The Life of Mrs. Miles

On the COVER of Okanagan Sun Magazine and also Guest Designer for Word Art Wednesday ~ Whew!

2012-02-01T16:29:00.000-08:00

Wow – this is a BIG day in my little world!

I was interviewed for the Okanagan Sun Newspaper here in the beautiful Okanagan Valley and its officially published today! I’m beyond excited. My friend Mavis also has a “toot” in here too which makes me happy as she and my sister Nina were key to the beginning of my carding creating. They really gave me the push to get me started.

I’d like to thank Brian (Editor) and Andrea who “wrote me up” – I’m so grateful and humbled. I’d like to thank all of my customers who began buying my cards and support them now at The Feathered Frog (sweetest funky soap shop) on Main Street Osoyoos who now carries my line. Shirley is always at the Feathered Frog and is happy to help you with a card selection. I’ve created custom cut packaging and specialty boxes decorated to fit her products (like the cutest cupcake soap inside a bejeweled paper keepsake box) PERFECT place to shop for your Valentine *wink*

Look for my product to also be “snapped up” by a new store opening soon in town (more news on this later this month!)

Click the cover graphic below to be taken to the newspaper article. Click on it there and you can read it in it’s entirety.

In my cover photo I’m wearing a pretty hand felted scarf I made with my friend Marie last week – but that’s another whole post.

And the second bit of exciting news is that I’m a Guest Designer for Word Art Wednesday for all of February. This is my first time ever to be a Guest Designer and I’m totally flattered. This week’s scripture is Nehimiah 8:10 “The joy of the Lord is my strength” and isn’t this the truth? I can do all things through Him!

Here is my take on this week’s challenge (I made two trying to choose….)

I’ll go for the subtler look:

Unfortunately, this paper had no identification on it at all, though I do recall buying it at Memory Crafts in Kelowna recently. The frame around the text is a font called Calligraphic Frames which I downloaded from DaFont.com The fonts used in the word art I believe are Calibri and English. The yellow flower is one I hand tatted. Leaves are sheer ribbon trimmed and crimped. Not sure of the taupe colored flowers as they were a gift. Random ribbon.

I’ll look forward to my creations all this month and hope you’ll join in with all of the talented and encouraging hosts at Word Art Wednesday. Don’t forget to stop by and comment on who you are able – I know first hand how much comment-love can be a special touch in someone’s day!

Happy Creating!

Barb

Mojo 226, the last of my ice photos and a FREE Vintage Image for YOU!

2012-01-30T20:52:00.001-08:00

Here’s hoping you had a good weekend and your Monday zoomed by like mine did. I managed to squeeze in this Mojo alongside my sister Nina this evening, it was my “treat” for the day – like the whip cream on the apple pie (salivating now)

Mojo Monday 226

And I chose square. I know, rather dull of me. In fact I kept it simple and let the paper do most of the work on this one.

Supplies:

Cardstock – base and piano, recollections.

Gold Paper – handmade from India, purchased at Paper Nation.

I’m sorry I do not recall the tag designer paper name.

Gems – Forever in Time

Piano – cut from Silhouette SD store

I am in absolute awe how my Silhouette could cut the teensy tiny keys on the piano. honestly it’s such a tiny fringe it’s like a feather part.

Shhhhh this is going to be my anniversary card for my Mr as it’s sneaking up on us very fast. (so when I disappear here you will know) Valentines pales in comparison to our anniversary! We have all sorts of wonderful hideaway plans!

I’m posting the last of my ice photos… that is unless we get another freeze which will compel me to go lay in the ice and snow again. I hope you’ve been enjoying!

Into my heart’s treasury

I slipped a coin,

That time cannot rust,

Nor thief purloin;

Oh, better than the minting

Of a gold-crowned king

Is the safe-kept memory

Of a lovely thing.

- Sara Teasdale

Looks like a little ghost!

Looks like Bart Simpson’s sister Lisa’s eyes!

And I also have been “gathering images” – on a recent trip to an antiques shop I made a donation to the shop owner and took photos of … photos! I’m going to share these with you for your own personal or commercial use projects (just don’t claim them as your own, please credit me!) I will place a second copy under a new tab up top called Free Vintage Images. I’d love to see how you use these! Just click on the photo and right click and “save as” These are in PNG format with a transparent background.

right click and “save as”

Blessings,

Barb

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VALINDA (pretty FREE .studio cut file in honour of) - Playing in Paradise Card 51 and more icy cool photos

2012-01-28T14:48:00.001-08:00

Today’s a SPECIAL day – it’s my friend Valinda’s bithday. Valinda and I have been friends for years now. We met on the internet through our interest in digital scrapbooking but our friendship grew quickly and deeply. We are always in touch and she’s a true treasure. I hope you have the best birthday ever, dear friend! I’ve created a giveaway file in honour of YOU today! I made it fit with this card theme below too.

Playing in Paradise Card 51

I am also especially proud to say my sister Nina is a Design Team Member for this challenge so I had to whip up something she’d not hide her head in shame at. Here’s my take:

Supplies:

Cardstock: Recollection

Embellishment: Heart, Insert and Arrow by Barb Derksen (me)

Embossing folder: Cuttlebug

Embossing on Arrow: Ranger – Queen’s Gold

I cut the .studio files on my Silhouette SD and then assembled. The white slotted heart nests behind the red bumpy heart shape. I placed a thick foam tape behind the slotted white heart and then weaved the arrow behind it so that the white part actually “puffs out” Its hard to appreciate the 3d look of this card.

Here are the cutting files for you all to download:

download

I will also place a copy of this download in the PAGES section of my blog (look up at the TABS above this entry) so that you can download it any time in the future.

Some more exciting news – I will be guest designing for Word Art Wednesday for the entire month of February! Look for “stuff” happening here, including a fun blog hop!

A few more ice photos:

Nature, as far as in her lies,

Imitates God and turns her face

To every land beneath the skies,

Counts nothing that she meets with base

But lives and loves in every place.

Alfred Lord Tennyson

A gathering of geese

Ice is nice – in miniature form this reminds me of broken windshield glass

A cool crystalline sculpture

Reeds frozen and encased for all of winter

This ice even curving along the length of a bent reed.

Friday Mashup #43–Try Something New

2012-01-27T20:53:00.001-08:00

My sister Nina invited me to card with her this evening, it has been quite a while since we’ve had the chance together, life keeps getting in the way.

I had to do this Friday Mashup challenge twice because I tried a new technique, but it just did not work out. I had to scrap my first attempt and go for a second. I am happy with the results of the second one though.

This weeks challenge:

Make a project using the "Sketch".
Or Make a project using "Something NEW in your stash". (Stamps, ribbon, pretty paper...anything!)
Or "Mash it Up" and create a project "using the Sketch & something NEW in your stash".

I chose to use something new – that being the paper I chose – I’ve been eyeing it up in my “special” stack. You can’t really see it but the icing on the cupcake is all shimmery with glitter!

Supplies:

Designer Paper – Creative Imaginations by Barb Tourtiollote (cupcake paper)

Designer Paper – Victoria Paper: Walker by 7gypsies

Designer Paper – Wassail spruce

Random ribbon from thrift store.

Adhesive Gem from Studio 112

I wrote the sentiment with a gellyroller

Isn’t it funny how sometimes simple and fast is best?

Mojo 225 and… uh, MORE photos (the sun came out yesterday morning!)

2012-01-26T07:23:00.001-08:00

Just a simple post today, my take on this week’s card challenge and more photos. I’m so waayyyy behind in the challenges – hoping this weekend will afford me time to do most of them in one fell swoop. Sounds like everyone is busy!

Mojo Monday 225

Forgive the quality of the following photo, my lighting setup was bad!

SUPPLIES:

cardstock – Recollections

designer paper – Creative Imaginations, Samantha Walker

cut – bib, Silhouette America Store

cut – duck, Silhouette America Store

This card was simple to assemble. I’d been asked to create a few baby cards and so I made this one and another adorable card with a baby’s “onesie” with a teensy tiny pick up truck on it but the photo was AWFUL and I won’t post it.

I’ll post a few photos here I took this week. Things change with the conditions day to day – it never looks the same. I am constantly surprised and amazed by this and it makes me think of the following scripture about how the Lord’s mercies are new each day for us too:

Lamentations 3:22-23

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

I went for an EARLY morning walk with friends this past Monday morning and of course I don’t go anywhere without my camera… this is a light fixture and it’s reflection on the snow.

Goose tracks looking like “stitches” joining the ice to the shore

This is the same spot where I took the crystal clear ice photos last week.

Ice encased reed

Another reed in ice

And another…

Stamping Sisters in Christ Challenge 123, a FREE cutting file and more ice photos!

2012-01-23T20:39:00.001-08:00

I’ve taken part in the Stamping Sisters in Christ Challenge # 123 – Proverbs 3:3

I especially enjoy the thoughtfulness that goes into each challenge, if you have not had an opportunity yet – grab a coffee or tea and soak in the wise words of Kris this week! She sure made me pause and think by what she shared.

On to our card for this week:

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."

Proverbs 3:3

challenge:

Make a {HEART} stand out in your card/project.

Here is my odd and fun take on things – inspired by my husband, he likes quirky. I actually made two color versions of this card so I’ll post both.

Supplies:

designer paper: Addison Swirl Collage by K and Co, Love Letters by Little Yellow Bicycle and some Recollections Cardstock

The glasses graphic and the frame around the wording I downloaded and altered from Graphics Fairy.

The gems for the irises are dollar store.

The tags and hearts are my own design, cut on my Silhouette SD.

I’m leaving the tag cuts here for you and will also tuck a copy under the PAGES tab up top so you never have to fear if you lose or misplace your originals!

download

The time of frost is the time for me!

When the gay blood spins through the heart with glee

When the voice leaps out with chiming sound,

And the footstep rings on the musical ground;

When earth is white, and air is bright,

And every breath a new delight!

And morning! – each pane a garden of frost,

Of delicate flowering, as quickly lost;

For the stalks are fed by the moon’s cold beams,

And the leaves are woven like woof of dreams

By night’s keen breath, and a glance of the sun

Like dreams will scatter them every one.

~ William Allingham~

And if you’re not actually tired of my ice photos by now, here are the last six in this series:

Ice builds up at the base of each reed

So pretty when there is a whole forest of them

and the sun hits the crystal clear ice.

Like something you would expect to see under a microscope.

Almost a “paisley” shape

Pretty columns tangled into the tiny roots under the ice

A fuzzy caterpillar looking frost formation

Breathtaking!

I’m 100 Followers! So a pretty card, FREE elements and files and more intriguing ice photography

2012-01-21T20:44:00.001-08:00

Thank you for helping me get to 100 followers, tis wonderful and exciting to me. I had not planned to post again here so fast but I think it’s appropriate and timely.

I will share a random card I made – I was grazing the internet and came across a very simple and attractive card by Therese Calvird over on the Lost in Paper site and I just had to cook up my own version on this. Therese’s card used butterfly cut-outs and she attractively used both the positive and negative shapes. you may want to stop by her site to see what I’m talking about.

At any rate, here is my version of this pattern:

Once again I tried two different color schemes. I refrained from putting an actual Valentine’s sentiment on these because if they are not used specifically for Valentines day then I can use them for all other “love” occasions.

supplies: Various designer paper – I suspect most are Recollections, I was using up all those scraps I’ve accumulated. Stamps – Kimberly Polson Embossing Folder – CuttleBug

These whipped up very quickly! I've put together the .studio cut files and also the PNG’s so you can make your own if you like. This is a standard 4.25 x 5.5 inch card. I included the basic heart shape, the bumpy heart shape and then a hollow bumpy heart as well as the face with the three bumpy hearts cut for you.

DOWNLOAD

And without further delay I’m going to post five more amazing ice pictures.

Like furry little ice feet polishing the surface!

Until next time!

My very first Silhouette Sketch Pen design (FREE for you!) and the pretty cards I made with it and more fantastical ice photos

2012-01-20T11:24:00.001-08:00

We are expecting 10-20 more cm of snow today – woo ha! This means I won’t feel even one bit guilty staying indoors and playing with my Silhouette Sketch Pens.

I was browsing about in the Silhouette Plus forums the other day and saw a thread by Amy Chomas ( you will love her blog ) and Amy was experimenting with the adjustable holder that holds and sized gel pen, long or short to draw with that she and her husband design and market.

Now I admit I bought a set of the Silhouette metallic pens loooooong ago and played with them when I first got my Silhouette SD but I found they seemed to skip and then you know, if its not instant gratification for this girl sometimes I just stash the goods until a rainy day when I’m so uninspired I’ll try ANYTHING… haha!

Soooo, when I saw Amy was being the big brave artiste I decided I’d try my hand too. I now own another set of pens – (virtually) tossed them in the cart when I placed an order over the holidays when the big fat sale was on at Sihouette.

And, SQUEEEEE!!! I created a very pretty and fun flower sketch file – a take off on Amy’s freehand one. Here are some of the cards that I made using the file – I decided to do a “run” of them, 7 in all.

It’s amazing how using different designer paper with slightly varied coloring on some of the illustrations can bring an entire new look to each card.

This is a tiny hand-sewn element I experimented with on one card.

Now that I’ve had a success with the Silhouette Sketch Pens I’m very excited to try more, design more.

A note on my method for the coloring etc. I used plain old pencil crayons to color the flowers in. I shaded using slightly darker colors. I used a Versamarker pen to apply embossing powder the the stems – clear. I used Crackle Accents by Inkssentials on the blossoms. I then added various gems – mostly dollar store Forever in Time ones as I saw fit.

And because I am sooo happy about this, and because I’m soooo close to hitting 100 in my “followers” list for my blog and I KNOW I’ll forget and miss that celebration (and perhaps one of YOU who are reading might help me make that goal, hehe) I am giving this design for you!

I have included this file in every which way you can possibly imagine, meaning this:

flower trio as one single (so you can print like I did in one color)
stems as single (so you can print the stems in green if you like)
blossoms as single
Single all together flower, blossom and stem
whole flower outline – so you could actually ask your Silhouette SD to draw the blossom first and then you could apply the cut and cut it right out – then you could do two layered to stand out.

I would LOVE your feedback on this file! Feedback = more FREE files in the future.

I will also place a copy of this FREE file in the Silhouette PAGES tab – top of the blog – you can access them anytime if you lose them. Do NOT share my files out directly – have your friends come get them themselves to increase the traffic to my blog. It’s the only payment I ask for!

click on graphic to download zipped file

And continuing on in my magical world of ice photography – captured this past Monday when the conditions were just perfect here in my little corner of the world:

Nor for one single day

Can I discern my way,

But this I surely know -

WHO gives the day

Will show the way,

So I securely go.

~ John Oxenham

An interesting composition of smoothness and shards

Fingers with furry boots!

Cold, Refreshing beauty

Each tiny reed encased

Like a luminous glowing heart of ice…

More to come in the following days!

