hanging out...

Dad's home but he still has to check that darn email.  Guess I'll just hang out close by until he's finished, then maybe he'll play ball with me...please?

Thinking of you

It's been a rough few days lately as I've had some unexpected symptoms from a cortisone shot I got on Thursday.  Seems the ortho doc thinks I should have a total knee replacement.  I think NOT so opted for draining the knee, the cyst, and a shot of cortisone followed by PT and a big old ugly brace.  I just wasn't expecting the high bp, vision problems, tingling etc. as I've had cortisone before w/o any issues. 

The doc called this the "rusty years"...so much for all that exercise they say is good for you!!

I have a couple of Rubbernecker cards that I haven't had a chance to get posted.  I've had 3 friends diagnosed with breast cancer in the last week.  That's 3 too many.  I'm sending these cards out with prayers for their complete healing.

Supplies:
Card 1
Stamps - Rubbernecker Believe Collage 621-01
Ink - Versamark; Ranger Distress Tattered Rose, Peeled Paint
Paper - Neenah; X-press it
Other – May Arts leaves, Stampin Up border punch; Cuttlebug embossing folder; embossing buddy; clear embossing powder; heat gun; sponges; glue dots

Technique – Emboss Resist

Card 2
Stamps – Wildflowers Floral #1; Best Wishes Set 600

Paper – Neenah cream, Stampin Up
Ink – A Muse Lichen, Grass
Other – Stampin Up embossing folder; May Arts crochet ribbon; Martha Stewart pearls; Glue Arts Ribbon Adhesive


Thanks for stopping by! 

Somebody pinch me!

Yep, I need pinched real good because I still can't believe it....I won this: (sans ribbon, of course),


                               

from Ribbon Carousel for commenting on their Facebook page for their giveaway with Canadian Scrap Booker. 

Thanks Ribbon Carousel!  I love you!!!

A New Member of the Family

A quick note...I have torn the tendon in my l. thumb so will be absent from crafting for a few days while I RICE it.  In the meatime, I thought you might like to see what my DH got for Christmas...actually for New Year's as he's only been here a couple of days....

Is he not just too cute?

 This little boy has alot to put up with...you remember the Big Doodle? 

She thinks he's a rabbit when they're outside together.  Yep, food, fun and chasin'.  So we have to take them out one at a time until he gets a bit bigger.

Hope to see you with some crafting in a few days!

Clean and Simple Monday and Art Show Photos

I'm sitting here trying to unthaw from the coldest windy weekend we've had this year.  Our normally warm S. Florida weather was sunny on Saturday but far from warm and Sunday was pretty much a washout with cloudy, windy and rainy skies.  I've got a few photos my DH took of our little space below.

First things first!  Today's CAS challenge on SCS is a Color Challenge (CAS92) - Soft pink, Old Olive, Kraft and White with Marina Mist as an option.  I don't have any Marina Mist so I looked it up and tried to match as close as I could. 

I used Karen's fabulous sketch from CAS89 - A Couple of Bulbs to make a very simple card.  (Of course I waited until the last minute!) The kraft layer is popped up on dimensionals.

                                      

Supply List:

Stamps - PTI Holiday Button bits

Paper - Neenah Classic White, PTI Kraft, SU Pirhouette Pink, Old Olive, (can't remember the name of the blue!)

Ink - SU Craft White, Versafine Black

Accessories - Sakura white gel pen, glitter pen, 1/2" punch

Ok, now here's a few photos of our space.  It was a lovely courtyard area flanked by oak trees all around and an awesome gift shop behind us.  I'm actually wearing the same winter coat I wore in MN so you have some idea how cold it is despite the bright sunshine.

                                    
You can tell by the tablecloths how hard the wind was blowing...some of the gusts were between 25-30 mph!  All day long the art canvases could be heard thumping to the ground when the gusts kicked up.  

This is me and my good friend, Gretchen.  Gretchen does awesome nature photography and has been accepted into several juried competitions.  Her beautiful photography is the backdrop for my humble paper art.

