Tea time

Hi everyone!   We're off the trail after hiking through the woods with the Young Birders of the local Audubon Society.  It was hot but the company was fantastic.  The warblers are beginning to migrate through our area as they are returning to their winter homes in the south.  My son got a "Life Bird" today - Northern Waterthrush.  He's has over 200 birds on his life list and at 12 years old I look forward to seeing how large a list he'll have as an adult!  I love that he has such passion.

Although we spend hours in the woods and fields, thankfully I still find a bit of time to create.  I am not a lover of tea but I do so love everything about it.  The cups, tins, decorative tea bags ... it feels victorian, vintage and wonderful.  I put together some stamped images that I "fussy cut", added some glitter to a chipboard frame, and layered it on pattern papers with a kitchen theme.  A shabby bow, decorative pins,  a couple sweet flowers, and some pom-pom trim was the finishing touch.  I hope you like it too.

I'll be back soon with more to share ... for now Good Night!

Back to School

I didn't realize that it has been so long between posts ... how time flies!  Days have been filled with last minute outings that we've been wanting to do all summer.  As we are nearing the first day of school we find ourselves trying to fit in all that is left undone.  

I've decided to try my hand at some new photography techniques.  It's been over a year since I purchased my "not so new anymore" camera and I still have so much to learn.  My first experiment was using natural lighting.  So I put away my photo tent and headed for a southern facing window.  I must admit I like the results!  Maybe a bit too bright but not a bad start.

I crocheted this apple from a pattern found in a magazine.  I thought it was super cute and it goes so well with the bright colors and the adorable vintage stamped image.  I used to love it when school started and I feel the same excitement even now.  Layered in details and perfect for the season!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sent With Love

Hello friends.  I spent some time yesterday with my new goodies - it's such fun to sneak away and play.  I'm loving the Washi Tape and completely understand what the excitement is all about!  In different colors, patterns, and what could be easier to apply?!  A tin of crystal buttons have sat on my shelf for ages ... I was very happy to discover them "again".  I also added a doily, paint and glitter for the chipboard shapes, a sweet little flocked flower and pearl plus my usual dyed seam binding bow, decorative pins, and message tag.  I don't think I'll ever tire of that "shabby" feel.

Lots of new embellishments in our latest catalog.  There's a link on the left if you want to take a peek!

Thanks for letting me share today!

Heartfelt

The boys are home from camping ... this time returning from southern Ohio!  Our Scouts spent the last four days "roughing it" in Hawking Hills State Park.  Exploring the caves, flying through the trees on a zip-line, fishing and hiking and so much more.  A fabulous Father's Day adventure if you ask me!

So, my girl and I spent time doing "girly things".  A bit of shopping, some baking, and of course a bit of creativity too.  I haven't crocheted in ages and it was so nice to just sit, relax, and create a heart for this Heartfelt greeting.  A row of buttons, some glittery chipboard, and of course a soft bow ... so sweet.

Thanks for letting me share!

Happy November!

Hi again ... it's good to be back so soon!  I've enjoyed this past weekend staying lazy at home and playing with my papers.  Tomorrow is a day out with my daughter since she has the day off from school.  A bit of shopping, lunch, a stop at the craft store ... I'm looking forward to some quality time (just us girls).  I treasure these days because I know they pass so quickly.  She's already talking about colleges and I just can't bear to think of her gone.

On to happier thoughts ... I hope these make you smile.

I'm still working on my photography skills.  There is certainly room for improvement.  How do you take your photos?  Do you use a photo tent?  Do you decorate your background?  How about camera settings?  What one do you use?  There are so many I get confused.  How about editing software?  What attributes do you work with .. Contrast, Sharpen, Crop?

Linda R and Cherry are incredible photographers.  I absolutely LOVE how they put together their scenery and capture just the right angle and lighting.  It makes me "feel" the photo rather than just "see" it.  They are both amazing ... stop by their blogs and I'm sure you'll agree.

Good night.

School's out!

