Cute and Some

"RING MY BELL" HOME DECOR GIFT SET

2012-03-07T16:53:00.000-06:00

Well, hello, to all my wonderful blogland family!!! It's a beautiful day here in Chicago -- 68 degrees and sunny! I hope it's pleasant wherever you are too!

Before I present my project for today, I'd like to welcome a new family member! Thank you for joining me. I know I have the greatest family here, so I know you should feel very at home here!

Another thing I'd like to do is to acknowledge and thank three (3) more dear friends for passing on to me the "Green Blend Award":

1. Kristie
2. Deborah
3. Bobby and Jill

Thank you so very much and I love you all right back! I'll be adding your names to this award, pictured on my sidebar, as appreciation! Again, thank you so much!

Now I'd like to share with you all my project. I really enjoyed doing this home decor bell item and gift card, and I am very pleased with how it turned out:

You can click on it for a better view, or maybe the picture below will give you a closer look:

So..., can you guess what I used to make it?!!! LOL! Well, think of Christmas... Don't you ever see all those clear plastic bell containers in the craft stores for candy during the holidays?!!! Yes, the ones like this:

I had several of these laying around without bottoms that I ran across and grabbed some paper from my Anna Griffin stash, along with some decoupage glue, and got busy!!! After I the decoupage glue was dry, I added the ribbon bows, beads, flowers, and just a bit of bling!!! I think this would look lovely on my mantle but I know I'm going to give it as a gift!!! BUT..., before I have to give it up, you can ring my bell... lol!!! Just let me know what you think!

Well, I was up for quite some time this morning dropping in on many of you, but I couldn't get to you all, so I'm still working on making the rounds!!! If I haven't already, I should see you soon!

Hugs, and lots of love!!!

JUST TO INFORM YOU...

2012-03-05T12:59:00.000-06:00

Hello, there!!! Hope I'm finding everyone well!

Believe it or not, I couldn't wait to get here to let you know I'm okay! No, I haven't really disappeared again, I'm fine. However, now that I'm up, running, and feeling fit, I've had to return to seeing about my aunt (being well means I can't find any more excuses for other family members to do it, lol!). I spent most of the weekend with her and, unfortunately, she doesn't have internet access. Right now, without her having any other home-care assistance (which I'm looking into), I'm doing the best I can to tend to her needs and take care of my home. I'm not at all complaining because she's happy and I'm happy because I still have this sweet woman in my life.

I did try to take a few supplies with me to try to get in some crafting but that didn't work out too well -- wasn't comfortable crafting there, couldn't really concentrate well, and still ended up not having all I needed anyway; so, needless to say, I didn't accomplish much... LOL!!! Anyway, her house is clean, clothes washed and ironed, meals prepared/ready for the next several days, and with the help of some watchful neighbors -- despite a slight interruption with my having a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon -- I have a few days to play!

Now, not wanting to waste a precious moment, I'm off to enjoy working on as many projects as I can get in, and then drop in on some of you later! Hope to have a project to post very soon! I can't wait to get started!!!

Love you all, big hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

VICTORIAN TEA BOX/CARD GIFT SET

2012-03-01T06:00:00.006-06:00

Hello, everyone!!! This is Audrey and, wow, it feels amazing to be back at Sheila's with a DT project!!! I really missed being over there during my brief absence as a monthly DT member and I missed the friends who visit me there. As always, thank you Sheila for having me.

I have an easy project today of a victorian tea box and card gift set:

Here are close-ups of the front and top of the box:

Okay, sit back and relax because although really easy, this is a bit picture heavy! To begin I assembled the materials needed for the embellishments and put them together. If you make this box, you'll probably use your own imagination to adorn yours so I won't take you step-by-step of what I did but give you the general idea and description of what I did for my embellies. You can refer to the pictures above in relation to the embellishments described below. It may help to click to enlarge the pictures. Here we go:

For the spoon on my box, I painted a plain plastic spoon with several coats of Gesso (let dry between coats), added a sticker, and a bow. (At the last minute, before adding the sticker and bow, I added a coat of Distress Crackle Paint -- loved the effect! However, if you use crackle paint, you'll have to spray it with an acrylic spray to keep the crackle from falling away from the spoon):

For the frame adornment, I painted a tin lid with Gesso (if you visit me, you'll remember a recent project I did and told you to save those biscuit/juice lids). While the paint on the lid was drying, I found an image on the internet, inserted it into WordPerfect to add the words "TEA TIME", then printed it out, then cut it out to fit and glue inside the lid. To hide the raw inside edges of the lid, I added beads around the graphic; I finished by adding roses along the edge of the tin to complement the sticker on the spoon:

The teapot on the top of the box, I hand-traced and cut it out; added another sticker, painted a light coat of glue over the image and sprinkled it with a fine transparent glitter:

For the panel on the front of the box, I cut and glued 3 squares together starting with the largest at the bottom: 4.75" x 4.75", 4.50" x 4.50", and 4.25" x 4.25"; the lace was glued around the box lid.

Once my embellies were completed, I put them aside and started the box. To make the box bottom I used a 9" x 12" sheet of cardstock, and a 3-1/8" x 6" sheet of cardstock for the lid. Placing the 9" x 12" cardstock on the scoreboard, with the 12" side across the top of the board, I scored at 5" and 7":

Turning the paper around so that the 9" side would be at the top across the scoreboard, I scored at 2" and 7":

To assemble the box bottom I cut, up to the center lines only, the 5" and 7" score lines to create the tabs. It'll look like this (I like to trim to taper my tabs but it's optional):

Before gluing the box together, I bone-folded along every fold line then turned the tabs into the inside of the box, added glue to the backs of the tabs and glued them in place to the back of the box by lifting the back of the box up into position. Like this:

To finish the box bottom, I simply glued the bottom outer tabs to side tabs on the other side of the bottom panel by lifting the entire panel up to meet the the top side of the box. (I think you all have put together enough boxes... lol).

Okay, for the box lid, I scored 1/2" on all four sides. I cut a slit down the middle of each corner square at the scorelines to create the tabs; like this:

On all four corners I cut out a triangular piece of each tab along the cuts. It looked like this:

I, again, bone-folded along all the fold lines and glued the corner triangular tabs to the inside corresponding corners to complete the box. Here it is -- the lid and bottom:

All I had left to do was add my embellishments and make the card!!! Ohhh, of course, I did highlight with with some Stickles... lol!!!

This was a fun and fast box project to do, and I hope you like it! If you have any questions/comments concerning this project, please feel free to post your information.

That's it for now, and thank you so much for stopping by.

I'll be seeing you!

I'VE GOT AN AWARD AND I'M GIVING AWARDS!

2012-02-29T16:36:00.001-06:00

Hello, all -- happy Wednesday!!!

Sorry, I've no project for today; I had some other "personal" things which took priority -- but several "non-personal" priorities too: to prepare the DT project I'll be presenting to you tomorrow over at Sheila's (which I'd almost forgotten), so I'll have that finished up some time today; and, still trying to catch up on some visiting. I don't think I've gotten around to everyone but it's not for lack of trying.

However, I do have something to share. As I mentioned on my earlier post, I received an award from two (2) wonderful and special friends: Sandy and Lori M. Ladies, thank you so much for this beautiful award:

Before I pass this award on, here are the terms under which this "Green Blend" Award is to be given:

1.) This award is for any co-blogging friend who has helped your blog in any and all ways.

2.) This award is for any co-blogging friend who has cheered you along in your blog building, craft advancing career.

3.) This award is for any co-blogging friend who always stops by and is kind to you. you can count on them to always be one of the great comments at the end of your posts.

4.) This award is to be given to 3 to 5 Blends whom you feel meet the listed requirements.

5.) Create a post with the terms of use and publish your Blends of Choice.

6.) Blend of choice may copy the award from your blog and proudly post it on theirs.

7.) Blend of choice may continue the kindness by issuing this award to keep the circle forever growing.

