WELCOME!

WELCOME!

Hello everyone! I am thrilled to have you visit with me and I hope you enjoy your stay. I absolutely love company, sharing, and making new friends so I hope you find something here that inspires, motivates, or just pleases you in some way.

Of course, I love to visit and be inspired also. So if I don't already drop in on you, please let me know where I can find you and I'll hop on over to see what you're doing or to just say "hi".

Before you go, I would love it if you'd please leave me a comment letting me know you dropped in! Actually, I'd just love to hear from you -- comments, opinions, or questions you'd like me to answer.

In the meantime, relax and make yourselves at home... you're family here!!!

I'll be seeing you!


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

LITTLE "SWEET TREAT" EASTER FAVORS

Happy Wednesday, everyone!  I hope all's well!

Well, I've been out all day and I'm very disappointed... tomorrow is our anniversary and my hubby has me preparing to go out tomorrow for what he's calling an all day adventure -- starting with breakfast and ending with dinner.  Only he and God knows what he's planned for me in between, and I couldn't find a thing for him.  I searched but there just wasn't anything!!!  I'm really going to hate not having a gift for him to accompany the complementary one I made, and I probably won't feel comfortable all throughout the day.  Of course he won't be disappointed at all because he knows I'll make it up and also because it'll give him the "up" on me!  Unfortunately, special occassions turn into a competition between us, and he loves getting the better of me and I hate that he does!!!  I can just hear it now... "you couldn't think of a thing to get me for our anniversary  but I did this..."   I can't even imagine why this makes him feel so proud!!!  And I actually get caught up in all of it!!!  Well, I must admit, it definitely is fun when I get the "up" on him on those rare occasions... lol!!!  Guess I'm just a sore loser!!!

Anyway, I'm going to assume it'll be a bit late in the evening when we get in tomorrow and I wanted to share a little something I made with you today just in case I don't get a chance to post it tomorrow.  It has finally been determined at what relative's house our Easter dinner/gathering will be, and I'm going to surprise everyone with these little favors to take home.  I'm going to make a bunch of them and put them into an Easter basket and everyone can just grab one on their way out of the door when they're leaving:


Although I'm calling them "little sweet treats" they are not edible!!!  Why?  Because...  they're magnets!!!:


I'm making all these little cuties with Easter images I found on the internet and UTEE!  These are so much fun to make, so easy, and I'm loving playing with UTEE!!!  Besides, I think everyone will enjoy taking home these little sweet treat favors.

Well, I hope you like my little project; I'll let you know how our anniversary day went.  In the meatime...

I'll be seeing you!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

LET THE MUSIC PLAY ON AND ON...

Hello, everyone and happy Tuesday!

Well, the hubby's and my anniversary is Thursday and I was out yesterday and today frantically trying to "spot" something he might like for a gift.  I wasn't able to find anything and I'm at a total lost.  I've got one last chance so I'm going out and try again tomorrow -- I hope I don't have to pick up something just for the sake of getting something.

Anyway, I did make him a complementary gift to go along with whatever it is I can find for him.  This little gift came to mind when I went down into his "man cave" and he was going through an old collection of 45's, 33's and LP's, and playing them on his record player:


It's a record player box and the inside holds a 45 record adapter keychain.  My hubby loves old songs and I think he'll love this.  I got the images for the record and the adapter off the internet and sized, printed, and cut them out.  I added yellow stickles to both sides of the adapter and covered it with resin; added a hole and then pu on the keychain. 

To get the 3-D raised effect on the adapter on the record on the record player, I added white puffy paint to it.   Here's a close-up (sorry it came out a a bit blurry):



My hubby loves music -- all kinds of music -- and has quite an extensive collection of "oldies".  Since the day were were married I don't think he has ever let a day go by without playing music, so for all the years I'm calling this little gift "let the music play on and on".

Isn't this project cute?!!!

Well, wish me luck tomorrow; I've got to find something and it's got to be special!

Hugs everyone, and...

I'll be seeing you!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

"SHABBY OR CHIC?" RECYCLED ICE CREAM BOX AND CANDLE HOLDER

Hello, and a great-great Sunday!!!  Too bad the weekend is about over but a wonderful week is coming up for us all, I'm sure!

Today I'm sharing a box I recycled.  Lol..., I'm not that familiar with shabby and my idea of chic may not be artistically correct, so I'm going to leave that up in the air; anyway, I thought it had the look of what shabby chic could look like.  I have entered this project in the http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/ challenge:


I wanted to add a crackle paint to this project because I thought that would look nice but, unfortunately, I was out of black or clear and the other colors I had just wouldn't have done at all.