Word Art Wednesday #11 and more beautiful and fascinating Ice Photos

2012-01-19T09:46:00.001-08:00

Yes, I’m a day behind but this is still a miraculous week for me that I’m posting almost every day. My little world was like a snow-globe yesterday – traffic moving only for those who had to be out in the real world. I know its strange but I’ve been waiting for a day like this for a long time. I’ve been meaning to have my two neighbours over like forever but knew they have busy lives like me. I’d actually invited a friend from town for lunch but we cancelled because she never would have made it into our driveway. So… as soon as I realized it was a “no go” day I rang up my neighbours and invited them to come on over and make bread.

Anyone who visits here regularly knows that I teach everyone in my universe the basic recipe for Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day. I make a batch up before they arrive and when they get here we bake it in several different ways. Then, I give them their own pail (a friend gives them to me from a local senior’s home) and I have them mix up their own batch to take home. If you’ve never made this bread you need to check out the website, link in my sidebar. The universal appeal of this bread is

4 simple ingredients everyone has in their cupboard
dead simple – I’ve taught many people who’ve never made bread in their lives!
no kneading
no mess
universal – can make 100’s of variations
use right away or store in fridge up to 2 weeks, use as needed
makes a toothy “artisan” bread, the sort you pay big $$$ for in the stores

So we made bread and one of my friends not only went home and baked up loaves and pizzas but mixed a second batch at the ready!

Then we whipped together the following card. I’d figured it in my head and on my Silhouette SD before they arrived, hoping to make a “batch” run… so it was simple to set up a table in my craft/play/workout area and put one together for each of us. This card is my take on

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #11

We were asked to use the following scripture:

Here is the card, my way:

Supplies:

decorative hand made paper I purchased from Paper Nation in Abbotsford BC

cardstock – recollections from Michaels

ribbon – Martha Stewart

bling – from dollar store

Method:

I felt this scripture needed a paper that was bright and bold and made a statement and it did not take me but a minute to decide on this beautiful decorative hand made paper. You probably cannot tell but the whitest squares in the pattern on the paper is actually a shiny silver. It really has punch.

I cut the scallop and ribbon on my Silhouette SD. The patterns for these were both purchased from the Silhouette SD store where I’ve purchased a yearly subscription (best thing I ever did!)

I added the pretty silver ribbon and then some gems for that final touch.

I’ve got 5 scriptures queued up to work out in beautiful card creations for February when I will be a Guest Designer for Word Art Wednesday. Won’t you join in the fun?

And now, 5 more photos from my magical day on the ice on Monday (before the snow came along!)

Psalm 24:1

The earth and everything on it belong to the LORD.
The world and all its people belong to him.

How puny the attempts of man

To set the world to rights,

When viewed besides a masterpiece

Of nature’s wondrous sights.

Remember with humility

how small is our ability.

Like a little ice polisher on the bottom of this spike!

Cccooooold little hand – the ice is so clear you can’t see it there.

Pillars in the magical miniature ice palace

Dual fingers of ice with tiny swirled roots

So you can see up close with me!

More to come tomorrow, along with a new card, and even a FREE download for a project!

Mojo Monday 224 (yeh, I run a day late and a dollar short!) and more beautiful ice photos

2012-01-18T11:47:00.001-08:00

I’ll make it short and sweet today. I’m happily snow and housebound due to the inclement weather we are having. Bring it on!

Mojo Monday 224

My take:

Supplies:

Paper and Cardstock – Recollections from Michaels.

Stamp: Kolette Hall Hugs & Kisses

Heart “cut” for Silhouette SD – me!

I went very basic and simple on this one. I’ve had this “country-ish” ribbon in my basket since the time my great great GREAT Gramma came over the Rocky Mountains in a Red River cart (she really really did!) Well, the ribbons been around for a long time and I’ve never been able to pin it properly on a project. This worked awesome. I created my very own “bumpy heart” cut for this project and layered on the red and white.

I finished my project off by accenting the “kisses” (tell me why kisses are the x’s and the o’s are hugs?) with some Crackle Accents by Inkssential.

More beautiful ice photos taken earlier this week:

I wish I could shrink down into this magical little world.

There are these crazy “bubble-pockets” here and there.

I’m in AWE of this “little bird” frozen out of a reed in the ice…

I love God’s handiwork!

Like the fingers of an icy giant’s hand.

What can I say – sooo beautiful. This is not water, but ice, reflected in front.

More to come!

Stamping Sisters in Christ Challenge 122, Free 1/2 heart Embellishment and some Ice Pictures

2012-01-17T20:00:00.001-08:00

I’ve been making loads of cards – I just find no time to blog them. So I’m parking myself here at the computer with a nice hot cup of decaf Earl Grey and won’t budge until I have got this down here.

I’ll start with just a trio of ice pictures. We have had an extremely mild winter and my fear was it would not get cold enough for me to take pictures of the ice. I know the wineries also count on a good cold snap to harvest grapes for ice wine too. So we are both happy today I think because the temperatures dipped down nicely yesterday. As soon as the sun came up I was out the door murfled up in layers upon layers of warm clothing and with a heated bean bag (thanks Neti, I use these for heating our toes in bed each night and also for this and for keeping my pot of tea piping hot too… oh and raising bread and… ) anyways, I put the heated bean bag inside of a belly bag and my camera nestles within this and it allows me to keep it at a temperature that avoids the lens fogging up.

No matter how warm I dress I still come home all nippy because its impossible to use the camera effectively without exposing my fingers and my legs become frozen because I lay down on the ice a lot. Its worth it. Here are a few photos from yesterday – I’ll post more over the coming posts.

Squares and Spikes

LOVE-ly Ice (see the heart shapes?)

So much texture!

Looks like a little scrubber

Looks like “icing” on the rocks.

So stay tuned for more ice photos over the coming days – along with more cards.

Stamping Sisters in Christ Challenge 122 Revelations 21:5

Scripture: Rev 21:5 “And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He [!] said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."

Challenge: Let's use something new on our card/project this week. It can be a new stamp, paper, or embellishment...or even a new technique or an idea that is new to you! Just have fun with your creation!!

I’m taking this challenge along with my sister in law Judy.

Here is my take on something NEW

I know, this is very different for me. I had pure fun with this one in fact.

Supplies:

Paper:

Karate (background)

Sarah Milne (paper background for 1/2 heart embellishment)

Various scraps used for hearts in truck.

Embellishments:

Truck – Graphics Fairy

Half Heart – Barb Derksen (me, available here!)

And just so you might get the urge to make your very own Loads of Love 1/2 heart element I’m leaving this FREE set so you can digi do it or print it or even print and cut if you have a magic Silhouette SD like me! Please have your friends come download here – I’ll place a copy in the PAGES tabs up top of the blog and you can always come back and get them if you lose them somehow (that has worked for ME in the past too!) Your comment love is worth it all haha!

Click on Graphic to downlaod

Personal Use

Word Art Wednesday #10 Challenge Card

2012-01-11T18:30:00.001-08:00

I’m taking part in a new card challenge today, along with my sister in law Judy. It’s always refreshing to try new things and I’m even hoping YOU might join in the fun at Word Art Wednesday. I’ve been invited be a Guest Designer for the entire month of February so I’m counting on all my family and friends to join in and spread the word!

Today’s challenge for WAW # 10 is to use the following word art scripture:

I truly enjoyed today’s challenge because I have the most fabulous hand made paper I’ve been trying to find excuses to use!

Supplies:

Paper (embossed) – Hand made paper from India – (posting more on this after the list)

DP – Craft n Craftin Best Creation (oooops, cleaned up the craft area too quick and the actual “name” of this paper is somewhere and I’m NOT dumpster diving! )

Word Art – courtesy Word Art Wednesday

Rosettes – Recollections, purchased at Michaels

As you can see this card is a “giving” card – not mail-able because of these gorgeous little rosettes. My sweet sister snipped a few off each of her packs and gifted them to me last summer and I sort of forgot about them until now.

I cut the backing for the sentiment using my Silhouette SD and I inked the edges too with Studio G ink in a dark brown.

I paired up a sheer brown ribbon along with a length of cream lace which was a wonderful find at the local thrift store.

A note about the beautiful hand made embossed paper used here – I picked it up along with several other yummy ones from a store I simply have to crow about. I’m talking about Paper Nation located in Abbotsford BC. I found it quite by chance last time my Mr and I visited the coast and being it was the day before Christmas and I had money fun money jingling a hole in my pocket from my Mr… I spent over an hour pouring over all the lovelies and dropped more $$ there than I’ve done for quite some time! I’m not saying' the products are expensive, in fact there were so many great sales on and prices being reasonable that I did not hold back.

Bryan, the owner, was so accommodating, even offering up fresh java to sustain my power-shopping mode! I had already spent almost all my moolah when I espied an entire rack of these decorative hand made paper right beside the till. I had to squeeze out just a bit more cash because I HAD to have six 1/2 sheets to take home with me. These papers come from India and Thailand and are “tree free” They are zero-carbon footprint papers made of textile scraps from the fabric industry. I’ll be heading back for more my next trip there!

Why don’t you check out Paper Nation for yourself – I’ll be posting a permanent link on my side bar!

And I always like to have a little something to give away and so I whipped up a pretty swirly heart for YOU. I’ve included two versions – one with a hole at the top so it could be used as a charm (I tested the cut as you can see!) It’s available in png, svg and .studio for all your purposes. I’ll place an extra copy under the “pages” tabs above this post so you can always come back and download a copy for FREE! Comment love highly appreciated!

Personal Use

download

Mojo 223, SSIC 121, a new technique and a FREE Valentines theme card template and cutting file!

2012-01-09T19:32:00.001-08:00

Wow, when I get creative and go with the flow I sure get a lot to blog about, hehe. Ok, so I’ll just jump right in, all the little newsy stuff first and then on to my latest cards. This week saw the weather go from warm and bare ground, an unusually – though not record – balmy winter until Saturday night when we finally got some inches of snow, which has again melted away. I’m happy with that because I’ve been able to run outside in the middle of winter without fear of slipping on ice.

It has been so mild that my Mr. actually saw a mosquito (or mosquito-like) insect alive and flying around outside the other day. I killed two black widow spiders inside a building within the past two weeks and even ants!

I’m feeling very “peppy” lately, lost the few lb I gained over the Christmas holidays. I’ve been adding fresh chopped ginger to my apple salad for lunch each day and I believe its boosting my metabolism. How about YOU – have you made progress with your waistline/eating habits?

Speaking of eating, I was just given the sweetest gift… or should I rephrase this to say “sourest” gift?

A lemon!

Why would I be so excited about a lemon? It’s because it was given to me by my friend Melanie and it grew on a tree in her house! The tree is several years old and is now producing beautiful fruit a few times a year. This year has been particularly abundant. This is a BIG lemon and is very firm and pungent. I’m trying to decide exactly how I will use it. Do YOU have a suggestion? Mel’s going to start us our very own lemon tree and though I’m not a live plant person I’m quite charged up about this!

I also report that my A Complaint Free World challenge bracelet has changed wrists a few times. If you’re visiting here for the first time then I’ll tell you that the basic idea behind this bracelet. I wear it on one wrist – if I complain then I have to move it to the other wrist and start all over again. The hope is that I can make it through a whole year of not complaining.

Its very interesting trying not to complain. One becomes very aware of just how insidious complaining is, chronic and I think we kind of become enslaved to it. I’m so glad that even if I don’t make it through this year that I will at least changed my ways.

If YOU are taking this challenge, how are you doing?

Random Tip:

I hate waste, so when I have a heavy plastic type bag – many have the zipper locks on top, from say nuts, or chips – this sort of food, I rinse them out and dry them and save them and I use them to marinate meat for the bbq. They are perfect for this purpose.

On to my cards and creating portion of this post:

I combined two challenges into one due to some time pressure I’m feeling. I’m entering this card for both the Stamping Sisters in Christ challenge # 121 and also Mojo Monday challenge # 223. I do Mojo along with my sister Nina, sister in law Judy, neice Samantha and dear friend Valinda. Would YOU like to join in too?

Stamping Sisters in Christ challenge # 121- Phil 2:3-4

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4

This week’s challenge is based on Philippians 2:3-4 and the goal is for you to make a card to send to someone who needs a lift. The general thought is a thinking of you card, but it can contain a scripture verse or any sentiment that conveys that your thoughts or your prayers are with that other person.

And…

Mojo Monday challenge # 223.

This is my take on the combo (using a NEW technique which I will share with you here!)

Whew – a lot of parts to this card but in the end I am pleased with the results. Of course a photograph does not quite capture the richness nor the full effect of the glitter.

Supplies:

Designer Paper – sorry, a random leftover

Stamps: Fiskars

Elements: I cut the shapes out using my Silhouette SD

I created this flower myself, and now I’ll share how I made it.

I am the QUEEN of frugal. I recently bought some supplies to make glittery elements – I bought the SOOKWANG adhesive sheets and some Glitter Ritz glitters and some beautiful Starform Stickers and Copic sketch markers to create lovely elements. You can find out more about these products at the Elizabeth Craft site. They really turn out beautiful.

However, the price of some of the products is prohibitive to me – for example I picked these items up at regular run of the mill scrapbooking stores and I paid approximately $10 for the 5 sheets of Sookwang (Be Creative) adhesive sheets, Glitter Ritz, each color about $6 each color, $2.50 for each package of Starform shapes and the Copic markers are $7 each. When these run out I’m truly not sure I can afford to replace them – we will see, perhaps some millionaire will take a shine to my cards

In case you’re like me and a visual person – here’s a video tut on what I’m talking about:

Demonstration of using Copic Markers with Sookwang adhesive sheets and Coloritz Glitter.

Sooooooo…

I played around with some supplies that I have and have come very close to the same look. I did one project which I won’t show here and I actually painted the glitter with watercolor paint and it turned out lovely. I even used my Silhouette SD to cut out a very fine edge and glued it around like the Starform edges. It was not perfect but very close.

But here’s the last project I made using my own frugal technique and afterward I’m going to provide you with both the cutting files and png files for this project so you can make your own sweet Valentines card.

Please ignore my fingernail which sorely needs to be touched up or redone… what I’m showing you in this picture is I’m peeling a cardstock heart shape taped to some simple transparent Contact paper (its adhesive on one side)

This product is widely available at almost any hardware or home deco place and is very inexpensive. I’ve bought most of mine at either thrift stores or yard sales for less than a dollar for a huuuuge long roll. Now I’ve discovered I can cut this on my Silhouette SD by using the Vinyl setting and the cutting matt. So I can cut any shape, but you could easily trace and cut or experiment with other ways.

Once you’ve cut your shape (and a note, if you make lettering or this type of thing you might want to reverse your image when you cut your Contact) I cut a second shape out of real cardstock paper to glue my shape to for extra stiffness. Once you’ve cut your shape then you can pour glitter onto your Contact sticky side and “burnish” it in using your finger. (Glitteritz if you have the $$$, dollar store if not, which is what I used in my challenge cards for the flower element and below for the heart elements)

I really think this works well – and is quite inexpensive.

