have 3 extra yards!!! Some days the vision and math just don't add up! It's hard to see in the photo but the fabric has a tone-on-tone stripe pattern that is actually raised up. I really like them! Plus I just did an overlapping back so I can remove the pillow forms and wash the covers or when the forms eventually go flat (which they always do!), I can just replace them and not have to sew new covers!

In the photo, you can get a glimpse of my baby. My sewing machine that is! I bought it back in 2003, it was a little pricey then but it has been worth every penny! It's a Viking Husqvarna Platinum 770. It is by far the easiest machine I've ever sewn on. It really works with just the touch of a button. The only thing I don't care for is the automatic buttonholes. Sometimes the wheel sensor doesn't move at the same speed as the fabric so you end up with a super long buttonhole and then have to try and rip out the world's tiniest stitches which is impossible! I know. I've tried several times. It's so disappointing since the buttonholes are the last thing you usually do to finish a garment. Oh well! I just try to avoid buttons like I do zippers and swimsuit fabric!

Happy Birthday pages

2008-08-11T07:37:00.003-05:00

Here is a two page layout I worked on yesterday. I still need to change the color cartridges in my printer, the second page printed more pink on one half than the other!

I love the picture of my dog on the second page just because his tongue is sticking out! We try and celebrate his birthday every summer but not on a particular day, since we don't know what day he was born. It would be nice if he wasn't quite so protective of his bone, it's a big chore to get him away from it long enough for one of us to grab it. If you don't lure him away from it, he will bite you if you try to take it. It's a problem that we've learned to deal with and the only problem that we just can't seem to resolve with him. In the long run though, it's just a minor problem compared to the joy he has brought to our lives.

Supplies: SNU_AYO-ZmPg_4x6_Dad; AWI_BrushSet_MyDescriptions_Wonderful (from ScrapGirls)

Fetch!

2008-08-10T08:29:00.002-05:00

Here's a quick little page I made. I'm not too happy with how it printed out. The background printed out more yellow than green. I might have to change the ink cartridges (they are getting low!) and reprint.

Supplies: SNU_AYO-ZmPg_4x6_Dad; MRE_SS_EmbTemp_PhotoBorders (from ScrapGirls)

Graduation Page

2008-08-09T08:05:00.002-05:00

You didn't think we wouldn't enroll our dog in dog obedience, did you? Of course, we did! He had a great time and LOVED it when the teacher picked him to demo something with! When the teacher was walking around the ring of dogs looking for one to demo with, he would keep jumping out in front of her. Just like the kids in school with constantly raising their hand and jumping up in down to make sure they've been seen! It was hilarious to watch!

Supplies: SNU_AYO-ZmPg_4x6_Dad; DEB_SS_Emb_MixedMedia (ScrapGirls)

Double Page Layout AND a Sketch Challenge

2008-08-08T07:23:00.004-05:00

So far, I'm keeping up with my 'page a day' challenge I gave myself. Okay so it's only been like what 3 days? I'd be pretty weak if I'd already failed. Here's a 2-page layout I did.

Supplies: SNU_AYO-ZmPg_4x6_Dad; ASO_SSTools_Styles_LiquidMetals_6401; DEB_SS_Tools_Styles_StainedWood5101; MRE_SSLifted_Doubles_Straight (all from ScrapGirls)
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As a bonus treat, (since it's FRIDAY!!) here's a card I did for T racy's sketch challenge!! Yay Tracy!! As soon as I saw her challenge, I HAD to make a card!

Originally I had planned on having the mistletoe stamp in the middle circle but when I laid it out, having all three circles the same just seemed better!

I stamped the simple snowflake with VersaMark and then used clear embossing powder to give just a little shine and something extra to a simple card.

This is the first time that I've used the new vintage card stock from A Muse and I absolutely L-O-V-E it!!

Supplies: Stamps, paper and ribbon from A Muse; clear embossing powder from Ranger

New Wall Decor

2008-08-07T18:15:00.003-05:00

I've been working on a new idea for using some photos from our vacations. I took one of our pictures of the Seattle skyline, cropped it down, copied 5x7 sections from it, mounted the sections on stretched canvas and hung them on the wall. I used photoshop to add a little sanded look to the edge of the photos. Overall it was a pretty cheap project and I like that it's different from anything else we have in the house. Plus it's OUR photo from OUR vacation with OUR memories.

