Home Made Calendar

Make a Smilebox calendar

This is what I have been doing for the past few weeks. I made these for the daughters of the woman whose home we are renting (she passed away last August). It was fun to do but I calculated the cost of printing at home or sending to Office Max to be printed and bound and chose Office Max. I also made a couple of cards this week end and will be posting them soon. Happy Sunday to all!

I Miss Winter!

It's been 95 degrees for at least two weeks now. I have a new computer which is fantastic, but my program discs for the camera and printer are somewhere in the moving van way behind some very heavy boxes. I've been digging in there but 95 degrees in a square metal box on wheels is not the ideal place to be digging. Maybe this week.

Until then, we will keep trying.

Week-end Warrior Design on a Miniscule Budget for the Little Cottage

Before:

After:

Design using what I had was my goal...even though its a brief stay until we purchase a home, the rental house needed a little humph, my style. What could I do for little to zero dollars? Using what I already had, I made a wall hanging from upholstery already in our possession, purchased months ago and never used. I made the wall hanging and the pillows and a table place matt. Cost: $0.00.

The mud room was Zzz, so with a border of Pizza Guys from Wally World and some cafe curtains made out of two white pillow cases and fabric scraps for the border, I was able to pop the room.

I purchased 1 yard of checked fabric for the valances from The Sewing Studio.

Cost: $15.00. (the fabric and pizza border busted my targeted zero dollar budget).

The spare bedroom needed curtains so I re-purposed one pair of tie-backs and made two cafe curtains with valances so we can put our cell phones in the window ledge to get a good signal.

The other bedroom curtains were made with my brand new Baby Lock sewing machine...had to try it and couldn't seem to stop sewing.

That was my weekend, and maybe I'll make a card tomorrow.

Thank a Soldier Card -- Flag Day 6/14

Monday is Flag Day a little remembered day but I remember it because its my sister's birthday. I'ts always good to thank a soldier for protecting our nation. If you don't know a soldier you can go to your local post office and they post a list of local men and women who are serving our country and would like some correspondence items for the PX.

I made this card and will goto the post office and thank a soldier.

Flowers! Card-Paper Take Weekly

This weeks Paper Take Weekly Challenge was fun. I guess because the porch at our rental home as a trellis, it was an inspiration for the card. I used a new flower punch on the corners and then applied the puched-out flowers to the corners. Mr. Linky is not working at PTW but you can still go there and check out the other card makers in the comment section. Happy June!

http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com

Blog Candy Winners!

Congratulations to the four lovely ladies who will be getting a Hampton Art Stamp. Just send me your address and it will be mailed out to you. You can e-mail me at Ponie9@comcast.net for privacy.

New York Stamp: Cre8tive Crafter

London Stamp: Sondrina

Paris Stamp: Agus

Rome: KapnCon

Apron Pattern Link

If you are looking for free apron patterns, I have a link in the upper left hand corner of my page. Just click on the aprons and it will take you to a great web site.  There are some great free patterns on that link. Go check it out!

I think it really happened...Vacation!

My husband and I just returned from a 10-day trip to Florida.  We stayed two nights at Amelia Island and you can still park the truck on the beach.  Now we are back to sign the closing papers on our house and move into the rental home while we look for a permanent home.  I'm pretty sure we went away but after two minutes home, we remembered all the things we still have to do.  It was great but ....back to reality.

Free Blog Candy! Hampton Art Stamps Give-away

Paris Diva (Red)

New York Diva (blue)

London Diva (Yellow)

Rome Diva (black)

These stamps  are by Hampton Art.   I couldn't resit them when I saw them.

To win one of these stamps,  all you have to do is):

 1. post a link on your website back to mine:  http://thepaperhandmaiden.blogspot.com

 and

 2.)  leave  a comment and vote for your favorite stamp.   (If you don't have a website, just leave your first name and your email address). 

There will be four winners, one from each stamp voted for.

These stamps measure 3  1/2inches  x 5 inches and are brand new from Hampton Art Stamps.  

Because we are in the middle of moving and 10 days in Florida, the Giveaway will be June 1st and four winners will be drawn from the final number of entries.*

*(I am not creating a blog list, this is for my own sharing pleasure and to  meet and greet stamping friends.).

