Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Teapot Tuesday - Not so Synchronized Swimming

This week is "Tickle a Teapotter week (MMTPT148) on SCS Teapot Tuesday.   We're taking a break from the heavy mail and sending our cards to a secret teapotter that only Cindy will know.  If you'd like to get some happy mail, just post your card at the above link, then go here, and sign up to play.  Just bring two of something on your card. 

Our theme this week is Not so Synchronized Swimming.  I'm introducing Sila and Cona, the Silicone Sisters.  They have their own built in "floaters" so their fancy swimming is done above the water's edge.  tee,hee!!



I wish you could see them IRL...they sparkle with glitter on their form fitting suits, their balls, their bubbles and their frame.  Wonder who's going to get them...plus some extra goodies from my stash?

Supplies:
Paper - Neenah Cream, DCWV Citrus Stack (my summer favorite)
Stamps - free digi I found online
Ink - Copics (soeaking of Copics...did you know the price is going UP (double)  in August?  You can still get them reasonably priced at Carpe Diem  but you better hurry, if they're on your wish list.)
Accessories - corner rounder, SU border punch, sewing machine, bling


                                              
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Monday, May 30, 2011

CAS121 - Clean and Simple Monday - Memorial Day

This week's CAS challenge CAS121 is to fold or scrunch your ribbon.

Today is Memorial Day in the USA.  This year, especially, we are reminded that our freedom isn't free.  It was bought with the price of our most precious treasure, our men and women who choose to serve in the military.

                           
I am reminded too, that we have a responsibility to be sure we do our part to keep our freedom.   We need to teach our children American History, write and call our Congress men and women to make sure they do what's right to protect the freedom that's been so sacrifically won, and stand up for our country, for our faith as a nation, for our rights as US citizens.

"Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. The course of history shows us that as a government grows, liberty decreases."


— Thomas Jefferson


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Friday, May 27, 2011

Let's go to the Beach!

Summer time is beach time and a girl has to have a stylish way to tote all those beach supplies to the water's edge or to poolside if sand between your toes isn't any option.

Head on over the May Arts blog to see how to make your own stylish and oh so chic carry all.



Two posts today, so if you're looking for Foodie Friday, click here or scroll down for yumminess.


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Foodie Fridday - Fresh Corn and Ham Chowder

I love summer time...fresh peaches, watermelon, blackberries, and fresh corn!  Boil it, steam it, grill it, I don't care.  I love it!

I found this recipe in my latest of Food Network magazine under Weeknight Cooking...fast and easy meals.
It's absolutely the best corn chowder I've made but be forewarned...the recipe said 4 servings...this will serve at least 6.



Fresh Corn and Ham Chowder
active time: 30 minutes/ total time 40 minutes

6 ears corn, shucked
5 T. unsalted butter
4 sprigs thyme
1 large onion, diced
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 large clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt
8 oz. ham, diced
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
6 scallions, chopped
5 c. water
2/3 c. heavy cream (I know, but it's soooooo good!)
black pepper, as desired

1.  Slice the corn kernels off the cob and reserve the cobs.  Heat 4 T. butter in a large pot over high heat.  Add the thyme, onion, celery, garlic 1 t. salt and all but 1/2 c. EACH corn kernels and ham; cook 1 minute.  Add the potatoes, corn cobs and 5 c. water.  Cover and cook until the potatoes are very tender, 20-25 minutes.

2.  Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 T. butter in a skillet over med. high heat.  Add the reserved corn kernels and ham and cook until the am is browned, about 6 minutes.  Add the scallions and cook until softened, about 1 minute.

3.  Remove the corn cobs from the soup and discard.  Stir in the heavy cream and cook until heated through, but not boiling, about 1 minute.  Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the corn-ham mixture.


YUM!  Hubby was late coming home from work so my corn-ham garnish didn't look as fresh as it should have.  I will also save some of the scallions for the garnish as well the next time...and there will be a next time for sure!!
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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Make it Monday #16 - sympathy

Sympathy cards...I don't think anyone enjoys making them but they are a necessity of life.  The Make it Monday challenge on Papertrey Ink this week is Sympathy cards....I needed three so thought this was a good push to get them finished.


Simple, elegant, understated.



I still can't comment but will keep trying!             