Thanks for dropping in!  I look forward to seeing your CAS cards this week. 

 

Dance Recital

Well, I made the first cut of 20 for the SCS Clean and Simple Fall DT!  I have to tell you, though...this is one talented group of 20 ladies and the competition is tough.   Our challenge theme is Teacher's Pet and this 2nd challenge sub-title is "Fashion Statement".  We were to use a "tiny bit" of designer paper on our cards.

 

Here's my entry:

 

I remembered that dance lessons for our DGD begin when school starts so I grabbed this gorgeous stamp from Impression Obsession I bought a few years ago.  My DH was the final decision maker on color.  I gave him a choice of pink, rose or black.

 

I stamped it in black Versafine, then again in Versamark.  I  heat embossed it with clear embossing powder.   I have two favorite parts.  The gorgeous black silk May Arts ribbon and the overskirt I created from a bit of tulle I picked up in the $1 spot at JoAnn's awhile back.  I used a T1 Copic marker to accent the skirt under the tulle.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

  

Room with a View

 

No card today as I had to (ugh) iron and do more laundry yesterday.  Today, DH is home and that means yardwork.   Weeding is my job and let's just say, it will be an all day job.

 

The sunset was gorgeous last night!  I just happened to grab my camera in time to catch a few shots out my studio windows.   The heavens declare the Glory of God.   Enjoy. 

 

 

 

                                                             

Hi Bunny!

Just a little peek at what we found gathering grass on the side of the house.  You think he/she's making a nest?  Remember these little guys from last year?

Maybe we'll have another bumper crop in the herb bed?

It's Raining, It's Pouring....

Yesterday, while visiting Jessica over at Jess's Obsession, (if you haven't gone browsing yet, you really should!!)  anyway, she mentioned that she was tired of the rain and fog.  So, Jess, this is for you and all our soggy friends out west.  Praying the rain ends for you soon.  Living in the hurricane part of the country, I do understand when too much rain is NOT a good thing.

I just received this super cute file from Regina at The Cutting Cafe called Rain, Rain Go Away.  How's that for timing?  It's just so stinking cute!!  33 images that include sentiments as well. 

I can't say I'm totally in love with this card.  I think the image in my head was somewhat different than what appeared on the paper but maybe that had something to do with only getting 4 hours of sleep the night before...ya think?!!

The gray clouds have a silver lining...I got a new glue for glitter and not happy with the gloppy look of it so scraped it off...it strings too like hot glue does.  Go figure.  I will order some of the best glue I've found for glitter from Art Institute.  She has the glitteriest glitter as well.  If anyone knows of another good glitter glue, please let me know.

I popped up the smaller cloud with a dimensional and the rain has the coolest clear dots from Fiskars called "Rain Dots".  Not the easiest to get off the acrylic sheet but I love the look of them.

I'm working on another card using the cute, cute boots from this set...stay tuned.

Supplies:  Paper - Neenah Classic white, SEI Black Orchid

Stamps - The Cutting Cafe

Ink - SU Basic Grey, Prismacolor marker, silver gel pen

Accessories - dimensional, Fiskars Rain dots, sewing machine, glitter, Cuttlebug embossing folder

 

Happy Anniversary

This week, my dear DH and I celebrated 41 years of marriage.  Hard to believe so much time has passed since we met in our high school library.  As with all marriages, there has been laughter and heartache, good times and bad.  Looking back over the years, we have decided we've learned much.  One of the major things we've learned is that our marriage is better when we take "me" out of it and replace it with "we". 

This gorgeous card was made my DH.  He's become quite the cardmaker...actually, it's quite frustrating because he just goes into my room, chooses his paper, asks me where the ribbon and trims are, boots me out and in 30 minutes or less, produces something wonderful.  It takes me literally hours sometimes just to think of something!  He used a textured Bazzill paper, Martha Stewart punch, simple paper doilies (3 layered together),  some silk flowers I had found at Michael's in the floral dept. on clearance last year (and never used) and a brad from the Target $1 spot.  He layered a sheer dotted ribbon over a wider solid.  It's what's on the inside that I will store in my heart.  Hallmark can't compete.