The box is an ice cream box perched on a candle holder.  I painted the recessed grooves on the bottom of the candle holder black to pick up the black box.  The cameo I made from UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Powder) in a mold, and the flowers I made from some leftover scraps.   I don't have a clue what I'm going to put in it but I'm certain something will come up...lol!!!

Before I leave, for those of you that asked and thank you for your concern, my back is still giving me some discomfort; nothing I'm not too used to but lately it's just becoming a bit more irritating.  However, compared to how I felt prior to surgery -- and now --I'm happy to just be up and walking!!!  My concern is to not let it get any worse, which is what I did before surgery and I'm on top of that now.   I learned the hard way not to take advantage and I make sure I'm doing all I can to prevent any further complications or another surgery, so that's where I'm at with that.  I really don't talk about it much because I don't let it try me, I just try to do what is right and necessary so as not to have any worries, but I do appreciate your concern.  Hey, I'm "aging", I don't expect everything to work like it used to..., hee-heee!

Well, I'm off again but I'll be back -- oh, have to remember I've some very appreciated blog awards I have to pass on too!

Hugs!  I'll be seeing you!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

YEA OKAY, BUT I'M OUTTA HERE BY EASTER!!!

That was fast, huh?  I told you I'd be back with a quick project and I've just finished it!

Here's my "...outta here before Easter" chick:


Actually, I might never let this little chick out of his cage!  LOL!!!

Wouldn't he just make the cutest Easter table centerpiece?!!!  He was such fun to do even if I did have a difficult time trying to straighten the wire -- and burning my fingers with hot glue!

I hope you like my little guy!

I'M BAAAAACK!!!

Hi, everyone!!!  I'm so glad to be back home and none the worse for wear... lol!  I had a very nice time and the weather there was almost perfect compared to the chill in the air here, but there's just no place like home!!!

I've taken some time to drop in on most of you, but I do have a quickie project in the works to come back and share with you.  I also have a blog award to post and thank my friend Wanda for too -- after I can come up with 15 people to pass it on too --, so I've got a couple of jobs already set aside for me.

I'll be back soon with my project real soon, so come on back!!!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

JUST DROPPING IN TO SAY HELLO!!!

Hello to all you beautiful family-friends!!!  Wow, have these days just flown by!!!

I was just trying to visit with some of you as I finally got a moment to get better relaxed, and I'm so happy to see everyone so busy!  I will try later to get to some of you I haven't had a chance to visit yet.

I am having a very nice time here, although my back has caused me some discomfort.  We went to World of Coca Cola today and I had could barely keep up with everyone.  It was such a long drive here, and that didn't help, and you just can't get out and stretch enough.  I dread the ride back, and all I keep thinking is how you always seem to get home faster than it takes to get wherever you're going!  Hubby offered to send me airfare but I can't leave my friend to drive back alone.  My friend's mother is such a wonderful lady, she gave me a massage last night -- on her birthday!!!  I was telling her I'd just visited my doctor and he was talking another surgery; however, at my insistence, he's referred me to a neurologist first to see if therapy would benefit me at all.  I certainly hope so!

Wow, I thought I had a family that LOVED family gatherings but this family is awesome!!!  I'm told they gather almost every weekend!!!  Everyone made me feel right at home!  I've eaten so much I'm going to be afraid to step on a scale!!!  My only disappointment was I really wanted to visit the birth home of Martin Luther King while I was here and that didn't happen, so maybe next time!

As much as I miss home, the hubby says the weather is still on the "nippy" side and that it snowed a bit-- can't wait to have the wonderful weather they're having here; just cool enough at night and not too hot during the day.  Today the temps were in the mid-60's.

Well, we should be leaving out tomorrow sometime heading back, so I'll be back soon!

I'll be seeing you!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

GONE FOR A FEW DAYS!

Hi, everyone!!!  Hope all's well!

Thank you so much for your comments on my hubby's Easter gift.  I really liked how it came out too!

I had a boring afternoon today sitting in the doctor's office -- although I schedule an appointment time,  I still end up just waiting for another hour or so after, and today I didn't have my Gypsy, laptop or anything!

Anyway, I wanted to drop in to let you know I've agreed to drive down to Atlanta with my girlfriend to see her mother for her birthday on Wednesday.  We'll be leaving in the morning and should be back on late Friday or early Saturday, so there goes crafting for the next several days!!!  I really don't want to go but I know she didn't want to drive alone and unfortunately, everyone who would have ridden with her works during the week.  So, I'm it!  I do love her mother though, and it will be wonderful to see her.

I will have my laptop with me, so I will still be able to check in on you all, and see what's going on, what you're up to.  Well, I'm off to pack a few items I'll need to take with me, but I'll try to drop in on some of you a bit later!!!