Supplies:

Designer Paper: Recollections Red and Pink Hearts

Frame, heart shapes and arrows – ME! Barb Derksen

And so even though its sooooo much easier for me to create my cutting files just in my Designer Edition Silhouette SD software I chose to make it in another graphics program so that YOU could have the png files – you can use them for digital scrapbooking or bring them into your own cutting machine software to create this lovely card. I also took them into Inkscape and turned them into svg files for those of you who have ability to import svg files. Please forgive me if you use the svg files – they import HUGE into other programs because frankly I’ve not learned how to export them at a smaller size yet.

These are for Personal Use. Please do not share the files – send your friends to download these for themself. I will place a second copy in my PAGES archive – look up top. They will always be available and free.

PNG, SVG AND .STUDIO FILES

download

Personal Use

Scrapbook Essentials BC Challenge 4 Card & my DIY Embossing Folder using Silhouette SD

2012-01-03T19:20:00.001-08:00

I’m finding I need a kick start here in the New Year to get the card making spree started so I’m taking the challenge I found on my sister Nina’s blog site.

Nina has been using stamps available from the Scrapbook Essentials Store to create some inspiring cards. Will YOU join in and create a card here this week too?

Our Rules for Playing:

Create a NEW project for this challenge.
Be sure to link your blog with a direct link to the post you would like us to visit.
Please put a link on your post to our challenge.
Create a project with only 3 challenges including our challenge.
Feel free to use any stamping products you have!

I like the simplicity of this sketch, here’s what I made:

Supplies:

Heart Stamp – Kathie and Co

Ink – Versafine Onyx Black

Designer Paper – K & Company

Ribbon – (narrow) Offray, Dancer

How it went together:

I stamped some white cardstock with the hearts image. I added sparkle (new technique I’m also fooling with and will share in a future post) and then accented with watercolor.

I embossed the designer paper using an “embossing folder” I made DIY by cutting the shapes from my Silhouette SD. I am the queen of DIY and doing things frugally. Its a bit tricky putting the DIY embossing folder (two sheets of cardstock with layers of shapes squished in between) and takes a measure of time and concentration but its worth it in the end.

The thing I will have to remember in the future is to reverse images when doing this sort of thing – and next time I also need to hit the SAVE button on my computer… I click before I think (as my husband always tells me) I deleted it before I realized it. I’m looking forward to making more so will be sure to share.

Do you ever experiment making your own embossing items? (I’m thinking leaves, lace, fabric…)

Mojo 222 and Random thoughts

2012-01-02T14:17:00.001-08:00

First Mojo of 2012, how exciting! All these 2’s – Mojo 222 and 2012, will my 2 key get overworked on my computer?

It’s good to be ‘pushed’ sometimes and this sketch certainly had me exploring new ideas. I was so adventuresome that I once again have had to eat my own words – “I don’t like to do anything twice” I wound up making two versions of the same sketch, varying the elements a little. I wonder which you will like?

What you can’t see is that the grey vertical ribbon on this lower card and the grey strip behind the Happy Birthday sentiment on the top one, is actually very shiny reflective sheet, mirror like. I was truly puzzled of what to place for the “flower” element in the sketch and finally decided to make a “square” flower by layering cardstock in alternating sizes and fastened them together with a brad. The three round elements in a row are halves of “snaps” I picked up from a thrift store. I find these are plentiful, inexpensive and go wonderful on masculine cards.

Supplies:

Designer Paper – Junkitz Essentials Paperz

Cardstock – various

Stamp – Studio G

Embossing Sheet – Cuttlebug

Shimmer Sheetz – Elizabeth Craft Designs

*****

A Complaint Free World update:

I made it through day 1 of the year… barely. There was a questionable moment when something I said caused a youngster friend of mine to point out “That’s a complaint” but then my friend Amanda pointed out it was an observation rather than a complaint.

Whew! It really makes one think. I’ve been finding creative ways to get around what would normally be a complaint. I wonder if you can guess what could have been to the following statements I made today:

“I would rather be doing a lot of things than sorting out my basement storage area”

“I’m so glad we have such a big amount of storage area”

“I certainly know how to collect things!”

“Having an interrupted sleep sure makes me grateful for the nights I have a good sleep”

I’m sure I could slip up soon but for now I’m keeping my “complaint bracelet” on the same arm!

*****

I saw this article on my NPR Radio Twitter feed this morning and I found it very interesting. When we drove out to the coast for the holidays I was shocked to see how many people still hold a cell phone to the ear while driving, not just small car drivers either, but truckers! Are people deluding themselves into thinking its not really dangerous? I like this statement in the article:

"We want to make this like drunk driving where you don't walk into a party and casually say that you were drunk behind the wheel. People will look at you like you're insane," Adkins says.

How do you feel about this issue?

Happy NEW Year

2011-12-31T13:28:00.001-08:00

Isn’t it funny how your mind can convince you that something intangible is tangible? What I’m talking about is that I can think myself into accepting it’s a new year for my life, even though in reality that’s just a date we’ve all collectively set on a calendar page. As a Christian, every day is a new year, a new day for me in the essence of living a life of faith. I get going along so busy that I fail to remember that each day is a choice.

I love fresh starts. I’m the sort of person that does not like to read books twice (besides the Bible) or watch movies more than once. I always enjoyed the first days of school with a fresh new wardrobe (note: I grew up in a family of 8, 6 boys and my Sister oh so much younger than me, so mostly this meant new girl clothes for me) and new school supplies. I can still smell the wood shavings as I sharpened my brand new pencils and make the first marks on the snowy white pages of my scribblers.

So though this is a man-made reminder I am glad for it. I like this quote from C.S. Lewis which blipped on my Twitter feed today:

And this from the Bible too:

Lamentations 3:22-24

The Message (MSG)

^22-24God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
   his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
   How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
   He's all I've got left.

I don’t make “resolutions” as such but I'm going to take a challenge with my friend Valinda. We are going to take the “A Complaint Free World” challenge together. Here’s a short video clip of the premise of it:

I fully agree with the fact I complain too much, that it has become a habit and I’d like to try this and see what a change it might bring along. I think its really difficult for me to be grateful for everything in my life when I allow complaints to drip off my tongue, often without me even realizing it.

Now, this said, I do not want to turn myself into a Pollyanna and be a fake, and I know this is a fear of my husband’s thinking. To me its sort of like this:

I’m not happy, I’m cheerful,

There’s a difference.

A happy woman has no cares at all,

A cheerful woman has cares but has

learned how to deal with them.

~ Beverly Sills

And this:

Smile a smile!

While you smile

Another smiles,

And soon there are miles

and miles of smiles,

And life’s worth while

If you but smile.

And this:

Let me be a little sweeter -

Make my life a bit completer,

By doing what I should do

Every minute of the day,

Let me toil without complaining,

Not a humble task distaining.

I agree in part with what my Mr.’s thinking is – it would be unrealistic to think we could never ever ever complain because in some cases it would be almost impossible, however I believe trying not to complain will make me the better for it. I think its like the difference between giving criticism or critique – when we criticize it come our own self view of something of someone else’s and simply takes something apart with no regard that there might be a person’s feelings involved. Critique on the other hand, points out the positives and gives helpful advice and encouragement if needed to improve something.

Ephesians 4:29

English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁹ Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

James 1:26

English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁶ If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person'sreligion is worthless.

Psalm 141:3

English Standard Version (ESV)

³ Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!

So I’m going to “slip on the band” (though for me it might be a piece of thread some days because I don’t like typing with a bracelet on – and other days when I’m wearing something nice it will be a real bracelet) which will remind me when I feel a complaint welling up. We will see how I do and I’ll try to keep you informed here on how I’m doing.

What is your “resolution” for the year, or something you might like to change to make 2012 a better you?

Home from the Holidays and Mojo 221

2011-12-29T13:57:00.001-08:00

We spent Christmas with our family at the coast. I’m so blessed to have in-laws who I love very much, especially precious to me as I don’t have my own parents or grandparents left.

I treasure my Aunts and Uncles for they remind that life is a tapestry of weaved memories and we must be mindful to keep those memories alive or they could be lost forever. We had a visit like this with our Aunt and Uncle who live right in the city and I enjoyed finding out things about my Uncle – things I never knew! I’ve great respect for some of the jobs he did during his life. And our Aunt dotes on us, she’s the hostess with the mostest!

Of course we ate far too much as our Mom literally had buckets of candy that you had to migrate past through her Christmas-land of soft snow fluff and ornaments and candles. She’s everything Christmas with decor in every corner. Now I see my scale is telling me I’ve loaded on three extra pounds and will have to scale back. That’s alright, its easy to do at home and besides, the food is what I love about the holidays. It will be hit the gym etc in the coming days, only not today for I fear I’ve caught a cold. It just ravaged through my sister in law’s house before they came for Christmas Day so it’s not surprising that I’ve got it, could not resist a hug or two on my nieces.

And we loved having our daughter Dez home for the holidays, if only for a brief two days. She arrived at Vancouver international airport in the deep of the night (2 a.m.) via her flight home from Houston, Texas where she was on a business trip. She lives in Calgary but had her company fly her back to Vancouver to spend time with us, then she flew home out of Abbotsford airport. So SO glad to have time with her, it’s been a YEAR since we got to hug her too! We missed our daughter Melanie, but Mel lives much closer so we will be spending time with her very soon and celebrate Christmas all over again on a miniature scale.

And and and I even got to have a coffee with another friend, Cicero! She and I have been bloggie buds for a few years now and our friendship has stepped off the screen and very much into real life. We’ve bible studied together and shared life’s ups and downs. I’ve come to know and love you and the wonderful person you are. Cis has a wonderful blog – always fabulous pics of the beautiful area she lives in and her recipes might make you have to protect your keyboard from drooling!

Anyways, back at home and all settled in and able to play with the crafting supplies I was gifted with and also bought on Boxing Day sales too. I was dying to play so have tackled the latest Mojo which is like a family tradition as my sister Nina, sister in law Judy, niece Samantha and dear friend Valinda all do with me as they are able. I’ve missed it the past few weeks.

Here is my take on Mojo Monday 221

I was dying to try my new Cuttlebug which was a gift to me this year! (beeeammming!!!) I used a happy birthday embossing folder on this orange paper. I can see all sorts of possibilities – including making my very own folders, truly I’m a DIY experimental girl and I think I could do this, we will see.

Supplies: orange and blue cardstock, Designer Paper - Surprise Party www.gotmoxxie.com Cuttlebug embossing folder, Fiskars roller used to crinkle blue cardstock for cupcake base. Orange Copic marker for accent on icing.

I’m still here!

2011-12-20T07:20:00.001-08:00

I’m sure some of you think this is what happened to me – that I fell right off the face of the earth. I sure feel like that some days too. I want to say thanks for all of you who kept checking in with me to be sure everything is ok. Its all better than ok.

What has been keeping me so busy? Well, I did do my first two craft fairs which were a new experience for me and I was pushed to create on a much bigger scale than ever. I worked overtime to be sure I had enough “stock” to sell. Then, a wonderful thing happened, just a few weeks ago I was asked to place my creations in a wonderful local shop called “The Feathered Frog”. It’s a great little place and this is a terrific opportunity and I’m just tickled to bits. I will blog more on this in the coming month as we are going to work hard to create a whole line of romantic and fun products. A local newspaper is going to cover it so I’ll keep you informed.

Because I had to put all my stock into the store I didn’t get cards out to our family or friends, how ironic is that? I guess there are seasons for everything. I am looking forward to a small break over the holidays to refresh. We are spending it with our family and I’ll share as we go along.

I don’t have any new cards to share, unlike my sister Nina who is guest designing like crazy these days (puffing up with pride) and my sister in law Judy and neice Samantha as well, but I will just post two cards which I custom created for a client and I hear were a big hit:

These were both created using images from Graphics Fairy. I love that site – I always find “the perfect” images there, and they are wonderful to accent and glam up a bit.

I’m sorry that I can’t name or list the accents – they were gathered up from my remnants of supplies. I swear I only have a handful of festive designer paper scraps left and am hugely anticipating restocking through the sales this holiday.

Lastly I have to share the card I was inspired to make for our local gym – the idea for this one flew around in my head all one night and propelled me out of my cozy bed to create it:

The bell is a cut from the Silhouette store, the barbells my own design and accented with glossy accents to make them stand out. The jingle bell and bow embellishment I believe I bought in the Silhouette store too. The “Jingle Bells” word art was welded from Ballpark font from DaFont.com and then accented with gems.

I’ll try to be more diligent with my posting from here on in. I hope all your plans and preparations are going smoothly!

Ohhh I forgot my FAVE

2011-12-08T21:37:00.001-08:00

I somehow missed THIS to die for eye candy dessert!

(I pecked away like hansel and gretel... Off to the gym tomorrow!)

School Christmas luncheon

2011-12-08T11:41:00.001-08:00

What I've picked out for me to eat

Much better than reheated pasta

New card covering Mojo Monday and (NEW) Scrapbook Essentials BC!

2011-12-08T10:03:00.001-08:00

I’m puffed up with pride as I post today for my very own sister Nina is a design team member for a new shop called Scrapbook Essentials BC. This is their VERY FIRST challenge so it would be terrific if you might join us in making it a big success and perhaps you might find a delight in starting off something fresh! (looks like the store carries some lovely products too – rubbing my hands)

My card is also acceptable to fit in with Mojo Monday which I do faithfully with my sister Nina, my Sister in Law Judy, my niece Samantha and my dear friend Valinda.

Scrapbook Essentials BC challenge asks us to create a card with Whimsical Butterflies.

Mojo Monday gave us the following sketch to work out in real live paper format:

And here’s my take on these challenges:

What can I tell you about my supplies? Not much, really! The stamp was a gift, unmarked. I coloured the blossom with pink felt and then embossed with shimmer. The butterfly was a “print and cut” from Silhouette but I cheated and tore it down in my designer software and turned it into a two part cut. I believe my background paper could be K&C company but I know Nina will confirm or deny for me. She’s got a dp catalogue in her head. I love the pretty pink glitter cardstock behind the butterfly. I was gifted this shimmery and dotty ribbon at a vintage shop in town. The green scallop behind the sentiment was cut on my Silhouette SD.

Thanks for your visit – I know everyone is busy these days.

Happy Birthday to my Brothers and SIC Challenge #118

2011-12-05T19:27:00.001-08:00

I’m hoping you all had a good weekend and a productive start to your week.

First thing for me is wishing my brothers Barry and Bill (yep, twins) a Happy Birthday for tomorrow, Tuesday December 6th. Hope you both get/got spoiled. Each year that passes makes makes the times when I was a kid and you really were my BIG brothers seem like a fairy book story. You don’t seem so big or scary anymore, in fact you both turned out to be nice guys and I’m proud to be your sister. Me and the Mr. wish you the best year ever, not don’t disappoint us!

