THE HAPPY SCRAPPER

From the stock pile...

2012-01-17T16:02:00.000-08:00

Just thought that I would share a few cards from my stock pile....

Hope that your day is wonderful!

New direction for a New Year

2012-01-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

I have been a terrible blogger as of late...hehehe....haven't been crafting, but have sort of taken my creativity in a new direction...Natural Light Photography has always been a passion and since October, I have had the opportunity to do several photo sessions. It seems that after the first, which was done for a friend, it has snowballed. This pic is of my wonderful son and his precious wife ;)....my favorite subjects EVER! DH gifted me with a great Canon Camera a couple of years ago and I have found a new love for an old passion! Good equipment certainly makes a difference, but there is nothing like framing that perfect shot...I get goosebumps and can often be heard exclaiming, "money shot!" LOL

Love, love, love this pic...this sweet girl was not posing, she was simply looking with adoration at her new baby brother...*sigh, I love those "shots" that just happen!

This precious 2 week photo of baby Peyton was one of my faves! Nothing like a fur blanket and a sleeping infant...

This photo session was a blast! There is nothing like watching the family dynamic of multiple children. The eldest daughter "mothered" the younger ones, tried to get them to pose and look at the camera, the middle daughter quietly did everything I asked her and smiled so softly...and the youngest...he was a pistol! I just followed him around and snapped rapidly....that's my method for children under the age of 4...LOL

This beautiful couple didn't NEED me at all...they were gorgeous and all that I had to do was focus and shoot. Gorgeous....I do love the sunburst in this shot! No editing necessary ;)

As I continue to explore this avenue, I hope to have MANY more shots to share...with photo and editing tips that work for me. A friend and I have combined our love of photography into a business and can be found on Facebook under Shutter Sisters Photography. Come by and check us out!

It's Fall Y'all!

2011-10-01T07:06:00.001-07:00

Good Saturday Morning....it is definately a FALL morning in my neck of the woods....drizzly rain, falling leaves and cooool temps in the 40's....EEK....40's already! But, I love this time of year. Love, love, love a fire in the fireplace, sweaters, a big pot of soup on the stove and the brisk invigorating temps! (Not a big fan of Winter...but I do love me some Fall)!

Thought that I would share a couple of cards that I made several weeks ago. The first is a simple card that I gave to my niece on her Wedding Day. It wasn't really a 'wedding card' but it worked nicely for the day...Oh Happy Day!

My next card is cute girly birthday card! I found this cute 3D Sticker....isn't she adorable??? Love the bright colors which to me yells "FUN"....

Hope that you have a wonderful day wherever you are.....thanks for stopping by!

Travel Log

2011-08-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired by Michelle Wooderson's mini travel album. She has the best ideas and I love her projects and her etsy shop. You might know her as Mish of the blog, Mish Mash. Anyway, she was showing her darling little project which inspired me to make my own...all creative credit goes to her...

My "Log" is about 6x8 inches. The covers are sturdy cardboard covered with Craft Cardstock. I used cream and beige acrylic paint to "spatter" the covers and also brush the edges. A smaller cardstock adorns the front with 'Enjoy the Journey' stamped in black. I also added a butterfly, stamped a pointing finger and cute clothespin.

On the inside of the front cover, I added a sticky note pad for jotting down thoughts and events on the trip. I also added a pocket filled with stamped tags and a few embellies to add later.

My first page is taken from an old atlas and is a map of Tennessee ( where we will be traveling.) I stamped a few words here and there and added craft cardstock to document the miles we travel, cost of gas, vehicle we were driving (with a pic), so that we can remember it all years from now.

I have several pages in the album and will share more later. I also used lots and lots of paperclips and other accessories along the way to add things as we go. I made a similar album for my sweet niece, Amber, over at the Country Scrapper. I am thinking that her mom has forgotten to give it to her because she hasn't mentioned it once and I know that she would have if she had gotten it...*cough*cough* LOL, I am sure that I will find out its whereabouts now!

Hope that you have a great day!

A Very Cool Place

2011-08-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here's an LO of a recent beautiful spot in Virginia we stumbled upon while hiking in Natural Tunnel State Park! It reminded me so much of my childhood that I had to capture it! The page takes me there...if only in memory.

Hope your Sunday has been fabulous!

365 Card Challenge

2011-08-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hi friends....I have been painfully slacking in posting in the blog world this summer, but I still visit YOUR blogs daily! I have a quick post today for the 365 Card Challenge "Vintage and Pink". I love the soft, gentle colors of cream and pink together...and the vintage Prima flower...perfect!

I often play along with 365, but just happened to have the day off work and have time to create the card, photograph the card and post the card! Ahhhh...the life!
Hope you're having a Wonderful day wherever you are!

Sweet Summertime...

2011-07-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

I have been a blog slacker this summer....there just seems to be so much to do on these beautiful days and I don't want to miss a moment. Haven't been in my scraproom in weeks, other than working on some photos for scrapping.

Hubby and I have been taking advantage of our beautiful state of Kentucky and surrounding areas (Virginia and Tennessee) by visiting attractions in our own back yard, so to speak. We have been taking the bike out every chance we get and below are a few of our latest adventures.

Pine Mountain State Park, Pineville Kentucky

Cumberland Falls, Corbin Ky

Natural Tunnel State Park, Wise VA

Red River Gorge, Slade KY

Natural Bridge State Park, Slade KY

Breaks Interstate Park, Breaks VA

I have learned something this summer....I need to get in better shape if we are going to continue doing all of these outdoor activities ( hehehe) ....for the most part, all of the hiking, walking and climbing has been a blast...except for one trail this week that wiped me out! I mean it...there were about 5 rest areas on the trail and I stopped at ALL of them. Hubby was a sweetie and pretended to need to rest as often as I did, but I knew the truth ;)

Hope that wherever you are, you are enjoying this wonderful summertime! Until next time...

2011-06-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

I had shared with you a few posts ago that my Dad had been very ill, in and out of the hospital since January of this year, wanting to go home and getting to, just after having a beautiful near-death experience, well, on May 29th, he went to his ETERNAL HOME. His wishes were to die at his home, not in a hospital and have his family and friends near. My sister was able to move in with him during those last 5 weeks of his life and see that his wishes were granted. I am very thankful that I was able to be with him constantly during the last 4 days that he lived.

This was the sky over his house the day before he passed away. I was so sure that morning that he would not make it through the day and when I looked out the window, this was the sky overhead. I grabbed my camera and ran outside, needing to get a shot of what I called "Dad's homecoming sky." He didn't pass until the next evening, but this picture speaks to my soul. We knew, at that point, that it was a matter of hours, not days.

My heart is at times, heavy. At other times, thankful. He was such a wonderful Dad and a precious friend. My husband said it best when he said the day following the funeral...."We just buried the best man that I have ever known." RIP Daddy...I'll see you when I get there and miss you every day until then.

Sweet Spot...

2011-05-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

I had the thrill of visiting my niece Amber's farm yesterday,you might know her as The Country Scrapper)...anyway, she lives in the sweetest little spot in the world! Waaayyy out in the Country where you can hear donkeys bray, dogs bark, turkeys gobble and chickens cluck! I just love to go there...it speaks peace to my soul. Here is a glimpse of a few of her babies:

Mr. Kitty is the SWEETEST barn cat! He just loves a good head rub and is a great mouser, so he definitely takes his job seriously!

This is the barnyard...having grew up on a farm, I just adore this place! It takes me back to the scents and sounds of childhood, and when I'm there, I never want to leave!

I had never been this close to turkeys before. Hers are so tame, they follow you everywhere. If I didn't know better, I would have sworn that they were posing for the camera! They certainly put on a show for their "aunt"...LOL

I haven't been in the scraproom lately...to much going on and somethimes, life gets in the way! I have so many crafty ideas running through my mind, I can't wait to get in there and create something! Thanks for stopping by and for putting up with my sporadic posts..

Until next time....

Happy Easter...a day late

2011-04-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. My Dad is home after 4 weeks in the hospital (see my last post for details). We had a welcome home celebration/family dinner with him on Saturday. It was such a blessing to spend the day with him. He sat in a chair and fed himself for the first time in a month, and had an appetite!

On Sunday, we spent the day with Church activities! Morning worship followed by an afternoon egg hunt and cookout! The weather was perfect and my heart was ripe for worship! What a day. I even tried a little side walk chalk art with the kiddos. (my joints were the only ones popping when I stood up, though...LOL)

I have been back in the scraproom...hope to share a bit later. Hope that your day is wonderfully blessed!

Heaven....It Is For Real!

2011-04-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

An 81 year old, dying man recently came "back" to his family after being unresponsive for 2 hours. He told those present where he had been. Here is his description of his journey as told by him: "I was in the most beautiful place you could ever imagine! It was so peaceful and bright. I was running through fields of flowers that went on as far as the eye could see and they were EVERY color in the world. I was running and waving my arms, like a little boy and I felt so light. All of the flowers were just nodding in the wind and I didn't break any of them as I ran through. It was so beautiful! I didn't want to come back and I begged Jesus to let me stay. But he said 'son, it's not quite time yet.' When he called me 'son' I knew that I had to obey him. I didn't even get my feet wet because Jesus carried me across a wide river. On the other side of the river, were the flowers."
This man had been struggling for every breath for several hours, but when he awoke from this journey, he said so sweetly, "I feel so rested. I'm not even tired." HIs vital signs quickly became stable, those present in the room could hardly believe what they had witnessed! Truly, it was a miracle....and those present were MY family! The man telling of the "beautiful place" was my Dad. He has been in the hospital for the past 26 days and when this took place, he was in ICU, having just told all of his children, in-laws and grandchildren goodbye. This amazing morning began when I arrived at 6:30 am and he asked me in a weak and frail voice, "do you see the angels? They are gathered all around the room." Some skeptics will doubt that this really happened, but to those of us, nurses and hospital staff included, it was undeniable! SOMETHING BIG had just happened here! Not only did Dad share his story with us, but many other staff members, friends and neighbors came by and would say, "tell us about it...what did it look like? Did you see anyone else." He told and retold of his fantastic journey for the next several days. He kept saying, "I will never forget his as long as I live!" I daresay, neither will we. Having served the Lord gladly for the past 47 years, we had not doubts about Dad's salvation, but getting a glimpse of HOME through his eyes was such a gift. We are forever changed! And I really appreciated his physician's words: "Medically, I can't explain it. Spiritually, it needs no explanation."

As a nurse for more than a decade, I have been at the bedside of many dying patients. I know the signs, I know the end results. I have had many of them talk of what they were seeing as life left their disease riddled bodies. I have always believed...and now, I BELIEVE even more!

Dad is still in the hospital but today the doctors are talking about letting him come home later this week! He has had a battle, with good days mixed with bad days. Through it all, we talk often of his journey and know that when he breathes his last breath, he will, again, be running freely through that glorious field of flowers, talking with Jesus and feeling so rested! Whether he comes home this week or ever....or just goes on HOME forever, we have been given a precious gift...a peek, if you will, of the place our souls long for, that Jesus has gone to prepare. On this Holy Easter Week, I just wanted to share this: It is real and by His supreme sacrifice, we all can go!

My son, a young minister, who witnessed Dad's travel brought me a book to read the other day. A story of a four year old child's near death experience. It is called "Heaven is for Real." If you want a more detailed glimpse of what my Dad saw, read this book! It's an awesome account!

Puppy Love

2011-03-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share the newest additions to our family.....Bearlee (because he "barely" looks like a dog ;)

and Bobber....

Although we were not in the market for more pets, my son and his wife adopted a beautiful shephard mix last October and viola! during the coldest week of January, she presented them with 6 puppies! They have REALLY worked hard to keep these puppies alive during the frigid winter and have spent countless $$ on food, a kennel, house, toys etc...so when they could find no one to take them, hubby and I took TWO! Okay, we are suckers for a pooch in need and have been MANY times! Let me say, that rescue dogs make the greatest pets...and in this instance....we have rescued the whole family...my son and his wife are keep two as well. One has already been adopted and we are hoping for a forever home for one more! Gracie, the momma, has a vet visit in her immediate future and so do all of the puppies we are keeping!

But on the first day of Spring what could be more enjoyable than the beautiful sunshine and warm weather? The love of a sweet puppy or two ;)

Thinking of .....Spring

2011-03-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

I can remember as a child, getting Spring Fever so badly, I couldn't concentrate on anything. Sitting in class as the sun smiled through the open window, hearing the drone of the lawnmower cutting the grass along the sidewalks, smelling the wonderful smell of freshly cut lawn...my mind would wander....to things that little girls dream of...to playing tag until dark...or taking my favorite doll out in the backyard on a quilt and having a picnic, just me and "Debbie"....or riding my shetland pony...ahhh, in Springtime, the ideas were endless. As an adult, I still get a touch of Spring Fever....not today because it was snowing this morning when I went to work, but last week, we had a glimpse of Spring. The sun was shining, frogs were croaking, the lawn was covered with robins, the crabapple trees are budding...and I loved every bit of it! I am a warm weather...sun shining.....bees buzzing...flowers blooming kind of girl...and SPRING...I AM THINKING OF YOU!!!!! Please get here soon ;)

I Will Rejoice....

2011-03-03T18:03:00.000-08:00

I have been away from my blog for awhile due to my Dad being seriously ill. He has been in the hospital for the past two weeks, and after a very close call with death, is resting comfortably at home now. He is 81 years old and had always been in perfect health until about 3 years ago. It is very difficult to see someone that you always felt was ten feet tall and bulletproof, suddenly become very mortal! When I see my Dad suffering, I am suddenly ten years old again and very scared! My mom passed over 11 years ago, and in the years since, Dad has been both Mom and Dad to my sister, brother and I. I have decided that no matter how old we get, we still need that anchor that our parents provide. And although Dad has been a devout Christian with an unshakable faith for over 46 years, and he is 81 years old...I am still not ready to let him go. He brings something to my life that no one else on earth can bring! I love his heart, his laughter, his sense of humor, his strength of spirit, his hugs, his hearty appetite, his devotion to his children and grandchildren, his outgoing personality, his willingness to help others, his simple way of accepting life as it comes and believing that the Lord has it all under control. He told me the other day, "I have trusted the Lord in life, I will trust him death." That is solid faith....and I only hope that when I am where he is...I can say that just as strongly!

My card today, even though you can't really see the sentiment, simply says, "REJOICE"...and tonight I am rejoicing for the Dad that I have been blessed with...for the fact that he is home from the hospital and although he is frail in body, he is strong in spirit! And in the end...I will know without a doubt that he is safely in the arms of the God he has served joyfully for so many years, and that he will finally be reunited with my Mom! So again, I will REJOICE!

Spring Fever..