Supplies:

Paper - PTI Vintage Cream, True Black
Stamps - PTI Damask Designs, Everyday Blessings (inside)
Accessories - May Arts Black Silk Ribbon, foam tape

                                                    
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

WOYWW103 - Flowers, flowers everywhere

Has anyone else been having blogger issues.....again?  I couldn't sign in to comment yesterday...haven't tried it yet today but Monica in Jakarta said she was having the same issue so I'm assuming it's a world wide issue.  Could be the tornadoes in the Midwest have caused damage to servers, I wonder?  I also have to sign in every single time for both the blog and email...it's getting a bit annoying, but I'm sure they're working on it...or at least I hope so.

At any rate, here's What's on my workdesk WOYWW103 right now....Flowers!  They don't need water or fertilizer to bloom beautifully. 

I have an idea or two what to do with them and maybe it will go to the person next to me on WOYWW next
week.  It's Julia's anniversary and we're sending presents or pressies as they say across the pond.  Pop on over and read the details then link up your workdesk....if you can...and leave the ladies a comment...if blogger will let you.  ;-( 

A little smile for you:



Edited to add: I still can't comment. Will try again later...when I try it just says Anonymous...anyone else?



                                                
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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Teapot Tuesday - Gone fishin' in W. Virginia

It's difficult to be glib about a child with cancer, so I'll just let you read the destination of this week's cards in Cindy's words:

MMTPT147 ~ DESTINATION STATION


This week's destination is Buckhannon, West Virginia. If you would like a destination for your card this week, how about sending it to Colton. Colton Dean is a 10 year old boy who has been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, which is a form of bone cancer. He is a 5th grader at Union Elementary School. Colton's teachers and fellow classmates have made it their mission to get lots of cards mailed to Colton at the school to support him and brighten his days.

Here are the things that Colton loves:


He loves fishing, four-wheelers, nerf guns, The Steelers, WVU (West Virginia University), video games, cashews, sunflower seeds and pineapple juice!

Here is another fun tidbit ~ Colton was recently asked to be the Grand Parade Marshall for the Strawberry Festival parade in his home town which will be held shortly! A great honor!! So, feel free to put a strawberry on your card ~ Colton will know what that is all about! Ha!

Here is Colton's Address:

Colton Dean
c/o Union Elementary School
20 Heavner Grove Road
Buckhannon, WV 26201

Here's my card for Colton using the free digi designed by Leigh at Happileigh Scrappin' just for the challenge.   I put his name on the boat.  :-)  You can pop on over and pick up the digi if you'd like to send Colton a card.

I printed the digi twice, so I could cut out the blue fish, the strawberry and the water and pop them on dimensionals. The main image panel is also popped up.  I covered them with Crystal Effects then sprinkled some glitter on the water before the CE dried.  Love the sparkle it gave the water!

Supplies:
Paper - Base - SU Night of Navy, Real Red, Ballet Blue, Neenah Classic;  DP - Creative Imaginations, Martha Stewart
Stamps - Happileigh Scrappin', Papertrey Ink - Scattered Showers
Ink - Copic markers, SU Night of Navy, Summer Sun, Tango Tangerine
Accessories - dimensionals, fish charms, Crystal Effects, glitter


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Monday, May 23, 2011

Clean and SImple Monday -Dark Chocolate & Peaches on a Sandy Beach

No sand, no peaches but did you know the CAS Summer DT search is on at SCS?  It's time for the second round of challenges and even though I can't try out since I'm a former DT member, I can still play along so I decided to combine the DT challenge with this week's CAS sketch challenge (CAS120) by team member, Regina.



The DT challenge is a color challenge to use Dark Chocolate, Sand and Peach.  

Edited to add:  I've had several questions on how I did the ribbon technique on this card.  It's really simple.
The ribbon is 1.25" wide.  I ran a long running stitch down the center with my sewing machine.  Tie a knot at one end so the threads won't pull out, then pick up one of the threads at the other end and pull until the desired gather is attained.  Tie off the threads.  Run a strip of Scor-Tape or other double sided tape where you want the ribbon to go, then just press your gathered ribbon onto the tape making sure to turn the ends under.  That's it!

Supplies:

Paper - PTI  Dark Chocolate, Kraft
Stamps - PTI Up, Up & Away
Ink - SU Chocolate Chip
Accessories - May Arts Champagne Silk ribbon, Prima roses, Glue dots, sponge


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Saturday, May 21, 2011

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger - Royal Fun

The weather is beautiful where we live right now.  We're in a tropical zone and our summer rains have not yet begun....but they will, they will.  My thoughts are with those dealing with the rains and floods in the middle south, including our children.

