Country Frog Creations

Teaser Friday....

2012-02-10T12:39:00.000-05:00

The teaser today will be my special ART announcement on Monday, 2/13. My lips are sealed till then and let me tell you I am uber excited!

Excited and nervous.

Excited for some great mojo to appear.

Excited to step out of the box.

Excited to learn new things.

Excited and honored - who woulda thunk me?

I guess I'm just plain EXCITED!!

Ok, I couldn't resist, you begged right?

Here is a little hint....HVS!

HVS?? Ok.....3 words (like playing a game*wink*)....and it includes one of my favorite words....

VINTAGE!

Ok, that's all you are getting from me today....

stay tuned friends & have a wonderful weekened.

Ciao!

November, December, January......

2012-02-04T21:21:00.001-05:00

...3 months better than 6 to catch everyone up on what I've been doing.

WIRE WRAPPING CLASSES AT ZELDA'S

Wire Wrapped Leaf

Spiral Necklace

YAHOO ARTCHARMS GROUP SWAPS

angel charm for a fill-in swapper

Clear/White Swap

Red/Green Swap

Anything Goes Swap

Black/Blue Swap

All Hearts Swap Group A


All Hearts Swap Group B

Well friends, that's all I have to show for now. Hopefully the next time it won't take 3 months to post.

Thanks for stopping by....

Ciao!
Bev

Button Swap Finished

2011-10-25T23:20:00.002-04:00

Well, the time to swap has passed and I believe my package was received by my partner Mary K. The theme: Fall In Love with Buttons. We had to alter an Altoid Tin and send our partner a tin full of fall buttons.

Here is what I sent my swap partner Mary K at Thyme to Spare...

This is what awesome stuff Mary K. sent to me:

This swap was a treat to connect with my Button Floozie friends. If you love buttons, give this group a look see by searching Button Floozies for their blog.

Thanks for visiting today!

Ciao Friends....
Bev

Like Buttons?

2011-09-09T23:18:00.000-04:00

Just hopped over to the Button Floozie Blog and they are having a SWAP! I think this is becoming my favorite word! Alter an Altoid tin and send your partner 40 "fall colored" buttons. Sounds like fun!

Stop on over to the blog HERE if you LOVE buttons and join in!

(wow 2 posts in one day....must be the lemon slushy!)

Ciao friends!

April, May, June, July, August....

2011-09-09T22:23:00.002-04:00

....and now it's SEPTEMBER! Wow, where has the time gone?? 6 months and no new post - really!

Life has been uber busy these days. For those following me and have visited, disappointed that there was no new post, so sorry. Those who are on Facebook know I am still alive and living life as usual - hectic with drama.

I have still been crafting away, making new friends, and learning new things. I still belong to my favorite groups and try to keep up with all the new swaps. I love them all, but only have so much time.

Life these days consist of a Junior in high school playing soccer - add to the mix new driver and those expenses. A returning college student - should be a junior, but slacked a little and joined the ranks of sophomore - playing baseball on a scholarship. A broken furnace (air conditioner) gotta have that, and my new found weekly habit...BINGO (a great time to spend with Mom - winning makes it much better too)! I also have let my Artfire Shop close due to the new costs associated with selling. I may start a new blog to sell my items if I get to that point and just link the two. Stay tuned for that.

I have a new "art job" too! Not sure I mentioned this before, but the ArtCharms Yahoo group I belong to had asked me to be a moderator. This has been a great "job". The people are awesome and the level of talent of these members is so diverse. I have been so busy here I love it. Moderating and hosting monthly swaps keep me busy and active in my art. I couldn't ask for a better group!

Ok, so you should be all caught up. Onto more interesting stuff - ART!

Still doing swaps with my friends at Red Lead, here are some Vintage ATCs made a month or so back.

Next, the Art Charm group.
This charm was made for our Summer Garden Swap that I hosted in the group. It was made from a vintage necklace that I received from a wonderful lady at our camp up north. She is an antique seller and I had asked her if she could save me any broken jewelry she finds. One day, she sold me a heaping pile of awesome stuff. Although I had to sort through it and smelled like Jean Nate for a week, I found some great pieces. I added a head pin, a seed bead or two and added a plastic leaf. It was so cute.

This next set of charms are made for our Halloween Swap. I used vintage bingo calling chips and seed beads to fill the back. I may add something to them, still thinking about it.

These lovelies are made for our Monthly Color Swap I'm hosting. September is Green/Purple. There are 4 of each color jump ring per charm. I found the jump rings at Pat Catan's- and bright green buttons I had in my stash. A great match!

Last but not least, here is a charm I made from a stamp that was from someone in our group. I used a bottle cap (packaged from Pat Catan's), plastic leaves and sealed with Diamond Glaze.

I guess that with 6 months with no post, you were most assured it was going to be a long one! I hope to update more often with lots of Art Stuff!

Now I am sure that I have moved up the ranks of those who have me on their blog visit lists! (Deb) It was tough being at the bottom!

Hope your weekend is full of ART!

Also this weekend, please remember those HEROES of 9/11 and Armed Forces. We are so grateful and will ALWAYS remember.

Thanks for stopping by friends.......CIAO!

Spring is in the air!

2011-03-27T22:23:00.000-04:00

Spring is here and time for new beginnings so I decided to update the blog a little and I hope you like it!

I have been MIA for a while, but I promise you I have done nothing but crafting! I had some detours along the way, but all is good. Back to school, back to sports, and most important, back to crafting.

So as I last mentioned, I participated in A Swap For All Seasons Fabric collage swap. This is the collage I made.

I received this from my swap partner Freda. Although she followed the directions to the "T", I didn't and added a little more flair than she was expecting. Thanks Freda it was a fun swap as usual!

**************************************************
Next are the charms I was working on for the Art Charm Yahoo Group. These gals are awesome! I even made Moderator of the group! We have such fun. If you are into charms, come take a look, sign up and start charming!! This was what I made for our Valentine Swap...

Then came the Steampunk Swap. This was WAAAAY out of my comfort zone and I actually drew blood on this one! Note: You cannot drill a hole in the back cover of a watch! It says shock resistant for a reason! This was also the first time I used resin. You have to mix this stuff just right or it will never dry and be sticky FOREVER! Yep, some didn't come out just right so I had to deviate from the plan and this is what I made.....

**************************************************
Next up is the Red Lead Welcome to my Cottage Swap. We had to place an order at their shop and in return, they sent us three chipboard houses to decorate for the swap. When they receive our swap entry they will return 3 other swappers creations with a little extra goodies in the package. Here are the Cottages I created....

The next swap with the Red Lead Yahoo group is the "Hello Spring Tag Art Swap" where we are creating 3 large tags and in return we will receive 3 tags and one of their bunny swap just in time for Easter!

At the Art Charm Yahoo group I am hosting a Kilt Pin Swap - "FLY" and also hosting a Spring Flower Swap. If your interested I'd love to see you sign up and join in the fun!

And last, but not least, A Swap for All Seasons is doing a Mother's Day Brooch swap. I can't wait to get started with this.

Whew! Sorry for such a long post, but I guess that's what you get when someone is MIA for almost 2 months!

Hope you are well and enjoying the sun that is beginning to shine. Enjoy your week.
Until tomorrow friends,
CIAO!

New Year, New Classes, & New Swaps, OH MY!

2011-01-16T15:03:00.000-05:00

Although this year has started with a lot of snow already here in Pittsburgh (it's been frigid!), I hope your year has started off on a good note.

Another way to start off the new year is with some new swaps & new classes!

The first class of the year....Zelda's Bead Kit Co. A Really Cool Bracelet Class . With this bracelet, you can incorporate everything BUT the kitchen sink! This class was a lot of fun with the ladies that attended...I didn't get home until 11pm! The most awesome part of this bracelet were the wrapped mini Christmas lights. Maria Richmond showed how to wrap them and add them to our pieces. This part was a challenge to me....it took me a long time to get one right and not break the tiny little wires before the wrap was completed *sigh*. Here is my finished bracelet ...

Next are the swaps.

I've signed up to do the 2nd Valentine charm swap with the Yahoo Art Charm group I belong to. I've started on them, hoping to complete them today.

The second swap I signed up to do is with A Swap for All Seasons - A Mini Fabric Collage Swap. I am back! I haven't done one of Linda's swaps for a while and am willing to step out of my comfort zone for this one. It is SEWING! Yes, I do know how to sew, but getting out the machine and coming up with a theme will be the most challenging. The swap is cut at 100 swappers, so this is an awesome popular swap as always! I've made several friends doing Linda's swaps. Linda is an awesome host. So if you are up for a quality swap, keep your eyes peeled for the next one!

So as a new year starts, step out of your comfort zone and try some new art challenges!

Until tomorrow friends....CIAO!

CHRISTMAS IS ON IT'S WAY!

2010-12-02T22:24:00.000-05:00

Oh ya baby!! This year is waaaay better than last year. I've gotten some of my holiday spirit back. Hubby has the lights outside up and the tree is assembled in the living room. Now all I have to do is put on the decorations, bake some cookies, keep the house clean from Thanksgiving and I'll be set to invite some family and friends over and Santa of course!

To add to this holiday spirit, I am the winner of Melissa's Christmas CD giveaway over at Honey Girl Studio.

Stop over and visit her. She is having a 30 day countdown to Christmas giveaway every day and it is AWESOME! (Tell her Bev sent you! *wink*)

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!

Ciao friends!

Jewelry, Jewelry...

2010-11-30T22:51:00.000-05:00

....seems to be the next ~~"thing"~~ craft I am into these days. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm on my last day off from this holiday so I thought I'd take a few minutes to update all my followers on what I have been doing.

I've taken a few cool classes at a new local bead shop- Zelda's Bead Kit Company- this last month. First off, I ran into one of the instructors at a craft show that told me about this store...soo bad! So I definitely had to check it out. It worked and I was sucked into yet another craft!

This is the first class I took there. Paisley Pendant. It is made from copper and patina'd by using liver of sulfur. Who wudda thunk - right? Smelly stuff to say the least. My wire broke 3 times but I did prevail! What do you think?

Next was a class I took last night - Herringbone bracelet. It did take a while - no broken wire this time, but "accidentally" made two different types of links so I just went with it! This was also put into the smelly stuff. After a little steel wool - perfect! (pics don't do justice, but click and it should get better).

Lastly, with my Art Charm Yahoo Group, I made these Blue/White(clear)/Silver charms for this holiday swap. Funny thing that another gal in our group chose to use the same pop can tabs, but she ran out of clock faces...too bad! (lol) And she had to settle for another charm to make. Did I mention that I had to make 40?!? Yep, lotsa gals do the swaps and it is awesome to actually get enough to put on a bracelet in one swoop (swap). Ha Ha ( this is another thing on my list *wink*)

And this, well, this is my finished suitcase I made to display my bookmarks/jewelry and other items for the craft show I was in. I actually finished it! I got the idea from Melissa at Honey Girl Studio . Thanks Melissa for a wonderful idea!

Well friends, that is all I have for today. The lights are up outside compliments of the hubby and next comes the tree. Made a space for it in the living room today. I think I am in a better mood this year for Christmas so far....we'll see how long it lasts!

Thanks for stopping by!
Ciao Friends...

Trick or Treat!

2010-10-31T13:00:00.007-04:00

Happy Halloween Everyone!! Hope this day is frightful for you!

So if you are in the Two Treats One Trick Swap with Christine Edwards, I'm glad to have you stop by for some trick or treat sweets! You finally get to see who made what in our swap as our tricks and treats were a secret!

Without further suspense, here were the TREATS I made for the swap....

There were 3 boxes of treats for one lucky trick-or-treater!


This was inside one of the boxes.


Another Treat for the Swap....

NOW FOR THE TRICK!


A Coffin!

When you open the coffin, it has one of those sound effects inside. You will also find a sticky rat in a bunch of moss. Truly a scary Trick!

Thanks for a great swap! I love the items I received......

MY TREAT

A box of insect Halloween bling!

MY TRICK...

A white decorated pumpkin with a scarey skeleton.

ANOTHER TREAT

A "spooky" crow banner!

And the hostess sent a gift as well....

Thanks so much Christine! This was a real fun swap! Happy Halloween Everyone!

Ciao Friends.....

Swaps N Things

2010-10-16T21:23:00.000-04:00

Ok, so October is here and we are about smack dab in the middle. The air has changed (as you can tell by how much I have been sneezing these days) days are getting shorter and out comes the warm clothes.

Halloween is around the corner and again this year I have yet to put up any decorations. I'd better get on the ball huh? Well, I've been working on some Halloween swap items, art charms for a swap, and more things for the craft show I signed up to do in a couple weeks.

Here are the Halloween Post Card Tags I made for the Red Lead Swap...

Here the art charms I have worked on (31 to be exact!) for the new Yahoo group I joined. They weren't hard to make, even though I just got the hang of how to do the loops at the top.

I just finished watching the Pittsburgh Pens win against Philly and can barely see the computer screen due to the major sinus pain....I just can't stand it! Sorry to complain, but I am soooo tired of this...on minute I'm sneezing, then the nose runs like a water hose, then it's so stuffy you can't breath then the headache comes! GEESE!!!

Stop back on Halloween to see what I made for the Two Treats One Trick Swap with Christine Edwards. You will be scared!! LOL!

Ciao Friends.....

Guess what I'm up to next...

2010-09-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Red Lead Paperworks Halloween Post Card Tag Swap! Sooooo much fun!

And I've also joined Christine Edwards at A Work In Progress here for her Halloween Swap of Two Treats and One Trick! I found Christine by blog hopping and LOVE Halloween swaps. The samples of the swap from last year were awesome!

Still making those book thongs, but my photos have gone by the way side. I will have to post some soon.

Over the holiday weekend, I took my vintage suitcase apart and Gesso'd the inside. (This stuff is wonderful!) Still haven't decided what to put in it or on the outside. I guess I'm just a CHICKEN!! Decisions, decisions. I think I need another weekend away to decide! LOL!

The craft show applications have been coming in the mail and I still am leery of taking the plunge again. My sister bailed on me so I'll have to do them alone. Alone is NO FUN! :(

Well, tomorrow is almost here....

Ciao Friends!

Copy Cat

2010-08-22T18:26:00.000-04:00

Ok, I admit I can be a Copy Cat sometimes...you know when a friend come up with such a cool idea that you say, "Man, why didn't I think of that?" Ok, so maybe it might not be EXACTLY the same as what they created, but you copied their idea and made it your own style. Well, recently I did just that. I met up with a blogger - Melissa over at Honey Girl Studio - one Saturday a few weeks back - she was so nice. I asked her to bring along the vintage suitcase she converted into a display to sell her lovely jewelry so I could see it in person. WOW!! It was RAD!!

Well, a few post before or after the suitcase tuturial on her blog, she made these cute sale displays to go with some earrings she made. I thought - "Hey, I could do that!" So, I did. (Melissa's were so much better than mine, of course!) A friend of mine - Kathy Lee - had posted some pictures of herself on Facebook - her high school picture - and I asked if I could use it. After she saw what I did, she loved it! Here is how I packaged a few of the earrings I made.

So I added the crown and cat glasses. Thanks Kathy for your face - LOL! Thanks Melissa for such a cool idea! To see the ones Melissa created, check out her post here.