I have a couple extra canvases so I'm looking forward to mounting some more photos although I doubt I'll do another one like this. It was difficult to get everything lined up on the wall! (That and all my empty walls are BIG walls!)

Keeping Up with My Challenge

2008-08-07T06:04:00.002-05:00

Here's another page I did for my dog's album. I figured I'd try to start at the beginning but I'm sure that won't last! I can't resist jumping around through the 5 years that we've had him!

Chicken - Nature vs Man

2008-08-06T14:11:00.004-05:00

For some reason I was inspired to make this card this afternoon. I was going to add a sentiment but decided that it was just fine without. I practiced creating depth by outlining the moose and car in a cool shadow and not coloring the trees all the way to the edges of the main images. I opted to to use a colorless blender to help stretch some color in those places. I also used the blender to give the moose a little texture.

I have to admit that I've never seen a moose up close. You just don't see moose down here in Texas! But we did get the chance to see a couple while in Alaska a few years ago. This one is a female moose that we saw along side the highway and she did have her calf with her but it was hard to see in the long grass and the ditch.

Chewy's Album

2008-08-06T06:47:00.004-05:00

I've finally decided to work on my dog's scrapbook. We have soooo many photos of him. I'm just doing a small 4x6 album so I can print the photos at home and place in a regular photo album. I'm going to try and challenge myself to do a page a day for the rest of this month. We'll see if that happens! Here is the cover page.

Supplies: (all from ScrapGirls) SNU_AYO-ZmPg_4x6_Dad; JHI_SSEmbellBiggie_OldPhotoFrames; BHA_SS_LYO_StampSpec_4

Sending You Sunshine

2008-08-05T06:58:00.003-05:00

Here is a quick card I made last week for an aunt who was injured at work. I haven't done this style a card for quite some time. It was nice to do something a little more fancy but yet simple.

Supplies: Paper and Flower stamp by SU!, sentiment by A Muse, VersaMagic chalk ink and Memento Rich Cocoa ink

Someone Thinks I'm Brillante!

2008-08-04T15:31:00.003-05:00

I know I giggled too!

The fabulous Tracy nominated me for this. Thanks Tracy!! (make sure you check out her blog - it's FABULOUS!!)

The rules for the "Brilliante Weblog" award are:

The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.

Link to the person you received your award from.

Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

Put links to those blogs on yours.

Leave a message on the blogs of the people you have nominated.

Okay it's really HARD to choose seven blogs!!

1. Karen

2. Michelle

3. Nancy

4. Jen

5. Lori

6. Geeta

7. Rhonda

(Don't worry if you've already been nominated - it just means that your that much more BRILLANTE!!)

Make sure you check out the above blogs and give them a little love!

Julie's Challenge

2008-08-02T22:24:00.002-05:00

Julie's Challenge was to make a humorous friendship card. Since most all of my friend's are big dog lovers, I just had to use Sniffer. (after all, he is one of my favs!)

I've never done so much masking on one card before! Hopefully it looks like his tail is wagging and not that he has THREE tails!! I used a little masking magic and removed the "R" from the Happy Trails sentiment. Thank goodness for stamp positioners!

VMAA #3 Challenge 4

2008-08-02T21:46:00.003-05:00

This challenge was to only use ONE stamp, although you could use it as many times as you liked.

VMAA #3 Challenge 3

2008-08-02T21:16:00.002-05:00

This challenge was to use one of your favorite stamps, note card, colors, ribbon, accessory, etc.

I used my favorite stamp set, my favorite color (green), my favorite note card, my favorite pretty little paper, my favorite layout, my favorite ribbon and last of all, my favorite accessory - GLITTER! (yes, the real stuff that makes a mess everywhere!)

VMAA #3 Challenge 2

2008-08-02T20:45:00.001-05:00

This challenge was to make a card about love, any kind of love.

VMAA #3 Challenge 1

2008-08-02T20:25:00.003-05:00

This challenge was to use this photo as inspiration.

Here's my card.

Under the Weather?

2008-08-01T16:34:00.003-05:00

Last week my DH hurt his right ankle running. Then this week, he hurt his left ankle while riding his bike. The poor guy is barely able to walk! Here's a little card I made to lift his spirits.

I tried a little blending with my markers on the hiker's shirt. Let's face it - a white shirt doesn't stay white while hiking in the woods in the rain! (socks too for that matter! That's why his are grey!!)

Supplies: Stamps by A Muse; Paper by A Muse, DCWV and GP white card stock; Memento inks; Copic and Prismacolor markers.

