Tags ...

Hello again.  Today was filled with a gathering of crafty friends.  Although we all work on duplicating the sample project, each turns out unique.  Something happens in the process as each of us stamp, cut, layer and assemble.  A bit of us seems to become a part of what we do ... making each project different from the other.  I think that's wonderful, don't you?  We get together once a month and I always enjoy their company ... I do wish all of you could come and join in the fun.

I have a couple delights to share with you today.  What could be happier than blue and yellow?  Yes, that's right ... blue and yellow polka dots!  Layered with a glitter house, button, and a bit of crochet (of course).  

While on vacation in sunny California years ago, my daughter wanted a day trip planned to visit Hollywood.  Never having been there, I admit I was curious to see some of the sights.  By the end of the day we found ourselves walking Rodeo Drive ... then somehow we were in Juicy Couture ... then, as if by magic, there appeared the cutest pair of pajama's in my hands ... exactly my daughter's size.  She was thrilled and so was I.  She got the pajama's and I got the tags!  Without a doubt the most expensive embellishment I have ever used is the tag from those pajama's - see it under the heart!?  I added a crown, a painted pink and glittered frame, a shabby pink crinkly bow along with my own crocheted doily and flower.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Perspective ...

My goodness, July has certainly made a grand entrance with temperatures in the 90's across the country.  We finally got some relief with thunderstorms today.  Regardless of the weather, it's still fun to be home with the kids.  Enjoying some free time, our home, and each others company.  As they have grown older, their insightful questions, thoughtful conversations and caring nature is such a joy.  They help keep me grounded as my A-Type personality tends to "over think" things and worry about plans usually years in the future.  I forget to live for the "here and now".  They make me laugh, tell me to relax, and help put things in perspective (without knowing they are doing it) ... something I need reminding of sometimes.  I admit it.

We returned from vacation a couple weeks ago, it was a much needed get-away for all of us.  Since we were in a mountainous area during the summer, we spent an afternoon at a ski resort that had used the mountain side to build a sled run.  It was high, it was long, it was fast, and it looked like a ton of fun.  The sleds were for a single rider with a hand brake between your legs to control speed.  While I kept an eye on our belongings, my husband and kids took to the sleds.  The route wound through the trees - the start accessible only by the ski lift.  I couldn't see the top nor the route ... only the last 50 yards or so.  First my husband comes whipping down the slide racing our daughter who is in the track next to him.  Both enjoying the race and talking about "this turn and that turn" as they pile out of their sleds.  Then we wait ... and wait ... and wait ... where is my son?  We wait some more.  We talk to the men who are gathering the sleds.  They get on the walkie-talkies to the top of the mountain.  Still no sign of him.  I'm ready to walk up that mountain track to look for him (you know the feeling) when we see a head above the sides of the slide.  Slowly he comes around the final turn with the hand brake pulled in it's full rearward position, going as slow as molasses, looking around at the scenery and singing "The Wheels on the Bus" as loud as he can with a smile on his face.  While the other two couldn't stop talking about the twists and turns, my dear sweet son told me all about the birds he saw on the way down the hill.  I continue learn a lot from him.

I am still smitten by our Polka Dot papers and will warn you again that you'll be seeing them frequently.  In the last post it was a luscious red, today I'm showing off wonderful shades of green and blue.  Recently an ETSY order came in for a favorite of mine - some handmade vanilla flowers (with pearl centers and just the right touch of shimmer on the petals).  While filling the order, I decided to make a couple for myself to share with you too.  The tickets are actually from a new wheel ... perfect since you can make them any color you want with changing either the card stock, ink, or both!  Just wheel them then snip them - easy!

For my next post, I switched over to shades of blue.  LOVE this Polka Dot!  Another handmade flower, a glittery chipboard heart, a sweet greeting, an even sweeter silhouette, and a perky bow ... all layered to add depth and texture.  

The storms have let up so it's time for a walk then back home for popcorn and a movie.  Tonight is "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" ...  hilarious!  Thanks of stopping by today.

Welcome Summer ...

Summer is off to a fast and fun start!  In our first week out of school we've already squeezed in a vacation full of hiking, canoeing, birding, and so much more.  It's wonderful to have the kids home ... it makes for some hectic days but I wouldn't want it any other way.  I'm cherishing every moment because I know it won't last long.  I hope your summer is going great too!

I have some exciting news to share ... you can find my embellished wood houses in the current issue of Simply Handmade Decor Magazine!  I'm over the moon thrilled to be published.  It's a first for me and I feel like I've won a big prize!  This magazine and other Simply Handmade publications are filled with fabulous ideas.  If you want to try this fun project for yourself, there are sets of wood house forms in my ETSY shop.