When I saw this week's Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger, with the beautiful colors, pink swirls on the frosting and a pop of black and white, I pulled out my Papertrey Scattered Showers set to play along.



The main panel is popped off the base with foam tape.  I thought the stick on gems and velvet crochet ribbon lended an air of  "royal fun"  to an otherwise clean and simple design.

I also entered this in the CAS-ual Fridays blog "Bring on the Bling" challenge.  You have until 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday to play so there's still plenty of time!



Supplies:
Cardstock - Neenah Classic, Papertrey Ink, DCWV Citrus Stack (love this paper!)
Accessories:  May Arts Crochet Velvet, Glue Arts Ribbon Adhesive, stick on gems, detail white embossing powder

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Friday, May 20, 2011

May Arts Design Team Finalists - Tutorial

 It's time, it's time!  Time for the finalists in the May Arts Design Team search to begin posting their projects.  The current DT are vying for their spots as well so be sure to check out all the projects in the coming week.

Springtime and babies just seem to go together.   I thought a  project for a baby boy might be fun for a change.  I wanted my gift to be pretty and practical so the new mom would be able to use it for awhile.

                      
Here are the supplies I purchased at a local discount chain store:

a set of 3 glass baby bottles (save one for another project), a pacifier (I did end up finding another one to match), a pair of baby socks, some plain white cotton dish cloths and a package of suspender clips (50% off!)



Not too exciting, right?

Here's what I had in my stash:

A dish towel left over from the set I used for this project , a bamboo basket,  metal charms, a baby spoon left over from a 3 piece set, a piece of velcro, spray paint, hot glue, and some beautiful May Arts ribbon :  ARR14 & ARR34 - 1/2" Grosgrain, KB14- 3/8" Solid check and SK34 - 1.25" Silk


First, I spray painted the bamboo basket, let it dry thoroughly, then used my hot glue gun to apply May Arts Ric Rac to the outside. I used acrylic paint to light brush paint around the inside rim.  Then,  I tied a small bow with the 3/8" Solid check and glued it to the front of the basket.

To line the basket, I sewed ARR34 Ric Rac to both ends of the dish towel.  (forgot to take a separate photo!)  I thought the towel would make great burp cloth.  I added some wadded up tissue paper under the towel since my basket is deep.  The basket can be used to hold small toys or nursery supplies later.

Turn the socks inside out, then sew ARR34 Ric Rac to the edges using a zig zag stitch to allow for stretching.

Aren't they adorable? 

It's time to add the Ric Rac to the dish cloths.  Sew ARR34 (Light Blue) across the bottom of one of the cloths, folding the ends under.  Backstitch the ends.  I used white thread in the bobbin so the stitches would be less visible.

Backstitch the end of the ARR14 (Red) then sew to the middle.  Stop and backstitch to secure your stitches.

Slide the 3/8" checked ribbon under the Ric Rac, then complete your stitching on the other side of the checked ribbon to the end of the dish cloth.  Backstitch to secure.  Attach a charm, then tie the ribbon.  The charm can now be removed for use and washing.


Now tie ribbons to the bottles and the spoon adding a charm to one of the bottles, if desired.
 Easy and oh so much cuter!

Measure approximately 15 inches of Ric Rac for the pacifier clip.  You don't want it to be too long so that it can't get wrapped around the baby's head.

Thread one end through the end of  a suspender clip, fold over and sew to secure.  Sew velcro to the opposite end, attach the pacifier.  The pacifier can now be removed when needed.

Our gift is all finished!  Now we need a card. 

 Here are the easy steps to make the bib card.  For the basic bib you will need: 

1 piece of cardstock 5.5" x 4.25"
Cuttlebug or Big Shot machine
Spellbinders Circle and Scalloped Circle dies
Hole punch
Cuttlebug Dotted Swiss folder (optional)
sentiment stamps of choice, brads, small piece of cardstock for sentiment

Score and fold cardstock.  Lay the largest scallop circle die onto the cardstock so that a small portion lies above the folded edge.

Flip it over then run it through your die cut machine.

Here is what it should look like:

Place the smallest circle die in the middle of the folded edge.

Flip, and run through your die cut machine again. 

If you want the dotted swiss look, open the card, place the front only in the embossing folder and run it through the machine.

Punch holes, add ribbon and decorate as desired.


That's it!  A beautiful and useful and thrifty gift in no time at all.  I'd love to know what you think.  Thanks so much for stopping by.