2011-02-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

Wow....today I have Spring Fever! After weeks of cold and snow....this morning's SUNSHINE was so bright, I needed sunglasses driving to work! Ahhhh, temps in the high 50's and sunshine....my soul just did a cartwheel ;)

Just thought that I would share this "springy" little card. I love the clean white, soft blue and yellow! C'mon Spring Time....this girl is ready!

Have a great Valentine's Day Blog Friends! Hope that your day is overflowing with love!

Spread the Love....

2011-02-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

Good Thursday morning bloggie friends. I am taking a few moments this morning to share a bit of Valentine Love with y'all. (We have about 3 inches of snow and icy roads, so I am not leaving at my usual time for work today, which gives me a few stolen moments to update the ol' blog ;) I have been working on some sweet and simple cards this week for the girls in my office:

I just love the blue, cream and red color combination on these cards! And the simplicity....so easy, so cute! Last year I gave the girls cello bags filled with valentine Hershey's Kisses with a topper that read, "We love because He first loved us." Just a bit of spiritual encouragement for the day. They loved them because they were so unexpected and simply sweet, they have also dubbed me the "martha stewart" of the office (small letters because I sure can't match the real Martha...LOL). This year I am doing clear Martha ;) bags filled with heart shaped chocolates and valentine M&M's to go along with the cards! Who doesn't enjoy a sweet treat on Valentine's Day? I sure do and I have hinted to DH that he can NEVER go wrong with a box of Ghiradelli Chocolates...yummmmmmmmy!

Hope that you all have wonderful day, and a quick HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweet niece and friend AMBER GOBLE over @ thecountryscrapper. See ya Saturday Amber with a gift FULL of scrappy goodies!

Sunny Sunday

2011-01-30T14:52:00.000-08:00

Just stopped in for a quick post. We have had BEAUTIFUL weather in Eastern KY this weekend and it has been MUCH appreciated by me! What a snowy January we have endured and just a bit of warmer temps and bright sunshine....it makes my spirit soar!

I made this cute card a few days ago using some 'scraps' lying on my desk, but I loved the tea stained tag and twill from Kraft. To me, it made it all come together.

Well, back to work for me tomorrow after two weeks of sick leave. Although anxious to get back to my normal routine, I will miss the stolen moments in my scraproom!
Wherever you are, may your week be blessed!

Squeal*

2011-01-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

I am squealing this week! While checking my email from my hospital bed ( I was having complications from kidney stone laser surgery), I received the news that two of my cards have been chosen to be published in the February 13th edition of Scrapbook News and Review online magazine! I am so excited. I have had two cards previously published with them and am honored to have two more chosen! If you get a chance, visit their site and see what I've been up to!

Here is a sweet "icy" winter themed card that I threw together one evening with things just lying on my desk. I love the fragile snowflake with the sparkly tag! Simple, but sweet.

Thanks for stopping by...blessings to you until next time!

Random Thoughts...

2011-01-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

Wow, I have actually had time to post more than once this week and I have loved it! A few days off work has given me time to play in my scraproom, take lots of photos, cook up a couple of pots of yummy soup and surf the web. Ahhh, sometimes we all need a moment to reconnect with the things we love to do and I have truly enjoyed being able to. Today, not so much fun. I am in the process of passing a kidney stone, so I am medicated and housebound, praying that I can get rid of this rascal on my own! I figured since I am pretty much unable to do anything else, I would post a few of my newest cards and random thoughts.

I just love the red and white on this card. The snowflakes are so wispy and fragile looking, and since it is technically winter when Valentine's Day arrives, I thought a snowflake v'day card was perfect!

This next card is for a special person whose birthday is just around the corner! Even though she's all grown up, I still think of pretty pastel pinks and girly ribbons when think of her!

(You can act appropriately surprised, Amber, when you get this ;)

I have decided to do a 2011 Project for myself this year. I plan to scrap bits and pieces of our lives each month during this year (not a photo a day, I simply don't have time for that). I tried the project 365 last year and by April, I was tired of it! And frankly, dh and I are not interesting enough to photo something EVERYDAY of our lives. (hehehe) I have looked at the kits that are currently available for documenting a year of your life, but decided that I could do my own for a fraction of the cost. I have my January LO started and will share it at the end of the month. I am considering also doing one for my DIL to document her and my son's year together. Since I am always taking photos, they will not even realize that I am doing anything special ;) I hope to give it to her in August for her birthday and then complete the pages as the year progresses. (She doesn't enjoy scrapping, but loves the finished projects that I have given her....makes for a great gift giving idea!)

Thanks for dropping by today....and until next time, I pray that you are wonderfully blessed and happily scrapping!

Love...and Snow...are in the air.....

2011-01-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

Here in my neck of the woods, we have been seeing quite a bit of "old man winter." He is showing his lovely self in wondrous fashion and I have enjoyed spending many snowy afternoons doing what I love most.....I have been hitting the craft room a bit more often this new year...that is actually one of my goals: no matter how busy life gets, CREATE something, EVERYDAY! (Not really a resolution, I hate those, but a goal for my self satisfaction.) If I am not working on a LO, a card, a new recipe, photos or something, I feel more stressed and unfulfilled! I NEED to make things...that's just part of my make-up, part of who I am and I have been this way since I was a young girl. I NEED TO CREATE! Not a bad addiction, huh?

Below, I have whipped up a few valentine cards. The first one was one of my least favorite cards ever while I was making it.....when I tweaked it a bit, it became my fave of the day!

My next card was inspired by the little canvas tag! The rest, they say, is history!

I am loving the pink and cream combination. So soft and "lovely."

Just a glimps of my messy desk! I am a messy artist! The bigger the mess, the better I feel...LOL.

Are any of you "neat crafter?" Share a pic of your space and let's compare ;)

Until next time, I pray that you are wonderfully blessed and happily scrapping!

CPS challenge 200

2011-01-09T15:45:00.000-08:00

Here is my take on the latest CPS (Card positioning system) #200

I just love the bright reds, white and black on this simple interpretation! I will use this layout again and again.

Sweet Snowy Saturday

2011-01-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

We awoke to another beautiful Snowy Saturday! We have about 2-3 inches on the ground and more in the forecast! Hubby and I go out on Saturday mornings for breakfast. It is something that we look forward to each week and enjoy that time together. (and the food is good to ;) This morning, this is the roads that we traveled on:

OKAY....a bit more snow than we thought...LOL...it was a slow trip, but breakfast was still great and so was the company ;)

Here is a "snowy pic" of hubby and I...I had the *sungrins* and couldn't stop squinting:

And where is sweet Packer Puppy in all of this snowy weather? Right here.....

On the arm of my chair, all warm and cuddly in his winter sweater! He is still overly attached to me and is never more than an arm's length away when I am home. I picture him sitting on the back of the sofa, looking out the window, and waiting for me to get home from work each day. He is a warm, cuddly bundle of puppy love and I am alway eager to get home to him as well!

Here's wishing you all a "warm and toasty" day wherever you are.

2010-12-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hello all....today it is back to "normal" here in our world. We were blessed with a white Christmas this year and we loved it! Today, the snow is still flying and we have about 8" on the ground. It reminds me of winter when I was a child! (Only now, I do not play in it until my toes are numb ;)

This year we had a daughter-in-law to share our holiday!That made it extra special! She and our son spent part of Christmas Eve with us and we ate Christmas Dinner at their house! This was our first Christmas "alone" since we were 22 years old....hmmmm....talk about laid back! We ate when we wanted, napped several times during our days off, kicked back at every opportunity...LOL. But I will admit....I had a few moments of "longing"....longing for those days of twinkling eyes and wide smiles...of waiting for Santa followed by days of putting toys together and playing with every one! Little boys (and girls) grow up waaaayyyyy too fast...and leave our homes way to empty, especially during the holidays.

Hope that you all enjoyed a beautiful Christmas with those you love! I am heading for my craftroom today and looking forward to playing with some great Christmas goodies!

Christmas Love.....

2010-12-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

We had an early Christmas with my family this past weekend....the picture below touched my heart: two chapters being written in the same family book , one by my Dad, the eldest at age 81, one by Baby Brody, the youngest at age 1! A lifetime of living in between the two.

I wonder as my Dad held his great grandson, did his mind go back to when he was a little boy? Did his dim eyes look back and see other arms who held him and pointed out the glittering lights and brightly wrapped gifts. Did someone hold him close and whisper "Poppy loves you"? Did his small hands touch the faces of his family and did his sweet smile warm their hearts? This pic made me wonder...

We are blessed this year to have a Daughter-in-Law added to our family! She is a wonderful addition to our family and we love her. She completes our son and in doing so, completes us! She is such a perfect fit, it seems like she was born to be ours!

Last year our "family Christmas" was cancelled due to the weather. A huge snowstorm knocked the power out for over a week and none of the out of town family coud make it in. This year we were all together and it was wonderful!

This picture speaks "LOVE" to me....so much love in one small group of people..that's what "family" is all about...and I am so Blessed!

Yummy!

2010-12-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post today to share a very pretty and easy idea for a beautiful homemade good gift. This is my White Chocolate Gourmet Popcorn:

A few years ago a pharmaceutical rep would bring tiny bags of this to my office and I ate a few just to find out the ingredients (joke) and decided that it was so delicious I just had to make my own. I am going to post the recipe. Be sure to pay close attention. I wouldn't want you to miss an important step in the process:
1. Pop microwave popcorn of your choice.
2. Remove from bag when cool and place in single layer on wax paper covered cookie sheet.
3. Add a few handfuls (for this size container)of any type red/green etc type cereal. ( I use the red crunchberries in Captain Crunch or Red/Green Fruit Loops) Sprinkle over popcorn.
4. Sprinkle a few almonds over popcorn.
5. Melt 1 package White Tree Bark( or you could use white chocolate morsels. I have found that tree bark works better for mr). Stir until completely smooth.
6. With a fork (I don't know why, the fork just works better in this instance for getting nice long strips of chocolate) dip chocolate and with a flicking motion of the wrist, fling gently over popcorn mixture until nearly every popcorn morsel has SOME chocolate on it. (it is perfectly acceptable to let it land more heavily in some areas and people often tell me that these are the BEST bites ;)
7. Place cookie sheet in refrigerator until chocolate hardens.
8. Transfer into pretty bags, boxes, jars etc and decorate for any holiday.
9. Enjoy...enjoy....enjoy.

I made this large container for the girls in my office this week. They have passed it around and thoroughly enjoyed it! One of them, that I have worked with for many years, said, "oooooh yummy, Tammie's gourmet popcorn." Isn't it nice to do things for people when they appreciate it! (I almost forgot, in this batch I sprinkled red and green nonperils on the chocolate before putting it in the fridge...it made it look so festive.)

Of course the ingredients can be adapted to your own taste...the only two that are required are the popcorn and chocolate. Afterall, with those two firmly in place, how could it possibly go wrong? And, may I add, that I enjoyed decorating the container almost much as eating the popcorn. I used scraps of cardstock, ribbon and couple of ornaments lying on my desk. Viola...a gift worth giving!

Thanks for stopping by. After an icy/snowy morning which closed my office today, I think that I will venture out this afternoon for a bit of last minute shopping.
See ya soon!

Christmas Time's Comin'

2010-12-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! Tonight I am sitting in the sweet glow of the Christmas tree, nibbling on homemade Southern Pecan Fudge and basking in the knowledge that I have completed my Christmas shopping! Whew....what a relief. Now, perhaps, I can enjoy the remainder of the season!( FUDGE NOTE: This is the first good fudge that I have made after trying diligently for 27 years!!! My DH is always supportive and so generous with his praise, but the other night, after my third failed batch, he said so sincerely, "honey, you just can't make fudge, can you? LOL. Well you know what...NOW I CAN....and it is delicious! Oh, and yes, I will diet after the holidays :)

I wanted to share a couple of Christmas cards that I made this week. I have thoroughly enjoyed having some time off work and getting to create again...my craft room is my "happy place" and I go there every chance I get.

Sometimes when I finish a project, I look at it and am amazed that with a bit of ribbon, paper, glue and embellies, I have "created" something worthwhile....and it gives me pleasure...it relaxes me and makes me happy!

As we are under a Winter Storm Warning this weekend, I am settling in with a new recipe for "White Hot Chocolate" (yummmmm...I will share it later if it is as good as it promises to be ;), a few good books, some Christmas music and a warm, sweet Packer Puppy sitting by my side. Oh yeah, and PLENTY of new paper products to play with from my last shopping trip to Michaels. What more could a gal ask for?

Thanks for taking a moment to visit my scrappy world.....until next time.

Let it Snow!

2010-12-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

Here in Kentucky, we have enjoyed a cold and snowy weekend and beginning of the work week! Pictured below is sweet Packer Puppy enjoying a romp in the snow on our deck! He comes directly inside for a warm towel and my lap :) He loves a good cuddle!

I have been in the most unbelievable crafting slump for months! Actually since my son married this past July and I moved my scrap space into his bedroom, I have not been able to settle in a create anything! Fianlly, this week, I have moved everything into a "workable" arrangement and I am thrilled!

Inspired by Mish's blog, I have developed a love for brown paper sac designs. So country, sort of shabby and soooo much fun! The above "sac cards" will be filled with goddies, baked and monetary, for those on my Christmas list this year! Fun, fun, fun! This week, I have made a mini album, Christmas Cards and my sweet little sacs....whew, it sure is good to have my creative mojo back! I was getting stressed!
Here's wishing all of you a wonderful "crafty" week and thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Fun

2010-11-17T18:28:00.001-08:00

My son celebrated his 23rd birthday this week! 23...twenty-three....XXIII....anyway you say it, that's alot of years for my "baby." When I was his age, 'he' was two months old...I guess we really did grow up together, and each step of the way has been a pure JOY! Happy Birthday Jay...and may God bless you with many more!

Photo Shoot

2010-11-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday afternoon, I had a great time doing a Fall photo shoot for friends of ours. And I discovered something....getting a 9 and 7 year old boy to stand still for any length of time is no small feat! They are interested in EVERYTHING going on around them...they might need a moment to pick up a leaf that just fell....pet a dog that wandered past....wrestle each other to the ground or go on a hike up the hillside! Whew, what I would give for just an ounce of that energy! Really, though, they did great and I got a workout so all is well and I think the fall colors are gorgeous!

Last week beautiful Fall weather with balmy temps in the 70's and tomorrow's forecast...SNOW! Of Fall, I will miss you!

Thanks for stopping by and "seeing" me! Hope that your day is GREAT!

Blessed...

2010-10-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

Often, I stop and count my blessings.....I am so thankful for so much...and so undeserving of it all! On this beautiful Fall Sunday, I am thankful for falling leaves in vibrant colors, a picnic in the mountains after church with my sweet hubby, the smell of woodsmoke on the evening air, acorns falling and it being so quiet that I could hear them land in the bed of leaves below! Sometimes...almost ALWAYS, the simplest things are the best!