Cast your vote for:

1. London Diva (yellow outfit)

2. Paris Diva (red outfit)

3. Rome Diva (black outfit)

4. New York Diva (blue outfit)

Art Therapy - Paper Take Weekly

In the middle of painting, packing, cleaning, moving furniture and preparing one house while leaving another, it was time for some Art Therapy!  This weeks Paper Take Weekly challenge was stripes andspots.  It is not as easy as it sounds.  If it were a fashion spread, it would be like a bad golfing outfit.  When making a card stripes and spots are fun and, the possibilities are endless.  

I appreciate taking time out to have a little fun and enjoyed making this card. So I had to unpack a couple of boxes to find my art supplies, it was well worth the distraction.  Visit http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ for some creative ideas.

Renee Award

Thanks to my stamping sister Anne for this lovely award.  It is a honor coming from the talented and sweet Anne at http://stargrovesblog.blogspot.com 

 The Renee Award was created by Bella (bellasinclair.blogspot.com) and Ces (cesandherdishes.blogspot.com) who wanted to show appreciation of the impact their friend Renee made on their lives. This award is meant, according to Bella, to be given to those that, like Renee, are like "the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns…". 

Please visit Anne's page and view see her wonderful talent.

Pastel Card - Paper Take Weekly

This weeks Paper Take Weekly challenge was using pastel colors for a card. I embossed a few sea shells, added some paper lace and that was it. Visit http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com for some inspiration with pastels.

Vintage Stepping Stool Make Over

This is my latest and probably last re-do project for a while. The handy, dandy stepping stool. It was in the basement and needed a good cleaning, some de-rusting and dusting. The seat was re-done with some red cherry vinyl paper and the steps were re-painted red. I like this silly old step stool because my mother had one for years and years. She was always covering the little darling with contact paper. Its a very handy item and I think its awfully cute.

Paper Take Weekly-Circles and Ribbon

My husband and I have sold our home in Virginia and are moving back to N.E. We have until the end of May to find jobs and rent to buy a home or rent a home here for a few months and sock some down payment money away because our mortgage will be paid off. I still had to stop everything and participate in this weeks Paper Take Weekly because its fun.

Paper Take Weekly: this week circles and ribbon. I did this quickly in between packing boxes and packing linen (linen sounds exotic doesn't it? what I mean is sheets. I wish someone would invent the fitted sheet folding gizmo and yes I would pay $19.95 for it.)

http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

From my stash, a half circle.

Another Furniture Restoration Project

In the process of cleaning out the basement and getting ready to move, I discovered this old wooden cabinet. I should have taken a "before" picture. It was dusty and the paint was yellowed with age. My husband had car radios, crank shafts and a couple of windshield motors sitting on the shelves.


I took it outside (outside mister!) and repainted it. Shined up the chrome and put the hardware back on it. The inside back wall was already stained a warm cherry red. The glass is missing but I found some great fabric and made a couple of cafe curtains that fit the period of this piece. Oho, its so cute.

Paper Take Weeky-Letters Mingle Friends

This week's challenge was especially challenging. Here is my submission. Go to http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ and check out

Paper Take Weekly Fruit Theme

This week theme at http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ is fruitful creation. Very fun...here's a cherry of a card I made this morning in between packing to move to ? (don't know yet) and doing laundry. Lots of creativity fruitfully multiplying on Paper Take Weekly blog. Go visit and see what's new.

Thinking of You Card-Paper Take Weekly Challenge

http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ Paper Take Weekly Challeng...Because it is a busy week, I went ahead and made this card for someone special who is getting well by the day. I found this pattern on line gave it a try. The background of the card was stamped before applying the cut out pieces. I don't have a Cricket but I have scissors. (I just don't run with them.)

http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Paper Take Weekly

http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

This week's challenge at Paper Take Weekly is using orange, pink and brown. Here is my submission. I was thinking polka dots, but I don't have polka dots...

Paper Take Weekly

Here is my submission for Paper Take Weekly http://papertakeweeklychallenge.blogspot.com

--it's great when they give you a pattern to follow. Go on over to Paper Take Weeky and see what lovely submissions some very creative women have submitted.

Pie Chest Stamping Cabinet

Thanks Dear!

I made this thank you card for my husband using a stamp set and paper from J&K that I got for Christmas. The French Hen is adorable....

