think fast

crafty post day 30

Awww-all good things come to an end. Well, not a literal end but June is kaput. But, I must say, there are several exciting things already on schedule for July. Um, starting with tomorrow! Hee, hee.

But, in the meantime...

Here is my new mantra courtesy of Today I Love. Well, maybe it's not totally new - I've always believed that you must do what makes you happy. Stifling creativity is just not healthy. Right?

So, here's my last reminder for the June contest: WIN, WIN, WIN these stamps:

Read all about it HERE (and link in the same place). But, I'm extending the deadline for two weeks. A lot of you have just discovered my month long craft binge and I want to give everyone plenty of time to play. And, oh yeah, I will be out of town for another week, anyways. Hee, hee.

So - NEW deadline is: Sunday, July 15th, Midnight PST!! Now, go forth and craft!

(Psst- I actually will remind you again, too).

Later.

crafty month friday day 29

It's Friday! That means we are on our way to the Black Hills. How fun is that? But, I have a party ensemble to share today. Let's finish off this crafty month with a bang. Or, should I say a "bubble"?

Wouldn't this be a fun summer party? Of course, it could be for a birthday; but what about an "un-birthday"? I just picked up a few bottles of bubbles from the dollar store and some Dubble Bubble gum for a treat. The little treat box is created from a Stampin' Up die. Isn't it adorable?

Here are the cupcake picks in action. You could spell out a child's name, or just spell POP, like I did. The adorable die I used here is from My Favorite Things (it's actually a sun, but don't tell).

So, do you have big plans for this weekend? Of course you are crafting, right? Big news: I am extending the deadline for this month's contest. I will post all about that tomorrow, k?

Later.

 

crafty month day 28

A little light hearted today.

A funny little card made with Paper Smooches stamps. Had fun with this one. Everything is better with bacon, right?

A little post script from my birthday card a few days ago. The sentiment and polka dot stamp were both from A Muse Studio.

Later.

crafty month day 27

Crazy busy around here. Trying to pack the trailer, wash the windows, etc. Of course, right about then a furious dust storm hits the valley. Go figure.

On to a better topic, a few more photos of our Washington trip.

One of the most vivid memories I have from a childhood visit to Washington was our trip to Arlington National Cemetery. The awe has not subsided one bit. This was Clara's first visit and she was very touched, also.

The acres and acres of white headstones put a lump in my throat.

The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown was as quietly impressive as ever. The change was followed by the laying of a wreath from the local middle school. I had never seen this ceremony before. Quite touching.

Here is the card I made upon returning home. No doubt about where the inspiration for this one came from; a very special day of our trip.

Later.

crafty month day 26

Well, I have probably "cheated" on the craft worthiness of every single day this month, but it feels good to back on a normal blogging schedule. So, I dub "crafty month" as a success.

Today's post is more about Clara who is an artist, not a crafter, but it's all good. Hee.

Here she is posing for mom (can you see the eyeroll?) in front of Ben Quayle's office. Since this is a Congressional Art Show, all the winners were chosen from their individual districts. About 411 of the 435 representatives participated. Pretty good, right?

This is a pretty dark shot of the auditorium where the reception and speeches were held. A special guest gave a presentation; he was a comic book artist for Marvel. Clara was pretty impressed.

Here we are walking through the Cannon Tunnel searching for Clara's work. That's my Dad in the khakis, walking with Lindsey from Mr. Quayle's office.

Ah - there it is. And Clara dutifully posing for me. Hee. The things kids have to put up with, right?

I'll share some more general vacation photos tomorrow. I didn't get my card photographed, so that is on the agenda for tomorrow, too.

Later.

crafty month day 25

Well--just back in town from our wonderful DC trip. Except maybe I should say: Washington DC, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Cambridge, St. Michaels, and Annapolis. Whew! 

Here are my travel companions: Clara, my Dad and Mom. We had a blast and took advantage of being on the East coast by renting a car and seeing a few extra places after the DC reception. We really enjoyed seeing Clara's art hanging in the Capitol building and I have a ton more photos to share.

In the meantime, remember last summer when I made this album for Clara?

She filled quite a few pages last summer, but we decided that there was plenty of room for this year's photos, too. Clara took the Instax camera and got some great shots.

Of course, being the artist she is, her approach is rather unique. I'm going to bug her to let me share more pages with you, okay? I love her journaling and sketches, some are really funny.

So, that's my craftiness for today. Be back at you tomorrow with more trip photos and other fun things. The month is just flying by!

Later.

crafty month day 24

I'm going to throw out a plea for help today.

We are going to a family reunion next month and I thought it would fun to do a little craft with the girls (and boys if they want). I ordered up some glass pendants and ball chain. I want to create something like this:

This is actually a little different - this is a darling scrabble tile pendant from Home Studio (on Etsy). We will make the style that uses a glass pendant with printed paper underneath. It will be less fussy, and less drying time, too.

So, here's the deal - where do I find cute printables for the glass? I have 1" round and 1X2" glass tiles. I've seen some on Etsy, but nothing that really grabs me. Any recommendations?

Thanks so much! You guys always know everything.
Later. 

crafty month day 23

Ohmygoodness. Only one week of craftiness left. Well, not forever...just probably not as frequently.

I've been saving this one for awhile. I think it's such a cute idea - maybe you gals who crochet will be inspired. Clara received a gift from her uncle that was SO up her alley. She adores all things Japanese, anime, and cutesy. Check it out.

Okay, fun. A scarf. Big deal, right? Wrong.

Roll up the scarf and what do you have?

Holy toledo! Is that fun, or what? I'm pretty sure James bought it on Etsy. You could search for it. But, it sure wouldn't be hard to make. It looks like a double crochet for the whole shebang. A sushi roll. What next?

Later.

crafty month day 22

It's Friday!

That means you really need to check out the challenge posted right HERE.

Want to be reminded of the prize?

30 stamp sets!! Check it out.

Today's crafts is trailer related. It's not something everyone needs, but I think the idea could be translated for your home, too.

I started packing a first aid kit for our upcoming trip. Things you don't always think about until you need them: bandaids, allergy medicine, children's fever reducer, antibiotic ointment, mosquito repellant (ya think we'll need that in Minnesota?), etc. Everything went in a handy little tote.

But, who says you can't make the tote "cute"? Hee. I've been hoarding (yes, I admit it) a bunch of the American Crafts Mr. Campy collection. So, I made a little label and added one of the fabric patches. Ohhhh - for cute.

I think you could dress up a kit for home, too. Maybe print a label, add some paper and presto - instant cuteness.

Now, what have I forgotten for my kit? Help me out.
Later. 

crafty month day 21

Pre-posting this little gem.

A sweet simple card - two things make this one stand out. First, the super wide ribbon (from Fancy Pants) and the nice large polka dot stamp. I stamped Kraft paper with versamark and embossed it with clear powder. Love that technique.

Happy Thursday!
Later.