.

EEK!

2011-10-17T21:19:00.000-05:00

How does someone turn a sweet little tweety bird into a black Raven especially for Halloween? Read on and I'll show you how...Welcome to the next edition of the Sizzix Blog Hop, featuring the dies from the "Fresh Vintage" designs by my friend, Eileen Hull!

First you take the Sizzix ScoreBoards Die-Bird #657120...

...and cut it out of black cardstock. You'll need two of these for the banner project. To make this sweet little birdy a bit tougher, a little meaner, a little bit raven-ish, we'll first need to give him a sharper beak. With a bit of imagination you can find a perfect beak shape in the wing, as shown in the photo below; cut where indicated. And for the tail... well, Ravens don't have perky tails like this little guy, so we'll cut it and flip it over so the feathers are pointing downward. NOW... we're getting a little more wicked looking!

To make the pennant banner, cut 5 burlap rectangles 7" x 9." Cut 5 text pages from an old book, into rectangles slightly smaller than burlap rectangles. From decorative paper, cut 5 strips 1" x 7." With a sewing machine with black thread, stitch paper to burlap in "sloppy" stitches; stitch paper strip across lower section.

Cut 5" letters to spell E E K from black cardstock; adhere to rectangles above the paper strips. Adhere your "Ravens" to the remaining two flags, with one facing left and the other facing right. Adhere a wing to the side of each bird... keeping the feathers pointing low to add to the raven-ish effect. Draw simple feet using a black marker. With a white paint pen make a round dot for the eye on each bird. When paint is dry add a black dot to center to make a scary beady eye.Arrange rectangles with a bird on each end and the letters E E K in the center. Leaving a 2" space between each rectangle and a 16" tail on each end, stitch rectangles to a 3/4" ribbon. Embellish by tying a 12" strip of tea-stained cheesecloth between each rectangle.

Now you're all set to decorate your hearth... or your wood-pile!

So many possibilities with these dies, so hop on along to the next blog for another great idea!To view the hop, you can click on the Fresh Vintage blinkie on the sidebar. This will take you around to all of the designers on the hop. Be sure to visit the "Oh My Crafts" blog for details about how to have a chance at winning this die. THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

All about "PINK!"

2011-10-02T21:06:00.004-05:00

Westcott Brand is the official sponsor of the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop this month. With the support of Velcro Brand Fasteners and The Duck Brand, our project challenge is simply... “PINK,” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I’m proud to be one of 33 designer’s who were asked to use their tools and materials to create one-of-a-kind projects to show-off their products. I’ve made two projects to share with you; a scissor organizer and a “Hello Titty” purse. (You’ll just have to read the story!)

It will be worth it to read all the way to the end of this post, where you will find the details about a very exciting giveaway! Then use the icon to the right of this post to hop your way along to visit the other designers work.

Chair-back Scissor Organizer
Having the right tool at your finger-tips is important. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for those elusive scissors! You know... the ones that would work perfectly for the task at hand... I know they’re here somewhere! I decided to solve that problem by creating an organizer to hang on the back of my desk chair. With such a great selection of Westcott Brand® Cutting Tools I’ll always have the perfect tool at arms reach... now if I can just train myself to put them back after I use them!

Here is a snapshot of the tools and materials I used to create my project. I added some left-over fabric, buttons and thread to what we were given for the challenge.

How to...

1. Determine the size you'll want your chair-back organizer. Mine was approximately 16" x 12" rectangle. Cut two rectangles from fabric remnant, adding 1/2" to all sides.

2. Cut two velcro strips the width of the organizer; pin the hook side of VELCRO® Brand Hook and Loop Fasteners in place across the width of the right side of one of the rectangles, spacing as desired. Stitch in place using a sew machine straight stitch at the edges of the velcro.

3. Determine the length of straps needed by measuring chair back. Mine were approx. 14" long. Cut 4 strips; pin and stitch with right sides together and stitching to a point at one end and leaving the opposite end open for turning. Trim seams, turn strips and press. Top stitch around all edges.

4. Pin raw edge of straps to top edge of right side of front rectangle. Pin right sides of rectangles together. Stitch together leaving a 4" opening at bottom; trim corners, turn and press into place. Stitch opening closed and Top stitch around all edges.

5. Stitch large buttons onto ends of straps.

6. Cut two 1" pieces of VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back Hook and Loop Fasteners. Adhere hook side on straps on back-side directly under buttons. Adhere loop side of VELCRO along top edge of organizer under strap.

7. Measure and cut 1/2" wide ribbon the width of the organizer plus 4" extra. Cut the same length of the loop side of VELCRO® Brand Hook and Loop Fasteners. Pin and stitch the VELCRO to the back-side of the ribbon along the edges.

8. Decide how you would like to organize your cutting tools by laying them in place on the organizer. Lay the VELCRO backed ribbon over the scissors allowing "wiggle" room for easy removal. Stitch reinforcement stitches near each side of your scissors. (Note: these stitches may not be needed depending on the strength of the VELCRO product you choose to use.)

Hello "Titty" Purse

In case there is anyone in the universe haven't told... I have this little Granddaughter ... at 21 mos old she's quite the talker, but her words don't always come out exactly as you expect. My DIL had just texted me that Grace calls Kitties, "Titties" when my box of The Duck Brand® Patterned Duct Tape Rolls arrived on my doorstep. Knowing this Breast Cancer Awareness "PINK" challenge was on the horizon, I busted out laughing when I saw that the box contained "Hello Kitty" Duck Tape! Perfect timing to make my little lady a "Hello Titty" Purse! Thank you, Grace for always being such an inspiration to your Grammy!

I came across this video on the internet and it inspired the purse I made and will be sending to Grace. As you'll see, I modified the basic instructions by folding the Duck Tape "Fabric in thirds to create a flap over the purse.

Now that you've read through my long post, here are the links to the details about the Online Promotion/Giveaway: http://www.facebook.com/WestcottBrand and http://westcottbrand.blogspot.com/ http://www.facebook.com/velcrobrand & http://www.facebook.com/ducktape) The giveaway winner will receive a Deluxe Assortment of Westcott Cutting Tools (assortment may vary). In order to be eligible to win, you must comment on the DCC Blog Hop Post on http://westcottbrand.blogspot.com/ prior to November 1st. Westcott Brand will choose/announce the random giveaway winner on November 1st!

Superheros!

2011-08-24T15:55:00.003-05:00

Kids have always been my favorite people. And I'm so thankful to have a whole bunch of the most darling little ones in my life. My sweet little granddaughter, Grace (the most beautiful 20 month old child in the universe :), enjoys playing dress-up. Her Daddy sends me pictures of her wearing cock-eyed hats and socks on her hands and always a proud grin on her little face. I thought it would be fun to make Grace and all her little friends superhero capes. Her little second cousins need capes, too, so I made a whole batch! When her Daddy was little I made "Kid Terrific" capes for him and his friends with the same logos. I can't wait to see them all wearing these while running around the park! They even have Super Power magic magnetic fasteners!

Designer's Craft Connection: iLove to Create challenge

2011-06-30T09:01:00.010-05:00

Fun new product!

For this month’s challenge, the Designer’s Craft Connection has partnered up with iLovetoCreate for a new product challenge! Thirty of us were provided with a fun new product called, Beads in a Bottle by Tulip. We’ve each created a unique project to share with all of our readers. On July 1st, start here and then use the link in my side-bar to hop along to the next fabulous design!

I love to leave a little somethin’ behind when I’m visiting family or have stopped by to visit at a friend’s home. When I was dreaming up something fun and unique to do with the Beads in a Bottle, I thought of these sweet little message stones and how much fun it would be to tuck one here and there under the leaves in a potted plant or in a garden amongst the basil. Finding one of these, when you least expect it, would surely put a smile on your face!

Materials:

*Beads in a Bottle by Tulip
*Flat stones
*Krylon Indoor/Outdoor spray paint in light colors
*Krylon Chalkboard spraypaint
*Permanent marker
*Chalk

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry flat stones
2. Spray paint stones with Krylon spray paints and/or chalkboard paint; allow to dry.
3. Embelllish stones with Beads in a Bottle leaving space in the center for message; allow to dry.
4. Use permanent marker to write message or inspirational word on face of stone. Use chalk to write erasable message on stones painted with chalkboard paint.

iLove to Create has generously offered a giant giveaway to a lucky follower of the Designer’s Craft Connection blog hop. Check here http://ilovetocreateblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/beads-in-bottle-blog-hop.html

Visit here for all the details about how you can enter for a chance at this amazing stack of creative goodness!

For more BEADS in a BOTTLE inspiration be sure to check out their video here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weddings Galore!