Divine Influence - Oh my!!

Happy New Year, Everyone! Today is Monday and my dear sweet hubby has gone back to work. We had a divine holiday together...no traveling. We missed our kids and grandchildren dearly but without schedules to keep, our 9 days seemed like a month. We enjoyed a simple Christmas, lunches, dinners and movies with friends. A rare treat for us, as we usually do Netflix and eat at home.

Speaking of divine, I was humbled beyond belief to be asked several weeks ago, by the talented and "divine" Jessica, of Jess' Obsession, if I would consider being featured on The Divine Influence blog...my goodness! I was jumpin' in my chair. I gave Jess permission to choose the items to be featured so I hope you enjoy her tour through my blog.

My little apple box tutorial, using the apple card from The Cutting Cafe, was also featured on Print Radar. This sweet little box can be made larger or smaller to hold a variety of gifts and would make a delightful teacher gift.

Congratulations, Jessica! Jessica's first year blogging anniversary is January 15th. She's offering some "divine" blog candy to celebrate; so hop on over to Jess' Obsession and give her a shout out. While you're there, spend some time scrolling through her creations...you'll be glad you did!

Finally! I Got My Blog Back!

You never know how much you miss something until it's gone...if you haven't been able to access my blog, don't feel too badly, I couldn't get here either.  Somehow it got redirected to Google Apps.  Not sure how but all I know is that I'm nearly bald from days of trying understand how to figure it out using Google helps.  To be fair, they dd help but simple language for not so techy cookiebakers is a good thing.

 

I will be back with the promised 12 days of cookies....I know, we don't have 12 days until Christmas but a good cookie is good anytime, right?

 

Thanks for hanging in there with me...Now, I've got to add back all the stuff I deleted trying to figure out what happened!

 

Merry Christmas!

 

The Inside Story and How to Make Your Own Light Box

Thanks to all of you for your kind comments on my "clean" room...you should see it now!! And NO, I'm not going to show you. By request, here is the inside of my cabinet. The top and bottom shelves are original to the unit. My DH made the 2nd and 3rd shelves.



On the top shelf, right side, I added a small wire shelf unit. On it are my Fabriano cards/envelopes. Underneath the wire shelf are boxes of linen stationary for making personalized notes. To the left are my bead boxes, books and candy for gifts, and Zip Loc bags.



The second shelf hold a small organizer with "stuff" in it... dimensionals, rubber bands, hand held punches, etc. Another of those wire shelves holds mediums like Gamsol, shaving cream, Gesso, etc. Under the shelf are two plastic bins of Scor-Tape and various supplies. To the right are stackers that hold manila file folders & chipboard.



The third shelf holds the heavy machinery....A Rollabind, a couple of Xyrons, a Bind-it-All and the accessories for them.



Bottom shelf are some baskets I got on clearance from Michaels that hold my alterables. On the left are notepads, of all sizes and shapes that I pick up whenever I see a good deal, the center one holds pails, glass vases, etc. and the one on the right has all the rest...candles, coffee mugs...anything I might need for a quick or not so quick, gift.



How is this for a light box? I purchased one of those 16" light boxes (no lights as I read an Ott light does just as well).

It's ok but just not big enough and it's a bit lopsided. I didn't want to spend $50 right now for another box so went on the hunt for an alternative. I found a great DIY here. (just click the red area for instructions)


The guy is funny and gives step by step instructions along with photos for how to make your own. Mine is probably a bit bigger than I really need but it works great. I have two small Ott lights that I set up on the sides, but you could use daylight as well. A great way to save money and recycle at the same time. I sew so I had a roll of tracing paper from a pattern making class but you could use white tissue paper on the sides and top just as easily. I taped it down with my tape gun. I got the poster board at Dollar Tree 2/$1.



I promise to get back to stamping....I had several big projects get done...One down, two to go! Whew!! My posts may be a big irregular as baking time gets closer....but I promise to post recipes and photos of the cookies if you'd like.