A few weeks ago I found this beautiful old girl at a local flea market.....

The minute I saw her, I wanted her. She was old and worn (dated 1948), a bit banged here and there, but she was a beauty! And...she still WORKS! Now any of you who know me understand that while I love most things "crafty", I hate to sew...so, you say, why a sewing machine??? Well, because she is beautiful, like a priceless work of art...or the finest sculpture....and while she just "SITS" in my craft room, everytime I look at her, I smile. She is almost identical to the sewing maching that my granny had when I was a child...and somehow, she takes me back...to those sweet days long ago...and again, I am blessed!

Wedding Magic

2010-08-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

I have become a "blog post slacker".....I never seem to find the time to sit down and show you what I've been up to in the craft room...but, I did promise a pic of the pew flowers that I made for my son's wedding last month.

These were sooooo easy...I used an 8 1/2 x 11" cardstock rolled into a cone, embellished, added a handful of flowers (held together by a rubber band around the stems) and viola! Beautiful pew flowers! So many people asked where we found them...LOL...to which I replied, in my scraproom, of course ;)

There were 36 pews in the church and we opted to use the flowers on every other row, which meant that I only had to make 18 of them. It only took a few hours and the result was exactly what I was hoping for. you can't see them in the pic, but each one had an elegant white butterfly adorning them.

The photogher was awesome...and this is my FAVORITE wedding pic! I just love it...the pose, the colors...the subjects ;), just awesome!

And this one...well I just love it to! At my DIL's bachelorette dinner, we saw this ad in a jewelry store and LOVED it...since the entire bridal party was there...they knew exaclty how to pose and get the full effect! I love how the bride and groom are in a world all their own...and the way they stand out in color....AWESOME!!!

In case you can't tell...I am still on a wedding "high"....LOL....and since we purchased the copyright to ALL 500+ pics, I get to edit to my heart's content and change them up to suit my own taste....aahhhhh, a photographer's dream.
Thanks for stopping by!

Changes.....

2010-08-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

I had the day off today and although I usually strongly dislike Mondays....I loved today. The sun was shining, I had a morning bike ride and breakfast with dh and I found time to sneak away to my craft room! Yay me!

I love to visit LollyChops blog, (for some reason, I am unable to link to her!grr) Today she posted the most beautiful teal flower bib necklace. I was immediately inspired and made TWO of them. They are soooooo easy (about 10 minutes, after I chose the flowers and ribbon.) I am thinking soft colors of fall and I chose these for my necklaces: I used Prima Flowers and some random embellishments along with fabric scrap backing.

What do you think? Cute huh? and so easy to make! Thanks Lolly for the inspiration.

I am now an empty nester....since my son married a week ago. I have taken over his old bedroom and am in the process of transforming it into my "scrap haven." Aahhhh, more room, more natural light, more space to create....more electrical outlets...just more everything.

It isn't quite finished yet, but sweet Packer Puppy has already found his favorite spot!

He lies right at the corner, and sometimes underneath, my desk. That way, he doesn't miss a thing. He can see the television from there ;), keep a close eye on me and stretch to his little puppy heart's content. He is such a joy! I call him my "scrap partner in crime" ;)

Hopefully I am on my way to many happy "scrappy" days to come in my new space. (if only I could find everything since the move from one room to another!) Oh well, looking through my stash is almost like shopping...so until next time, happy scrapping to you.

Beautiful Day

2010-08-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my son's wedding day...it was the special kind of day that I want to keep forever in my heart. It seems that time passes so swiftly....the day of his birth, his homecoming from the hospital, first bike ride, first day of Kindergarten, first day of high school, first kiss, first date,first heartbreak, first job, first car.....isn't it amazing that we always seem the remember the "firsts and lasts?" A few weeks ago, he spent his last night under my roof as a member of my household, from now on, he will be a guest/visitor, I did the last load of his laundry that I will do, cooked his last meal before he married, told him to clean his room for the last time (LOL).....so much living done between those firsts and lasts! And at the time, it seems so endless, so routine....and then when it is past, it seems so precious...the things that only a mother can really appreciate. As his Dad and I prepared all day on Friday, getting everything in order for the BIG DAY....I looked at him alot, REALLY looked at him. Who is this man that I once called "baby?" Well, he is handsome and funny, he loves people and they love him, he would rather find the good in every situation than ever even look for the bad, he is loyal, faithful and strong....he is a minister of God's Gospel and of that, I am most proud. Yesterday morning, he was my son...today he is a husband....wow....I sure hope that everything I have done for him has helped to prepare him to be all that she needs him to be...and I trust that he will. She completes him...during the ceremony, just looking at her brought tears to his eyes and to me, she was the most beautiful creation on earth because she was made for my son! Today, they are off on their honeymoon, seeing the sites and sharing the love....his Dad and I are alone again after almost 23 years. We realize that in 27 years of marriage, only four of those have been "just us." We prepare to settle in to our new roles as parents of an adult, married child. Our joke this week has been that now we're just his "neighbors." LOL....although I am sure that he will come knocking on the door for a million different reasons in the years to come, and although he will never read this, I just wanted to say..It has been my greatest honor to raise this fine young man and though my heart feels slightly tender, my eyes are dry....as I prepare to watch him begin the next step of his life's journey....knowing that he is safely in the heart of a young woman who loves him and a God who has ordained his every step...Godspeed Jay.

Where Have You Been???

2010-07-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Oooohhh, excuse me, that's ME who hasn't been updating her blog....I guess you all have been right where I left you over a month ago :) I have been a busy girl, but a LAZY blogger! First off, I have been and still am, helping my son and his fiancee get things moved into their new home....their wedding is in 18 days! YIKES!!!! I still have more pew bows and flower arrangements to make! I need to get myself in gear and focus...focus...focus!

In midst of all of the busy-ness, my hubby and I took a weekend trip to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee last weekend. Packer Puppy went along for good measure and we had a really nice time. Lots of goooood food, shopping, sight seeing, good food....you get my drift here, right? Below are a few pics from our adventure:

I just loved this fence with the vine creeping over it...the beautiful mountains and trees in the background! Ahhh, such pretty scenery...

Here is a pic of us in our sweet little one bedroom cabin. So homey and comfy...I would like to have one just like it here on some of our wooded property. Hubby and I tried to figure out if we could live in one as our "retirement home" someday...I said YES, all we need to add is a HUGE closet and a "scraproom." Hmmm, that's not too much to ask for is it ;0

Lastly, we got up early on our second morning and hit the GIANT Smokey Mountain Flea Market....ahhhhh, miles of everything imaginable. Some of it was indoors in a HUGE warehouse type building.....there was lots and lots of NEW/Wholesale items and outside, there was a bit of everything. I found one booth that caught my fancy, actually hubby found it and turned me in the right direction, he said, "over here honey, it says OLD STUFF." Yep, he knows me! I found beautiful old blue canning jars. They are my FAVES!!!! Hubby was soooo impressed when I demonstrated my motto of "never pay full price for ANYTHING" and bargained until I got two of these half gallon jars (very hard to fine) and one pint jar for half of what the man wanted. I pointed out that one had a crack and the other had a "deep" scratch that might someday become a crack;) and I wouldn't want to take the two large ones and not a smaller one to go with them.....hahaha...I love the thrill of the hunt! Then I did casually mention that I was going to put buttons in them when much to my delight, he pulled out an antique tin FULL of antique button cards with the buttons still one them! (Squeal!) It takes alot to make me squeal, but this did. Hubby laughed and told me that I could have probably talked the man down $5 on the buttons and I told him that the man could have actually charged me $10 more than he did! LOL....oh such fun! I cannot wait to dig into my treasures and create something.
Well, I am off to the scraproom to make a few more pew bows and paint a candle holder. More news and hopefully, PROJECTS, coming soon.

Flower Power....

2010-06-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

Hi all and happy Sunday evening! It's been a busy weekend for us. My son and his fiance's household shower was yesterday evening and was a fun, fun time for all! Today has been busy with church and friends! Blessed....but busy!

I have been trying to make some of my own embellishments for my cards and layouts. I love BIG, over the top flowers! I have been buying cheap dollar store silk flower bunches and taking them apart to make them more "page/card friendly." Here are a couple of my attempts:

For this card I used Kay and Co. Family Tree Papers, Floral garden silk flowers, Gem by the Beadery and ribbon scraps from my stash.

For this card, NRN Papers, Floral Garden silk flower, Gem by the Beadery and ribbon scrap. so much fun to add these big, beautiful flowers.

Hope that you have a great week...until next time, happy scrapping!

A Long Time Coming.....

2010-06-01T07:51:00.001-07:00

Hey y'all...this post has been a long time coming! 6 weeks since my last one! Whew, I am a slacker on the blogging front, but I have been creating....and just to prove it, here are a couple of my latest cards:

The first was for my niece, Hannah's high school graduation. I used Moxie Fab Papers, Offrey Ribbon, Hobby Lobby Pearls, Floral Garden Flower and chipboard sticker. ( I have started making most of the flowers used on my creations by buying regulary old silk flowers from anywhere and dismantling them, reassembling them, adding bling and turning them into flowers fit for scrapbooking and card making. Flowers are my all time FAVE embellishment, so this is working well for me!)

My second card today was for my MIL for Mother's Day. I used paper scraps, Floral Garden Flower (again, recreated for my purposes), HL pearls, Hallmark Ribbon, Inkadinkado Stamp and Martha Stewart Ribbon.

I am busy right now with MANY crafty projects, most of which are for my son's upcoming July wedding! Wedding favors, pew bows, flower poofs, boutineres and flower arrangements have taken over my scrapspace and the rest of the house! But what a blast!!! Soon to be DIL has involved me (the groom's mother!) in every aspect of the BIG DAY and I am loving it! (I will be a bit relieved when I have all of these projects complete, as I am beginning to smother a bit with all there is left to do) I will post snippets of the "finery" later.

Have a great Tuesday!

WooHoo

2010-04-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

Just a quick *squeal* of excitement...my card came out in today's debut of the April issue of SNR! I never get tired of seeing my work in there! Thanks SNR (Anne House) for using my work!

The Big Picture....

2010-04-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

My heart is heavy this morning with the news that the last 4 miners in the West Virginia Mine Explosion did not survive, bringing the total of deaths to 29. So much sorrow for one community to bear. This hits close to home for me because my husband is an underground miner and we know all to well the risks involved with his profession. We have been glued to the news all week....just hoping....and praying....and waiting. We have had many discussions on the dangers and joys of coal mining. My husband would emphatically say, "I love my job as a coal miner." Miners are a special breed of men...they are strong and sound and brave and intent on doing the job, no matter the circumstances. My Dad is a retired miner as well and I grew up in a mining family. In our area, mining is life.....for our families, our community, our economical structure. Many oppose mining due to environmental concerns....to each is own, but to those of us who live here, without the income and subsequent spending of resources that mining provides for our citizens, our area would crumble. No matter which side you're on....this disaster is terribly sad and I am heartbroken for all the loss and pain that the Big Branch Coal community is suffering.

On a lighter note, I have a few cards to share today:

My "Sympathy" card was made using K&Co Ancestry Papers and Tag, Martha Stewart Ribbon and Ink, and Prima Flowers.

This card was made using Nature Preserve 100% recycled papers, K&Co Daisies, Martha Ribbon and Ink. I loved the simplicity of this card.

My final card was made using K&Co Ancestry Papers, Prima Flowers, Hollywood Raffia, Next Image Buttons and real antique lace from my stash.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope that your day is beautifully blessed!

Creative Slump.....or Creative Dump?

2010-04-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

I find myself in a creative slump this week. I am off work today and it is rainy....a perfect day to sequester myself in my scraproom and create to my heart's content, but I haven't been able to! I will admit that my space is a messy nightmare right now. My son is getting married in July, so my scraproom has become a catch-all for wedding finery, household items, decorations and prototypes of decorations....so I am not really sure if I am in a slump or just can't concentrate because it is such a "dump" right now :) When I walk in there, my mind hurts! So much stuff....so much to do....so little time! Then I tell myself that I have the rest of my life to have a clean room to work in, but only one opportunity to help make his BIG DAY more special....so I guess I will just have to relax and enjoy the moment.

I do have a couple of cards to share today. I made the first one with Nature Preserve 100% recycled cardstock, Michael's Felt Coaster, K&Co butterfly, Martha Stewart ribbon and ink.

For this card I used: My Mind's Eye Paper; Prima Flower, Next Image Button, Martha Stewart Ribbon and Ink and Stampology Sentiment Stamp.

I have a short "dog story" to share. As you all know, I am active in rescuing discarded puppies and dogs, so I am all about adopting one that needs a home. My son phoned my office the other day and told me sad story about a 7 month old chocolate lab that needed a home. Since we are at full capacity and he IS getting married in July, this would be the perfect opportunity for HIM to adopt this dog and give it a good home! After a bit of thought, I agreed that it could live in one of our kennels for a couple of months before moving on with him to his new home. Enter
"Twix"....a seemingly innocent name for a 7 month old "puppy." In reality my son arrived home with a 80 pound behemouth, with slobbery jowels, red eyes and a distinct dislike of other dogs! Oh yes....we had quite an evening with said "Puppy." After visiting with Twix through the bars of his cage that his nice owners GAVE my son to haul him home in...we ascertained that he was indeed people friendly, slobbery, but friendly. My son and I carefully worked through the top of the crate door to get his new collar and lead securely attached before actually opening the door and allowing his escape...did I say that he weighed about 80 pounds??? Well anyway, after much twisting and turning, pushing and pulling, we had him leashed and opened the door. He happily jumped to the ground, pulling my 6'2", 210 pound son like a pulltoy around the driveway, refusing to be "led", but rather leading the way himself. He did enjoy being scratched under the chin and on the head, he did shower you, literally, with all kinds of slobbery affection.....until my small female daschound, Mollie, walked by (she is Packer's mom). The he turned MONSTER!!! He was obviously VERY dog agressive! He didn't care for any of the dogs that wander around my yard and was not shy about it! A couple of fresh chicken breasts from the fridge were a small price to pay to lure him back into the truck and into his crate. Sigh.....gate safely fastened with dog inside! (Oh and by this time, my son's finacee was sitting inside her Jeep with the door CLOSED to get away from him!!!) Are you getting the picture here? After rescuing many, many dogs....I was stating rather forcefully, "This dog needs to be returned to his owners. I am getting a good idea of why he NEEDED a new home." My son was disagreeing. How could we really know Twix in only a matter of minutes? Didn't he deserve a chance? Yes, I agreed, but only until dear hubby arrived to assess the situation and give us his opinion. Well, and I know that I'm rambling here, but I want you to get the picture...hubby arrived about 20 minutes after the Monster, I mean Twix, was back in his crate. He walked over, took one look and said, " I thought you were getting a puppy? Look at his eyes. I don't think you want this dog." *smile* I knew I was right, but for some reason, Dad's opinion of the animal world carries more weight than Mom's. Again, after arguing "fair chance", Twix was again allowed OUT of the crate, (fiancee back in the Jeep....Mollie running for her life....all of the neighbor's dogs standing back and watching), with hubby manning the leash. Twix immediately jumped up with his paws on 6 foot hubby's shoulders and slobber loved him all over! He then growled, fur raised at another dog....refused to be led....pulled and tugged like an alligator doing a death roll and met his fate! BACK TO HIS OWNERS HE WOULD GO!!!! Son was too embarrassed to take him so dear hubby and I returned him, much to his owner's displeasure. Said owner and I agreed that "puppy" is really out of control! (Has anyone seen the movie Marley and Me? Well this was Marley's evil twin). He is dog agressive....his owner said, and I quote, "I have to get rid of him....he is hyper." UNDERSTATEMENT!!!! Anyway....Twix is back with is owner and I have 2 bruised arms, a scraped hand and some minimal mental trauma to show for it :) Son is fine....and determined to adopt from a shelter in the near future....so all in all....lesson learned! As lessons go....it wasn't to bad...no one was bitten, no dogs were injured and no bones were broken! LOL...hope you enjoyed the rambling!