Hugs!  And, of course, I'll be seeing you!

Monday, March 21, 2011

HUH? PUT IT IN AN EASTER... BAG?

A good and happy Monday, everyone! 

It was my pleasure to visit with many of you this weekend and I so enjoyed all the wonderful crafting I saw; I even got some inspiration from a blog-hop or two.

Saturday was my aunt's birthday, so the family all gathered for icecream and cake, and just sat around keeping her company for a while.  Yesterday was just one of those days where we just visited family and relaxed.  Everyone wanted to know what the hubby and I are going to do for our anniversary coming up on March 31...  41 YEARS together!!!  But the hubby wouldn't tell them because he didn't want to ruin his surprise to me (of course my family would tell me if I pestered them enough); I, on the other hand, don't even have a clue what I'm going to do for him!!!  Definitely open for suggestions!!!  LOL!   I think they wanted to plan something, but the hubby didn't leave open any room for  options... hummmm!

Anyway, I've got work to do on our anniversary but I did come up with a really cute little Easter gift for him.  Because he's not really a basket person and probably won't eat the boiled egg anyway, I made this matching set of a personalized card, egg, and the drawstring egg bag with a tag (who says you always have to put eggs in a basket anyway...lol!):


Now isn't this just the cutest?  For the bag I used a printable fabric I purchased at Staples in a pack and just whipped it up in just a couple of minutes, I used that same stuff I used on the mirror compact for my cousin last week for the image on the egg, and the image I just printed off the internet.

Well, I'm off to get ready to feed the hubby, Buster is begging for outside, but...  I'll be back!!!

Friday, March 18, 2011

INKED VASE TUTORIAL

Yeaaaa, it's Friday -- happy weekend to you all!!!

What a wonderful day I enjoyed yesterday; Buster and I had a leisurely and playful walk along the lake front, and later I dropped him back home to go get in a little craft "window shopping" -- didn't buy a thing!!!  But it was a relaxing and a much enjoyed day!

Okay, I promised you a tutorial on how I did my vase, and it is easy!!!  Although there are several pictures here, I'm walking you through it, but it's less than a 3-4 step process.  Before we start, unfortunately, I only bought one vase at the dollar store, so I had to find something else to use and found this bottle as a demonstration sample:
Now let's get our supplies together and see what can we can do:


Okay, remember I was playing so I used whatever ink I had -- alcohol and/or distressed, and selected the colors I liked; grabbed some glitter, Glossy Accents to use as the adhesive for the jewelry on my bottle; some waxed paper to fit the lid of the container, a rubber band, and some beaded ribbon for the embellie.  Let's go ...

Start by drizzling several colored inks in your desired colors around the rim of the container (note:  you must work quickly as the ink dries pretty fast):


Using a rubberband, cover opening of lid:


Now have some fun!!!  Or, are you mad?  Take out some aggression...lol!  Holding the container shake and tap it vigorously against the palm of your other hand while turning the container as you go; this will swirl and splatter the inks.  You can add more ink and continue the shaking, tapping and turning until you have an effect you like. 


Here's the effect I liked after 2 applications of ink:


Okay, so it doesn't look great right now, so let's add the magic:  pour in about 1/4 teaspoons each of 2 different glitters in corresponding colors to the inks:


Cover the container again and secure with rubber band, then do the same shake, turn, and tap against your palm as you did with the ink.  Now see what Ive got:

And doesn't this look amazing?!!!  Here's where we can add our embellies!  I'm going to use the bead ribbon:

The final step is optional:  let the inside dry, then entirely cover the outside of the container (you should do this before adding the embellies), and spray the  inside with a clear acrylic sealer.

Of course, you can't put water in it to hold real flowers but how pretty would even silk flowers look, or even dropping a battery operated candle on the inside.  So many possibilities!  Actually, I was using this bottle as a tutorial sample but I like how it came out, so I think I'm going to further embellish it.

I told you it was easy!  Sure would like to see yours!!!

I'll be seeing you!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

BELIEVE IT OR NOT!!!


Hello, hello, hello, and a very happy Thursday to you all!!!  And happy St. Patty's Day!!!

Did you all notice the very first label added on my side bar there on the right?!!!  Yes, believe it, I'm participating in a blog hop!!!  I've really wanted to do this and, although I was asked before I had to decline due to timing issues; however, I am thrilled to have been offered another opportunity!  How fun!

This is an Easter Blog Hop sponsored by our one and only Rhonda, and all the fun starts at her place on April 15.  The line-up of amazing talents participanting is listed beneath the Blog Hop label on my sidebar.  Of course, I'll have a little "candy" to sweeten the tooth of one (or maybe two) of the lucky hoppers hopping on over here, so I hope you'll all stay tuned.  I'll be reminding you before the date arrives, and I do hope you'll all join us aboard the Easter Blog Hop train.