I “did” my second craft fair this past weekend with my friend Mel O who makes beautiful beeswax candles (she had people buzzing around our table for the lovely scents) and her Mom made pretty crochet Travel Angels as well.

You can see some of her candles and angels here, but not Mel herself because (and we had such a giggle over this) not one picture of Melanie turned out good. Every photo we opened up had her doing some sort of contortions with her face so I won’t embarrass her.

I don’t know what I’m saying to this customer. It looks like I’m saying come closer so I can grab you” or something. I did not do that to my customers though, really. I may look frightening and desperate in the photo, but I’m not. I found my little teensy bird houses were a hit.

I took my Silhouette SD with me and did some demos, really created interest. I even wound up creating some of my own designs and selling the cuts.

I am SO touched by a post my bouncy, enthusiastic, encouraging friend Janice published this past week HERE …. awww it made me all weepy! I love you, Janice, you know you’ve got a special place in my heart and there are many PLANS made yet to fulfill! Thanks for your kind words and your always bubbly companionship, I treasure it!

Finally, I managed to fit in my Stampin’ Sisters in Christ card challenge #118 Matthew 1:20-22 which I am doing in sync with my Sister in Law Judy

Scripture: Matthew 1:20-22, "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' which means, 'God with us.'"

Challenge: Make a card/project that features an angel, such as in the patterned paper, a stamped image, a charm, etc.

Here’s my take on this challenge:

This gorgeous angel came from Graphics Fairy. I printed it off in deeply saturated color. I backed her with gorgeous thick gold paper which my friend Marie saves for me from a brand of chocolates. I covered the original stars in the picture with teeny stars I punched out of the same gold. I have three layers of ribbon, a black sheer, a vintage light blue and then the royal blue wire ribbon. I used a WalMart Merry Christmas block stamp, embossed with gold onto black cardstock. I backed it with some black lace. Its funny where that black lace comes in handy.

Thanks for visiting!

Mojo 217–SIC 117, my FIRST craft fair and a FREEBIE for YOU!

2011-11-30T18:26:00.001-08:00

Where has the time gone? Seems like yesterday I posted last but it has been a week or so.

In between then and now I took part in a local craft fair for the first time in my life. It was a very positive experience for me, on the whole. The only glitch was arriving to find the spot I’d paid for and reserved was taken! The merchant had set up the entire table with their wares – jams, jellies and whatnot. It was FULL.

I mean, how could I be ok with Mr and Mrs Santa if I’d been a grinchy grouch?

The confusion was not on the part of the organizers and as I had only needed the electric for a set of mini lights on my display, and being it was Sunday morning I decided to make things as easy as possible for everyone. I said I’d go “wherever” – which in the end wound up being the perfect place to be.
I’m “doing” another fair this weekend beside my lil buddy Mel O – her very first ever sale too. She’s going to sell her beautiful beeswax candles (mmmm, can smell them now) and also some crocheted “Travel Angels” her Mom made too. I’ll post about that later.

On to my card for this week which is covering for two card challenges.
Mojo Monday 217

Stampin’ Sisters in Christ Challenge 1:17 Matthew 6:25-34

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34 ".... Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?...."

Challenge: Make a card/project that features a bird, such as in the patterned paper, a stamped image, a charm, etc.

Here is my take on these two challenges (combined) which I am doing along with my Sister in Law Judy.

I did some recycling with this card – the two sweet birds came from a used greeting card (a woman at our local thrift saves them for me) I matched it with coordinating paper in colors which complemented the graphic. The stamp is a little Studio G.

The square button – well, thats my very own design, and I’m going to leave you a link here to download either the png files or the .studio files so you can cut your own 2 layered square edged buttons!

Just click on the graphic to download the files – these files will also be added into both the “Tabs” at the top of my blog under “free PNG carding templates” and also “free Silhouette .studio files” – always FREE, always available. Please use these for your personal use (unless you consult with me – I’m pretty easy going) and don’t share my links but have your friends come pick them up for themselves.

Happy creating!

Happy Thanksgiving Neighbours, First ‘sewn’ Card and more FREEBIES added to the “Vault”

2011-11-24T09:23:00.001-08:00

Firstly Happy Thanksgiving to my neighbours to the south (only 10 minutes to the south, but still…) May your Turkeys be plump and moist, crispy on the outside or if you are Vegetarian or Vegan my your tofu be the same. May your holiday be a time of connecting with family and a good rest. We truly have so much to be thank you for. I think having our Thanksgiving ahead and then your USA one causes me to think twice as hard about our blessings.

I have been crafting like MAD in prep for my first ever craft fairs – I’m probably doing twice as much work as needed because I don’t know any better. I’ve got my display figured out etc – but would welcome any wisdom from YOU if you have done this before?

So I am making cards like crazy – and my dear friend Rose loaned me a sewing machine because the one I had was defective – I had many spats with it, it being the victor. So, first thing I tried yesterday was to come up with my own “sewn” greeting.

Whenever I make a cut with my Silhouette SD and there might be some wasted paper space around the object I’m cutting, I will toss a few heart, circle or other shapes in beside to make good use of the paper. (specially when its exclusive designer paper) I had all these sweet paper flowers to use up so I went wild with the straight stitch and sewed them onto this square format card. I love this “quilted look” paper for the background to show up all the pretty patterns on the blossoms. I embellished the centers with small pearls, alternating them between sizes. I printed the sentiment in Word and then added a bit of gelly roller to soften it. I thought this card could be for either a sympathy or to genuinely say … Sorry!

On another note, I’ve added three more files to the Freebies Vault (tab top – scroll waayyyy down, the Christmas items are all at the bottom) – these being a cute Santa hat and two versions of a Festive Ornament. Enjoy!

Mojo 216 and Stampin' Sisters in Christ 116

2011-11-22T14:41:00.001-08:00

Our first big snowfall all melted away today. Very gloomy outside. Windy. I notice the wind comes up the lake from the south in the winter - its almost always opposite during the summer. Never mind, I am all cuddled up inside and crafting and it can storm out there all it wants, nothings going to pry me out of my little crafting comfort corner.

The other not so fun thing that happened this week was our phone line and internet biting the dust for a day. I thought it was due to a power bump but it was actually due to...

SHREDDIE!

Mmmm hmmm - sure he's eating something nice and innocent here but apparently he and his buddies have an especial appetite for power lines! And so he's been nibbling away at ours to the point we now have to have a loooong line replaced.

It was very funny - the telephone tech was just asking if we had squirrels when we heard this very angry "chi chi CHI!!!" and Shreddie took one look at the tech and scrammed. Why Shreddie you ask? Well thats because his side-dish used to be my patio furniture, the material parts. It sounds like there's not much one can do for these pesky little critters, specially when we have bird feeders out. I have a feeling this costs the telephone and cable companies a pretty penny.

Ok, so on to cards.

I'm doing this weeks Stampin' Sisters in Christ number 116 - Job 13:15 with my sister in law Judy.

Challenge: Make a card of praise using music, stamp, or design paper, or just the word "praise."

Here is my version of this challenge:

Background dp: Dragonfly Duet by Graphic 45

Stamp - Wooden, no branding on it.

I cut the image on my Silhouette SD

Mojo Monday # 216

I turned this design on its side for my card. I had a request come in for me to create a sympathy card. The person who died was involved with diamonds in their business - and this card is going to his widow and family. I decided to create a "giving" card. A "giving" card for me is one when I know it will not be mailed, so I can make it as big and fat and extravagant as I want to. I have people donate their discarded jewellery bits - broken necklaces, earrings etc - and these make fabulous additions to some cards.

I figure the diamond says it all - I included the following poem inside - which you can find HERE along with a beautiful little movie. I thought the diamond glints on snow part was appropriate.

Do YOU have a favourite poem or sentiment or site for these which you can share with me?

Thanks so much for visiting me today!

Stampin’ Sisters in Christ #115, a Funny Video and a FREE Clown element/cut file

2011-11-16T13:00:00.001-08:00

Brrrr – while my good friend KimB cooks in the heat over in South Africa, having probably to deal with sweat threat to her computer and overheating, here sit I on this continent oh so far away and I’ve got shivering timbers for fingers… they don’t move very swift I’m telling ya!

Good thing the pink ladies were picked last week for just when they were being loaded up to be taken for processing…

So we have had our “first snow” though it has not stayed other than in patchy areas. Can I choose to rewind the seasons just for a bit? Hehe, I could be happy with winter coming just a bit more on the December side.

On to the card – I am taking up this carding challenge with my sister in law Judy.

Stamping Sisters in Christ Challenge: Create a card or project that depicts gratitude...it can be an image of something you are grateful for, a scripture that evokes your gratitude, or it can be a card made especially for a person you would like to thank this time of year!

Here is my take on this theme:

I do not know which designer paper this is. I simply took the flower image already present and outlined the edges with brown felts and some glittery gold. I added three gems into the center. Now the tag – that’s interesting!

I stamped the “I’m thankful for you!” from a wooden stamp. It was actually a stamp which had flowers on it too, but I simply colored the words using color brushers. Then I cut it in a rectangular shape and nipped the corners. I squeezed Glossy Accents in a squggly line over the sentiment and let that dry. I punched a tiny hole in it and threaded a ring, chain and charm (all salvaged from discarded earrings, necklaces etc) I finished it off with the sheer ribbon in a nice rich brown.

I always listen to music when I’m carding, it makes it fun. My sister Nina has been putting country music in my ear – I like country but for sure its not the first thing I turn the dial to. However, this said, I have to share the following video with you which keeps me in stitches:

And finally, I made a sweet Clown element – I’ve provided it in full PSD, in all png parts and also in .studio for Silhouette SD users. Here’s a card I made using it:

YOU can decide whether you would like to use the plain “circle” eyes included or if you are a Silhouette SD user you may opt to use the little buttons I “stole” from my last Gingerbread Man cut and copied in here. As you can see i used the teensy buttons and added some crochet thread in red. I found it was helpful to use a tiny bit of double sided tape to stick the buttons down onto a stick (popsicle stick or stir stick for coffee) to anchor it while you try to tie a teensy tiny little knot.

I added some creative shading to some of the “ruffle” and the hat. Have fun, puh-leeeze show me what you make? I’d love to share here. This file is for personal use projects (unless you ask me for permission) and please have your friends come download directly from my blog – a comment would probably knock me over…

Click on preview to download!

Mojo Card 215

2011-11-14T13:53:00.001-08:00

Monday = Family = craft time! (Nina, Judy, Samantha & Valinda)

Today's Mojo #215 challenge:

I think I pulled it off - leafless though these are (thought that would be too busy)

Random designer paper. Wooden stamp - Stampin' Up 2005. Flowers cut on my Silhouette SD.

I did a bit of organizing this a.m. as was expecting a guest and came across these little snaps and they made the ideal centers for the blossoms!

What odd little item have YOU used on your creative project lately?

Noel Card

2011-11-11T13:41:00.001-08:00

This is a second post for me today – just loved how this card turned out and wanted to share! I’m not posting it for any challenge, just for the fun of it.

I’m very sorry I do not know the name of this designer paper. It is quite subdued and I was not sure how I would use it. I created my own cut which is the face of the card with the lettering cut out – I then took the letters, embossed them with Versamark Dazzle and clear embossing powder and heated it. I cut the star out using my Silhouette Sd – the star is more to an orangey gold than shows here. I repeated the star in a smaller format in a dark brown and added a random star stickon element in the center.

I clicked a second photo to show you how I enhanced baby Jesus with my latest favorite toy – a shimmery Gelly Roll.

Thanks for visiting!

November 11th

2011-11-11T08:28:00.001-08:00

Do YOU wear a poppy?

Let’s talk…

Let's visit THIS site today - so we never forget!

Sisters in Christ 114 Card and … Baking Bacon

2011-11-08T19:45:00.001-08:00

I’m taking this challenge with my sister in law Judy today.

Peggysue Turner chose this week’s scripture:

Scripture: Genesis 3:6 “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.”

Why not visit the Sisters in Christ blog site to explore the follow up to the scripture and read why today’s challenge to us is:

Challenge: Dig in your stash and use one of your oldest stamp sets, one that hasn't seen any use for a long while.

I dug into my Christmas supplies and found this stamp. I don’t believe I’ve even used this stamp yet – it was a gift to me when I first started making cards. I stamped with a versamark watermark stamp and then I embossed it with black powder and then I baked it with the heat gun. I also used some inkadinkadoo chalk on the layer underneath, to reflect some red onto it and break it up from being “blocky”.

Speaking of baking, I made delicious “wraps” tonight and they were filled with blackened peppers, cheese, fresh basil and rosemary, olives and crispy crispy bacon. I love bacon and I love it crispy but I don’t love cooking it. I dislike having to stand over the frying pan and have the aroma waft up and nest in my hair making me smell like a stack of bacon. I don’t care to get slatted on with hot little nips. So I’ve experimented with many methods to simplify the method and get freed up from hovering. Here’s what I do – I take a large baking pan (could be a cookie sheet) and I line it with foil. Then I fold about 2 sheets of newspaper and lay that down. I actually sprinkle it with a little water (don’t want a bacon fire in the oven!) Next, I invert two little ramekins on the newspaper. Then I place a rack over them so that the bacon will be suspended above.

I lay the bacon in strips (I cut the package in half first) and lay them on the rack. I bake them in the oven at a slow temperature, somewhere between 325 and 350 and bake it until its perfectly brown and crispy.

Clean-up is a breeze, just wash the rack and ramekins, roll the rest up and toss it away.

Do you have a favourite and easy way to cook bacon?

Mojo 214 card, A Christmas Bells card and a FREE elment/cut for YOU!

2011-11-07T19:18:00.001-08:00

This picture means nothing to you. It was taken with my iphone and I did not have a steady hand, so I’ll explain. It says I ran for one hour at “7” pace and made it 6.8 miles. Now to some of you this will be ho-humm but for me its actually pretty amazing. I was just going back through my blog and realize that way back in May of 2009 I began to have some problems with my feet. (and my knees “crunch”) Me, who loves to run. Doesn’t like to run, but loves it. My Mr and I have even run a few marathons. Some of my very fondest memories are our late night runs (we live in a small community which rolls its pavement at night and its all quiet) So, to lose the ability to comfortably run was a blow.

And I thought my running days were over.

I did get a pair of inserts from the doctor and they did help quite a bit, but in the last little while, though I’m not saying I never have any pain at all – I can now run, comfortably at a good clip for an hour. Woo! Now my legs feel like elastics stretched tight hehe!

So that's my testimony for today! I’d love to hear how the Lord has allowed a healing in your life?

Random pretty blog post photo:

My Mr is used to hearing reports of me laying on the ground with my camera and sneaking pictures from a “bug’s view” - soooo pretty last week.

It’s Mojo Monday. I follow along with my sister Nina, sister in law Judy and my niece Samantha, and our special friend Valinda who I include in our circle - family time!

