think fast

another win

Very excited and proud to announce...

that Clara had another win under belt! It sure was a bright spot in the weekend adventures. The Shemer Art Center has awarded Clara Best of Show for her new portrait. It is quite stunning in real life (excuse the flash photography, but hopefully you get the idea).

She used both charcoal and sanguine on mid tone paper, which is a relatively unusual process. Her fabulous art teacher always seems to come up with something new to challenge Clara. We weren't surprised to see other teachers/students attempt the white charcoal technique Clara used last year. Maybe we'll see more sanguine next year? Heh.

Congrats to my sweet daughter. She has been given many talents and blessings, for sure.

Later.

designer challenge with stamping

Hello, friends! I know, long time no see. We've had quite a roller coaster week with church fundraisers, assignments for myself, a birthday party, a broken washing machine and sadly, Eloise was diagnosed with asthma on Friday. So, it's been a big learning curve trying to figure everything out.

But, how about a little fun, today? The Go-to Gals decided another challenge was in order for the new year. I quite agreed.

A Muse Studio was super kind to us and sent an amazing box of samples to play with. I've had the best time using both their stamps and inks (and ribbons, and flowers and stamping blocks)...hee, hee.

I'm pretty sure all six of use were going to try to use this large Harlequin background stamp. I'm as excited as you to see all the versions today. On my card I used Bubblegum pink pigment ink, then embossed with clear powder. I love how the Bubblegum satin ribbon (a perfect match, of course) adds a touch of classy elegance to my card. (The pretty flower is from Bazzill Basics, btw - who knew?)

You'll want to check all the Go-to Gals listed below. AND, don't forget to pop over to Paper Crafts Connection. I do believe a little birdie told me there are going to be TWO stamping giveaways today; one this morning and one this afternoon. Sweet.

Jennifer McGuire
Windy Robinson
Julie Campbell
Teri Anderson
Betsy Veldman

Have a fabulous Wednesday! I promise to get my head above water by Friday! LOL!

Later.

stamping anyone?

Posting a quick link for all you Stampy McStampersons out there!

First, I'm blogging over at Paper Crafts Connection today - here's a little sneak:

You'll want to head over there before tomorrow night and enter to win a whole LOT of lovely stamps!

Next, I wanted to post a link for the new publications call out:         Stamp It! Cards 9

If you have a new year's resolution to be published, now is your chance! We're accepting submissions in all kinds of categories, so get those stamps inky, okay?

Have a great Wednesday!
Later.

fabric bunting tutorial

We just celebrated Eloise's fourth birthday party this weekend. Oh, it was such fun. Four has just got to  be the cutest age. I will certainly have lots of photos to share, but I thought it would be fun to share a little "how-to" today.

I've made several cute buntings from scrapbook paper, chipboard, posterboard, etc. But, I decided I wanted something more permanent, something I could keep and use over and over again. Thus, I created my own pattern and this tutorial to share with you.

Let me know if you have any questions, or if I left out any critical steps, okay?

The pattern part is pretty easy. I think you all can come up with a triangle. I used an 8 1/2 X 11 piece of paper. First, I trimmed it to 7 X 8 1/2" (a rectangle), then simply used a ruler to draw both angles down the 8 1/2" length. I'm sharing the size in case you want to make your bunting exactly like mine. Of course, you could do any size (or width) triangle that pleases you.

Next, use your pattern to cut out two triangles from each fabric choice. My bunting has 20 different fabrics (20 fabrics = 40 triangles). I used vintage fabrics, cotton quilting fabrics, and even some old sheets. Hee. You need two pieces of each because this bunting is finished on both sides.

Place your two triangle pieces right sides together and stitch with a 1/4" seam. You only need to sew down the two angled edges leaving the top of the triangle open.

Next, trim the very tip of your triangle close (not too close) to the stitching. This will make it easier to turn and press the bunting piece and get a nice crisp point. Yep, turn and press all 20 pieces.

Here's where I probably did things a little different. Like I said, this bunting is finished on both sides. I plan to hang it from a tree, across the patio, etc. so I don't want a "back side" or "wrong side" to show. To do this, turn a 1/4" little hem to the inside of your triangle's top and press it in place. You don't need to hand stitch this closed. Hang on and you will see why.

