Monday, November 29, 2010

May Arts, Jenni Bowlin Week!

It's here,  it's here!  May Arts Ribbon and Jenni Bowlin have teamed up to bring you some awesome holiday ideas.  You know they're givin' stuff away!  Head on over to the May Arts blog for a better look at my project, then check out the giveaway goodies.  Happy May Arts/Jenni Bowlin Week!    I can't wait to see what you think of my project.  You'll find links to all the supplies on the May Arts blog.

Grrrr...I just deleted my signature!  Geesh!

C.R.A.F.T Challenge - Christmas present challenge
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Sunday, November 28, 2010

Clean and Simple Monday - Flower Accents

Today's SCS CAS challenge is a bittersweet one.  The Fall DT has come to an end and the new Winter DT will be announced soon.  I still pinch myself that one of my dreams actually came true (after many tries!).  I'll continue Clean and Simple Mondays because I love this style of cardmaking.  It can be harder than using lots of paper and embellishments but a lifesaver when time is short.

This week's challenge (CAS95) is to use Flower Accents as in Primas, punched flowers, etc.  My friend, Patty, gave me these sweet flowers a while ago and because I was in one of those "time is short" periods, they were just perfect paired with that gorgeous May Arts Wrinkled Ribbon(EA16).  I took about a dozen photos and couldn't get the colors right because of the light.....oh well.


I used the Scor-Pal to score the cardstock on all four sides, sorry it's hard to see,  then just added some punched leaves to the blue flowers.  Easy, Peasy.


Supplies:
Paper - Neenah Classic Solar White
Stamps - SU Warm Words
Ink - Versafine
Accessories - Scor-Pal, May Arts Ribbon, punched flowers, leaves


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Friday, November 26, 2010

Short and Sweet

Edited to add:  Sorry to my email readers...blogger was scheduled to post this at 3:00 AM and threw it into draft instead...anyone else have that problem?

Quick post today...Off in the wee hours to do some Christmas shopping with the rest of the crazy people.  I've never gone the day after Thanksgiving before but there are a couple of things that are really good buys that were on our gift list sooooo....wish me luck.

This is a little 3" x 3" card that is off on a secret mission to cheer someone.  Cindy Motherway aka Mothermark at SCS has organized the Teapotters for a Top Secret Mission.  We are to make a 3x3 and send it to Cindy for preparation for their final destination.


Supplies:
Paper - SU Rose Red, Black, Neenah Classic Solar White
Ink - Memento black, Versfine Black, Copic markers
Stamps - Papertrey Year of Flowers Mums, Simple Little Things


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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanks and Giving and WOWYD

Wishing you all  a very blessed day of Thanks - Giving.   Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday.  I love the smells of Thanksgiving...savory turkey and stuffing (I LOVE stuffing), spicy pumpkin pie, beautiful ruby red cranberries.  Is there day that smells better?

To our friends who live in other countries, we realize you may not understand why we remember.  We remember because of the sacrifices of the first settlers who came here to be able to worship freely. 

A day of family, friends, and remembering all that we have been given.  A day to remember how blessed we are to live in a country that is free and that freedom is not free. A day to be thankful for the our men and women who sacrifice daily so that we can have the liberties we sometimes take for granted.

I'm thankful for our families.  While we cannot share this day with one another, we know that our hearts will always be close.

I'm thankful for my husband who loves me and my wacky ideas...and my cooking!

I'm thankful for our friends.  Where would we be without your prayers, your listening ears, your love?

I'm thankful for our church and the freedom to worship. 

I thankful for those who have to work in hospitals, our fire and policemen who give up the time with their families on holidays.

I am thankful every day for those of you who take a few minutes of the precious gift of your time to visit with me and leave a comment or two every day.  It has been a blessing getting to know some of you "personally". 

If you're traveling, travel safely.  If you're lonely, find someone else who's lonely and invite them in,  if you're sad, do something to cheer someone else ...it can change your life and theirs. 