My husband so graciously let me convert this old pie chest cabinet into a stamping cabinet. I keep my stamps, inks, and tools in the top half. Paper and embellishments in the bottom half.
The pie chest has a shelf which conveniently slides out for a work space area. The cafe curtain covers my space when all things are put away. Its functional, has a purpose and easily accessible.

Grampa's Valentine's

For Madison:

My husband wanted to send Valentine's too his two grand-daughters so I came up with these two cards. He really liked them and shed a few tears over Taylor's card because she is growing up so fast. (going on 15 years old)...:

For Taylor:

Free Vintage Valentine's Day Cards

Go on over to http://tipnut.com/ and download these adorable Valentines' Vintage Cards. There are more--they are too cute! That is a great web site. Leave a comment and let me know if you like them. I will post more free-bees as I find them. Enjoy!

Valentine's Day Cards

JUST FOR HIM:

Just for Her:

Here's a few cards I made. The purse ones are fun and very feminine. You could really get into that one with lots of alternate patterns and papers, but I just chose a simple fun one. I love this Valentines Day paper and really didn't want to cut it--but its all about letting go and sharing the love.

Reverse Negative Card

I found the instructions for this card in Creative Stampers Sampler magazine. Is simple and fun to do. Just cut out two pieces of paper one in the color of your background and the other one in your application piece. Stamp them both then cut the darker color in half and attach it to the lighter color. Embellish as you wish. I don't have white ink so I used my white embossing powder and it came out just fine but not as defined as it could be.

Now I am going to get to work on some Valentine's Day cards. I feel the love already.

PurpleFower Card

There are a couple of birthdays next week so I reached into my card "stash" and selected this one. It was so enjoyable to make because is all stamps. Stamps I purchased on E-bay. They are Stamping Up stamps. The card stock was purchased at Joann's at their sale with the stripes already on them and the ribbon was on sale too. I really enjoyed using the flowers and the leaves. Happy Birthday to Michelle and Linda!

Witnessing Packet

I have this witnessing kit posted on my http://thepaperhandmaiden.blogspot.com/ but I especially wanted to put it on this one. I was asked to speak to the teenagers about sharing the Gospel and their faith.

It was interesting because before you can share the Gospel ,you actually have to know what the Gospel is and asking them to tell you what the Gospel is and what it means to them is a good indicator of t. This kit is great because its easy to make and can be made for all age levels. The contests were purchased at the Christian Book Store, but if you have a computer you can print out your own contents.

I'm Back!

Finally, happily, Mr. Dell has come home. When you live in the boonies, you don't realize how much you rely on Mr. Dell for communication. The top picture is not a forest fire, but the sunset last week. It looks like a blaze out of control. The birthday card is from my daughter-in-law and I love the simple elegance of it. I did have a happy birthday --but another birthday that puts me somehwere around the speed limit, made me think of sunsets.

My Second Award!

My computer should break more often. I am encouraged that no one has forgotten me! Thanks again, I am really thrilled!

There will be some serious nominating when the Dell comes home!

My First Blog Award!

I was pleasantly surprised to receive my first blog award. How nice to be encouraged in your craft. Since my computer has malfunctioned, it was hard to post anything. The good news is that it is now fixed and on its way back to me. Shirley is such an encourager and leaves the most complimentary messages. I nominate her has Best Motivator!

You can visit her amazing blog at http://cardartetc.blogspot.com. You can learn a lot.

Computer Withdrawal

My computer is in the "repair lab" but I managed to make it to the library where all things are free except you cannot upload any photographs. So in the meantime, while I go through photo-withdrawal..I haven't abandoned I just can't show.

It's amazing how much time and effort one spends on their blogs...You know all is a well when the next post you see is a picture of me hugging my lap top --ahhhh...who knew you could be so attached to such an inanimate object...

Shadowbox Photo Composition

One of the Christmas gifts that I made and couldn't post before Christmas is this shadowbox photo composition. It was a lot of fun to make. J&K went to Paris on their honeymoon and this picture of them in front of the Eiffel Tower is great.

I stamped the inside frame with a Stamping Up French writing stamp (of which I have no clue what it says but am sure one of the words is amore). I found the basket, tree, and bench with the love birds at Hobby Lobby. I couldn't believe it when I found the photographer figurine and the basket with the French bread which tied the theme in place. I made a faux cobblestone street for the inside bottom and the rest is history.