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

CPS218 Sketch - thanks so much

Family is so very precious.  As we get older, so do our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.  My aunt, on my father's side, has always had a special place in my heart.  She took care of me for awhile when I was a little girl.  She has never, ever forgotten my birthday even though we rarely see one another.  

This year, I thought I'd send her a thank you for my birthday card and gift using a photo she took of me wearing her sweater.  She's also responsible for the "bowl" cut on my bangs...I mean literally.  She put a bowl on my head and cut...oh my gosh...

At any rate, I used the Card Positioning Systems sketch218 for my card.  I've flipped the sketch.  I tried to make it a little bit modern...polka dots and the dots down the side and a little bit vintage, the Life's Portrait DP from Webster's pages and the scalloped oval to go with the vintage photo.  I did some light distressing on the edges of the dp before sponging with Smokey Shadow ink.




I hope it makes her smile..she will be 80 years old this year.  I think she was about 25 when that photo was taken.  Time, precious time.

Supplies:
Paper - PTI Hawaiian Breeze, Black, Webster's Pages Life's Portrait
Stamps - PTI Tags for Spring
Ink - Versafine, PTI Smokey Shadow
Accessories - SU 1/2" & 3/4" punches, Spellbinders oval, scalloped oval dies, photo reduced to 60%


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WOYWW102 and a May Arts Tutorial

What's on my workdesk...not a thing!  I spent the afternoon clearing it off of bits and pieces of projects so it's all ready for more projects...DH is off today so I won't be in here until this evening.  Be sure to head on over to Julia's Stamping Ground to see what on the other work desks of the world.



In the meantime, I have a quick and easy gift tutorial for you over at the May Arts blog.  I'm on a thrifty gifting kick....between the price of gas and food, gift giving has got be a frugal affair.

Here's a sneak peek:



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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Teapot Tuesday in a Mojo Monday Way

We are blessed to live in the land of sandy beaches, salty ocean breezes and sunshine....well, most of the time...and we'll discuss the hurricanes later.

This week's SCS Teapot Tuesday 146 destination is Levvitown, PA and a young man named Anthony.  Anthony was hit by a truck one evening after leaving the music store at a mall with his friends.  He was very seriously injured and has a long road of recovery ahead.  He loves the guitar and the beach.  Check out the link if you'd like to send Anthony a card.

Here's my card for Anothony.  Hope he likes it!

Here's the inspiration teapot.  I had all those images but chose to focus on the sailboats because I had that cool wave stamp.  I stamped and colored one set of waves on my CS then cut out the front set and popped it on dimensionals.  The sailboats are heat embossed in white on kraft.  The sun is rock and rolled, then clear embossed and cut out, gluing down only the center.  The sky is sponged lightly.

My friend, MB gave me that cool textured base cardstock so I have no idea where she got it but I LOVE it for this card...reminds me of white sand and that jute..!!

I used the sketch from Mojo Monday 191 (MOJO191)    I changed the position of the embellishment buttons because I really wanted to use those star buttons and they wouldn't fit in the sketch position.  I hope it still counts.

Here's the sketch:


Supply List
Paper - CS base (unknown), DP - DCWV Citrus Stack, SU Kraft, Tempting Turquoise, Neenah Classic
Stamps - PSX wave, Fiskars Island Fun, Inkadinkadoo Coastal
Ink - Copics, SU Craft White, Summer Sun, Tango Tangerine, Versafine, Copic markers
Accessories - May Arts Jute, buttons, white and clear EP, dimensionals, Spellbinders square dies



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Monday, May 16, 2011

Clean and Simple Monday - CAS119

Happy Monday...I know, I know...I'm trying to be positive!  :-)

This week's CAS Challenge on SCS (CAS119) is an inspiration challenge based on the word "GIFT".   I thought about that one for awhile and decided the most special gifts are friends.  I think as we get older, we appreciate them more because we realize how rare real friendships are. 

We have dear friends who have been a part of our lives for many years.  They are the kind of friends you could call in the middle of the night and they would be right there for you.  The male half of this lovely pair has a birthday soon so he'll be getting this one.



The sentiment is on the inside.  I used the rectangle die to cut a window then a larger die to cut the frame (had to trim it a bit).  Scor-Pal was used to make the horizontal/vertical scores.

Linking this on Michelle's Make it Monday Linky Party...it's fun, no pressure. Just link up what you've made!

Supply List: 
Paper -  Papertrey Ink Kraft, Black
Ink - Versafine
Accessories - Scor-Pal, Button, heavy duty thread

                                                                   
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