And, yet, another believe it or not -- the weather here in Chicago will reach almost 70 degrees today, so I'm grabbing Buster and we're headed out to enjoy the day!!!  The high temp is only predicted for today and I don't want to miss a drop of it after the harsh winter we've head!  An early spring day to enjoy -- gotta have it!!!  So, this may be my only post for today!!!  I want to bask in the day as long as it lasts!  LOL!

Oh, a couple of you asked about my vase and how I did it, so my next post will be a really quick tutorial/instruction on how I did it.  This project is so easy and fast -- 5 to 10 minutes tops -- it'll be a really short post.  I mentioned in my comment post last evening that I didn't have any specific technique for doing this,  I was only playing, so I'm surprised at the results myself.   So one thing for sure is each one will be different and unique!  And I'm sure you'll all add something of your own to give it your unique touch!  You won't believe just how easy it is!!!  Believe it or not!!!

Well, I'm out to enjoy 70 degrees!!!  Hope you have a great day too!!!

Love you all!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

I'VE JUST BEEN PLAYING AROUND AGAIN!!!

Hi, family-friends!  Happy Wednesday to you all!

I see I have a few new followers I'd like to welcome to our family!  Glad to see you and glad you found "Home".

Well, I still haven't been able get my creative juices flowing enough to figure out how I want to complete my "long-ago-started" project  (I'm thinkin of letting you have a "sneak peek"though), so I did what I often do when I don't have any particular project in mind -- just play.

As it happens, I ran into a Hobby Lobby yesterday to pick up my favorite glue I'd ran out of and saw these beautiful glass vases.  They were professionally crafted -- hand blown, I think; anyway I wondered if I could replicate the look.  I didn't know exactly how I'd go about doing it,  but by looking at them I knew I'd give it a try.  So, I ran into a Dollar Store, purchased a glass vase, came home and gathered these supplies and some leftover jewelry findings (and, yes, I even snuck in my Stickles...lol):


Then I got busy!  I didn't have a clue as to how it would turn out when I started but I turned that ordinary $1 vase into this:


No, it doesn't even come close to looking anything like the one I saw at HL, but I love it!!!!  Even if I must say so myself, it turned out great...lol!!!  And, it was therapeutic, a lot of fun, and the outcome was a total surprise! 

Hope you like it!  I'm thinking of playing around and decoupaging the next one! 

Love you all, and I'll be seeing you!

Monday, March 14, 2011

YOU'RE THE BEST!!! AND, YES, A PROJECT!!!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Well, I've still got egg left on my face; but after church yesterday, many prayers, comfort from family and friends, and reading through all your wonderful comments, I feel better.  Besides I love you all and miss you too much to have stayed away much longer.  So here I am.  I'd like to thank you for all your kind comments; you are all wonderful and your words very comforting.  If anyone were to ask me, I'd say I've got the best blogging family than anyone in the entire blogging community!!!  In the world!

I still haven't been up much for crafting, but I did have to do a another birthday present for a relative, so I got up and got busy.  Didn't have a clue what I was going to do and just kept looking through my supplies, and spotted this stuff I bought a while back ago at Michaels:


My cousin loves Betty Boop so I found and transferred this image using the kit:


While in a General Dollar Store some time ago, I purchased several double-mirror compacts.  Didn't know how I was going to use them at the time, but they came in pretty handy for this project:



Before I could transfer the image, I had to remove the printed or painted  imprinted product name.  I tried several things but I found nail polish remover (the acetone kind) did the job perfectly.

I transferred the image to the compact following the suppliers directions, made a matching box for the compact and a matching card -- now I have a birthday set for my cousin.  Before I let you see it, if you decide to use any kind of transfers, test print first to make determine whether you need to lighten your image before printingit as the print here came out very dark (I didn't do a test print).  Here's the set:


My cousin's name is on the compact across Betty Boop's forehead in red but, as it does shows okay on the compact, it didn't show up well on the photo (neither does her other eye...lol!!!).  You might be able to see it if you click to enlarge it, but I don't know for sure.

Of course, for me, it wouldn't mean a thing if it didn't have that bling, so I added my Stickles and rhinestones.  And, she'll love it because it's Betty Boop and her name is on it!

So, this has at least got me off to a start, and it felt good doing it.  It's something, at least.  As for now, I've got an errand I'm off to.  When I get back I'm going to see if I can figure out another project to share -- maybe I'll be able to finish one I'd already started.

I'll be seeing you beautiful people, and thank you so much for being my family!!!  Love you all! 

Saturday, March 12, 2011

SO VERY EMBARRASSED!