I can't tell you how happy I am that school is out for the summer!  While all the activities, performances and celebrations are fabulous and I couldn't be a prouder momma ... I am looking forward to quiet days spent with the kids at home.  We have trips, camps, volleyball, birding, and so much more fun things planned.  Hopefully some hours spent playing with papers and crocheting too.

Here's a little something to share with you - made for a special friend.  I'm having such fun making the crepe paper fringe that you may be seeing it for a while.  The crocheted flower is a new "made-up" pattern that I adore ... then of course I cover it with a stamped postage image.  I don't mind, layering makes the finished product all the more shabby.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I appreciate your visits and hope to have more to share soon!

A long weekend at home ...

Hello friends!  I've enjoyed a few days off from work to spend time at home.  The kids have a long weekend and we've been enjoying each others company.  It's been too cold for long walks in the woods but tomorrow promises to be better.  I spoiled myself and purchased a new camera....which I used for today's post.  I love the photos it takes and the quality of the zoom images.  However, there is soooo much to learn - my photos may suffer from quality issues for a while!

Since these both are for a special friend, I don't want to say too much and spoil some pending surprise.  So for today I'll simply share the photos and wish you all a wonderful evening.

Thanks so much for stopping by ... good night!

Autumn

Hello friends. I hope you are enjoying these last days of summer vacation. As much as we are busy making these moments count ... spending our days with the kids ...volleyball, swimming, bike rides ... I do look forward to my favorite time of year, Autumn.  Bundled in a sweater to keep out the chill, the colors of the leaves, campfires and smores ... everything about it is wonderful.  Today's post has me dreaming ... 

I adore the soft feminine look of a handmade doily layered with embellishments and admire the beauty that always inspires me at Midnite Lullabies Studio.  Rebekah's creations are gorgeous, I love each and every one ... I expect you'll agree - just pay her a visit - you'll want to leave a comment or two. 

Polkadot Door Designs gave me the opportunity this week to channel some of that sweet goodness that Rebekah does so well.. The card is Pink Pirouette card stock over which I've layered scraps of print paper and a handmade doily.  I've appreciated many a rainy night lately curled up in a big chair, crocheting these delicate beauties.  It's "busy work" that relaxes me and takes my mind away from the worries of the world for a while.  I've accumulated quite a few and am excited to share them with you.

 
Embellishments are piled on ... a chipboard butterfly (from Merry Medley) and a silk flower with a pearl center along with polka dot ribbon in warm shades of Autumn.  The heart punched tag has layers of stamps from French Foliage and Nature Walk.  The leaves are a mustard color of felt inspired by the felt flowers in this delightful photo collage.   I hope you are chasing your dreams ...
  

Thank you for stopping by - I always enjoy your visits!

Let the Sunshine In

Hello friends!  I've had such fun getting together with family this past week.  My brother and his wife have been staying with us.  Days have been filled with dinners, shopping, the new Harry Potter movie, visiting with family ... it's been just wonderful.  Shirley is a fabulous fabric and clay sculpture artist.  Her pieces are fun, whimsical, and make me smile.  Plus she has just started her own shop on ETSY that you can see - HERE!

I know I'm late posting and am just getting in under the wire.  The City Crafter Challenge Blog has an exciting event planned this week.  As usual, the Design Team has once again "out done themselves" and not only is the image gorgeous, but the prize is to be a guest designer on their blog!  Can you image that?!?!  Here's the beauty of their inspiration ...

I started with So Saffron card stock and layered on print paper from my scrap drawer in shades of yellows and orange.  Along the top is another print cut with the Scallop Edge Border Punch.  It brings a bit of interest to an otherwise simple shaped card.  The chipboard board frame (thank you Stella!) and the tag heart were painted with acrylics in shades of burnt orange and red.  Bits of lace made a bed for my handmade flower to rest.  I used the 5 Petal Flower Punch and the Fancy Flower Punch to create the petal shapes - dampened and crinkled each layer then stacked them ... adding a pearl bead on top.  A touch of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter makes this bloom even more special and creates my "shimmery sun".  The sentiment is stamped in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink and is from the Happy Greetings stamp set.