Also, I made a little 'sumpin, 'sumpin for my Facebook IBB (Ittly Bittly Book) host Mary Ann for the last swap - an Apron IBB. She comes up with the coolest ideas for IBBs and works so hard puttin all the books together. Here is what she received....


Necklace front. Red Lead Patina charm w/stamped image and transferred child face.


Necklace back with stamped words from Red Lead and attached Tim Holtz measure tape.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Until tomorrow friends....CIAO!

Book Thongs galore!

2010-07-27T15:46:00.004-04:00

Happy Tuesday! As promised, here are the book thongs I've been working on. They are one-of-a-kind. Some I have used vintage charms, beads, etc. All thongs will fit both large and small paperback books.

Hopefully I will learn how to post them on ArtFire (where it's free!) and I will be selling them until the winter craft shows. I have others that I haven't taken pics of but now that the batteries are charged to the camera, I plan to post them soon.

If you would like to purchase any and would like any more info, please email me. We can also work out the payment. I will list the price of the item with shipping included.

#49 Red/White beads with wax thread thong.

#48 Religious w/Cross & Mary Pendant with Pearls and beaded thong


#50 Religious Turquoise Cross w/Mary Pendant w/beaded thong

#52 Vintage Pictures encased in baubles with wax thong

#53 Bird themed w/wax thong

#54 Religious Pink/Black/Silver w/beaded thong

#55 Vintage Dangles w/browns-beaded thong

#56 Vintage themed Antique Gold w/beaded thong SOLD

#57 Purple/Silver w/beaded thong

#58 Circles w/ suspended bead-Browns/Gold w/beaded thong SOLD!

#59 Swan Silver/Black w/beaded thong SOLD!

#60 Swan Black/Gold w/beaded thong

#61 Sneaker Blue/Silver w/wax thong

#62 Purples w/wax thong Gifted


#63 Religious Pink/Silver w/beaded thong

Whew! These are the ones that I have packaged up. I still have more made so look for another post soon or on my ArtFire.

I am currently doing an Apron IBB swap so my time is limited. I will try to post pics when I'm done. Now we are off to dinner...together!

Until tomorrow friends...Ciao!

Finally....

2010-07-26T20:24:00.000-04:00

...after missing camera cords and battery charger, and computer issues, I am finally catching up my blog, so here goes...hold on!

On SwapBot, back in February, I joined a few swaps. Here is my submission for the Recycled Mail ATC card.

Next , in March, was another Tag swap on SwapBot. This is what I made.

Then my cyber friend Debbie (Kitten) at Kitten Creates, sent me this little box with goodies. She made the box and it is so cool! She is an awesome artist.

Then in April, I participated in the Tussie Mussie swap over at A Swap for All Seasons. Always a great swap. My swap partner was Sue Bieker. This is what I made for her..

This is what Sue sent to me...

I also did a couple swaps with the Paper Whimsy group I belong to. The first was an ATC swap and the other was an Altered Art Swap of a popular children's poem etc. I did Thumbelina.

Then in May, I played with some cyber friends...Debbie Metti, Linda Smith, Susie Alles and Dottie Odom, doing a book thong swap. These are the ones I made.

And these are a couple that I received. I apologize that I didn't take pics of all that I received, but they were all awesome!

There, now your just about caught up. My next post will feature the book thongs I've been working on for sale. Stay tuned...

Until tomorrow friends...Ciao!

Pictures are on the way!

2010-06-19T00:02:00.001-04:00

Well, I didn't find my original camera cord, so I broke down and had my son pick me up a new one where he works...cost $4. How cheap am I??

I guess I can afford it....just got a raise at work this week too! I was totally thrown off guard and it was a significant one too! I had anxiety for 3 days!! I've been at my "new" job for a year and I really love being busy. It was a good move! My husband also got a raise last week and for about 3 days was all happy because he was finally making more than me...then POOF! I guess I took the air right out of his protruding "I'm the man" chest. No really, we don't take who makes what to heart....we are just grateful that we are working and can give to help others (and support our college-goer and high schooler - you know how that can be!).

Now that I've finished taking pics of all the book thongs and jewelry I've been working on and stashing, it will take a day or two or three to get all these pics posted.

I have also opened an Artfire account that I hope I can get up and running with some of the creations I've done. I will have a mix of mixed media, jewelry and paper crafts to sell.

I've met a few new people these last couple of weeks as well. I met a woman - Laurie - from Pittsburgh whom I met at the Three Rivers Arts Festival. I love her work and you can see some of her limited pieces here and her blog here. I was gazing at the line up for the Festival, contacted her and actually drug my husband with me the Saturday she was there. What a great show. If you didn't have a chance to go you should. They actually cut the show in half so to speak. There are artists the first week, then they change out artists for the second week so there are new people to see. Soo cool! I will try to go back again next year.

Last weekend I decided to go to the cottage, cut grass, pick up branches from all the wind/rain we've had, weed wack my ankle, do some crafting and antiquing -with NO MEN! Yep, weed wacked my ankle and that was smarts!! It looks like I got caught up in some barbed wire or something,

Went antiquing after the lawn work was done and the ankle wrapped. Found some cool items and finally found the bead store in town. What a wonderful place. Let it Bead in Greenville. I met Kris who moved there from California. We talked for a while and I wondered why she would move to little old Greenville from sunny cool California! She left her sister at the store she worked hard at for 20 years to slow down a bit. Kris is a real nice person and I hope to get to know better. While in Kris' store, I purchased a pendant for a friend that someone in the area made. Then, with a little hunting, I found Melissa who made the cute pendant I purchased. So I sent her an email and she responded! Her likes are similar and she had a ton of cute projects at Kris' store but not for sale. Melissa holds classes at a lake nearby and also has several sites for selling her creations. Melissa's main blog is here at Honey Girl Studio.

Well, enough with the chit-chatting. I know I promised not to yap so much. Stop by the links I've given to you and check out these nice gals I hope to get to know better. I think you will love their stuff as much as I do. Drop them a line and tell them I sent you. I am sure they would love the company!

Stay tuned for upcoming pictures.....

Until tomorrow.....Ciao Friends!

Miss me?

2010-06-02T08:51:00.000-04:00

Sorry my blog followers for not posting as often these days. I've got lots of grass to cut at the cottage, soccer still going strong, my 18 yr old (going on 21) drama, and my new found craft....Book Thongs! (along with laundry, cooking, cleaning, and other crafting and swapping - you know, the usual!)

And to make matters super worse....I STILL CAN'T FIND THAT DARN CAMERA CORD!!! UGH!!!

So in the interim, I have been making my thongs almost nightly while sitting in front of the TV watching my favorite season finalies. I was hoping to get enough done for a craft show this winter if I keep up the pace. Funny things do happen at times in your life though......

I frequent a restraunt here for lunch - BISTRO TO GO - and got to know the owner well (she even scrapbooks in her spare time!). She is the greatest! So her birthday was a couple weeks ago and I thought what a nice gift to give - a book thong - as she is an avid reader. She loved it!

So, after about a week, she approached me and said she'd like some to give some "thongs" as hostess gifts for her catering side of the restraunt. Well, I could have fell off my stool right there at the counter!! She wanted 10! (Luckily, I had a bunch already made - whew!) So I brought them in and she picked what she liked. And she wanted to pay me more than what I thought I'd ever get for them. You know the deal....you don't think that your time should be part of the price cause you like doing the craft so much and don't think that anyone would pay over a certain price? Here, I was floored again! What a blessing!

So, as the story goes, I am back hard at work making more "Thongs" for my new "client" and hopefully will have some left over for the craft show....or maybe not! At this point it may not matter.

Well, I gotta get back to my DAY job. Keep stopping back and I hope to have pictures soon!

I'd like to hear from you too - I've been lonely these days - so please post a comment to brighten my day!

Ciao friends! Enjoy the sun today!

SO DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES...

2010-05-07T13:53:00.001-04:00

..TO FILL THE ROLE OF **MOTHER**?

There's a new "SURVIVOR" Series in town for guys....read on....
Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.
- Each kid will play two sports and take either music or dance classes.
- There is no fast food. Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.
- In addition, each man will have to budget enough money for groceries each week.
- Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time--no emailing.
- Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment.
- He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Emergency Room.
- He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a school function. Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside, and keeping it presentable at all times.
- The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.
- The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, adorn themselves with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails polished, and eyebrows groomed.
- During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, backaches, headaches, have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.
- They must attend weekly school meetings and church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.
- They will need to read a book to the kids each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:30 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information:
each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size, doctor's name, the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear, and what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance. The last man wins only if... he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years, eventually earning the right to be called Mother!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS! YOU DESERVE YOUR OWN SPECIAL DAY and then some!!

Spring...Ahhhhhh

2010-03-18T20:04:00.001-04:00

I thought I'd share a little bit of Spring from my office today.....

This is thanks to Daffodil Days!

I got the little frog in a swap recently and it just adds a little more fun and color to a boring desk!

Enjoy the Sun and signs of Spring today!

Ciao Friends!

SWAPBOT A New Adventure

2010-03-17T19:50:00.000-04:00

Ok, I have to admit it, I get bored quite easily. I love trying new things - especially when it comes to crafting. I can't get enough! It is my out or "my time". So I've been toying around for a while to join SWAP-BOT. This is a place where tons of people do swaps of a ton of different crafts. From postcards, to ATCs, to web sites, to altered items, you name it is probably here to swap. It is quite a serious place too! You are rated by your partner which Swap-Bot selects for you. You don't send to the person who is to send to you - kinda odd if you ask me.

There are swaps that are international and those by region. You can sign up to do a one to one swap or a swap can be to several people. You set a profile whom your swap partner can look to see what your all about - likes/dislikes. There are strict requirements on some swaps - to eliminate flakers and deadbeats.

It has been a unique experience. I only got one package that didn't follow the requirements, but instead of that person wanting a bad rating, she opted to send another package to make up for her short-comings. It is very intense here.

Well, to make a loooong story short, here are a few of the quickie swaps I was in. The first was a St. Patrick's Day ATC swap and this is what I made....

Next was a Faerie ATC swap. Easy peasy!

You can watch swaps that you are not sure of joining and you will get an email reminder when sign ups are close to ending. One I am currently watching - Altered Barbie! Kinda different. I found some on Flickr....this one could be quite challenging too.

I think I'll stay there for a while. The only bad part (because of habitual flakers) you can't delete your account. You can't use your same email address to start-up again. They will find you! LOL!!

Well, until tomorrow....
Ciao Friends!

Itty Bitty Book Club - Facebook

2010-03-14T18:19:00.001-04:00

A while ago I joined a swap over at Follow Your Bliss where we created itty bitty pages for books. These books are just a little bigger than an ATC. It was such a cool idea. I have done several other swaps with MaryAnn and everyone is very talented. So as her blog was up in the air, I was invited to join her Itty Bitty Book Club over on Facebook. There we did our first Facebook swap...Fave Color. Those who signed up did a page in their favorite color(s).

I opted to do 2 pages...17 each. It really kept me in the creative mood. These are my two pages...

Blue and purple were my pages. The next book swap will be "Crazy Quilt". This can be fabric or paper. I can't wait to do this one.

MaryAnn also is hosting a tag book swap over on her Flickr account here. Theme is "Spring Fete". Hurry and stop over and sign up! Sign-ups ending Monday, 3/15.

Another post to follow soon.

Ciao Friends.....

Showing off my THONGS!

2010-03-03T21:25:00.000-05:00

Now that I have your attention! HA HA!! Thong? RIGHT!! I found out about these on the web somewhere. (Now that I'm older my memory is slipping -LOL!) I thought it would be a neat little project and I could use one for the book I am currently reading. So I made some.

This one I made for my friend Deb at Kitten Creates for my birthday giveaway. She was the winner with a roll of the die! (see a couple posts below.)

I think I've started something here! Deb created some real cool thongs of her own. See her post here.

This is a quick and EASY way to make a great gift for yourself or someone else. You can personalize them very easily! I used Waxy Flax that I had picked up from my LSS super-cheap when they were going of business. I cut a piece of thread about 18", added some charms and beads, a couple of knots, sealed knots with clear nail polish or the like, and bingo!

If you decide to give it a try, link your photo here so we can see. If you are interested in a quick, one-to-one swap, go to Deb's site or post here if your interested.

Until tomorrow friends.....CIAO!

Valentine Gifts

2010-02-24T23:32:00.001-05:00

Right before Valentine's Day, I stopped at a local bead store and found these lovely hearts - I couldn't pass them up. I wanted to make something special for the girls in the family. These I made for my triplet nieces. They fit just right and the girls were so thrilled. They were made with sheer ribbon. Totally girly!

I made my mom and sister a long necklace with these beautiful pink hearts and a hand stamped pillow box. Mom has a little trouble with putting on jewelry so I made the necklaces long enough to go over their heads. Next time I have to remember to buy extra so I can make one for me!

Snow is on it's way again - *sigh*. Have a wonderful tomorrow!

Ciao Friends!

Vintage Valentine Swap with A Swap for all Seasons

2010-02-23T21:30:00.000-05:00

I am a little behind in showing what my partner Sharon of My Vintage Studio sent to me for this swap. A wonderful hand made hanging and package of wonderful vintage things to add to my craft collection.

These things were stuffed into that clear envie you see in the upper right hand corner there.

This is a hanging I made for Sharon. I also send a few goodies. Not until after I packaged up her box of goodies, did I realize I forgot another envie of stuff. I had to send that off to her right away! Boy, did I feel stupid! If you see my craft space, you would see how I could have misplaced it!

Well, gettin tired here, so that's all for today.

Ciao Friends....

Debbie's Winnings....

2010-02-23T21:06:00.001-05:00

This is the package that's heading to Debbie! I had to wait a

couple days as I made her something special. Hope you enjoy your goodies! (sorry for the spoiler)

As for a swap, I guess I will do it privately with anyone who wants to do a small project. Seems as though no one (except Kitten) is interested in even a suggestion. :(

Ciao Friends.....

Roll of the Dice.....

2010-02-15T20:28:00.000-05:00

and.....#4 is the winner!

Die Roller

You rolled 1 die:

Timestamp: 2010-02-16 01:04:22 UTC

Congrats Kitten!! I will send you a package filled with goodies. You will have to promise to make something spectacular from the AccuCut die I send you. I know you won't let me down!

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful Birthday wishes and playing! In spite of all the snow shoveling, it was a pretty good birthday.

Next on my list of "to do" things....a swap! Hopefully more people read my blog and want to join in.

What theme would you be interested in? Altered Domino? Create a Charm? ATC? (*wink*) Tag? Altered Match Box? How 'bout a book thong? (he, he!) Interested? Don't know what one is? (get your head out of the gutter) Look here! Sooo Coool!

Leave a comment here on what type of swap you'd be interested in and what theme. I'm thinking a one to one swap - partners picked and you send directly to them - easy peasy!

Let me know by Saturday and I'll see how many people are interested. Thanks friends.

Ciao!

HAPPY LOVE DAY!

2010-02-14T13:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Love Day friends! Make this day extra special for the ones you love!

Don't forget to leave me a comment on my Birthday post to enter to win my giveaway!

Keep warm.

Ciao! MWAH!

It's my Birthday, it's my Birthday....