Of course, giving this award out is the most difficult of the terms because the terms apply to just about all of you. However, in trying to cooperate (this time), I've minimized my list to 5 beautiful family-friends, although I would love for anyone who'd like to have it to post it to their blogs noting it's from me...lol!!!:

1. Alice Brown

2. Patti J

3. Ana Marquez

4. Susan

5. ScrapCrazyyyy

Thank you everyone, always, for your continued love and support -- it's right back at ya!!!

I'd also like to pass on another award. This award was made especially for me by my extraordinarily talented blogging brother, Bobby , to pass on as I saw fit; such a time has come. Recently I was aware of some family-friends either being ill or on the mend, or have had unpleasant experiences and who could use some cheering up. With hopes that this will make them feel better and to know someone cares, I would like to pass on my very own "You Truly Bless Me" award:

Hope and prayers that each day gets sunnier and brighter to:

1. Silvia
2. Curt
3. Lillie

If I've missed any one, I apologize, and please give this award for yourselves with my blessings!

Before I jump out of here, tomorrow is the day that Google will be disallowing anyone not on the Google platform. I do hope all of my non-blogger family-friends do make it over to sign up on as a Linky Follower!

Well, that's all for the moment. I do hope you'll join me tomorrow for my DT project -- either here or at Sheila's.

Hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

CHECKING IN!!!

2012-02-27T19:07:00.000-06:00

Hello, everyone!!! I do hope you had a wonderful weekend!

The hubby's birthday was yesterday (Sunday), so we celebrated the entire weekend! We had such a wonderful time but now I'm behind in the neighborhood -- again!!! LOL! I've been working on getting to many of you as possible instead of working on a project today, and I found a couple of pleasant surprises , so I'm glad I didn't wait; I've received a blog award from 2 dear friends which I'll post and distribute as soon as I've decided who I'll be passing them on to (always such a difficult decision because I just love you all).

So, did everyone notice I'd got rid of that word verification "thingy"? How annoying is it now, huh? With the new changes isn't it now just so much worse than it was before?!!! I can hardly read those 2 words -- definitely eye strain -- and I have go through several time-consuming attempts to comment; however, on the downside, since I've removed the verification I have been just swamped with spam!!! I guess you just can't win for losing!!! Well, for sure, I guess I'll have to live with it and hope my blog isnt compromised in any way by them. I wouldn't want to put anyone through the same frustration I can't stand! I surely wish Blogger would just leave some things be -- those that work!!! LOL!!!

Thank you so much for signing up to follow me on Linky! It is especially important for my friends who are not on the Google platform, so I hope those of you that apply in particularly sign up. Again, as of March 1, you will no longer be on Google Friends Connect and I don't want to lose you because of the Google separation; you mean so much to me.

Okay, well, I'm off again now to finish up hubby's dinner then I'll be back to visit a little bit more for the evening. I do plan on beginning a craft project when the house quiets down tonight, so I should have a project to share tomorrow. In the meantime, I just wanted you to know all's well and that you're in my thoughts!

Hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

A MOMENT PLEASE...

2012-02-22T15:33:00.001-06:00

Hello, everyone! As I always pray, I hope all's well in the neighborhood!

I'm asking a moment because, as most of you have probably heard as of March 1, non-Google members will no longer be a part of the Google Friends Connect. So, in an attempt to avoid losing touch, as I'm visiting with you I'll be looking for your alternative "follow me" connection and signing up; I am also sooo hoping you will do the same with me.

I have come to love you all and do not want to be disconnected from you and/or you from me. Therefore, I hope you will consider locating and following me through the Linky connection on my sidebar on the right-hand side of my blog page. You may not believe it but I really do consider you family and I wouldn't want to miss not one of you who are non-Google family-friends -- ever!

As, I also understand, Google Friends Connect will eventually disappear altogether; therefore, Google platform followers can also just sign up on Linky anyway; that way it'll be already done when Friends Connect is no longer available. That's what I'm going to do!!!

I hope the Google transition from "Friends Connect" to your preferred alternative is a smooth one, and that we'll always be in touch and able to connect!!!

Thank you for your time.

Hugs, and I'll be seeing you!

KIND OF SHABBY, KIND OF CHIC!

2012-02-21T13:38:00.000-06:00

Happy Tuesday, everyone; I hope all's well. Hey, I'm crafting so... I'm doing just fine myself! LOL!

Here's a sneak peak of my project for today:

Why of course I'm going to show you the project!!! LOL!!! Just wanted to play with you a bit!

Over time I've rescued many boxes with no idea of what I'd be doing with them, because I so much enjoy creating my own from scratch. However, the other day I decided to pull one of these boxes out to alter. What also came out were my handmade molds, and some polymer clay to make the cherubs and the frame that would adorn my box; and also the embellishments I'd be using. Here's a picture of how my altered box turned out:

This is the top of the box and the wording in the frame reads: "What Shall Be... Shall Be":

Because this box was a deep dark red in color, I had to use 3 coats of gesso paint to cover it and, although you may not be able to see it, I lightly sprinkled it with Diamond Dust before the final coat of paint dried so that it would sparkle. I litely sprayed the flowers with a rose color glimmer mist and dipped them in Diamond Dust. The cherub on the front of the box I highlighted by deepening areas around it with more of an intense color and covered those areas with crackle paint to give it more texture. I hope this is a better close-up picture for you:

I had a great time completing this project and I really like the results -- kind of shabby, kind of chic! Don't you think?!!!

Well, I'll be around in a bit to see what you've been up to! In the meantime, thanks for taking the time to stop by!!!

Hugs and, of course,...

I'll be seeing you1

OH HAPPY DAY!!!

2012-02-20T16:24:00.000-06:00

Happy day, everyone!!! I am wonderful, had a wonderful (busy) weekend with family and church-going ons, and hope you enjoyed your weekend also! For those of you celebrating President's Day, happy-happy day to you! Wonderful to have a day off work, right?!!! LOL!

I just thought I'd drop in to let you know I'm fine and at work on another project! It's going to take me several more hours to complete this one so more-than-likely I won't be posting it until tomorrow. I'm also trying desperately "NOT" to give up on the cut file I've been working on... lol!!! I'm at that frustrating point, where I get sometimes, when it's just about right but just not right enough... if you know what I mean. The best thing right now is to stay away from it for now and come back later; but I hope to have it ready for you soon... I think you'll like it when you get it!

While I'm here, I understand as of the first of March (3/1/12) non-Google family-friends will no longer be a part of the Google Friends Connect; therefore, I have added Mr. Linky with a hope that all my non-Google friends and family will sign up so that I can keep in touch with you all. I'd hate to get disconnected from any of you as I've become so very attached to you all. Please look for Mr. Linky on my right side-bar, sign up and let's all stay connected. If you're not sure (because I'm not either) sign up with Mr. Linky anyway...lol! If anyone has more detailed information and/or if I'm misunderstood, please let me know. I'd appreciate your feedback, suggestions, etc.

Well, just wanted to say hello and let you know I was thinking of you! I'll see you tomorrow with a project I think you'll enjoy!

Hugs! And, of course,...

I'll be seeing you!

SAVE THOSE BISCUIT OR CONCENTRATED JUICE TIN LIDS!!!

2012-02-17T13:05:00.000-06:00

Hello, everyone!!! Well, I finally got my schedule solved for my DT project over Pam's. My project is aired today, albeit it's a bit late being posted. So, I hope you've joined me either there, if not here.

Before I begin I'll tell you the idea for this project came some ago. During visits to Michael's I'd seen these little scroll boxes but never purchased one because they looked so simple to make. As I really had forgotten my DT project was due and needed something that could be done quickly, I decided this was a perfect time to take up the challenge to do this box, and I'm taking you right along with me. This box was completed on my first attempt for my project today, so I was completing the actual project as I was doing the step-by-step tutorial. This means it's a really easy box to do, but please take time and don't rush yours like I did mine -- just give yourself about 15-20 minutes of patience; that's about how long it should take to put this box together.