Here's a closer shot of how I turned in that raw edge of fabric and carefully pressed it in place.

Now, for stitching, adjust your machine to stitch a nice wide zig zag. My bunting is sewn to 1" wide twill tape. See the photo to visualize how I have laid my triangle virtually on top of the twill tape and zig zagged it together. I sewed them in one long continous strip butting up the edges of each new triangle as I stitched.

This photo should show how the "front" of the triangle is zig zagged and the "back" shows the twill tape. I honestly can't say which side I prefer. They both look really nice.

Here is the lovely thing in action. If you look closely you can see where that blue daisy triangle on the far left has flipped over in the wind showing the twill tape side. But, guess what? It doesn't matter. This baby looks good from any direction.

I can't resist sharing a photo from Jessica's blog of Ello's party. (Thanks, Jess). Now I really need to get my photos from the party edited! :)

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial. I plan to do at least one a month to share with you. Lots of exciting plans for 2012. How is your new year shaping up?

Later.

 

DIY closet

First, a little closet history. This is the only closet in the house (beside the tiny linen closet) that serves as general storage. Our house was built in the 1970's, long before the days of "walk-in closets" as we know them today. Even the master bedroom only boasts a little space with bi-fold doors. 

This closet sits at the end of the hallway and plays host to our coats, the vacuum cleaner, school books, old magazines, some of Keith's clothes (ahem - I seem to hog most of that tiny master bedroom closet), etc.

I cringe when I see this photo. And, I've already taken out the vacuum and the clothes from that rod above Ello's head. The only reason you can see inside is because I have a light sitting in the hallway. Sagging plywood, heaps of books and paper...scary.

Step one: gutting the whole thing, adding a light (thanks, Honey), finishing baseboards and painting. Luckily I had a bit of light grey leftover from Clara's room. Ahh - feels better already.

Next, some DIY wire closet pieces from Lowe's. It only took us three trips to the store to figure it all out. Not bad, eh? Would have loved to do better looking units, but for less than 100 bucks, I'm okay with it.

The run to Target yielded some basic Rubbermaid containers and a couple of cuter things, too. I was prepared with measurements for all the shelves, so I was able to get everything in ONE trip this time. Sweet.

Loading up the shelves was fun. I filled a bag for Goodwill and still had plenty left to fill my totes. And look - baseboards! We left a space for a short closet rod on the right side. A few coats and the two dresses I have to my name fit in nicely. (I folded some of Keith's shirts and hung his dress clothes in my closet. Yes, I made room).

Love me some organized totes.

Printed labels on the computer and framed them with some scrapbook paper. Gotta add a little cute factor, right?

Punched circles and tied these labels on with a bit of ribbon. Love these totes - they look like baskets, but are washable plastic. Fun!

It's too bad that my favorites have to be up so high, but they are the shortest and fit well on the top shelf. Cute, right?

So, from totally creepy to shiny and bright. Love those January urges to clean and organize. Thanks for taking a peek!

What projects are YOU working on?
Later. 

 

a little teaser

Who'd have thought that organizing a closet could be fun? I have a few more things to finish and a few more photos to snap, then I will share the project. Pop in tomorrow to see the Before and After.

Later.

diy projects

Busy. Busy. It seems the new year always brings an urge to clean and organize. After being out and about all weekend, I decided to tackle our hall closet today. Keith and I made a run to Lowe's...now everything is topsy-turvy. Hee.

But, I'm snapping a few photos so you can see our progress. After finishing this one, I only have one closet in the whole house left to remodel. The dreaded linen closet. Any ideas?

Well - how about a little card inspiration while you wait?

I think it's quite appropriate for the New Year, don't you?

What are your plans and dreams?
Later. 

attention basic grey fans

So, I mentioned I was cleaning out the scrap cave. Yes indeedy, I was. I decided to pull the trigger and sort out my beloved Basic Grey stash. It filled THREE paper holders. I mean, seriously? Am I the only one who buys and nevers actually cuts Basic Grey's beautiful paper?