BIG NEWS!!!!

2010-04-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

I am honored to have one of my favorite recent card creations published in the April issue of Scrapbook News and Review! I was also in their last April's issue....hmmm...I'm guessing that "April" must be my month :) I will post the card in May after my publication contract expires! Just had to share the good news!!!

Happy Easter and Yard of Lace

2010-03-30T14:46:00.001-07:00

Hi all...my posts seem to get further and further apart. Life intrudes on fun, I guess, and takes me away from some of my favorite things! I just had to share this, and I know that all of those "true crafters" out there will understand. We have lived next door to my husband's Aunts for the past 26 years. The younger of the two sisters passed away 2 years ago in her mid 80's. She had been a crafter extraordinare for many years. Her quilts, which I am blessed to own several, were gorgeous. Her old sister, who is now 89 years old, asked if I would like some of her sewing supplies. YEAH!!!! Of course! Below is what I found in her stash.

Lace....ribbon....and more lace. This lace is really old, I don't even have to do anything to make it look antique, it REALLY IS! I was so happy...I told her that it felt like Christmas to me! I love it and I love that it was something of hers that I get to use to make something that someone else can enjoy.

On another note....Happy Easter Week! This is one of my favorite holidays. I love what it means and I love who I am because of the great price that Christ paid for me. I made this "Spring-y" wreath with all of my favorite spring colors.

Who doesn't love pastel easter eggs, ribbon, flowers and butterflies....ahhh...Spring is here! In fact, hubby is cutting our grass this evening for the first time this season! Yippee....I am loving it!

Thanks for stopping by...until next time.

Birds and Frogs, Bees and Dogs

2010-03-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

I am thinking Spring this morning! I awoke to the sounds of birds singing....and last night, I heard frogs croaking in my nearby creek....I just know that Spring is coming soon and I am sure ready for it! A bee buzzed my head the other day....I am not so happy to have that happen, but, it to, is just another sign that warmer days are ahead! Country girls know these things...hehehehe...

I have a couple of cards to share today. The first is a "scrap card"...literally, I threw it together using paper scraps lying on my work area. Added a couple of Prima flowers, buttons, and ribbon. Loved the color combo....

This little card was just a square of cardstock, ribbon and a set of cute spring dimensional stickers from Michael's. A simply sweet card that made me think of my niece, Amber. (She loves Spring perhaps even more than I do ;)

My last shot is one of Packer Puppy sans clothing! He is 18 months old and finally has a nearly full coat! Whew, he has been a challenge! But isn't that "Jack Russel" head adorable??? He is soooo inquisitive and intelligent! He likes adults, doesn't care for children, unless they will sit quietly and pet him. If they are running around and playing, he goes beserk! I am afraid that he has taken over the household. He wants to be with me ALLLLL of the time. He carries his food dish next to my chair in the living room to "share" mealtime with me. (water dish as well....that has been an adventure for sure...lots of spilled water to clean up.)...he follows me every step.....sits on my lap and sleeps on my shoulder. I think that I have created a monster! LOL....hubby teases that I always wanted a lap dog....hmmmm, not quite what I had pictured, but oh well, he still thinks I am his Mommy! What's a girl to do?

Have a great day...and hey....pet a puppy today :) (packer told me to add that;)

Feeling "Spring-y"

2010-03-11T14:26:00.001-08:00

Feeling like a "spring chicken"....hehehe...not quite, but I am loving this "spring-like" weather and I do love this little distressed chicken :)

This cute little fella came from a "chicken garland" that I found in a bargain shop in Tennessee. I love the "rough" look of the wood and the colors. I simply used scrap cardstock, a piece of hemp and a couple of buttons....the sentiment on the inside says, "you're so tweet." Corny....I know, but still, I loved it.

I have been practicing my "ribbon flowers" which seem to be turning up everywhere I look. My niece, The Country Scrapper, had a great tutorial on her page and I followed her directions without difficulty. viola...plain ol' ribbon never looked so good!

Teal and Brown are the colors of my son's upcoming wedding...so I am thinking along those lines. This card was soooo easy to make!

My last one is a bit "Bright" for me. I don't usually use such vivid colors, but, oh well....Spring is the time for all things new. This one is actually a "pocket" card and inside is a package of flower seeds....a sweet reminder that spring is on the way! Wouldn't you love to get one of these in the mail?

Hope that you are all scrapping away and enjoying every moment. Thanks for stopping by.

Thoughts of Love and Spring...and other fine things.

2010-02-10T13:17:00.001-08:00

We are getting more snow today in my area and I took my FIRST EVER "snow day" off work. Okay, so I am really sick today with a nasty sinus infection....I called in "snowy" instead of "sick." So I guess that counts as a snow day :) I have been working in my craft room since the weekend...making a valiant attempt to organize some of the clutter that just seems to appear out of nowhere. It has been like a treasure hunt...I have found things I had forgotten and even a few I don't recall ever seeing before...a scrappers dream come true :)

My first card is all about Valentines Day...red, white and black...one of my favorite color combos. I made this flower from Martha Stewart Crepe Paper....oh so easy! I used a 3" scalloped circle punch and punched 6 flowers. I crumpled them tightly and then straightened a bit, anchored the center with a brad....gave the center scallop and extra pinch and crumple, secured it with a glue dot and added my button! Pretty simple and simply pretty. I also used Die Cuts with a View Paper, Keepsake Essentials Paper, Imagine That Button, white ribbon scrap, craftsmart stamp and MS ink. The sentiment on the inside reads, "All you need is Love."

This card has me thinking SPRING!!!! I just love the oversized Michael's Flower....beautiful and it makes me feel oh so hopeful that nice weather will come soon. This is a birthday card for my niece, Amber. Today is her birthday and since I will not be seeing her today, I thought that I would post it especially for her so that she can enjoy it on her BIG DAY! Happy Birthday Ber...praying that you are blessed today beyond measure! (You can visit her wonderful blog at The Country Scrapper. She is an awesome artist and an awesome niece ;)...oh and she loves gerber daisies.

I have been practicing my "paper quilling" for flower making. Hmmmm, this one didn't turn out quite like I had envisioned....but, I will keep trying. Lollychops blog has a great tutorial on making these cute flowers and she does it much better than I, so hop on over and check her out. For this card I used Nature Preserve 100% Recycled papers, ribbon scraps, Craftsmart Stamp and Martha Stewart Ink.

Packer Puppy and I have certainly enjoyed this mid-week day off. He has been my shadow all day and is even now, lying on my chair arm watching me type. Ahhh, such devotion....everyone should experience the unconditional love of a sweet puppy! Hope that your day is great.....until next time....happy scrapping.

Oh Happy Day....

2010-02-04T17:21:00.001-08:00

Oh Happy Day.....I have had the day off work today and LOVED it! I have wandered into my scraproom several times and stayed longer and longer with each visit :) Ah...I love it when the creative juices are flowing...and today they were....fountain-like! So much to create...so little time.

With Valentine's Day approaching, I tried out a neat little treat bag for my coworkers. A sweet little treat filled with chocolate goodness! What more could a gal want?

I used scrap papers to create my header....added a splash of ribbon and an inspiring verse of scripture and a gift was born. Easy....easy and oh so much fun!

My first card was inspired completely by the little picket fence sticker by Jolene's. The rest, as they say, is history! And although rain, sleet and MORE snow is in the forecast...I'm thinking Spring!

Iused My Mind's Eye Yellow Paper, John Christopher Hydranga Blossom Paper, Primas Flowers, Buttons from Next Image and an Inkadinkadoo stamp with Martha ink!

I threw this next little card together in minutes! I was inspired by Lollychop's blog tutorial on flower making and I made a "bunch" (hehe) of these in advance. When the card came together, all I had to do was add the 3-D flowers. I used DCWV Luxury Stack Papers, Best Occasion Chipboard Phrase and HL Ribbon! These flowers are soooooo easy to make and are beautiful! The key is to use 2 sided paper to give both the top and underside petals a finished look.

And finally, I turned 45 years old last week....and I will admit....it "pinched" a bit! Usually age means nothing to me...I love birthday's...the cards, well wishes, cakes....get togethers, but this year, it gave me pause. 45...I am halfway to 90!!! And if the first 45 years have went by this fast....I had better not even blink for the next 45!!!! Oh well....time flies when you're having fun....and I will admit...I AM!!! So taking all of this in stride...I made a page to commemorate the big day!

I used snappy reds and purples for my LO and my favorite embellishments are the homemade flowers. I saw a great tutorial on Danielle Dobson's blog and for these, I used actual pages from an old book, purple ink and a button center. Oh so easy to do! I have also made some from brown paper sacks which look so vintage!

Thanks for letting this "older woman" ramble and bearing with me! And thanks for taking the time out of your busy days to visit me here. And as always....may all your days be "happy" ones.

A Snowy January Ending.....

2010-01-31T16:29:00.000-08:00

Here in my neck of the woods, we have had another snowy weekend. A winter weather advisory was issued for Friday evening and all day Saturday....we received about 9 inches of the fluffy stuff.

I made this card for LAST WEEK'S CPS challenge...yep, you're right...I am a week late in posting it :) Oh well, busy, busy, busy. I wanted to go ahead and post it because I love the teal and brown colors. I used DCWV Luxury Stack Papers, Heidi Gade Cardstok and Flowers, HL Ribbon and Fancy Pants Titles and Tags. Easy Peasy...oh yeah, and a couple of pearl beads.

Here is a picture of one of our grills with about 9 inches of snow covering it! It was beautiful....just a bit cold for me, but otherwise...just beautiful. *sigh*

Just had to share this silly Packer picture. He loves to visit my scraproom and my desk is his favorite spot. I just love the comic strip quality of his little face in this shot.

Well, off to get ready for another work week.....Happy scrapping to you all.

Sketch Girl and other cards

2010-01-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

Hi blog friends and family. I have been busy in my scraproom this week. I didn't have to work on Thursday or Friday :), so I spent much needed "therapy" time creating. My first card is for this the Sketch Girl Design Challenge. I love their site! If you haven't visited them, do so. The ideas are so inspirational...and....since my sister (Bonnie) and my niece (Amber) are on their DT...I especially love going there.
For this card I used My Mind's Eye Papers, K&Co Flowers and KI Memories Chipboard. Loved this sketch and plan to use it again.

For this card I used supplies from my Little Red Scrapbook December Kit. Love this bright blue paper! All that I had to add was some HL ribbon and stamped my greeting with Inkadinkado stamp and MS ink.

One of my favorite gifts this Christmas was an Amber Goble Original Card Kit ;) (thanks Ber)....She had used her nesties and stamped all of my greetings, added cards, ribbon, buttons and flowers for embellies and viola....all that I have to do is sit down and whip up a card for any occasion.

I am off to lunch with my DH....our favorite Saturday pasttime...and then to Tractor Supply to check out the ASPCA pets up for adoption this week. NO, we are not adopting, just supporting the cause. Have a great Saturday.

Snowy Sunday

2010-01-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

On this snowy Sunday, our Church services were cancelled due to ice and frigid temperatures, so I am up eary and in my scraproom! I joined the Little Red Scrapbook Monthly Kit Club and I am loving it! I wanted to share a couple of my creations from their supplies.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the colors in this card! I used SEI papers, 7 gypsies sticker and this gorgeous bird from the kit. It was not labeled, so I am unsure of the manufacturer. I only added the tiny Heidi Grace flower and a scrap of my own ribbon! Viola! This is my first "kit" experience so you can imagine my excitement! Everything coordinates so well and none of the digging through all of my supplies to find just the right embellishements. This is from their November Kit.

On this LO, I must admit, I would probably have never purchased this sheet of paper. Pink and cream for winter....not in this "male dominated" house! But I LOVE IT! I have done several pages over the weekend and this is my FAVE!!!

It is Collage Press Joyride Collection, to it I added ONLY embellishements that came with my December Kit, including Bo Bunny Chipboard Flourishes and Journaling Tag, Kelly Panacci Snowflakes and a Collage Press Joyride Sticker. GORGEOUS!!!

I have sooo many more supplies to "play with" today, so I am going to settle in with a nice cup of hot chocolate, put on some praise and worship music and spend a much appreciated day in my scraproom. Thanks for dropping by and may your day be wonderfully blessed!

Lovin' Me Some Packer

2010-01-08T13:41:00.000-08:00

Hey bloggers....I just thought that I would share some new pics of Packer Puppy. He is now 16 months old, weighs about 6.5 pounds, eats like a pig, plays like puppy and loves me like his Momma! LOL..actually, he really thinks that I AM his mom. We don't tell him any different. His psyche is a bit fragile :)

Here is a pic of him in his favorite orange and brown sweater. He sits at my feet constantly, so he is used to the camera flash by now and doesn't shy away. I wish I knew how to get rid of "green eye" on pet photos. The red eye reducer just doesn't work :)

I love this picture....it was taken a few days before Christmas and you probably can't tell, but he was feeling some EXTREME anxiety. We had some friends over and their two boys....ages 8 and 6 ('nuff said :) and my 80 year old Dad was staying with us also for a few days. Packer was a nervous wreck....and we quickly learned that he would take any "safe" spot that he could get. This one just happened to be on dear hubby's lap. From that night, I made this list:

Things Packer Loves: Me, his "dad" (dh) and his "brother"; his stuffed giraffe; liver treats; his "SNUGGIE"; and when company leaves. Things Packer Hates: When company comes, little boys who want to grab him, my Dad's oxygen concentrator and hoses ;); loud noises, cold weather and little boys who grab him...oh yeah, that one was worth repeating.