Now for my scroll box project:

This is a view of the back:

And this is a side view:

Here's what you'll need:

2 - biscuit or juice can lids

1- sheet of 6"x11" sheet kraft cardstock for base (and stability)

1- sheet 12"x12" decorative paper:

cut 12'x 12" paper down the middle and cut off 1" from the 12" end on one of the halves. This will give you an 8.50" x 11" to cover your kraft cardstock base.
With the remaining 6"x6" of decorative paper, using one of the tin lids, trace and cut out four (4) circles.
Beads or trim (your preference)
A small doorknop (or you can glue a button to a pony bead to serve the same purpose)
A length of ribbon long enough to wrap around the container twice -- about 2 feet (if the ribbon is too long you can alter/cut off any additional remainder after the box is complete)
Any other embellishments you prefer
Hot glue

Let's begin the tutorial!!! First we're going to glue the decorative cardstock to the kraft cardstock. As you'll see in the picture below I cut out a decorative edge for the top lid of my box -- this is optional; the preference is up to you. Also, I wanted my kraft paper to slow slightly beneath the decorative paper, so I push the decorative paper back slightly before gluing the papers together. The decorative side will be the top of the box:

Next, take the 4 circle cut-outs and the 2 lids; attach 1 circle to the top and bottom of each of the tin lids:

Now you're going to turn over the 8.50" x 11" papers which you've glued together to the opposite side; add about an inch of hot glue to each bottom side of the panel and immediately place your tin lids into the glue along the edges of the panel (hold until hot glue cools to hold the lids in place). Make certain to align the lids evenly along the edges:

Continue adding hot glue along the edges (about 1/2 way along the edges) and carefully rolling the lids along the edges into place -- holding them until the glue cools as you go -- until you have an open box that looks like this:

To get the box to conform more to the circular shape, at this point I fold the top open lid down and roll the box back and forth several times:

Okay, time to start finishing it off. Add beads or trim along the edges of your box. This will hide any imperfections or hot glue build-up that may have occurred. (This is also why I said to be patient and take your time). Here's what my box looked like after I added the beads:

(as you can see I didn't take my time and rushed when gluing the tins along the edges -- TAKE YOUR TIME HERE!)

Finally, it's time to add your doorknob and ribbon closure! I made my doorknob with polymer clay to match the Graphics 45 paper, however, you may already have a small one -- or you can use my recipe noted in my "What you'll need for this project" list above. Before attaching the doorknob to the lid of the box, you'll need to glue one end of the ribbon to the bottom of the doorknob like this:

Next, glue the knob to the bottom center lid of the box with the ribbon coming down the front:

To close the box, wrap ribbon around the box and then wrap around the knob to secure:

Hooray, your box is done!!! However, I'm sure you'll want to add more to further embellish yours just as I did!!! I added loads of stickles, flowers, a ribbon, more beads and even added a handmade polymer clay lock!

I hope you like my quick project! You can fill it with cookies, candy, a bottle of lotion or cologne, socks, soaps -- use your imagination!

If you have any questions/comments, please post them and I'll get back to you.

Thanks for stopping by, and...

I'll be seeing you!

DIAMOND MESH RAK WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

2012-02-16T16:14:00.000-06:00

Hello, everyone! Hope all's well!

I apologize for not getting an opportunity to visit yesterday, however, I ended up preparing a DT project I thought would aire today. Unfortunately, the date changed to this Saturday, so I hope you'll join me as I think it's a quick little project/tutorial you'll enjoy!

My follow-up visit went well today! I was told, though, to continue to take it easy for a bit longer -- nothing strenuous, no heavy lifting, blah-blah-blah! (As if the hubby will even allow that!!!) But the good news is that I had her say in front of the hubby that crafting was okay to do... lol!!! Now I'm hoping he'll give me some "breathing space" when I come into my craftroom... lol!

Okay, now to announce the winner of the Diamond Mesh RAK!!! Random.or selected number:

Congratulations, Brenda!!! You're the winner!!! Please contact me via email at audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net with your snail mail info so I can get your package out to you. And, I can't wait to see what you'll do with it!!!

Thanks to all of you who participated and I'll have another opportunity for a RAK soon -- just stay tuned!!! Why? Because I love you!!!

Well, I'm off to coach the hubby in preparing our dinner for this evening, so I'll be back soon!

Thanks for stopping by, hugs and...

I'll be seeing you!

I'VE GOT A CARD TO SHARE!

2012-02-15T12:25:00.000-06:00

Good afternoon, everyone!!! It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!!!

My friends, Bobby and Jill (the Cricut Couple), sent me the prettiest laces some time ago and I was dying to use some of them so between breaks trying to figure out the cut file I've been working on, I made this card using the pink and lite green laces:

I didn't add a sentiment yet because I have no idea what occassion I'll be using this card for, but it's always nice just to have one on-hand. This was a fun card to do and, surprisingly for me, it came together really quick. When the time comes to use it, I'll stamp it, make a matching envelope and it'll be ready to go!!! Even for me I think it turned out pretty.

I didn't want to take away from the outside of the card and I'm not an experienced cardmaker to know what's too much or not, so I kept it simple and just used a paper to pick up the green on the outside of the card:

I just get so excited whenever I make a card that I actually like!!! I hope you do too! And, Bobby, I hope you approve that I put this lace to good use! LOL!

Oh well, I'm off again! I'll be back later for a bit of visiting!

Oh, if you haven't already, remember to get your comments in on my previous post for the diamond mesh RAK!!!

Hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

A HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY RAK!!!

2012-02-14T12:52:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day all my family-friends!!! I'm feeling great today, and I hope you're all doing well, getting showered with fabulous gifts of love, and happily crafting!

I've been slowly getting around to visiting but -- "wow" -- I've got a ways to go to get to you all...lol! It's so hard not to linger long at one place because you're all such wonderful crafters, providing such great inspiration! I could use loads of that right now...lol!!! It's so funny that while I wasn't feeling so well I thought of several new projects I'd loved to have been working on -- now that I'm feeling better, I can't remember one of them!!! LOL!!!

Unfortunately, I haven't a project to show today -- I'd hoped to, however, I couldn't complete the cut-file I worked on most of the day yesterday. I hate to say I wasted the day working on it because often it takes a while to do a file but I was disappointed I didn't get to actually complete a project at all. Anyway, I thought what a great day to do a RAK giveaway! So, today is the day for the diamond mesh giveawayI'd promised and I've included some matching jewel gems!!! Here's the package:

Because this is a Valentine's Day RAK it's open to everyone!!! All of you who leave me a comment on this post will automatically become eligible to win! But, comments MUST be posted to this post only!

I'll announce the winner on this Thursday, February 16, hopefully before 4 p.m. CT (please note, I have a follow-up visit with my doctor that day, so it may delay me a bit; however, I will announce on Thursday before the end of the day).

Well, I want to get in more visits today, work more on that cut file, and hopefully to complete a project. Sounds like a day of fun for me, huh? YES!!!

Good luck on the RAK!!!

Love, hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

A BOOK CARD!

2012-02-12T15:34:00.000-06:00

Happy Sunday, everyone!!! Hope you've had a wonderful weekend so far!!!

Wow, how wonderful that I've got several new followers!!! Thank you so much for coming by; my family is a wonderful group and you should be quite comfortable with us! We all welcome you and hope you enjoy yourselves. In the meantime, I can't wait to visit with you too!

As you can probably tell, I'm feeling better today and can't wait to get started. I've already began dropping by on some of you, and slowly I'll be getting to all of you. I really wanted to get an earlier start this weekend but I've been having company dropping in and out to check on me, so that's taken time away from me.

