THE PAPER HANDMAIDEN

THE PAPER HANDMAIDEN: Valentine's Day Banner

2012-01-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

THE PAPER HANDMAIDEN: Valentine's Day Banner

Valentine's Day Banner

2012-01-19T05:33:00.000-08:00

This banner was easy to make using my favorite scraps of fabric left over from another project. I cut out the hearts and then used fusible fabric to adhere them to muslin also left over from another project. I was able to use a hole punch to punch holes on both sides of the hearts and pass the ribbon through. A button and lace was sewn on to each heart. I then hung it on the wall with two thumb-tacks. No sewing (except for the buttons was required).

Free Card Stock Images

2011-12-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

I thought this was an interesting website for some card stock background images. Some are royalty free and some are a minimal charge. Its worth checking out.

http://www.dreamstime.com/abstract-background-design-free-stock-photos-imagefree3894238

Sock Monkey

2011-12-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

This is Mike. We recently had a Brown Bag auction at our home and Mike was the winner of this gigantic sock monkey. Interestingly enough Mike tells a story about when he was younger and his mother was sick, he stayed with some people who had a sock monkey but he was never allowed to take it home. Now he has his own sock monkey. Nice story Mike. You look so content.

Operation Write Home Card

2011-12-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a few cards I made for OWC. There was a little bit of a creativity block because its been a while, but today was a good card making day.

New Things!!!!

2011-11-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

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!!

Christmas Vintage Images-Free Public Domain

2011-11-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

Visit The Vintage Moth for use of their vintage art. These would make great card fronts and probably require very little embellishment and from what I understand they are public domain. I love the generosity of public domain! www.thevintagemoth.blogspot.com

2011-07-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

Art Image of The Day

There are some nice images to use in your projects from this wedsite, Art Image of the Day. I like looking around at the vintage and victorian pieces.

Paper Flower Tree-VBS Panda-Mania

2011-07-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Last week our Church had VBS and the theme was Panda mania. Apparently Panda-mania is the VBS favorite this summer. One of the decorating projects was attaching paper flowers to tree limbs. My favorite. I was hoping someone would be inspired to get married in the hallway...it just looked so inviting.

My husband was Mr. Zookeeper. All I had to work with were two small panda iron-ons. Keepsake Fabrics had one panda fabric. No patches. Lots of Monkeys though. I made the patches by cutting squares around the pandas, stitching them and then sewing them on the sleeves.

VBS was a blast, can't seem to get those songs out of my head.

I Want A Greenhouse!

2011-06-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

Is it too much to ask for, one's very own greenhouse? Not a Quonset hut but a greenhouse. My Mother's day gift was a trip to Blithe Gardens in Bristol, RI with my son, daughter-in-law and grand baby now I want a greenhouse.

I will settle for a New England bamboo forest, just a small one.

Maybe a crab apple tree?

Of course the most beautiful in the Garden,

Grandbaby girl!

Thank You Card

2011-01-13T20:23:00.000-08:00

I made this card for a friend who did a very special deed for someone who needed a helping hand. This kind woman has her own little flower shop so not to use a flower in it would almost be a crime. Sometimes the simple cards are the most fun to make.

Happy Birthday Blessings

2011-01-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

I received this lovely card from the ladies ministry at my Church. They send a card to every member on their birthday. It was a pleasant surprise and such a lovely card too!

Christmas Invitation

2010-10-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

All that ladies at church received this invitation to attend the Women's Ministry Fall Event. I have never made an Advent Wreath and look forward to attending. I love crafted invitations!

Woman's Craft Fellowship Christmas Card

2010-10-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

The women from our chuch met this morning and created several cards. It was well organized and just a great time of creating together. This is one of several cards we made. The stamping was easy and we had a wonderful time. This stamp is from Stamping Up.

SWAG BUCKS-Modern Day Green Stamps

2010-10-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Check it out, it reminds me of those green stamps people would stick in books and then redeem them at the Green Stamp Store when they had enough stamps to get an item. I like it, you might like it too.

I love family pictures

2010-09-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

I love family pictures because they represent our family history. This picture is probably 20 years old and the changes in the family dynamics is amazing. Those little children are grown adults and some adults have gone home to be with the Lord. Each face represents an untold story.

These are my parents and their children and their children's children and their spouses and one aunt and a cousin.

There is just something about this picture that makes it precious.

Ode to the Mustang

2010-06-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

You tossed my hair

and made me fly

but the budget got smaller

as time passed by.