2011-03-12T23:31:00.006-06:00

This is a big summer for weddings! We have THREE, amongst our special friends, all in the course of one month... then, of course, there's that one on the other side of the "pond." When the team for the Designer Craft Connection decided weddings would be our theme for this month's blog-hop, I was delighted! As we "speak" I'm in the process of creating proto-types for two sets of wedding invitations I'll be making over the next few weeks. I also have the honor of creating three hand-bound and stitched wedding guest books for the events I mentioned before. (Not the royal wedding, mind you, the other three!)

A couple years ago our son, Chris, married our beautiful daughter-in-LOVE, Sarah. It was truly one of the most joyous days of my life! We are crafty people (the good kind of crafty), so much of the wedding was DIY. Sarah made her own table decorations, her bridesmaids did her floral arrangements and bouquets, Sarah's Mom decorated their cake and they allowed my hubby and I the great honor of creating many other items for the wedding. We made their Save-the-Date cards, their invitations, ceremony programs, aisle decorations, guest book, and garter. I think the day was extra sweet, especially with all of the personal touches that went into it!

Here are a few pix of this blessed event...

The happy couple near the end of their wedding reception.

The assembly line for the 200 invitations!

You don't quite understand how many 200 is until you start addressing and stamping those puppies!

The programs for their ceremony were embellished with an arrow though a heart, which was symbolic because Chris is an archer.

I had the honor of making Sarah's garter, which is a very special tradition in our family. It was her something blue and included a button from my wedding dress. Stitched inside were two pennies, each from the birth year of the bride and groom, just as my grandmother did in mine. The pink garter is a purchased one for tossing.

The handsome groom and his very proud Mom!

One of MANY kisses!

The hand-bound guest book I made for them, included a photo printed on canvas for the cover. We had a photographer take a black and white photo of each guest/couple/family who attended and they wrote a note on a separate piece of paper that had been pre-printed with a journalling block. The photos were later printed and added to the book with the note for the attendees. There are extra pages in the back of the book to be used at future milestone anniversary parties.

(Pardon my teeny pictures... long story short... computer issues)

Designer's Craft Connection

2011-03-03T12:26:00.007-06:00

So inspired by the blog-hop we participated in a few months back, several designers decided to keep it going! With our blogs linked together by the widget in our sidebars you can easily move back and forth through the series of participating blogs.

Every month, beginning on March 13th, we'll be posting something handmade or inspired by a specific theme. With wedding season fast approaching and a certain royal wedding in all the news, we decided we'd start with weddings as our very first theme. You can check back on the 13th and move through the series of blogs to peruse many "love"ly designs!

As a kick-off for the exciting Designer's Craft Connection there will be an amazing giveaway... a Cricut Expression! Just hop around the Designer Crafts Connection ring and locate the 9 blogs that are displaying the Cricut bug logo. List them in the comment section of Julie McGuffee’s blog to be entered in the drawing to win!

As part of this exciting kick-off we decided to share a bit about what we saw and/or were inspired by at the recent Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show. Here are a few snapshots of what inspired me and I would I'd like to share with you.

I hope Michelangelo doesn't mind...

2011-02-10T08:08:00.007-06:00

We were gifted with a giant print of Michelangelo's "Creation of Man" as a housewarming gift back in 1999. Over the years, hanging near large windows, this painting faded to blue from the golden browns of its original. I knew I could repurpose the frame and the canvas into something useful. I always have loose photos leaning against framed images, candle holders, against books... basically anywhere I could prop them, so I could see the faces of my loves. Having used chicken wire for lots of other purposes over the years... besides confining chickens... I decided to construct a giant framed "bulletin board" to display all those snapshots.

The before...

After disassembling the painting, I sprayed the frame with a few layers of Krylon Interior/Exterior Paint in Black...

I used wire cutters to cut chicken wire to size and spray painted black...

I sanded the painted frame lightly to add that "I've lived and loved and have stories to tell" sort of feel...

I covered the canvas with a thin layer of batting, then with natural linen; wrapped fabric to backside and secured with a staple gun. I laid painted chicken wire over front of covered canvas and strategically attached it with staples where they would be covered by edge of frame.

I placed canvas back into frame and secured with straps stapled across corners on backside. I used heavy wide ribbon.

Because of the narrow hallway, I couldn't seem to get a photo that did this project justice! I absolutely love having a special place to hang all those pictures of our favorite people! I can't seem to bring myself to taking down all the photo Christmas cards we received this year and our family is in serious "production" mode, so we have loads of adorable faces gracing this project!

To clip the photos in place, I use miniature clothes pins that I inked with Clearsnap Chalk Ink in Chestnut Roan then stamped with a french script stamp with black ink.

It's so much fun to give new life to something old!

Love Notes Nestled in an Altered Canvas

2011-01-28T00:01:00.002-06:00

Here's a little something I whipped up for the Innovations Display at the Craft and Hobby Association Conference and Trade-show Winter 2011

A great company called Lineco, Inc. who sells awesome book binding supplies and kits, sent me some tools and materials to work with for this project and the demo I'm doing in the Craft Studio. I'm posting the basic instructions for this project, just incase you'd like to make one of these for yourself or for your valentine.

This innovative use of an artist canvas provides a clever display for a hand-bound book. The Japanese stab-bound book fits snugly in the center of this altered canvas.

Materials
• Artist Canvas: 6” x 8”
• Test tube
• Vintage book pages
• Soft Gel Medium: matte
• Dry flowers
• Decorative paper: heavy, doubled sided
• Text weight printer paper: 5-10 sheets
• Waxed linen thread: 1 yd (LinecoTM)
• Various rubber stamps and embellishments
• Chalk Inks: (ColorboxTM) in Chestnut Roan and
Warm Red

General Supplies
• Foam brush
• Craft knife
• Awl
• Ruler
• Paper cutter
• Binding needle (LinecoTM)
• Bone folder (LinecoTM)
• Strong adhesive

Instructions
1. Lay canvas upside down on cutting mat. Using sharp craft knife, cut an X through canvas from corner to corner on inside of frame. Fold canvas around inside of frame toward backside and adhere securely.
2. Using a foam brush and gel medium, apply pieces of book pages to completely cover canvas front and sides; allow to dry.
3. Ink edges of canvas and embellish with stamped images and words, as desired.
4. Embellish test tube by wrapping with a narrow strip of inked and stamped vintage text. Position tube on side of canvas securing with several wraps of waxed linen thread. Add embellishments to thread, if desired.
5. Cover backside of canvas with chipboard cut to size. Complete canvas opening by covering exposed chipboard with vintage text.
6. Insert dried flowers into test tube vase. The following instructions are for cutting the covers and pages needed for this project.

Making the Book
1. Measure inside of canvas frame to determine cutting sizes for book covers and pages.
Finished book will measure 1/4” narrower and shorter than opening in center of canvas.
2. Cut two covers from double-sided decorative paper using measurements in step 1 i.e. If opening is 3” x 5” then covers should measure 2 3/4” x 4 3/4.”
3. Cut 15-20 pages from text-weight paper. Cut pages the same width as cover and twice the length. Fold all pages in half and crease with bone folder. (Note: in Asian bindings, the folded pages are opposite the spine, The edges are left folded to strengthen the page.
4. Use an awl to pierce four holes through all pages and book covers, 1/2" from edge and equally spaced across end of book.
5. With binding needle and waxed linen thread stitch book together following the illustrations below.

(These binding instructions are copyrighted by Lineco, Inc. and used with permission for this project.)

CHA Sneak Peek... Winter 2011

2011-01-24T22:11:00.002-06:00

Tease.... hehe!

Sizzix Triple-Play Blog-Hop Week 7: Single Rose

2010-12-16T10:48:00.004-06:00

Happy Holidays to ALL! Here we are 7 weeks later, with our final projects for the Sizzix Triple-Play Blog-Hop! With all the busyness of the holidays, I decided (well, needed) to keep this weeks entry very quick and easy! The great thing is that's possible when you're working with such well designed dies. This die comes with several bag topper size options and shapes ready for embellishing. You can slap a bit of paper and tie a ribbon and waalaa a handmade gift that looks very special! Simple as that!

I decided to look a bit into the future and think about Valentine's Day. We all know the sentimental meaning of a single rose, so I thought I'd create a simple gift bag to hold one dried rose. I also think this would be a great way to save a dried flower from a special wedding or other event. When my kids were still at home we often had roses tied upside down on cupboard door handles for drying. The girls couldn't simply put their old flowers in the compost barrel, no, they had to save them all! A simple see-thru bag with a topper and a note would have been a great way to organize their treasures. Now, why didn't I think of this before!

"Thanks for checking out the Triple Play Blog Hop! Please visit www.tripleplay.typepad.com for more fun ideas from Brenda Pinnick, Karen Burniston, Eileen Hull and friends. If you have enjoyed seeing all of the inspiring ideas on the blog hop, please "like" Triple Play on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Triple-Play/125068950891362. Happy Holidays!"