Okay, on with the program... lol! As most of you know, I don't claim to be a card maker; however, I've been wanting to do one of these book cards I've seen for quite some time now. Being that the hubby acts like everything I try to do shouldn't be something I'm trying to do right now -- geez! -- he has "allowed" me to complete this stress-free card... lol! It was a fun card to do although I know I could have been up for a bigger challenge than this... lol!!! Anyway, it's simple and not anything over-the-top, but I definitely enjoyed just doing it. Here it is:

Didn't like the inside blank, so I gave that a bit of a facelift:

Well, I'm anxious to get back to some visiting, and more crafting!!! I know I'm going to have to fight the hubby because he freaks out if I just look sideways at my craft stuff right now...lol!!! If you read a newspaper or hear on the news about a woman doing injury to her husband because he wouldn't let her craft, pray it wasn't me... lol!!!

Be back soon! Love you all, hugs...

I'll be seeing you!

HELLO AND THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

2012-02-10T15:10:00.000-06:00

Hello, to all -- my family-friends!!! I do apologize for taking so long getting here with an explanation for my absence and, without boring you with a lot of details, it was because I haven't been well. I still have some hurdles to get over and although I'm still feeling what I'll call "limb around the edges" for lack of a better description, I do feel better. I did have a minor surgery and as I'm not to do anything strenuous right now, I am dying to jump into some "lite" crafting...lol.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! To everyone who said a prayer for me, left comments and emails expressing your concerns and well wishes; and for the beautiful get-well cards I received. Thank you, again, so very much. All your consideration has meant so much and is soooo appreciated. Here're the cards I received:

They are all treasures, and will be kept as such!

Of course as much as I've missed crafting, I've missed you and all your wonderful projects more than you can imagine. I can hardly wait to get back home full-time again but because I still can't sit for long periods, it'll take me some time to get to your blogs and/or respond to your emails so I know you'll continue to be just a bit more patient with me on that end. In the meantime, I hope to post whatever/some little project I manage to complete as soon as I've completed it -- I can't wait to get started!!! Also, I haven't forgotten I'd promised another little bling RAK before I "disappeared", so that'll be another "priority-first" for one of my return blog posts -- be on the lookout!!!

I'm so happy to be here and plan on sticking around -- for a long, long, long time! I'd say this adds up to ...

I'll be seeing you!!!

"CADILLAC CARRIAGE" KEEPSAKE BABY SHOWER GIFT!!!

2012-01-20T20:48:00.001-06:00

Hello, family-friends!!! Hope all's well -- as I always pray is so!!! Sorry I haven't been around but I've really been busy today; had a doctor's appointment earlier (will be on pins and needles waiting for the"just great" results...lol) and now I'm rushing to get ready for my neice's baby shower tomorrow. I'm almost done with the project I'm working on despite a few minor alterations to it here and there -- then I'm off to cooking barbecue meatball appetizers and potato salad for 60 people... lol!!! Several of the family folks are chipping in on the food because the hotel wanted way too much per person, so our doing it cuts the cost astronomically... lol! (But, let's not tell Marriott, because it's really not allowed -- my neice is only getting away with it because she's a manager there!)

My project is a keepsake baby carriage that I'm calling a "Cadillac Carriage". Why? Because, although I've done many of these on a smaller scale, this is the largest one I've done so far, so it's really the "Cadillac" of all the others.

Just so you know, this has given me the B-L-U-E-S!!! I thought it would be easy enough but when I couldn't find a proportionately-sized box I actually had to cut and piece boxes together to get the size I needed. I think it's come along pretty good -- and it was still kind of fun to put together; here's it is and you can click on each picture for a better view:

The "CR" on the picture of the carriage above are the baby's initials. Here's a view of the opposite side of the box that has a pocket to hold the card:

This picture shows the front of the box with a pocket holding baby wash cloths:

And the back of the box has a small pocket holding a set of rattles:

To give you an idea on how large this carriage is, excluding what's in the pockets, the inside contains a bottle of Drift Liquid Detergent, pampers, a bottle/food warmer, 2-sets of jammies, 4 outfits, baby clothes hangers, a comb/brush set, diaper rash ointment, medicine dispensers, tinny little nail files and nail clipper, thermometer, formula dispensing cup, baby wipes, diaper waste bags, pacifier wipes, nose inhalers; Johnson's lotion, soap, shampoo and powder; petroleum jelly... and a couple of other things I need to "squeeze" in somewhere...lol!!! I usually call this a "Needful Things" carriage because some of these items are things young mothers may not receive in the gift-giving from others... lol!

After the contents have been used, I hope my neice will find this a useful keepsake item in the baby's room to store little things she may need right at hand.

Well, I'm off to finish up as much as I can tonight before I have to go to the shower tomorrow, so I'll probably not see you until I get back home!

Hope you enjoyed my project!!! In the meantime...

Hugs, love you all, and...

I'll be seeing you!!!

DRESSING CHRISTMAS FOR VALENTINE DAY!

2012-01-18T16:51:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone! I see most of you have been having a crafting good time!!! Unfortunately, although I visited, I did not even try to comment yesterday! I'd been so annoyed with the Blogger issue that I just didn't put myself through the aggravation. I did enjoy your projects though! I did some commenting today, however, the problem still exists for many of you where I can't comment -- all I get is that dreaded blank screen!

I do have a altered box project today. This project was the a result of my cleaning up Christmas supplies that I didn't have time to complete projects for during the holiday. In those supplies were these boxes I'd thought to re-do for Christmas and as I didn't get the opportunity, I re-did them for Valentine Day instead. Here's the box:

It reads "Love is the master key which opens the gates of happiness". I'm not certain what I'll put on the inside yet -- maybe candy -- but whatever, I'm hoping it will be a present inside a present because I like how it turned out overall. Here's a picture of the top of the box:

Because I liked the outcome of this box so much, I decided I wanted the back to be fun and have a focal point also:

I titled it "Dressing Christmas for Valentine Day" because, as I said earlier, this was made from a box I was planning on recycling for Christmas. I had several of them:

I used a velvet/suede-type paper to cover the box; the material on the top I purchased somewhere on etsy -- it comes in a 12"x12" cut, and then I glued on a few rhinestones; on the back is a velvet ribbon bow, small ribbon flowers, and a large rhinestone; the flowers were cut from a stem of silk flowers I found in my bin; some gathered ribbon, white beaded ribbon, more rhinestones, and the acrylic word block completed the embellishments on the box. I hope you like it!!!

Well, I'm off again! I'm working on a "major" baby-shower gift which I'll share with you as soon as it's completed! Soooooo...,

Hugs, and I'll be seeing you!!!

UPDATE TO POST!!! ACCESSED POST FOR ANNOUNCE WINNER!!! A PROJECT SHARE, AND A DIAMOND MESH RAK WINNER!!!

2012-01-15T16:11:00.001-06:00

UPDATE!!!

Thank you, Diana, of DL Arts Blog. She advised me that she changed her posting comments from "Embedded" to another selection in the "Settings" and was able to access her comments. I did the same and was able to also access mine. Now I can announce the winner of the Diamond Access:

Sheila of She's A Sassy Lady is the 24th commentor and the winner!!! Congrats, Sheila! I'll be mailing out your RAK to you as soon as I can get to the post office this week!!!
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Happy Sunday, everyone! I know I'm sounding off a bit but I have to say I've been so frustrated with Blogger/Google issues -- it's really gotten to me; they really need to resolve this issue!!! Don't you think? Well in a moment you definitely will!!!

Thank you to my new followers, and to all of you -- my family-friends -- who participated in this RAK. We do have a winner for the Diamond Mesh, ~~however, due to the issues with Blogger I am unable to access my comments at this time to announce the winner. Until I can,~~ Random.org. selected:

Congratulations to the 24th commentor~~, whoever you are~~!!! I will post-announce you for your RAK with details as soon as I'm able to access my comments, and I'm so sorry for the inconvenience to everyone! I will keep checking with hopes that this will be resolved very soon! Some of you may be be able to access my comments to see the winner and, if so, you'll know before I do!