2010-02-11T06:13:00.004-05:00

In celebration of my 40 (something) birthday today and almost 13,000 visits and over 150 posts and Valentines Day just around the corner, I am going to have a GIVEAWAY!!

Post a comment here at this post between now and Sunday, Feb. 14th and you will be eligible to win!

(one post please)

What's in the giveaway?

Well, I will be giving away one of Vicki Chrisman's AccuCut Die cut Shadow Boxes she sent to me - see my post here. (Vicki also made a video on putting them together here.) And an envelope full of goodies!

Drawing will be held Monday, Feb 15th!

Thanks everyone! Ciao!

So, do you LOVE $100 worth of stuff?

2010-02-10T18:11:00.001-05:00

If so, stop over at Vicki Chrisman's blog "This Art that Makes me Happy" here and click on the link for Scrapbook Adhesives.

Enter your email address today and you could win $100 worth of adhesives from SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™! You will enter and confirm your email subscription, then March 1st, the winner will be announced!

By clicking on the link through Vicki's site, she is eligible to win $50 for the most visits through her site for DT members! A win win for sure!

Also, go back and check out their web site in case you need some adhesives. Some are on sale and they have some cool holders for your adhesive.

Thanks Vicki for passing this along!

Ciao Friends!

Ok, enough is enough!

2010-02-10T15:52:00.000-05:00

ENOUGH SNOW ALREADY!!

Just an update...I'm sitting in my living room with another 3" coming today on top of the 21"+ that left me and my sis stranded at a hotel that was supposed to be a wonderful crop weekend and the 3" that fell last night!

I AM SICK OF SNOW AND SHOVELING IT!!!

Here's how the weekend went....I thought it would be nice to rent a room at the hotel we were to spend the weekend cropping in a day earlier. The weather man reported up to 6" of snow to fall. Great, by the time we left on Sunday, the roads would be cleared and life as normal. NOT!! I left work at 3:00 and met my sister for dinner. By the time we were done with dinner, we had about 3". Not too bad...we made it back to the hotel and chilled.

We met Amy (the crop hostess) and she brought all her cropping things, and drinks. No food. That would come on Saturday along with the rest of the croppers.

We rented a movie in the room and chilled in the conference room and scrapped for a while. It took Amy 3 hours to get home - a drive that would normally take about 45 minutes.

Then the airport closed. The hotel is near the airport, so it was inundated with people seeking a place to sleep. Amy gave up the rooms she had reserved for the rest of the group, because the forecast changed from 6" to 21" and no one was going to come and crop.

This is the cake we had to eat for our stranded weekend. Chocolate butter cream icing - YUMM!!
This is what our crop room looked like without all our peeps *sniff*...

Here is sissy and all our stuff while we are cropping.
This is what it looked on Saturday as we are stranded at the hotel. We opened the door in the conference room to the parking lot. No way to get out here!

We also had to dig our cars out from the parking lot. There was limited food. We had cake, cookies, rice krispy treats, pop and the hotel breakfast that we stole more of our share to eat later. Do you know how expensive hotel food is??? I had to eat something nutritious so I opted for a 6" deli sandwich- price $9!! NINE DOLLARS!! ARE YOU SERIOUS????

So we stuck it out and cropped the weekend away, worrying watching the news, trying to determine to stay Sunday night or try our luck to go home. My sister had no electric since Friday, but had a wood burner, so her husband and triplets weren't totally stranded - it finally came back on on Sunday. Our electric went out on Saturday morning and by the time I arrived home, our house was 40 degrees! With no other heat source, we shut off the water and drained the pipes. I packed bags again and off to the Grandparents we went. (We also had to shovel them out!)

So we shoveled enough to get the car in the drive and stayed the night in a warm bed. Next morning had to run and get RXs filled and shoveled some more. Electric came back on on Monday - yippee!! So home we went. Roads were still bad and iced over with ice pot holes!

Had to dump the whole fridge - one way to clean out your fridge and get more good food-right? Unless when you go to the store to get the essentials, they are out! NO eggs, milk, bread, no chow mein, no nothing! That means creative cooking!

No school all week and no school tomorrow - for high school or college. Work left out early on Tues and my office closed today. The snow is still falling.

Next, clearing the driveway and going over Grandparents to shovel some more! I'm off to make some grilled cheese and soup for a hot meal before going out to shovel.

Hmmm, maybe I'll have to take off tomorrow???

Stay warm....and help your neighbor!
Ciao

Snowed in crop weekend

2010-02-05T12:29:00.000-05:00

In a few more hours I will be leaving work, heading out for a girls crop weekend with my sister and a bunch of other crazy ladies. What a way to be held up in a hotel, scrapbooking the weekend away? No men, no cooking, no cleaning, no driving to practice...just relaxation and creating!! I can't wait! It can snow all it wants cause I won't be going anywhere!!

I know you will miss me. LOL! I will be checking in once in a while to see what everyone is doing.

Have a great creative weekend and be careful in all the snow!

Ciao!

Red Lead - Very Vintage and Objects of My Affection

2010-02-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

Are you sick of me yet? No, good. I have lots to show you. Only one more swap (including these two) to go and I will be all updated with my posts and pictures. WOW!

Ok, here goes....
These are my Very Vintage ATCs created for a recent swap over at Red Lead. We swap 8, get 7 in return and one of their choice stays at the shop on display. This one will be put into their art zine book they are planning on putting together at the end of the year. Last year I participated in one of these and had one of mine is in their Artist Trading Card A Holiday Celebration Zine and I also have an ATC on one of their collage sheets they sell.

These are the large tags that I made for the Objects of My Affection swap also with Red Lead... I made two of each kind using a Red Lead background stamp and photos from their ancestors sheets.

Tell me what you think.
One more swap post to go and in a couple weeks I see a giveaway on the horizon. I won't tell you why....hmmm, maybe you should guess!!
Until tomorrow friends....

A SHOUT-OUT to ME!!!

2010-02-02T12:47:00.001-05:00

I wanted to make a SHOUT-OUT to ME today! (I am not usually like this, but I'm so giddy with excitement, I couldn't contain myself!)

I made Red Lead Paperworks Yahoo Group Home Page!!! I'm the Home Page Diva!!! Whoot Whoot! Now, it's only temporary, so stop by here right away and take a look!

I will be posting more about these tags and my latest swaps with them tomorrow, but I just couldn't wait till tomorrow for this one!!

Thanks everyone - my Swap Sisters- in this group - you are a big inspiration for me! MWAH!

Until tomorrow friends.....

A Cabinet Card Swap

2010-02-02T08:00:00.003-05:00

Only a few more swaps to show you! I am getting all caught up.

I made this for the Altered Cabinet Card Holiday Swap over at A Swap for All Seasons. Linda comes up with the greatest themes for her swaps! This was sent to my swap partner "Kitten" (Deb) over at Kitten Creates. It is funny that alot of us girls in this swap, are also swap sisters over at Red Lead Paperworks.

I used a vintage cabinet card (of course), a doily, some paper flowers/brads and a vintage sweater clip. It was too funny that Kitten used a dangling at the bottom of hers as well. Here is what she made me...

It is awesome! Deb is so creative and offers tons of inspiration. We've been long distance friends for a good while now. Thanks Deb!

Well, until tomorrow friends....

Vintage Finds & A Birthday Gift

2010-02-01T08:33:00.000-05:00

While on the hunt for some vintage items for a recent swap, I went to my semi-local antique mall and found these. The valentines I will scan and post, the crystals I used in my Very Valentine Swap with A Swap for All Seasons.

Before picking up that large bag of goodies for $3 I tried to check out what hidden treasures were inside. To my surprise, this is what I found.

Once everything went through a good cleaning, I found two sets of earrings for myself and a whole bunch of things to use in my crafting. A great find.

************************************
The pictures are getting more current, so hold onto your seats!

This is what I sent my friend Joyce over at Scrap for Joy. Her birthday was in January.

I used some vintage lace ribbon, background paper from a Somerset Studio magazine, and the doll was from a collage sheet from ArtchixStudio. If you get a chance, stop by their shop. They have some amazing things.

I also made Joyce this Choski Pin or kilt pin using charms, a charm made of scrapbook bubbles, and pearl piece from a set of vintage earrings that I disassembled. Click to enlarge.

(This is another one of my non-paper crafting ventures. LOL!)

Until tomorrow friends....

How sweet...

2010-01-31T22:02:00.000-05:00

...is my cyber friend Vicki Chrisman over at This Art That Makes Me Happy?? This is what she sent to me before she went off to CHA Winter last week to promote her new AccuCut die she designed...

She sent me 4, yes 4, samples of this new die! She picked wonderful design paper to cut too. She was so busy getting ready for CHAW and found time to cut and send me these. How wonderfully sweet!!!

I can't wait to make something with them. Since our local scrapbook store closed and most others don't have an AccuCut machine or die cut sales, she offered to send me a few. Now all I have to do is get my hands on Heartwarming Vintage's Crafty Secrets Creative Scraps Altered Fairies pages and I'll bet set. Boy, do I have plans! (Hmmm. maybe I should include one in my giveaway and share the love???)

Thanks Vicki - your the best!!

Until tomorrow friends....

Photo catch-up

2010-01-31T15:18:00.002-05:00

I wanted to catch-up on my picture postings of things I've created for some swaps and what-nots of some time ago - you know how life gets ya-right? (Typical excuse so I use it often!LOL!)

I will start with the oldest first....

This was for a Red Lead Spring swap back in March - like you couldn't tell. I told you it was going to be some time ago! *wink*

This was my second charm swap with Red Lead. Yes, it is a Heinz Pickle! It was to be a "green" swap, but because I didn't read, it was to be a recycle - "green" swap. I think it covered both...what do you think?

This was a little project I was asked to do for a cyber friend who was having a bit of a rough patch in her life. It was a collaborative project between several cyber friends that a truly made a difference with this random act of kindness.

These were the Thank you cards I made for my son's graduation party. This was back in June.

This was an altered altoid tin for Altered Treasure Tin Swap at A Swap for all Seasons. This was a different type of swap. I tried feverishly to get this tin to patina! I tried soaking in vinegar, etc., etc., but to no avail....all I got was RUST! So I went with it. I also coated it so it wouldn't rust anything else. I also made a mini book for inside. My partner was into poems so I chose a few for the front and inside of the tin. I hope she liked the little extras added inside too.

Well, gotta organize some more pics and I'll be back soon....Thanks for stopping by!

It's Friday and.....

2010-01-29T22:46:00.000-05:00

....I found my camera cord so now I can download some pics for everyone. Whahoo!! I know you have been dying to see what I've been up to! I should have everything downloaded and edited before the weekend! Stop back and bring a friend!

Until tomorrow friends....

I've been busy....

2010-01-25T22:06:00.002-05:00

...working feverishly on 3 swaps over the weekend. GOAL ACCOMPLISHED! Carved out much needed time to craft, finish my projects, AND organize while doing it. YIPPEE!!

Unfortunately, I can't find the cord to my camera to download my pictures - UGH!! Keep checking back. I hope to have them posted in a jiffy!

Went to Barns & Nobles today and picked up some of the latest Somerset Studio mags....and another Nicholas Sparks book...The Choice

I've read several of his books (I'm not constant reader but like to read at lunch) and I tried to read them in order of release, but don't think I have. I have read the following:
The Notebook
Message in a Bottle
A Walk to Remember
The Rescue
A Bend in the Road
Nights in Rodanthe
The Guardian
Three Weeks with my Brother
True Believer
and Dear John.

If you decide to read any of these, let me know. I know you won't be disappointed. If you've watched any of the movies - the books are just as good. I know I have a few of these, so if you are interested, let me know and I'll see if I have the book and will send it to you - a PIF if you will.

Well, going to go and watch an interesting program...HOARDERS. If you haven't watched it it's on A&E Mondays at 10 (at least in Pgh). If you hate cleaning and think YOUR house is a mess...watch this....you will feel all better!

Until tomorrow friends......(if I find that darn cord!)

My Cyber Friend the Designer!

2010-01-18T08:00:00.003-05:00

I want to put a SHOUT OUT to my cyber friend Vicki Chrisman of This art that makes me happy. Vicki is a designer and artist in the paper crafts/altered art industry and is super talented. She has been my cyber friend for several years now and is so generous with her talent.

I wanted to let you know the awesome news she just released....she has designed 2 AccuCut dies along with Crafty Secrets that will be featured at 2010 Winter CHA coming up next week. She designed a Shadow box die (landscape & portrait) that looks like a vintage photo holder with foldable sides so it can stand. This die will work great with Crafty Secrets new Creative Scraps Altered Fairies pages. This is what her catalog page will look like in the new AccuCut catalog (click on to enlarge).

These are the new Crafty Secrets Creative ScrapsAltered Fairies pages:

Don't you just love them? Crafty Secrets will be selling kits with or without the Creative Scraps Altered Fairy sheets. (There are 2 sheets that come together)

If you are going to CHA, the 2 dies will be at a 25% discount when ordered there. The info is as follows:

3D Shadow Box Portrait Die # VC101SJ $165.00 (25% off at CHA Show)

3D Shadow Box Landscape Die # VC102CD $165.00 (25% off at CHA Show)

Anyone you know have an AccuCut machine? The dies will be available to order on-line from AccuCut in February.

Check out the wonderful creations Vicki has done with this die here on her blog. Also go to the bottom of her post to check out the other Crafty Secrets Design team creations. They really are to die for!

Until tomorrow friends.....

Giveaways!

2010-01-17T18:24:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!

I wanted to let you know that two of my friends are having giveaways on their blogs this weekend. These ladies are uber talented and you'd be missing out if you don't stop by to say hello and play.

First is Joyce at Scrap for Joy. She is having a lovely giveaway here with loads of wonderful things. She is also doing something extra special...for every comment to win the giveaway, she is donating $1 to the Lutheran World Relief for Haiti program. What a wonderful gift. Stop by and wish her a Happy Birthday as well! Joyce will be drawing her giveaway on Wednesday.

Secondly, is Mimi at Dandelion Wishes. She has finished some beautiful Valentine banners to refill her spot at a SweetPeas, a local shop where she sells her creations. She has graciously put one of those banners up for a giveaway. Hurry on over and post a comment on her post here - she is drawing the winner on Monday!

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to stop by to post a comment on these blogs. Hope you are a lucky winner!

Until tomorrow friends.....

Happy 2010!! A New Start....

2010-01-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

Hello friends!

Boy has it been a long time since I've posted! I gave myself an informal break of sorts from posting. I've still been blog hopping, Facebook'ing, and Tweeting as I am sure you can see. I really needed some time to sit back, create some things for holiday swaps and gifts and whatnots. Then over the holidays, my dad had some health issues and I've been absorbed with helping out my parents and Basketball! After some nugging (Kitten), I thought I'd better post soon....

I wanted to change things up a bit - a fresh start if you will. I also want to think of some new goals for 2010 - Hmmm, let's try 10! I will list some here that way my friends can hold me to them....