Sizzix Triple-Play Blog-Hop Week 6: Gift Tags

2010-12-09T10:14:00.005-06:00

I've been on vacation with my family for the last 2+ weeks. Knowing I'd be away from my studio for three weeks of the blog-hop I packed a very basic crafting kit, the die-cuts for the scheduled projects and a challenge for myself. The challenge was to not over-think my projects, complete them quickly and use the limited supplies I'd taken with me. It's been a good lesson for me. Trust my basic design instincts and just let it flow... and maybe I don't need ALL that "Stuff." Here's the result of Week 6; Brenda Pinnick's Sizzix Die (656053, Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Album, Brackets)

We were each sent a set of pre-cut die shapes to work with. I chose to use the largest of the shapes to create gift tags for the upcoming holiday.

What I used:
* Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Album, Brackets
* Vintage Text
* Color-box Chalk ink in Chestnut Roan
* Felt Snowflake from The Container Store
* Small hang tag
* Small jingle bell sprayed with Krylon Brushed Metallic
* Baker's Twine
* Stamps: snowflake, "To"
* Vintage Glass Glitter

What I did:
1. Trace shape of largest die-cut shape onto vintage text, cut out and glue to shape; ink edges with chalk ink
2. Apply glue along outside edges of shape; apply glitter to all edges
3. Tie felt snowflake to glittered shape at die-cut hole
4. Ink small hang-tag and stamp snowflake and the word "To"
5. Spray paint silver jingle-bell and dip in glitter while still wet
6. Tie tag and bell to snowflake with an 6" length of baker's twine
7. Write recipients name on tag and tie to package

I can hardly wait to see what the other 50+ designers have come up with using this great die from Sizzix! Hop along by clicking on the blinkie in the right side-bar.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers!
~Roxi

Sizzix Triple-Play Blog-Hop Week 5: Gift Card Holder

2010-12-02T11:56:00.006-06:00

Removed for publication

Sizzix Triple-Play Blog-Hop Week 4: Christmas Greetings

2010-11-25T06:07:00.005-06:00

Removed for publication

Sizzix Triple Play Blog-Hop Week 3- 1st Birthday Headband

2010-11-18T10:07:00.003-06:00

You'll need to use your imagination... and a little simple math to get the full effect, but here's my 3rd installment to the Sizzix Triple-Play Blog Hop. WARNING... This post is a little heavy on proud grandma bragging, but I figured I could get away with it, since the designer of the Beauty Bloom Die just became a Grandma to her own little pink princess! Congratulations to Brenda and the whole Pinnick family!

Many of you know I'm head over heals in love with a little bundle of joy. Our first and only Grandbaby, Grace Ashlyn Phillips, who will be turning ONE in just a few weeks. I can't believe how fast this milestone birthday has come! We won't be with her on her actual birthday, December 24th, but we'll celebrate with her a couple weeks from now. When I saw the Beauty Bloom Die I knew instantly I had to make Grace a flower headband to match the Birthday dress I'd sewn for her.

ONE Birthday Headband + ONE little girl +...

ONE birthday dress + ONE year ...

EQUALS...

A little ONE YEAR OLD FAIRY PRINCESS whose Grammy thinks she's the sweetest thing ever! (Picture to follow after the party... use your imagination for now)

Here's how I made the headband...

Supplies:
Flower, Beauty Bloom, Originals Die #655455 by Brenda Pinnick
Fabric Scraps
Iron-on Adhesive (HeatnBond)
Ready-made headband (or make your own with ribbon)
Green ribbon 1" wide: two 3" pieces
2 small buttons
Scrap pieces of toile
Sewing machine with thread
Fabric Scissors

Instructions:
1. Iron HeatnBond to the backside of fabric scraps, peel backing off and iron matching fabric to backside. Repeat with two or three different coordinating fabrics.
2. Die-cut fabric with Beauty Bloom Die. You'll need three 3-petal flowers and 1 medium sized flower for each blossom.
3. Free-style stitching on petals of flowers. (optional)
4. Cut petals of one of the flowers into strips.

5. Layer 3 large flowers and one medium flower together with green ribbon folded in half and toile. Stitch in place on headband with machine or by hand. Repeat for second flower.
6. Stitch buttons in center of flowers.

Be sure to hop onto the next blog to see what creative ideas the other designers have come up with!

Time with Daughters... Priceless!

2010-11-15T07:51:00.006-06:00

Daughters...everyone should have at least one! (or one to borrow!) Lucky me, I have been blessed with two! ... and a daughter-in-law, to boot! And recently, a week and a half to spend with the two I raised!

Leading my way, Autumn leaves drifted onto the roadway reminding me of a flower girl dropping petals down the aisle to lead a bride to her sweetie. Traveling through the Blue Ridge Mountains is truly spectacular this time of year! And my destination, even sweeter!

Although I can’t claim to be a vegetarian, we eat many meatless meals at our house. I’m married to a successful hunter, so we have a freezer loaded with plenty of totally organic totally delicious wild game and we will eat organically grown, humanly raised pastured meats. We’ve taken time to learn what goes on in our country’s food industry... and folks... it ain’t pretty! If you are interested in learning more, start by reading this and watching this.

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the girls and I took a Vegetarian Thanksgiving cooking class at Mise en Place in Richmond, Virginia. Surrounded by a dozen foodies and lead by a very talented Chef, we made a feast “to die for.”

I thought to take a few pictures while we worked together in this well-equipped classroom, but totally forgot to snap some shots of the beautiful food we’d prepared. Sorry. But let me tell you....no-one missed the Turkey or the Ham one iota! How could you when there is so much to be thankful for on a menu like this...

-Onion Leek Tart with Fresh Tarragon
-Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Vegetable Gravy
-Acorn Squash stuffed with Brown and Wild Rice, Cranberries and toasted walnuts
-Mushroom Spinach Galette
-Fresh Sauteed Kale with garlic
-Ginger Orange Cranberry Tarts for dessert
and plenty of wine!

What a festive flavorful meal! I think we’ll have some added traditions from this delightful time with my girls!

Sizzix Triple Play Blog-Hop Week 2- ATC with a Twist!

2010-11-11T09:44:00.004-06:00

Artist Trading CUBE... with a Twist!

We've all heard of Artist Trading Cards, but how about using a cube instead of a card? The 3-D Pop-up Die from Sizzix puts an exciting new twist on an old idea! With careful placement of embellishments, this cube will twist flat for easy mailings.

See the assembly instructions of Sizzix, Twist Cube, 3D Pop-up, Bigz XL Die by Karen Burniston at these links: Part 1 and Part 2

Here's how I embellished mine...

1. Cut four 2 3/4" squares of decorative paper for sides of cube. Fold squares corner to corner to match folds on sides of cube.
2. Cut one 2 3/4" square of decorative paper for top of cube. Pierce hole in center of square for threading cord through.
3. Ink edges of all squares. Adhere papers to cube with tape runner or favorite adhesive, being very careful to align folds in paper with folds in cube.
4. Using a Krylon Leafing Pen, highlight all edges of cube.
5. Embellish cube with additional trims, inks, etc.
6. From decorative paper and french text, cut elongated tag shape to tie to top of cube. Tie 6" length of coordinating silk ribbon to cording.
7. Attach a variety of metal embellishments to a small chain and dangle from the brad at the bottom of the cube.

Look the the Triple Play Blog-Hop Blinkie in my sidebar and click on forward to hop along to the next creative use of this fun die-cut! See you next week!

What is Art?

2010-11-08T07:21:00.004-06:00

Art doesn't have to happen in a studio or on an easel or behind a lens. I often think about art while I'm working in the garden or painting a wall, cleaning my house or mowing our lawn. I think there is art in anything you do beautifully and with heart. Putting a seed in the ground and tending a garden, harvesting the bounty and preserving it for enjoying in the months ahead is an art. An art that brings me great satisfaction, especially when I look in my pantry in the dead of winter!

The harvest from my organic garden the day before our first freeze filled our counter. Vine ripened tomatoes, string beans, peppers, basil, egg plants and lettuce greens in November... priceless!

Crispy Dilly Beans... a collage of pickling spices, vibrant green and purple string beans, a banana pepper and a garlic clove.

After 7 pints of Dilly Beans, 21 pints of Green Tomato Relish and 8 pints of spicy pizza sauce... I've completed my masterpiece for the day!

Next art project will involve paper and a very cool 3D Pop-up Cube for the Blog-Hop I'm participating in. Stop back by on Thursday afternoon to see what you can do with this very cool Die-cut from Sizzix!