Julee (wagging my finger at you) this was a real effort for me first thing on a Monday morning. Don’t you know I can’t hardly see through half shut lids or find my mouth with my coffee mug? It is a lovely sketch, but quite busy. It kept me hopping but I finally worked it out (after making, tearing down, reassemble – hmmmmmmmmmmmmm stick,paste, shift) Yup, I managed.

I used various random designer papers and scraps. I printed the sentiment and cut with my Silhouette sd. The leaves are my own cuts. I used a cut of ivory lace behind the sentiment.

And then I created a new FREE cut and built a card to test it:

I love the idea of recycling so I cut these bells out of a Ghirardelli chocolates bag – the foil bits on the side of the package. The (messy) embossed stamp is from a random wooden stamp, no ID on it. The background paper is Websters Pages “your beautiful life” I frizzled a green sheer ribbon with my heat emboss gun – gives it a shabby/vintage look which makes perhaps a few dots of stray embossing seem intentional… well sort of hay?

So I made this bell design for YOU. It’s a back layer, a top layer (hole where the ringer goes) and then the ringer itself.

I’ve provided it every which way ( I added in SVG after I made the preview) – and I’m warning you, the svg’s are BIG – I did not know how to scale it down in inkscape, so you may have to do that yourself, sorry. Please show and tell with me so I can share what YOU make with this element/cut file! Just click on the graphic below to be taken to the download site. I will also post this to the TABS up top for free download anytime in the future should you ever lose it! Please don’t share the direct link with friends, have them come download it themselves.

Happy Birthday Little Sister–and a Free Festive Cut file for Silhouette SD

2011-11-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Nina

That’s you on the left,

And me on the right,

The summer day was perfect,

The sun shiny and bright,

Our time together was quicksilver,

The days flashed by in such haste,

Time of sisterhood – easy and free,

In my heart I can still taste,

The sweet time we shared.

I could go on and on here Sis, but you’re not the sort who goes for that. So I’ll make it simple here and just tell you that you’re my LITTLE sister, but you’re 10 feet tall in my eyes. I love you! I hope you have a fabulous birthday.

Here’s another feathered visitor in our neighbourhood these days. I believe it is a woodpecker of some sort – there are many of these about as well as Flickers. Just thought I’d share!

Speaking of sharing, I’d like to share a cut file with YOU today – in celebration of my sister’s birthday. Sad thing is I’m not sure if her machine will cut this Still waiting on my vector software – my sweet husband is working on that!

Nina loves buttons, so I created this Gingerbread Man and I was sure to design some teensy tiny buttons for him. I’m pretty tickled with how he turned out. I zipped up a folder containing all the pieces you need to make this delicious little feller. I left him whole in one file, then broke down the separate pieces – body, icing, buttons, bowtie, smile and eyes (though for my GB Man I used two golden gems) I cut the buttons out of yellow cardstock and then I painted them with some glittery gold nail polish. The background paper is October Afternoon’s “Very Merry Bake the Cookies”.

Enjoy – I’d love to see YOUR Gingerbread Man!

Click on the graphic below to go to the download for Mr GB Man

A New Card Design, Hurting Bird and a Free (studio) Cutting File!

2011-11-03T19:04:00.001-07:00

Dinner is in the oven, the fragrance of oven roasted potatoes tossed with Olive Oil and rosemary. Accompanying these are 6 delicious looking wild rice, red pepper and pepper jack cheese stuffed tomatoes. I say look delicious because its a new recipe I'm trying out and I won't actually know how good they are in the mouth until they get tasted. I'll let you know if they turned out. We have a dinner guest so I'm hoping they are ok. I don't think my sister Nina would do that to a guest. My way of thinking is we could always order out if it is terrible (running my finger down the take-out restaurants in the Yellow Pages section of the phone book...)

A funny aside. I had prepped the tomatoes ahead - in fact dinner is cooking itself at the moment, it was just a matter of putting it in the oven (don't you love that?) So, I had clear plastic wrap atop the tomatoes. Really really clear wrap... which, in my haste and eagerness went into the oven with the dish. Thankfully I realized after just two minutes and though it had shrinkled a bit it had not stuck to anything - no damage done.

Have you experienced a mishap like this before company came acalling?

I'm going to jump into my bird tale. I was working in the cocoon I call my craft area downstairs when I heard a good solid thud and I knew exactly what had happened.

We have many California Quail here. They are so comical to watch. They are frightened very easily and they are extremely vocal at those times. They cluck like little old women and flap about as if some catastrophe befell them. When they are happy and not worried they sit and call "po-tay-toe, po-tay-toe!" They are about the size of a children's toy football but when they walk through the underbrush they generate enough noise one could think a large animal was on the loose.

Sometimes they are frightened by larger birds of prey and when this happens they get in a kafuffle and fly off in every direction – sometimes right into our large front room window. And this was the case today.

Poor bird was really in shock – could not move much and it’s breathing was rapid and irregular. I picked it up and brought it indoors and placed it on a soft clean towel. I didn’t want to leave it out on the lawn to be plucked off by whatever predator scared it in the first place.

After 1/2 hour of letting it rest it rallied and I was able to release it back outdoors.

And its time to share my latest card. I created it without a sketch or challenge – I just wanted to use a cutting file which I created for YOU – to demonstrate what it would look like in a project. I am sorry I don’t have my vector program up and running yet, so available just in .studio format, suitable for Silhouette SD or Cameo.

I believe the base paper is a BoBunny – a gift of love. The golden backdrop behind my holly and berries cuts is actually some gold packaging a friend gave me which was part of a box of chocolates!

I created the holly leaves in two sections – a whole leaf and then a half. There are two leaves, one narrower than the other. There are three berries, one with a hole. I used a solid cardstock for the full leaves and then cut the 1/2’s out of patterned paper. I inked the edges with a brown studio G. I stamped added Glossy Accents to the berries to bring them to life.

And so I’m leaving the cut files for you – just click the preview to be taken to the download site. I use Ge.tt because I love its pretty straightforward and best of all no ads! I’ve provided the files in a zipped folder. I’m giving you the elements seperate and then one with all three on the same page. I’m not sure what is the easiest for you – I’d love your feedback. I will post this cut in the permanent TAB at the top of my blog. Always free! (ps, I’d love to see what you make with my cuts!)

personal use

Just Horsin’ around, Little Critter Nibblin’ and a FREE Festive Silhouette Cut!

2011-11-01T20:23:00.001-07:00

I had someone request a “horse themed” birthday card so I put my thinking cap on and came up with a couple. I’m only going to post one here, the best one.

I found this free SVG cut at SVGCuts – its was a free cut from a while ago, direct link for that particular download by clicking HERE. I don’t know if you can see it real well, but I used a Kimberley Polson flourish stamp on the horse and then I embossed with clear embossing powder. It says “It’s Your Birthday – Celebrate!” inside.

I love the “rope” – some fine wool my friend Marie gave me, she spun it herself from their alpaca! The word art i cut on my Silhouette SD using the “Western” font which I downloaded from dafont.

On another subject, this morning there were all sorts of critters running about – must have been because it was an absolutely lovely day. The sort of day we had about three weeks ago and I said would probably be the last before winter hits. Ha, what do I know? I took all sorts of photos today but I am going to ration them out over my next blog posts. Here’s the first two:

I’ve noticed this mushroom a few times – the other day when I cleaned every single window in the house and then again earlier today. I wondered what was eating this and guessed perhaps the birds…

But here’s the little culprit! I snuck a shot through the slats of the blinds so as not to disturb his little feast. Better he eats this than my patio furniture which was his meal preference last year, thus earning himself the name “Shreddie”

Lastly but not leastly, I am posting a free cut file here for YOU, should you have a Silhouette SD or (and I’m green with envy if you do have…) the new Silhouette Cameo. Now this file is “as is” … I’m still learning. I did make a wonderful card using this cut but wouldn’t you know that I gave it away without taking a photo! I’d done the plug ends in gold embossing and the bulbs in bright cardstock and embossed with glassy! And, I’m so sorry but my computer DIED and took all my regular programs with it and so I don’t have a way to make this into an SVG. When I get my Illustrator back I’ll make it up to you! Just click the graphic to be taken to the download – and I’ll also host it in the “FREE Silhouette .studio files” tab at the top of my blog. Have fun … and if you make something cool, won’t you share it with me and I’ll make you famous here?

Combo Mojo and Sisters in Christ Card and a Silly Old Tree!

2011-10-31T14:02:00.001-07:00

I’ve combined two card challenges into one. This card will fit for today’s Mojo Monday challenge for it’s sketch:

And it will fit with the Sisters in Christ Challenge the criteria here is:

Challenge #113 – Isaiah 1:18

Scripture:

Isaiah 1:18 "'Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’”

Challenge: Use fall colors in your creation: crimson, orange and gold (or similar)

Especially nice I can do these challenges along with my sister Nina (the Mojo) and my Sister in Law Judy (both) I don’t know the brand of designer paper, the acorn and leaf are my own cuts – available for free download if you look under the tabs atop here and the hugs was cut using my Silhouette SD and in brush script font.

On a side note, I’m having a daily go about with this Ponderosa on my drive.

Oh its so beautiful I really should not complain. Each day since the weather took a turn toward fall/winter, my tree has begun to shed needles. Now it does not shed them in small increments for I have watched it carefully. No, clever tree, it waits. I will go outside and clean up an entire tall garbage pail (stomped and compacted) and then I will come back inside. I will watch. Nothing. I will watch… nothing. I will relax, turn back to dust the furniture and turn back and suddenly there is another dump of needles. I think the tree just wants me to get next to it – and thats not a bad thing, its very beautiful and i love the tangy fresh pine scent.

Are YOU cleaning up after trees? Do tell!

Last of the Season

2011-10-29T21:29:00.001-07:00

I was downsizing the contents of the fridge recently and decided to add some plums to the dehydrator. My Mr is not a big plum-fan so I was quite astonished he found favor with some "fruit roll-ups" I made by rolling the slices up inside of plastic wrap. He liked them SO much indeed, he bought a box of them - last of the season, for me to dry! I found it easy and FAST to process them by slashing the halves and laying them flat.

Have YOU been putting up food?

Three Cards and some pretty photos!

2011-10-24T19:20:00.001-07:00

I’m back after a nice little weekend away to the coast to visit family. Lots of family. Twas a wonderful time indeed. Of course there was the food factor – were treated to a pot-luck supper and then a birthday party and food abounded at both. I’ll be paying for that this week, for sure.

I have been busy since arriving home. I managed to pull of about 8 cards today and might even squeak one more in before the night is through.

SFF102111

I’m taking this challenge with my Sister in Law Judy – we are trying a few new challenges to shake things up. She’s got a really pretty card at her place!

This is this week’s sketch for Sketch Frenzy Friday

And here is my interpretation on it:

I used up a pretty scrap of BoBunny Designer Paper on this festive frosty card. I wish you could feel my fuzzy center paper – its like suede. I cut the largest snowflake on my Silhouette SD using a vector I got from Obsidian Dawn. The stamp is a wooden block one, no I.D. on it, unfortunately they just say they are made in China. Ah well.

Mojo Monday 212

It would not be Monday without Mojo and participating in our sort of “family” challenge along with my sister Nina, sister in law Judy, and our dear friend Valinda.

I really struggled with this one. I wound up making 2 versions but the first one was a fail from the get-go. I wound up making it into another card entirely but I won’t post that here. Here is what I did wind up with in the end:

OK – that was not so bad… but “bluh” – it looks soooo plain and boring. So, I left it looking at me while I worked out on the elliptical, glancing every now and again and asking it what else it needed.

I am sure you do this yourself, keep going and pecking at it with new ideas. I thought the glittery red would add some contrast to it, but “ehn” – nooooo

I finally loaded it up with all sorts of bling and I can live with it – just. As much as I think its a failure you just know that the perfect person is going to come along who will fall in love with it, right?

This last card is not for any challenge at all – just for myself. I used some of my dear friend KimB’s Designs from her Precious Beginnings Boy Kit! Oh MY what a fabulous beautiful amazing kit. I was hoping to cut the pieces out precisely around the edges but did not manage to do that with my Silhouette but plan to do that this week – oh goodness perhaps even with her newest kit I’m seeing is just out – Precious Beginnings Girl Kit! (Downloading the nano-second I get off of this post!)

If you are a scrapbooker, carder or crafter you NEED to check out Kim’s kits – they are simply top notch quality and super easy to use. Look here for more cards I’ll be creating coming up in the next posts using Kim’s incredible kits. A note – if you use a Silhouette SD you can import the png files into your software, print and cut them. There are jpg papers included which you can print and cut as well.

I’m delighted with how crystal clear and crisp her graphics print out. I chose my own designer paper which just happened to match her color scheme! I have the entire Precious Beginnings BUNDLE which gave me all sorts of fun word art. I can’t wait to use the Girl kit!

I’m including a photo which my husband took of me feeding a Whiskey Jack on our way home.

Thanks for coming to visit!

Sketch Frenzy Friday & Mojo Monday Cards

2011-10-17T18:37:00.001-07:00

Whew, squeaked in a Mojo today – thank goodness I did my Sketch Frenzy Friday card yesterday… though – I must admit I am really not so impressed with my Friday card, it looks so simple beside the Mojo. How does that happen? For one thing I think its because the Mojo sketch was pretty detailed and also that I used a high quality Designer Paper for that one. You get what you pay for, right?

SKF101411

And here is my (very simple take) on this sketch:

I don’t know the make of paper but the stamps are from TPC Study – Celebration. You really cannot see the shimmer and glimmer of that little gift, I should have taken a close up pic but I took this indoors because the day was so grim outside. The FUN part of this card is that my SIL Judy and I are doing this one together! I am trying to hurry hurry to scoot over and see what she’s created, bet its fabulous!

Mojo Monday 211

This sketch made me work much harder and this is our “family” challenge – my sister Nina, sister in law Judy, her beautiful daughter Sam and I all do this challenge.

Here’s my version:

Ok, so cracking out a brand spanking new good quality DP helps – this is mainly created from a BoBunny – a gift of love paper. Two sided, the paper matches nicely. The bulb is the only part that’s from the scrap of a paper I fished out from my last project – no name can be found.

Another of my “frizzly” sheer bows – I draw my heated embossing gun over the ribbon from a fair distance and it makes it go curly. Adds that vintage look.

And just a few posts ago I gave YOU the cut files for this pretty ornament! Add a little golden twine and it dresses things up perfectly.

Thanks for stopping by. I’m working on some more cut files for YOU in the coming days – stay tuned!

A Pretty Long Post – Card – Photos and FREEBIES!

2011-10-14T11:48:00.001-07:00

My sister Nina reminded me that it has been a whole 10 days since I blogged last which is always a good nudge to get something new up here for YOU! That’s part of what sisters are for, right? One part encouragement and another part kick you in the pants. I am hoping she is forgiving me for not posting my award she and Judy and Valinda blessed me with a few posts back. I will post this in the future, promise (although I may take some liberties with it hehe)

Firstly I will post my Mojo Monday Card. I ♥ Mojo because its what I consider our “family” post – we all post this challenge, and yes Valinda, you are considered in our family because you are such a wonderful and faithful friend I can confidently say that we consider you as a sister.