Homemade Apron

Here are two of my favorite gifts for Christmas. My talented daughter-in-law made me this great apron. The picture doesn't do the colors justice but it is absolutely beautiful and a lot of thought and work went into it.

I also received from J&K a photo-scanner and print shop. I had my first crack at it when my husband went off to work--I know that they know a photo-scanner can be a dangerous thing in my hands but that's how much they love me, they bought it for me anyway!!!! Have a great rest of the "Holidays". In honor of their gift, they are my first photo-shop crop and print!

Long-Distance Birthday Celebration.

Last week was my husband's 60'Th Birthday. The man is amazingly youthful and doesn't look his stated age. Fred, by the grace of God, survived a heart attack three years ago and works evenings for a towing company. Since we live in Virginia and most all of our family and friends are in New England, it was challenging to come up with a way to celebrate this milestone. Our home is for sale and we are moving back to NE but in the meantime we are carrying on as usual. It was hard to come up with a plan because everyone lives 800 miles away. So, what else would be more perfect than a Birthday Card campaign. He is Fred enjoying his Birthday Cards...

This card was made by my precious daughter-in-law, Keri. I love the hidden quotations which reveal great wisdom. It is thoughtful and precious and a fantastic idea!!! (Visit Keri's blog, http://quaintandquirky.blogspot.com/ - see her fabulous totes, dog collars, etc.)

Christmas Everything Card

This card was made using a little bit of everything. I love the holly berry punch, the pinstripe paper and the stitched ribbon. The corner punch always adds a nice touch too. The embossing is done in bronze.

Since I made a variety of Christmas cards during the past few months, I can now get down to writing and mailing. Yep, that's what I'm going to do as soon as I remember where I hid the pens so no one will use them....

Paper Turkey Place "Cards&Sea Glass Pendant

I just drove back from a week -long trip to RI to see the family and stayed a week with my son and daughter-in-law. We had a ball "Black Friday" shopping , which was quite an experience and I suggest you get over to JoAnn's Fabric shop as quickly as possible and grab all those wonderful products at 60% off.

Jason made paper Tom Turkey place "cards" for each family member with their names on the "feathers"...They made a lot of turkeys but its been a tradition at my sisters for years that the place sitting card is made by one or more of the children. Great job on this one...

My sister, Linda, has been working on this painting. She had it sitting on an easel and I had a camera so I thought I'd share it. Taking the picture is the height of my "painting" talent. If you look closely you can see the sketch of the remaining painting to be done.

My sister, Mary, collects sea glass and recently learned how to wrap it for making pendents. She presented this to me on a recent visit to her home. Its gorgeous! Who wouldn't want to spend the summer combing the beach for sea glass. We have lots of family memories of summers at the ocean and this treasure of a pendant will always take me back to those great days.

A Very Special Thanksgiving Card

We received this card in the mail today from Taylor's mom, Melanie. It is a very sweet card and since some of you have been inquiring about Taylor, I thought it would be nice to share it with you. I'm impressed because with everything that is on Mel's plate right now, she had the time to craft this great card.

I love the frame Mel used and if I remember correctly she got it at Keepsake's Fabric in Center Harbor NH last May. Mel, Taylor, Keri and I descended on Keepsake's Fabric with scrap booking, quilting and card making in mind. It was the sale to end all sales. We scored a lot of great items while the men dutifully waited outside.

Thanks for the Card Mel and Jason and Taylor and Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

A Couple of Christmas Cards

There isn't too much you can do with this stamp because it is so large. I embossed with bronze and kept it simple. Like the birth of our Savior--on a quite Holy Night.

I like this card because it different. It's not elegant by any means but understated. I bought the stamp at Hobby Lobby and really like the message.

Just a Few Thoghts

I wish I had the inclination

to sit myself at the crafting station;

Lots of things are on my mind

and somehow I can't find the time....

I have been working on a few projects which are "blog sensitive" and if I showed them now it would spoil a few Christmas Surprises. My family is very computer savvy and so after the holidays I can show you the xxxxxxxx and the xxxxxxx and the xxxxxx.