I'll miss the way you sped along

"Ode to the Mustang";

it's a very short song.

The Re-purposed Garden

2010-05-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

I spent the last few days doing some gardening and we wanted to be very low budget. I made a garden using the rocks we have around the property, and there is plenty of them. We wanted to experiment our first summer here with a small garden to see what will grow, what won't and what could possibly eat our vegetables

This is the old kennel fence we had in Virginia when Jackson's mother had puppies. I assembled the kennel fences and bought a Garden Gate from Lowe's. We had chrome kennel fence and a black garden gate, so I spray painted it purple. Somehow it makes me think of those purple street lights at Disney in Orlando. We are good to go.

.The old wash bucket is great for planting pansies and herbs.

Using Public Domain Images

2010-04-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

Using this image I got from a public domain image library makes a simple yet fun card. I just embossed the Thinking of You, added a couple of emplishments, punched the corners and wallah!

Simple Stationary

2010-03-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

This simple stationary is easy to make and leaves lots of room for writing notes or just a thought. The stamp is Just A Note and leaves the door open to say whatever is on your heart. I punched the corners and stamped the corner envelope and inside the top of the inside. Simple yet functional!

For Erika

2010-03-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

http://polleycrafts.blogspot.com/

Operation Write Home is having a blog hop and I stumbled across a lovely lady named Erika whose husband is being deployed over seas for the third time. For every comment left on her blog, she is making a card for Operation Write Home...I told her she didn't have to make one for me, that I would make one for her and send it to OWH.

I had made this card once before but couldn't resist again when someone gave me that cute little shoe card...

There are some wonderful wives who are making OWH it really touches my heart.

Little Girl's Birthday Apron

2010-03-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

Maddie had a Number 2 birthday party on Saturday and I really wanted to make her an apron. There was no pattern, so I went on line and found a site where you make an apron pattern from a cut-out newspaper. Works for me. I used three different patters after studying the apron my daughter in law had made for me.

The pattern is easy to cut.

The fabric embellishments are three different strips sewn together with each one being a little longer than the next. The three-sewn together strips are now one and easily sewn in between the button tw0-folds. The necktie is sewn in between the two fabric folds and the belt is sewn over the top of the apron button and top.

The cupcake pattern was so fun and just the right fabric for a little girls birthday celebration.

Fleece Pajama Bottoms...Homemade

2010-03-09T07:26:00.001-08:00

My daughter-in-law does all things well and has a gift of creativity in sewing and much more. She inspired me to try these fleece pajama bottoms because the ones she made me are so comfortable and warm.

I purchased a yard and a half of fleece and was glad to find some fleece that didn't have Strawberry Shortcake or monkeys on them. I took a pair of pajama bottoms, folded them in half and placed them on a four-fold of the fabric. Simply cut around the outline of the folded material and you should have four pieces to sew together. I didn't use elastic on the waist because the fabric stretches and just left a small open V on the front and added a thin belt.

I actually had enough material left to make a scarf and a hat. This was easy and enjoyable. Now is the time to buy fleece and flannel because its on sale.

Shadowbox Photo Composition

2010-02-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

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.

Home-made Chair Covers

2010-02-25T05:57:00.000-08:00

I have two white chairs which were needing a change. I made chair back coverings and then added the seat covers. The backs of the chairs are longer than the front and left a gap on the sides. To "cover my sins or omission" I made little skits for the sides and applied them. As my husband would say, next project!

Printable Paper Dolls

2010-02-22T16:00:00.001-08:00

I love paper dolls! My mother would save the Betsy McCall paper doll page from McCall's magazine and put them in the "rainy day" box.

I found this website which has printable paper dolls that are public domain. As soon as I get some ink cartridges, I am going to print some and put them in my own "rainy day" box.

http://karenswhimsy.com/paper-dolls.shtm

Its Good to be Home!

2010-01-07T08:21:00.001-08:00

One of the beauties of being home again, finally, is that you don't have to eat your birthday cake alone. Thank you Mel for bringing over your jewelry kit and making matching earrings to go with the Christmas bracelet you made. Thanks to Taylor and Aubrey for making this great Birthday Card. Thanks Jason for occupying Pop while the ladies chatted.