This is a picture of Packer's "big brother", Jay...my one and only "child" who is now an adult! I just love this picture of him. He was leaving for XTREME, a Youth Conference in Gatlinburg TN, the day before New Year's Eve. He called me on the EVE and was so thrilled. He said that there is NOTHING like worshipping in the New Year with 7000 other believers. I am so thankful that he got to make it again this year. Now, back to Packer, since I promised him that this post was all about him. Packer loves his big brother. He follows him from room to room, tries to get up in his bed when I go to work in the mornings, eats any food particles left in his wake and greets him each evening at the door as though the day has been years!

Today, Packer is wearing a sweater with his "Snuggie" on as well. He is a "freezy" little guy and loves to lay on the heating vent. He got a new toy Zebra today to go with is all time favorite giraffe. (His giraffe was his very first toy....it has a broken neck, but otherwise is none worse for the wear for a year and a half of puppy love.) Thanks for letting me ramble...I actually have been scrapping but haven't taken photos to post.....they will be coming soon! Have a great day....and stay warm.

A New Year.....2010

2010-01-01T07:26:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year....2010! I am not one to make resolutions, but I am one to make changes. This year, I hope to make several basic changes to the foundation of my life. My biggest plan is to SIMPLIFY! I want to clear the "junk" from my life and concentrate on the important things. I plan to spend more time in the Word of God and less time in the "words of man." I plan to pray more and worry less. I plan to trust that I am in GOOD hands and nothing that I can attempt or do will be nearly as great as what God has in store for me. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans of peace and not evil, to give you hope and a future." and Jeremiah 17:7, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose hope is in the Lord."

This candle was a Christmas gift from a friend.....it says simply, FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS. Those are my goals for this year.....to concentrate more on each of these three vital areas of my life. With God's help....I plan to make great changes and in turn, see change in myself.

I also plan to spend more time creating...but creating with a purpose. I hope to gift more people with my creations as a part of my outreach to others. More notes and cards of encouragement, more handmade, love filled gifts to those who need a kindness shown to them, more focus on the "needs" of others...less focus the "wants" of me. I am sharing all of this to help keep myself accountable. It is easy to make big plans internally.....but when you actually share those plans with others, it becomes more difficult to "forget" our lofty intentions. I will keep you updated as the year progresses...

I had a friend call me yesterday and ask me to make a special birthday card for her sister's birthday. I consider that an honor. I couldn't decide which she would like best, so I gave her both of these. I made this first one with some of my favorite country accents. I just LOVE these rusted stars and did not feel one ounce of remorse as I cut them from an old wreath....reuse...repurpose...recycle. I am always thinking of ways to use something in a different way than it was intended.

This second one was made from a Melissa Phillips kit that my sister gave me for Christmas. (Thanks Bon) The kit was very well put together and making the card was almost like assembling a puzzle...of course, I had to add a few of my own touches ;)

So here's to the New Year....may it bring you abundant blessings and joy. Until next time...

Where Does It Go?

2009-12-27T18:43:00.000-08:00

I am thinking tonight of how fast Christmas comes and goes. All of the weeks of preparation, shopping, wrapping, baking....searching for that perfect present...and then, in a matter of minutes...POOF, it is all over! I always feel a bit of post Christmas let down, but this year, I didn't! Perhaps because it was the oddest Christmas that I can remember....due in part to a LARGE snowstorm we had Christmas week.

Our area was hit with about 10-16 inches of heavy, wet snow and a week of power outages! Fortunately, my home did not lose power, but my Dad and sister did for 6 days! My Dad, due to health issues, stayed for a couple of nights at my house. My brother's family didn't make it in to celebrate with us this year due to the storm, so it was an odd....kinda "off" holiday for us. Still, we were all safe, fairly healthy and blessed.

Even with all of the problems that the storm brought with it....the snow was beautiful...it was so quiet and still.....and outages made everyone slow down and really take stock of what is important. I have decided that all of our future Christmases will be simpler. My goal is that somehow...someway we will concentrate on the REAL meaning of the season and celebrate that. So as I put away the pretty paper and bows, take down the greenery and the wreaths, I am thankful for another Christmas spent with those I love (at least some of them :)

Altered Frames

2009-12-17T17:02:00.001-08:00

I have been busy this week....all of the Christmas preparations....candy making and cookie baking....last minute shopping, wrapping, still tweaking my decorations, along with working. Shew....I am tired but pleasantly so.

I have been altering a few picture frames for gifts this week...and altering anything is one of my fave projects to do. I love taking something that is intended for one use and creating something totally different. Below, I made a set of Christmas frames using my favorite Christmas Bible verse..."For unto us a child is born..." and on the other, simply "Believe."

I then found a "four picture" frame and love what it became! I used my favorite sheet of Christmas Paper to cover the front, a coordinating sheet on the inside and embellished with Walmart Holiday Time stickers. The red reindeer and poinsetta set off the cream and gold ribbon. I had a wooden easel which matched perfectly. Viola, a gift for my friend for Christmas.

This is what my dining table looks like tonight.....any guesses?

My Dad was born in 1929, right in time to grow up in The Great Depression. Christmas at his house was nothing like it is for us and our children. They lived on a working farm, and believe me, they all worked! He was taken to the fields at 5 years old and taught to hoe with his parents and older brothers and sisters. Not much time for "childish" things when your entire family literally "works" to live. My Dad turned 80 years old this year, and he can only recall getting a toy for Christmas ONE time! Usually, they were given a "sock" (their version of a stocking) filled with fruit and nuts. THAT was their gifts...and like most things in those days, it was all food which they had harvested in the Fall. When our children were small, he began fixing all of his grandchildren a "treat bag" filled with fruit and candy, reminiscent of his childhood holidays. This year, we are all getting one, children and grandchildren alike. In a world so consumed with materialistic visions and goals, this may seem simple and silly. To us, it is a sweet reminder of where we come from and how deeply our "country" roots grow. Faith, family and food....much of our southern culture revolves around these three things. And although we do have gifts all wrapped in their pretty paper to exchange, my 22 year old son looked at me tonight and said, "you know, now that I'm not a little kid, this treat bag is my favorite part to Christmas at Papaw's. The fruit and candy taste so good when he gives it to us." Due to age and frail health, I had the privilege of shopping for and putting the bags together this year for my Dad. I thought of who he is and who he has taught us to be...and I said a little prayer of thanks for this strong, sweet man of faith who has given us everything that he has to give.
Aren't traditions wonderful....they anchor us...they comfort us....they tie to together from one generation to the next. If you haven't, why don't you start one this year with your family? It doesn't have to be elaborate....just heartfelt. Until next time...God bless you and those you love.

Christmas Trees and Puppy Dogs....

2009-12-12T11:55:00.001-08:00

Good Saturday blogger friends and family....it is a cold day here in my neck of the woods. Hubby and I have been out to lunch and finished a bit of shopping. We stopped by our local Tractor Supply store where the ASPCA was having an adoption day and we saw so many beautiful dogs needing a good home. If you have never thought about adopting a dog or cat, please consider doing so instead of buying one. There are soooo many that need a home and someone to care for them. Contact your local shelter or PetFinder.com for details. Owners were also bringing their pets to have a picture taken with Santa today as well! It was adorable. The sweetest was a HUGE solid black Great Dane who walked up to Santa and sniffed him all over, then gently lay down at his feet! It was a priceless "pet moment" and made me just itch for my own camera.

Speaking of cameras, Hubby was a good sport today and let me try out my self timer settings on my NEW camera!(I'm still SQUEALING!) This pic is for all of the family members who visit our blog....a glimpse of us this holiday season ;)

Below are a few of my Christmas Card Creations this year. I absolutely LOVED making them. I used the Martha Stewart pine branch punch and built my trees....one little branch at a time! It was similar to putting together an artificial tree....and the finished product was so cute. I love the imperfection of the shapes and branches...just like a real one, I tell ya. And then...I got to decorate each one. No two are alike and I loved each and every theme. The punching did get a bit tiresome, I even had a few of the girls in my office punch a few....you know...just to try out the punch ;) I am secretly winning them over to scrapping and card making. They just don't know it yet.

My last little card is a puppy card for Christmas. He is not a die cut or a chipboard, he fell off one of my gift bags and I just HAD to find him a new home, viola, he is now a "card dog" and loving every minute of it, I am sure ;)

We have two Christmas Parties to attend this evening, so I am off to hair and makeup (hehehe...aka....my bathroom mirror). Hope that you all have a wonderful day...and happy scrapping.

A Glimpse of Christmas Cheer

2009-12-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hello to all of my blogging buddies. Although I have been busy in the craft room, I decided today to just post a glimpse of what Christmas looks like at our house...I have been tweaking the decorations for the past week or so, and since I had today off...I added a few touches and had time to take a few photos.

This lighted garland lines the snack bar which separates my kitchen and dining area. Red, Gold, Brown and a splash here and there of white are my colors of choice this holiday season.

Little Packer Puppy is all geared up to celebrate his second Christmas. He has, so far, "killed" two bird ornaments and knocked a few apples and balls from the tree. (they are nonbreakable....I had a feeling :) When we came in the door from church last weekend, he met us at the door and was sooooo excited. He quickly ran from us to the tree and back again....so proudly showing us that he had taken care of at least 2 of those pesky birds that had somehow found their way into the branches of this tree that had suddenly sprung up in our living room. Really, I wonder what his little puppy mind is thinking? What in the world are they doing, planting a tree in the house? And what's with all of these twinkling light things...and boxes with pretty bows? How can a puppy resist. (hehe...okay, maybe he isn't thinking all of that...but the looks he gives me....sometimes, I wonder.)

We have had some really cold days, so this week, when we get home from work in the evenings, we have lit a fire....mmmmmm....I love it, the look, the feel. Nothing says "cozy" like a nice blazing log in the fireplace. And it adds to the Holiday Spirit of things ;)

Here are a couple of "close ups" of the theme of my tree this year. I am calling it my "recession tree" because I did not spend more than $1 for any ornament on it! I am the frugal shopper and I looovvve a bargain. Most of the ornaments were bought last year on clearance in January and put aside for "whenever." The others I have picked up at random shops this year. Although I have a storage closet FULL of decorations and ornaments collected over the past 26 years, hubby wasn't too keen on getting it all out, so when I mentioned a "woodland theme" with birds and pinecones, apples and all things glittery that I already had OUT of storage, he was immediately on board! LOL. Sometimes, change is good. Don't you love the clarity of these close up shots? Have you ever seen colors so vibrant? Red.....so red?

Aren't these pics so clear, so bright, so PERFECT? Well, (and I am truly SQUEALING here) They were taken with my NEW CAMERA which my wonderful, sweet, thoughtful hubby got me for Christmas and gifted me with it this week so that I would be able to study up on it and take good pics at Christmas! (Squealing again!!!!) Take a look...

Yep, he got a me a new CANON and I am LOVING it! Those of you who truly love to take pictures will understand this....my last camera, although still fairly new, was a DUD! Have you ever done that....wanted the NEWER, Better model and then been so disappointed? Well that was my case with my last Fugi. I had the previous model, you know, the new one's older brother, and it was a great camera. When the new one came out, boucing new baby camera, I thought, if the old one was good, this one will be great! Not so...and I spoke with a camera professional the other day and he informed me that I was not alone. That almost everyone who bought the updated version of my last camera, returned it...for the same reasons that I never liked it. So....long story short...(or maybe not so short :) Thank you dear hubby for taking my photo woes seriously and getting me something that I ADORE! And for all of my blogbuddies...that means MORE photos to post! Maybe next time, I will not bore you with my ramblings :)
Thanks for stopping by...until next time...

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-06T05:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning we awoke to 3 inches of beautiful snow. It was a heavy, wet snow and coated every tree branch, fence post and bird feeder in sight. Beautiful! Our lawn was a perfect sea of white, UNTIL the neighborhood dogs ran through it a few hundred times...then....not so pretty! LOL. Still, it did put me in the Christmas spirit.

Last night, hubby and I went to a Christmas Party....sometimes, getting all dressed up is fun!

Still working on my Christmas cards.....probably will not have them finished in time for this year :) Slow but Steady, that's my motto. Hope that you all have a great day.

A Page For All Seasons Contest....Becky Fleck

2009-11-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

I have just discovered the pagemaps.com site and I LOVE IT! So many wonderful layout and card ideas! It is a must for any papercrafter and I am so glad that I stumbled upon it and can't believe that it took this long! This LO is for a current contest, "Becky Fleck....A Page For All Seasons." I have already created two LOs using this one sketch and have added it to my "keep" sketches.

I used a photo of our friends taken last month at Church. My supply list includes: Heidi Grace Clear Word "JOY" Sticker, K&Co Papers, Karen Foster Autumn Papers, Die Cuts With a View Papers, Pebbles Inc Sticker, Raffia and Thickers. I put some extra TLC into this one, I covered my Thickers Title Brackets with cardstock, sanded the edges and inked them all over to "age" them. I also "hand stitched" (yes, I sewed....sigh.....) across the bottom of the photo and covered one of the Heidi Grace Hearts with cardstock, sanded the edges and wrapped it with raffia! I love this page and I am sure that when I look at it many years from now...it will spark a memory....afterall, isn't that WHY we scrapbook?

I hope that you enjoy my LO half as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Fall is Fading....

2009-11-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

Hi all. I am feeling a bit blue....Fall is fading fast in my neck of the woods, and we all know "what" comes next! I am a warm blooded person living in a all season climate. DH and I often joke about flying south for the winter and never coming back ;) I guess that loving 3 out of 4 seasons is enough to be thankful for....so we will just stay here...firmly entrenched in the hills of Eastern Kentucky :)

I have been busy in my craft room again....and just when I started this post, I realized that I don't have my supply list with me. (hehe)...I guess that I can show my LO and card now and give credit later :)

This is my ALL TIME FAVE layout! I absolutely love, love, love the way this page came together. The orange, browns and greens just make me happy....all Fall feeling and warm! And of course, I love the subjects...my son and his finacee! I snapped this photo on a Sunday afternoon at Church and knew that I would create a page around it somewhere down the road. I just LOVE the big green Petaloo flower! I makes sense of the butterflies flitting all around and gives the page a POP of color.

More business around here....we are celebrating an "early Christmas/Thanksgiving" this coming weekend with my inlaws. Can't wait to see the family traveling in for a few days...and everyone loves and early Christmas, right!

Thanks for stopping by....have a great, scrappy day!

CPS 142 Weekly Challenge

2009-11-15T17:24:00.000-08:00

Hello and happy Sunday to you all! Today is my son's 22nd birthday....whew....the years have flown! We had a wonderful church service followed by an early Thanksgiving Dinner there which we combined with a birthday dinner for Jay! He spends most of his time there, so it was only fitting that all of our church family celebrate his big day with him!

I have become addicted to the CPS Blog! What great sketched and ideas! This is my take on this week's challenge. This is sketch #142 and I was inspired for a Fall design.