1. I want to definitely post more....more of my creations and less talk about life.

2. I want to REALLY cut out time to create - each night, or weekend - schedule a time/date.

3. I need to get organized - big time! (I think this should be #2)

4. I want to host a swap this year....during less stressful times (if there is such a thing).

5. I'd really like to take a road trip and meet up with a blog friend or shop.

6. Do monthly/quarterly challenges on my blog for fun or some group type thing.

7. Promote my friends and their activities more.

8. Post better pictures & give my blog new looks occasionally.

9. Have some fun giveaways.

10. Start an art journal. Maybe with swaps and creation pictures or one of each.

There - that's 10! Easy peasy (to write that is! LOL!) Now, I want to make sure you hold me to them! I might even put the list on my side bar....keep me honest! LOL!! Then at the end of the year, I'll see where I'm at. Hopefully more fulfilling for me.

It's raining here today...I guess it's better than snow! Going to get some dinner, then off to organize a little enough for me to finish up some projects, so....

Until tomorrow friends....

Give Thanks....

2009-11-24T19:44:00.000-05:00

As we gather family and friends, enjoying company, food and drink....

give Thanks for the little things.

HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING FRIENDS!

(p.s. I hoped my table would look this good...ha ha!)

Sad week....

2009-11-14T20:28:00.003-05:00

I know I haven't posted in a while and you know how life gets in the way. Now I really don't feel bad for not posting when I'm driving my son to practice or just hanging around in the evening with family....or just worrying when my oldest will be home after work or not staying out too late with friends. Being 18 has been a real tough time for me lately.

Thursday, while taking a quick look at the news before leaving for lunch, I came across a breaking news article....3 Students Killed in Accident at Edinboro. So I opened the article and to my disbelief, it was someone I knew. I gasped and re-read the article-my heart ached.

This was the week my oldest son Mark lost a good friend John as a result of an automobile accident.

Mark was staying at his grandmothers since his uncle was out of town. He had no access to his laptop and wasn't watching the news because he was playing Xbox or sleeping. I had to deliver the heartbreaking news. What was so unfortunate was that John was a passenger. It is still unclear on the events leading to the crash.

They had just graduated high school earlier this year. It's nearing the end of the first semester of college...the start of the next chapter in their lives. I was heartbroken in so many ways. Mark couldn't believe it. He was definitely affected by this. He sent texts to his other friends, nearly all day. So many people were affected by this loss.

John's dad was Mark's Legion baseball coach for over 4 years. John was dedicated to his church and his community. He had so many friends and lit up their lives in so many ways. They set up a Facebook page so they could remember, reflect, and share with the world how John was a wonderful friend to them and how he will be missed.

Tonight at church, there was a special connection between my son and I as we held hands.

So, if you read this post, please pray for peace for John's family and friends. Hug your children, hold their hand in a special way, and always keep on their back to make the right decisions, and don't forget to tell them that you love them.

Rest in peace John.

Blog update...

2009-10-26T23:19:00.006-04:00

I changed some colors and my banner...how do you like it? While taking the nice Thursday off last week to close up the cottage, my oldest son took the van and the camera and took a short ride to the lake. If I do say so, he took some rather nice pictures. (I think he's getting some ideas from me, but we won't tell him that!) So, I picked one of the nicest ones and used it for my blog banner.

Did I mention I LOVE fall? The colors are awesome and wouldn't want to live anywhere else...well maybe if it had fall AND warm weather. Here are some other pics he took of the lake...

ENJOY!

Until tomorrow friends......

Paper Dolls

2009-10-08T10:30:00.001-04:00

I feel in the sharing mood these days. Here are some paper doll pics I also found on-line and wish to share. They would surely make a some great Christmas gifts.

If you get creative, please comment and share your creations by linking to a pic of what you made. I'd love to see them!

Until tomorrow friends....

Swap Signups & Fall Girls...

2009-10-07T21:58:00.008-04:00

These are the two new swaps I've signed up for this week. You should stop over to their sites and give yourself a challenge. The participants are a great bunch and very talented!

This is the most current with my friend Linda at A Swap for all Seasons.

And the other is with my Red Lead Swap Sisters over at Red Lead Paperworks.

If you look at the bottom of my post, you can tell I've been swapping with these ladies for a while. I couldn't be more happier with all the talent these ladies share.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also I'd like to share with you a couple of pictures I found on-line. The colors are just FAB! I used the first to decorate a Poem Journal for my one of my last swap partners.

ENJOY~!

Until tomorrow friends......

More swap tags and some vintage finds....

2009-09-24T14:35:00.009-04:00

This tag was made for the Vintage Swimwear Tag Book Swap hosted by Linda at Swap for all Seasons. This was done in May.

This tag was done for the Sweet Sentiment Tag swap hosted by MaryAnn at Follow Your Bliss.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here are some vintage finds. These great items were found at my favorite antique shops, an occasional trip to an estate sale, or church flea market.....

Well, gotta go and get some dinner.

Until tomorrow friends....

Some things I've been doing....

2009-09-20T20:25:00.011-04:00

I thought I'd be back sooner, but I guess I haven't been up to par lately. Working lots, a little depression (hormones) and kid tug of wars...there wasn't much fun to post. I have forced myself to do some swaps, not as many as last year, just to keep myself going....so now I have to post something or whoever reads my post will think I had dropped off the face of the earth!!

I wanted to change my blog up a bit, but I am still working on how - ya, that's the main point right?!

So I thought I'd start off with some Red Lead swaps I've completed lately...

These ATC's were for the Antique Ancestors Swap in June.

.................................

These were for the Choski Swap in July. These were something other than a paper craft - actually making jewlery (another craft I like now!*wink*)

This was the packaging for the 2 I sent. (one for the hostess)

.........................................

These ATC's were made for the Artful Holiday ATC swap in August... For September it's "Which Red Lead Image are you" swap. I wasn't sure I'd sign up but was able to start the 9 ATCs so I'm gonna put my name on the list. They are due on Sept. 30th. I've completed the Altered Treasure Tin Swap with a little goodie to go along with it. (My first altered tin too!) I also have Sweet & Sinister Tag Swap due on Oct 10th. These will be the next thing I work on. I actually started them by spraying them with Glimmer Mist and have images picked out to use. I just have to schedule some time to finish.

Thanks to the G20 Summit I've decided to take off next week....our office is closing down on Thurs/Fri so I figured why not take the extra 3 days. I've got lots of cleaning to do and crafting too!

Until tomorrow friends.....

I'M BACK!

2009-07-19T19:26:00.015-04:00

I'm back from my blog break, finally feeling a little less stressed from the busy June I had. The busy-ness even carried over into the first weeks of July, so I have a lot to share with you.

So pull up a nice comfy couch, put your feet up, and read on, it's gonna be a long one.....

The last week of May was Memorial weekend. I went on my usual ride to the antique store and saw this along the way.

Beautiful.

The next week was more of this-

BASEBALL-with a losing team-UGH!

and continuing this-SOCCER-a better team...

And then a little fun...KENNYWOOD with the Triplets....

Don't you wish that's all that gas would cost?

Beautiful nostalgia.

Mark and a friend in Lost Kennywood making a big SPLASH!

The family enjoying the day...

Mark and the girls on the mini roller coaster in Kiddie Land.

A few days later....WE HAVE A GRADUATE - Mark!

In front of the house. With proud Mom and Dad. (How did my kids get so tall?)

With little brother Alan (doesn't look so little here!) In front of the "new" high school with a REAL diploma! Do you think he's happy?

Then a week later, we had a doosy of a storm. Look at the cool lightening picture I took from our front porch. I love storms and this one was quite amazing.

Well, I've been editing and composing for more than two hours now, so I think I will save more for tomorrow.

Until tomorrow friends....thanks for stopping by....

I'm just a little....

2009-06-03T21:21:00.006-04:00

BURNED OUT! I think blogging and the Internet got the best of me. (or you might say the less of me) Along with all the swaps I signed up to do, upcoming graduation and preparations, college stuff, sports - baseball and soccer, and life in general....I've added a new job to the mix!

The opportunity became available due to someone retiring after 30 years with the company. I thought that after 10 years at my current job, and filling in on occasion, I thought this would be the only chance I would have to do something different, move up in the company a tad, and maybe add some spark to my life. You know the feeling when you do something too long and you can sit and daydream all day (like dreaming of crafting ALL DAY LONG) and still be able to get your work done cause it comes like second nature to you? Well, that was me.

Although I am excited to do something new, I am a little anxious. I've worked at my current job so long and because I am now considered "old" by some people, I find the move a little more stressful than normal. I think it's the "old" sign. You know, how, when your younger and the world is your oyster, the sky is the limit...blah, blah, blah....well, not anymore!! I know I won't have a problem doing the work, it's just learning new things and being under a new boss (kind of). I also have to deal with the Peri-"M" that I am in physically - I am almost sure of it! You know, not remembering the name of something so simple like apple or um...what was that again...hormonal crying, etc. Ya, that...and my AGE!! *sigh*

So, now I am training for the new job(I counted I have 2 1/2 weeks till the person retires), interviewing for a replacement for me, AND doing my own work. YES, a little stressful!! My June calendar is full! I think there isn't a day on the calendar this month that doesn't have something written in that little square on the wall staring at me!!

I am sooo looking forward to the week of vacation starting the end of the month before I'm on my own in my new job. Great timing and you KNOW what I'll be doing - hittin the bar!! *wink* LOL!!

I promise to be back soon with a catch up of all the things I've been up to. I'll post the swaps I've been working on, the vintage goodies I've found over the month(or so), and some life pictures. I've been downloading like a fiend, so all the pictures will be ready to post (which seems to be a big time eater for me.)

I hope you will still come back to visit.

Until tomorrow (or a couple weeks) friends....

Winnings!

2009-04-27T09:05:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone! I have been neglecting my cyber friends for almost 2 weeks now and I'm sorry. I know you so want to know what's been up in my life...your really hanging on, waiting with such anticipation - right? Probably not!! The next few posts will bring you up to speed...I hope!

I've got to get these posts in before my weekend getaway crop with some Pittsburgh ladies - some I met online, some I've cropped with at the closed LSS, and one is a chef/owner of a Bistro I eat at a couple times a week. I am so looking forward to NO MEN this weekend, although when I am on one of these "vacations", there always seems to be some kind of crisis (drama) at home. Maybe my cell phone will be "out of range" and I just won't answer it....hmmmm. (*wink*)

Ok, onto some goodies....a week or so ago I entered some giveaways. The first was with my cyber friend Vicki. She was giving away some great Crafty Secrets stuff! I won the "Girlfriends" themed card stock sheets!!! These Crafty Secrets sheets are so WOW!! Vicki does some wonderful stuff with these sheets. You will definitely need to peruse her blog for some great ideas! Thanks Vicki for a great giveaway as always!!

Next, I won an Itty Bitty Wishes book from my new swap hostess Mary Ann at Follow your Bliss. These books are not part of the swap I am in with her. Mary Ann seems to be a seasoned book assembler if you look at some of her swap posts. I found Mary Ann on the swap site SwapDex. (This is a great site if you want to get into doing a swap or are a swap-a-holic like I think I'm becoming!)I joined her for the Sweet Sentiment Tag Book swap here. This group looks like a lot of fun too! What was funny is that some of the other gals who joined, I have done swaps with - both hostesses and swappers are in on this same swap, so I know it will be great! I can't wait to get my itty bitty book in the mail this week! Thanks Mary Ann!!

Well, I gotta get back to work! I hope this day is as sunny for you as it is for me today in Pittsburgh - almost 90 today and sunny and HOT (at 9:00 it's already 70)!! Summer is just around the corner - FINALLY!!!

Until tomorrow friends....

HAPPY EASTER!

2009-04-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

Topping off a week...

2009-04-11T22:24:00.002-04:00

Finally, tomorrow is the beginning of a new week. This week was a trying one-to say the least!

On Wednesday, Alan fell at gym class on his back and head. I was at work and the call came in...."...and we called an ambulance because the gym teacher saw the whole thing and we think he needs checked out." As I came to the realization that an AMBULANCE was called...it must have been serious.

In the split second, work had disappeared from my head and all I could think of was what poor Natasha Richardson went through just a while ago. Can't be true. It could be possible that Alan hit hard enough to cause the same damage? "I want him sent to the hospital so he can be seen. I'll meet them there."

Coming from across town, I beat the ambulance there...and I was quite calm. The ER nurse came up to me to brace me for what he would look like when they brought him in....back board, neck collar, strapped in with his head immobile....doesn't this woman know that just about everyone watches Grey's Anatomy or ER??? I was fine. He came in and his poor little face was in shock...he didn't know what was going to happen.

Then after an assessment we waited for an hour for him to be CT'd and X-rayed. He was in pain, but it was getting better. I figured that the next day would be a killer!

So after about another half hour, the results came in....nothing was wrong. All the scans were normal. WHEW! Such a relief.

By the time we left, Alan wasn't in any pain...the only pain was hunger! He was more concerned about what we were eating and if he'd have this day marked off as a day absent from school.

Things were back to normal. Thursday he went back to school and went to a local theater for the day as part of the stage crew. By the time I picked him up at 8:00, he had a headache. GEESE, not now. Again I thought he might have developed a bleed! Spazz mom got him home and called the dr. The triage on-call said get him back to the ER to be seen. Man. So off we went. After another hour and a half and vitals taken, the doc reviewed the CT and nothing. He had a concussion. Why didn't the ER doc the day before tell me that? All they were worried about was if I had any throw rugs and I had to watch he didn't fall again!! After explaining about what concussions are, we were able to leave. I guess that a second opinion on the original CT scan was worth the $28 ER fee.

After a couple of Tylenol, all is well.

Alan came to work with me today at the choo choo. He had a great time and so did I. Able to spend the day with my son....thankful that this week wasn't any more serious.

It's a sad day in Pittsburgh today....

2009-04-04T21:26:00.002-04:00

Three Pittsburgh Police Officers lost their lives today on a call for a domestic dispute with no weapons. Upon arriving, the officers were shot at the door, dying senselessly and immediately. Two officers had small children, two were only on the force for only 2 years and the last officer was on his way home and decided to stop to give backup.

Although I didn't know these brave officers, they were unconditionally protecting our community and lost their lives....their families will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Red Lead Spring Tag Book Swap

2009-03-28T13:44:00.000-04:00

Yes, another swap! I love 'em, especially with such cool Red Lead images and totally talented ladies! This swap is a book swap. The number of people signing up for the swap is how many tags we had to make. One month to make 44 tags!! 44 yes you read it correct! This book is gonna be HUGE!! I've never done a tag swap, nor a book swap so this was sooo much fun. I can't wait to get my completed book back. Pictures of past books looked soo cool, I thought why not.

We had to use a Red Lead image in the tag either stamped or from a collage sheet-other than that- whatever goes! So here is mine....

I used a regular size tag. I dyed them using Tim Holtz Alcohol ink - this was a real challenge! The image is a Red Lead domonio size stamp. I had a "Happy Spring" stamp from A Muse Stamps, tree stamp from Rubber Stampede, and the "art" saying from Paper Makeup Stamps. I punched a scallop oval from patterned paper. I hand made my flower out of crepe paper using a flower punch and adding ribbon to the back and a button for the middle. I cut vintage sheet music for the bottom trim and vintage trim for top. I inked everything up with some brown chalk ink.

I hope everyone likes it. I guess I tend to be a more conservative crafter, but I can now say I have hand-dyed tags - a first! Maybe next time I will add more "artsy" flavor. We'll see!

Until tomorrow friends....

