Chip Bag Flower Card

You read that right.  Part of the following card is made using a bag from chips… potato chips/crisps - whatever you call them where you are. 

 

Supplies:

Designer Paper - (cardstock) Hero Arts - Hero Hues

Stamp - Fiskars

Chip snack bag

Pen - Gelly Roll - Clear Star

Embossing folder - Cuttlebug

Glass Beads

Modge Podge

 

I despise throwing away chip bags.  I will often save them for at least marinading food, they work perfect for this.  I like the shiny inside though, too and considered how I might at least get ONE extra use out of them.  Do you know that if you hold them close to your eyes you can actually see right through? (looking at a bright light or the sun) 

At any rate, I decided to make sort of a window card using a flower cut as the window and the chip bag as the backdrop inside this.  I designed and cut the flower shaped 4.25 x 5.5 card face and a small 1/2 inch circle of the designer paper.  I washed the bag, dried it and cut a square big enough to fill the flower with a little extra room for taping it down. 

 

 

After I secured the chip bag foil down onto the card base (positioned where the flower would be) I added the card face cut onto that with glue and tape.  I added the center circle in.  Next I brushed the silvery petals with Modge Podge and sprinkled it liberally with teeny glass beads.  I let this dry. 

I added on the silver gem in the center and finally…

 

 

I added a sentiment and, the last touch was to take the Clear star Gelly Roll pen and connect some of the swirls in the cardstock pattern to pull the sentiment together with the flower in the middle.  Its sometimes the littlest touches that “make” the card. 

I hope you’ll visit again - there are photos and inspiration daily and a project every third day.

Technorati Tags: Card,Card making,handmade card,greeting card,DIY,recycle,Mrs Miles,Barb Derksen,Barbara Derksen

(click to view a bit larger)

credits:
KimB's Geometric1 Patterns

Happy Birthday Zach!

Wishing a wonderful day to my nephew, who's an avid guitar lover. I decided, since I actually now have a functioning printer, after being 1 yr without one, to do my first hybrid. I think it turned out pretty cool! The wire on the card was a string from Mr. Miles guitar - no, I didn't steal it, they needed to be changed anyways. The pick is real too. LOVE Kim's Geometric Patterns, they are ideal for these masculine/funky projects. The card is my own design (I mean the way its laid out)

Uncle Miles says he KNOWS what you will be doing today!

You'll have to slip over to Nina's (click HERE) to view the card she's made for her son, and to Judy's blog (click HERE) too, where she's got a birthday greeting too!

BIG CONGRATS are in order for my friend JanMary, from Ireland, who has just had a layout published in a real, live PAPER, sold magazine!!! I'm so proud of you, girl, I could just BUST. Way to go! Just click HERE to check it out and see what I'm talkin' about!

Prayer requests:

Please continue to pray for my friend Gina's family as her husband (thankfully) made it through very adverse flooding conditions to go for a job interview. Please pray that if this is the right job for him it will come to pass, if not for the right one, and when. Gina is a true inspiration to me as her faith only strengthens through these trying times. Click HERE to visit and leave some encouragement.

Please pray for my friend Valinda for an unnamed need within the family. I'm not at liberty to share yet as I've not the opportunity to ask if I may share. But there is a NEED and could you please prayer, and leaving an encouragement HERE would surely bring her comfort too.

Thanks for visiting today, and for all your comments, they mean A LOT!

Happy Birthday - Melissa!

credits:
KimB CATW Kit - papers, elements
Barb Derksen - festive sequins

Isn't Kim's kit perfect for this layout of my niece Melissa's birthday layout? I know, I'm sort of stuck on the 'cut people out and stick them in a frame theme' right now, but they do say practice makes perfect.

Melissa, we hope you have a LOVELY birthday - I'm sure your family has a lineup of fun great activities coming up, and ohhhh your gift, I'm sure its amazing. Melissa belongs to my SIL Judy, so you may want to pop on over HERE to leave Melissa a birthday wish and see Judy's layout too in honor of this special day!

I'd love it if you have a moment out of your busy day to check out the gorgeous card my sister has created - I love the writing technique, its giving me ideas. Just click HERE to see what I mean.

It is also my niece Rachel's birthday tomorrow, but I don't have a recent photo ... but I'm making a little free giveaway to say Happy Birthday to these two lovely young ladies!

And speaking of birthdays has reminded me that our countdown to Christmas is really a countdown to the day we honour the birth of Christ - the REAL reason we should be focussed on. So, I'm leaving you with this poem I found.

Somewhere amidst confusion in
the frantic Christmas race--
the deadline shopping, start and stopping
at a frenzied pace.

The name of Christ has been removed,
left off the Christmas scene.
Without the name of Christ, what then
does Christmas really mean?

No longer do the schools release
for Christmas holiday;
it's incorrect politically,
but Winter Break's O.K.

Now scenes of the Nativity
are banned from public streets.
Too much religiosity's
considered indiscreet.

Does Christmas portend Santa Claus,
whose sleigh and reindeers fly,
as Rudolph with a shiny nose
guides them through starlit sky?

