Blessings

Our family was truly blessed this holiday season. My niece, Mandy, delivered this beautiful bundle of baby boy, just a few days before Christmas. My "little" brother, Phil, is now a Grandpa! Kyle Phillip Karnbach is the fifth great-grandson for my parents in just a few years.



Too bad I live so far away from my family, 'cause I could really use a baby snuggle right now!

A North Carolina Christmas

A little tree and a lot of love! Oh, and what happened to the "one gift each" leaner Christmas plan!?



Me and my sweet girls in our matching PJs.



The guys in their matching jammies. Laura took a goofy photo from the wedding and turned it into "Bromance 2008" shirts. Trey is a good sport.... he has to be, if he wants to be a part of this family!



Laura & Trey with their critters. I wish I had a picture of Stash, Wiley & Brooke in their costumes. Yes, the animals put on a little show for us... Presenting Brooke as Santa Paws, Wiley as the Rowdy Reindeer and Stash as the Reluctant Elf, complete with flashing lights, wagging tails and roaring laughter from the audience!



And one shot of me in the kitchen...



I miss the old days with our little ones waking us up at the wee hours of the morning, the piles of wrapping paper filing the living room, the breakfast casserole and the homemade cinnamon rolls baking in the oven.... wait a minute... we did all that, except our girls finagled things until we opened gifts in the middle of the night! They couldn't even wait 'til morning. What we did miss was having Chris and Sarah with us. Some people dream of white Christmases... I dream of having our Christmases together, no matter what the weather.

Can you say, Domestic Goddess?

I made Marshmallows. I felt fancy.... for a quick minute.... 'til the caramel coating for these beautiful fluffy masterpieces totally flopped! Now I'm back down off my pedestal and cleaning up the sticky mess. I think the secret to these cubes of heavenly goodness was the fact the meringue was made from eggs still warm from the nest... literally the freshest possible! Thank you little Mommas!




These are for my sweet daughter who LOVES her marshmallows.


We're packing to head to North Carolina where we're meeting our girls and Trey, for an early Christmas celebration. Lots of loose ends to pull together...

Off to make merry!

River City Stampers, Formerly Known as...

... Rollin' on the Rubber, had it's annual Christmas party yesterday, and what a lovely party it was! Hosted by our Vice President, Michelle Murphy welcomed us to her beautiful home which was decorated like something straight off the pages of "Martha Stewart Goes Vintage." There was an awesome skinny book page swap happening in Michelle's "to die for" studio, while a chocolate fountain bubbled away in the kitchen. With wasail simmering in one pot, coffee in another and a holiday punch bowl sitting proudly in amongst fresh greenery atop one of the many lovingly refurbished cabinets in Michelle's home.

The dining room table was laden with the "consumable artwork." Once again we were reminded that not only can these women create the most amazing art, they can also put on a spread that'll knock your socks off.



The exchange of artwork was one of the highlights of our gathering. This skinny book page swap represented the diversity of our group with it's many styles and techniques shown in this collection of pages.



While circling the huge dining room table we played "Dirty Santa" with beautiful rubber stamps. We stole, swapped and swiped stamps until everyone had something special to inspire their next project. I couldn't get a good enough angle to capture the fun we had during this exchange... but I will say, "ha, ha, ha, I got the one I wanted!" :) Thanks Marguerite.... and Candice!




These pictures are just representative of the group. Most of our group was able to attend. We remembered and missed those who couldn't make it to celebrate the season with us.




As with older homes, there were lots of cozy corners to find yourself lost in. With tables and seating anywhere possible we sat and ate and visited and ate and vistited and then ate some more!





Several of us just weren't ready for the festivities to end, so we settled into the scrumptious red leather sectional couch and continued our visit for hours.... I'd still be there if I could have stayed!

Thanks to Michelle for a very special holiday party. You were an amazing hostess and, I think I can speak for the group when I say it was one of the best gatherings yet!


Oh and Cyndi & Shelby ..... look to the left and scroll down a bit.... sorry it took so dang long!

Valentine's in December!