My take:

Not such a great photo being indoors for a change but I think you get an idea. I’m starting to think Christmas and I bought this Cottage Christmas designer paper when I shopped in Kelowna with Nina. I like the little glitzy snowflake that my friend Mavis had given me, she punched a whole bunch out of a mylar sheet.

And next up I thought I should include some photos from my real life – haha, I do come “up for air” from my creating cards. I pushed myself outdoors yesterday and took some photos to share.

Pink Lady apples

There is nothing which can truly capture the incredible vibrant color of these apples as they beam right off these dainty trees. In some orchards where the trees are allowed to grow fuller at the bottom they remind me of little ladies – with full deep green frilly skirts and all decorated with pinky-red gems!

Hello Mr. Grasshopper!

He was waiting for me on the patio steps, quite lazy in the our weak autumn sun. Whereas in the summer he would have jumped away from me quick as a wink he now just sways side to side upon his flexible legs and waits for me to move for him!

Dinner time!

I arrived home to find this feller eating his dinner – almost underfoot. Honestly, one more step and he would have just been a smush on the cement. So glad he caught my eye. Of course my camera had a virtual fiesta field day for a good 1/2 hour. Looks like he’s found himself a high faluting supper – a “blue blood” no less! (I think that’s a stink bug he’s eating on) These stink bugs are everywhere on the patio both in the first warm spring air and then autumn.

Shaggy Manes – Num!

My Daddy used to try to make me eat these as a child – along with Morels too. I thought they looked like repulsive rockets and refused but now I’m a grown up girl now and find them exotic and delicious! These are popping up all over the place and I will enjoy the seasonal feast while its on. A note, you should check out this link on these mushrooms to read a caution on consuming these if you want to have alcohol for it says that you might feel or act in weird ways should that be the case. I don’t drink alcohol so no worries here – I’m totally weird and strange in real life!

And so, my post is winding winding winding down, really, haha. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

I’ve added some new/old Freebies to my FREEBIES VAULT (top of this post – see the TAB?) Here are the files I added for your downloading and creating enjoyment! Please do not share out my files but ask others to come collect them here themselves. They will always be here, always free! I just love to be visited lots and comment ♥ is what I thrive on. I will continue to post new goodies periodically.

Here are the new files you can look for under the vault tab:

Amber Flower
Merry Christmas Stitched Wordart
Funny Peach Frame
Cool Polar Bear
Pretty Paisley Overlay

And, a NEW free scrapping, designing, cutting file set which I’ve created for YOU today – just in time for your Holiday Season crafts:

Just click on the preview to be scooted to the download link! Enjoy my friends and and AND I would absolutely ♥ to see how you use my files. Would you consider sending me a jpg of what you’ve created for me to share with everyone? Its so inspiring to me.

Thanks for your visit and bless you today!

More Cards and Awards and a Cute Deer

2011-10-04T17:59:00.001-07:00

I took a little breather this week. I needed that, you know sometimes how you can get going too fast and spinning your wheels? Well my good common sense told me I needed to slow down, get grounded again so that/’ what I did. I don’t feel very creative when I am under pressure and its far too easy to say “yes” to many things. I practiced saying NO and got my calendar manageable once again. What do you do when you realize you’ve over-committed?

I make myself get out in nature a bit, for sure, because it somehow gives me a perspective I can’t get when I’m hurrying-scurrying about. I’m reminded that man makes schedules but nature takes no heed to them. Here’s an inspiring passage by Richard Jeffries, a great writer about nature. Perhaps his thought will cause you to pause and slow down a bit as it did for me.

“I must stay under the old tree in the midst of the long grass. I seem as if I could feel all the glowing life the sunshine gives and the south wind calls to being. The endless grass, the endless leaves, the immense strength of the old oak expanding, the unalloyed joy of finch and blackbird: from all of them I receive a little. Each gives me something of the pure joy they gather for themselves. To be beautiful and to be calm, without mental fear, is the ideal of nature. If I cannot achieve it, at least I think it.“

~ Richard Jeffries

♥

On to a few cards I created once I got a chance to take a breath.

Mojo Monday 209 – The Contest

My take on this design:

I’m not sure but I might just put a small “happy birthday” stamped sentiment beside the blue trim on the right side, what do you think?

I embossed the cake with a clear gloss and added some sparkle

Stamp: TPC studio

Paper: SEI

365 Cards Day 216 – Super Sketchy Sunday

Here’s mine:

This background does nothing to show off this card to its potential. I won’t take pics here again.

Designer Paper: Best Creation Inc “Merry Christmas”

365 Cards Day 217 – I’ve Been Framed!

Instructions:

We want to see an image framed by something other than a circle/oval or square/rectangle shape.

I made mine like this:

I used these brackets (which I cut out on my Silhouette SD) as my frame. A little bit of bold tartan ribbon really makes this card stand out.

♥

I’ll leave you with a photo I took right outside my window the other morning – I could hear something “thumping” and it happened to be two deer playing and leaping. How sweet and fun a start to my day!

I wanted to go out and play too.

Thanks for your visit today. I’m hoping to put up a few more free elements and cut files in within a week for sure, perhaps sooner.

Busy Busy Monday – LOTS of cards

2011-09-26T19:44:00.001-07:00

I will have to push this blog post out very quickly as I don’t think my eyes can take any more computer! LOL. I still owe several of you emails – I have not forgotten you, take patience and pity on me. I will tend to any loose ends on Wednesday I believe. Thanks so much.

I caught up with my 365’s and my Mojo. Whew!

365 Cards

Day 208 – Funny, Masculine Style

Well my husband always tosses out this little quote whenever he does some “womanly” chore for me or I drag him into the mall etc…

Ah yes, he gets a chuckle every time he tosses that comment out and I glare back. Harrumph!

The image is from The Graphics Fairy and I added my own sentiment. I am not sure of the designer paper, had no marking.

Day 209 – Super Sketchy Sunday

I chose to do this in a portrait card. I wish you could feel the paper – the white bits are fuzzy wuzzy!

The stamp is a studio g that I use over and over and over and over. I need to buy more “happy birthday” stamps.

Day 210 – Card Recipe

Instructions:

Any size of card

2 patterned papers

2 circles

Ribbon

Stamped Sentiment

Stickpin, safety pin, or something similar

My take:

I’m not sure about that pin, but I had to have a pin or something as it was called for in the recipe. What if I unstick that after I post this, huh huh? You going to report me to the 365 designer police? Will they lock me away from carding for a while? Ban me from the competitions? *giggle* I think I stayed waaaay too long carding today.

Not sure of the papers or pretty much any of it other than the fiskars stamps for the sentiment and buttons. I did lots of embossing etc.

I created the baby rattle cut-out myself in my Silhouette designer program. You can download the free .studio cut file by clicking on the picture of my baby boy card and I’ll stick the free cut file under the free Silhouette cuts tab up top of the blog as well. Sad news – I found out that I cannot export svg files from my brand new designer software. Humm, had I known that little fact… At any rate next time I create something super wonderful I’d like to give away to you I will design it in good old Illustrator – that’ll fix ya!

And then I had to take the Mojo Monday challenge today with my sister Nina too!

Mojo Monday 208

I chose square:

And there are too many mixes of papers to tell here – I am sorry for not providing that. Once again the stamp is a too used studio g for lack of another. I had fun with this card, went wild as a last Harrah. Glitter and nail polish and who knows what else everywhere!

The flower, now that's interesting indeed. Its made from a recycled dryer sheet. You can make your own – just visit Gabrielle’s “Such a Pretty Mess” blog!

Thanks for stopping by and letting me overwhelm you with my cards. I hope to put something besides cards here soon LOL! Thanks you Shirley for the wonderful cream pie recipe you sent! And thanks to Valinda for your continued feedback – I appreciate it.

Day 207 Card

2011-09-24T20:58:00.001-07:00

I struggled and struggled with this card. It took me a tossy turny night of thinking in my head of a manly sweet treat card. I really was going along the idea of trying something in the line of a pie because I can say with certainty that my man loves a good pie. Lemon is almost tops for him but I believe his Mom’s fresh peach wins out. A runner up would be apple. Thank goodness Mom left me some of her delicious pastry so that he does not have to be victimized by my less than flaky attempts. What’s your husband’s favorite pie? What is a good “NO FAIL” recipe for me to try? I’ve failed everyone else’s – why not I fail yours too? I’m game!

365 Cards

Day 207 – Sweet Treats Masculine Style

without further ado – my card!

It took me two hours to make this card. I could not get my Silhouette to cut the cake out properly, then I mis-cut my designer paper several times. I frittered the elements around all over the page. In the end I managed to bring it together.

The last challenge was the cake – it looked kind of barren so I “decorated” it with gems.

I don’t know which paper this was, sorry. The hand and the cake graphics are both from Graphics Fairy.

Thanks for stopping by! If you are feeling adventurous and want to see a clever card you may want to wander over to my sister Nina’s blog… and congrats her on a well done 5k too!

365 cards–Days 205, 205 and 206

2011-09-23T09:26:00.001-07:00

Things are getting back “to normal” and that means besides setting the house to order and catching up with email (really, I will be emailing you if you’ve emailed me!) and all the fun stuff that calls once company departs – now I’m all caught up the 365 card challenges. Woo Hoo! It’s beautiful here today – supposed to be 32 degrees c both today and tomorrow so hoping to catch some sun time later in the day.

365 Cards

Day 204 – Outer Space Masculine Style

Instructions:

Do “Outer Space” in a masculine style!

Here’s what I came up with:

Boy did I re-work this one several times or what? I just could not seem to get it right and I believe I tore it down and built it a total of 4 times. Do you ever do this?

Paper: Stella and Rose Hattie and Herringbone

I cut the shapes and letters out using my Silhouette SD

I had originally glittered the large star but wound up going wild with the glass beads. The camera cannot capture the luminescent beauty of these stars! They light right up.

Day 205 – Summer Vacation Masculine Style

My take:

Whereas the last card took forever to complete, this one almost fell together of itself. I used a graphic from Graphics Fairy and printed out my own sentiment. I don’t know which paper this was from. I used a Fiskars stamp to create the diamond pattern both on the background paper and on the edges of the graphic.

Day 206 – Love, Masculine Style

How I achieved the look:

Clean and bold with no sappy hearts or flowers or soft or gaudy colors – this card gets right to the point. Its like the conversation you have with your guy – you like to start with details and wind up to the point while he likes to start with the point and … well, that’s about it! I can get him hopping by draaagggging out a story *wink*

The paper has no identifying info, sorry.

Stamp is Studio G

Thats all! Thanks so much for visiting and if you leave a comment, well, you’ve made my day ♥

365 Cards–Days 201, 202 and 203

2011-09-21T19:23:00.001-07:00

I owe out a million emails, phone calls and visits. My mother and father in law left for home today after a wonderful two week visit and it will take me a few days to get back on track. Thanks for your patience. I look forward to creating more freebies and templates and coming by to comment on YOUR blog when I am able.

I’m playing catch-up with my cards for 365 cards

Day 201 – 1 + 1 = 1 Beautiful Card

Instructions:

“Pick two of your dearest friends and choose something about them to contribute to your card. It can be anything you want that makes you think of them.”

With this in mind I based my card on my dear friends Rose and Melanie.

My friend Rose – well, that’s obvious on my card, but Melanie makes her own jewellery so I added this charm on. The charm was a piece of recycled necklace or earring which I tore down. I do this a lot.

Paper – Pink Paislee – Butterfly Wings

Stamp – Inkadinkadoo

Day 202 – Super Sketchy Sunday

Here’s the sketch:

And my very simple take on it:

Forgive the flash flair – I missed all the daylight today and had to use a flash.

Stamps – Fiskars

Day 203 – Back to School Masculine Style

Instructions:

“The theme is Back-to-School, and as I mentioned yesterday, it needs to be suitable for boys/men.”

This was an easy one for me as my husband is an instructor and there are always cards needed for teachers.

No frills or fluff (really restrained myself) just a simple inspirational quote.

Three more tomorrow and I should be caught up. Time to go zing out a few emails and catch up on life.

Thanks for visiting!

Mojo Monday 207

2011-09-19T19:11:00.001-07:00

I actually worked today, helping clean house with a friend. Whew – I do all this at home and it does not seem as much fun or rewarding!

At any rate, I fit my Mojo in, and with my dear sister Nina!

Mojo Monday card 207

sketch:

My card:

Sorry I don’t have the list of supplies used today

Thanks for your visit!

Day 200 Card for 365 cards

2011-09-16T17:10:00.001-07:00

Even though I travelled down across the border for a day of shopping and hanging out with my in-laws I still managed to pull off a card today!

365 Cards

Day 200 – The Utility Drawer

Instructions:

“Head to that utility drawer, or your equivalent, and pluck something out of there for your card.”

I have an order to make a card for an eight year old girl – one that just is for a ‘hello’ situation. Here’s what I made.

The designer paper was in my mind the exact moment I was asked to make this card. I visited our junk drawer and found the chain which I used to hold the tag onto the card. I hope the little girl will detach it and add it to her backpack or something fun like that.

Paper: Forever in Time Glitter Cardstock “Life’s a Hoot”

I placed one of my tatted flowers over the hole in the tag. The tag is a dead simple one I designed to use with my Silhouette SD – I’ll post it in the freebies section when I am able.

♥ Thanks for visiting! ♥

365 Cards–Day 198 and 199

2011-09-15T19:08:00.001-07:00

I used my birthday as an excuse to spend some quality creating time today. My sweet Mr purchased the Designer Edition of software for my Silhouette SD! So though I only tried it out briefly (want to spend a whole day exploring this after my folks have returned home – giving them quality time while here) Here are the last two cards, so this should catch me up until tomorrow.

365 Cards

Day 198 – Standout Sentiment

Instructions:

“Make your sentiment stand out - whether it's large or small, make it the focal point of the card.”

So I chose to do this:

I could not resist – don’t know who this card is destined for but it will be fun to see! The paper was perfect for the sentiment.

Paper: Graphic 45 unique paper crafting. Domestic Goddess Collection Miss Manners

Sentiment: Elegant Word Art

I embossed the frame for the word art with a clear gloss powder. The tatted flower is my own pattern – finished off with a gem!

Day 199 – A Year To Remember

Instructions:

“Pick a highly memorable year in your life, and use that to inspire your card.”

So, I’m choosing 2011 – 2012 because this is the coming year, and each year I can’t imagine how much better life could get, but in the end I’m always so grateful for this exact season of my life. I believe this will be the best year ever. Being its my birthday today it seems completely appropriate! After all I was so absolutely spoiled by my friends and family.

I’m confident this year will be one of dreams fulfilled, hopes realized and loads and loads of love. Without love, it’s nothing, right?