Artfully Yours,
~Roxi

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 1: From Our House to Yours

2010-11-04T09:43:00.006-05:00

Honored to be included with the amazing group of 60 allstar artists, I’ll be participating in a HUGE blog hop. For this week I’ve decided to turn Eileen Hull’s 3-D house into clever gift holder. On every Thursday, for 7 weeks, each artist will share a design created with a new Sizzix Die-Cut. Look at the sidebar of my blog to find the “blinkie” with the forward button and begin hopping your way through some of the most creative blogs in the industry!

I know it seems just a bit early, but Christmas is right around the corner for our family. With our “kids” each in a different state on both sides of this huge country, we get together and celebrate when we can. This year that means the first week in December. We’ll have Thanksgiving, Christmas and two birthdays, including our only Grandbaby’s very first birthday all at once! Yes, the Phillips’ will be partying like rock stars for an entire week!

I still take holiday goodies to my neighbors. Do you? We usually spread good cheer with cookies or candies, sometimes drink mixes, sometimes homemade cinnamon rolls or maybe jams or preserves. This little house makes perfect packaging for holding a bag of mulling spices or other treats and the roof turns into a simple gift card for including a sentiment or recipe.

So let’s get going...
Here’s how the pieces looked before the assembly began.

Here’s the how...
Sizzix supplies: (Sizzix link)
  Sizzix Scoreboards Pro Die - House, 3D, by Eileen Hull #656836
   Sizzix 12x12 matboard, white
   Sizzix Big Shot Pro die cutting machine
Other supplies:
Decorative holiday paper (double-sided or two coordinating papers)
Zip-Dry Adhesive by Beacon
ColorBox Chalk Ink in Chestnut Roan
Letter stickers or die-cuts
Red-Liner Tape
Craft Scissors
Decorative Waxed Tissue (The Container Store)

Instructions:

1. Die-cut 3-D House from matboard. Use walls of house, large roof top and small house module as templates to trace onto decorative papers. Cut with craft scissors. Cut paper where mat-board folds. Do not cover tabs with paper.
2. Leaving roof off, assemble main body of house using red-liner tape on tabs. Adhere floor the same way. Cover house with decorative paper pieces using Beacon’s Zip Dry adhesive.
3. Cover small house module with coordinating paper and adhere to front of large house with red-liner on tabs, without roof.
4. Cover large roof with Decorative paper.
5. Ink all edges of house and roof (gift card) with Chalk Ink.
6. Ink window and door frames with Chalk Ink and adhere to house.
7. Apply letter stickers to gift card and face of small house module.
8. Fill house with goodies wrapped in waxed tissue.
9. Write sentiment or recipe inside of gift card.
Now go play Santa!

So cool!

2010-10-17T19:16:00.002-05:00

Do you see the image to the right of this post? The one about the Triple Play Blog Hop. The one right over there ------------>

November 4th is the big day. the day we've all been waiting for! Come visit my blog that day, then click on the forward or back buttons on the bottom of the sidebar image to navigate through the blogs of 60 extraordinary artists. Each will be creating something fantastic with the same Sizzix die-cut. There will be eight weeks in a row of fabulous ideas and inspiration galore!

Guilty as charged!

2010-10-17T18:07:00.006-05:00

Saying I'm guilty of neglecting my blog would be an understatement. During the last several months my life has been filled to the brim with travel and babies and gardening and remodeling and spending time with family and friends. Not bad ways to spend my time. Not bad in the least! Here's a little photo essay of "How I spent my Summer."

Saying goodbye...

Saying hello...

Celebrating milestones...

Great visits with my sis...

Spending time with family...

Preserving summer's bounty...

A little artwork, here and there...

Learning to tile...

Gardening...

And best of all, loving on my beautiful baby Granddaughter, Grace Ashlyn...

I’ll be back on a “somewhat” regular basis from now on and I’m looking forward to re-acquainting myself with the wonderful world of blogging!

2010-05-26T09:04:00.004-05:00

Tie a package up with this bow and the recipient may not want to open the gift! This is the last installment of Eileen Hull's Sizzix Scoreboard Die-cut Blog Hop... at least for now! I'm sure she has more fabulous designs up her sleeve for future releases. What relaxing fun I had while "Zentangling" up the pieces cut from the bow die. Simply run white paper and bow die through your die-cut machine and start doodling with your favorite pen! See below for assembly instructions.

For this bow I used six large strips, six medium strips and five small strips.
Now the fun begins... Just start doodling designs allowing them to evolve as you go!

To assemble:

Step 1: Loop about 18" of thin wire (or thread) through a button leaving long ends of equal length hanging from the backside of button.
Step 2: Being careful not to crease loops of bow strips, align holes of paper strips one at a time and thread onto wire beginning with all small strips, then all medium strips, then all large strips.
Step 3: Spread out and arrange to create a perfect package bow!
Step 4: Secure by wrapping wire into a loop on the underside of bow.
Step 5: Attach to gift or use as an element on a piece of decor.

Now get your hop on by following these links to other fabulous designs using the same Sizzix ScoreBoard die...

Ann Butler
Sparkle's Bow Bracelet
Bonnie Bruns
Candice Windham
Craftside
Debra Quartermain
Eileen Hull
Einat Kessler
JGoode Designs
Just a Thought or Two
Life in the Craft Lane
LollyChops
Michelle Cummings
Marisa Pawelko
Veronica Goff

A Masculine Twist...

2010-04-28T12:05:00.007-05:00

Collar stays seem to show up all over our house! Do you think my hubby will remember to put them in one spot if I make him a manly little box? I won't be placing any bets that it'll work, but I can give it a try! I've used Sizzix new ScoreBoard Die designed by my friend Eileen Hull as a base for this project.

Here is the easy to assemble die-cut. Simply fold on scored lines and assemble using red-line double-sided tape.

For this project I assembled the box then applied wide red line tape to the entire outside surface. I found an assortment of coordinating ribbons and laid them side by side on the tape allowing ends to wrap toward the inside of the box where I adhered them with more double-sided tape.

I used a heavy-duty hole punch to make a hole for a large initial brad. For the lining, I cut a coordinating decorative paper and adhered to the inside. A length of leather cording wrapped around the box and brad provided the perfect closure.

This is the third in a series of blog-hops (my second) to show an amazing variety of designs using the same ScoreBoard Dies. Follow the lists of blogs below to see an amazing variety of ideas for using this same die-cut. Now get hopping!

Eileen Hull
Ann Butler
Candice Windham
Carla Schauer
Cindi Bisson
Einat Kessler
Jen Goode
Julie McGuffee
Laura Bray
Lisa Rojas
Lorine Mason
Madeline Arendt
Melony Bradley
Michelle Cummings
Marisa Pawelko
Niki Meiners
Sandy Laipply
Sparkle Studio
Veronica Goff
Karen Burniston

Vintage Inspired ATC case

2010-03-31T00:01:00.007-05:00

Over the next few weeks I'll be participating in a blog hop. What's a blog hop, you ask. Well, Eileen Hull, a friend, artist and fellow CHA Designer has released a product line with Sizzix. Her soon-to-be-released ScoreBoards Dies are different than those we've seen before. They cut and score mat board to create sturdy three-dimensional objects, ready for assembly and embellishment. It is so much fun to "hop" through the blogs of the participating designers to see the ingenious ways these die-cuts can be used. I promise you'll be inspired by these amazing artists! Scroll down to the bottom of this post to find the links to begin the adventure as you find your way through participating blogs.

So here's my first entry...

A Scalloped Box turned Vintage Inspired ATC case. I recently participated in an awesome Artist Trading Card swap with a group of my local artist friends so when I noticed the size of this box I knew it would become a case to store a few of my favorites. What a fun little hostess gift to give a swap coordinator!

With the score line already made for you, this box is a cinch to assemble. Simply use red-liner tape to adhere the side tabs in place. Of course you know I can't make anything without a little "RockCandy," so for this project I used a couple sheets of our Vintage French Text to completely cover the box, inside and out. I inked the edges with Colorbox ink in Chestnut Roan and accented the edges with Krylon's Gold Leafing Pen. I embellished the box with some of our Dresden Foil trims and a vintage image from our "Girly Girls" Image CD. I came across a vintage typewriter "Lock" key and attached it to the scalloped flap. I wrapped the box with a long strand of black cording.

Now get to "Hopping" by visiting the following links:

Eileen Hull

Ann Butler

Bonnie Bruns

Candice Windham Designs

Cindi Bisson - Fat Cat Creations

Craftside - A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world

Designs by Roxi

JGoode Designs

Just a Thought or Two

Karen Burniston

Life Snippetts

Mel Designs Trendy Thank You Gifts

Niki Meiners

Pink Lemonade

Sizzix ScoreBoard blog Hop

Sparkle's Studio

Stampin' Queen Creations

Jenn Ellefson

Michelle Cummings

Brenda Pinnick

Carla Schauer

Marisa Pawelko

Sneak Peek...