The bow is seam binding dyed with So Saffron Classic Ink and embellished with an adorable orange button from the Designer Buttons Brights Collection along with Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine.  The tag is stamped with Chocolate Chip ink and a cheery "hello" from Pennant Parade.  Very Vanilla card stock edged with the Scallop Trim Border Punch made my little tag more interesting.

Thank you for stopping by ... it's always a pleasure to see you here!

So very grateful ...

Hello everyone!  I hope all is well with you.  It's been a wonderful week here ... I am tickled pink to be recognized by both Moxie Fab World and The City Crafter.  I love visiting my favorite blogs to swoon over the never ending visionary projects, photos, colors and sketches.  Each visit is like an awakening - a motivation of creativity.  This week is no different.  Did you see the fabulous sketch over at The City Crafter?  Provided by Ros, I couldn't wait to try it!

While shopping this week for picture frames with my daughter, we found ourselves in JoAnn's.  I don't know how it happens.  Honestly, how do I always end up in a craft store?  While there (yes, we did find some frames), we discovered this delicious shade of raspberry yarn.  It was love at first sight.  Somehow, it came home with us and by the end of the night there were raspberry flowers everywhere.  They were like Tribbles - let's see who remembers those.  One found it's way into today's post.

With Pretty In Pink card stock as my base, I layered prints from the scrap drawer in shades of vanilla and black.  The sentiment and little butterfly is from an old retired SAB set stamped on Very Vanilla card stock with  the Eyelet Border Punch adding a decorative edge.  The chipboard letters are painted then "glitterfied" with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter - love the sparkle it adds.

A black button and half pearl puts the finishing touches on my raspberry flower.  A little spot of lace is always so sweet.

Thank you, once again, for all you do ... for your visits, kind words, continued interest and support.  I am so blessed to have found friends like you!  See you soon!

Lipstick happiness ...

It was a simply gorgeous weekend here and I do hope you had the same.  I spent time in the garden, a sorely neglected task which still not complete.  But when is gardening ever "done"?  A bit of weeding, digging, pruning, and a few flats of "Lipstick" impatiens and my little world is a better place.  Don't you love that name ... "Lipstick"?  They are a delicious blend in shades of pink and raspberry.  I love them.  Perhaps I'll have a moment to post a few photo's later this week ... 'til then I have this to share.

Kirsty and the Design Team over at The City Crafter are celebrating "firsts".  The first day of summer (or winter depending on your location) was just this past week.  Of course there are first anniversaries, first homes, and especially first birthdays.

My project is brighter than I am used to or comfortable with.  However, who can celebrate a first birthday without some cheer and bling?  Beginning with Whisper White card stock, printed papers were mixed, matched and layered.  A new collection being released next week includes those luscious stripes and adorable pink numbers (I'll have more to say about that soon).  The crown comes from Artistic Etchings. The chipboard is painted and "glitterfied" with Dazzling Diamonds and Chunky Essentials glitter.

The bow is seam binding dyed in So Saffron Classic ink.  Two punches created the tag ... Large Tag and Pinking Hearts Border.  With the sentiment in pink and a button from Design Buttons - Subtles collection ... I think it's sweet.  The pin is a Viola original - fabulous ... just like her blog banners!

It was so nice of you to visit ... thanks for stopping by!

Vintage vision ...

  

Hello again friends.  It has been a busy week, hasn't it?  I have only had a few moments at a time to steal away to my crafty little haven.  When I saw the color challenge and wonderful inspiration from Mona and her design team (and let me also mention the fabulous entries so far) ... I just had to play along.  Be sure to gaze on all the beauty over at the CR84FN Color Challenge.  And don't you just love that quote?!

I have had this image for months - straight from the pages of Somerset Life (I believe).  Lovely, isn't she? 

My card is Very Vanilla layered with First Edition Designer Series Paper (.. love this newsprint) and a fun polka-dot scrap along the bottom from Jolly Holiday.  The lace is from my supplies as is the rub-on in the corner.  I painted, distressed, and "glitterfied" the chipboard from the Mix & Match collection and the little white buttons.  A simple white seam binding bow with a few burgundy posies ... and my project is complete.