We are delivering meals, cooked by loving hands and provided by our church to the less fortunate among us, early in the morning.  We are thankful for the hands that prepared the meals and baskets, thankful that we are healthy enough to be able to participate and thankful for those who will receive either a basket or a meal to feed themselves and/or their families...not just in body but also in spirit.  Thankful that we can give a hug or say an encouraging word.

There are so many other blessings that I could list...and trials too, for they help us appreciate our blessings but I will conclude with a simple

Happy Thanksgiving !!

What's on My Workdesk Wednesday (#77)...not too much!  I cooking today so I cleaned up last night.  Gives you a chance to see that awesome plastic liner that protects my workdesk.  We got it at Ikea for about $5.  I'm kicking myself for not getting one for the other unit!  Protects the wood from ink, tape and glue.


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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Teapot Tuesday -Time for Tea

I'm late for the Tea Party!  I do hope they saved me a crumb or two and cup of tea.  My battery died on my camera without even so much as a how do you do.  Just a "recharge battery".....NOW.... message.  Humph!

At any rate, our Teapot cards are heading to a very special party this week...they're going to an actual Tea House in London, Ohio.  The birthday recipient is Brenda, a woman who is battling cancer, currently undergoing chemo, recently had a mini-stroke and 10 years ago had a double masectomy! 

We are going to throw Brenda a surprise birthday party...Her special day is December 11th.  

You can read the rest of the story and all the details if you'd like to participate here (MMTPT121).

Here's the inspiration photo...aren't they adorable?


Supplies:
Stamps - PTI Time for Tea
Ink - Versafine Chalk, Versafine black, PTI Chai
Paper - Neenah Classic, MM English Garden DP
Accessories - PTI teapot die, Recollections roses, stick on pearls, dyed seam binding, paper doilie,  Antique book tag, twine, button, corner rounder


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Sunday, November 21, 2010

Clean and Simple Monday - It's a Technique, A Sneak Peek, and Candy

This week's challenge for SCS Clean and Simple (CAS94) is a Technique Challenge - Sponging.  It's a technique that's been in use for awhile. 
I had this card in mind for the "A Few of my Favorite Things" Challenge on Impression Obsession but too late to participate.  The song kept going through my head  "...snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes, brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things".

I tore some cardstock, sponged the torn layers, coated them with Martha Stewart Snow, then sponged the edges just a bit.  The snowmen are cut out.  I cut their scarves to give them more dimension. 

Mwah....snowballs for you dear blog readers!!
Speaking of brown paper packages, we don't need to tie ours with string!  Did you see the article in the current issue of Southern Living magazine (pg. 138)? They tied their brown paper package with none other than our very own May Arts rich brown double faced satin ribbon (HA33)!  Congrats, May Arts!!  While you're there...be sure to take a look at the sneak peek of May Arts Ribbon.  Seriously awesome stuff to come! 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Your comments and visits make my day!

Polycraft Challenge 71 -  Feeling Blue (I missed last week's glittery challenge. How 'bout blue and glittery?)

And...finally, did you see this? Fab blog candy from Wee Memories...be sure to take a stroll while you're there!


Supplies:
Paper - Neenah Classic
Ink - SU Bliss Blue, Copic markers
Accessories - Art Institute glue, MS snow glitter, plastic snowflakes

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Friday, November 19, 2010

Friday Post #2 - Flashback Friday 5.0

This is my second post for today so be sure to scroll down for Foodie Friday....Amy Tsuruta of Tsuruta Designs is hosting a challenge called Flashback Friday 5.0 to post an older card (not a new creation y'all) where you used a new technique.

I have to shamefully admit I don't often try new techniques...sometimes because they can be messy and sometimes because I'm just flat short on time.  I fell in love with this one though.  It's called Rebus.  You can find the technique challenge here .  You can find the tutorial by the uber talented Frances Byrne aka Stamp Owl here .