I didn't take a picture of it but for Josh's birthday I made him a scrapbook with some interviews I had with him when he was a boy. I asked him the same questions once a year. It's amazing how consistent he was with his answers. I then added a few poems by Grampa and Some things My Grandmother said along with a story written for him--its a great idea. Start interviewing your children once a year with the same questions and then present it to them when they are grow up. It's a treasure....

I'm really enjoying every ones Christmas Card creations. Thank you all for your prayers for Taylor she is doing excellent after her surgery and came back two inches taller!! You know they are better when the start being "bored"....

Cupcake Birthday Card

This card was so fun to make. It's Josh's birthday card and he's now twenty with 9 years experience. I got the template for the card from Stamping Samplers magazine. The picture of him is perfect because he's eating a cupcake. I shrunk the picture on my computer and then printed it out to fit. The dogs' birthday hat was blue so I embossed it to match the card prints. That cupcake is so easy to do and lots of fun.

Taylor's Get Well Card

This weekend, I have been working on a few projects--but can't display them until "after the holidays"...

This is a card made for Taylor, our 14 year old granddaughter who just had back surgery for scoliosis--she had two rods placed in her back and will be in Boston Children's Hospital until Friday and then a long recovery. Please keep her in your prayers while she recovers (recovery is several months but God can speed that up).

She is very special to her Grampa and so I made a card for her with that in mind. I embossed the "thinking of you" but wanted to make the card very personal and made my "own" sentiments and printed them out...Sometimes you just have to "make your own stamp"... this is definitely a "Grampa" card and Grampa shed a tear...

New Things!!!!

I have seen slide shows on other people's so I thought I'd try it--we took a day trip to Floyd Virginia which is always beautiful. They have a three-floor fabric shop which is in a huge brick building that was once a school. It was a beautiful day with my good hearted husband, Fred.

Some of the items they have there are extremely less than that other fabric store "Joanxxxxxx's" probably because they buy in bulk. Picked up a few more wire rings to make the pine cone wreaths (for an unbelievable $1.29) I was asked to make a Thanksgiving Wreath for someone and it's my first one. Sorry to bore you with another picture of that but---not that sorry not to post it.

I finally learned that if you want to punch something "more expertly" you should stamp it first and then punch--I was always punching and then stamping--wasted a lot of paper that way. I learn a lot from my Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers!!

One Stamp-Two Stamps

I like this stamp from Stampabilities but it seems to bulky for a smaller card. I used half of it on the outside of the card and the other half on the inside of the card. The star and the manger scene are from a Stamping Up set of six. So from one stamp I was able to make two.

_________________________________________________________________

I love this Cardinal Stamp purchased at Hobby Lobby. It's fairly easy to stamp and watercolor. The outside says "Once in a lifetime you meet someone who changes everything" and the inside is stamped "Wise Men Still Seek Him"...with the other half of the stamp above.

Gold Embossed Buttons

I needed something to add to these Christmas Cards:I remembered that Keri told me you could emboss brads--I tried it on buttons and there you have it. Brown plastic buttons are now gold. Ah, if only I could do it with plastic coins!!! Thanks Keri.

New Techniques

I was invited to a stamping up gathering at my friend Laura's. It was a lovely evening. Laura hosted this small gathering of women in the cabin in the back of her house. It's so precious. What a wonderful get a way and all you need to do is go out the back door and down the path. I learned so much in one evening and thought I'd share the technique the Stamping Up rep., Karen, taught us.

Faux Metal Tags:

Its simple and very versatile. Just emboss silver card stockwith stamp of your choice, use a punch-and attach it to your gift with eyelets. I don't have any eyelets (but have the tools) and definitely will get some. For a polished finish, bore holes and attach eyelets and tie it on . Joann's here I come.

Next we made candy bags using a template from the Big Shot. I like Big Shot and its a tempting investment, Another multi-purpose idea. Zip-lock bags may be a thing of the past in this house.

We made this sweet card which Karen had pre-punched the bird using the Big Shot. The large scallop punch is another tempting investment.

It was my first stamping up gathering and I really enjoyed meeting some wonderful women and Laura's taco soup, apple walnut salad and 5 flavor pound cake too!

A few more cards

I have a friend who would like to see how marketable home-made cards are in this area. She also would like to market the above wreaths. The cupboard was bare so emergency sell able cards had to be made. The stationary pack is a good idea because sometimes our local paper goods store has a great price on packaged paper. Because there are 25 sheets in a pack you can made stationary packs easily.