A Swap for All Seasons packages

2009-03-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

I love this swap and our swap hostess Linda S. It's always a good talented bunch of women who sign up to do this swap.

As you can see, I've done several swaps through Linda at A Swap for All Seasons - never a dull swap in the least bit.

This swap was Vintage Spring Swap. We were to send our swap partner some vintage spring sweetness to ward off the doldrums of winter and put some sun in our partner's day.

My partner was Melissa B. of Burford Designs and this was the package I received from her.

She includes a jello mold, cookie cutters, little bunnies that hold eggs, a chocolate bunny, mini eggs filled with beads and mini foam stickers, a spring dish towel, suncatcher, and a note pad.

I made Melissa a spring wall hanging

and her box also included these goodies...2 hanging eggs, a vintage post card, vintage hand made apron, old bunny metal cookie cutter, candle, little bunny candle holders, mini flower in a pot, Sarris candies-our local candy maker (yum!), spring scrapbook embelishments, ribbon, and a baggie (not shown) of bingo cards, bingo chips, buttons, etc.

I hope you like your big box of Spring goodies Melissa!!

If you ever wanted to join a swap, this is a good one for sure!

Until tomorrow friends...

Don't want any more of this...

2009-03-26T13:00:00.000-04:00

snow or freezing cold weather!! Spring better get here with more warmer weather soon!

I thought I'd better show ya'll these pictures of the lake near our summer cottage. These pictures were taken in late February while on my winter run to "check out" the cottage and a quick trip to the antique stores near there (good excuse, huh?*wink*). So hopefully no more of this kinda weather for a while. I couldn't believe how many birds were just hanging out on the frozen lake. I love this time of year because it is so quiet and peaceful.

Until tomorrow friends...

Catching up

2009-03-25T22:48:00.005-04:00

I need to catch ya'll up on what I've been up to lately, other than hospital visits and the choo choo train! I have been crafting, doing taxes, being a personal financier, chaufeur, and believe it or not, I'm still reading my latest book!

So here are some cards I made using some scraps and stamps....

This is a 3x3 gift card. I used a Red Lead domino size stamp and some scraps for this mini card.

This is a card I made for my brother-in-laws birthday in February. I used images from one of the image swaps I was in, water colored it, and again used some scraps I had along with a tag I had laying around.

On a non-crafting note...here is a picture of our furry squirrel who has his home in our neighbors attic. When I leave in the mornings, I can look out the octagon window at the end of our upstairs hallway and there he is. I think this day was blustery cold and you can see him sitting there...with his fur blowing in the wind...he is sooo cute. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow friends....

Friday the 13th...

2009-03-23T10:25:00.002-04:00

came a day late for me this year! I am still feeling the reminants a little over a week later too.

It all started when son#1 came down with the "Spring sinus bug" and went right to bed as soon as he came home from school on Friday the 13th. I had to work Job #2 filling in for another person hit with the "bug", thus feeling a little guilty about not being home. After work, I made a trip to my parents to go over some paperwork that I knew I needed to start over the weekend. Then came home and went to bed around 1 a.m.

5:00 A.M. Saturday morning....husband woke me up - he was having sever abdominal pain.....off to the ER we go! Mind you that son #1 is still sick in bed...son #2 has to be taken to school for soccer referee class, and I have to be at job #2 at 10 a.m. (Have I mentioned that I am NOT a morning person???!!) Thus the day begins!

The day went on like this: 6 a.m. in the ER - husband getting tests

8 a.m. recruited sick son #1 to take son #2 to school and drop him off for class

9 a.m. still in the ER - no results on any tests - a medical mystery...they can't find out what is wrong with husband. So played tag with brother-in-law to bed sit husband until I could get someone to cover job #2.

10 a.m. At job #2, trying to get someone to cover....talked to sick son #1 to call off work for the day - he's still in bed and is required to call others to fill in for him- what's with that??

11 a.m. got into verbal "disagreement" with son #1's boss about having him find a fill-in while he can't even talk on the phone.

1 p.m. finally got off job #2 and went back to hospital. Husband still in ER.

2 p.m. husband finally got a room - husband still on pain meds so they decide to keep him.

4 p.m. had my dad pick up son#2 from referee class at school - I'm still at the hospital.

6 p.m. after husband settled went home to eat and feed children and give a little extra special 'lovin' to son #1 who is sooo sick. Chilled the rest of the evening.

Still no diagnosis for husband.

So, on Tuesday, husband returned home, no diagnosis, and then I got the "Spring Sinus Bug! UGH!! Off work for two days - in bed both days - and am finally getting my "head" back and things in the house are returning to normal....for the most part.

Finished packing up my Vintage Spring Swap box and mailed that sucker out on Friday (box turned out to be bigger than I anticipated - yeah for Melissa!)- sneak peek to follow shortly.

Finished my 44 Red Lead tags for the swap and am mailing them out today! I'll post pics of these later as well.

So glad my week is starting out with some Sunshine....hope yours is too!

Until tomorrow friends....

Redecorating

2009-03-10T23:09:00.004-04:00

This is soo funny, I just had to share this "mom" moment with you all.

I am always after child #1 Mark to clean his room, pick up the clothes he has dropped all through the house, etc., etc. Always with an argument....and I always think to myself what will it be like when he moves out on his own....YUK! I don't want to think of it!! The funny part of child #1 is that when he was a toddler, he couldn't have a speck of food on his fingers or he would sit there with his fingers spread wide, waiting for mom to wipe them before going on! Boy, we have truely grown out of that phase totally!

Now onto child #2 - Alan. He is NOT a drama child by no means. He just chills and listens to me hammer his brother....he just sits back and takes notes!! When he was a toddler, he was the one with spaghetti in his hair - all over and lovin it!

So, the other day I was after him to clean his room. Take out the clothes he's outgrown, clean up food wrappers (not my favorite, but I'm tired of fighting...they have to live with the bugs - right??) and whatever else needed done.

So I see him heading up the stairs with some Swiffers and cleaning supplies so I ask him what he's doing...."I'm redecorating my room."

Me: "Redecorating?"

Alan: "I'm going to move my furniture and clean up."

Me: "Are you feeling sick or something wrong?"

Alan: "No, why?"

Me: "Just wondering. You sure?"

Alan: "I need to learn how to clean because I will be going to college soon and moving out and I will have to keep everything clean."

(now he's only in 8th grade!)

Then THUD! I fell off my chair! I had to check my pulse too! Yep, still alive!

Whoa! 50% effective rate...I actually got through to one of them! I just had to sit there and take it all in....then I decided I had to have documentation....

Now I didn't get a pic of him actually holding a cleaning tool, but got a pic of him none-the-less!

SO PROUD!! (both he and I, but for different reasons)

Until tomorrow friends....

Red Lead Domino Swap

2009-03-09T23:13:00.006-04:00

A few posts back I showed you what I submitted for the Red Lead Domino Swap back in January. I used a domino (of course!) and a Red Lead stamp image. It was a 3 for 3 swap so it's not overwhelming at all and you have a good month to do them. I really love this group of way talented ladies!

So here are the dominoes I received...

As you can see by the lovely wrapping these ladies are talented. Also, I had to show (booo!!) the CLEVELAND BROWNS playing card the sweet hostess Debbie sent along with my goodies. She is a Brownie fan and wanted to "nudge" me a little! No comparison to Steeler Country though!! (I'm gonna have to come up with something to send her...hmmmm!) I received dominoes from Linda S., Allison and Debbie (Kitten) along with a goodie package supplied in part by Chris/Sharon of Red Lead Paperworks.

I am so glad I found this group and love their swaps. If you'd like to join in the fun, go to their storefront and request to join!

I have been a little MIA lately. I've been spending time getting the Scrappy Chicks Bingo in order for March, blog hopping, and Facebooking!

I've been also trying to get an idea for the next swap with the Red Lead Swap Sisters for our Spring Tag Swap. This one is a little more nerve-racking. We need to do 44 tags! Yes, you saw correctly - 44!! When we send them in, Debbie will sort and make a book of tags for everyone. I have to have them done by next week so I can get them to her by the end of the month. UGH!! But in the end I know I will have a book of cool tags from such a great group!

It's getting late and I've got to catch up on that hour of sleep I lost this weekend.....spring better come quick!

Until tomorrow friends....

Book #2 finished

2009-03-05T20:15:00.003-05:00

Albiet it took me 2 months to read it, I can add another book to my list! Should I set a goal of how many books I need to read? I fear if I do, I won't even come close.

I met the LSS girls (I guess I've named our group?)this week for lunch. I brought back some mini glass bottles for Joyce and had to get them to her. Michele and Mimi joined us and Bethany stopped by too. I got some real nice gifts from them for my birthday - Michelle gave me my gift back in August(she was just a little early)- a mini decorated jewelry box, Joyce gave me a whole bag of crafting goodies, and Mimi made me a charm book mark and gave me a cute kleenex cozie her mom makes! I will post pics soon. (I'm so horrible on taking pictures)

Joyce also passed along a book she recommended I read. Keeping Faith: A Novel by Jodi Picoult

I sure hope it doesn't take me two months to read it!

Well, gotta get working on my 44 tags for the Red Lead Tag swap I'm in...due by the end of the month....UGH!!

Until tomorrow friends....

Look, It's almost March!

2009-02-24T22:39:00.002-05:00

WOW! How time just blasts by! Yes, I'm still here...didn't move or give up on my crafts (at least not yet!)

Here are some of the things that I have been doing the last 3 weeks...

Lunch with the LSS Girls

Reading - emails, books, internet

Creating - cards, tags, altered items, space for my stuff

My Birthday - end of story

Valentines

Bingo at the Scrappy Chicks Valentine Crop

TAXES! All of them including DS who doesn't have a clue yet! (yippee a refund to pay for all my craft stuff! shhhh, don't tell my DH!!)

College paperwork - YUK!!

Estate sales/flea markets

Broke down and created a Facebook acct - yeah, another thing to read and keep up with!

Picture taking - it always seem to take so long to get them darn things out of the camera!

Trying to figure out how to change my blog template without deleting everything! (UGH)

TV watching and just vegging for a bit...could I be Web-burned out???

Hope everyone has had a LOVEY few weeks....I'll be back to post more of my creations real soon.

Until tomorrow friends...

Steelers Make History, Win Super Bowl XLIII

2009-02-01T23:22:00.006-05:00

WOW!! WHAT A GAME!!! WE DID IT AGAIN!!!

THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS 6 TIME SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!!

HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!!

STEELER NATION - SECOND TO NONE!!

Until tomorrow friends.......WHAHOOOO!!!!

Red Lead Groupie!

2009-01-28T21:59:00.006-05:00

Post #3 in one night....I must be snowed in!! LOL!!

This will be a short post I promise! I wanted to tell you about a great group that I joined up with recently. The Red Lead Paperworks.This is their storefront. Here is their blog. And here is the Yahoo group. As one of my "New Year Adventures", trying new things is it! This is a great group of people and they do all kinds of altered art. Altered Art - my new adventure.

After lurking the site for a while and finally ordering some of their cool stamps, I took a dive into a couple of their swaps.

First is a Domino Swap. This was due last week. Here we had to alter a domino (3 for 3 swap) and use one of the Red Lead images (stamps or collage sheet). Here is my submission:

This is a magnet. I used a domino (of course!), a Red Lead Pixie Stamp, vintage sheet music, a heart button, a couple beads, decopage and ink. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also joined in on the Charm Swap due at the end of February. Again, a new adventure. I did some research and came up with a cool idea using Shrinky Dink paper. I already had some tools I bought after my Wacky Woman class at Stamp Fanci, and my sister left some of her beads here from our holiday crafting - I was in! This is what I'm gonna send in...

For this, I used a red image of the Red Lead Pixie stamp on Shrinky Dink paper. Baked and sealed. Then I used a gold safety pin & beads.

I had beads all over and had hand cramps, but I did it!! I finished and they didn't look too bad. What do you think??

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've been busy trying to finish up some of my SU club cards kits that my Demo sends me - I was way behind on that. I have to get cracking on some Valentine stuff and get busy using my new Bind-it-All. I have some cool ideas for this!

Until tomorrow friends.....

GO STEELERS!!!

Swaps, swaps and more swaps!

2009-01-28T20:38:00.006-05:00

First off, I'd like to tell you that I was emailed back in December by Jenna Z over at SwapDex to be interviewed on my take on swaps. I was taken back - who me? You want to interview little o'le me? I was thrilled. This is a site that list all kinds of swaps - apron swaps, card swaps, holiday swaps - you got a swap, it could be listed here. This is where I found a couple of swaps that I finally signed up for. I love this site! Here is my interview with Jenna. Thanks Jenna, this was fun!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, for the A Swap for all Seasons Winter Whimsey Swap. I've done several swaps here. Linda hosts the best swap and my swap partner was Susie Alles - what a great swapper! Susie doesn't have a blog, so she was a challenge for me. Actually, when I was opening my box, my husband sat there and said, "She really didn't follow the rules, did she?" WOW, was all I could say. We were supposed to put a little something "extra" in with our mittens....Susie went to the extreme. Here is the wonderfull box of goodies she sent me Look at all that stuff! I love my very warm mittens! I have hung my ornament and cozied my sunglasses. Wonderful stuff! Thanks so much Susie!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was the Very Vintage Valentine Swap that I was in over at Foxgloves, Fabric & Folly hosted by Heidi. This is my second time swapping here. My swap partner was Joyce Greenfield. Joyce was also an awesome swapper. Joyce doesn't have a blog either - another challenge! Here is the box of goodies she sent me.I love the handmade table topper and the kleenex cozie for my purse. The food has been eaten - sweets my downfall! I love everything she sent as well. Another great swapper!!

This is what I sent Joyce. I hope she liked it. I found a small vintage ironstone plate that I hope she didn't already have. I put in some hearts, candles, vintage rick rack and bingo chips. I also included a snowman ornament and some chocolate goodies.

Thanks for being a wonderful swapper Joyce!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Whew, I seem to be on a roll here tonight. I guess the snow, freezing rain, snow, ice, keeping me in today really made me bored! I do have one more post tonight....

Stay tuned....

Lemons into Lemonade...

2009-01-28T20:10:00.003-05:00

....that's what it's all about - right? Well, my blog friend Kudzu over at Bits and Pieces passed along the Lemonade Award to me. This award goes to bloggers who have a great attitude and have a bunch of graditute. I am so honored!

Stop by her site. She is such a great blogger and comes up with some cool projects! Thanks Kudzu for the award!!

I am not going to try to pick 10 bloggers - it's just too hard. I love everyone and their art. So considered this award passed on to you if you read. So pass this award on to someone you feel deserves this as well.

Go Steelers!!!

SUPER BOWL BOUND!!!!

2009-01-18T23:24:00.007-05:00

2008 AFC CHAMPIONS!!! SUPER BOWL BOUND BABY!!! STEELERS GO FOR 6 RINGS!!!

What a super game! Typical Steeler domination! I lost my voice during the game (normal of course), but kept on yelling!! Steeler Nation is on FIRE!!! Hope you can join in on the excitement!

GO STEELERS!!!