For presents stacked high by the tree
the children eagerly reach.
What message does this scene present?
What lesson does it teach?

Is Christmas spirit portrayed here?
What it is meant to be?
Is it to wonder of those gifts
How many are for me?

There's nothing wrong with Santa Claus,
let's keep him on the scene,
but let's replace Santa Claus, with the name of Christ
to teach what Christmas means.

Another lovely place to visit to get into the Christmas spirit is over at my friend JanMary's place. JanMary lives in Ireland, and she's been blogging DAILY since Dec. 1st - all the traditions etc. Very interesting reading and wonderful photography... and its her daughter's birthday too! Just click HERE to be transported.

And here's my giveaway for you today - its fine for all uses, though you must credit me in your TOU upon use. Please do not share this file with your friends, I'd ask you send them here to download it for themselves.

I'd love to see how you use my products. Just send me a jpg and description and I'll post it here too!

fine for Personal, Commercial and S4H
(must credit me in TOU)

download

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINA!
(click to view larger)

Card Credits:
Paper - LLW - Fall Splendour
Elements - LLW - Fall Splendour and Chance of Rain

Card reads:

Even though you're 'getting on'
You're still pretty 'spunky'
And no matter how the years pass by,
You're still a 'little monkey'!

My sister shares a part of me,
That no one else shall ever see,
And when the days and miles divide us...
The bond we have will live inside us,
Together, sharing dreams, love and laughter...
My SISTER for always,
My FRIEND, forever!

YAY! It's my sister's birthday today. Nina is my only sister, and my 'little' sister. Its funny this phrase for she's not really 'smaller' than me, we are about the same build, but I suppose its because her years are smaller than mine. Thinking in this way, she is a lot 'littler' than me.

Sometimes when I look at this beautiful, self assured, witty, talented lady - my mind morphs back to a little girl with a smile from ear to ear and impossibly long blonde braids in a little brown polyester jumpsuit... you were always such a cute little imp, Sis!

Now, I think you've outgrown the word 'cute', but you are sweet and kind and downright FUNNY at the most unexpected times. You brighten up my days with our conversations and I'm constantly in wonder that my sister has become such a dear, dear friend to me over the years.

Mr. Miles and I are thinking of YOU today and hope you are being lavished, wherever you read this from! We love you!

*****

You may notice, I've added new permanent link to my blog for the website for Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day. Since I've become addicted to working (or shall I say BAKING) my way through this amazing book I thought it would be of value for you to be able to just click to find out about this book yourself. The Authors - Jeff and Zoe are very helpful and prompt should you have any questions about their recipes. Be sure to check back often, and send your friends as there are new ideas and recipes being 'cooked up' every so often.

*****

If you are sitting in the cold and wet today, like me, you might want to cuddle up with a big mug of hot coffee and take a 'virtual vacation' to Guatamala where my new blog friend Betty is Oh, so patiently answering my questions I keep peppering her with about the beautiful place she is living. She's gone and written a good, long, interesting article about the fruits native to the area she lives. A GOOD read! Just click HERE to visit.

I LOVE to ask, Betty, for you actually answer. Warning though, one answer is leading to more questions, we could be at this for quite a while LOL! Thank you for taking the time to do this!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - DEAR FRIEND!

I feel so unable to TRULY express my best wishes for Kim - we ALL know Kim - according to her blog counter, over two MILLION times have people come to say hi to this wonderful lady -and its not a far fetch of the imagination to guess why.

Yes, Kim does give, give, GIVE 'stuffies' away, almost on a daily basis, but she gives of so much more. There's not many places I visit where Kim has not been there before me when there's a need in the digi-scrapping community and beyond. Whether its a bit of encouragement, a kind word, a fund-raiser or the need of a good belly laugh, Kims almost always there before me!

My being a Christian should be expected to be so many of the qualities that come natural to Kim. Sometimes I take a page out of someone elses book - and Kim is one of these people who inspires me to be better!

Thank you Kim for being your very special self - you truly are a light in the community. I hope you have a super wonderful celebration today!

My SMALL gesture (besides what we discussed, girl) is this template. I struggle to design at the moment but this is what whipped up in my mind to give away in honour of you today!

Please, no need to comment here, just visit KIM and leave good wishes at her blog by clicking HERE.

CUPCAKE FOR KIM
TEMPLATE
(BIG - hand is aprox 8 inches long!)


download

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. MILES!
(actual childhood photo - googly eyes added)

credits:
googly eyes - scrappin cop
frame and ribbon - LLW (Linda) Fall Splendor
screw - barb derksen - heart music

October 30th is my sweetie's birthday. Yes, Mr. Miles ages another year. He gets great glee out of the fact that for a few short months of each year he's only 1 point something years younger than me, and then when his birthday arrives he's 2. Such a baby!

Not bad for an 'old-timer' - KIDDING!

credits:

barb derksen - heart music kit
(created with a TON of KimB's CU products)

Yes, the years have certainly been good to my man. And why is this - men age and get more 'character' while it seems to 'suck' the color right outta my skin, my hair, why everywhere! Ah, but age has not made my honey to lose his 'spark' He sparkles mighty fine!