Hello, all!  I hope you're all well!

Before you have the possibility of seeing or hearing about an incident on the Circle MB (if you haven't already), I'm letting you know in this post which isn't easy, but I believe myself to be an honest person still.  So, here goes.  I don't deny when I am wrong, as hard as it is, I stand still and face it -- first step to a true resolution and healing despite the difficulty.  I've apologized and I'm still apologizing for a mistake.  For my sincerity, and for what my apology is worth to the other person, I can only pray I'll ever be forgiven.  I am asking  all of you reading this post to try to be patient with me as I try to get though this -- admitting to being wrong.  I may ramble as my pride is not quite "up to par". This is not to make excuses or to justify myself, and I am not attempting to push aside or minimize my bad behavior.  I am acknowledging and taking responsbility for my unthoughtfulness and rudeness with all the shame it bears.

I' m embarrassed and truly remorseful over a comment I made on the Circle MB.  I accused someone of stealing one of my files and using it to promote themself on the Circle Blog.  I did this based on the fact the person had a  project posted which was identical looking to one of mine I'd posted.  Because of the exactness in the project's duplication,without further thought, I believed and assumed this person had actually used my exact file; and it didn't help that my project had been posted for weeks prior to this person's post.  My first reaction was hurt that someone could so such a thing but that quickly escalated into anger which led me to verbally accusing this person, and I did so publicly on the MB.   Eventhough I felt I'd been taken advantage of was no reason to accuse without giving the person the benefit of doubt  -- and to make it public was inexcusable.  I normally try to be bigger than this but I allowed my emotions to take over, so I failed miserably in stopping to think of other options to get to the bottom of the situation rationally, with discretion, or some diplomacy.  I just didn't think at all!  Now I am publicly admitting my mistake and apologizing because in the interim, I found this person had created their own file which as it happened looked to be an exact replica of my project although her file was totally different than mine; even admit it was very well done.  So well so, I'm surprised our projects looked identical!  I owe an apology to this person and everyone else I put in contact with my burst of anger.  I was wrong!  WRONG!

Although I said it, I don't feel any better saying I'm human and I err because it doesn't help me or the other person!  You know and I know I'm human but being so doesn't mean you don't suffer consequences when you do something you shouldn't have.  I actually feel worse, and that it has somehow robbed me of what I believe and expect of myself.  And, even if my feelings were also initally hurt, I never would have intentionally set out without regard to  hurt someone else's feelings regardless to who was right -- or wrong!!!

Funny (or really not so funny), I'd forgotten until I gave my reaction thought how early last year someone accused me of stealing a file and how I felt having to defend myself. Had I considered this, I know I would have handled this better, and considered how this person might have felt first before acting like a maniac.   I don't act this way, it surprises me!  Bad results -- lesson well learned!

I also recalled how before I started blogging I couldn't even make a file and was dependent on the files others willingly shared for the beautiful gifts I made from their generousity.  Not that mine are great, but I  learned to make my own files with the help of 2 wonderful ladies through their "Let Me Show You How To Do That (LMSYHTDT) webcasts and I couldn't wait to give back, inspire and motive those that could use it  as I had. I enjoyed and have such fun sharing files with a hope it's helping someone.  It really has pleased me!  So I just don't know how I let myself go to a such  bad place as I did. Of course, I don't want to be misused or my trust disregarded, no one does.  And, although I believed this to have happened at the time, I should have exercised more control than to let a "pity party" control me and run off to rant.  I let the devil just march right  in where he's wasn't wanted!

I automatically trust we do not disrepect each other, our properties, use of files, etc. and we don't, so  how could I be so mean as to accuse a fellow blogger?!!! I'm hoping my open apology is at least received if not accepted.  When it all boiled down for me, I care about trust but realized I really didn't care much about the use of the file at all -- if I were asked for the use of a file to publish I probably would..., but as they are mine, I know I'd like to be asked and given a little credit.  I'm here simply to enjoy myself; I'm retired, not looking for a job, so I really don't care how my files are used.  But, as would we all, I do expect some common courtesy even if I don't ever get it.    Again, I'm not making excuses or justifying because I got beside myself and acted out of character, I can't do that or even begin to forgive myself.  This is a matter  I need to resolve with my God before I start my own healing because I strongly believe we pay for what we do.  And I'll pay for my course of action!

I wish I could take back my "biting" words and this had not happened.  I'm just not one to let things get in the way of my happiness and I honestly can't  understand why I got so angry to let it.  I do, however, understand the painful shock I believed at the time that led to it.  But I shouldn't have given the matter such importance.  It wasn't important at all and  life is just too short to get so tangled up in pettiness when they're so many more wonderful things we can be enjoying.  I strongly question what got into me!