Here are a couple cards and crocheted projects to share with you today.

The crocheted piece along the bottom of this card is absolutely gorgeous.  It almost hesitated to cover it up but it's just as sweet peeking out from under layers of shabby goodness.  I found the pattern in a book and had to try it. I'm sure you'll see more of these lacy appliqués on future posts.  The papers are from my scrap drawer, the pear is chipboard as is the frame ... painted and distressed.  You'll find our stamp set Four Frames on both of today's cards.

I ADORE our new polka dot printed papers!  Each package of Polka Dot Parade includes 2 sheets of 6 colors ... Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Rich Razzleberry.  I paired Real Red with a simple check above and layered on a stamped frame image, chipboard butterfly, and other shapes including an old sewing machine.  The flower is created from an old sewing pattern from my dear mom - topped with a crocheted flower and bright red button.  The fringe is white and red crepe paper - LOVE IT!

Before I go I want to point out that our new catalog is available and filled with loads of goodies and inspiration.  Check it out - there's a link on the left.  I hope you enjoyed your visit ... thanks for stopping by!

School's out!

I can't tell you how happy I am that school is out for the summer!  While all the activities, performances and celebrations are fabulous and I couldn't be a prouder momma ... I am looking forward to quiet days spent with the kids at home.  We have trips, camps, volleyball, birding, and so much more fun things planned.  Hopefully some hours spent playing with papers and crocheting too.

Here's a little something to share with you - made for a special friend.  I'm having such fun making the crepe paper fringe that you may be seeing it for a while.  The crocheted flower is a new "made-up" pattern that I adore ... then of course I cover it with a stamped postage image.  I don't mind, layering makes the finished product all the more shabby.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I appreciate your visits and hope to have more to share soon!

Happy Memorial Day!

I promised I would be back and I'm happy to say it's sooner than I thought!  The weather is forecasted to be hot in this part of the country.  I hope you too have sunny skies to enjoy this weekend.   I have a garden that is in need of some attention and you'll find me there!

It's been a loooong time since I participated in a challenge but the adorable inspiration collage from The Play Date Cafe is just too sweet to pass by.  The crepe paper fringe was so fun to make - Cherry creates beautiful things with this handmade embellishment - she's amazing!  Here's my little project ....

Be sure to visit the Design Team as well as those you have joined in the fun ... there's so much to see!

I'll be back soon with more ... thanks for visiting!

A Bit of Crochet ...

Life is beginning to settle down once again.  My daughter is finally home from her 8th grade trip.  I say "finally" because I miss her so when she's gone.  The hours and days seem to crawl as I imagine all the exciting things she is seeing and doing. My son and I just returned from a Mother/Son Boy Scout camping trip.  The weather was perfect and we had a wonderful time.  He has just joined a new troop (having out-grown his previous group) and he is fitting right in.  The boys are very welcoming and he is enjoying his new friends.

I've been doing some crocheting and have been able to find some time to create a few things to share ... I hope they provide a bit of inspiration or at least bring a smile to you today.

Thanks for stopping by and spending a moment of time with me.  I'll be back soon with another project to celebrate the long weekend!

I'm Here For You ...

Hello again!  Another volleyball tournament is behind us and another busy week lies ahead.  This is one mother that's anxious for summer!  Our daughter is graduating 8th grade so our calendar is full with activities planned in the coming weeks.  What a wonderful time for her to celebrate achievements and friendships made as she prepares for the next four years.  High school will bring new relationships and challenges ... I'm so proud and am looking forward to watching her continue to bloom.  Wishing I could be there by her side for every moment but knowing that there is much more for her to discover on her own.  How do you ever let go?

Although I have much to improve upon with my photography skills (hopefully you'll see a difference in the coming posts - it's a new goal of mine), here's a little something new to share with you today.  I made use of some retired background paper and added a stamped image from the Apothecary Art stamp set.  The coordinating Framelits Dies make it even easier to use this beautiful set.

A piece of chipboard painted a soft shade of yellow is the perfect spot to feature my crocheted flower.  I have so many new crocheted bits and pieces to share with you ... all made while enjoying my spectator seat at the volleyball weekends.  This one is embellished with buttons and a "stamped stamp" image (snicker ... "stamped stamp" ... giggle).  My bow is died seam binding dressed up with decorative pins, a tag from Petite Pairs, and a sweet yellow flower.

I hope you enjoyed stopping by today ... I always appreciate the time you spend here with me!