Another card with an image stamped from Artistic Outpost's new Vintage Valentine's plate.

Another new plate from Artistic Outpost!

This week's Theme Thursday challenge just happens to be "Circus!" A perfect excuse to use my new stamps.

This card is made from one of the great images on the "VIntage Circus" stamp plate from Artistic Outpost!



Can you find the RockCandy Studios touch?

New Stamp Plates!

Check out the three new stamp plates over at Artistic Outpost. They're running a special on bundles AND now have the option of unmounted or cling mounted. Cling mounts are precut and on a foam backing with the image shown on the top of the stamp.... very cool!



The images on this card front are from the Fortune Teller stamp plate. I stamped & embossed the image on a page from a vintage French/English dictionary I then stamped the image again on plain vanilla colored paper and cut out just her face to overlay on the embossed image. A little bling and a feather and waalaa... a fortune teller! I see more art in your future....

Robyn and Shelley, Thanks for always creating such awesome stamps!

Muses in Artland....

So here it is, the game and it's pieces minus the one piece that's on it's way....



And a close up of the fantastic game board that Mary Ann made for each of us. There is even a pocket on the back with a list of all the rules for playing "Muses in Artland"... Rules like; imagine, create inspire, live, "take time to laugh" and "strut your stuff."



A few of the game piece Muses enjoying simmering pots of cheese and chocolate! This photo was taken by our token guy, Andreas, who was visiting from Germany. (We drug him along, but he gave little resistance.)



MaryAnn, Thanks for being the hostess with the mostest!

Game Piece Swap

"Auntie UP".... get it? :)

Several years ago I started a Mixed-Media Yahoo! group called, "The Meeting of the Muses." It has grown into an awesome group of artists who enjoy creative kinship and artist swaps of all kinds. We have frequent ATC, inchie, Moo, book page, and technique swaps. You name it... if you can paint it, ink it, stamp it or glue it, we're likely to swap it! This time our fellow "Muse," Mary Ann, posted a swap for altered game pieces. I of course, jumped in with both feet. Mary Ann is creating an artistic game board for each of the participants. I can't wait to see what she's dreamed up for us this time! AND to top it off, she's reserved a spot at "The Melting Pot" where we'll indulge ourselves in all things dunked in melted chocolate! A perfect afternoon, if you ask me! Life is Good! Although we have participants from all ends of the earth, those of us in the Memphis area try to get together for "on the spot" swaps whenever we can... somehow these swaps always seem to revolve around food... and the more decadent the better!

I'm a bit premature in posting these as we usually wait 'til after the swap, but I can't resist this time. I had so much fun making these little treasures. Nearly everything I used is from our online store RockCandyStudios.com. The letterpress blocks, the collage images, the vintage buttons, the fabulous Baroque border, and the metallic Rub-on, all come from our store. Have I told you how much fun it is to have a store at your own home!?

Gothic Arch, Silhouette Challenge

My friend, Shelly Hickox, creates amazing art for challenges throughout the week. I thought I might do a few myself. Here's a simple project I created for the Gothic Arches group. I used printed paper, a bird punch, a favorite stamp image and of course, RockCandy Studios Dresden Foil trim around the edges.

In the funny pages, again...

Here are a couple pictures of things I have in current publications. A friend just commented on something else I have in another magazine, and I don't even remember making it! Sometimes projects I did years ago and sold to a manufacturer or magazine pop up when I least expect to see them.

I was flipping through the December issue of "Create & Decorate" and was surprised to see my Great-grandmother looking back at me! I had forgotten about this fun little treasure chest!



Here are GIANT ornaments I was actually contracted to make for part of a trade show display for Krylon. I was happy to hear the editor at "Today's Creative Home Arts" was intrigued by them and wanted to include them in the Nov/Dec '09 issue. I purchased these enormous globes at the dollar section in Target and transformed them into something a bit glitzy.

This is the third issue in a row that Candice and I have had projects in this magazine in back to back articles! Thanks Julie and Tammy!

The Wedding Photos... finally!