New Desktop Background

2008-07-31T07:18:00.003-05:00

Usually I just take a photo and set it to be my background on my computer. But yesterday I was reading about how to make a scrapbook page to use instead.

I made the background by combining a photo of the side of a tree with a colored layer. The font is Love Ya Like a Sister. The frame is from an expressive frames set.

I left plenty of space on the side so my shortcuts don't cover anything. Now I just have to get used to having them on the opposite side of the screen!

Come On, Barbie, Let's Go Party!

2008-07-30T07:56:00.003-05:00

I'm a Barbie girl in the Barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic
You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation

Come on, Barbie, let's go party

Right now you may be asking yourself "Why is she singing this song???"

That's because it's that time of the year again when the A Muse Addicts get together for a Virtual Meeting (aka VMAA)!!! It's going to be a wild evening of 30 minute challenges that can stump even the most experienced rubber stampers in the world. In your spare minutes between challenges and your blog posts, you can chat it up with the best of the best online!

So what are you waiting for? Head over to the A Muse Addicts site and check out the details!

What's that you say? You don't have any A Muse stamps??? How is that possible??
Well, you'll just have to put on your Barbie finest, hop in your Barbie convertible and head to your nearest rubber stamp store to pick up a few!

With all that said, DITCH Ken, GRAB your inner Barbie and LET'S PARTY!!!

**FINE PRINT**
Participants may choose to stamp their OWN hand for entry into this party. (If you stamp your hand, I WANT TO SEE IT!! :D)

**WARNING**
Events may induce hangover effects the following morning.

_________________________________________________________________

By the way, if you don't know this silly song I'm singing - CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY!!! It'll be stuck in my head ALL DAY! I guess it's just going to be one of those silly days at my house! If you're curious about the song, you can check it out here.

Back to School

2008-07-29T07:38:00.003-05:00

This month's A Muse Addicts homepage contest is to make a back to school themed card. I was always happy to go back to school. It was great to get out of the house and be around my friends again! I grew up in the country so I rarely ever saw any of my friends from school. I imagine that as much as my mom annoyed me by being home, I annoyed her just as much. Getting out of the house and back to school was a good thing for everyone!

Supplies: GP white card stock, all stamps by A Muse, Tuxedo Black Memento ink, Koh-i-nor colored pencil and Goo Gone (to blend pencil)

Life's Simple Pleasures

2008-07-28T07:11:00.003-05:00

Here's a quick card I made last week to send as my bumper card. I really like the dotted background stamp. The pink and black combo isn't one I use too often although I really like them together.

Supplies: Stamps and ribbon by A Muse. Card stock by Georgia Pacific and Smart Papers. Tuxedo black memento ink and angel pink memento ink. Copic and Prismacolor markers. Marvy scalloped punch.

New Card Storage

2008-07-27T15:41:00.003-05:00

I've outgrown my original card storage container. I couldn't find another one at the store so I decided to try making my own box once I found this cute pattern. (McCall's 5065) View F is the perfect size for storing the 4.25" square cards.

It was pretty easy to make although doing the satin stitching around the top of the box wasn't the most pleasant. In the future, when I need another box, I'll just quick whip one up in an afternoon.

Plus, wouldn't this make the cutest gift box! I can already see them in Christmas fabric!

A little more Christmas in July

2008-07-25T07:54:00.002-05:00

Earlier this week, I was talking to a friend and I mentioned that it's never too early to start thinking about Christmas shopping. Just like that, the light bulb flicked on. I can do something crafty for that!

I covered this little notepad that I picked up at the grocery store, added a little ribbon and some stamped images and poof! I had my little notepad to keep handy. This way, I have a place I can write down all the ideas for gifts that I come up with but can never remember at Christmas time. Plus I can keep track of what I've bought and how much I've spent.

I'm referring to it as my "Little Black Book of Christmas".

Little Sisters...

2008-07-24T08:03:00.003-05:00

Little sisters always adore their big sisters. Especially when those big sisters are in their teens! Or at least I did. One of my older sisters was exactly like the Bossy stamp. I remember when my sisters would have their friends over for a party and I got the "We're letting you be here, but we don't want to see you" lecture. They even came in the scold me when they caught me peeking through the blinds in my bedroom window! Here's a quick pocket card to show how little sisters tend to feel towards their big sisters.

I've been thinking quite a bit about my childhood lately and how some things never change. I guess some big sisters will never have a spare minute for their little sister.