I love sharing my files and love when anyone is inspired by them.  I am, as well, inspired by so many crafters and I scraplift just as the next person does.  I often see projects but can't find instructions, so I  hoard the project in my head until I can recreate it.  I normally don't know where I've picked up some of my project inspirations because I have a habit of just cruising along; I may have even picked some of them up from you.  But when something that has inspired me pops into my head,  I put in time and effort  recreating the project and creating a file/pattern for how I'd like my project to look based on the picture I have in my head -- I hardly ever recall where I've seen an project to even revisit it; so it's seldom an exact replica when I recreate one, that I'm aware of, and that's my intention to be kind of different.  If I use someone else's original file, I will  give credit, if I can, or let it be known it's not mine.   I very though use anyone else's files these days; and unfortunately, redesigning a project does not make it exclusive.  When we scraplift, it's still a scraplifted project and there are bound to be -- at least -- similarities oftentimes.  I know this.  I prefer my own original creations, and probably it's probably why I'm "blocked right now, trying to come up with my own unique idea to share.  I even see and realize now how it can avoid duplication discrepancies too!!!!  The bottom line is once we put our files out here, be prepared for what can happen and how we are most likely to handle it!  We all have creative minds and that in itself means we can think alike when it comes to a project.  Take it from me you don't want to go to a bad place over a bad decision!  As for me, I'll keep sharing and let the chips fall where they may! This is one of my enjoyments; this and you are what I'll concern with from here on in.  This is what is really important here to me!  And, I really do sincerely love you all!  I wouldn't want anyone to be afraid to use my files; that is why they're here.

Someone did tell me though before there was a Victorian shoe on YouTube.  I don't frequent places where there are so many people with so much going on like YouTube, or Facebook, Twitter -- any of those kinds of sites -- too fearful of viruses.  So I guess I'm missing out on a lot of things I might search for and don't find.

I have so much more to say but this post is long enough.  I'm just going to say  my reaction came from my head and not my heart, and leave it at that!  I am ashamed of myself and wouldn't blame anyone else who feels this way towards me also!  You can't think any worse than I think of myself at the moment.

I guess I'll be back once I deal with myself, and if I can get my creative spirit back any time soon at all now.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

HELLO, FAMILY, I'M ALIVE AND WELL! -- AND I'VE GOT AVAILABLE FILE UPDATES!!!

Hello, everyone -- and hello to several new followers!!!  Always happy to see new friends and welcome to the family!!!

I needed to drop in to say hello and let you know I'm well.  I've gotten stuck in one of those "loss my mojo" mindsets and decided to use the "while-I'm-figuring-it-out "time to catch-up on some much needed to-do's and chores.  As I needed a few in-between breaks, I decided to started cleaning up my blog a bit.  So task number 1 was beginning the update on all my .cut, .gypsy, tutorial, and .pdf files.

For your convenience, I have updated and re-arranged the files so they'll be easier for you to access without having to scroll through every posts to locate the file, template or tutorial you may want.  The updates can be found on my right sidebar near the middle, under it's appropriate label (i.e. Available .Cut files, Available .Gypsy files, Available .PDF's, Templates, and Instruction files).  The .cut and .gypsy files are in a drop-down box -- just click on it!  I do hope this is a start to making things easier for you.  I'm still in the process of updating and re-arranging: I should have taken the time to start doing this long ago.

While I'm here, I'd like to thank my friend Just 2 Ducky for passing me on the "A Thing of Beauty" blog award:


Because I've recently received this award I am going to forego the rules and pass it on to all of you!  Of course, I will acknowledge receiving my sweet friend by adding her name to the pictrue of the award on my sidebar.  Amd, as always, I appreciate being thought of for these beautiful awards.

It's been a busy day for me but, hopefully before I get too far behind again, I'll be around to visit with some of you later.  In the meantime, I have some errands to run tomorrow for myself and my aunt, but I hope to be back in time to at least TRY to complete one of the projects I've neglected these past days and  have something to share with you.  I don't recall ever losing my "mojo" before and I'm having a hard time coping with it!  LOL!!!

Thank you for all your comments, I appreciate each and every one, and enjoy so much reading them!

Love you all!!! And...,

I'll be seeing you!

Monday, March 7, 2011

REQUESTED CARD ENVELOPE .PDF DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE

A good Monday everyone!!!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

As requested, below please find the  .pdf  download template for the card envelope:

http://www.4shared.com/document/GNyL2R91/envie_card.html

Please note:  There is a note on the template stating the paper size should be 9" x 11", however my scanner will only accomodate an 8.50' x 11' sheet of paper; as a result only 1/2" inch of the envie flap actually printed on the template, the other 1/2" needs to be added by allowing another 1/2" in paper measurement (9" x 11").  If you desire, you can eliminate the flap and use the envie as a pocket.  Play with it, you may surprise yourself!    