Another Adventure

2009-01-16T22:59:00.007-05:00

Ok, so here it is, another "adventure". Over at A Swap for all Seasons I joined in the Winter Whimsy Mitten Swap. The requirements - MAKE or buy a pair of mittens and embellish....then mail them to your partner with a couple of goodies. Easy enough, right? Make mittens - easy peasy! I really wanted to put forth effort and not "cheat" by buying a pair of mittens and sew something on them - that was just too easy. I like a challenge!!!

Given suggestions on how to make mittens - no knitting involved here (thank goodness!) - I should be able to do this - no problem. All I had to do is go to Goodwill or the like, grab an old sweater (wool preferably) shrink, cut, sew, and embellish.....no biggie!

So the hunt was on....I picked up an old man sweater at the Goodwill. The only one there that day - literally! (You have to keep in mind that it has to be a large man's sweater because it will shrink - big time! I know you remember shrinking something that was your husbands that now could fit a small child - ya, your out there I know I'm not the only one!)

Ok, got the sweater - check! In between the holidays and everything, I had a chance to go to an estate sale. In a closet in one of the rooms was a beautiful woman's needlepointed sweater. For a dollar, I couldn't pass it up! It wasn't wool, nor did it shrink the way I'd like, but I thought I'd try it anyway. Great, now I have two sweaters - BINGO, my swap partner will get a bonus! Now I had to shrink the wool sweater. Let me tell you...after washing and drying that sweater 8 times - yes 8, there was enough lint in the washer AND dryer to make another sweater! (Now, if I only knew how to spin the wool back into thread - that would be another bonus!)

Made my pattern, by hand (pun intended! LOL!!)....I have a big hand so I know it will fit my partner. The layout and cutting began. I cut the first pair of mittens from the sleeve of the woman's sweater to capture the great design. Then, I cut the other sweater.

Next came sewing. Pulled the ol' sewing machine out that had collected dust-lots of dust. Well I tried to sew the first pair of mittens. Unfortunately, the knit of that sweater was too loose and my machine wasn't cooperating! I made it, but it wasn't pretty. I sewed some buttons on for an asthetic feel. I tried these puppies on and like I mentioned to my partner in the note I wrapped with these mittens....."you can stick them on your hands to go and get the mail, or decorate the snowwoman in the yard" - trust me they were pretty funny looking (check out the "thumb nub"!)- not a real true mitten! (and by this time, I had to re-think the "cheating" option)...

see what I mean??

Now for pair #2. I had practice, so these should be a whiz! The fabric was easier to work with and my sewing machine was getting warmed up! On a roll.....whahoo! These guys were done lickey split! So I put them on and just as I figured, one had a hole and my finger poked through! UGH!!! I can't believe it!!! Well, I resewed it and it was back to business.

I am glad I picked up this color of a sweater because it will go with any type of coat. I cut these from the bottom part of the sweater so that the ribbing could serve as the cuff of the mittens. Got them sewed on the machine, and added some simple buttons. I didn't want them to be too goaudy looking. Here they are... So, what do you think? I know I shouldn't give up my day job (LOL!!), but pair #2 turned out ok.

This was a true adventure and another New Year goal accomplished. Stay tuned for more cool stuff.....

Until tomorrow friends....

Is anyone out there???

GO STEELERS!!!

Bloggers' Block?

2009-01-12T22:57:00.008-05:00

Do you ever have bloggers' block? Want to post but have so much going on you can't think of something worth while to write?

I've just completed one of my New Year goals - read more(ha ha)! I guess I'm off to a good start. (Ok, this was a mini book- 127 pages-but I DID read it!) I got the name of this book from a blog I read daily Notes from the Trenches . If you've never read this blog, it is a MUST! Chris Jordan is an exceptional writer and adds a giggle to my day-always! So on her blog, she mentioned this book:

No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog by Margaret Mason (Author)

It looked like a good read. I got it out of the library and finished it within the week. It had a lot of ideas, but was a little short on each idea, so I'm glad I didn't buy it. It wasn't the funniest either. So I'd give it a so-so rating.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I also found a book I bought last year or so by Nicholas Sparks (my favorite author-I've read almost all his books) titled "Dear John". All I have to say, I'm NOT a true novel reader (or book reader at that-I'm a more visual person), but if you pick up any of Sparks novels, you won't be disappointed! I have 3 of his books left to read and I can't wait to finish. I have to watch when I decide to read because most times it relaxes me so much I fall asleep!! It has nothing to do with the book either. Does this happen to you?

I'd like to know if you are reading anything now - leave me a comment. Maybe we can start a pass-it-on book club...what do ya think?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On another note, I finished my dominoes for the January Domino Swap over at Red Lead Paperworks Yahoo group. I also made a couple extras for some gifts, so maybe I'll just post a sneek peek.

I will also have to post a sneek peek of the Mitten Swap that I'll be mailin' out on Thursday, and my Very Vintage Valentine Swap box that I will be mailing next week.

I've been one busy girl!!

Hope to see who's reading books, and those reading my blog! (wink, wink!) Time to open the book 'cause it's getting late and time for bed.....

Until tomorrow friends.....

(GO STEELERS!!!WHAHOO!!!)

New Year - New Adventures

2009-01-08T23:25:00.003-05:00

I want to wish everyone who reads me a Happy & Healthy New Year. (ya, I know I'm a little late, but I always have a good excuse!)

I've spent the last week blog hopping, reading, and reading, and reading since the start of 2009, and I find that everyone has their own take on the new year. Some have the usual resolutions, others set personal or family goals, and some do nothing and just trek on giving no mind to the change. Others face enormous challenges, others create their challenges. Some pledge to "change things up a bit" in their blogs or creative style, others not so much. There are so many takes on the new year.

During this time, I've been pondering on what "I" will resolute or change for the new year (mostly because I've been sick and have no energy to do much of anything else - and my house shows it too!) I've also kinda cheated a little, starting a little early on the new year - this is because I had 12 days off from my full-time job and had lots of time to think, and think, and eat, and think, and stay up real late, and think. So here is what I've come up with: (I don't think this is purposely in any type of order)

- Read more books (I've already started and will try to list them somewhere here and if it's a thumbs up or down. Don't hold your breath though, I'm a slow reader!)

- Post more on my blog. (duh)

- Try new creative mediums...I've broken away from the "scrapbook/card" thing (only a smidgen) and am trying a couple of new swaps with the Red Lead ladies and doing a domino and charm swap. I can't wait to share.

- ORGANIZE MY CRAFT SPACE(s)! (maybe I should have listed this as #1) Anyone reading who would like to help, just give a shout out here!

- Keep my house cleaner. (have I told you how I H-A-T-E to clean? I'd rather cut an acre of grass by hand first - seriously!!)

- Work on some house projects...too many to list here! LOL!

- Start selling on Etsy - soon!

- Get away from the TV (and the kitchen)!

- Get on the treadmill or walk with hubby.

- Try to change my attitude at times.

- Search for a new "friend" who lives close to share craft interests and "hang" together. I so miss the LSS and all my buddies...the web just isn't the same (sorry). (I'm really not that pathetic - the boys just don't cut it at home!)

I think I've listed just about everything here that I've been thinking about the last week or so that might change up the new year a bit for me.

Give some thought to your new year "list", share here by commenting or linking up - I'd love to see what you'll be up to!

Until tomorrow friends....

Finishing up December - really!

2009-01-07T07:00:00.010-05:00

I'm back! Finished reading the catch-up post? If not, you'll need to read it first, trust me you'll enjoy the laugh! (and if you are wondering, the tree is down, the reindeer are put away, but we still have a few remenants of Christmas hanging around - I guess I better get to work or they might still be hanging there next year!)

I wanted to share the snowman I finally finished for a dear friend at work. My sister finished 5, I finished one! (geese-go figure!!)

(Thank you Linda Albrecht for the wonderful idea!)

Now onto the fun gift I made for my boss. You have to know that there is an actual "Grinch" club where I work, which makes the holidays a bit of fun. I was searching for a "Grinch" picture and found one where he was actually hanging on to his trusty dog (do you remember in the movie?). Then the brain cells started to work. I made him a gift card holder. I covered a thred spool for the base and found a scrap of a dial laying around for the pole. I glued that inside and printed the pic of the Grinch and attached. I used an office clip to hold the gift card. I used pipe cleaner for the bling. He loved it! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wanted to also show you the wonderful Christmas cards that my friends sent me this year that are so worth me showing off! These girls are so talented and I want to thank them for the warm Holiday wishes.

This one is from Michelle M.

and from Mimi

and Lori

and Jill (my SU Demo)

and Chele (the card was tied so pretty that I was afraid that if I untied it I wouldn't get it back the same way - what a whimp I know!)

and the one I made (or should I say one of the 50+ I made!). I think this was the only impressive part of my Christmas preparations....everything else fell apart!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ All in all, the holidays could have been worse-right?. I DID have 12 days off work (#1 job)and accomplished nothing I had set on doing - like clean my scrap area(s)! My husband was sick, then generously gave it to me. And the house is a wreck again! (not surprised here!)

Now onto a new year...2009! An extremely BUSY year!! Can I go back, please?? This year is Confirmation, Prom, Graduation, Graduation Party, Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Birthdays, Holidays, Vacations, school pictures (done), financial aid/college applications, (snap!) COLLEGE - How did this creep up on me so fast? EEE-Gaads..HELP!! I'd better get my day planner up to snuff real soon or disaster!

Well, it's late (I typed this ahead) and I'm coughing my head off...hopefully I will get to bed soon and stay asleep. Not to lucky the last couple of nights though.

Until tomorrow friends.....

Catching up on December...

2009-01-06T22:05:00.017-05:00

and boy how the time flew! Working, baking (or at least trying), swapping, buying, wrapping, decorating (not too much) and gift making - and not necessarily in that order. Was so I tired by the time the New Year rang in!

The holidays seemed to go so fast! I guess I wanted to accomplish too much, but didn't have the time. It was more of a laid back year with the boys too. Markie worked alot, and me and my extra job, time was not on my side. This year the "men" were responsible for putting up the decorations - I know, YIKES!!! (but there was a reason for my madness!) Let me highlight for you....

My husband drug the reindeer out from the attic and put them in the yard and they sat there for about a week before I mentioned it would be nice to plug them in BEFORE Christmas! Then, one night I pulled into the driveway after work, I chuckled. I admired the reindeer that were standing in my front yard, all lit up, except one deer had no butt, and the other had no ear. (are you getting the picture here??)

The Christmas decorations were also hauled out of the attic and sat in boxes in my living room for over a week. Then the tree went up. It had no decorations on it until a week before Christmas. My husband brought home an ornament someone made him from work....this was the only ornament on the tree - a big silver ball with "Mark" written on it! (are you still chuckling, or am I feeling some pity coming my way?)

Beautiful or what?? This was not a typical year for decorating by no means. I guess I won't procrastinate next year and will start putting up the decorations the day after Thanksgiving!!

Now, let's see where I left off....hmmmm, oh ya, I neglected to post the wonderful swaps I received from the swaps I participated in during the holidays.

Here is the package I received from Donna at Under the Raven's Moon. We were partnered in the Snowflakes & Sparkles Christmas Swap hosted by Holly. Donna was definitely a great partner! The wonderful packaging...

A beautiful angel that I hung in my living room doorway, a number of cool handmade items and my favorite - a basket of chocolate!

This was the only postal tragedy...

Thanks Donna!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I also participated in the Very Vintage Christmas Swap hosted by Holly's mom, Heidi at Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly. I was partnered with Kris at At Home at Lake Mac. What a wonderful partner! Here is the cool box of stuff she sent

I love the ornaments she made - they were way cool! I love the vintage apron - it actually fit around my big butt!! I wore it one day I was baking before work - LOVE IT!! Chocolate - always a goodie! And the tea - I love it- sooo yummy! I'm hooked! And she sent me a cool vintage Christmas book with ideas on a little bit of everything. I love the vintage ribbon and ornaments! The postal tragedy...one bulb didn't make the trip...

Thanks Kris!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am also in another swap - Winter Whimsy Mitten Swap over at A Swap for All Seasons. This is such a cool bunch of participants! This swap is all about mittens.(no duh!) So the host decided to have anyone interested to sign up to make a mitten ornament. How cool - and yep, I signed up! She picked partners, and Chris was mine! Sweet!! She's over at Red Lead PaperWorks. I was so surprised when my package arrived. How cool is this?

I didn't want to open it. She used a vintage envelope and added her own special touch. At first I was like "did she try to mail it in this?" then I came back to the land of the living and was like "duh -idiot!!" I am so learning....

Here is another view...

Here is what was wrapped so tight inside... Then I realized I could open it....(another duh moment!) Whalla...she used a match box and did a shadow box like display inside...WAY COOL!!

You are probably falling asleep by now....so I will continue this post tomorrow...don't go away, I have some cool things to show!

Until tomorrow friends!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T12:23:00.003-05:00

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas, and remember,

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Many Blessings...

What I have been doing lately?

2008-12-04T22:13:00.011-05:00

Wow, how time flies! Thanksgiving is over and I haven't posted for a while. I took on a second job, although not too many hours, it's keeping me a little busy on the weekends.

So you want to know what I've been up to, huh??

Me and my only sis Jan got together a couple of Fridays to make some cool Christmas crafts to give away as gifts. I found these cool ideas from Linda Albrecht. She was so kind to give me some info on how she made these lovely projects. My sister started making these cool jar snowpeople. As you can see, we made a mess of the dining room table. (My crafting space in the basement was a disaster and definitely no place to create!) I started making a couple pieces, but didn't finish any. Jan just whipped these up in just two Friday evenings!

And the other thing - SWAPS!! I joined three swaps and two were due out on the same week. The Snowflake and Sparkle Swap and the Very Vintage Christmas Swap were both due out right after Thanksgiving. I also joined in the The Winter Whimsy Mitten Swap - which isn't due till January. Oh, and I forgot as a side "swap" to the mitten swap, we were able to sign up for a mitten ornament swap, which was easy and was due this week.

This is what I made for the Snowflake and Sparkle Swap for Donna (again an idea from Linda Albrecht)...

...and this was the box of goodies I sent to her...

This is what I made for the Very Vintage Christmas Swap (I've been making these for years, so I had all the supplies on hand)...

......and this is what I sent my partner Kris....

And last, but not least, the Mini Mitten Ornament swap. Here is what I made for my partner Marie....

Whew, I've been one busy person!!! Now I need to work on my Christmas cards. I've narrowed down my design and it looks like I'll be missing a lot of lunches at work to get them done....wish me luck!

*******************************************************

And catching more up to date, I took off work on Monday in order to watch the triplets. Mommy had to work and Daddy had to try his hand at getting some "Bambi Burgers"! (hunting deer - in case you didn't catch that!). So I took the girls overnight and was COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED because they didn't sleep at all. I had to run some errands and off to the mall to ride the train. (oh, ya, this is my part time job - train conductor-no kidding!!LOL!!)

They rode the train and even saw Santa! What a bonus! No Santa pictures though....Aunt Bev was a little too broke for the prices they wanted for a picture - geese Santa sure is expensive!! But at least they got a bag of animal crackers, which by the time Brook stepped off the red plush carpet, she managed to open the bag the wrong way and spilled crackers onto the floor - nice!! There were no melt-downs and they were so behaved, it made up for not sleeping the night before (no, not really - by the end of the day I had a migraine!!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I will stop typing now....my fingers are getting tired and my eyes are slowly closing. I feel like I've been on a blog marathon the last two days!!