Thanks for popping in and do give the photo box a try...it's really easy and a great money saver.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Organizational things, that is!! I think keeping all of our stamping supplies in some sort of organized chaos is half the battle, don't you? I've worked my way up from a few drawers to an entire ROOM of "stuff"! You just never know when you might need that perfect something, right?

This black storage cabinet started out as an oak wardrobe that I found at Goodwill for $80. I'm kicking myself for not buying 2 while I had the chance. My DH removed the wardrobe bar and added two additional shelves to the existing one that was above the wardrobe bar. I painted it black, then he added the nickel hinges and door pulls. I've got baskets on the lower shelf to hold all my alterables. (If you want to see the inside, let me know, you brave souls).


Next up is my Ribbon Ring. I had seen these online. When I read that they were going to be at CHA, I knew exactly where I was going when I got there.

I don't have all my ribbons on there yet but as I use them, they get added...

Next up are my punch rods from IKEA. I absolutely LOVE these. They were only $3.99 for the short ones and $4.99 for the longer ones. I plan on buying a few more on my next trip. They are flat rather than round so they hold punches perfectly.


The next two photos show my most favorite thing...my stacking paper shelves. My paper was all over my room...in those plastic bins, on shelves, in the closet. Now, ALMOST every bit of my 12 x 12 DP is on those shelves...(um, one good thing is you can add more), plus my solid Bazzill, and my Papertrey. Yep, I'm a paper junkie and I haven't found a cure. The shelves are sturdy, you can stack them on the floor or on a desk and add or remove at will. Perfect!

The plastic bins hold ribbon, ink pads, bling and that file cabinet holds all my SU cardstock filed by color rather than by family. Oh, and it goes without saying that I love my OTT lights. Couldn't see without them. I have 4...all sizes. JoAnn's has some great sales and I got one super cheap at Tuesday morning.



If you visited my room pictures previously, you might have noticed I've painted the walls. That was my first experiment with color and I found that, although the color was beautiful, the blue/green threw off the light in my room. Now it's a nice, soothing muslin...a friend once described my color style as beige...and you know what? I'm ok with that!!



Thanks for stopping by...I totally missed the fact that I've passed 25,000 hits...thank you so much. Be on the lookout for some good blog candy to come!

Can you help Love 146?

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

We will not be able to be with our families this year so we will be thanking God for His goodness and mercy to us in the company of good friends.

In this season of thanks and giving, I thought I would direct you to an organization you may not have heard of. It's called Love 146. This group works to fight the trafficking of children for sexual exploitation. (click for more information)

My friend's daughter-in-law has created these ornaments for sale on Etsy to help raise funds for this cause. Each one is hand stitched and comes with a tiny book that she created to tell the story of a young girl caught in the web of
child sex trafficking who was rescued and rehabilitated by Love 146.

If you give ornaments as gifts, this would be a way to give, educate and help this worthy cause.

May you be blessed as you hold your children and your families close to you this holiday season.

Happy Thanks and giving,

A Blog Award and A Cutting Cafe Winner!!

This post will stay on top until Wednesday, the 18th. Please scroll down for new posts and tutorials. If the winner doesn't contact me by Wednesday, I will draw another name, so stay tuned.


While I was sick, I got this sweet blog award from Kelly. My mind must have been in a total fog because I forgot to post it. Thanks so much Kelly!! I will be sure to pass this award on. If you haven't popped on over to Kelly's blog yet, you've really missed out. This lady has super talent!

Here are a few talented ladies I'd like to give this happy award to:



Tammy
Sabrina
Sue
Charlene Merrick
Susan

We have winner of the Planner, Christmas tags, and Notebook Cover templates from The Cutting Cafe!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

24
Timestamp: 2009-11-15 16:43:05 UTC

Karen said:

Your planners and tags are such great ideas and who couldn't use more organization?Hope you are feeling better too!

November 12, 2009 2:52 PM

Congratulations, Karen!! Please email me: cookiebaker57@gmail.com asap with your email information so we can get your file to you. If I don't hear from you by Wednesday, I will draw a new winner.