                                        
Isn't this fun?  Thanks, Amy, for the reminder!


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Foodie Friday, Awards and a Doodle

Welcome to Foodie Friday!  Your hostess today is Chloe.  Chloe has just had a brush out and she's feeling very mellow.  You'd never know that this morning she scared a little bunny half out of his skin with her barking and jumping.  She loves to sit on the pool deck in the mornings and scan for bunnies....well, this morning she spied one.  He was thankful she was inside the fence and he was outside. 

Today's recipe is super simple.  I'm sure many of you have made Lemon Squares before but there are always new bakers who may not have tried them yet.  I had some fresh lemons in the refrigerator and was in the mood for something light and easy.  These have a tender shortbread crust and a creamy filling.. Just 15 minutes prep time isn't bad either!  Yum! 


Here we go!

Lemon Squares

2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. confectioner's sugar
1 c. butter, softened
4 large eggs
2 c. sugar
1/3 c. fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
1/2 t. baking powder
Confectioner's sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine 2 1/4 c. flour and 1/2 c. confectioner's sugar.  Cut butter into flour mixture with a pastry blender until crumbly.  Firmly press mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minuts or until lightly browned.

Whisk eggs in a large bowl; whisk 2 c. sugar and lemon juice.  Combine remaining 1/4 c. flour and baking powder; whisk into egg mixture.  Pour batter over hot crust.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes or until set.  Do not overbake or your filling will not be creamy. 

Let cool completely on a wire rack.  Cut into bars and sprinkle evenly with additional confectioner's sugar.

Prep time:  15 minutes (gotta love that!)


Now some sweet thank you's!  The awesomely talented Judi Rose sent me this sweet award awhile ago and I forgot to post it.  Thanks, Judi! 

I'm supposed to pass this on to 7 other lovely bloggers so here you go:

Sabrina - if you haven't seen Sabrina's elegant style yet, you're in for a treat.1
Kelly - Kelly is a sweetheart with an eye for color and a way with digital stamps that is pure "Wow"
Jen - Jen is a fellow member of the May Arts DT.  Her CAS style is beyond creative.
Bonnie - Bonnie has a delightful way with digis!  Her CC creations rock.
Sue - This lady can color!  Her House Mouse creations are to die for!
Charlene - We share the same name but this lady has talent to spare and she loves M&M's!
Tammy - Tammy is as nice as she is talented!  She rocks paper and ink!

Sally Atkins gave me this sweet gift.  Thanks Sally...if you haven't visited her blog, you're missing some awesome coloring and creative style!!




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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

SSD51 and OTWC#33

How's that for a blog title?  Hubby was off  part of the day today so no time to get these posted earlier.  We had to run a couple of errands and he completed not one but two "honey do" jobs.   Yah!

Here's the story of how things go here though....wine cooler stops cooling.  No problem says, DH.  He can fix it.  He orders the part online, only $15!  A big savings. See how clever he is?

Now, how to install part.  Open back of unit. No idea how to install part.  Call engineer friend.  Problem solved. Part installed.  Wine cooler - doesn't work...at all.  Nada, nothing. Unintelligible words muttered. Wine cooler sits in hallway for 2 weeks.  DH finally relents, calls appliance repair.  Bring it in - cost $50...the fan was stuck. 

Install wine cooler back in spot...nope.  The wood has swelled because unit has been out too long in humid climate.  Damage cabinet fillers trying to jam the thing in and out.  Remove filler parts.  Take to cabinet shop.  Cost to repair - $50.  Meanwhile, put dehumidifier into wine cooler spot. 

Today, the cooler gets installed with lots of pushing but no unintelligible muttering...wife stays as far away from installation site as humanly possible to avoid possibility of offering advice that will definitely not be appreciated.  DH had brilliant idea (really!) to put velcro on filler pieces so they could be installed after cooler was in place and taken off, just in case of a future cooler breakdown to save $50.