This gem was recycled from a broken necklace given to me by a dear friend.

Paper: Paper Reverie Sienne Floral Dot

Stamps: Kimberley Poloson for Fiskars

♥♥♥

Thanks for stopping by! I’m hoping to whip up a few freebies in the near future so stay tuned.

365 Blog Cards–Days 196 and 197

2011-09-14T18:25:00.001-07:00

I’m barely hanging in there by my teeth but managing to squeeze out (or should I say squeeze in) a card each day. Lots of visiting and fun stuff to share in the near future but for now my cards will have to do! When family comes to visit (my in-laws are here) all else gets put on hold. Precious memories being built.

Before I get into the cards though, I am delighted to say that I again managed to pull of another full week of cards and I also earned another “spotlight designer” badge – I have one pinned to the side of my blog *beaming*! I don’t care how many weeks I manage either feat – it will still make me very happy indeed! Not as much fun without doing it hand-in-hand with my sister Nina but perhaps she will make it this week! Thank you to the 365 team for your daily challenges.

365 cards

Day 196 – Divide and Conquer

Instructions:

“Today's challenge is all about seeing your card in "parts" - 5 parts to be exact. They do not have to be equal parts, and try to keep them from overlapping.”

I did not manage to keep them from overlapping, hard as I tried. I even had to strip this card back to the bare bones and rebuild from the bottom up – and if you know me then you know I rarely do anything twice – not reading a book, watching a movie! But I am disciplining myself to work out my mistakes, or “happy accidents” as some of my friends remind me.

In the end I think it really works. I created my own sentiment because I needed it to say what I had in my head. The beautiful globe is from Graphics Fairy.

Have you ever had to take a project and re-do it (with your heels dragging the entire time?)

Day 197 – Beautiful Beads

Instructions:

“Today's challenge is to use BEADS on your card - any kind of bead will do.”

Now, I earned a bit of money last week and I went on a day trip with my folks to visit relatives in the city and they were kind enough to stop at Memories and More in Kelowna where I took a 15 minute shopping spree while they waited patiently for me. Perhaps it was the pawing at the window and whimpering that swayed them. At any rate, I went wild on the designer papers and supplies. I’ve come to love good quality papers – especially double-sided as they are so flexible down to the tiniest little scrap and they co-ordinate so nicely.

So today I was literally dying to use one. Ok, I hardly slept last night. First thing today when I saw the beads challenge I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

This paper is Merry Christmas by Best Creation Ltd. This side is glittery – I wish you could feel my blog. The other side is bolder, green with red and white dots but I fear I’ll never use that – this side is too pretty! Very textured.

I cut this pretty snowflake out on my Silhouette SD and then glued the beads on. Yes, I tried to string them but sheesh they were everywhere and so teensy. I think glue is the ticket. I finished the flake off with a silver gem.

I used my Fiskars scallop to make the transparent layer (again, not wanting to take away from the paper) I created the word art strip myself using free fonts.

Stay tuned for Card 198!

Day 195 Card

2011-09-12T19:26:00.001-07:00

Still keeping up!

365 Cards

Day 195 – Super Sketchy Sunday

We were asked to make a card based on the following sketch:

So I created:

My “three” items are these flourishes. I made the little tag and embossed a inkadinkadoo Stamp onto it and then added a tatted flower (that yes, Nina) I painted with my favorite new nail-polish. Some nail polish actually makes it on my nails too!

Days 193 and 194 for 365 cards

2011-09-11T11:10:00.001-07:00

Still squeaking these cards in all the while having wonderful time with my family. This will be right to the point because we are headed to FatBoy’s for lunch. (worked out BEFORE heading out so I will be able to justify the menu!)

365 cards

Day 193 - Geography

Instructions: “what's your favourite vacation destination?”

My favourite will always include water – a beach, whether its a river, lake or the ocean. So here’s my card:

I’ve been saving some little drink umbrellas FOREVER. Honestly they have been in a little plastic drawer for 4 years. I kept thinking someday! So today was the day.

The sentiment is from TLC Creations I printed it directly onto my light blue print paper – figured out how to make my printer listen to me and print to the exact size of my paper. Powerful, that is!

Day 194 – Personal Playlist

Instructions: “You know you have one - maybe it's classical you like, or even classic rock. I have a mix on my playlist, but there's always a favorite (if only for a short while) at the top of it. So this one is all about what you like, and specifically which song is at the top of your playlist.”

Well, I decided to go along with a song that is soooooo funny. My Mr. sent it to me as a joke – big haha! He heard it while listening to a jazz station. It actually has a good message for marriages – its all about trying that extra little bit to be the beautiful woman you were when you first dated your mate. I believe with all my heart that’s so true – it all comes back. I know my Mr. does this for me. And, like the song says – he is surrounded by beautiful women all the time in his job! I hope to keep his eyes on ME! The rewards are always more than worth it. The song – I’ll embed it here and then follow up with my card.

And here is my wifely card on this theme:

I printed my own sentiment directly onto my paper, once again. I cut my own little wooden spoon out of paper and used a toothpick to reinforce it. I made the apron out of paper and lace.

A tiny tatted flower with a gem in the middle finishes it off nicely.

Hope you are having a terrific weekend!

Two More Cards

2011-09-10T12:10:00.001-07:00

Trying to keep up with cards, all the while visiting with my in-laws. I’m a few behind but plan fully to keep up.

365 cards – Day 192 – Color Scheme

We were given this color palette to work with:

So, I built the following card:

This card is really much nicer to see it with your own eyes. Its a lot brighter and softer – the sentiment and background are the yellowish tones. I was gifted this beautiful ribbon by Susan who has opened a shop here in town. I gifted her a big mason jar of matched grey buttons, which would be perfect for an upholstery project, and so then she would not accept anything in return for the ribbon. Sheesh, you know how this goes, we will be at this trying to out-give each other for years to come.

The sentiment is an Inkadinkadoo

Clean and Simple Stamping

FTL I57 – Birthday Wishes

The sketch:

And my take on it is pretty bold, using up some of the bright paper I have on hand.

Like I said – wow on the eyes.

Sentiment – Fiskars

Will be attempting two cards today. Went to yard sales this morning with our folks and I found some fabulous rainbow crochet thread which I hope to use to make some tatted flowers for cards. Do YOU garage sale? What have been your most recent finds?

365 Card Day 191

2011-09-08T19:12:00.001-07:00

Whew – managed to squeeze this one in. Well, I was not really sure what was “so not me” so I asked my sister Nina and she did not even have to think about that one. She immediately said I was so not square and uniform.

365 Cards Day 191 – So Not Me

Here is how the challenge was worded:

“Clean and Simple, Vintage, Shabby Chic, Bold Graphics, Cutesy....Whatever your style, now I want you to do anything but that style.”

Here is how I ~~achieved~~ so did NOT make this card:

Square – layered – bold – no frills. Scrapbook paper – “World Map” from the Bon Voyage World Collection.

Now, onto the next one, which I see is ssoooooo me *snort*

Mojos 189 and 190

2011-09-06T14:40:00.001-07:00

Knocking the cards off!

Still have to process pics of the weekend – but expecting my in-laws tomorrow. Scaring out the dust bunnies and such. Looking forward to time together, that's why all the housework is getting done now. We like to just hang out and gallivant the entire time we are together.

On to the card challenges. Both my sister Nina and I have once again completed an entire week of cards at 365 cards – woo hoo! I remember a year or two ago when dear friends of mine had the same sort of challenge for photography – it makes you stick with it. I’m so glad I can do this. And with family – Judy and Samantha like to card as well. Loads of talent does not just run in the family, it gallops.

365 cards

Day 189 – Pattern Frenzy

Instructions are: Specifically, you need to use SIX different patterned papers on your card. Exactly how you do this, and anything else you want to add, is up to you.

My take:

I decided to attempt another CD card (card with the base as a used CD Rom) I simply repeated a flower cut using my Silhouette and then layered each flower with a snip of foam tape beneath each petal – to give dimension. I cut a small “stamen” out of the matching mauve of the background cardstock.

The center is another hot glue gun dot painted with nail polish.

The back with a simple sentiment and support so this flower can brighten up someone’s desk. Lots of white space left for a personal note. This was a terrific way to use up scraps of paper.

Day 190 – Card Recipe

We were asked to use:

4.25" x 5.5" Card

One Additional Piece of Cardstock (any size)

4 Stickers

4 Buttons

Sentiment

And here’s how I fulfilled this request:

The additional cardstock obviously is the pink scalloped layer. There are actually 5 stickers on the outside and 4 of them qualify as sentiments as well, being they are words.

I layered my buttons atop polka dot ribbon and finished them off with a gem in a coordinating color.

This card was perfect for a pretty bow and one of these sweet pansy stickers.

I finished off the inside with some pretty pastel writing paper and a final snippet of ribbon with another pansy sticker.

♥♥♥

Thanks so much for stopping by – have a nice, short and creative week!

Days 187 and 188 for 365 Cards

2011-09-05T10:08:00.001-07:00

Two more cards hot off of the press. One of these days, when I’m not so busy making cards I will actually send some in real life! I hope YOU all have had a restful and fun Labour Day weekend, getting that last bite of summer before we fall into fall. I did not rest this weekend but it was all good because I was helping host an anniversary party for dear friends and how can one count that as “work”? I will process and share some of the photos in this coming week, hopefully. Also prepping for a visit from my in-laws, really looking forward to time with them.

365 cards

Day 187 – Past, Present and Future

Instructions:

“Pick an item/technique/tool from the past that you haven't used in a while

Use your favorite color at present

and

Use a theme that is relevant in your life in the near future (a holiday or upcoming event)”

Here’s my take:

There is a baby coming in the future – noooo not me, I’m past my egg laying days, and I also welcomed doing a baby card because for some reason I never think of it. So thats the “future” element of my card.

I am loving this shade of nail polish right now, so that covers my “favorite color” I made this custom dot for the center of this blossom with a glue-gun blob and then painting it with the nail polish. The stamped sentiment is a Fiskars “Sweet Pea”

The little embossed pink hearts border is what I’m choosing for my “technique I have not used for a while” (a little aside, isn’t the teensy hanger I created just too much?)

For the hearts embossed border I had to make my own cut file on my Silhouette and then I laid pink paper over this and used my embossing tool to press the hearts out. I love this technique and forget to use it. Now that I’ve tried it again I have a plethora of ideas to try this week!

Day 188 – Super Sketchy Sunday

Here’s the sketch we are given to base our card off of:

And my version of this card:

That triangle screamed “mountain” the moment I saw the triangle. The rest fell together after this. I must admit, since taking this photo I’ve used a white pastel pencil to add a bit of lighter snowcap to the mountain in the background. I designed this set of mountains and snow cap myself.

This sentiment which I typed up and printed off on vellum reads:

climb every mountain

ford every stream

follow every rainbow

‘til you find your dream

For this tag I layered a clear tag with JOURNEY (Making Memories TRAVEL) ontop of different layers of papers I’ve already used in my card theme.

Thanks for coming to visit and enjoy the last vestige of this holiday weekend.

♥♥♥

Day 186–365 Cards

2011-09-02T20:24:00.001-07:00

Before I post my card – I need to brag on my uber-talented sister Nina. She’s been taking the Friday Mashup – another carding challenge and she is a “Rockstar” for Challenge # 21 I have a lot to aspire to with her winning all sorts of awards.

So now that I’ve finished glowing over my sister, here’s my latest work.

Today’s 365 card - Day 186 – Pick Your Pattern

We were instructed to: create a pattern somewhere on your card using embellishments.

Here’s what I came up with:

A very basic card. I designed the cut out polka dot flourish myself and had my Silhouette do my wishes by cutting it out for me. I should have asked it to “double cut” because I had to manually pick out several holes that did not want to give up the circles. I chose a blue cardstock so that it would show through the punched flourish.

I bought the ribbon today at the thrift store, pretty white with scalloped edge and sheer center. Paid an entire 25 cents for the roll. I used a Fiskars stamp for the sentiment.

Thanks for visiting!

An Unusually Shaped card–and more FREEBIES added to “The Vault”

2011-09-01T19:04:00.001-07:00

Day 185 – 365 Cards

We were asked to: “Create an unusual card shape”

So I made:

Totally impractical, this card measures 6 inches tall and two inches wide – don’t put it by an open window or it will tip over and spill soda all over your carpet!

I created a vector from a photo of the bottle, adjusted and sized it. I traced it in my Silhouette software and asked my machine to draw it using a pen. Then I used watercolour pencils to color, blending with a paper “stump” I embossed the cap in black.

You can’t really see it here but the liquid has glossy accents schmeared all over and its shiny. I cut the card base out of two slightly enlarged bottles which I mirrored and welded together. Really is a cute card! I will write “just POP-ing by to say hi!”

♥♥♥♥♥

When I was making this card I was also cooking bacon. Multi-tasking is my middle name. My sister Nina was concerned I would get grease on my project but I assured her that I had a finger bowl of soapy water at hand, and that it was gentle on them too. Remember Marge in the old Palmolive ads? I am dating myself for sure. In case you never had the delight – here’s one of the commercials, so fun!

By the way – something FISHY is going on over at Nina’s blog…

Thanks for stopping by to visit. I have added 5 freebies into “The Vault” – click the tab at the top of the blog. These are:

Keeping Toasty – Mitts and Muff (Christmas section toward the end)
Moon and Stars – this was a very popular download when it first came out
New Growth – heart shaped vines
Keeping Time (nice vintage pocket watch)
Oh Canada (patriotic full kit)

Two More Cards

2011-08-31T19:45:00.001-07:00

The Day 184 challenge for 365 cards is – White Space

Today’s sketch:

And my take on it – very offbeat and I just have a hard time following all the rules now, don’t I? May I take artistic licence with this one?

I saw this beautiful border in the Silhouette bin and had to have. My sister Nina gave me some of the gorgeouls suede paper in deep red so I set it to a cool blue background which makes is pop pretty good. I have to admit at one point this card was ‘un-showable’ but I did some serious scrunging to the edges with ink, added the sentiment and gems and its just crazy enough for some dear little old lady to fall in love with it. I can hear it now “Oh DARLIN’ – I used to have a paisley shirt just like it!” I’m not poking fun at every little old lady but hay. Me and my sister Nina have talked about all the liberties we will be able to get away with when we get to be seniors. Got to be some big rewards we figure.

This next card is one I’m glad I made. I’m not talking just because it turned out so nice and I actually like it. I’m saying this because it caused me to use my own cutting files I’d given out yesterday and oh boy, the .studio files I had were just terrible! Haha, so I cut out my acorn and oak leaf and resaved the files and then quickly re packaged, re zipped and re uploaded. See, you did not even notice.

I am sorry I cannot tell you the manufacture of the designer paper. The acorn and leaf are all mine, of course. The sentiment a Fiskars.

I used my Glossy Accents on the nut and it’s shell – and textured them a bit with a seam ripper (which I use for EVERYTHING) while the gloss was still wet.