It promises to be a busy week, so I have scrapped and created every available minute this weekend. I have finished several LO's and have a new alltime fave! I will post it later this week when the lighting is better :) Now that it is dark by 6pm, I don't have much evening light to grab for natural light photos.

Hope that you all have a great day and a wonderful week! Until next time....

I'm Crafting....

2009-11-14T07:50:00.001-08:00

Hello all! I am excited to post today. I have been working on a couple of projects and FINALLY have a big one completed! But first, I have to tell you, I have found the perfect pie for those of us watching our "girlish figures" ;) It is called "Pie In A Jar!" That's right, an 8 oz serving of any kind of pie that tickles your fancy. Not only are they so cute...they are so simple!!!! and soooo yummy!

Aren't they adorable? I fixed peach and apple and both were wonderfully received! You can go to ourbestbites.com to find the instructions for these goodies! I simpy used store bought pie crusts (gasp!) and found that 2 9" pie crusts made 6 pies in jar. I also used canned pie filling and after filling the jars, placed them on a baking sheet and baked in a 350* oven for 50-60 minutes. Viola! A single serving dessert perfect for these fall days.

I was inspired by Melissa Phillips to do a chipboard Christmas Memory Album and thoroughly enjoyed this project. I cut my album to suit my design ideas and the rest, as they say, is history.

There are pages for pictures, pockets for favorite recipes, small embellies EVERYWHERE....just right for making me smile when I look back year after year.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope that you enjoy a glance into my crafty world. Until next time....happy scrapping.

CPS 141 Weekly Challenge and Other Crafty Things...

2009-11-08T13:19:00.003-08:00

I am loving CPS (Card Positioning Challenge) sketches! If you've never visited them for inspiration, do so....it is a must. I love the simplicity of this sketch and since I was in a Christmas "Creating" Mood...viola! A simply divine card for someone special....stamped inside with "Make a Wish."

(supplies for this card were Nature Preserve Green Cardstock, Scrap Holly Berry Paper, Michael's Celebrate Christmas Holly and Berry, HL Ribbon and Kirby Polosa Layered Sticker)

I was in a glittery mood for this card. I love the cream and green with a touch of gold...so elegant. The K and Co. Ancestory Paper with the cream flourish was perfect for what I had in mind. (other supplies: Hallmark Ribbon, Michael's Leaves and Holiday Berries, Kirby Polosa Layered Stickers.)

I have also been busy with a group of Country Christmas Cards and a couple of other things, which I will show you later :) My work schedule returns to fulltime this week, so I am getting in each and every scrap moment possible.

Hope that you all have a great Sunday!

Tammie

An Apple A Day....

2009-10-31T20:48:00.000-07:00

An apple a day keeps the doctor away....if that were true then I wouldn't have administered a bucket full of flu vaccines this week :) That was my thought when I posted this shiny little apple card!

For this card I used My Mind's Eye Paper, HL wooden apple cutout, Martha Stewart glitter, hemp and Next Idea ladybug button.

I have been making these little 4x6 mini albums. I simply used 4x6 index cards, covered with My Mind's Eye Papers, Seasonal Embellishments, Ribbon and a clip ring. So easy, so fun and so affordable. I decided to do one for each season and here is a peak (I haven't finished my Spring album).

I love taking bits of "nothing" and creating "something" special! I feel that I accomplished that with this project.

Thanks for stopping by...and as always, may your scrapping be happy.

Altered Items...

2009-10-23T07:34:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post this morning...I have been "altering" again and it is still one of my favorite things to do. I just love taking something and designing it to be even better. Below is a glance at my "Just a Note"....books. I used simple $1 bound composition books (not spiral bound), and covered them with My Mind's Eye Papers, embellished them with Prima and/or Petaloo Flowers, added Next Image Buttons and a designer notebook is born! So simple, so cute, so "one of a kind," because no two are exactly the same. I then used ribbon and matching flowers to coordinate a gel pen to complete the set. I covered the inside front and back with a coordinating, solid color. A wonderful place for someone to "write" their thoughts, plans, dreams or lists. (I am a list person, so that one was for me :)

(I have much better pics of this project but for some reason, cannot get them to load correcty??)

I am off work today (I have enjoyed a shortened work schedule for 2 weeks and have a couple more to go...sweet!) So I am planning luch out with Hubby this afternoon before he leaves for work. It is rainy and so FALL outside my window right now! I am loving those bright yellows, reds and browns. Fall refreshes my spirit...it slows me down, reminds me of the importance of simple things, like a fire in the fireplace to ward off an evening chill, a big pot of comfort food simmering on the stove, warm, fuzzy socks and a puppy to cuddle. What more could a woman ask for?

Hope that your day is GREAT!!!

Crafting Frenzy...

2009-10-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Blog Buddies...I have been in somewhat of a "CRAFTING FRENZY" lately and I love it! I have so many ideas jostling for position in my head right now, that I am actually sketching so that I don't forget any of them. Below, I have created a "gift box" of Christmas Cards....which was sooo much fun to make. I think that I enjoyed decorating the box more than making the cards.

I found this plain papermache box at WM, painted it with Apple Barrell Barn Red Acrylic Paint, added a coat of silver spray glitter, a gold and brown bow, a beautiful golden, glitter reindeer and viola! A Christmas treasure is born!

I made 6 matching cards along with envelopes and someone will receive this set very soon! The box says simply, "Rejoice"....the cards say...."For unto us a child is born." I can't really do a product list, because these cards were actually made from scraps of papers, scrap ribbon and the christmas flowers were all from one flowered ornament that I bought years ago and had never used.....for this project, I was the Economical Scrapper ;)

I love this little "tree card"....so simple and so sweet. I am attempting to do more "layering" on my projects. That is my new goal...more dimension...more texture. This little tree was an HL Wooden Prepainted Cutout,( I used Martha Brown and White to ink his branches :) the paper is Best Occasions, Next Idea Buttons (even the snowman),Fashion Cord Thin Hemp, Martha Stewart Ink and TPC Studio Stamp, which says on the front "JOY"...and on the inside..."to the World."

I also have a couple of cute creations entered in a DT Call, so wish me luck! And until next time....may all your scrapping be HAPPY!

Rainy Saturday...

2009-10-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today was such a rainy, cool day in my neck of the woods! I crafted all afternoon! It is such a sweet treat to sneak away to my craft room for a couple of hours! Nothing better than craft supplies and a warm puppy lying at my feet while I create! I made a few "treat jars" for a fundraiser project which I just learned tonight has been cancelled, so several of my friends and family members, look out....homemade goodies are coming your way packaged in one of these sweet containers.

These are new canning jars which I painted to look like "pumpkins and apples." I used acrylic paints, harvest wraphia (yes, it is spelled that way :), brown felt to cover the lids and form my "stems",and leaves and stickers for embellishements. I plan to fill them with my gourmet White Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn! Yummy for the tummy and the eye! And so much fun to make.

No cards for today, but I am working on a sweet Christmas Box set which I am loving!
Check back later for all of the details! Happy Scrapping!

Rainy...Crafty Day!

2009-10-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying this rainy Wednesday in my craft room! Last week I spent an enjoyable couple of hours at Hobby Lobby and wow, did I find some great deals! Today I am finally getting a moment to inspect my purchases and plan, plan, plan some new projects.

This first card was made with Fall in mind. I love this season! The colors and textures inspire me and there is nothing like the sound of leaves crunching when you take a walk....or watching them swirl to the ground when a cool breeze blows. It also inspires me to cook (which makes my dear hubby very happy :) I have been filling my freezer and his tummy with chili beans, vegetable beef soup, potatoe soup...yummy! To me, nothing says Fall like a big pot of "something" simmering on the stove.

For this card I used Paper Studio and My Mind's Eye Cardstock and Papers, Harvest Handmade Stickers, Paper Studio Harvest Phrases and Holiday Time Wraphia.

My next card was made for my Secret Holiday Pal at church. We draw names in October and buy/and or make a monthly gift for the person whose name we drew. We reveal WHO at our annual Christmas Party and it is a blast and trying to guess is half the fun! My pals name just happens to be Faith and I enjoyed making this card for her.

I used My Mind's Eye Papers, Stampabilities Inspiration Stamp, HL Ribbon, Little Sizzle Teal Cardstock, Petaloo Flowers, Jute and buttons from my ever growing stash :)

My final project that is still a work in progress is a papermache "book" found at HL for 50% off (so it cost me less than $2). I decided to make a photo album cover. I decorated it with My Mind's Eye paper, Petaloo Flowers, HL Ribbon, Stampabilities Stamp and buttons. I plan to make a small album and put inside of our Summer and Fall memories for '09. Wouldn't this be a great idea for an engaged couple (which I happen to have right now ;)...or a Senior in High School...or a Sweet 16 Birthday...or the birth of a new baby. In each of these you could put photos, notes from well wishers....anything special relating to the big day?! Or how about a "recipe" book filled with recipes from friends and family for a new bride! The possibilities are endless.

Thanks for dropping by my blog. I think that I will go put something on to cook...all of that talk about food made me hungry! Have a great day.

Happy World Card Making Day!

2009-10-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today is World Card Making Day....I like any day dedicated to crafting :) I can't say that I spent much time indoors today. Our church held our annual Fall Celebration/Festival which lasted from 1pm until long after dark. It was a great day of fun, fellowship, food...food and more food. Although I did not win the chili bean cookoff, my crock pot was scraped clean by the end of the day and that was enough of a win for me. Because of the cookoff, I have also perfected a new Chili recipe over the past few weeks and hubby and son love the new dish! So we're all winners on this one.

The card below was made using my favorite "fall" color combination. I adore browns and teals together, with a splash of red or yellow! Love it, love it, love it! I also dusted off the sewing machine for this card. Something that I rarely do because I simply do not enjoy sewing. After trying most crafts at least once, sewing is the one that I do not look forward to. But, in this instance, I wanted to use fabric on my card and some stitching seemed imperative.
My fabric is from Walmart, their $1 "scraps" and I loved the colors and pattern. I used Martha Stewart leaves, cardstock scraps and colorbok sticker.

I just had to add this sweet picture of little Packer. He was looking from the inside to the front porch where I was putting out some Fall decorations. He sure wanted to be where I was, but I knew that his little teeth would love to get hold of my leaf garland and pumpkins. His expression says it all.

Until next time, may all your scrapping be happy :)

To "MINE" Own Self Be True

2009-09-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

I have been in a crafting slump....simply unable to create. I have decided that I am a crafting "nonconformist." I do not enjoy making things just like everyone else. I have lost myself in the internet world of weekly card challenges and "designer" products. I decided recently that I would stop blurring my mind with visiting so many sites and choose only a few that inspire me. That is my new goal...and guess what...today, I was able to create! My style has always been shabby country chic...lately I have strayed from that....now I AM BACK...doing things my way for the simple joy of crafting. Afterall, I was crafting long before the internet was a household word....just because I enjoyed it. I want that back and today I delcare....To "mine" own self be true.....

I bought these ornaments last year during the holiday clearance sales...I paid 10c each. I loved that they looked old and rusted. I made a couple of cards and a few ornament tags. Enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait to give them this Christmas.

Hope your crafting brings you great joy...and those you share it with! Until next time.....

ABC Challenge DT Call

2009-09-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

The ABC Challenge is having a Design Team call and I thought that I would enter. Luckily, we were instructed to showcase 3 of our cards for consideration. These were 3 of my favorites. We were asked to describe our crafting style....mine would be contemporary, I think. I love clean lines and complimentary colors.

2S4Y #35 Weekly Challenge

2009-09-15T09:48:00.001-07:00

I enjoyed playing along with 2 Sketches 4 You weekly challenge. Kazan's sketch is great and since I am in a "Fall" frame of mind, I created accordingly. Hope you enjoy.

A Brief Respite.....

2009-09-13T13:43:00.001-07:00

Hello again....what a sweet Sunday this has been. Up early and off to Sunday School and church, out to lunch with our son and his fiancee....home to scrap! Yep, I am taking a brief respite from laundry, picking up the house and all things necessary. I am taking time today to make something! And what fun it has been.

Before I show you my cards, I thought that I would show everyone who has followed his survival a recent pic of Packer, my little rescue puppy, who is a jack russel/daschound mix. The vet told me that he would probably not make it past 2-3 months. He was the runt of the litter, very tiny, VERY weak (too weak to bark even, he made a struggling sound similar to a tiny donkey) and it seemed that the odds were stacked against him. Well, he has become the king of the house and he will turn 1 year old in 8 days! He still thinks that I am his Mama and he is my constant shadow. If I am in motion, he is as well. If I am sitting, as I am right now, he is sleeping on my lap, (even as I type :). Yep, the most time consuming pet I've her been "owned by," but definitely my favorite EVER! And for those of you who are local, don't you just love his little red Pirate football jersey? My hubby was #67 in high school, Packer is #62, that was as close as I could find. I love this little bundle of energy!

I made a couple of birthday cards today, and you know me, one sitting, two projects, so that explains the similarities in color. I made this card with my friend in mind who has a birthday this week. It is a cute envelope style card which could be used in so many ways. I saw it on CB challenge as a garden party favor with a seed packet included, mine is a b'day card with a personal note and pictures pertaining to the recipient. So easy and Soooo much fun to make.

I used Best Occasions pink textured paper, American Crafts Metropolitan Patterned Paper, Prima Flowers, Martha Stewart Ribbon and randome buttons. (Pink and brown are my new favorite color combination!)

This next card was made using the same products as above with the addition of the yummy cupcake, which, may I add is TOTALLY calorie free. (It's also inedible, but it sure looks real doesn't it?) It was made from Fast and Final LiteWeight Spackling found in your paint or hardware section of any hardware of discount department store. I shaded it pink by using an ice cream stick to shave off a plain colored piece of chalk and stirring it together. The possibilities are endless with this product. I cannot wait to make glittery snow for my winter time cards! I just added beads and Martha Stewart ultra fine white glitter for sparkle and fun on top.

My blogs seem to get longer and longer, but since I only post about once a week now, I hope you will forgive me for trying to get everything in! Hope you have a great day!

Lovin' This Long Weekend

2009-09-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how much I enjoy my free time now that I am working full time again :) During my year off, I took "laid back, free and easy days" for granted. Man, oh man, not anymore!

Yesterday, sweet hubby and I, along with a couple of friends, took a 180 mile bike ride and barely left our local area. We crossed a couple of counties and found the most beautiful place, Pine Mountain. We followed a 14 mile narrow (and I mean NARROW), winding mountain road and found ourselves at an overlook that was breathtaking. We have taken vacations to see such views, and here we were, and hour and a half from home, in Cumberland Ky at Kingdom Come State Park. We ate at Pine Mountain Grill and WOW, the food and atmosphere was great! It was an awesome day, one of those that I NEVER want to forget.