2009-10-04T07:46:00.005-05:00

I just learned that a piece I created in honor of my Son's wedding will be featured in the upcoming December issue of Create & Decorate. It should be hitting the shelves any day now... just in time for their first anniversary. Here's a sneak peek...

Tip of the day... use all those leftover letter stickers as masks! I used Krylon's Brushed Metallic Paints over the masked letters, which were positioned on the beveled sides of very large wall monogram letters, then peeled them away to reveal the sentiment. Find the details in the magazine.

The Chicken or the EGG!

2009-09-30T11:55:00.003-05:00

I can hardly contain my egg-citement!!! One of our babies laid her first egg this morning! Only a fellow chicken lover can truly appreciate such a glorious day! I'm waiting with bated breath for our first blue egg!

RockCandy Studios Haunted House Kit

2009-09-30T09:26:00.004-05:00

Here it is... a fun project to get your creative mojo revved up and ready to go this Halloween season. We've assembled lots of interesting elements, collage images and a detailed instruction sheet! Just add your imagination, a few dabs of glue, a bit of ink and a couple other common supplies to create your own Halloween decor piece! Click here to purchase the kit for only $16!

Everything Grandbaby!

2009-09-29T21:05:00.003-05:00

The little family! Chris, Sarah and Tonka at about 20 weeks. The baby's due date is New Year's Eve. What a way to bring in 2010!

IT'S A GIRL!!!

Granted I may be a bit biased, but is that not the sweetest little profile you've ever seen!?

Bob built a sweet little cradle when we were expecting Jenn, and each of our babies slept in it as newborns. He disassembled it and is using parts to create a cradle for each of our kids as they start their families. Chris and Sarah's cradle has rockers from the original. I designed and sewed the bedding ensemble for the cradle which included pieces of eyelet from my wedding dress. The only thing missing is the sweet little bundle that will fill it.

Bob kept this little picture nearby as inspiration. The baby in the cradle is Chris with big sister Jenni standing guard. She was 17 months old in this snapshot.

Get Creative!

2009-09-29T20:27:00.005-05:00

I was honored to be asked for an artist interview for the 5th birthday issue of this wonderful magazine from Australia/New Zealand. I would have been willing to make (an all expenses paid) trip to do the interview in person... if only! My copy arrived yesterday and what a beautiful magazine it is! Check out their website at www.getcreative.com.au

Get Creative highlighted my book "Make it in Minutes: Party Favors and Hostess Gifts" I created two projects exclusively for the issue. The first was herbed sea salt in an embellished bottle to be used as a hostess gift. I picked fresh basil from my garden and blended it with the salt in my Vitamix. It was bright and fresh looking and tasting! I took it to a neighbor as a little gift. The party favors were little travel candles I created using metal favor tins. I embellished the outside of the round tins and matchboxes with decorative paper. I nestled tea-lights inside each tin surrounded by a bit of rock salt and tied it all together with a coordinating ribbon.

It's been a day or two...

2009-09-29T19:54:00.002-05:00

How have I let so much time lapse without an update? Since I last posted I found out I'm going to be a Grandma for the first time, learned that the baby is a little girl, designed and made a bedding ensemble for the beautiful cradle my talented hubby built for this new family addition, I planted and tended a lovely garden, raised baby chicks, gathered lots of eggs and harvest lots of fresh organic veggies, helped put down wood floors in our house, took a couple trips, did some painting around our home including our big deck, welcomed our youngest daughter back home for a semester to finish her degree and cooked under the Southern sun! I've thought about this blog. I've contemplated interesting and profound things to write about on here and I've taken pictures with the intention of posting regularly.... well, I'm back. Surely by now my readership has dwindled to... well, probably just my Mom... but here's to starting again!

Trying to do our part!

2009-05-26T10:25:00.003-05:00

Our attempt at sustainable living in our own backyard...

The hens (and the chicks), the organic vegetable garden, the herb garden and the heavily laden plum tree will provide plenty for the two of us... and the neighbors!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T09:24:00.004-05:00

It's like opening a treasure chest when unwrapping these naturally dyed eggs. We laid botanicals of all sorts onto fabric squares, then wrapped the fabric around our eggs and secured the bundle with rubber bands. Simmering away in a pan filled with onion skins and water, the colors were transferred to the egg shells. To our surprise the gingham fabric we used bled onto the shells for an interesting and unexpected effect. Yet another happy accident!

Growing Strong!

2009-04-12T09:21:00.001-05:00

We've got the fever!

2009-03-23T12:49:00.003-05:00

Spring fever, that is! Actually, I came down with it back in January when the seed catalogues began pouring in. As you've read in a previous post, Bob built beautiful raised bed boxes back in February. We finally had garden dirt mix delivered a couple days ago. 15 cubic yards to be exact.... didn't look like much, 'til you're shoveling it into wheel barrows and moving it, load by load down the driveway and to the garden. Several blisters and many sore muscles later, Bob managed to fill all the beds! I helped a little, but Bob did 90% of the heavy lifting. My man always amazes me with his dedication to completing tasks and his willingness to work his butt off... literally! Some people might do this job over a series of days, not Bob. Once he starts there's not stopping him!

Before the beds could be filled, they were tilled and the grass shoveled out, which, hopefully, will cut down our weed production!

Beds filled with Garden Mix. Compost will be next. Planting to follow in a couple weeks.

We started seeds under grow lights on our breakfast table. Bob rigged up a frame to hold grow lights over seed trays.

Our first sprouts in only three days. Micro-greens! I see a tender salad in our very near future.

The Girls

2009-03-23T12:45:00.001-05:00

Our pretty hens...

Such sweet girls and productive, too!

That thing called LOVE!

2009-02-24T00:01:00.001-06:00

Better than a dozen roses, a box of chocolates or a sexy nightie, my sweet man built me 5 raised garden beds for Valentine's Day. I love that guy! I took these pictures from an upstairs bedroom window. I think I'll take a series over the year to track our garden trials and tribulations.

A few weekends ago, Bob built some pretty nice digs for our backyard hens. You can see the coop on the far right-hand side of this picture. They seem quite comfy with the new set-up! We'll be adding to the chicken family over the next couple weeks. Soon we'll have a whole rainbow of eggs and an array of organic veggies. Come by for dinner sometime. I'm sure the menu will include vegetable frittatas!

One for ME!

2009-02-23T10:52:00.004-06:00

This yummy wool has been taunting me ever since it arrived on my doorstep! The same day it was delivered, I got a freelance assignment with REALLY tight deadlines, so I forced myself to stay away from the luscious fibers. Yesterday afternoon I decided it was time to do something just for ME! This is my first fully felted project ... and I love it! I told Bob he needs to take me somewhere to be seen in my beautiful scarf! I look forward to wearing it with my black wool coat. Now, I'm just hoping for a couple more cool days so I'll have a chance to wear it! I think I'll make a coordinating wool clutch with the remnants.

Quiz, just for the heck of it!

2009-02-23T08:11:00.004-06:00

What's Your Personality Type?

I don't really like these quizzes much, but this one was thought provoking. Give it a try! Then post the results in your blog and link to it in this posts comments.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz

Here are my results.... for whatever they're worth.

The Inspirer

You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.
You are also unconventional, irreverent, and unimpressed by authority.
Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.
You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're quite the storyteller!

In love, you are quite the charmer. And you are definitely willing to risk your heart.
You often don't follow through with your flirting or professed feelings. You break a lot of hearts.

At work, you are driven but not a workaholic. You just always seem to enjoy what you do.
You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.

How you see yourself: compassionate, unselfish, and understanding

When other people don't get you, they see you as: gushy, emotional, and unfocused

Wish you were there!

2009-02-04T18:22:00.005-06:00

I've been promising some pictures... and you haven't let me forget! So here is a few I thought you might enjoy...

Let's start with this one on Laguna Beach... see, I was thinking of you! This picture makes me look like I belong on the show "The Little People" but I'm trying to squat down without getting my knee in the wet sand.

The entrance way to the Convention Center where the winter Craft and Hobby Show was held. Although smaller that last year's show, there was still more to see and do than we were able to fit into our days.

The show floor is full of color and texture and inspiration. These beautiful felted scarves were one of the things that really excited me. I love natural fibers and have always had an affection for felted wool.

One thing we always look forward to about the shows is meeting up with lots of designer friends, often over great meals. Around the table you see, Roann, Candice, Me, Niki, Carla and Jen. Great dinner, great friends, lots of laughs... priceless!

"Did you hear that _____ ___ __ _____? Tonight is kinda special!" was repeated many times as we toasted each other's successes.

Just a little something Tim and his buddies whipped up with their new Grunge Paper. You can actually sew through it and emboss it in the Cuttlebug. It's thinner than the original Grunge Board and much more versatile. BTW, they're discontinuing all the pre-textured Grunge.