If, after reviewing the tutorial, you have any issues with the assembly, please leave me a comment; I'll get back to you.  However, I think you'll find it really simple after you do your first one!!!

I'll be back!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

AN EMBROIDERED WEDDING GIFT

Happy Sunday, everyone!  I hope you're all enjoying a happy crafting weekend!

It was a pleasure and such fun visiting with so many of you this weekend, and admiring your wonderful projects.  I needed the inspiration as I seem to be in a somewhat crafting "slump" or as a lot of you refer to it as "mojo".  Whatever you can call it, I don't seem to have it at the moment, so it's been a good time for me to catch up on some neglected chores.

I've had several requests now for the card/envie .pdf file.  Please check back with me tomorrow and I will have it available for you.

For my project post today, I have an embroidery project.  I was asked by a friend to embroider a set of towels for a wedding gift.  I actually enjoyed getting back to doing some embroidery.  I hadn't been near my machine for a while now, and it was something I didn't have to think about how to do -- the color had already been selected and I'd been provided the names -- that's all I needed!  So this was easy.  Not my usual to share with you but I hope you like what I did.

I started with some towels I purchased from a General Dollar Store and I found the ribbon among some I already have here at home to add as a trim, so this set cost about $10:


Here's how it turned out:


The found the ribbon several years ago at Costco's and it has such a soft and luxious look and feel to it, and I think it added class to the towels (if you click on the picture you might be able to get a better glimpse of the texture o the ribbon).  Now that I I'm looking at it, I think I'm going to add some fringe at the bottom for a finishing touch!  I think my friend will like them and I hope you will too.

I've still got some unfinished projects and I'm still pondering on how to complete them -- hope my crafting mind returns soon!  In the meantime, I love you all...

I'll be back!

P.S.  Don't forget I'll have the card/envie .pdf file available tomorrow!

Friday, March 4, 2011

CONVERTED GYPSY FILE FOR THE CARD WITH BUILT-IN ENVIE

Hello, again!!!

For those of you who requested the converted file for the "Card With Built-In Envelope" presented on my tutorial post (previous post), here is the converted download file for your Gypsy machines:

card with built in envie.gypsy


NOTE:  This .gypsy file will also be added to the bottom of the tutorial post along with the cut.file.

Enjoy!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

"HERE, THERE, ANYWHERE" ONE PIECE, BUILT-IN ENVELOPE CARD

Hello and happy Thursday!!!  Thank you all for joining me again for my DT project for  Sheila's wonderful blog today.

This is not the project I'd intended; however, I couldn't complete the project I've had for a week now.  My project today is interesting though, considering I had absolutely no idea where I was going with it, lol!  I got excited and thought I was back on a roll when I had the cut.file completed and then the construction of this project down; but when it came to how to embellish it, my creative thoughts took the same flying leap out the window as my thoughts did for the other project I've yet to complete!  I kept telling myself something Sheila often says and which she refers to as "KISS"... Keep It Simple Silly!  That's definitely what I've done today!  I found a bunch of leftovee items I hadn't used on previous projects and/or there wasn't enough for what I needed at the time, and I altered them to suit this project.  Because I ran out of time to plan, I think my leftovers look pretty decent as embellishments!  But it's the card itself that's the project today!


So, what's unique about this card?  It has a built-in envelope that can be placed on any side of the card you'd like depending on how you fold it.  Yes, built in -- meaning only 1 sheet of cardstock and one cut!!!  The envie can be on the inside right or left, or the front or back of the card; it's totally up to you!  And, what do you place in the envelope?  That's totally up to you too -- money, a tag, whatever fits! 

I decided I wanted my envie on the inside right of the card and I'm going to show you how I folded it to get it there, and how I  made this card.  I'll also show you how to fold it to place the envie on the front, back, and inside left.  So let's get started.  Materials needed for the card:

1 - 12" x 12" sheet of desired cardstock (that's it and only 1 cut)

Begin by cutting out the cut.file template:


For your envelope to be on the inside right or on the front of the card, align your template on a table as shown below:

Note:  You must fold in a 1/2 " tab at the bottom of the bottom panel on the left of the card for the envelope closure; unfortunately, I forgot to allow tick marks for this fold on the template.