I made a couple of cards this weekend. Fall is my favorite time of year and I love to make "fall cards." For this one, I used DCWV Once Upon A Time cardstock, Imagine That cardstock, Frances Mayer pumpkin patch paper covering a chipboard pumpkin that I freehanded and Baroque ribbon from Michael's. Oh, and a WM Harvest sticker. Loved making this one ;)

The next card is for my 'upcoming' great nephew, Brody. He should be making his appearance any day and I was certainly thinkging of him when I made this one. I used DCWV Oriental Stack cardstock, ribbon scraps and stickers from Miss Elizabeth.

Hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend...see you scrapping, soon!

SG4 Challenge...better quality pic

2009-09-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

I had posted earlier, but just wasn't satisfied with the lighting. So here's another shot...after the sun came out :)

SG4 Challenge

2009-09-03T07:00:00.001-07:00

My sister is a member of the Sketch Girls Design Team and she has introduced me to their site. I love it! Each week they offer a great new sketch and showcase several awesome creations. This is my take on this week's sketch and since they looking for new DT members, my fingers are crossed.

I made this card with a dear friend in mind whose birthday is just around the corner. She loves some serious "bling", so this card should be right up her alley.

Sweet Saturday

2009-08-29T09:46:00.001-07:00

I love Saturday! It is my favorite day of the week when I am working. I slept in until 8:30am, cleaned house, started the laundry, made a new LO and card and when hubby wakes up, he worked night shift this week, I am taking him out to lunch or dinner, depending on the time. I LOVE Saturday!

I made this card because the flower inspired me. I am not usually a "purple-y" person, but this time I liked it. I used Imagine That purple cardstock, Once Upon a Time Cardstock by DCWV, Martha Stewart butterfly stamp, NRN Designs sticker words, Blossom from the Floral Garden, buttons and ribbon from my stash.

For this LO, I used Heidi Grace Summertime Cardstock, Prima flowers, NRN designs sticker words and buttons from my stash. Sometimes, less is more. I usually cram several pics on a page, but my niece, Amber, makes beautiful pages with one photo being the center of attention and I love her work. You can catch her at the Country Scrapper link on my page. She is also on the CB design team. Look for her there, she has great ideas.

Well, off to the laundry room....tata for now....and until next time, happy scrapping.

Happy Tuesday

2009-08-25T18:46:00.001-07:00

I had a few minutes to craft this past weekend...and this is the results. I am in a "Fall Feeling" mood, so naturally, my cards fell in line with that. I love the rich colors of Autumn....the yellows, oranges, reds and browns...so vibrant, so pretty.

I don't have my supply list onhand, so I will just wing it with the finished product this time :) Hope you have a wonderful, "crafty" day.

Sweet Things In Life....

2009-08-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Today I am thinking of "sweet things" that I have encountered in my life....things like the smell of honeysuckle that whispers past my porch swing....or the cuddle of a puppy who just adores you....or the sweetness of a 19th birthday with people who love you....or the precious sleepy sighs of a newborn baby....or the taste of strawberries plucked off the vine....or the feel of my husbands hand reaching for mine, just to hold it. I am a blessed woman and it seems the older I get, the more appreciative I am of those precious gifts of everyday life. That is what inspired my cards today.

My son's finacee had a birthday this week....we took her out to dinner one evening and had her favorite "strawberry" birthday cake yesterday evening. She is a blessing to us, because she completes our son. What a "sweet thing" she is in our lives.

I have often said that true friends are such a blessing and a rarity..they are the people who know the real you and love you in spite of it. I am blessed with some of these people who can make any moment "better" just by being in it.
For this card I used Tranquil Cardstock, Prima Flowers, Studio 18 Rhinestones, NRN Stickers and CB Textile Embossing Folder.

I am going to be a great aunt in about 30 days...to my first great nephew. I made this card with him in mind. All things blue came to mind and I just loved these cute papers that I found on clearance, it is DCWV Nursery Boy Blue, American Crafts Elements Ribbon and Acclaim Alpha Stamps. The ink was from the $ Tree.

Going on with the "baby" theme...a coworker is expecting a baby girl in a few weeks...baby Makenzie....I made this card for her. The pink and green reminded me of all things soft and girly. I used DCWV cardstock, Nana's Kids Ribbon, Hot Fudge Studio Stamp, $Tree Lime Ink and a generic flower lying in my box of "stuff." I think that buttons add a bit of fun to any card, and I sure used plenty today.

Time seems to pass so quickly...my son begins his fourth year of college this week....with a couple more years to follow :) He has bounced back on forth on a major and has finally returned to his first love...education. He has wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember and at 21....realizes that if you are going to do something for the rest of your life...it should be something that you are passionate about. He didn't need my help with registration, or school shopping,or transcripts, but he did call me earlier and ask if I would pay for his books...see, another sweet thing in my life....he still needs me to be his Mom...and I am thankful for that. So, now it's off to Amazon for me...I have text books to buy. Hope your day is great!

I'm Feeling.....

2009-08-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I had a moment when I got home from work today to do a quick post. Over the weekend, I had time to make a couple of cards, but no time to sit down and get them online :( The busier my life becomes, the more I appreciate my scraproom! It is a sanctuary....a retreat....the one room in the house that does not have to be clean to be enjoyed! Sometimes, when I am crunched for time, I just walk in and look around, sigh....and walk back out. I always know that it is there....just waiting....for the next time that I carve out an hour or two for fun.

My first card just came together...really...I didn't have anything picked out! I was thumbing through a new paper stack from DCWV called Once Upon a Time and this card was born. I used NRN designs word stickers, after 5 chipboard and ribbon and buttons that were literally lying on my desk from some past use! How cool is that? and...I really liked the card! So simple! Sometimes I over think things :)

This little card was my "farewell to Summer" card....Fall is just around the corner, in fact, today was the first day of school in our area and I can sure hear those Fall bugs chirping this evening. I used Laundry Line paper (thanks Bon :), Lila Davis Designs flower (which I found on vacation in the Smokey Mountains), and AFD Candy Blossom phrase sticker.

A quick update on Packer...he is 11 months old and loves to chew on scrapbook supplies...the prettier the paper....the more he enjoys it! He is an odd looking little dog, but he is beautiful to me. He adores me and I return the favor! He is a sweet, cuddly, funny, clumsy, energetic, smart puppy. He blesses me with is devotion
This picture was taken last month when he went on his first vacation! He was having lunch here outside a McDonald's in Virginia. He took to traveling like a pro! He didn't mind the car ride...did his appropriate business at all rest stops, slept on my shoulder for several hours and took walks at our cabin. I was so proud...who knew that this little misfit would turn out to be so cool!

Sweet Saturday

2009-08-01T09:35:00.001-07:00

I awoke feeling nostalgic today. Although it is a beautiful, sunny, HOT day here, this morning I heard the chirp of "fall bugs." It reminded me that Summer is winding down, it will soon be time for the school buses to roll and for nature to begin her slow decline into her restful season. It made me think of those golden days of childhood when each day seemed to last for a week and everything was easy in my world. I cannot think of anything sweeter than bare feet slapping a rhythm on a dirt road running to Granny and Poppy's house...or the smell of red, ripe strawberries being eaten over plain yellow cake, no icing needed when Granny made it....or the smell of honeysuckle that tickled your nose when the breeze blew gently past. Ah, childhood....how quickly it passes....and yet gives us anchor for the rest of our lives. Sometimes, I'd like to go back, just for a day or two....just to "feel" that again.

These two cards were made with my childhood memories in mind. Seed catalog time was special to the daughter and grandaughter of gardners. When they began looking at them, it was soon to be that magical, special, sweet time of spring and summer when the earth brought forth for our family a wonderful bounty of all things good and good for us. We lived simply....and beautifully. I was well loved, well fed and well taught that hard work in the summer meant easy living in the winter. Watching Dad and my Poppy work diligently in their gardens all summer long and then seeing how hard Mom and my Granny worked to fill freezers and pantry shelves, it made me appreciative of the love and care with which they took care of me. These cards brought all of those emotions and memories to the surface, and once again, I visited those golden days, if only in my mind.

These were made using Vintage Antique Stickers, NRN designs cardstock and Word Inspiration Stickers, Punch Studio dimensional stickers, and Martha Stewart fall leaves.

While we were vacationing in Pigeon Forge Tennessee recently, we happened upon the most wonderful restaurant, Mama's Farmhouse. It is dedicated to pure southern comfort foods and plenty of them. They serve you, buffet style, at your table, much like Granny used to do. For supper, they brought you vegetable soup to begin, followed by 3 meats, 6 vegetables, biscuits and cornbread, peach cobbler and banana pudding. WOW! It was unbelievable! Pure southern fare at its best and served with a smile and a story or two by the friendliest people. My husband asked if he could purchase a season pass, to which they replied, "No, we don't have those, but breakfast begins at 8." Yep, you guessed it. We were back at 8 am for breakfast! It was a great place and the memory is almost a sweet as the food.

It's Been A Long Time...

2009-07-30T06:50:00.001-07:00

Good Thursday morning! I took the morning off from work and before I had breakfast, or washed my hair or got out of my jammies, I MADE A CARD! Whew....who knew that working would interfere with so much of my fun time :) Just kidding, the job is going well, although it has been a big adjustment for my entire family. Our schedules are all varied and we catch glimpses of each other on most days, especially when hubby works evening shift for two weeks and of course, I am always on days. We are re-learning this two career family thing, and I must confess, having the year off was such a blessing. I had more time for the most important things...family, home, crafts :) I did teach VBS last week and I had 19-4,5,6 year olds in my class. I was exhausted, going straight to church after work and not getting home until 9 or 10 pm, but it was a great week.

For this card, I was inspired by the Cuttlebug Gate-Fold Challenge this week.
I strayed from their concept but used the fold on my card. I was so happy cutting, gluing and spray glittering! Ah, the simple things. Too bad I can't find a job in "Craft Nursing." I can see it now, therapeutic crafts taught by a licensed health care professional. Oh well, maybe it only sounds plausible to me ;)

My free time this morning is quickly passing, so I will say goodbye for now. Hope you all have a great day.

Hello!

2009-07-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Nothing new to show you this week, as I have been busy preparing to teach 5&6 year olds at VBS beginning this evening. I have been crafting, but it has been along the lines of David's 5 smooth stones, Gideon's lamps and the Armor of God! I am amazed at the things you can make with aluminum foil, glue, rocks and paper towel rolls :) Now that I have taken all of the VBS supplies out of my scraproom, I might get to do something creative next weekend! Something to look forward to. Last night was our VBS Kickoff and we certainly KICKED IT OFF with two great Christian Rock/Praise Bands, Ten:Nine, a local group and Coals of Fire from Tennessee. I don't know who enjoyed them more, the young kids or us "older" ones. Either way, it was a GREAT time! Hope your week is everything you want it to be and more.

Happy Belated 4th!

2009-07-05T20:31:00.001-07:00

Hi all...happy belated 4th of July! We spent the week in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and had a great time. Here is a short glimpse of some of the highlights.

Hubby and I rode the "Tail of the Dragon," an 11 mile stretch of mountain with 318 curves. City dwellers found it to be amazing, to us, it was like riding here at home. We did end up on a couple of biker web sites though, with the photos available to us for a "small" fee, of course :)

Here is shot of my crew entering Dollywood. I am not sure who enjoyed it the most...the kids (who are the reason we went ;) or the adults (minus me), who rode the roller coasters.

My son, his fiancee, hubby and I had a great week together, although the kids had to come home midweek for work and church obligatons. Still, plenty of new memories to add to the album.

On Saturday, June 27, we hosted our 2nd annual 4th of July cookout at our house. This year we had about 85 people present, which is up from 53 last year. Many of our church family, friends and coworkers came. It was a fun filled day that lasted into the night and ended with a bonfire, roasted weiners and marshmallows.

This year, I awarded trophies for the softball players. Some were real, some gag...all were enjoyed. Example: MVP (for our Pastor), slowest runner (which was a wooden turtle), best catch (my son won that one), worst play of the game....LOL...lots of fun!

What a great week...tomorrow...back to work. Hope you all are wonderfully blessed.

Busy Time

2009-06-24T06:53:00.001-07:00

Nothing creative this week...just busy, busy busy....getting ready for our 2nd annnual Pre-4th of July cookout this coming Saturday. We invite our entire church family, co-workers and friends to the hollow-fill area at our house and eat, play and fellowship ALL day! There are softball games, corn hole, inflatables and tons of food. It is alot of preparation, but also SO MUCH fun! Can't wait! Then on Sunday morning, we leave for a week in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee with friends. Can't wait for that either.

At Last.....

2009-06-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

At last....I made something! Okay, so it is only a couple of cards, but hey, my scraproom hasn't seen ANY action in a very long time! This evening when I came home from work, I just wanted to MAKE something....besides dinner :) So, an hour or so in my favorite room provided me with some much needed "recreation" time and also cards to give to two co-workers, one coming, and one going.

For this card I used Nature Preserve Recycled Cardstock, DCWV Cardstock, Prima Flower and Button, Amercian Crafts Ribbon, Katie and Co Stamp. It's for the girl that is leaving to work elsewhere...it says BLOOM.....where you're planted.

For this card I used Pressed Petals Cardstock and cut butterflies from the same and Studio 18 rhinestones. It welcomes the girl coming.

I am enjoying my new job, although it does seriously cut into my craft time :) and I must confess, I do miss all of that quality family time that we seem to snatch only seconds of now. But I am blessed, nonetheless, and I certainly have much to be thankful for. So, until I squeeze in a moment and channel that creative energy towards something tangible, I wish you smiles....and plenty of scrapping time!

It's Been Awhile :)

2009-06-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Wow....my blog is out of date....and no time to create! I was just sitting here thinking that tomorrow is Friday....and I have scheduled activities all day Saturday and Sunday. No rest for the weary! Can you tell I am back to work....whine...whine...whine :) Just kidding....It will take me some time to adjust.

Last weekend we had a 3 day Youth Revival and LockIn...here are some of my favorite people. We had a great time.

Packer update: Isn't he the oddest looking little dog? His body is waaay to long for his head and legs. He looks like a little animal threw together with left over parts. But, I love him anyway. He is NOT happy that I am working. He has been getting into mischief almost everyday and goes wild when I walk in each evening. As soon as I sit down, he's in the chair with me...for the duration. It is good to come home to a warm puppy :)

Hope your day is great.

This Week's CPCM Challenge

2009-06-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hi all....I hope that you are having a beautiful, sunny day wherever you are! This weeks CPCM Challenge is to use ribbon on a LO and feature a blessing in your life. This is my answer to that challenge. My niece, Amber Goble, is doing a great job as a member of their design team and I love her weekly challenge, although, Amber, I still cannot get my LO to upload to their gallery. Any suggestions?