Honestly, I’d ♥ to see how you use my cutting files/elements. If you send me a jpg I’d post you up here and puff up with pride!

Day 183 card for 365 and, as promised, a FREEBIE for YOU!

2011-08-30T20:02:00.001-07:00

Today’s challenge # 183 at 365…

Imagine this: WRINKLED! “I want you to use the word "wrinkled" to inspire your card.”

So, here is my take on a wrinkle-ish card.

My ‘wrinkle’ is in the ribbon!

This rose and shrinkly wrinkly ribbon is a technique i stumbled upon while carding. Ok, I was waving around with my heat embossing gun and managed to fry some nylon sheer ribbon and I thought, “well THAT’S interesting!” and so I decided to make it work for me. I intentionally ran the embossing gun over the ribbon (anchor both ends – one you can hold but with the other tuck the roll under something, like your knee or a weight) Wave the embossing gun to and fro sideways over your ribbon. How close you hold the gun and how much you wave will influence your wrinkliness.

*note – I used TWO layers of sheer for the ribbons, it was not bold enough with just one.

For the rose I used a needle and thread, wound the ribbon around in a loose blossom shape, then gave a little blast with the embossing tool. Add a gem and its gorgeous. I cut two tiny leaves out of a green sheer and blasted that for good measure too. It gave the leaves some dimension.

For the card itself, I cut the ‘O’s’ ribbon out using my silhouette SD. The tiny “with love” stamp is a Fiskars.

And as promised, a fall themed freebie in honour of all my new buddies over at the Silhouette Plus forum and also the group over at the 365 Card a Day Blog - I’m truly loving all you guys, you’re super enthusiastic and I hope to get to know and grow with y’all! Let me know if you have specific requests. I’ve made my files in all sorts of formats – no matter what machine you have, or if you are a digi-scrapper there should be one that fits you!

Just click on the preview below and you will be taken to the download site. All the files are together in a zipped file. Please tell your friends to come HERE to get this for themselves.

3 More Cards–Freebie delayed one day please :|

2011-08-29T20:09:00.001-07:00

Ok, this is going to be a fast thrown together post or I will never get it done. I apologise for no freebie as promised today – but tomorrow if all goes well. Without further delay.

First, Mojo Monday # 206

I’m terrible, I chose… rectangle, does it count? I had the dickens with my cards today – all fumble fingers and such:

I think I re-worked this one about 4 times. I had stamped and embossed the sentiment in gold but it looked cheap. So many adjustments, so much indecision. I was ready to slap myself and say “GO already!” Sheesh.

I do like these simple and sweet little flowers – I made one in an earlier post – the triangle fold but with this one I squashed them over to one side. I added the little bit of crochet thread for the delicate bow. I want to share a bit of advice I learned from my tatting days (which are still going on but very sporadic) My hint is that when you tie something tiny like this to dab both the ends of the thread and the little knot with a product called Fray Check – I think I bought mine at Wal Mart. Seals the thread nicely and invisibly.

365 Day 181 – Super Sketchy Sunday

Yes, once again I am a deviant. Well I have some hints of the sketch I am sure. The artist in me just takes over, sorry.

I’ve been meaning to give my friend this beautiful photo of her I took way back in June and today I thought I’d incorporate it into the sketch.

My take on the second piece of paper is to use this piece of onion skin type paper and paint and pencil on a “faux drop shadow” – I think I will for sure use this idea again.

A little mini glue dot colored with my versamark inkpad and a strand of jewelery wire make the photo hang nicely. Oh yes, the frame was a free file from sxc.hu which I altered. Printed to photo paper and cut out.

I tried to find this exact word in my stamps collection – not sure if I have a “beautiful” in it and then I had the brilliant idea to look in my magazine collection – there are hundreds of ads in them screaming “beauty this and beauty that” and there you have it in a nice font even. Just snip snip and its mine!

365 – Day 182

Instructions were to include 5 buttons and 5 bows.

I hope nobody’s going to shoot me, I only managed two bows and 4 buttons.

I just could not see how I could jam it up any more than it already is.

I used pretty pink little buttons (I only had 4 of them in the entire jar) and then topped them with pink gems.

But here is what was fun and is a COOL idea I had while having my coffee with 2 squares of chocolate for breakfast today.

I discovered it quite by accident on another card and it hit me this a.m. … If you take sheer nylon ribbon and blow at it before you stick the ribbon on the card (you will have to experiment, a little tricky) with your heat embossing gun you can make it go all ‘shrively and pretty’!!! Oh I have so many ideas I want to try with this.

Ok, and I just have to blog these last two snaps:

Last night our friend Italia and John had us over. There were 8 of us people (including them) and there were seven GIANT pizzas!

Cooked on the bbq with bricks under they were FABULOUS.

And that’s Italia with an uninvited guest in the foreground.

Two More Cool Cards and a FREEBIE for YOU!

2011-08-27T19:23:00.001-07:00

Well what are Saturday’s for anyway, and my sister was up for making a couple more cards so….

I’ll start with a simple one that my sister Nina egged me to try – well, she’s a “Glamette” – well, best you let HER explain that to you, but basically it means her card was picked as a fave for The Friday Mashup #20, Who’s Got That Special Cupcake by their Glam Squad. Yay Neen! (that's my sister waaaahooo!) So as she rides on a cloud of fame and fortune she dared me to give it a go – and I 'go-ed’!

Friday Mashup – 21 Let’s Get a Little Sketchy

My SIMPLE take:

I don’t know the brands of designer paper, just tried to use up bits I had. The sentiment is Fiskars “Just Between Friends”

I made this flower a few weeks back – there were designs for them in a magazine. I was glad i found a place to use this up It was quite easy to make, just cut out 8 circles at 1”, folded 7 of them in a triangular fashion and glued them fast to the last circle. A shiny button completes it nicely. (I can see my refleeeection in there haha!)

Next is today’s 365 challenge

Day 180 – Challenge Combo

I chose from:

Day 80 - Cute cuts

All you need to do is take some stamped, handwritten, computer generated, etc. (whatever method you can think of) letters and cut them out individually as part of your sentiment

Day 122 - Feeling Fuzzy

This challenge is about giving some element of your card a "fuzzy" feel to it.

Day 140 - Raised Up

This challenge is all about giving dimension to an image.

Whether stamped or digi raise up two different parts of the image off the page.

And here’s my version of these all squashed with a fork and mished up!

This photo really does not reflect the true colors of my card well. It really does look like a chalkboard with an eraser. Obviously the ‘cuts’ are the lettering. The ‘fuzzy’ are also the lettering and the bottom of the eraser because they are cut from fuzzy vinyl using my Silhouette. The dimension is the apple – it is raised above the card, then the leaf is layered above that.

It was fun thinking up the eraser, I had it all done and then my husband said I should ‘smear’ the chalk behind the eraser. He’s right 99.999 % of the time. The ‘chalk’ is actually a pastel pencil, the chalk-board is black cardstock.

I ♥ my apple. I designed this apple for YOU and it will be available both here on this main page and then again in my archives as well. K, about the apple. I cut it out using my Silhouette and then I stamped the red fruit and the green leaf with my Versamark Shimmer, embossed with clear and then used some Glossy Accents to make it all shiny. It actually looks much prettier in life – it was still tacky when I was taking photos.

So, I figured if I was going to take all that effort to create a unique apple design, why not share with YOU ? So, I’m posting it here, for your enjoyment. All I ask is that if your fingers are not chopped off, arthritic, in gloves due to cold, texting or something important that you could leave me a comment/hug below and that you credit me when you use them. Please do not share the download link, it will always be free here – but please send your friends directly here to scoop it themselves. It will be in the freebies tabs up top! I’ve made these files available in a multitude of file formats – something for everyone. These should easily work for your cutting machines.

Hows them apples? *giggle* Just click on the preview graphic to download – all files are in a single zipped folder. And psssst – there must might be another sweet tasting graphic for YOU next post!

Days 176 and 177–two more 365 cards!

2011-08-25T14:49:00.001-07:00

I could have been all caught up today, in actuality I am caught up now but I thought I would save today’s card for tomorrow because I want to include a tutorial for this card, its a pretty cool idea. So today I am going to just keep it to the last two cards I completed. I also spent an hour on the phone with support at Silhouette SD trying to work out an issue I was having with my machine – turned out it was not an issue with the machine or software, but the matt. After a long while of use they curl on the edges which causes the machine to not be able to make a cut properly. I think I've figured out how to work around that though. I have to say the support at the company is amazing.

Day 176 – Water and Sand

Instructions were: The challenge for today is to use watercolor paints on your card, and to use a sanding technique -- "water and sand".

Here’s my take:

I used a yellow toned paper for the background and then I splotched it with a burnt sienna using some plastic wrap. Just enough to give texture. I cut the “BLOOM” out of another heavier cardstock and then stuck it to the background using double sided foam tape. Next I added some details to that to make it more visible, and watercolored in some of the red.

I painted in the red blossoms and added the dark green leaves. Went all ‘artist-y’ on this card. I glued gems on the flowers and finished the card with a green velvet trim. This turned out to be a very folksy card I must say.

Day 177 – Album Inspired

Instructions and sample pic:

Today's challenge is a lot like an ad inspired challenge, except we're using an album to inspire our cards.

Here’s my interpretation:

I had a lot of fun with this one. I used a free vector from the internet to cut the silhouette of the children. Next I tied some crochet thread to two “poles” which were coloured match-sticks my SIL Judy gave me when she was here – purchased at the dollar store, they come in all colors.

I cut the letters and pennants using my Silhouette SD and then glued them onto the thread.

I love the fine detail my Silhouette can cut – that little hand is like the size a Barbie Doll would have. Because I used a paper that was black coated but white inside it turned out looking like the fingers have nails!

Two More 365 Cards

2011-08-23T20:11:00.001-07:00

Ah, now I am only one card behind this week I believe. I hope to get the other done this evening if things are favourable for me.

Day 170 – Vintage Plus Blue

I had fun with this card. I added my own sentiment onto this elegant graphic I downloaded from Graphics Fairy. I cut it out using my Silhouette SD. I painted her skin, hair and hat using watercolour pencils. I added glitter to the pieces beside her waist.

I cut the swirl out using my SD – I purchased it today from the Silhouette Store – every week they have a “clearance” bin, so I took advantage. This machine really can cut out some very intricate stuff so nicely.

The finishing touches were some pretty white lace topped with a sheer blue ribbon, a tiny tatted ribbon, then embellished with charms, a flower and my own tatted flower.

Day 175 – Mixed Drinks

Well, I went with the Strawberry/Lemonade theme in my colors and this is how it worked out for me:

The yellow background designer paper is from Mind’s Eye – Quite Contrary, an umbrella theme on the side you can’t see – I think it was called umbrella something. The happy birthday stamp is from Studio G – Michaels!

I designed my own cutting template – very simple rounded edged size you can fit nicely on the front of a 4.5 by 5.5 portrait 1/4 fold card. I designed slots for you to run ribbon through, this ribbon is 3/4 inch wide. I will put the template for this in my cutting files tabs up top of my blog, both in png and .studio format so you can make your own!

I made these little flowers by layering – inked the edges. The flower shape is my own, I will offer it sometime in the future. I embellished with a small gold gem.

Off to make 176. Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to scoop the templates for this card.

The Life of Mrs. Miles

On the COVER of Okanagan Sun Magazine and also Guest Designer for Word Art Wednesday ~ Whew!

Mojo 226, the last of my ice photos and a FREE Vintage Image for YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VALINDA (pretty FREE .studio cut file in honour of) - Playing in Paradise Card 51 and more icy cool photos

Friday Mashup #43–Try Something New

Mojo 225 and… uh, MORE photos (the sun came out yesterday morning!)

Lamentations 3:22-23

Stamping Sisters in Christ Challenge 123, a FREE cutting file and more ice photos!

I’m 100 Followers! So a pretty card, FREE elements and files and more intriguing ice photography

My very first Silhouette Sketch Pen design (FREE for you!) and the pretty cards I made with it and more fantastical ice photos

Word Art Wednesday #11 and more beautiful and fascinating Ice Photos

Mojo Monday 224 (yeh, I run a day late and a dollar short!) and more beautiful ice photos

Stamping Sisters in Christ Challenge 122, Free 1/2 heart Embellishment and some Ice Pictures

Word Art Wednesday #10 Challenge Card

Mojo 223, SSIC 121, a new technique and a FREE Valentines theme card template and cutting file!

Scrapbook Essentials BC Challenge 4 Card & my DIY Embossing Folder using Silhouette SD

Mojo 222 and Random thoughts

Happy NEW Year

Lamentations 3:22-24

Ephesians 4:29

James 1:26

Psalm 141:3

Home from the Holidays and Mojo 221

I’m still here!

Ohhh I forgot my FAVE

School Christmas luncheon

New card covering Mojo Monday and (NEW) Scrapbook Essentials BC!

Happy Birthday to my Brothers and SIC Challenge #118

Mojo 217–SIC 117, my FIRST craft fair and a FREEBIE for YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving Neighbours, First ‘sewn’ Card and more FREEBIES added to the “Vault”

Mojo 216 and Stampin' Sisters in Christ 116

Stampin’ Sisters in Christ #115, a Funny Video and a FREE Clown element/cut file

Mojo Card 215

Noel Card

November 11th

Sisters in Christ 114 Card and … Baking Bacon

Mojo 214 card, A Christmas Bells card and a FREE elment/cut for YOU!

Happy Birthday Little Sister–and a Free Festive Cut file for Silhouette SD

A New Card Design, Hurting Bird and a Free (studio) Cutting File!

Just Horsin’ around, Little Critter Nibblin’ and a FREE Festive Silhouette Cut!

Combo Mojo and Sisters in Christ Card and a Silly Old Tree!

Last of the Season

Three Cards and some pretty photos!

SFF102111

Mojo Monday 212

Sketch Frenzy Friday & Mojo Monday Cards

A Pretty Long Post – Card – Photos and FREEBIES!

More Cards and Awards and a Cute Deer

Busy Busy Monday – LOTS of cards

Day 207 Card

365 cards–Days 205, 205 and 206

365 Cards–Days 201, 202 and 203

Mojo Monday 207

Day 200 Card for 365 cards

365 Cards–Day 198 and 199

365 Blog Cards–Days 196 and 197

Day 195 Card

Days 193 and 194 for 365 cards

Two More Cards

365 Card Day 191

Mojos 189 and 190

Days 187 and 188 for 365 Cards

Day 186–365 Cards

An Unusually Shaped card–and more FREEBIES added to “The Vault”

Two More Cards

Day 183 card for 365 and, as promised, a FREEBIE for YOU!

3 More Cards–Freebie delayed one day please :|

Two More Cool Cards and a FREEBIE for YOU!

More 365 Cards with Tutorials–Cool Recycle ideas!

Days 176 and 177–two more 365 cards!

Two More 365 Cards