TaDa... here they are... the wedding photos I've been promising to post. This is a sampling of the hundreds of pictures that were taken by the talented photographer, Wendy Ardolino of Eugene Oregon. These represent some of the sweetest moments of my life! From the preparation, to the ceremony, to the amazingly fun celebration afterwards, I couldn't have been happier! Through this slideshow you'll meet much of my family. Including my new daughter-in-law, whom I love with all my heart. You'll also get a glimpse of the beautiful wedding cake Sarah's Mom decorated, and the hand-bound guestbook, the wedding programs, and the blue garter, all of which I made for this special occasion. Enjoy!

Oregon Coast Snippets

Here, for your viewing pleasure, are a few pictures of the Oregon Coast and the Redwoods. My daughters, Jenn and Laura, and Laura's sweetie, Trey, took this side trip just before the we all kicked into wedding mode...

Searching the ends of the earth...

... for experienced mixed-media instructors who would be interested in teaching at Mixed Media Mélange in Sept. '09. If you are interested in this opportunity, or know of someone who we should contact, please email me at mixed.media.melange@gmail.com and I'll send you all the details.

Mixed Media Mélange=M3=M cubed

We're working on something our Mixed Media friends won't want to miss! A weekend art retreat designed just for you! Details to follow soon. For now, here is a sneak preview of the retreat center we have reserved, Sept. 10-13, 2009! As soon as we have all the details ironed out, we'll make the official announcements and open registration. Please leave me a note if you'd like to be added to our mailing list.



Thanks to Michelle for sharing this slideshow!

They're Married!

More pics to follow....

And the winner is.....

... lucky number 2 (Tina)! My DH picked the number at random.

I love cowgirl anything..this would be perfect for me :) hope I win it :O)

September 25, 2008 8:53 PM


Congrats Tina, send me your mailing address and this awesome stamp plate will be headed to your house.

~R

Win This!

A few weeks ago many of you voted for my Cowgirl Blues Altered Trunk for the cover of the latest edition on Today's Creative Home Arts magazine. A few posts back I was excited to announce that my project was selected.

I used stamped images from Oxford Impressions Cowgirl Blues stamp plate to embellish this project. Suzanne from OI gave me a brand-new stamp plate to offer as a give-away on my blog. All you have to do is leave a comment about this post before Sunday night 9.28.08. I will assign numbers to each comment and draw a number "out of the hat" on Monday morning. If you're the winner I'll get this awesome stamp plate on its way to your house! Thanks for playing!

Jewelry Creations

Fun Mail Day! I had totally forgotten about making these Marbleized Beads for this CK Media Special Publication. The magazine is called Jewelry Creations and should be available soon.



Page 18

My heart was there....

Let the wedding festivities begin!

Yesterday was my FDIL's bridal shower. These are the times that it hurts so damn bad, to be away from family! We had hoped to link up through a video chat so I could there for the event. As hard as my Mom and other shower guests tried we just couldn't get linked up... and I'd even done my makeup! I'm afraid I took it out on my DH, who puts up my moods no matter how grumpy I am... bless his heart.
Thanks to the internet, who didn't cooperate last night, I woke up to pictures of the event in my imail box (Thanks, Gail).

Here are a couple shots of the fun they had...



I hear the gift opening went on for a long, long time! Someone got the "kids" this sign... we've always had one that said the same thing hanging on our front porch. They'll have so much fun putting all these special gifts away in the brand-new house they just bought this week. I'm so excited for them!



Sarah and the TP brides! Apparently teams competed by making dresses for their "bride" followed by a fashion show... I so coulda won this one! I rock at shower games! :) And I needed a new lip-gloss!

Mazama Mosaic

My sister, Joanne is an amazing Mosaic artist living in Eugene Oregon. She recently completed the installation of this beautiful lilies project which graces the face of a storefront in downtown Eugene. The owner of Harlequin Beads traveled to Italy where she was inspired by the mosaic works there. She contacted Joanne, who is a sought-after instructor of mosaic art, and together they conceived the lilies project. They were about to begin installation when I was last visiting. I saw the giant sections of lilies embellishing every flat surface in Joanne's studio, so I'm especially excited to see this completed project.

