Teapot Tuesday - Double Blessings Babies

Thank you to all of you who have hung in with me while I recuperate from this nasty bug and try to adjust to having a new puppy while juggling the older one who still thinks she's a puppy. 

This week's Teapot Tuesday challenge is a sweet one.  Two little blessings, Sydney and Austin to SCS Grandmama Kokirose.  A big Congratulations to all!! 

Does anything in the world smell better or feel softer than new born babies.  All pink and warm and beautiful.
See the link to find the inspiration teapots.  Adorable lamps with pom-poms on the lampshades.

Here's my interpretation:

Stay tuned because I have some candy for the followers and email readers who have hung in there.  See you tomorrow.  I appreciate you!!

Supplies:
Stamps - LOTV
Ink - Memento, Copic markers
Paper - SU, Imaginesce
Accessories - sewing machine, pom-pom trim, buttoms, paper doily, dimensionals

May Arts Ribbon Blossom Tutorial and a Foodie Friday Rerun

I'm still not quite up to par enough to get in the kitchen and bake...coughing, coughing...ugh....so Foodie Friday, version 2011, will resume next week.

In the meantime, if  you need some ideas for using up those May Arts Ribbon scraps, you can head over to the May Arts Blog for my tutorial on Ribbon Blossoms .

                                       

While you're there, be sure to sign up for the May Arts blue Scrap Can Giveaway.  Leave a comment on the May Arts Scrap Can post and you could win the contents of the scrap can.  I hear it's fabulous!

For you foodies out there, here's a rerun of my all time favorite Quick Italian Cream Cake

                                              

Something this good, deserves a curtain call!

The Cutting Cafe - Valentines' Day and a Giveaway & WOYWW85

Ah, grade school...the time for recess (I miss it!) chasing boys on the playground, (only if they chased you first, of course!) and young love but ONLY on Valentine's Day (the rest of the time boys had cooties)!

Valentine's were simple affairs with maybe a bit of glitter.  If you did find one with glitter, well that one went to a VERY special person...maybe it was a special boy but it could have been your BFF.

The Cutting Cafe is having a monthly inspiration challenge featuring Valentine projects made by the team.  I chose the adorable cards made by team member Stephanie Serrano as my inspiration.  She made the cutest cards using the adorable Animal and Bug Love Set.  I decided to make my cards just the ones in grade school.  Flat and blank on the backside for a "TO" and "FROM". :-)  I made a few glittery and sparkly for that special person or two as well.

Hurry, hurry....The Cutting Cafe is having a giveaway and she's picking a winner TODAY so hurry over and comment to win!

Here's the set in progress for WOYWD 85.  Head on over to Julia's and see what else is on the workdesks this week!

CAS Monday and Teapot Tuesday

Well, I'm still not caught up from my bout with the flu.  Still coughing.  Goodness, guess it will stop when it stops. 

I managed to do a couple of quick cards for the SCS challenges this evening.  The Mojo is lagging and keeping two puppies from squabbling is like having two kids all over again.  Little Bentley is no push over and I have to watch that he doesn't take Chloe's toys.  Chloe is a lady and won't argue...unless it's a rawhide,that is! 

The first card is for the CAS102 challenge to CASE this adorable card by cindybstampin.

Since we just celebrated our 42nd anniversary and Valentine's Day is coming up; I kept Cindy's basic design but cleaned it up even more.

Supplies:

Paper - Neenah

Stamps - SU Full of Life

Accessories - May Arts ribbon, dimensional sticker, Glimmer pen

This week's Teapot Tuesday challenge features dogs.  Our destination is Miami, Florida where police officer, Alex, is recovering from knee surgery.

Supplies:

Paper - Neenah, DP from my stash

Stamps - Judith It's a Dog's Life

Ink - SU Chocolate Chip, Copic markers

Assessories - sewing machine, dimensional stickers

Thanks so much all the kind comments and for hanging in there with me.  Lord willing, I'll be back normal posting now.

The Cutting Cafe - Animals and Love Bugs

 Thanks to everyone for the get well wishes...getting better.  I think a few more days and I hope to sound  and look like myself again.  I must say that whatever this bug was, it wasn't as fun or cute like this one:

                                  
This cute little snail mail greeter is from The Cutting Cafe's new Love Bug and Animals Set (45 images and sentiments!).  Perfect for classroom Valentine's!  Be sure to check out the samples on The Cutting Cafe site.

This card is going to Abby Fast.  Abby is 15 years old and facing an entire year of chemotherapy.  You can check out her Caring Bridge site here.  There is a small group from SCS who have committed to sending Abby one card a month.  If you'd like to participate, you can check out the link for Abby's address here on SCS.