Yesterday afternoon, I took Packer out for a nice romp around the yard while hubby was cutting grass. He loved it and spent most of the time chasing the lawnmower...at a safe distance of course ;) I could definitely see the "hound" in him when he scented a squirrel that eats in our Walnut tree. He kept playing and then going back to the tree to look for that wonderful "furry critter" that left that delicious smell :) He didn't know to look up, so, of course, he didn't spot him.

Hope your day is great!

Scrapbook Time

2009-05-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't made any cards lately, but for a couple of days I have been a layout machine. I have scrapped about 10 pages in the past two days....my sudden spurt of creative energy...due in part to a full-time job offer that I am seriously considering. When I have all the time in the world to scrap, I get lazy. When I think that my time is limited, I get going.

I really enjoyed doing these Easter layouts, and you might notice some familiar items on the pages. I made so many Easter cards this year, that many of them were left unused, so I repurposed them as page embellishments. I think they work well in that capacity because I put much more detail into them than I do when I am scrapbooking.

These pics were taken at our sunrise breakfast....my family looks pretty good to have been awake since 5am :)

Even though my "little boy" is actually all grown up, I still enjoyed making him and his fiancee an Easter basket. You're never too old to enjoy a surprise...complete with a chocolate bunny.

Here's hoping that you all have a great weekend.

CPCM Challenge

2009-05-25T14:49:00.001-07:00

Hi all and I hope that you are having a wonderful Memorial Day. I just had to share this photo of Packer puppy "scrapbooking" at my desk. He is my shadow, and wants to be wherever I am...in this case, in my scraproom.

I made this layout for Christian Paper Crafts Magazine. If you haven't visited them, do so. There are some great ideas and wonderful christian activities on their site. My neice, Amber Goble, is on their Design Team and offered this week's challenge. Do a layout of something or someone that is a blessing in your life, also use a paperclip and a chipboard embellishment. This is my answer to her challenge and although I did try, I was unable to upload it to the CPCM site. I will have to look into that later.

Hope you have a great day.

I know...I know....

2009-05-21T12:03:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am aware that I have become a lazy blogger (and crafter, for that matter.) I simply cannot stay indoors during this beautiful weather. I find myself straying out of doors when there is laundry to do. I wander outside to "water the flowers" when I should be vacuuming. I sit in the swing and contemplate life when I should be "doing something productive." But boy, am I loving this summer-like weather. I can always do all of that other stuff on a rainy day :) I knew you'd understand and Packer agrees with me completely!

I'm Baaack!

2009-05-14T07:29:00.001-07:00

Hi all....I'm back....and I have been creative this week! Oh, how good it feels to have scissors and glue in hand. I'm not quite joking...it really is nice to settle in and "make" something.
I made a couple of simple cards using DCWV cardstock and Prima flowers. Anthing Prima is great!

I scrapped a few pics of Packer Puppy. He sits in the chair with me while I work in my scraproom. He watches each step and occasionally chews on a piece of paper. All is right in his world when I am at home:)

Our area is still digging out from the recent flooding. I am off to help at my church today with a clothing, cleaning supply, food giveaway. Anyone living local who would like to donate or help with this outreach, give me a call.

Saturated Sunday!

2009-05-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hello All! Nothing creative today, just a glimpse of the flooding that our area has suffered this weekend. I am thankful to live on a hillside at times like this: the only "water" that we had was this shallow pool standing on my patio.

Other's were not so fortunate: This damage was at Stone, the road that we travel to our church. It was a mess...but our church was spared any damage at all!

This is a photo of the little league baseball and area soccer fields in front of Belfry First Baptist Church at Black Gem...and this was after the water had receded from the four-lane!

Today the sun is brightly shining, not a cloud in the sky...makes it hard to imagine all of the clean-up going on around us. We are blessed and thankful....and I finish up my "job" on Tuesday, so I hope to be back to scrapping soon.

Hope you all have a great day!

Still Working

2009-05-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I am still working and not scrapping! I had forgotten how jam-packed days are when you're working fulltime. Kudos to all of you ladies who do it eveyday, all day and still find time to create. The only thing creative I have been working on are small flower pots for my Sunday School kids to give their mothers for Mother's Day.(no pics as of yet :) Each will be decorated by their sweet little hands, have a silk flower and a packet of seeds with a small card that will read, "thank you Mommy for planting the seeds of faith in my life."

Hope you all have a great week!

Wednesday Words

2009-04-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

Still no crafting...just work and more work. I must confess, I am enjoying these weeks of working, perhaps because I know that in a couple of weeks, I will be back at home, happily ensconsed in my scraproom! Our evenings have been just as busy as our days this week. Our 21 year old son is preaching his first week-long Revival at our church. It has been awesome....Hope you have a great day.

Just Words!

2009-04-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

I have nothing creative today....too busy this week to even walk into my craft room, let alone make something :) Oh well, maybe soon. It is a beautiful, sunny, spring day here and I am rushing through housework and laundry to get a couple of hours in the sun! Ahhh....sweet warm rays! Hope you all have a great day!

Hippity...Hoppity....Easter's On Its Way

2009-04-08T21:02:00.001-07:00

I love Easter...everything about it.....it is my all-time favorite Holy Day! I love the fact that Jesus Christ paid the price for my sins and rose from the dead! I am thankful that I have accepted Him as my Savior! I love bright Spring sunshine and new blooms peeking through the branches of a neighboring crabapple tree! I love Easter Eggs....everything about them...from their bright colors to the squeals of delight when a child finds one. (I am prepared for my Sunday School Class to find the 120 or so that I have prepared for them :) I even love peeling away the pretty shell and eating a couple during the hunt. (I know, I know, salmonella risk:) I just love the Day! And this coming Easter, we have ALL day activities at our Church, beginning at 6AM and lasting probably until 6PM!

In honor of the decorations for our Easter Breakfast and Dinner....I have made a variety of decorated eggs to put on the pretty grasses running along the centers of our dining tables. I have foiled, tissued, decoupaged, glittered, bling-ed, painted and stickered. All that is left is decorating a few "REAL" eggs just for the fun of it. I look forward to those the most. My niece, Amber, has generously shared a couple dozen bantum eggs from her farm for my coloring pleasure. They are small and are the kind that my sweet Grandparents colored for me as a child. What precious memories!

Also, I wanted to include a glimpse of Packer Puppy on his very first "outdoor activity." He is my rescue Puppy and in light of his verrry difficult beginning, is only now strong enough and warm enough, thanks to his new coat,to be out of doors. This is him taking his first walk around the yard. He loved the grass...the butterflies...a leaf blowing in the wind! He hated the neighbor's lawnmower....the neighbor's dog....and the neighbor! Oh well, baby steps!

Saturday Sunshine

2009-04-04T09:14:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful Sunny Saturday we are having! It is still cool and breezy, but supposed to warm to near 70* today and warmer tomorrow! Whew.....I am loving it! I do have a hard time trying to blog on pretty days. The sunshine makes me want to go for walks, do house and yard work and daydream!

I did make a card earlier today. I loved the aged look of these DCWV Papers that I found at a discount store yesterday. The colors are muted and shabby....my favorite kind. I also used a Prima Butterfly, Image Tree Stamp, Martha Stewart Ink and for my 3-D effect, Cuttlebug Textile Folder.

I didn't have a hand in creating this next pic, but I sure get to enjoy God's handywork! Don't you just love it when everything begins to bloom? Hubby cut the grass the other day and the smell transported me from Winter to Spring in one sniff. (I also had a bit of allergy flare up, but who's complaining :)

Have a great day!

Bright, Bright, Sunshiny Day!

2009-04-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

It is a Gorgeous day here in my part of the world. Beautiful sunshine, temperatures in the mid 60's. Aah....Spring at last! I have had a pleasant day. I went with my sister to take our Dad to an appointment this morning. It is always a pleasure to be with them. Then, hubby and I went out for lunch before he left for work this afternoon. When I got home, I broke the leaf rake out of hiding and did an hour and a half of yard work. I will probably be unable to lift my arms tomorrow, but it sure felt good today!

I took half an hour to sit at my scrap desk and this is what I came up with today. A bright and happy card! Isn't this cupcake scrumptous? And not a calorie in it! Enjoy!

Cards Galore

2009-03-31T10:32:00.001-07:00

Hi all! I awoke in a creative mood this morning. (I worked yesterday and missed it terribly. Does that mean that I really am a scrap addict?) I have to give a small "toot" to my horn. My first published card came out yesterday in SNR! Yeehaw! I was excited to be in their Featured Card section. If you have never visited their site, do so. The monthly mag is by subscription only, but they have great "free" sections, including the Card Universe, which is great. I have learned some great techniques from them.

For this "Happy Birthday" card, I used Embassy Neon Cardstock, Martha Stewart Edge Punch and Ink, Prima Flowers, Next Idea Buttons, Studio G Stamp and Divian Sticker. So Simple....such pretty colors.

I watched a tutorial on SNR last night featuring a double pocket card. Viola ! So cute and so easy to make. (After I figured out which way to fold the paper :) I used American Tradition Design Double Sided Paper, Studio G Stamps, Martha Stewart Ink, Next Idea Buttons and a few scraps of jute. Cute, huh?

This card was my favorite...being a dog lover, afterall and it fits perfectly in this weeks ABC Challenge...H is for Heart. I put this card together with Colorbok Paper, Studio G Stamp, ProvoCraft Wooden Dog, Pressed Petals Chip Chatter Hearts, Martha Stewart Ink and Edge Punch.

I sure enjoyed creating today....hope you enjoy your look around my blog.

Scrappy Day

2009-03-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday to all! I love the weekend...especially a "Scrappy Saturday" like today. Hubby and I went out for breakfast. (What a treat!) Shopped a bit and found some neat scrapbooking goodies. (Just a few...I'm budgeting myself ;) Then, while he napped the afternoon away...I scrapped to my heart's content.

Hubby's brother has a birthday next week, so I made a card for him. I always have a creative block for cards for men. But, last week I found this great fish stamp and knew that he would grace the front of "many a man card" in the future. I used a premade chocolate brown textured card, stamped my fish and greeting, used General's Water Color Pencils to bring Mr. Bass to life, added some jute and a masculine button and viola! Happy Birthday to Rick!

This card is for a coworker whose Grandmother passed away. I rarely make sympathy cards, but the black and bright green worked well together. Sedate without being too somber. I love these Prima flowers with their dusting of white already on them. And, as usual, I used Martha Stewart Ink on both.

This little guy is a "Washcloth Bunny." Thanks to my MIL for the idea and the quick tutorial she gave me in the washcloth aisle of our local Walmart;) She is a very crafty lady and needs a blog of her own. Each month she makes the cutest crafts for her Sunday School Luncheon. All of the ladies go home with a handmade treat. How neat is that? I considered putting eyes on Mr. WB, but I sort of like the "plain" look of this one. He reminds of an Amish Toy. I filled his little back with a large bubble gum egg and all of my Sunday School kids will get one in their Easter treat
bag. They are 5, 6 and 7 year olds and are always a barrell of fun.

I also decoupaged some plastic eggs and tied a few up with tissue and jute. These were simply for my own enjoyment. I will probably display them until Easter.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Stamp Something Challenge

2009-03-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

This week's sketch on the Stamp Something Challenge inspired me to try it out! This is my take. The little chicks reminded me of my "Poppy." Each Easter, growing up on the farm, he would "surprise" me with a couple of brightly colored Easter chicks or ducks. In a few weeks, the color disappeared and they were just "plain ol' ducks and chicks, but for awhile, they were magical. (I don't think that dyed fowl are on the market these days, due to animal rights :) But still, I sure loved mine and the little pink guy is a tribute to those glorious days of childhood and a Poppy who adored me.

For my card I used DCWV Cardstock, Studio G Stamps, Martha Stewart Ink, Michael's Ribbon, Recollections Stickers and Fiskars Corner Punch.

All You Need Is Love

2009-03-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone! I have been negligent lately on blogging, bear with me. So much to do, so little time! It is a rainy, dreary Thursday here in KY, but I keep telling myself that Spring plants need rain. I am a sunshine addict :)

For my card today, I used DCWV Cardstock, Prima Flowers, Studio G Stamp, Martha Stewart Ink, Fiskars Corner Punch and Martha Butterfly Punch. Very simple, yet beautifully glittered cardstock. My pics never quite measure up to the real thing.

I have also been trying my hand at some of the currenty fashionable flowered headbands. I love making them! My son laughs at them, but many sites are offering them online for children and adults. All of my Sunday School girls are getting one for Easter. I have been asking their Mom's the color of their Easter dresses so that I can make them to match. So much fun and the cost....unbelievably economical to make. Perhaps I need an ETSY Shop?!

THE HAPPY SCRAPPER

From the stock pile...

New direction for a New Year

It's Fall Y'all!

Travel Log

A Very Cool Place

365 Card Challenge

Sweet Summertime...

Sweet Spot...

Happy Easter...a day late

Heaven....It Is For Real!

Puppy Love

Thinking of .....Spring

I Will Rejoice....

Spring Fever..

Spread the Love....

Sunny Sunday

**Squeal***

Random Thoughts...

Love...and Snow...are in the air.....

CPS challenge 200

Sweet Snowy Saturday

Christmas Love.....

Yummy!

Christmas Time's Comin'

Let it Snow!

Birthday Fun

Photo Shoot

Blessed...

Wedding Magic

Changes.....

Beautiful Day

Where Have You Been???

Flower Power....

A Long Time Coming.....

WooHoo

The Big Picture....

Creative Slump.....or Creative Dump?

BIG NEWS!!!!

Happy Easter and Yard of Lace

Birds and Frogs, Bees and Dogs

Feeling "Spring-y"

Thoughts of Love and Spring...and other fine things.

Oh Happy Day....

A Snowy January Ending.....

Sketch Girl and other cards

Snowy Sunday

Lovin' Me Some Packer

A New Year.....2010

Where Does It Go?

Altered Frames

Christmas Trees and Puppy Dogs....

A Glimpse of Christmas Cheer

Winter Wonderland

A Page For All Seasons Contest....Becky Fleck

Fall is Fading....

CPS 142 Weekly Challenge

I'm Crafting....

CPS 141 Weekly Challenge and Other Crafty Things...

An Apple A Day....

Altered Items...

Crafting Frenzy...

Rainy Saturday...

Rainy...Crafty Day!

Happy World Card Making Day!

To "MINE" Own Self Be True

ABC Challenge DT Call

2S4Y #35 Weekly Challenge

A Brief Respite.....

Lovin' This Long Weekend

SG4 Challenge...better quality pic

SG4 Challenge

Sweet Saturday

Happy Tuesday

Sweet Things In Life....

I'm Feeling.....

Sweet Saturday

It's Been A Long Time...

Hello!

Happy Belated 4th!

Squeal*