Well, if you follow this blog (or my work in Paper Crafts Magazine) you know that I am mainly a "fun and cute" kind of gal. Bold and bright. Graphic and clean. Not exactly Basic Grey material. It's time I face facts - this paper needs to belong to someone who will give it more love than I have to give. (Heh).

Now, when I say "stash" what I really mean is Hoarder Status possiblyover600sheetsofpaper "stash". Whew. MUCH of it is brand new. Like, still in the plastic wrap brand new.

Now, while I have purchased a lot of this on my own, a lot was also given to me via the extremely nice folks at Basic Grey in editorial sample packs, etc. So, I divided the pile into seven very full Priority Mail boxes. I am selling each box for $26 - shipping included and all the money will go to our church's Mother's Retreat 2012. Each box costs a flat rate of $10.95 to ship, so $15.00+ dollars will go in the fund from each box.

I mean really, how fun is that? I get much needed space in my cupboard - the paper gets some love - and Mother's Camp get a little boost.

Each box has a minimum of 85 sheets of paper, coordinating sticker and alphabet sheets, bonus embellshments (all new in packages). I have noted what each box contains in general terms. Every box has extra things not listed. You can certainly have dibs on a certain box if you see something intriguing. Please email me, or leave a comment. I will let you know how to pay.

WOW What a response - all sold out. THANK YOU!

BOX A:  Granola (still in pack), Eva, Kioshi, Porcelain, Sultry (100+ papers)

BOX B: Little Black Dress & Crude (still in pack), Green at Heart, Capella, Marjolane (100+)

BOX C: (Latest releases) Hello Luscious, Lauderdale, Life of Party, Curio, Hopscotch (95+)

BOX D: (Vintage box) Stella Ruby, Blitzen, Skate Shoppe, Romani, Perhaps, Lucky, Ambrosia, Scarlett's Letter (100+)

BOX E: (Holiday box) Nordic Holiday, Wassail, Jovial, Eskimo Kisses, Eerie (90+ 6X6 paper pad)

BOX F: Pyrus, Sugar Rush, Indian Summer (still in pack) Mellow, Recess, Lime Rickey (100+)

BOX G: Max and Whiskers (new), Green at Heart (new), Wisteria, Archaic, Origins (85+ papers plus 2 lace papers, 2 favor kits)

THANKS for helping me out! Out with the Old...In with the New. Yay!
Later.

winter solstice

It's no secret that I LOVE the sun. Summer is my favorite time of year. And, yes, I live in Phoenix. So, each and every year I celebrate the Winter Solstice. The shortest day of the year. Want to know why?

Because it's finally over. The days will only get longer and my beloved summertime is on its way. I even made a card to celebrate.

Ha! Ha! Just kidding. I did NOT make a card to celebrate (did I getcha?). But, I thought this card was quite appropriate for the coming New Year. I would love to wish each and every one of you Peace, Love and Happiness for 2012. (I used THIS adorable Paper Smooches stamp, btw).

I'm in the midst of a major purge --- good things just might be coming your way. Stay tuned for a big post tomorrow!

Later.

meet ralph

Yes, we broke down this year and invited a new friend to our home. Ralph is our "Elf on a Shelf". He is mostly nice with a little bit naughty thrown in. Eloise is still on the fence whether she likes him. She's pretty happy when he is sitting under the Christmas tree. But, that tends to give Ralph crazy ideas...

Eloise informed us, "That does NOT look pretty".

She did get a giggle out of Ralph's artwork, but didn't much appreciate him eating her favorite cereal.

Ralph gets around, too. He colored her a pretty picture and even found one of our chicken eggs in the coop.

He hid in Ello's stocking, then helped Santa plan out his route.

Apparently he loves to play Hide and Seek. Eloise found him pretty quickly this time.

He helped me frost cookies one morning and he loves Ello's blanket.

Even a busy elf needs to settle down sometimes, though. He helped Eloise brush her teeth and picked out a book to read. She loved that. (If you have any fantastic Elf ideas, please let me know...I'll be keeping notes for next year).

I hope you all have a very blessed Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Take care.
Later.