I will post some ephemera soon, so be on the lookout. I found these cute Christmas post cards and greeting cards I want to share with you, so....

Until tomorrow friends.....

I Survived Thanksgiving 2008!

2008-12-03T23:21:00.005-05:00

I'm sure you are wondering why I used the title I did to post about my Thanksgiving day, well, you asked, so here goes.....

As a Thanksgiving tradition, the night before I call Mom and talk Turkey! The conversation always includes....Are you sure you don't have to get up at 5 a.m. to put that bird in? "Mom", I say, "it's not 1950!! We have Turkey Bags! My turkey will be done in about 4 hours!" (You also have to know that I am not a morning person, AND, I have been having Thanksgiving for about 4 years now!)

Turkey bags....a great invention to eliminate all that basting, and messy turkey juice, etc. from getting burnt to the pan. Well, not this Thanksgiving!!! Here is that little bugger....all nestled in the bag, safely in the oven.

Here I have the table all ready for the 11 people I will be serving today. If you look real hard to the back of the picture, you will see the "kiddie table" - a fixture in most homes for this holiday!

And here is hubby, smellin' that bird cooking and reading the paper - waiting, patiently, licking his choppers to dig in to a Thanksgiving feast....little did he know.....

...that the rest of the day would turn out like this....

First, when my sister arrived with hubby and the triplets, Alan decided to go and help. Jan made the pumpkin pies.....and made a mistake by giving them to Alan to carry up the steps.....Yep, he tripped UP the steps, cracking a tin pie plate and skinning a knee! Jan's mood wasn't the greatest after that because her pie got cracked.

Next, after checking the turkey, I noticed a little smoke in the oven. Hmmm, I looked and figured it was a leftover crumb from another meal burning at the bottom of the oven. It was almost time for Mr. Turkey to be done, so I checked him again.....then realized the BAG WAS LEAKING!! Juices were flowing down to the oven bottom. So Sis said, "poke a hole in it and it will drain in the pan." Little did we know that that sucker was stuffed in the pan so tight that the juice filled the back end of the pan, then REALLY overflowed in the oven. Smoke alarms were wailing, windows were thrown open and luckily, my neighbors didn't call the fire department! We all had smoke inhalation....then Mom and Dad arrived - GREAT!!

After all this drama, the turkey was done - and not burnt! The smoke disapated with the help of ceiling and portable fans, and dish towels being flapped. Then we all gathered together for a good turkey dinner.

During dinner, Alan spilled an enourmous cup of pop on the table, soaking Mom, tablecloth and all! Will the bad karma end? No!

Everyone had gone home, now was cleanup. It was time to CLEAN the oven. Thank goodness for self-cleaning ovens....but I could have went without all the smoke it delivered again through the house - can I win????

Then, I loaded the dishwasher. Luckily, the dishwasher soap was under the sink. As I grabbed a cupful, I looked and thank goodness I did. The "T" under the sink that connects BOTH drains and the drain to the dishwasher DISCONNECTED! How? Who knows!What mess would I have had if I ran the dishwasher - whew!!! There was still a little water from the rinsing I did prior, so what a time to clean out under the sink - right? Geese, can I win??!!

After all that I was still thankful! No broken bones, no squished pies, no burnt turkey, no house fire, no flood, and no food poisoning....just a normal traditional family dinner....probably just like yours!

....next, it's my sister's turn - she's having Christmas Eve, and I'll be carrying the food!LOL!!

Thanks for stopping to read this long journal entry that seemed to never end.

Until tomorrow friends....

Inspiration....

2008-12-03T19:02:00.003-05:00

My blog friend, Vicki thought of me and gave me this award. It is an award of inspiration...

I award this to 7 people I visit often for inspiration:

Jill Hilliard (Jill's Card Creations)

Angela Harris (Your Angil)

Danielle Kennedy (Wild Dragonfly Designs)

Michele Gibson (ScrappyCatsx3)

Linda at Grace Filled Moments

Abbie at Down Abbie's Road

Sarah at GypsyMermaidLife

Here is what you do...

Post the guidelines...

1. Please put the logo on your blog

2. Link to the person from whom you received the award

3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs

4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog

5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.

Thank you girls for your own special inspiration!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T10:56:00.006-05:00

I want to wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

May you gather many family and friends,

may you have a table of plenty and enjoy good times, may you have safe travels, and throughout this day -

Give Thanks!

Vintage Picture Day

2008-11-12T21:43:00.005-05:00

I was bored tonight, so I thought I'd share some vintage pictures with you. You can download them and use them for your projects. If you create something special, please post your link in the comment section so I can see what you created.

This one is a postcard I bought off of Ebay recently. I just love how cute this little boy is looking at his prized ring (I think!)

This next picture is a cutout of a girl from old card of some sort that I also purchased recently. I wanted to also mention that a blog friend, Kudzu at Bits and Pieces, is having a giveaway so stop by and post your comment for a chance to win HERE

Thanks for visiting.

Until tomorrow friends.....

Late Halloween and other stuff...

2008-11-11T22:05:00.006-05:00

I'm sorry for not blogging lately, but I have a ton of things happen'in in my life.

For one, I am sure glad the election is O-V-E-R!!! One more minute of commercials, news coverage, etc. and I was about to explode!!! Enough said about that!

Onto more important things....Halloween was a great night with 60's weather here in the 'Burgh! Up and down the street....Jolynn was the first to call it a night, then all she wanted was her "daddy". How cute are these kids(even the big ones!)???

Here is a picture of some Halloween goodies that my friend Michelle made for me. What talent! I wish she had a blog to share with everyone. Here is a card she made.

This is a "fake" scary book....so cool!!

I was busy working on a wall plaque and baby book for a baby shower last week and it was cram time! I think I'm a procrastinator...I was up the night before till 1:30a.m. trying to finish! I even had to take all my goodies to basketball practice so I could get everything wrapped before the shower (I did it in the back of the van!) Obviously, I didn't get to take any pictures of the book, but here is a picture of the wall hanging I did. I didn't want to add too much stuff to it because I didn't know her style or what the baby's room looked like, so I went conservative.

As I mentioned before, basketball has started! Finally an indoor sport! Alan's travel soccer team did great with a record of 9-0-1! Undefeated!! A great bunch of kids that work real well together. Now, basketball everyday practice and twice a week games. A great excuse to leave work early.LOL!

And, I took over Mark's spot at the mall kiddie train. It looks like I'll be working mostly weekends because I can't get to the mall early enough from my "real" job. What a happy job! I love all the little ones' excitement and their eyes getting so big when they ride. I think this job is an excuse to get out of my messy, boring, and lonesome house - even with everyone home. More "me" time and getting paid to do it - not bad.

And, now that my guest design team work is done with IAAS, I am getting started with the three swaps I'm in for the holidays. I have their badges on the right - stop by and visit their sites/Flickr often to see what we are up to!

The one I can't wait to finish is the Mitten Swap. I started "felting" a wool sweater I bought at the Goodwill store the other day in order to make my mittens! I've washed that thing like 4 times - including putting it in the dryer - and it has shrunk like 4 times too! It is so small, I think one of the triplets could wear it!!!LOL!! Boy, if you haven't tried it, be prepared (especially with the wool) to have fuzz EVERYWHERE!!! I think I could make an extra set of mittens with all the fuzz that came off that thing. Well, anyway, I can't wait to start cutting and sewing. I will try to post some "peeks" along the way. If it works out, I might just make some more for Christmas gifts!

I also pulled out the bucket with all my snowman supplies - I think I'll be making a couple chenille snowmen for the holidays as well - maybe for the other "swappies". Super simple, just time consuming....I have to see if I have any dyed chenille or if I have to do that too. Again, I'll try to post some "peeks", so stay tuned!!

Thanks for stopping and hanging in there.

Until tomorrow friends....

P.S.

In case any of you have been following Gypsy Rose Paperie...their site has been down for some time now, and I had just read that there was a recent tragedy in their circle. They are still planning to send out their orders shortly.

Please keep them in your thoughts.

Election Day is OVER!

2008-11-05T07:25:00.001-05:00

As I sat watching the news last night before bed......

....I cried.

IAAS Page Plan #3

2008-10-25T19:33:00.004-04:00

I am posting the next to the last Page Plan for I Am A Scrapaholic using their October page kits. It's kinda funny that the pictures I have used are of my nieces. Not that I don't have any pictures of my boys, but these were the easiest to get to. And, because the kit is geared towards fall, there are not too many pics of the boys - just older ones that I have to dig out of the boxes (shhh, don't tell anyone!)

Here is the Page Plan:

And here is my submission:

This time I used more of the beads they provided, the pumpkin die cut, and my Queen & Company felt border in black. In the border, I glued in some buttons and more mini beads - take a closer look. The "Autumn" title is from Creative Memories and I typed the journaling on my computer.

Thanks for stopping by....until tomorrow friends....

IAAS October Kit card

2008-10-19T21:13:00.004-04:00

Whew, where did the weekend go? We had a day trip yesterday going to the cottage to close up for the year. Got a lot of laundry to do for next year! (at least I have a year to do it!! he he!!) What a day it was with all the fall colors - just gorgeous! We didn't have time to stop at the lake before we left. We visited the neighbors and had to get home before the Penguin game, so no time for mom to take pictures.

Ok, onto the project. I just finished the card using the page plan provided with my Visiting Therapist. Here is the Page Plan...

And here is what I created....

I just noticed...what's up with using buttons?? I can't believe that I've used button embelishments on all the projects I've completed...geese! Well, I guess I need to clean off the table and pull out other embellies so I don't use up all my buttons - LOL!!!

Until tomorrow friends...

OFBC Layout IAAS

2008-10-14T20:51:00.006-04:00

Some of you may not know (like I did) what OFBC means? Out From Behind the Camera. Simple enough right? Well, this was an assignment for the Visiting Therapist at I Am A Scrapaholic.

We had to take 10 photos of things around the house that are significant to us - not my family. Sounds easy - right? Not! It really takes a little thought unless you live alone - then THAT would be easy!

This was the Page Plan done by Alicia Barry for the assignment...

So here is a little more about me - the things around my house that are special to me...

All the ingredients used came from their October Kit except for the vintage buttons.

Now here is your challenge....follow the same instructions, and post a link your layouts here with your comments. I'd love to see what you make.

Until tomorrow friends....

Page Plan #1 - IAAS October Kit

2008-10-12T22:04:00.007-04:00

Here is a layout I did based on Page Plan #1 of my Visiting Therapist assignment with I Am A Scrapaholic.

I used all the items from the October kit except for the vintage brown buttons.

Here is the Page Plan

Give yourself a challenge, use this Page Plan and create a quick and easy page. Link your layouts here - I'd love to see what you've done! Until tomorrow friends....

Birthday Card

2008-10-12T21:51:00.003-04:00

This is a sample of what I've been creating with some vintage images. I sent this to a couple of my cyber buddies who recently had October birthdays. Ingredients: AMuse paper; vintage paper ribbon; bling dot and some Doodlebug glitter; I also found some scraps for the hat.

Hope you like it.

October's IAAS Kit

2008-10-10T22:48:00.007-04:00

Holy Cow! What a great box of stuff I received from I Am A Scrapaholic and they are sending me more because they had order problems and didn't get things in time. I can't wait! Check out their October kits - they are the best! Here is a picture of what I got already....

Even though it was short notice and I didn't get all my supplies, I couldn't wait to get started with the stuff I received. In the box was a Craf-t Pedlar Paper Mache Plaque-it...so cool. Here is what I did with mine.... (The ingredients: Craf-t Pedlar Paper Mache Plaque-it;Plaid Cork Stamp;Making Memories Paint;Crackle Medium paint;Distressing Ink;Felt Leaves;Buttons;Trinkets/Beads;Twine)

I sent a pic in for one of my required projects and it's on IAAS's HOME PAGE!

I wasn't too thrilled with the cork stamp though. I had never stamped with one before and maybe need more practice.

I sent in another project done with my kit, so I made this layout with the girls. Eventually, people are gonna think they are my kids because of how many posts I do of them!LOL! Here it is...

(The ingredients:GCD Studio Loverly (Rusted Dots; Changing Color Stripes);Bazzill Cardstock;Die cuts: leaves;Kimberly Poloson Cabana Epoxy Stickers;Making Memories Die cut Journaling Stickers(Spellbound);Buttons/Twine; American Crafts Chipboard die cuts (Townhouse);Vintage "Flicker" playing card;Distressing ink;Number Stamps;Cuttlebug Alphabet Dies (Olivia))

I've decided that I'm going to try to incorporate something "vintage" into my projects. This will definitely add a twist to my submissions.

I had lunch the other day with my friend from the store Michelle. She made the most wonderful Halloween gifts. She also thought my Birthday was in October...it's not(I'm not telling when either)...and we both had to get some Birthdays straightened out. So, cause she thought it was my B-day, she also brought me a "B-day" gift. It was soooo cool. I will definitely post pics of these this weekend. Thanks Michelle!! She is so talented!!

I'm heading up north tomorrow with Mom/Dad to take a little trip and if I know my Dad, he can't wait to get his hands on our broken lawn tractor. I just hope we can get it on the truck to bring home.

It looks like it will be a beautiful day, so I will be taking some pics to share with you when I return. Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Until tomorrow friends.....

AWESOME NEWS!!!

2008-10-01T21:12:00.005-04:00

(No, not pregnant, nor did I win a million bucks (but I feel like it!)....

I was chosen to be a "Visiting Therapist" at I Am A Scrapaholic for October!! That means I'm a Guest Design Team member!! WHAHOO!! All I can say is WOW!!! Like a million times!!! WOW!!

I never thought that I would get the call. I have applied to several sights, but I never had enough confidence that I would be chosen. There are so many more people out there that are great crafters, so I am humbled. I hope you won't be disappointed.

There are a lot of great people out in the cyber world that I have had the pleasure of meeting, share creative and life stories, and just being there for that extra bit of support. I might not have had the pleasure of meeting you person, but I know you will be there to lean on. I have been blogging for a little over a year now and never knew this "world" would be such fun.

Now, all I have to do is get my box of goodies in the mail - so I can hit the ground running.

Thank you friends for all your support and patience as I embark on my new journey.

**Huggs**

Weekend Story Continued....

2008-09-30T22:06:00.008-04:00

Ok, so continuing from yesterday....(WARNING: I'm a little winded here)

So I went to the auction site(they even brought in a refreshment stand can you believe it!) and cased the joint. After walking around and getting the feel for everything, I got me a number and first up for auction was an old flag. So distressed and cool looking - I will probably hang it on the wall in my living room. ($2) I walked through the house and found this pristine suitcase, so I brought it out for them to auction and won....a steal $1! Then on a mission at this point, I went back through the house (I'm hooked now!) I found a pile of books and things in one of the bedroom closets and found a box of old letters and some post cards. I asked the person who was overseeing the auction (must have been a relative or friend) and she said "why would you want old letters and such"....she said I could have them - 1919-1920 letters and envelopes with stamps! I also ran into a woman who won a lot of paper items that were sprawled out over the auction table when I came back outside. I asked about them and to my surprise, she said she was opening an antique store in town. She welcomed me to stop by and go thru the box. That story later!