To make this card, I printed out the cute little animals and the snail mail frame from the Love Bug and Animals set.  I colored, glittered and stickled the snail, then cut him out.and popped him on dimensionals.  I cut out the center of the frame using Spellbinders rectangle die.  Mounted DP from Making Memories on the back of the frame, then attached to black cardstock.  The sentiment comes on the frame!  How cool is that?  A little ribbon blossom  made witht fabulous May Arts Ribbon scraps balances everything out.

Supply List:
Stamps - The Cutting Cafe
Paper - Neenah, SU, Making Memories
Ink - Copics
Accessories - May Arts Ribbon, Stickles, Glitz shimmer paint, Spellbinders Rectangle die, dimensionals, Glue Arts ribbon glue

WOWYD84 - Self Portrait

                                                 

Just a quick note in case you're wondering why I'm still AWOL...This is pretty much what I look like.  UGH!
I'm so swollen, I have a double chin. Looks cute on this little guy but doesn't do a thing for my appearance!!

Coughing pretty much saps my energy and my Mojo. Hubby is feeling better and I got it a few days after he did so hoping I'm nearly there.  He didn't get the cheeky look though!

Yesterday was our 42nd wedding anniversary.  My sweet DH brought me roses and a Smoothie for dinner. 
I promised him a proper celebration as soon as I get better!

Thanks for hanging in there with me. 

Teapot Tuesday - Cards for Katie

It's hard to be glib about today's post.  SCS Teapot Tuesday Destination Station this week is Bellingham, Washington.  Katie is a young mom with 3 adorable little boys.  She has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Stomach Cancer.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the stages, this stage is the worst.  There is a link on the Teapot post to Katie's blog.  

                                                              

Here's my card for Katie.

                                             
It's based on this teapot. 
                                      
There is a fundraiser for Katie here on Jak Heath.  You make a donation and get tons of digital stamps. 

Thought for today....having a puppy is exactly like having a new born baby.  I'm off to grab a shower while he's asleep.

Here's the big dog and the little dog so you get  an idea of the size difference.  This is the evening activity.  Big dog allows it for about 2 minutes, then she's up and outta there!

May Arts Tutorial

Thank you to EVERYONE who left kind get well wishes.  My thumb is much better.   I think I can cut paper and stamp now.

The flu symptoms are another story.  I'm still achey and the glands in my neck make me look like a chipmunk with a double chin. Puffy from ear to ear.   Hubby is feeling better so I'm guessing I am a few days behind him in the healing department.

In the meantime, I have a little tutorial for you to use up your May Arts Ribbon scraps as well as create a useful gift in a minimum amount of time.

Here's a sneak peek at the supplies you'll need:

Can you guess what it is?  Head on over to the May Arts blog to find a complete photo tutorial. 

Thanks again!!

Quick Update

I'm still here...still in the brace and coming down the flu that DH so kindly shared with me.  I will have to beg off this week and see you all next week.

WOWD- What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

Oh, how I'm missing my paper and ink.  A week off for Christmas and now this bum thumb.  Typing with one hand is an adventure as well.


My assistant kindly offered to step in for me this week.  Not sure what he's up to but here he is hard at work. He's a Havanese puppy and his name is Bentley...so named by DH because he said it will be the only Bentley he'll ever own.  ;-)

                            

My Mom is getting me a snack...come back later to see what I made for you.  I'm posting this on WOWD (What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday)today so Julia (Stamping Ground) can see how talented I am.

Love,

Bentley

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!

Happy New Year and Blog Candy Winner!!

Happy New Year Everyone!  We returned late from our trip north to KY and IN so have just had time to draw the blog candy winner.  Here you go!

Random Integer Generator          
Here are your random numbers:
             

20


    Timestamp: 2011-01-02 16:09:52 UTC

The winner is....

Sandy Bayles said...



I am now a follower and posted your candy on my blog...


Blog:http://lovethatexpressions.blogspot.com/


December 31, 2010 3:01 PM

Sandy, please send me your snail mail via a pm and I will get your candy right to you!  Thanks to everyone who took time to post the candy and comment. 

Clean and Simple Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!   Thought I would leave you with a few CAS Christmas cards I made to match some gifts I made for some special people in my life.  These were made in a matter of minutes using the Swirl Christmas set by Hero Arts and some inexpensive bling I had in my stash from Michael's.

I'm also proud to announce that I'm back on the team at the Cutting Cafe after a short sabbatical.  I'm so honored to join the new team and returning designers.  Regina is a talented digi creator and I love working with her digital images, boxes, and bags!

I will be back on New Year's Day late...to draw the winner of my blog candy.  I've added a few goodies to the stash so be sure to click the link to find out how you can win it.  I've added even more May Arts Ribbon!!

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all of you!!