Dang.... how did we "accidently" schedule ourselves an extra day in Southern California while our friends were suffering an ice storm back in Memphis? It was a rough day..... but someone had to live it!
Along came a bus oozing beach boys music and smelling of salt air, we just had to jump on board! Too bad we forgot to pack our surf boards and flip flops! Our driver took us to three beaches and told stories the whole way. I could amaze you with what I now know about Long Beach and it's history! Since we were such a small group we made some extra stops including walking out onto the rocks of Newport beach to the tide pools. Look one way and the homes were stacked like cord wood, look the other and all you could the see was pure nature. Whales are migrating in those waters this time of year so we'd hoped to get a glimpse, but didn't that day. (I think I may have seen two whales in the bay from the airplane the next day)

We had about 3 hours at Laguna Beach where we visited art galleries and several over-priced but interesting little shops. We spent the rest of the time on the board walk and beach watching the waves and a beach volleyball game. Our final stop was a quaint little seaside cafe where we washed down a cup of delicious clam chowder with an ice cold microbrew. Just Perfect.

Here are a few shots of our day on the beach....

CHA & Beaches!

2009-01-29T20:13:00.004-06:00

I feel just a wee bit guilty for enjoying such beautiful weather in fabulous So. Cal. on spectacular beaches while so many of my peeps are literally freezing their butts off! Staying an extra day was truly a "happy accident!" We were picked up at our hotel by a bus with wood paneled sides and wood floors. When the driver opened the doors music of the Beach Boys spilled out to welcome us. We visited Long Beach, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Although I'm not a huge fan of planned tours, I thoroughly enjoyed the stories and history lessons the driver shared as we drove along the Pacific Coast Highway. Since we were such a small group (4) he made a couple special stops just for us. We watched for migrating whales while we climbed on the rocks of the Newport Tidepools. The Pacific Ocean is truly spectacular. We ended our tour with a cup of clam chowder and a microbrew... priceless!

The show was smaller than normal for a winter show, but most of the people I'd hoped to meet were here.

While wearing my "designer hat," I was able to make quite a few good contacts, place several pieces for publication, and pick up several assignments.

While wearing our "RockCandy Studios buyer" hats, we discovered several really great products that we'll be adding to our line-up soon. We also learned some awesome techniques that we are excited to bring to the local area as classes, as well as possible online tutorials to add to the website/blog.

While wearing "Retreat Organizer" hats we were able to tell lots of people about our upcoming Mixed Media Melange. We heard repeatedly how great it is to see a new retreat in our area of the country. People were eager to check out our blog to learn the details and instructors/classes we'll be offering.

We'll be heading home tomorrow. I'll be posting pictures and more stories, so check back in a couple days.

Hugs to you all.....

M3 Registration Packet

2009-01-18T23:16:00.004-06:00

Click here to download the Registration Packet for Mixed Media Mélange retreat. Classes are very limited in size and are first come first served. Sign-up soon to assure you have a spot in your favorite classes and take advantage of the payment plan!

Only a few more hours 'til registration opens!!!

2009-01-14T16:30:00.003-06:00

The idea for this exciting event was conceived amongst a group of kindred spirits after an artistic day spent together. We are thrilled to be bringing such an event to the Mid-South! We hope you'll join us for a weekend filled with spectacular workshops and classes, extremely talented artists, and like-minded friends. The peaceful setting of the retreat center is sure to bring out your creative muse.... Oh yea, I forgot.... Your Muse already registered! You'll find her in LaGrange Tennessee the weekend of Sept. 10-13th.

Mixed Media Mélange=M3=M cubed

2009-01-08T21:22:00.004-06:00

I know I'm just a tease, but I thought you might enjoy seeing a Photo montage of some of the amazing classes we're bringing to you at the upcoming retreat. Registration opens on January 15th, so check back for a link that will take you directly to the M3 website. But for now....

... this will have to do.

CHA Sneak Peek...

2009-01-06T15:47:00.004-06:00

Just a little sampling of one of the projects I've been working on. See I told you I was working! I always have plenty to keep me busy!

And yes, that's my Laura "Beth" and her sweetie, Trey. Aren't they a handsome couple!

Seeds are hope for the future!

2009-01-01T08:31:00.006-06:00

I spent New Years eve searching for seed catalogs.... and loved it! Cheers!

Back when I was a "domestic goddess" I was a also a gardener. I think it's time to get my garden clogs muddy again. I get such satisfaction from gathering our eggs and cooking food that I know personally! Think of the money we can save, the satisfaction of gathering what we raise, the benefits of eating locally, the Vitamin D from the sunshine and the pure deliciousness of real organic Frrreesshh food!
We were looking at some old videos of when our kids were little and we lived in the Pacific Northwest. I had such fun reminiscing about a raised bed garden I made with the kids while Bob was on a Navy deployment. In the video we were trying to keep the bunnies out by building a barrier with tree branch posts and chicken wire fencing. The kids were stuffing their sleeves with straw and pretending to be scarecrows as they ran up and down the straw-filled pathways. Ahh... such sweet memories!
Bob and I decided we'll have several raised beds with some sort of self-watering system in place. Where I come from our self-watering system came from Mother Nature.... here in Tennessee, she needs extra help! I've been perusing the internet to find the best organic seed catalogs available, along with ideas and suggestions about raised bed gardening. I've ordered several catalogs and will be haunting the mailbox until they are delivered, then devouring them until they're dog-eared. I think I'll have to beg some advice about gardening in the south from a local organic farmer.

Now to stay focused on my tasks at hand... several freelance projects in preparation for the upcoming CHA trade show in late January. But... when I get back... you'll find me in the garden! I'll be the one with the hoe!

I love the anticipation of Springtime!.... my very favorite season of all!

Blessings

2008-12-27T18:25:00.004-06:00

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

2008-12-26T08:39:00.005-06:00

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?

2008-12-17T10:58:00.003-06:00

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...

2008-12-14T08:44:00.008-06:00

... 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!

2008-12-11T12:00:00.000-06:00

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

Another new plate from Artistic Outpost!

2008-12-11T08:44:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-12-10T10:45:00.004-06:00

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....

2008-12-08T16:18:00.005-06:00

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

2008-12-05T07:45:00.006-06:00

"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

2008-11-22T15:34:00.006-06:00

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...

2008-11-22T07:44:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-11-18T19:28:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-18T17:58:00.004-06:00

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...

2008-11-11T17:09:00.003-06:00

... 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

2008-11-07T15:43:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-10-21T15:53:00.003-05:00

More pics to follow....

And the winner is.....

2008-09-29T19:48:00.002-05:00

... 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!

2008-09-25T15:57:00.005-05:00

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

2008-09-25T15:38:00.005-05:00

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....

2008-09-14T08:21:00.006-05:00

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

2008-09-12T09:03:00.006-05:00

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!

2008-08-26T08:47:00.007-05:00

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!

2008-08-19T13:51:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-08-19T13:44:00.003-05:00

Signed, sealed, sent....

Assembly line....

Wedding Invitation production!

2008-08-11T08:09:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-08-09T17:45:00.004-05:00

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!

2008-08-07T14:27:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-08-07T08:27:00.007-05:00

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

I'm in the running!

2008-07-22T21:48:00.003-05:00

Look here to see the two cover mock-ups that are in the running for the Fall issue of "Today's Creative Home Arts." The stamp images on the Train Case are from Oxford Impressions, the papers used are Cosmo Cricket and the little red boots were mine when I was a little girl.

I'm excited at the possibility of another cover and I'd love your vote!

All fixed!

2008-07-22T17:02:00.002-05:00

FINALLY, I can log into my blog. Some sorta glitch wasn't allowing me to post. Just got a minute to figure out why. For some unknown reason Blogger wasn't recognizing my email addy... the same one I've been using for a long time. Watch for CHA pics and other exciting news coming soon!

Oregon Trip

2008-06-27T11:14:00.006-05:00

Here is a photo-log of some of the highlights of our most recent trip to Oregon...
Our son, Chris and his sweetie, Sarah (soon to be our daughter-in-law :)

Sarah's parents pinning her with her R.N. pin at her nursing school graduation.

One of my favorite things about Oregon is the creative energy there. The Pacific Northwest has more than it's share of artists and you see evidence of this all over the place. Eugene is the home of the Olympic Track and Field Trials that are happening this weekend. If you watch NBC this weekend you'll likely get peeks at why I'm so drawn to that area.

In preparation for the influx of visitors for the Olympic trials, Eugene "put on it's dress-up clothes." Apparently there was an old building that had been torn down leaving a gapping hole on one of the main streets in town. They blocked the view with this wall and invited the community to come and participate in creating a mural. This little guy was VERY carefully painting the seeds of these strawberries...I love watching children creating art!

We had a great day on the beautiful rugged Oregon coastline with my sister and her sweetie, Michael.