Again, my thanks to Mona and her team for pushing me "out of the box" and to you ... just for stopping by.  Good night ...

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A Splash of Yellow

 
Hello friends.  My daughter and I made a list of all the fun "stuff" we want to do over the next two weeks.  There's a new vintage clothing store in town that we have to visit.  Getting our nails done before Christmas is a must.  A trip to Pier One for some last minute stocking stuffers.  A stop at Borders (they have the BEST hot chocolate ever).  Brendan and my husband are going to build a bookcase - the perfect project for my two Boy Scouts.  The list goes on and on ... we're so excited to have this time together!

Today's post was inspired by two challenges.  The Waltzing Mouse has an adorable sketch this week (of course they always do).  And The Play Date Cafe put together a stunning color combination.

Black and white with a splash of color is very difficult for me to get my head around.  I love the look of classic black and white together and the punch of bright color is amazing.  Perhaps the strength of the colors scares me a little since I am one for doing the softer shabby look.  So ... I have to face my fears!  I started with gathering black and white print papers from my scrap drawer.  Following the sketch, I layed out the patterns on Basic Black Cardstock (the base is Whisper White Cardstock).  I added some beautiful white lace to soften the unfinished edges.

The bird is chipboard (Mix & Match On Board) covered in two different yellow prints from the Sunny Garden Designer Series Paper collection.  The wing was covered in Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and the eye is a Black Flourish Jewel.  The crown is die cut and I added Basic Rhinestone Jewels (you'll see a couple more on the tag too).  My yellow ribbon is embellished with Black Raven Lace and a button.  The Jewelry Tag Punch is the perfect size for my sweet little sentiment.

Whew, that was tough but I'm pleased with the results!  Thanks for visiting and enjoy the rest of your day!

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Happy Fourth of July!

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Hello friends ... Happy Fourth of July!  We have a busy holiday weekend ahead of us as I'm sure you do too.  So, I thought it best to send you greetings for our Independence Day a bit early! 

I'm sure you're like me ... when anyone says "Red, White, and Blue" you think of our grand old flag ... and I think of Betsy Ross.  See the thread spool?  I added it in her honor.  The background papers are scraps from various retired collections.  Two blog challenges this week suggest these glorious colors as our palette ... ColourQ and Wee Memories ... thanks ladies!  Another blog tells all visitors to "Check it Out" and use checked or plaid paper - what a great idea!  Visit Simon Says Stamp to see more!  (Cute name, huh?)

A large chipboard number took center stage for this project.  I added Fine Cosmo glitter to the chipboard letters because every card needs some bling.  Don't you agree?  The stitching is inspired by Papertake Weekly Challenge.

For the spool I wrapped navy blue floss around a ... well, I don't know what you call these!  Paper spool?  You can get packages of them at any fabric store.  I stamped mine with a word stamp using Sahara Sand ink.  It's mounted on Dimensionals to give it the attention it deserves.

The ribbon is seam binding dyed with Bashful Blue ink.   This time I dragged it across my Chocolate Chip ink pad for an aged look.

And last but not least, I do love that tag!  My newest addition ... Because I Care stamp set.  It's a wonderful new Hostess Set and the script is just perfect!

Be sure to stop by the challenge blogs linked above .. there is so much to see!  If you would like your own copy of our new Idea Book and Catalog - please contact me directly and I'll get one mailed out right away.  It's filled with glorious goodies!  You can also view it online (see link below).  To order Stampin' Up merchandise  ... CLICK HERE 24/7!

Supplies ...

Whisper White Cardstock #100730, Sahara Sand Classic Ink Pad #105208, Dimensionals #104430, Bashful Blue Re-inker #105221, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Pad #100908, Because I Care Hostess Set #118384 (wood), #120118 (clear), Fine Cosmo Glitter #108796

       2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog.  

Thanks for visiting - have a safe and happy holiday!

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