Total time and cost - 1 month, $125 parts and gas.  Still married - wine cool.  ;-D

Now to the important stuff.....

The first card is for the sketch challenge on Skipping Stones Design. SSD51.  I loved this sketch the minute I saw it.


This is for our good friend, Mike, who turned 65 today!  Party Hearty, Mike!

This next card is for the Off the Wall Craftiness Challenge #33




I couldn't decide which version I liked better the pink layered one or the clean and simple one.  A fun way to use up scraps of May Arts ribbon!  Want to win some May Arts ribbon of your own?  Head over to Off the Wall Craftiness and play along...the prize is an assortment of ribbon from May Arts!!


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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

May Arts Tutorial Sneak Peek

Need some quick, inexpensive yet "substantial" and elegant gifts?  I've got just the ticket.  Here's a sneak peek.  If you want to see what's inside this elegant box and learn how to make it, head on over to the May Arts blog.  We'd love to know what you think!


I'll be posting some of my handmade flowers on my Etsy site soon.

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Monday, November 15, 2010

Teapot Tuesday and a Chain of Love

This week's Teapot Tuesday Destination (MMTPT120) is Lynn, Massachusetts, the home of the 88 yr. young Evelyn Fredrickson.  Evelyn is the mother of SCS stamper, Anne Harmon aka jdmommy.  Evelyn likes to crochet so I thought she might enjoy this crocheted flower.

Supplies:
Paper - PTI, Neenah
Stamps - Hero Arts leaves, SU Absolutely Fabulous
Ink - SU Craft White, Sakura white gel pen, Versafine, PTI Chai
Accessories - button, embroidery floss

This card is for a new Musical Challenge on SCS (DDMCC02).  The song this week is "Chain of Love".

I just happened to pick up some of this chain on clearance at JoAnn's a long time ago thinking it would make a cute handle on a bag or purse.  There's a secret destination for the cards submitted for this challenge...can't tell you yet....shhhh.

Supplies:
Paper - Neenah, SU
Stamps - Inkadinkadoo
Accessories - May Arts Ribbon, chain, clear EP, wire


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Clean and Simple Monday - Sketch Challenge

Our CAS challenge (CAS93) on SCS on SCS this week is a sketch challenge by Lori based on her super cute card A new pair of shoes.  Come and see what the rest of the DT has created and play along!

I changed it up a bit by flipping the image to the left and using an oval instead of a circle, making this a OL card and using 3 ribbons instead of one.  I did keep her red/black color palette.  I drew the snowmen arms with an SU marker.


It's also time for the new CAS DT search!!!  Do you love CAS cards?  Are you up for a challenge?  The next SCS CAS DT member....could be you!!

Supplies:
Paper - Neenah Classic, SU Real Red
Stamps - PTI Friendship Jar Holiday Fillers, Holiday Button Bits
Ink - SU Real Red, SU black marker, Copic markers - R27/R29
Accessories - May Arts Velvet WR 3/8" Ric Rac, dimensionals, Flower Soft, stick on red dots



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Sunday, November 14, 2010

Moxie Fab - All Zipped Up

The Moxie Fab World Challenge is All Zipped Up...and I mean literally!  The challenge is to use zippers in an innovative way.  I've seen zipper flowers all over the web so I knew that wouldn't be too innovative.   I had some awesome Jenni Bowlin supplies on the workdesk for an upcoming project so I pulled out my box of old zippers to see if anything matched.


I used a small piece of a deep green zipper for the stamen of my handmade flower...nice but not that innovative, right?

Ok, here's the inside of the card...


It's a money holder! And, whew...the zipper works!


I'd love to know what you think!  Thanks so much for popping in.. 