Along the coast we hiked into an old-growth forest ... these trees feel like old souls to me and are homes to various plants whose seeds have been deposited by the critters and birds who live in these majestic natural condos.

We stopped along the way for a bowl of fresh clam chowder and noticed this sealion sitting on a pier. When I snapped this photo I didn't realize that he had something wrapped around his neck, cutting deeply into his skin. There were signs posted stating that he was being monitored. Just a reminder how important it is to careful with how we dispose of debris...cutting 6-pack rings before throwing away, etc. It was a sobering moment to see this guy suffering as parents were taking advantage of the opportunity to teach their children lessons about our responsibilites as inhabitants of this planet.

Here is Tonka, Chris and Sarah's lab pup. 6 1/2 mos old and 68lbs already! A real sweetheart!

A quick evening hike...

WildFlowers...

Eugene is dubbed Track Town USA...

Even the airport is beautifully decorated with artwork from talented Oregonians!

Other folks flying into Eugene airport!

This is what all those athletes are hoping to win at the trials this weekend!

RockCandy Trinkets & Treasures...and Twitter

2008-06-12T08:46:00.005-05:00

Many of you may have heard about our newest adventure...RockCandy Trinkets & Treasures, Unusual Art Supplies for the Mixed Media Artist. We will be launching our on-line store on Aug. 1st at www.rockcandydesignsonline.com. We attended Artiscape in Jackson TN last weekend and debuted our wares. We were greeted with great enthusiam by the artists who were in our booth picking out goodies even while we were still setting up. I underestimated just how hungry artists were for our treasures! We thought long and hard about all the art goodies we look for, but have difficulty finding and decided to make them more available through online sales and at artist retreats. I guess we were onto something big! Thanks to all who gave us such a great kick-off and inspiration!

Candice and I taught a class loaded with background techniques to use as bases for collage work. The students used shipping tags to "play" around with the techniques and then were given a bag of trinkets and treasures along with a basic collage lesson. They then created a collaged tag and entered it in a contest. The group voted on the winner...which ended in a tie between...

Robyn Sharp

and Terrie Whitehurst.

The previous post has a sampling of some of the amazing tag collage entries.

Twitter....have you heard of this latest techy mini-bloggy idea that's taking the internet by storm? Check it out. My twitter is at www.twitter.com/RoxiPhillips

Off to Oregon.... :) Family, cool weather, crisp sweet air...can't wait!

A few others....

2008-06-12T08:27:00.002-05:00

By Kathie Hatfield

By Michelle Wilerson

By Shelly Hickox

By Jeanine DeBose

The guys!

2008-05-13T12:44:00.004-05:00

Bonding over weaponry...hmmm, why is it that Bob brings out the ammo when our girls bring home their guys?

Bob giving Phil some archery pointers...

Here's a snapshot of Laura and Trey just hangin' on the deck on a perfect Sunday afternoon...in the afterglow of the "Party of the Century."

This was our first time meeting Trey...and we think he's a keeper!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T09:17:00.002-05:00

My beautiful Momma when I was just a twinkle in her eye!

I wish you a very special day, Mom! I wish we were there to honor you in person. Just know how much you are loved and appreciated!

The Party of the "Century!"

2008-05-05T08:45:00.003-05:00

Dubbed the Party of the Century, our amazing daughters planned a hundred year party to celebrate Bob and I both turning 50 (even though I did it awhile back)! Our son and his sweetie couldn't make it. Boy, were we surprised when we walked into our neighbor's son's "Graduation" party and were greeted by lots of OUR friends and our two daughters, one of whom lives in Virginia and the other in North Carolina. They each brought a special guy...Phil, who we've claimed as part of the family for several years and Trey, who we had the pleasure of meeting for the very first time. I can think of no better word than perplexed to describe how I felt when we walked in... well, maybe dumbfounded would work, also! Our very special friends, Bill and Treesha opened their home and coordinated with the girls to pull off this event. I loved seeing our friends from different social circles and our daughters and their guys all together and getting to know one another. We feel honored, we feel loved and above all, we feel extremely blessed! Pictures to follow later...

Ban the Orphan Works Bill!!!

2008-05-02T14:53:00.002-05:00

If you are an artist or care about someone who is, you MUST read about this bill and take action to protect your(their) rights.

"The Orphan Works Bill is designed to benefit big corporations and legalize theft. Individual artists would have to pay to register their work at private institutions. Anything not registered would be an "orphan work" and free to use without penalty or payment.
Effectively, artists would lose any right to make money from their artwork.
We can prevent this. Ban the Orphan Works Bill!" (as stated on "thepetitionsite.com")

To take action and read more about this bill click here.

Name that Plate!

2008-05-02T10:32:00.004-05:00

I gave myself some Artistic Outpost time and had fun with this image collage on a 14" 14" canvas. I believe there is at least one stamp from each plate except for the Christmas plates. Can you name the plate each image came from? Link here if you need a "cheat." :)

Here's a close-up...

Rubber Fun!

2008-04-30T09:15:00.003-05:00

Where has April gone!? I can't believe that I've lost track of time so badly! I've been a very bad blogger...and apologize to those of you who check on me regularly...I hope you haven't given up on me! In just over a month you will know why I've been so out of touch. We have something new up our sleeves and are so excited to share the news! Think...treasures, think...I've been looking for that, think...unique, think...creative, think...artsy, think...outside the box. I encourage all paper artists in West Tennessee to attend the annual Artiscape in Jackson on June 7th, where the official announcement will be made.

The exciting news I have for you today is the release of two new stamp plates from Artistic Outpost. Go on over to their website and check out the sale that ends today. These plates, Playful and Adventure, are great fun for playful hearts! Reg. $11 on sale today for $9.35 (20% off).

I'm working on a big project with lots of Artistic Outpost stamps and will post a picture later. So check back in the morning!

Inspiration

2008-04-09T09:36:00.003-05:00

I want YOU to take time to watch Primetime on ABC tonight. You may have heard of this man, Randy Pausch who is dying of cancer, but really listen to his story. It will help remind us of the importance of THIS moment. Watch this video as a gift to yourself...especially if you won't have time to watch him on Primetime. When you're finished listening to "The Last Lecture" listen to this one on Time Management. You won't be sorry!

In Production...

2008-04-03T08:26:00.004-05:00

I don't mind a little production work...you know...after all the brain work is finished and you can just produce while you are thinking about something else. The problem for me is that while I'm scoring and folding I'm dreaming about the wedding day...that brings on the "waterworks"...'cause I'm such a big baby! I think about my wonderful son seeing his bride in her dress and it just brings on the tears of joy. All water marks on these will be totally unintentional!

My new toy...

2008-03-31T09:01:00.003-05:00

Pazzles Inspiration...ahh, what can I say but "I'm in Love!" Yes, there is a bit of a learning curve, but not that bad...and so worth the time it takes to learn the ropes. This baby takes whatever I've designed on the computer and cuts it out, scores it, engraves or embosses it...she will even draw it for me with any pen I give her! Love, love, love this machine...and the fact that I got her for wholesale makes me love her even more!

Here are the "Save the Dates" that my hubby and I designed for our Son's wedding. These are the first things we designed on the Pazzles, besides on the tutorials. We've (Pazzles and I) cut out about 80 so far, and going strong with about 40 more to cut.

My DH is working hard helping to assemble all of these. He's in charge of setting eyelets with the Cropodile. What a good guy! I see him with tears in his eyes often when speaking of the wedding day. We feel truly blessed to be welcoming Sarah into our family.

These should be mailed in a week, after hand addressing them all. Then onto prototypes for the invitations! I'm so blessed that my sweet daughter-in-law to be and my son are including us so much. I recently heard that the job of the "Mother of the Groom" was to "Show-up, Shut-up and wear beige!" I'm not that kind of MOTG, in case you didn't know!

The "You Make My Day Award" goes to...

2008-03-21T09:07:00.005-05:00

These are some of the blogs that I read over my first Cup O' Joe every morning. These are some of the friends that I turn to for inspiration, a good laugh, a spirit-boost and girlfriendship.

Candice Windham
Ronnie Goff
Michelle Wilkenson
Marci Lambert
Lauren Ferguson-Nwachukwu
Diane Adams
Robyn Sharp
Megan R.
Tricia Martin
Cindy Shipman

So, the rules for the “You Make My Day” award:

Re-present it to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blog land. Let them know through email or by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times, and if you do, consider yourself really, really loved.

Today's the Day....

2008-03-21T08:59:00.003-05:00

....I've been waiting for! The man in brown will be bringing my brand spankin' new, hot off the press PAZZLES INSPIRATION! I'm trying to knock out a few jobs before it arrives so I can play 'til my heart's content. I saw this machine demoed at CHA and knew it would be mine...Love at first sight! I even ordered all the tools!

I'm it! You're next....