In the meantime, I want to share with you my project using the purple mesh!!! I'm really excited about this one! Unfortunately, I don't know yet if it's really completed and I'll tell you why. Let's start off with a picture of the (so-far) completed project:

Okay, let me tell and show you this project started, and why I can only hope it's completed. First, I did the bottles which were supposed to hold some my handmade liquid soap and lotion, then packaged into this matching purse-box:

Well, since the purse was so roomy, I decided to add a matching and personalized votive candle to the set:

Ugh! I still had room in the purse-box, so I thought "okay, I'll etch and personalize a mirror to sit the candle on (you can hardly see it but the mirror has a floral embellishment, the recipient's initials, and her name etched on it):

Oh-no!!! How large did I make this purse-box?!!! There's still room for more!!! Well, at this point, I changed plans; I decided to add homemade shampoo and conditioner to the bottles instead of the soap and lotion, and add a comb and brush -- a hair care set with a candle??????!!!:

Would you believe there's still room..., but I think after I wrap each piece in tissue that should take up some extra slack. So, now you know why I say I'm not sure it's completed! This has been one fun project but I do think I've tired of the mesh now and that I'm ready to move on. I hope I haven't bored you with all this mesh stuff and that you've enjoyed my projects!!! Oh-oh, I think I'll just go back once more and trim the mirror with some mesh... lol!!! Oh-no -- again!!! Maybe I should include a hair drying towel -- personally embroidered?!!! What do you think? Actually, this has got to stop...lol!!!

Heck, let's move on! I'd like to say now that if anyone missed out on this RAK because of the Blogger issues, I have another mesh RAK to announce soon -- but after this Blogger issue is resoved. So, continue to check in for that. However, do continue to check back for the announcement of this RAK winner. Again, although it's beyond my control, I do apologize for the inconvenience.

Love you all, hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

TOMORROW - LAST DAY TO COMMENT FOR DIAMOND MESH RAK!

2012-01-14T22:40:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone!!! I'm happy and well, and hoping I'm find you all the same. I am still working on my project but hope to have it completed to share with you tomorrow.

Needless to say, I'm really-really annoyed with Blogger/Google as I'm still having problems posting comments!!! I think I may have gotten to comment on a few blogs today that I hadn't been able to over the past several days but, basically, it's about the same.

Although I'm sure this probably isn't the case, I hope no one is having a problem with posting to my blog --other than myself -- as tomorrow is the last day to comment for my Diamond Mesh sample RAK. If anyone is having a problem commenting, I will have another mesh RAK next week, or whenever the commenting issue is resolved, so that anyone who missed out will have another opportunity to win. I'll post an announcement, so be on the lookout!

In the meantime, good luck to all of you getting your comments in!

I'll be seeing you!

HAVING "COMMENTING" ISSUES...

2012-01-13T15:29:00.000-06:00

Hello family-friends! I hope this post finds all of you doing well and happily crafting!

Just wanted to let you know that I'm still having a problem posting comments to many of your blogs (including my own)... don't know what the problem is but I do hope it's resolved very soon! It's frustrating and I've wanted to comment on many of the wonderful projects you've done during my visits to you. Don't think I've overlooked anyone because I haven't and I'll have some catching up to do whenever Blogger/Google, or whatever/whomever, finally gets to the bottom of this matter!

In the meantime, love you all, love what your doing, and I'll still be dropping in to check on you regardless to whether I can comment or not!

Hugs! And, of course, ...

I'll be seeing you!

VANITY!

2012-01-12T20:48:00.000-06:00

TO GET TO THE POST TO COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN MY DIAMOND MESH BLOG CANDY/RAK, PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A DIRECT LINK http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com/2012/01/just-for-you-post.html. OR, YOU CAN GET TO THE LINK FROM MY RIGHT-HAND SIDEBAR. THE DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, JANUARY 15. GOOD LUCK!
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Hello, everyone! I hope everyone is doing well!!! I am happy, well, and 2012 has started out beautifully!!! I'm loving every day!!! HOWEVER, can anyone tell me what the heck is going on with Blogger?!!! I've been trying to visit and leave comments, and I've been having trouble reaching some of you -- I can't even post a comment on my own blog here!!!! Google/Blogger can be a bugger sometime!!!! If you didn't hear from me, than you're probably one of the ones I've had trouble posting a comment to!

Anyway, welcome to some new followers too! I'm so very happy to have you here, and I hope to become better acquainted with you all. I think I've visited you already (if I've found you and if Blogger has let me...lol!), however, if I haven't I'll get to you soon! In the meantime, you've made it home and I hope you enjoy your stay!

We've finally had a turn in the weather here. Gone are the sunny days, warm weather, and no snow days...lol!!! It's cold and snowy, but I'm enjoying every moment of just being alive! Of course the last several days have been busy but satisfying; I've done some errands for the auntie, did some volunteer charity work, -- and some fun crafting!

It's so funny -- and ironic -- that my friend Becky over at http://bloglessinutah.blogspot.com left a comment on my blog about a lady named Cynthialoowhoo who does a lot of work with the bling mesh because while searching to buy the diamond mesh at a reasonable cost, I ran across a YouTube video by this lady... WOW, was I ever inspired!!!! After watching the video I ran out to purchase a comb, brush, mirror, came back home, grabbed my glue and went to work!!! And, you ask, what inspired me so that I frantically had to do this project? Well, you tell me after seeing it, here's the project I worked on:

Here is more of a close-up of the vanity set:

Thank you, Cynthialoowho!!! It took me several tries before I got this, and it took some time and patience, but I hope I made Cynthialoowho proud! I've started one of these in gold too, I'll post it when I'm done!

I did check out Etsy for the diamond mesh and was disappointed that the prices are pretty steep there too. So far, the best deal I've come across is the site I posted for you earlier, but I'm still looking! Oh, by the way, I did see some at Joanne's but it's only one single strand wrapped around a spool (not even a yard) and it was reallllly expensive!!! Surprisingly I also saw a small square of it packaged, maybe a little larger than a 1" square, at Walmart -- it was ridiculously priced at $3.99!!!

I'm now working on another project I came up with it as a gift for my son's godmother who also was my mother's closest friend. I decided to use the purple I was so excited about as she is someone very special to me and my family. I'll share that one too when I'm finished.

I hope you're enjoying these bling projects and that they're inspiring you to try some of this stuff -- it's soooooo fun!

Love you all, and hugs!

A "JUST FOR YOU" POST!

2012-01-08T15:57:00.000-06:00

Happy Sunday, family-friends!!! As I've been visiting you, so many of you have commented on wonderful the weather you're experiencing, and I'm joining the group!!! Surprisingly the weather here is beautiful too. Temperatures have reached the 50's and we're haing sunny days! I've lived in Chicago alllllll my life and I've never known a winter such as this!!! LOL!

I don't have a project for you today, I've been trying to think of something special to use the purple mesh on still (having a brain freeze), but haven't come up with anything yet! LOL! Maybe I should just move on to something else and step away from the mesh stuff for a moment... lol!

However, I did tell you the next time I posted I'd have something for you -- I do!!! I have a little "Just Because" rak for you!!! I'm just so excited about this diamond mesh that I thought it would be nice if one of you could sample a bit of it; so along with a couple of adornments/embellishments I made, I am giving away four (4) squares of about 4-1/2 x 4-1/2 inch swatches of the mesh: one (1) each of the gold, silver, black and red:

A little of this stuff can go a long way if used on small projects. These swatches will give you about 8 of the ink pens I posted earlier and you'd still have a bit left over for several small projects! I hope you like it and my handmade embellishments!

This rak is open to all my family-friends. This means all my followers and anyone wishing to join to follow me is eligible! Often I offer raks to everyone including non-followers; however, although I love and appreciate you all, it's an honor when others outwardly show you their support and appreciation for the work you've done. Therefore, to all of you who follow me, I will always show my appreciation in some small "special" way when I can to let you know I appreciate you too for thinking that much of me, and thank you. Good luck!!!