Don't know how to do a slide show presentation yet but when I do it will be utilized...

Stationary Gift Packets

A Few Cards to go with Wreaths to Sale

A few Thanksgiving Day Cards-Slight Variation

Christmas Wreath Project

This was my week-end project. We had a bumper crop of pine cones this year and I thought about making a pine-cone wreath. I bought four wreath rings and used a large upholstery needle to thread the cones through the ring wires. I added some cranberries, made bows and sewed on a red button. So far two are completed and thinking about doing two more. Thinking being the word.

That is not snow on the cones--it's pine sap. If you do this project, I suggest you wear gloves. If you get pine sap on your fingers it will come off with nail polish remover. I didn't want to embellish it too much--but maybe the next wreath I will. All in all I think it was worth it .

PS. I decided to add bows and eucalyptus to embellish them because they are going out to market along with some cards --hmmmm-how will we do?

P.S.S. A woman at my husband' s job wanted me to make a wreath with blue embellishments. No red, she doesn't like red bows for some reason..so here it is..blue-with bells--no red--blue....she liked it.

I'VE TAGGED

Well, it's quite an honor to be tagged by Susie. Since I am fairly new to bogging-I'll give it my best try. I have chosen seven wonderful woman whose blogs I have visited and really am amazed by their talents. Ceal, Leslie, Theresa, Cheryl, Viv, Keri and Debby.

I couldn't figure out how to "link my tagger" so I'm coming through the back door.

http://simplybeautifulcreations.bogspot.com/.

http://lesliesloft-leslie.blogspot.com/.

http://embracingplay.blogspot.com/

http://www.scrapcreations.blogspot.com/.

http://www.quaintandquirky.blogspot.com/.

http://stippleshapes.blogspot.com/.

http://www.thesofalady.blogspot.com/.

Tagging 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.




Seven facts about me.*

*These facts have been checked for accuracy and truthfulness by J&K, (who are not in any way associated with Ernst&Young) as being truthful and may or may not be of any importance or significance.


1. I am married to Fred the Handsome.

2. After two years of studying, I am still in Book One of Guitar Lessons with Estaban'

3. I am a singer .

4. I am a sinner saved by grace.

5. I don't like being late and I don't like arriving early.

6. I have a sock fetish. I love socks! All colors.. The more festive, the better.
7. I went on E-bay to buy one Madame Alexander Irish Doll , but seventeen (17) dolls later I had to repent!!

Mother of the Groom Jewelry

Josh and Keri's wedding day was an exciting day. These two remarkable young adults are such a treasure. My sister, Linda, is launching her own business

http://www.boldaciouscreations.com/. It is a on-line business venture for artiseans to promote their talent. Check it out. She is extremely talented that's why I wanted to share the stunning jewelry pieces Linda made me for the wedding. She also presented them in this beautiful satin satchel.

The wedding was an elegant affair and...

The bride and groom are living happily ever after!!

Card Obsession

When I first started making cards it was an obession gone wild!! Here is a sample of some of the cards made during the initial romance!!!

My 1'st Christmas Card

The Seed Packet

I was asked to speak to the teenagers about sharing their faith. It was a challenge because, well because they are teenagers. After much thought I was inspired to create these "seed packets". Each packet contained:

1. We've Been Missing You Post Card
2. Encouragement card for a friend

3. Thank You card for someone who did something nice for you.

4. Ten Commandments bookmark
5. A laminated card with scriptures to memorize for sharing your faith
6. Thinking of You card

7. Betty Ugly tract


It's a fairly easy project. Just fold the paper in half. Fold the bottom up to make a pocket. I used TomBoys adhesive to affix the sides. You can use a hole punch on the side and tie it closed with a ribbon. You can find all sorts of items to insert in these at the Christian Book Store or you can make your own cards and inserts.

The teenagers liked them and we discussed the items and how you could share your faith but "sowing love into the lives of others."

Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers

I joined the Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers. I want to learn more about stamping and meet some new friends!!!! It's just that simple. Christmas is coming and theres a lot of inventory to be utilized.