Supplies:
Paper -Bazzill Basics, Jenni Bowlin Family Tree, PTI Ivory
Ink - PTI Chai
Accessories - distressing tool, Jenni Bowlin Embellished Butterfly, Journaling Card, May Arts Ribbons, zippers, sewing machine, handmade flower, Crafty Secrets Vintage Cuts - Christmas Time


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Friday, November 12, 2010

Foodie Friday and Craft Show Goodie

First my apologies to my email readers...you will be getting this late!  I didn't feel well yesterday so even though I baked in advance, the post didn't get written until this morning.

I love fall!  The air is crisp and clean, it's still warm enough to make me happy, and it's apple season!!  Is there anything better than fresh cold apple cider,  crisp crunchy apples and warm lucious apple pie.  There are so many apple pie recipes and everyone has a favorite.  Our number 1 favorite is this Praline Taffy Apple Pie I posted a while back but a close second is this yummy crumb topped apple pie I got from our newspaper in Louisville, KY many years ago.  It's super easy if you have Perfect Pie Crust in your freezer (wink) and sooooo good served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Yum!!


Bradley Ogden's Apple Crumb Pie


Filling

7 large cooking apples (Gala, Granny Smith, etc.)
1 T. fresh lemon juice
2 T. all purpose flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 t. cinnamon

Crumb Topping (may be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to assemble pie)

1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 c. all purpose flour
1/4 t. ground ginger
1/4 t. ground nutmeg
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
6 T. butter

Roll out pie crust.  Place in 9" pie pan.  Place in refrigerator.

To prepare topping:  Combine sugars, flour, spices and salt.  Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut butter into the dry ingredients until the pieces of butter are the size of oatmeal.  Refrigerate until assembly.

To make the filling :  Peel, core and quarter apples.  (A Yankee Apple Peeler makes this easy and little ones love it!)  Place apples quarters in a large bowl.  Add lemon juice, toss well.  Combine flour, sugar and cinnamon.  Toss with apples. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Pile the apples into the prepared pie shell, leaving slightly higher in the center.  Sprinkle crumb topping over the apples.  Bake for about 1 hour or until the apples are tender when tested with a knife.

Enjoy!!

Here's  peek at some "Organize It" sets I made for the art show last weekend.  I have another show in December.  I'll  have just a couple of these in my Etsy shop as well.

                                 



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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Gift Card Holders in Abundance

Today's my day to post a tutorial for the May Arts/Glue Arts Challenge on the May Arts blog.  There's a full tutorial for each of the 3 styles of gift card holders I made.

Here's a sneak peek at a couple that aren't on the May Arts site (but the tutorial is!)



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May Arts Glue Arts Giveaway! and What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday

                                       
Did you know that May Arts has paired up with Glue Arts this week to bring you an awesome Giveaway? 
Hop on over to the May Arts blog to find out how to win and to see some awesome inspiration projects from the Design Team.    There is more than one giveaway post so be sure to scroll down to see them all.

My friend, Sue, from Sue's Stamping Stuff, challenged me to put the whole dirty truth about my studio out there for "What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday" so here goes...this photo was taken at night so the light is awful. 

The cabinets are from Ikea...the one on the left is my cutting/scoring/embossing unit...all glass front drawers...I love it!!  That's the one that took multiple trips to Ikea (two hours away) to get decent wood parts to complete.  These are actually free standing kitchen units but are perfect work surfaces with tons of storage.  The stainless table in the center was actually a counter height unit that DH cut down to table height...sometimes I wish I hadn't asked him to do that but it comes in handy if someone comes over to stamp.  Right now, it's loaded with DT paper and ribbon! 

Ok, here I go, deep breath, inhale, exhale



Yikes!  I haven't had a chance to clean up after the marathon work session for the art show.  Several May Arts Ribbon projects are in process.  You'll have to check out the MA blog to see what they are.  Wicked, I know.  Someday...when the room is cleaner, I'll take a photo of the whole thing....sigh...I can dream.

Thanks for stopping in...I appreciate you!  I'm trying to catch up on your blogs!


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