Hopefully, soon, I can get back to making some cards Operation Write Home. Soon as I find where all the "stuff" is.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T09:23:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas! We are just waiting for one more delivery and will be 100 percent moved! Can't wait to get back to "normal". Have a blessed Christmas Day.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-20T19:23:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to take a few moments to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. There is a lot to be thankful for this year. My husband hand I have finally purchased a home and will be moving to New Hampshire in a few weeks. The home is wonderful and when we get settled, I will be able to get back to some serious card making. I really miss making cards for Operation Write Home and keeping my stash ahead for all those special events which come up.

I am thankful that God gave us the grace (and patience) to sell our home, look for a home, find the perfect home and box, pack, move and unbox, pack and remove again.

This is just one of many things...but right now, its our biggest thanks.

Card Obsession

2009-10-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

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

Christmas and Variety Cards for Heroes

2009-09-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

http://cardsforheroes.org

Somehow my computer ate my last post so I am re-posting these cards made for Cards for Heroes. It really is a privilege to do such a small task for our great men and women in the Military. Have a happy labor less Labor Day Weekend!

Bird Stamp Winner

2009-09-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Contratulations to Judy http://passion4cards.blogspot.com/ , she won the Bird Stamp!

She deserves a little good news because her precious grandson is in the hospital recovering from pneumonia complications. Why don't you visit her website and leave her a note of good cheer?Thanks to all who participated and I am sure there will be more goodies posted soon.

Stamp Give Away 4000th Visitor Celebration

2009-08-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

In celebration of my 4000'th visitor, I am giving away this Martha Stewart Bird Stamp set. It is my way of celebrating you. I will pick a winner on August 30'th which has no significance whatsoever.

All you have to do to win is leave your comment and on 8/30, I will let Mr. Fred randomly pick a name on that date.

Cards for Heros

2009-08-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

I have been making cards to send to Cards for Heroes and thought I would share one of them with you. If you have extra cards hidden in your stash, you might want to check out Cards For Heroes. You send them the cards and they send them to the PX's so our soldiers can send them back to family and friends.

It's a great way to purge your stash and help those who help us.

Embellished Photo Frames

2009-07-24T04:57:00.000-07:00

I purchased a bunch of white carboard photo frames from my place of employment because the price was irresistible. I used some of the photos of the flowers I took for the calendar project and put them in these picture frames using scrap papers and punches. I traced the paper with the white cardboard frame and then use the score board to cut them out. I reversed one half of the double-sided paper and punched the corners with a flower punch. This flower matches a larger picture I have in the bedroom. Its so fun to make your own art.

Children's Candy Bag-Home Coming Sunday

2009-07-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was Home Coming Sunday at our church. It was a wonderful service and was followed by a pot-luck luncheon. I didn't want to make the usual brownies or three-bean salad but decided to make candy bags for the children. I had the stamp, the paper and the bags...all that was needed was the candy which was purchased at K-Mart because they have a great assortment. I stamped a cardboard box because we are notorious for forgetting to bring home the baking dish or the serving spoon.

I chose Mark 10:14 as the scripture for the bags and everyone seemed to enjoy them. Especially the "big" kids.

Happy Birthday to You

2009-07-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

This is a card I made for my daughter-in-law. I love the little girl on this image and enjoyed remembering the day we went to the craft store and purchased some lovely items. Although Keri is 800 miles away, using this paper really made a special connection for a special lady.

Fashionista Birthday Card

2009-07-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

I love interpreting art as fashion. My daughter-in-law sent me some great Fashionista tags and I immediately used them to make this birthday card for Mel. Mel actually looks similar to the girl on the tag...I hope she likes it.

Home Made Calendar

2009-07-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Thank a Soldier Card -- Flag Day 6/14

2009-06-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

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

I think it really happened...Vacation!

2009-05-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-30T07:35:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Paper Take Weekly-Circles and Ribbon

2009-04-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-03T10:49:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-27T06:01:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-08T12:39:00.001-08:00

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!

Reverse Negative Card

2009-01-23T13:39:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-17T20:38:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-14T07:44:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

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...

Homemade Apron

2008-12-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-16T17:26:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-19T15:03:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

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...

One Stamp-Two Stamps

2008-10-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-09T22:04:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

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!!

The Seed Packet

2008-09-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

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???

2008-09-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-13T06:32:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-13T01:35:00.001-07:00

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.

Card Package for Cards for Heroes

2005-09-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a sampling of some of the cards I am sending to Cards for Heroes. I made a few multiples and got to use some new corner punches which really add a nice touch. I learned by mistake that you can use the corner punches on the folded edge of the card and it gives it four nice rounded corners.

Again I say what a joy to do something so small for men and women so great!