When Projects Grow a Life of Their Own

It was supposed to be a very easy project. Just strip and stain one small table...humm but this is one of those projects that took on a life of its own. You know those concepts that should only take a day or two. Somehow they become a never-ending task and an obsession. This was one of those times when the often repeated question "why did I ever start this?" sums it up best.

This round table was found in the cubbie hole and I thought "wouldn't be fun to refinish it". It was dark pine and dreary. So it was sanded-sanded-sanded then stained and lacquered-lacquered-lacquered. Oh, but then I bid on some unfinished chairs at an employee auction and won four chairs. So I sanded-sanded then stained and lacquered again. Found four seat cushions, recovered them. Complete-I thought. Not so..

When the chairs were placed around the table--they were just too big. I settled on two chairs, put them in the nook and then made a matching cafe curtain for the hutch behind it. The hutch has all my stamps, paper, ribbons, tools etc. and the top pulls out for extra working space. But I still need a dining table for more than two people ...

This is the dining table which was also dark pine and needed the same treatment. After sanding and staining for what seemed like weeks, a new dilemma presented itself. No chairs! Why because the four chairs I refinished were still too big. I work in a furniture store and started seeing some pieces that would save the day and get me out of this mushrooming venture. The bench was amazingly affordable and the chairs were sold to me for a very reasonable price. This project is finally completed.

Did I learn my lesson--I don't think so because---

This is my next project. It is a hutch with very many slots for paper stock. I am deciding whether or not to paint it. It holds 8-1/2" x 11" size paper and will make a great paper organizer. So consider it under construction.

WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD???

Every year the local photography club sponsers a "What's in Your Backyard?" contest. Here are a few things in our backyard starting with the most important of all .....

JACKSON!!

My Girls!!
Mr. Whitlow's Cows!Morning Glories

My Favorite Fower Pot

Autumn Rose

Daffodils
My husband and I took a walk around the property on Easter Sunday and found a patch of daffodills in a spot we had never seen before. They looked Glorious...





SO, WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKYARD?

Artisian Fare Display

Card Display

My sister, Linda, is hosting an Evening for Artiseans" next week. She has invited several women who design and/or make their "sellable wares". I had know about this for a while so I stamped a variety of cards and then made several repeats of the same stamped card. I had no idea of how to display them but purchased the mounting board at CVS and just starred at the black board for about an hour and though "Eureka"--I know what I can do--if I can just get the idea from my head into an actual finished work. I mounted the cards with brads so they wouldn't be damaged and attached my "bio" in the upper lefthand corner.

Next I covered the front and back of the board with pink paisley paper and reversed the border and then attached the wide ribbon with buttons which I tied on with yarn eliminating the need to glue the ribbon. There is the finial product--it looks like a very large clutch purse but opens like a gigantic card.

I made four of each card and we will see what happens. The display is in the mail on its way to Rhode Island where my beautifull talented and skillfull daughter-in-law will be attending --I am looking forward to hearing about what took place.

It's Not Just Paper

Oh no, no it is not just paper. Have you ever searched for hours for just the right paper (or any other item for that matter) for a project only to decide that you just can't part with it? I once spent two hours at Joann's Fabric just looking for the perfect sheet of paper. Yes, paper! No one can explain that obsession except those who know. We went to Keepsakes Fabric in Center Harbor, NH this past summer. The store was eliminating their scrapbook section and all items were 75% off. All items including embellishments and tools and lots of cool paper. Self control on that shopping event was not an option.

I have developed what I call attachment disorder. Attachment to finished items; supplies "I may never find this piece of paper again"; buttons and even ideas. I'm thinking you understand this phenomena. I may not spent hours at the craft store for a while but I know I will spend a lot of time trying to justify not using one of "my favorite" embellishment. Ultimately though love wins out because it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Gift Pack Assortment

My sister loves home made cards. For her birthday I made a variety pack and an assortment envelope. It was a lot of fun. Buttons were attached to the envelope with ribbon and open and closes easily. I used a large ribbon to make a package presentation. She really really liked it .

Ribbon Box

This ribbon box was purchased at Keepsakes Fabric Shop in Center Harbor, New Hampshire on a recent trip in May. All their scrap booking items were on sale for 75% off--what temptation!!! The box was unfinished. I painted it a mint green and embellished it with these cutesy buttons. It is a great for storing those end cuts ribbons that can be used for smaller detailing.