Take a picture - it lasts longer!

credits:
Barb Derksen - Heart Music

Miles I love you now more than ever. The years seem to blend one into another, so fast. If you were a cheese, you'd be a good one. Sharp, rich (not in money perhaps, but in charm, talent etc) I could list a MILLION things I love about you, but I'll whittle the list down to 48 - your age.

1. You are one of the exceptional examples of chivalry in this age – you're not a chauvenist. You take the lead in our marriage, but you also do it in a serving way.

2. You open doors.

3. You pull out chairs.

4. When we ran road races you always stayed back with me – never mind the timing!

5. You always give me the 'best' of a meal, insisting I take that little bit of tenderloin.

6. You took me faithfully to see my Grandma before she passed away.

7. You encourage me to visit with family.

8. You buy me cream puffs from the place I like them – the one with the 'real' whip cream

9. You make emergency Cheezie runs on a Friday night before a movie.

10. You'll cave to a chick-flick instead of the sci-fi you've been wanting to see.

11. You take out the trash.

12. You take care of Sabastian (our van) – keeping her fueled and ready and clean should I need a thrift store run.

13. You make sure I have cash for the thrift store.

14. You go to the thrift store with me.

15. You go yard saling with me on the weekend, even if you have a busy schedule.

16. You go for a walk with me daily, even if you've been to the gym in the morning and are dog-tired.

17. You let me chatter on and on and ...

18. You honour our parents.

19. You enable me to shop at Claire's – my little addiction.

20. You teach me computer skills – even after a 12 hour day teaching students.

21. You use photos of me in your Photography classes.

22. You bring me up in conversation if an attractive female seems over-friendly at school or elsewhere.

23. You TELL me if an attractive female finds seems over-friendly.

24. You invite me to spend time at the school.

25. You phone and check with me even when there's a meeting you 'have' to attend.

26. You've never spent a night away from me – NOT ONE.

27. You bring me coffee in bed – every day.

28. You shave for ME every day. You ask me if I'd like you to!

29. You take out the compost regularly.

30. You cook for me.

31. You bring me flowers.

32. You don't swear – you find creative ways to express your frustration.

33. You're faithful, obedient and encourage me in our Faith.

34. You take time out of each day to connect with me.

35. You like me to read to you.

36. You buy me all the latest 'toys' – when I would go with something simple.

37. You teach me how to use these toys.

38. You encourage me in my art.

39. You warm the van for me on cold days.

40. You rub my feet when they are cold.

41. You do 90% of the grocery shopping for me.

42. You paint my toenails.

43. You always unlock my door of the van and adjust the cover.

44. You encourage me to sing – even though I don't have a very great voice.

45. You believed in my artistic talent and skills before I did.

46. You phone me on EVERY school break – just to say “I love you”

47. You let me use your good razor blades for my legs, even though it kills your face if you don't have a new one left.

48. You drive everywhere for us, unless I want to. Even on holidays when we go thousands of miles.

*****

Want to know how amazing my man is? Its like this.

I get up this morning, all bedraggled and dreading the thought of canning the 55 lb of tomatoes waiting for me in the kitchen. Mr. Miles comes bouncing in to my bedroom, with a fresh, hot, steaming cup of coffee, all shiny clean and dressed ready for school and he asks me if I 'have two minutes' I snuggle up in his arms and he says - "I just want you to know that I went down this morning to get a jar of peaches from the pantry, and when I looked at all the jars of fruit and produce you've put up I was proud. I just want you to know, you're the BEST wife."

*lump in my throat*

Canning was not a problem.

That's my man.

Miles, I love you more than words can say! I thank God that you are the ONE He chose for me!

*****

And so, to celebrate my beloved's special day, I made you a kit! He has the birthday, YOU get a present! I hope you like it. I called it heart music because my baby is a VERY talented musician.

Barb Derksen's HEART MUSIC - a Happy Birthday kit for Mr. Miles!

download

(a LOT of this kit was made using KimB's CU products -
which are on SALE BIG TIME, right now - go get!)

credits:

KimB's Fall Splendor Kit

{part of the AMAZING 70 designer blog train!}

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

NETI!

Ah, sorry I'm posting so late, but I was in a bit of a JAM today - literally! I'll share more on this later. So... with no further ado, we wish our Sister in Law Neti a happy, happy day!

Neti, I looked at lovely poems, sweet sentiments, quotes and greetings and finally decided on this cute little video. We know our Dave is spoiling you rotten.

I got spoiled today too, by Valinda - who bless her heart, knows I rarely hold up my end of the bargain to forward them. I am so greedy they just get to me and ... stop. How be I turn it into a lil some sorta giveaway element in the future instead of an award - that way everyone can share! Thank you Valinda, you're such a sweetie! You always bring a sparkle to my day. In case you've not visited Valinda lately, she always has something free and fabulous cooking on her blog! Just click HERE.