This storefront just happens to be very near the venue for my Son's upcoming wedding reception, so may serve as a backdrop for some wedding snapshots.

I'm a cover girl!

I've been a centerfold before, been on book covers, but this is my first magazine cover! I can't wait to get the magazine in the mail! And today the UPS man is scheduled to bring my copies of two books that I created lots of projects for; Make It in Minutes: Wreaths and Make It in Minutes: Last Minute Gifts. Exciting times!

I'll post more on the books later.... for now I WILL finish a couple sets of instructions and step-outs, if they are the only things I get done today!

Yesterday, I posted up a bunch of awesome new products at RockCandyStudios.com Check them out under "new."

AND... watch for an upcoming drawing related to the project on the magazine cover! I'll post more on that in a day or two so check back.

Artfully Yours....

A Regal Surprise!

My special artist friend, Shelly Hickox honored me with this beautiful crown, artistically designed using all vintage materials. Even the sheet music, the sequins and the tissue are her estate sale finds. Shelly is definitely a kindred spirit... she's also a transplant from Oregon.

Mail invites... check!

Signed, sealed, sent....


Assembly line....

Wedding Invitation production!

This is the one and only, nearly completed invitation! I have most of the components cut for the remainder of the 140+. I got the final thumbs up from the newlyweds last night... so here we go with the rest! Thank goodness Bob is good with my Pazzles machine. He helped me cut for hours yesterday... very good man!




I still need to print and emboss the text for the inside of the invites and design the tuck-ins for the pocket on the inside... RSVP card, directions, registry, accommodations etc.

It's a very special time... marrying off my son, especially because I love who he's chosen to be his wife. I'm so grateful that she's welcomed my contributions to the wedding. Just about two months 'til the wedding day!

Artistic Outpost Sneak Peek & Bundle Sale!

Artistic Outpost is proud to release two new stamp collections: Route 66 and Vintage Halloween.


Route 66 features nostalgic images of the first American super highway, Route 66. Who isn't yearning for a great "road trip" right about now! We always get a little sad when August rolls around. It means another summer is winding down. Use this terrific set to capture those memories in your summer scrapbooks or make something unique which pays homage to those that are born to be wild!

Vintage Halloween is for all those out there who prefer "treats" to "tricks". Who wouldn't love seeing the children in our two main images showing up to the front door on All Hallow's Eve? This collection features work from Victorian era postcards. Think of all the Halloween Party invitations, cards, or treat bags that you could create with this one set!

To celebrate the launch of these two new collections, Artistic Outpost is running sneak peek specials...From now until Monday, August 11th, the following items are on sale at the Artistic Outpost webstore.
Vintage Halloween - $9.99
Route 66 - $9.99
OR PURCHASE BOTH for $18 (that's $6 off the retail price of both)

There is a special "bundled" product in our webstore that will allow you to order both plates for $18.00.

More RockCandy Studios Artwork!

These are by the fabulous Ronnie Goff! She used lots of embellishments from our e- art-store! Thanks for sending the pics, Ronnie!

RockCandy Studios goes live!

We're so excited! Stop by www.rockcandystudios.com and see our offerings! We have lots of the treasures that Mixed-Media artists often look for. We went on scavenger hunts to search out sources for the things that we love to use, but can't readily find. We launched just a few days ago and have had awesome support from happy customers who are excited to finally have a source for these items. We are adding products nearly everyday, with more to go online this afternoon.


We're working on a "sister" site that will house our projects gallery, video and pdf tutorials along with other "supporting acts" to our featured site. Our design team and other artist friends have created many amazing pieces using our products. These will surely spark your imaginations and get your muses stirring! I'll make another announcement when that site is up and running.

Here is a preview of some of the amazing projects coming to our gallery...

Dianne Adams


Joyce Shaver "Funny Guy"


Dianne Adams


Robyn Sharp


Barbara Rankin


Shelly Hickox


Joyce Shaver


Tricia Martin


Dianne Adams