To participate, please leave me one of your great comments on this blog. You will have one week to post your comments. The deadline will be next Sunday, January 15, and comments will be accepted only up to 12 noon on that day. Random.org will announce the winner on the same Sunday by 5 p.m. central time.

Love you all, hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!!!

2012-01-06T14:20:00.000-06:00

Hello, everyone! Hope all's well!

I haven't posted this week because I've been up to several things like visiting and catching up on your blogs and wonderful projects. I left a comment or two on your blogs but I did get to do some further browsing just to catch up on most of what I'd missed while MIA. Takes a lot of time to comment on everything, so I'll just let you know now in one-lump sum that your crafting skills are amazing. Also, wanted to say hello to those of you who do not have blogs for me to visit but who support me; I don't forget about you either.

Additionally I took some time to do some browsing; browsed YouTube (which I don't normally do because I'm terrified of viruses) and I got some wonderful ideas while there. I'll have to not be so intimidated as to keep me from going there more often. Mostly though I did a lot of searching trying to find on-line places that sold that diamond mesh at a pretty reasonable cost -- compared to Etsy and other on-line places prices. I really-really wanted that purple and as the little fabric store in my neighborhood didn't have it, I went looking -- and I found somewhere!!! I ordered my purple and received it yesterday!!! I ordered several colors including red to do Valentine gifts but I'm a bit disappointed as the red looks more pink. Anyway, I'm going to share a few quick and easy gifts I made last night with the silver and red, and tell you where you can order it. I received my order really quick -- although I paid extra for a faster delivery! Now, I think you can imagine just how much I loooove this stuff?!!! I'm still searching for somewhere less expensive, but here's the link where you can find it at the best cost I've found so far: http://save-on-crafts.com/sequins.html . Now I'll share with you the easy projects I did.

I found this lipstick case at a dollar store and purchased a stick of lip gloss:

I turned it into this:

Here's a picture of the lip gloss tucked inside the case:

My second purchase at the dollar store was this little purse:

And it now looks like this:

The inside of this purse is red which makes it just perfect for Valentine Day, so I'm going to tuck a small chocolate and a small bottle of perfume on the inside ( little bottle with match of course as I'll embellish it with the mesh!):

Last, I made another pen; this time using the gold -- and I made a small notebook to match:

All these projects took less than an hour to do, and I would have been on a roll had my hubby not interrupted me to do something for him... lol!!! Overall, being as excited as I am -- and at this rate -- I think I'll be plenty ready for Valentine and Mother's Day!!! LOL!!!

Well guys, I guess you're in for a ride!!! You'll probably be really-really sick of me using this stuff for a while because I'm absolutely hooked on it. As I'm trying to come up with a special project using the purple, you can expect to see another project using this diamond mesh ribbon sooner than later... lol!!!

I'm off again, but I'll be back! Stay turned though because I also have a little surprise coming up for you next time!!!

Love and hugs!!!

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY SPECIAL AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-12-31T11:41:00.001-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

From the Frelix family to you and yours, have a very happy and safe New Year celebration!!!

I'm off to spend time with our families but wanted you to know you'll be included in my "thank you's", hopes, and prayers when I'm celebrating bringing in another wonderful year! I really do look forward to new adventures, new blogging family friendships, and the continued sharing of inspirations!!!

I truly love you all!!!

I'll be seeing you!!!

ANOTHER BELATED CHRISTMAS PRESENT DONE!!!

2011-12-29T13:47:00.000-06:00

Hello, all!!! What a beautiful day God has made!!! I can't believe the weather here! Although scary, it's almost 50 degrees, sunny and brightm and we haven't had any accumulated snow here in Chicago; first Christmas season I can remember that wasn't white!!! LOL!!!

I have another little belated Christmas present ready to give at our family New Year's celebration. This one is also for a neice but one a bit older who just LOVES glitz and flash. It's a jewelry set I made of a bracelet with a pair of earrings:

I used that mesh stuff again and I think I'm really getting hooked on it; I've thought of so many uses for it already!!! Of course I've been asked where I found it, and I got it at a local fabric store in my neighborhood. It must commonly be used for weddings because that's the section I found it in. They had swatches of assorted colors but the only ones they had available were silver and gold -- the store clerk did say they were expecting more but didn't know when it'd be in. Well, I saw the swatch for purple and it was gorgeous -- knew I had to have that color, so I sent searching the internet. Well I found quite a bit of this mesh but much more expensive -- some was even as high as $25 a yard! I got it at the fabric store with 5 yards to a spool at $6.99; on the internet you'd be ordering it at the lowest for about $5 for only 1 yard -- so check out the wedding/bridal sections in your fabric stores -- much better deal!!! Sadly, I'll just be waiting to get that purple... lol!!!

Well, I hope everyone's great and having a wonderful time. It's been so great being able to visit with you and, of course, I'll be back! If I haven't gotten to anyone yet, I'm still working at it!!!

Still have several more gifts to make so I'm off, but...

Hugs, and I'll be seeing you in a bit!

I'VE A NEW RAK WINNER, AND A PROJECT TO SHARE!!!

2011-12-27T17:09:00.001-06:00

Hello, everyone!!! Well, I'm back to announce another winner and I also have a little belated Christmas present project to share.

The number Random.org selected for the vellum/paper set was #8:

Congratulations to "Love My Paper"!!! You are the winner of the blog rak. You will have until the end of the day Friday to contact me with your mailing information to audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net. Thank you all for your wonderful comments!!! And keep checking because I have another small rak coming up very soon now again!!!

Now for my project. As I mentioned I wasn't afforded the time this year to get any shopping done in time for Christmas and I promised my family I'd have presents for them before our New Year's Eve celebration. I have managed a few purchases but I've also enjoyed making a few presents also. I'd like to share with you a quick and easy charm bracelet I just finished for my little neice:

She's 13 years old and that's such a difficult age to make a handmade gift decision for, but I'm hoping she'll like this!

Congrats again to my winner!

I'm off to play now, so I love you all, hugs...

I'll be seeing you!

A PLAIN BIC PEN TO AN ALTERED BLING PEN!!! AND A GIVEAWAY!

2011-12-26T17:51:00.001-06:00

Hello, everyone!!! I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday!!! I had such a wonderful day yesterday; great fun, great food, and great company!!! After my late start holiday hustle-bustle, I actually have spent today relaxing and playing a little bit -- and wow did my body need this day!!! LOL!!! It's been a while since I've been really comfortable; I feel terrific!!!

I have a very quick project to share with you today, and I also have an up-for-grab rak which went unclaimed previously. First I'll begin with my project. This was a plain Bic pen which took me less than 10 minutes to recylce:

And here's what it looked like when I finished:

Here's a view of the top of the pen:

The pen is actually silver in color. I painted the entire pen with Adirondack silver mixative,glued on and covered it with a diamond-looking mesh, and popped a rhinestone the top. I apologize for the glare; I couldn't get a better shot because it really does have loads of bling which made it difficult to snap a more decent shot. However, it really looks great in person!!!

I wish I'd had time to do these for Christmas presents! LOL! No matter, there're still many other occassions coming up for me to not miss an opportunity to pass these cuties out -- and they really are soooo easy!!! Next time I think I'll really embellish and bling them up!!! LOL! And how about my doing a matching book and box to put them in?!!! Don't you think that would be a great gift idea?!!!

Moving on now to the giveaway. Several weeks ago, I participated in a "Holiday Blog Hop" and offered a vellum and matching paper set which, unfortunately, has went unclaimed by the winner -- sorry:

I am now re- offering this paper set to some lucky winner and, again, you'll be selected by Random.org. You do not need to be a follower, you only need to leave me one of your wonderful comments to be eligible. The winner will be announced tomorrow before 5 p.m. central time and will have until the end of the day on Friday, December 30, to claim this set. Good luck!!! Oh, and did I forget to mention there's also a little secret gift that's be included?!!!

Well, I still haven't made it around to visiting everyone but I haven't forgotten you by any means! A little later, after I get the hubby fed and quiet, I'll be making more rounds.