A big Thank you !!! to everyone who played along...stay tuned, you just never know when another giveaway will pop up.

A Blog Award

Wow...I am so humbled...Sue, a uber talented stamper/blogger, I'd love to have for a friend/neighbor....(the woman bakes too!) has graced me with this sweet award. You've got to see her Penny Black and House Mouse creations. This lady can do things with Copics and paper that you won't believe.

The award came with the stipulation that I had to pass it on to 5 other talented ladies AND answer in one word the following questions....now anyone who knows me well, knows I can't say ANYTHING in one word, but I gave it a go...it's much, much harder than you'd think.

Head on over to see these lovely ladies, you won't be disappointed. My answers follow.

Deena
Regina
Peet
Jessica G
Enfys

1. Where is your cell phone? purse

2. Your hair? ponytail

3. Your mother? distant

4. Your father? dead

5. Your favorite food? pie

6. Your dream last night? none

7. Your favorite drink? milk

8. Your dream/goal? Creating

9. What room are you in? Office

10. Your hobby? stamping

11. Your fear? accidents

2. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Tennessee

13. Where were you last night? Concert

14. Something that you aren’t? Shy

15. Muffins? Apple

16. Wish list item? Bosskut

17. Where did you grow up? Ohio

19. What are you wearing? Shorts

20. Your TV? On

21. Your Pets? Dog

22. Friends? Awesome

23. Your life? Blessed

24. Your mood? Calm

25. Missing Someone? Grandchildren

26. Vehicle? Hyundai

27. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes

28. Your favorite store? Archivers

29. Your favorite color? Green

30. When was the last time you laughed? Today

31. Last time you cried? Movie

32. Your best friend? Patty

33. One place that I go to over and over? Church

34. Facebook? Yes

35. Favorite place to eat? Carraba's

More Quick Gift Ideas and a Tutorial

Here's another project many have seen but may be new to some of you. I've re-created the water bottle card for Christmas gifting. A way to refresh someone's body and spirit!

This cover fits a Zephyrhills water bottle, just adjust the length to fit whatever water you use.

Here's how to do it:

Supply List:

water bottle
drink packet
Cardstock
DP
1-1/4" circle punch
scallop circle punch
Scor-Tape
2 brads
Mono Multi glue
double sided tape

Cut solid cardstock 3" x 11"
Score at 2"
Turn and score again at 2-1/2"

For the top:
Fold the 2" scored side back (away from you) and the 2-1/2" scored side up.
Punch the 2" end with the 1-1/4" punch
Punch a Scalloped circle
Dab Mono Multi on the scallops only, leaving the center clean

Hold the cardstock to the light and place the scallop circle over the 1-1/4" hole. Press down and punch out the hole with the 1-1/4" punch again. (this is the easiest way I've found to make sure the scallop is centered)

For the center:
Cut the solid cardstock panel - 2-7/8" x 5-3/8"
Cut the DP - 2-3/4" x 5-1/4"
Adhere to main panel with double sided tape

For the bottom pocket:
Cut the colored solid - 2-1/2" x 2-1/4"
Cut the image panel - 2-1/4" x 2"
Adhere with double sided tape

Attach brads to top corners of the bottom pocket
Add your drink mix and bless someone with a soul and thirst quencher!

Trick or Treating

Don't forget to comment here for the Cutting Cafe Giveway!

Thought I'd share a few photos from our trip to see our kids and grandchildren. We got to go trick or treating with them...such fun! The first one is me with our granddaughter, Ann. The neighbor had just hung this ghost on the tree so we had to go check it out!

This next photo is our oldest son, Steve, aka, Daddy, carving the pumpkin according to Ann and David's instructions.

All done!

Dressed and waiting to go...hurry up, Mom and Daddy!

Finally....I think my favorite candy is in there!!

It was alternately warm - 78 degrees and freezing - in the 30's overnight, while we were there. Even though we both came home with flu, we wouldn't have missed a minute of it!

Thanks for visiting...I've got several projects lined up to show you so be sure to pop back in.