May Arts Ribbon Gift Bags

Do you need a few extra gift bags in a hurry?  I've got a tutorial on the May Arts Blog to the rescue!  If you've got a sewing machine, some scrap ribbon and a few minutes, you can create this

or this

                                                                           or this

WOYWDW81? Minty Middles Cookies!

My only workdesk this week has been in the kitchen and at the sewing machine.  This is one of the cookies that's always on the Christmas gift list.  There's a yummy surprise inside this one.  I triple this recipe for gift giving.  Merry Christmas to Julia and the ladies at WOYWD!!

Minty Middle Treasures

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. shortening

1/4 c. butter, softened

1/2 t. vanilla

1 egg

1 2/3 c. all purpose flour

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

About 2 dozen Andes mint candies, unwrapped

Almond Frosting

Sugar or candy sprinkles

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Beat sugars, shortening, butter, vanilla and egg in large bowl with electric mixer on med speed.  Stir in flour, baking soda and salt.

Shape about 1 T. dough around each mint.  Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.

Bake 9-10 minutes or until light brown.  Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack to cool completely.  Frost and sprinkle.

Almond Frosting

1 c. powdered sugar

1 T. plus 1-2 t. milk

1/4 t. almond extract or vanilla

food color if desired

Mix all ingredients until smooth and thick enough to coat.

That's it.  Simple and oh so yummy!  Enjoy!

Grrr...blogger didn't post this again! Threw it into draft.

CAS98, Teapot Tuesday and Double Drizzle Pecan Cookies

I finished the cookie baking!!  Yahoo!!  Wednesday and Thursday will be delivery days. 

 I still have a few sewing gifts to complete but wanted to play in the CAS and Teapot Challenges this week.  I couldn't resist the inspiration piece for the CAS98 challenge this week.  I'd love to own that gorgeous apron!  I combined it with the MMTPT125 Challenge to make a card for teapotter Kris Chirhart (krischir) who is having surgery on BOTH of her wrists on  December 22nd.  If you'd like to send Kris a card to cheer her up, I know she'd love it.  I can't imagine surgery on both wrists and not being able to do anything!!

                                                     
Our teapot is a plain white pot and we were supposed to use watercolors, oils or chalks and paint a still life, portrait or abstract or whatever.  I don't draw or paint, not one bit of artistic talent in these old bones...I can barely draw a straight line with a ruler.  Soooo, I used chalk ink to stamp the Damask design...good thing the inspiration piece was an apron, 'cause I'm hiding cookies in my pockets!

Supplies:
Paper - SU Le Jardin DP, Neenah Solar white
Ink - Versamark Aloe Vera
Stamps - PTI Damask Designs
Accessories - MS punch, May Arts silk ribbon

Now these are worth getting in trouble for!   Super easy and you can squiggle to your hearts delight.  These are from Taste of Home.

Double Drizzle Pecan Cookies

1/2 c. butter, softened
1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 t. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1 1/4 c. chopped pecans, toasted

Carmel Drizzle
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. heavy whipping cream
1/2 c. confectioner's sugar

Chocolate Drizzle (note: I used Ghiradelli Candy Making bar)
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate
1 T. butter

Cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in egg and vanilla.
Combine flour, b. powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Shape dough into 1 inch balls; roll in pecans.  (I forgot this part and just stirred them in.)
Place 2" apart on cookie sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool for 2 minutes on cookie sheet then move to wire rack to cool completely.

After all cookies are cooled, bring brown sugar and heavy whipping cream to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir in confectioner's sugar.  Immediately drizzle over cookies.

Melt chocolate and butter in microwave (1-2 min.) Stir until smooth.  Drizzle over cookies.  Let stand until set.  Store in airtight container.

Enjoy!!

Ambrosia Cookies

I tried a new recipe this year and it's wonderful!!  Chock full of mouth watering yumminess!!  DH was hovering over the cooling racks. 

Don't let the ingredient list scare you.  These take only minutes to stir up and bake once you gather the goodies and they are sooooo worth it.

                                        

Ambrosia Cookies

1 c. butter, softened
1 c. granulated sugar
1 c. firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 c. flour
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 c. old fashioned oats, uncooked
1 c. chopped dates
1 c. golden raisins
1 c. flaked coconut
1 c. chopped pecans
1 t. grated orange rind
1 t. grated lemon rind
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 t. almond extract
1/2 t. orange extract
candied cherries, halved (I didn't have enough so I quartered them)

Beat buter and sugars until light fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Combine flour and next 4 ingredients, stir well.  Add the flour and all remaining ingredients except cherries.  Stir well.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.  Lightly press cherry half (or quarter!) into each cookie.

Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.  Cool slightly on baking sheets, remove to wire rack to cool completely.  Cookies will firm as they cool.

Makes about 8 dozen.

Enjoy!!