Now bone-fold the tabs and card panels (and the 1/2" tab on the bottom right side panel at the bottom):


Add glue to the top and bottom tabs on the right panel (shown above), fold the panel over to below the tab on the left side panel (which is the cover tab to the envelope) and bone-fold envelope in place:


After you've glued down the envelope beneath the flap, turn the card around to look like this:


Now, here's the fun part!  When you fold the remaining left panel over the top of the envelope, you have a card with an envelope on the inside right.  However, if you fold the left panel to the back (behind the envelope) you have a card with the envelope on the front.  Just look at the card example above and imagine that left panel being folded over or under!  How fun is that?!!!

To get the envelope on the inside left or on the back of the card, align your template to look like this:

Now follow the same folding and gluing steps as described above; however, the remaining panel will now be on the right side instead of the left side.  It will look like this:



Now if you  fold the right panel over the envelope, you'll have a card with an envelope on the inside left of the card; fold the panel back and beneath the envelope, you'll have a card with the envelope on the back of the card.  Pretty cool, huh?

Well, here's my card with the envelope on the inside right:


To hold my envelope closed, I've attached a small 2-piece magnet:


What's in my envelope?  Well, nothing right now!  I'll figure that out later!  LOL!

Now go off, make this card, and decorate it any way you'd like.  You can even use leftovers for embellies like I did, and please let me see what ideas you've come up with for this card!!!  I'd love to see how you've designed yours!  You can really play with this card!  You can remove the tab from the envelope and make it a pocket -- experiment with it!

I have the cut.file (George and Storybook carts) available at the bottom of this post - at the very end. 
I would have liked to -- but as it is now past 2 a.m. in the morning and I 'm still completing this post --I won't have time to do it now but, if anyone doesn't know how and would like me to convert this into a Gypsy file, please let me know.  I'll also provide a PDF file for those of you that may not have a Cricut.  However, unless you request it, I probably won't get around to doing it soon.

Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate it, and...

 I'll be seeing you!

Download files:
card with built in envie.cut

card with built in envie.gypsy

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWERS!!! AND A BLOG AWARD!!!

Hi, everyone and a happy day to you all!

No project post, I'm  preparing my DT project for Sheila's blog tomorrow.  I hope you'll all join me either there or here!  I think you'll find it an interesting project!

 I've got new followers and I must let them know how much I appreciate seeing them, and having them join the Cute and Some family!!!  I can't wait to get to know you, and I do hope you'll always feel comfortable and welcome!!!  Thank you for following me, you're now family!

I also have an award from a new friend, Charlotte.  Charlotte joined our family recently and already I feel as though I've known her forever -- we plan on meeting here in Chicago while she's visiting this summer!  Charlotte has a wonderful blog and is a talented lady; please drop by and say hello to her, if you aren't already familiar with her!  There's so much love at her place!


In accepting this award, I must list 5 things about myself and it must include why I enjoy crafting.  Then I must forward the award on to 5 other bloggers  with a description as to what makes their blog or work special.

 About me:
  1.  I hate unhappiness or sadness of any sort -- I appreciate life too much to have unnecessary worries I can't control or fix!  I do well at "let go, let God"; he's in control. 
  2. I love crafting for many reasons, but mainly because it just overall makes me happy when I'm crafting.  It takes me to a "fantasy place" where I can play, relax, enjoy and be free in my imagination.  It allows me the freedom to roam and stimulate my creativity! 
  3. Because it interferes with and reduces my crafting time, I don't like: daily routine cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, ironing and house chores in general. 
  4. I hate disorder, things being dirty, and don't like being hungry; is why I cook, clean, do laundry, iron and do household chores. 
  5. I don't ever want to grow up; just wanna be a crafting kid!!!  LOL!
Passing this award on to:

  1. Angie, because her projects are amazing and when I visit I can actually feel her warmth and the passion for her work.
  2. Bobby and Jill, because I admire how they work together providing us a wonderful and informative place to browse their amazing talents, while inspiring and motivating us to move forward.
  3. Stacy. Stacy shares and teaches us through her videos; she is fun and peppy, and I just find her refreshing.
  4. Rhonda.  Well, speaking of sharing, this beautiful lady is mot generous also.  I think we all know Rhonda.  She does the most amazing mini's and then just gives them away on an almost daily basis.  Gotta love her blog and her!!!
  5. Alice.  Have you seen her baby cards?!!!  If you haven't you should!!!  She does the most adorable children cards, and the most adorable cards! 
These are only 5 but I could list you all and have so much to say, and nothing less than amazing!  I love you all!

NOTE:  Ladies when accepting this award, you must list 5 things about yourself (including why you like crafting), pass it on to 5 others, and when you post the award to your sidebar, the award creator would like the award linked to her:  http://gracenotes4today.blogspot.com .  Thank you.
Again, Charlotte, thank you so much for passing this award on to me.  I appreciate it and you!

Well, I hope to see you all tomorrow for my DT project!

I'll be seeing you!