That's it for now...

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

SOME CARD SHARING AND A HOLIDAY WISH!

2011-12-24T15:53:00.005-06:00

Wishing You All A Very Merry And Blessed Christmas Holiday, Hanukah, Etc.!

Hello, everyone! I hope all's well! It's been such a pleasure visiting with those of you I've gotten to so far and although I still have more of you to get to, I did want to make certain I covered those that I am unable to reach by leaving a comment here. I have so very much enjoyed spending this year with you, and very much look forward to all we share in 2012!!!

Although I haven't been around lately as much as I would have liked, I have no complaints! Despite any/everything, God has been good to me and I have still been so blessed! My blessings include having you as the dearest circle of family-friends that anyone could ask and/or hope for. I do hope you holiday season will be as fulfilling and loving as mine has been.

Before I leave to enjoy my family, I thought I'd like to share with you a few cards I had the opportunity to get done this week. The first three (3) cards have images I used from the Santa's Village cart:

And here are a few more:

Being I was so late in getting a start of making my cards this year, now I can only hope they reach their destinations before the new year!

I hope you like my cards, and I'll be back on Monday with a giveaway -- hope you join me!!!

Again, have a very wonderful holiday...

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

PROJECT/TUTORIAL I DID FOR LESSOLOGY

2011-12-23T13:22:00.001-06:00

Hello, everyone! I hope all's well! It's a slow go but I'm finally working at getting around to visiting with you and seeing all your wonderful creativity that I've missed!

As I said yesterday, I was honored to be a guest designer for Lessology and did project of an altered frame. Unfortunately, as I've MIA for quite some time I missed getting the opportunity to post it on Monday when it was presented so I'd like to share it with you now:

This was such a fun, quick, and inexpensive project to put together! In gathering my materials I found an old 5"x 7" pressboard frame around the house and along with the following scraps I began preparing my altered frame:

5" x 7" sheet of foam board (cut to size for the frame back)
1.50" x 4" piece of foam board (cut for the frame stand)
4" strip ribbon (frame stand hinge)
4.50" x 6" sheet of transparency (for the frame window)
Tulip Permanent Puffy Paint
Gesso

For the frame corners, I cut a strip of 1/2"x4" ArtEmboss Brass Metal (light weight) which I ran through a Cuttlebug embossing folder; then cut the metal lenthwise in half and evenly into fourths across the width:

Next I formed my clay flowers as outlined on the pictures below and baked according to the manufacturers instructions:

With everything assembled I was ready to start! To give the frame some dimension, using the Tulip Puffy Paint to paint them on, I miminicked branches and leaves onto the pressboard frame and then allowed it to dry. Once the paint was dry, I arranged and glued on my flowers to my liking, and painted the entire frame twice with Gesso (letting each coat dry in between):

When the last coat of Gesso was dry, I created the brass corners by folding the metal strips around the corner edges on the front of the frame to the back; next I glued the transparency on the back to cover the window opening, and then glued on the frame back. For the stand, I folded the strip of ribbon in half lengthwise and glued only one-half of the ribbon to the frame back aligning the bottom of the ribbon to the bottom of the frame. The remaining half of the ribbon that was not glued down to the frame back is where the stand was glued by laying and gluing an edge (lengthwise) along the top-side edge of the ribbon (being very careful not to glue down the ribbon to the frame on the side where the stand is attached); this allows the stand to lay flat when not in a standing position. To finish the back of the frame, I covered it with kraft paper to hide any flaws and painted all the edges. The pictures below illustrate these steps:

To complete the frame, I painted the flowers using Viva Inka-Gold colors; next, to age and color the brass corners I used Cranberry color Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink, and finished with Crystal color Stickles to highlight the frame:

All that was left was to pop in the picture!!! I hope you enjoyed my altered frame, I most certainly enjoyed doing it for you!

Again, many thanks to Lessology for having me as a guest designer on their wonderful blog (love you guys!) and I hope I'll be invited to come back again.
Well, I'll be off to do more visiting -- can't wait to see more of what you've all been up to!
In the meantime, the winner of the last blog hop, "Kards by Karla", did not acknowledge her winning prize and so I'll be putting it back up for grabs within the next couple of days, so be on the watch for it -- it could end up being yours!!!

Thanks too to all of you for taking the time to stop by!!! Hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

HELLO!!! I'VE MISSED YOU!

2011-12-23T00:16:00.000-06:00

Hello, everyone! I'm okay! I won't bore you with the hectic and frantic weeks I've been MIA, however, know that I have missed you so very much and have thought of you daily. I do hope you're all doing well and having a creative, and great time, with your holiday preparations!!!

In my absence, a project I did for the Lessology Blog as a guest designer was presented this week on Monday and Tuesday. I apologize for not being able to get here to let you know about it, I didn't realize it had posted until after it did myself, but I will post the project in it's entirety tomorrow. If you'd like to check it out before, you can find it here:

http://lessology.blogspot.com/2011/12/lessology-challenge-8-guest-designer.html

I'd like to say thank you to all of you who have expressed concern as to my "whereabouts", I appreciate your thinking of me. I'd also like to acknowledge a couple of new followers: thank you for dropping by and welcome home!

There's just so much I need to catch up on and right now I'm busy pushing the clock trying to complete my cards to get in the mail so they'll arrive to their destinations at least before the end of the year -- hopefully. Unfortunately, I haven't even gotten to any holiday shopping, so that'll just have to wait as well -- everyone understands which is such a relief to me. Right now I'm just thankful to be able to take a few minutes to chit-chat with you. After writing this post I'll even be around to drop by on you.

I've been snapping pics of my cards this week as I've completed them to go into the mail and I'd really like to share them with you, so I'll have those to post soon for you also -- can't wait to see what you've been up too!!!

Anyway, just wanted to drop by and check in, let you know I haven't forsaken you -- now I'm off to visit with as many of you as I can before I have to get back to more card making, I've only about 7 or 8 more to go but I'm such a sloooowwww cardmaker!

Love you all, and...

I'll be seeing you!

HOLIDAY BLOG HOP RAK WINNER!

2011-12-12T16:43:00.000-06:00

Hello, everyone! I do hope you're all well!

Before I announce the winner of the Holiday Blog Hop, I'd like to say thank you so very much for coming out supporting the hop and for supporting me. I know I've been MIA for a bit and I hate that, however, I'm not being neglectful -- I really do have a heck of a lot going on -- but I am doing well. It is such a great feeling to know my friends are here, and I'm praying to get back to you as soon as I can. Things are winding done and I sincerely hope I can get back to "life" within the next few days... lol!

I have tried to "peep" in on some of you but due to timing I was did not post any comments; I was just checking on you so-to-speak.

The winner of the blog hop of December 9 for the matching vellums and papers, and the surprise grab bag was selected by Random.Org. and the number chosen was:

The comment corresponding to the number 5 is Kards By Kandi!!! Congratulations!!! You will have one week to contact me with your mailing information to audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net. If I have not heard from you by 5 p.m. CT on Monday, December 19, your RAK will be forfeited and another winner selected.

Well, I wish I could hang around a bit longer but, unfortunately, I'm pressed for time. Hopefully, I'll get time to visit with you within the next day or so -- I really do miss you all! And, again, thank you so much for being here for me, and for taking the time to stop by.

Hugs, love you all... and,

I'll be seeing you!

TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY BLOG HOP!!!

2011-12-10T05:00:00.005-06:00

Hello, everyone and welcome to the Holiday Blog Hop!!! Thanks so much for joining us today, and we hope you enjoy yourselves and the projects we've prepared for you!!! Of course, there'll be more fun and prizes along the way, but you'll have to visit each blog to see what they're prizes and rules are to be eligible.