I had to limit myself - I only had $20 on me and one a van to haul stuff home. Gee, I wish I had a pickup at that point. After most of the other items were auctioned, the auctioneer walked everyone thru the house to see what else could be had. We made it to the basement where I won a washtub $2, old chair $2, and a few clip on lights $1 & $2! They had an old Hoosier cupboard and it went for $15! (this is when I needed a pickup truck- geese!!) and an old drop leaf table $10!

So it was getting later and we went through the whole basement. Then we all got in line to pay for our purchases and I noticed they were giving stuff away that wasn't auctioned off...hmmmmm. (it pays to pay attention!) So the nosey person I am, went back inside. There in the living room was a pile - pile for the trash that no one wanted! From this "pile" I was able to take an old makeup hard case, and a VCR. (Our VCR at the cottage broke so I figured maybe it would work). Then not seeing anything else, I was walking down the front steps and this man called out, "Here, I found this one too, it might just work. If not, nothing lost - right?" So I got 2 VCRs and a makeup case FREE!!! All in all I spent $10 - I LOVE AUCTIONS!!! I can't wait to go to another one!!!

Here is a pic of some of the stuff:

Ok, so after leaving the auction and closing up the cottage, I headed to the store in town. Not officially opened yet, but getting there. So I pilfered through the box and picked out a few items, then browsed the store. I found more button cards (no price marked on them), and a post card(again no price). Here is what I was able to walk away with for the remaining $10 I had in my purse!

Then after that, time to start heading home. Only after I stopped one more place....and this is what I found (had to write a check for these-LOL!!)...

Ok, I hope you all enjoyed my finds. Next, I need to buckle down and finish some projects. Stay tuned for some GREAT NEWS coming hopefully tomorrow. I have a school meeting so we will see.

Thanks for stopping and reading the novel! LOL!

Until tomorrow friends....

Old Vintage Finds

2008-09-28T22:15:00.005-04:00

Old, meaning I'm real late in posting this....geese, like it's no surprise. I have just been busy and the thing last in line is posting. Although I'm getting faster at downloading and posting, it still takes time.

This is a pic of the purchases I made when my sis and I hit some new stores to the south of us about 2 weeks ago. Notice the Music Bingo?? 1967 and in it's ORIGINAL WRAP!!! Guess how much??? $4 !! It wasn't marked and "bingo" just my price! Now for the dilemma....do I open it and share or hoard it until I can find it on Ebay for a million dollars???? Comment and let me know what I should do.

I found some rick rac, silver plated flatware, 12 matching clear jars (good for my buttons/ribbon), free vintage music(love the pics on the front), clipboard, and 3 french booklets in 3 different colors (I asked my son to see if he could translate - no such luck), and 2 flower frogs (one medium one small). Great buys!!

This weekend I went up north to cut grass...kids had games and I needed a break! Boy, did I get one! The riding lawnmower quit....at the top of the hill thank goodness, but I wasn't even half done. So I got some well needed exercise, more than what I needed - almost like the Biggest Loser type of exercise! (and afters "MY FRIEND" visited, which now that I look back, is probably the reason I could push that riding mower back into the shed!!! RRRRR) Today my side and arm hurts from pushing!

Not all was a loss though. I was able to get the grass cut by hand on Friday (I left work a little early because there was a threat of rain) and whahooo....me time on Saturday!!! Time to hit the antique stores!!!

On my way to the local store, I noticed an auction sign on the road. While at the store, I mentioned to the owner about it and she knew about the details. So, I figured, no husband or kids waiting on me so I'm there!! I found the place and was just ecstatic when I pulled in. This is the first "house" auction I had ever been to. When I was younger, my mom would take us to the local auction house, but that was the extent. I also was able to stop another store on my way back home.

Well, it's getting late, so more about my Satuday tomorrow - stay tuned!

Until tomorrow friends.....

Swap Goodies!

2008-09-25T23:07:00.010-04:00

Happy Autumn Everyone!!!

Oh, Happy day!! I got my Artsy Autumn Swap package in the mail from Kathy the other day and all I can say is WOW!!! She is one busy lady, but what a great job she did on my treats - even down to the wrapping! Here is a picture before everything was unwrapped...

And here is a pic of when I opened it....(I even waited to dig into the chocolate until AFTER I took the picture!)

I got a beautiful box, a handmade frog box with fall colored buttons, a WHITE pumpkin with a beautiful label, handmade acrylic tag, GODIVA CHOCOLATE, some die cuts, a cute little handmade button charm, and pumpkin/kat pipe cleaner figures, and a bunch of fake acorns, with a handmade card. Too cute!!

============================================================ This swap was so much fun! I love Autumn and Halloween and was in my glory creating things for Kathy. You had a sneak peek a few posts back of what I made...well, I added a few more handmade items to her box. I made a few more tags - these are the crow ones in the picture. And I also made her a small banner. Here is a pic of the box I sent her...

Here is a picture of the banner I made for Kathy. The first banner I had ever made. I worked on it during the weekend crop and it turned out just like I wanted it to. The only problem I had was the embelishments. There was either too little or not the right ones - I don't know. I painted some swirl die cuts for the top of the banner and used some foam letters that I won from Gypsy Rose Paperie. I hope Kathy liked it.

This was my first real "box" swap and I had such a great time putting one together. I think I will sign up for the "Winter Whimsey Mittens Swap".

There are also some other swaps I've been kinda stalking for Christmas. They are listed on this cool site I found, Swapadex. They have a list of tons of swaps so I suggest you check it out!!

Well, friends, it's getting late and I gotta head North after work tomorrow to check out the 2nd homestead and cut some grass - I mean hay!!

Have a great weekend friends....

Gypsy Rose Scavenger Hunt Win

2008-09-23T22:10:00.003-04:00

I had a few minutes left and my scanner was still on so I thought I'd scan what I won from Gypsy Rose Paperie a few weeks ago. If you don't know what they are all about, stop by and take a look. They are starting to put together kits...not your average card or page kit, these are unique. They have cool vintage items and popular "in" items. They are just starting up and are taking pre-orders. They are limited due to the unique quality of the kit contents so don't dally. I know you won't be disappointed!!

Thanks for stopping by. Until tomorrow...

Vintage Girls

2008-09-23T21:46:00.003-04:00

Here is a promised vintage picture. These are little cards - original size is 1 1/2" x 2 1/2". They don't have anything on the backs of them...just some slight glue marks. I got these during my Soccer trip this summer.

Enjoy! Until tomorrow friends....

Crop weekend and Tagged

2008-09-23T19:54:00.004-04:00

This weekend was just what I needed, but I think I needed a little more though. Crop weekend with my CM peeps and my sister was productive as always. I had one last project to make for my Artsy Autumn Swap - something I have never done before and did it all from scratch....pic will be posted later in the week....and it only took 2 hours! I thought that was pretty good.

We ate, and ate, and scrapped, and scrapped and ate, played games (didn't win anything - but our host gifts were awesome!)....then me and sissy took a ride to JoAnns and then ate at Joe's Crab Shack - YUMM!!! (an ultimate girl treat) We could have had pizza - NOT!!! We had tons of food. I only made it till 2:30 am...my sis was up till 3:30, but she woke me at like 7am...did I tell you I'm not a morning person....even with coffee??? Wasn't a happy camper until I got more coffe, breakfast, and back into my scrapping. We didn't want to go home. Next weekend crop will be in Jan/Feb...can't wait!!!

I've been tagged by Katie at Paper Makeup. She just had the cutest baby boy this week and had time to read my blog and tag me. Now I get to tell you a little more about ME and tag some of YOU!! Here goes...

The rules: 1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog. 2.Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. 3.Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. 4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I'm sure you've guessed I love FROGS, but did you know I love COWS too?

2. I'd rather cut a tree or dig a ditch rather than CLEAN MY HOUSE! (If you lived here with 3 men you'd know why!)

3. I don't dye my hair...yet!

4. I'm very competitive.

5. I love the country - don't know why I live in the city?

6. I used to always paint my fingernails - not any more.

7. I love to spoil my triplet nieces....My little taste of "pink"!

Now for my seven pics.....

1. Angela Harris

2. Linda Smith

3. Kudzu(sorry I lost your name:( )

4. Laurie

5. Jill Hilliard

6. Lori Ames

7. Abbie

Whew....that was hard! I look at so many blogs and have a lot of cyber friends, it was hard to pick. Please play along...I'd like to learn more about you.

I will be posting some vintage pics in a little bit...so stay tuned!!

Sneek Peek and So far behind....

2008-09-18T22:24:00.005-04:00

Oh My! I don't know where all the time has gone....it's Friday tomorrow and I'm not ready! For what....My scrapbooking weekend without MEN!!! I don't have anything packed and UGH!!! Just UGH!!!

Well, I wanted to give y'all a sneek peek at what I created for my Artsy Autumn Swap partner. Needless to say, there WILL be lots more in the box - no more peekies! The Halloween Hanging was something new for me and I hope my partner likes it. I used some of the things I won from Gypsy Rose Paperie here. From GRP, I used the black furry material swatch with my Quickutz die to creat the large bat. I used the vintage ribbon, vintage sheet music, and the glitter. I also used a letter tile, fiber, small hanger, glittered a swirl die cut from American Crafts, vintage image, and a bingo number. Here is a sample of a set of tags I made for my partner....I used a large die to cut the tag from Bazzil cardstock, wide vintage velvet ribbon, buttons, fibers, and a vintage image I found on the internet. Simple.

Well, it's getting late and I was supposed to get SOMETHING done tonight....Like pack up my Swap box and get my Blog Candy out to Angela AND pack for my weekend.

Thanks for visiting! Until tomorrow friends....

Lights out & Vintage book page

2008-09-16T22:45:00.005-04:00

Well, it hasn't been a dull around here in the least bit. Unfortunately, right after the Steeler game on Sunday night - POOF! Lights went out! (luckily it was after the game!!) And they stayed off till 4 pm yesterday - about 17 hours! Now, I really feel for those affected by Ike.

Had to call off work....couldn't see a thing as we didn't have a fashlight nor battery in site! Mothers should know that kids EAT batteries - duh!! I pushed Mr. Highschool Senior out the door, then kid #2, only for him to return home after the bus driver said they had a 2 hour delay. Then, two hours later, by word of mouth, school was cancelled. "Gee, mom, what do we do now?" No computer, no TV, no house phone unless you have an old rotary or push button that plugs in directly to the wall. Next best thing - the cell. I was thinking the same thing....a day off work, can't see in the basement to craft, can't blog, can't watch Dr Phil or HGTV....and DH was also home. Trying to decide whether or not to go and get ice to fill the coolers....it was kinda numbing....We did manage to get 5 bags and as a result of the outage, I only lost a half gallon of milk and some half empty containers of things.....a great time to really clean out the fridge! (one chore accomplished!LOL)

Oh ya, Alan actually got together with the kids at the bus stop, played basketball and more misc. "Outdoor" games during the blackout, and they got together today too. Hmmm, do you think he will miss the PC??

And now for another vintage item. I got this on the Soccer tournament this summer up in Erie. It's a page from an old book and is kinda cute with some dry humor. It's nice if you are a fisherperson. It is pretty torn and fragile, so I scanned and cropped it for you.

Feel free to save it.

Until tomorrow friends....

AND THE WINNER IS....

2008-09-14T22:30:00.003-04:00

Ok, sorry I'm late drawing, but you know when you watch the STEELERS???!!!(they are still winning)

Anywhooo....I've never used Random.org, so I thought I'd try it. I entered all who responded in order and ran the generator....and.....(drumroll...)

There were 19 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.Angela Harris said... 2.Regina said... 3.Janice said... 4.mimi said... 5.RobinBirdsNest said... 6.fairychildheirlooms said 7.Paper Makeup said... 8.Kudzu said... 9.Diane of Crafty Passions said... 10.Scrap for Joy said... 11.Chele said... 12.Primitive Seasons said... 13.jfoster789 said... 14.Vicki C said... 15.Annelies said... 16.Jill Hilliard said... 17.Recycled Rita said... 18.Abbie said... 19.Bunny B said...

Timestamp: 2008-09-15 02:29:32 UTC

Angela is the winner!!! Congratulations!!! Please email me your snail mail addy.

Thank you all for visiting, playing, and leaving me your suggestions. I'm glad to see that people actually read my blog and I'm glad to share with you. I'm fortunate to have met some blog newbies and some of you from across the pond. Please continue to visit and I will do the same.

Here are some upcoming posts....

Sneak peak of my box for the Artsy Autumn Swap

Halloween collage (my first using "fairies" or vintage things)

More Ephemera pictures to share

Last Saturday's vintage finds (ya, I know I'm kinda behind)

....next weekend is CROP WEEKEND!!! I will actually scrapbook and try to get caught up on Markies High School album.

That's all for now. Until tomorrow friends.....

Here's the CANDY!

2008-09-12T22:36:00.003-04:00

Here is a picture of what's gonna show up at your door if you win (I will probably add more to fill the box so it will be a surprise!LOL!!).... So leave a comment on the previous post....make sure you follow directions...and I will draw the winner on SUNDAY....hmmmm, maybe during halftime of the STEELERS vs CLEVELAND football game. Game doesn't start till 8, so the drawing will have to wait! So if you are a night owl, you'll find out if you won before bed...if you are a morning person (which I am NOT!!), you will find out Monday a.m.

I am so glad to hear from all who have replied so far and hope there will be lots more visitors....so if you haven't left a comment....you better hurry!

Huggs...

Belated Blog-versary & Candy!!

2008-09-10T22:07:00.005-04:00

Happy 'versary to me, Happy 'versary to me, Happy 'veeeerrrssaaarrrreeeee to meeeeeee, Happy 'versary to me!!! Country Frog Creations is ONE YEAR OLD!! (as of September 4th that is)

Who woulda thunk that I'd still be here after a year...actually posting my life happenings and my creations. I have come a long way, I think. Style changes, blog changes, friend changes, and reading ever-so-many blogs (in other words stalking)! I've met so many new people, and I love all your work, and would never have thought I'd have friends that are clear across country.

Who woulda thunk that anyone (other than my close friends) would even read MY blog?? I figure that someone would stumble across it eventually, or blog hop like I do, but over 5,000 hits - I am speachless!

To show my appreciation, and being so thrilled you have stopped by at one point or another to read my life happenings, or to give me a kind complement on a project I had posted, or to lend a bit of life support, I'M GIVING AWAY CANDY!!! No, not the stuff you eat.....the good stuff......the craft stuff!!

This will be a cool collection mixed bag of sorts from vintage to what's "happenin' now". I will post a picture of the goodies as soon as I put it together...hopefully tomorrow after dinner. (no sports so I'll be at home - yah!)

What do you need to do to be the GRAND PRIZE WINNER?? Leave me a post, an HONEST post, of what you like, dislike, what you'd like to see different on my blog. Do I talk too much? Not show enough work? Not post enough? Just spit it out here - really! (don't forget to leave your email addy too)

I will pull a name out of my "hat" SUNDAY, SEPT 14th about 9 p.m. (It's DH's B-day so we'll be doin' something special and won't be home till late.)

I am always glad you visit.......until tomorrow friends!

(P.S. Don't forget to add me to your blog list too!)