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?



                                                

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

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

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!)

Stamps - Papertrey Ink Scattered Showers

Accessories:  May Arts Crochet Velvet, Glue Arts Ribbon Adhesive, stick on gems, detail white embossing powder

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)

May Arts 3/8 " solid check ribbon

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.

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%

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:

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

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

Stamps - Papertrey Ink Big Birthday Wishes

Ink - Versafine

Accessories - Scor-Pal, Button, heavy duty thread

                                                                   

Foodie Friday - Going to the Dogs Treats Recipe

I meant what I said about "Going to the Dogs"!  :-)  This week's Foodie Friday is FOR the dogs in honor of our little Bentley graduating from Beginner's Obedience Classes.  He had the best trainer in the world...Allison, owner of Dogs Gone Wild.  Don't you just love that name? 

This is Bentley with Allison at the end of class... he had a ball!  She's the best trainer for teaching dogs and their owners what I call "life skills"...not just sitting, staying, and coming but things that may save their lives as well.  She's got a great easy going personality that relaxes both the dogs and their owners.

Here's Bentley and me (love the knee brace!) going through his heeling and sitting routine at class.  His tail looks like a little flag, doesn't it?  LOL

We made these yummy treats to share with the class...and they are yummy!  DH actually munched on one on the way to class...they smell as good as they taste and they're gluten-free!  Yes, I ate one (or two) as well.

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Bacon Treats

I found the recipe online but can't remember where...as soon as I remember I will link it up.  Super quick and easy to make.

1 c. oat flour (I made mine using the food processor)

1 c. brown rice flour (I milled mine in the elec. grain mill but it took a long time)  You may also use reg. or whole wheat flour if you're not worried about them being gluten free.

1/2 c. peanut butter

1 T. honey

1 egg

1/2 c. water

2 pieces crisply cooked bacon, crumbled very well

1 carrot, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except for the flours, mix until well blended.  Add oat and brown rice flours and mix again until all the flour is incorporated.

Roll out between two pieces of parchment or waxed paper or on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4" thickness.

Cut into squares or use a dog bone shaped cookie cutter as above.

Bake until crisp...Now here you will have to use your judgement.  The original recipe said to bake 20-25 minutes but I baked them a bit longer.  Cool in oven, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Store about a week's worth in a tightly sealed container and freeze the rest until needed.  (you can also share them with your doggie friends.  They will love you for it!)

Our dogs loved them!!  Here's Bentley waiting for them to come from the oven.  He could smell the bacon and peanut butter and it was almost more then he could bear.

That's how It felt like when Blogger decided to break down on everybody.   I stayed up late last night to make a card for Off the Wall Craftiness' Color Challenge OTWC#52 then couldn't get it posted or linked...bummer. Sorry, Kim...I tried.

Here's my card anyway . I thought those great nautical colors needed to have a boat to go with them! I hand stitched around the sails and boat for more definition. Love this Sailboat shaped card from the Cutting Cafe, it's one of my favorites!

Supplies:
Card Template/Sentiment - The Cutting Cafe Sailboat Shaped Card
Paper - Papertrey Ink
Accessories - needle/heavy duty thread

Have a great weekend!

sending you one little wish.....

Sorry, I've been sporadic in my posting but I have been working on upcoming DT projects.  I'll be sharing them soon.

I just got around to making a card for Clean and Simple Challenge on SCS - CAS118 Banners.  I combined it with Papertrey's Make it Monday Challenge Selective Inking (inking up just part of an image or sentiment.

I inked up the first line of one of the sentiments from Big Birthday Wishes for the front, then stamped the remaining part of the sentiment on the inside...." for a birthday as AMAZING as you are".

I linked this on the Linky Party at Pink Paper Paradise as well...join in the fun...no challenges, just prizes and chance to share your creativity.

Supply List:
Paper - Papertrey Spring Rain, Neenah Classic
Stamps - Papertrey Ink Big Birthday Wishes
Ink - Versafine
Accessories - Papertrey Polka Basics II Impression Plate, Banner Builder Collection, Double Ended Banners, May Arts 1/2" Solid Wrinkled Ribbon, Button, HD thread