2008-03-10T08:27:00.005-05:00

I was tagged by Marci a few days ago and thought I'd play along...

I was asked to write seven random things about myself, then tag seven other bloggers to do the same. So here goes....

1. Lived on a fairgrounds when I was a baby and could ride a horse by myself when I was only two!

2. Moved at least 12 times since we got married and have lived in 6 states.

3. Lived in Hawaii for 4 years...moved there with one baby...came back with three!

4. Won best in show in a high school art show for a dry brush still life...I still have it.

5. Had a pig named Cyrano (...get it? Cyrano loved a girl named Roxanne:) and a lamb named Lega (...get it?...Lega Lamb :) I have a very clever Mom!

6. Love "Little House on the Prairie" reruns. And the first thick book I ever read was "The Little House in the Big Woods." My youngest daughter's named is Laura Elizabeth...after some relatives AND "half pint."

7. Been on the set of "The Price is Right" and watched Bob Barker award cars to two friends.

You're It..... If your name is not on this list...play along anyway...cause I'm tagging you too!

Candice
Ronnie
Lauren
Sarah M.
Tricia
Cindy
Ali

Winter Wonderland!

2008-03-08T10:01:00.003-06:00

Our home under a blanket of March snow....

Everything was so bright that I woke up extra early this morning! What a beautiful day! I used to bundle us all up and go out to build snow beings, make snow angels and throw a few snowballs. I'd sneak in ahead of the kids and make HOMEMADE hot cocoa...not the powdered stuff...real milk sugar,cocoa and a dash of vanilla, then top it with miniature marshmallows (Laura's favorite part). I'd call the kids in, throw their clothes in the dryer in prep for the next round and warm them up with some chocolate goodness. I always loved kissing their freezing cheeks and noses! ...Repeat until kids are worn completely out and everything is too cold and wet to go on! We'd pull out all the quilts and snuggle while we'd watch some corny movie...sweet memories! Snow days are the best especially when the schools and businesses have to close!

To think that last Sunday it was 77 degrees and people were running around in shorts and convertibles had their tops down! Memphis in March...always interesting for sure. Hey, better than the tornados we had last month...I'll take the white stuff any day!

Unexpected Blessings!

2008-03-07T19:30:00.004-06:00

What a bitter-sweet week it's been! I've been able to reconnect with some long lost relatives including an Aunt, and two Sisters and their families...one can never have too many sisters, ya know! I wasn't raised with that side of the family, but always longed to know them. On a sad note, I found out that my natural Father passed away several years ago. So many times I thought that I needed to reach out and get to know him...this is a big lesson in "Carpe Diem." So now the fun begins...we'll get to know each other, share pictures and hopefully get together over the summer. I can't begin to tell you how full my heart is at this moment! And my drive to get moved back to my "Homeland" in the Pacific Northwest is stronger than ever!

It's all their fault!

2008-03-04T18:27:00.004-06:00

These are the original scrapbooking buds that got me hooked several years ago. We traveled to a few Scrapbooker's Dream Vacations (SDVs) together...didn't get much done, but laughed so hard our sides hurt! Today we reminisced and caught up with each others lives and news. It was so good to get together again.... We won't talk about our lunch/service experience! Let's just say we had a solid two hour visit, which would have been cut short had we received our lunches in a timely fashion or as we ordered them....nuff said! My girlfriends, old and new and my vault buds are so special to me...and my sanity. Love you all!

Check out this sale at Artistic Outpost!

2008-03-04T09:48:00.002-06:00

For the month of March, we have a special deal for
you. Purchase any TWO of our stamp plates, and we'll
give you our Mini Masterpiece plate for FREE. You'll
enjoy creating backgrounds and using the embellishment
pieces of this plate in all your creations.

Our pre-order special continues for the next couple of
days. Take advantage of the free EZ Mount when you
pre-order Happiness and Home. (please note the free
Mini Masterpiece does not apply to pre-order)

Click here for Happiness and Home Pre-Sale

Try this....to get in the Easter spirit

2008-03-04T09:20:00.003-06:00

I wish I had a picture but I haven't made mine yet...but you should make these beautiful eggs for Easter this year. Trust me they'll be worth it! I used to make these with my pre-schoolers every year. I had a "thing" about decorating eggs in unusual ways, since I was fairly certain they'd be dying eggs with boxed dyes at home. Sometimes I miss teaching pre-school...loved the magic of working with children!

Instructions:

Gather onion skins...lots and any color. (I used to go to the market and ask the produce manager if I could clean the empty onion bins...the always let me)

You'll also need: eggs, muslin or cotton fabric scraps about 8" square, a bunch of rubber bands, various flat leaves and flowers (ferns and pansies are some of my faves), a big pot and water.

Lay a variety of leaves and petals on the fabric scrap, then lay the egg in the center and bring all edges together to wrap the egg. Secure with lots of rubber bands. Repeat with all eggs.

Place lots of onion skins in bottom of pot, gently lay wrapped eggs on skins and fill with water. Boil as if making hard-boiled eggs. When cooked, lift eggs out with a slotted spoon and allow to cool. Remove rubberbands and fabric to reveal the most amazing eggs. The colors from the plants will transfer to the eggs almost magically, and the natural dye from the onion skin leaves rich earthy tones. Truly one of my favorite Easter activities to share with children!

I'm saving onion skins and will be making a few (for the kid in me) and will post a picture...eventually. Enjoy!

2008-02-19T19:14:00.002-06:00

Check out this link... Scroll down to the post titled "CHA Day 1 Crafty Peeps"

We had too much fun!

The Proposal

2008-02-15T11:51:00.002-06:00

This is sooo Chris and Sarah! They got a new puppy (sitting at her feet) and Chris told her they needed a picture of the three of them for the puppy breeder. He set up the camera timer and when he rushed into the shot he got down on his knee and surprised her. They love to go to the Oregon Coast with their Quads and ride in the sand, so the beach at sunset was perfect for popping the question! Our hearts are so full right now...a perfect Valentine's Day!

He Did It!

2008-02-15T08:58:00.002-06:00

...He popped the question! We are so excited that our son is engaged! We absolutely love Sarah and her family and are so glad she'll be joining ours! My son arranged to have a picture taken at the moment of the proposal...and I'll post it as soon as I get it. But for now...we just can't stop grinning.

Portfolio...check, business cards...check...

2008-02-07T18:38:00.000-06:00

...projects...check (mostly) I had to throw in the towel on a few things I'd hope to accomplish, but for the most part I'm ready to go! I just need to put a few things in a suitcase, and I'm on my way...almost! Candice reported in earlier today and claims they made it through L.A. traffic with their ginormous rig with only one near miss and one middle-finger greeting! I hear there is a palm tree next to where we'll be parked...and I think I hear it and an umbrella drink calling my name!

Four o'clock AM will be here before I know it so I'd better get my clothes packed...I know I'll have lots to report when we get back. Electric light parade....here we come......

Perspective

2008-02-05T19:44:00.000-06:00

Nothing like a natural disaster to put perspective on things! I've been so wrapped up in getting everything ready for the big show...then mother nature blows up a storm to change my focus. The weather people made statements like..."this is SEVERE and we don't say that lightly. You need to take cover immediately! Put your shoes on and take your ID to the center of your house, NOW!" Take my ID? Who am I going to show it to? I guess its in case I get knocked in the head and forget who I am. Fortunately our home was just outside of the danger zone, (people say my small town is protected by a ridge that runs along the mighty Mississippi)...so I just watched closely. I grew up with an occasional rattle from an earthquake, but these tornados FREAK me out! I gathered the necessities into our half-bath...just in case the three dogs and I had to take cover. The best place to be would have been under the staircase...but that would have meant cleaning out all the stuff I store in there. We have a couple more rounds of tornados to get through over the night, but I think the worst has past. Now we're hearing reports of damage, injuries, houses that have disappeared, mall collapses, a roof on a freeway, overturned trucks and packed emergency rooms.... I need to hear from my friends! I want to know that everyone is OK...so for now I just pray and wait. All of a sudden it doesn't matter so much if I get my portfolio updated. A wake up call to give me perspective about what is REALLY important!

Showcase Peeks at Art Recycled...

2008-02-04T18:57:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple of projects that I made for my Designer Showcase at CHA. I packed them, along with LOTS of other display pieces, and sent them on their merry way. I'll meet them all in Cali on Friday. Candice and Larry pulled out today for the cross-country trek...I assured them there was dark chocolate packed amongst the projects in case they need a little personal "fuel" along the way.

My cute Momma and Auntie in a collage under glass. I used a recycled clock that I've had hanging in my kitchen for many years. I was sorta glad when it finally died...I had plans for it's afterlife!

I used Polymer clay and beads to jazz up this mini-cupboard. Behind the doors you'd find a hand-bound dream journal made with pages of an old Italian-English dictionary.