Pam of The Bugbytes is our hostess for this hop and I'm delighted to be a part of it. Pam also has a wonderful hostess prize for some lucky winner too!!! You'll want to check her blog out for sure for any additional blog hop activities -- like the blog hop challenge !!! So head on over to her site, enter your project, and be eligible for another great prize!!! You can easily be directed to her blog by clicking on her blog name at the beginning of this paragragh or from the list below. If you've just started this hop with me and would like to hop along with us from the beginning, I've provided a list of all the participants below in the order of the hop -- just click on their names in the order they're shown to be directed directly to their blogs:

Pam - http://www.thebugbytes.com/
Jeannie - http://nonnasscraps.blogspot.com/
Jen - http://3catsandabug.blogspot.com/
Carole - http://www.onmycraftroomwall.blogspot.com/
Lisa Brooks - http://thejourneyoflisaslife.blogspot.com
Audrey - http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com/ YOU ARE HERE!
Mila - http://milamemories.blogspot.com/
Sheila aka sassylady - http://shesasassylady.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth - http://217creations.blogspot.com/
Kelly Millet - http://www.kamscraftyplace.blogspot.com
Dayna Sabrina - http://www.sabrioletdesigns.blogspot.com/
Lori - http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com
Denine Vajja - http://pumpkinspiceblog.blogspot.com/
Melissa - www.melissamade2.blogspot.com
Allison - http://goodybagdiva.blogspot.com/

A while ago for a blog hop I gave a recipe for a homemade liquid soap. Since then I was recently asked about a lotion recipe from one of my followers and thought what a wonderful idea for this hop with Christmas so close upon us. So, my project today is a quick and simple lotion recipe I found which can be designed for both men as well as women by simply changing the fragrance you use to scent it. And, the best of all is you only need three (3) easy to get items to make it. First let me show you a picture of the bottle of handmade lotion I've prepared and personalized to give to my cousin for Christmas:

Now I'm going to give you the recipe and tell you how to make it. Here's what you'll need:

1/2 cup of olive oil (any kind will do including a Dollar Store brand)
1/2 cup of emulsifying wax (can be found at most craft stores, online, Amazon, EBay, Overstock, and Etsy) -- DO NOT USE BEESWAX OR PARAFIN WAX AS A SUBSTITUTE!!!
1-1/2 cup distilled water

Put water in a clean/sterilized pan or pot and bring to a rapid boil. While water is boiling combine olive oil and wax in a clean glass bowl/container and place container into a water bath (a pan or pot filled with enough water to cover at least 1/4 way up the bowl) and place on the stove; on a medium-low heat allow to heat until all the wax crystals have melted into the olive oil. Once the mixture is thoroughly melted remove from stove and slowly pour the boiling water into the mixture beating the ingredients vigorously with a wooden spoon. You'll immediately see the mixture turn a milky/creamy color, and the emulsifying wax acts as a binder allowing the oil and water to mix. Beat every 15 - 20 minutes until mixture begins to cool and allow to rest, uncovered, for 24 hours. That's it!!! This recipe will fill a 12 fluid oz. bottle.

(As a note: I also tried melting the wax/oil combo in the microwave and it worked just as well as the hot water bath.)

Now it's ready for you to mix in your favorite fragrance or essential oil, or your favorite perfume or cologne to taste. Again, suit the scent for men or women with the selection of fragrance you use!!! Since I made mine as a Christmas present, the scent is Holly Berry and this fragrance oil can be ordered from http://www.Naturesgardencandles.com. Last, just embellish a pretty lotion bottle, pour in the lotion, and it's all set to go!!! And, how about combining it with a matching scented liquid soap as a set -- you can find my easy recipe by clicking the following link to be directly linked to that post: http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com/2011/04/its-earth-day-gabys-happy-birthday-blog.html.

Okay,my blog candy for you before you leave is a set of 6 matching vellum and cardstock sheets, and a "SURPRISE" package you'll receive with it:

All are welcome to leave me a wonderful comment and a winner will be selected by Random.org and announced on Monday, December 12, before 5 p.m. central time. Good luck!!!

The next stop on the hop is Mila. Click on her name to be directed to her blog, she's waiting with another great project for your enjoyment!

Thanks so much for stopping by, hope you had a bit of fun here!!! And, as always...

I'll be seeing you!

DON'T JUST GIVE THE COOKIES...

2011-12-08T06:00:00.005-06:00

Hello, everyone!!! I'm back with another DTproject I'm sharing over at Sheila's today, and I hope you enjoy it! You can visit Sheila's place by clicking on her name to be directly linked to her wonderful blog. As always, thanks to Sheila for having me and letting me be part of her wonderful team!!! I look forward to all that's ahead in 2012!!!

One favorite Christmas/holiday pastime for so many has always been baking and giving cookies as a gift, and how much fun we can have embellishing the packaging!!! For my project today, I have a simple adornment/ornament for a cookie box or bag but which can also dress up a gift package bow as a tag and writing a message on the back; and/or can be saved to use as a tree ornament the following year after the cookies are gone -- it's an angel frame adornment/ornament. This came to mind because my aunt loves cookies and she loves angels, so I'm going to combine her love for both in a simple gift this year. When I purchased the angel cookie cutter, I purchased 2; one for cookies and the other for the adornment. Here's a picture of my idea for her cookie gift packaging:

This project is made with oven bake polymer clay, and you'll need a separate cookie cutter for the clay, a small cutter or object which can cut a frame into your clay, a picture of your choice to pop behind the frame, some paint, glitter, or whatever else desired to embellish the adornment. Let me show you how I made mine. I began by cutting out one clay angel to use as the backing of my adornment/ornament:

For the top layer (the frame), prior to cutting it out I first pressed a large stamp into the clay to give it some definition and character, then used a smaller cutter to cut out a frame (save the clay cut out from the frame and all the clay scraps for another project) :

After baking the two (2) angel cuts according to the manufacturer's directions and once cool, I placed my picture behind the frame of the top angel and glued the top angel to the back one. Now it was time for me to dress it up! Using Luster Rub-Ons in the russet color, with my finger I litely applied it to the top angel to highlight the raised stamp areas. Next, again using my finger, I rubbed and entirely covered the piece with Crystal Ice color Stickles to mimic a sugar glaze:

Lastly I added a bow to the angel to match the cookie gift package!!! Easy-peezy and all done! And so many other possibilities; for example, add a stand to the back and replace the picture with names to use as table place markers, use as a card or scrapbook embellishment, etc.

Again, I'm sure you can use your imaginations and come up with all sorts of ideas -- give it a try but don''t forget to let me see!!! LOL!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and joining me today!!!

I'll be seeing you!

MINI COOKBOOK WINNER!!!

2011-11-28T17:37:00.000-06:00

Hello, family-friends!!! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!!! I thought of you over the last several days and included you all in my "things I'm thankful for" holiday prayers because you've all been a blessing to me -- more than I can tell you. I look forward to our next years together!

I had a wonderful time with our families and got to meet a few new ones!!! Being I was actually not at home, I do hope you've already forgiven me for not being here Saturday to announce the mini cookbook winner as I initially thought I would have had the time to sneak back here for a brief visit to do; unfortunately, the time got lost and I thank you for waiting.

Now to get that out of way... the winning number selected by Random.org for the mini cookbook is:

The 18th commentor for the post is NICOLE!!! Congratulations, Nicole!!! You own the mini cookbook. Please email me at audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net your mailing address!!! I hope you enjoy your book!!!

I wish I had a project to share with you today, unfortunately, I haven't done any crafting since our holiday celebration began. As everything is only now beginning to wind down, it may be another day or so before I can get started, but I'll be running in and out to see what you've been up to -- I can't wait to see all your wonderful projects I've missed!!

Hugs, love you all...

I'll be seeing you!!!

A CELEBRATION HAS BEGAN!!!

2011-11-23T16:26:00.000-06:00

Our families celebrating has began!!! We are visiting, rejoicing, and being thankful for so many wonderful blessings!!!

We all wish you a very special safe, warm, happ+,y and Thanksgiving holiday filled with love and blessings!!!

I'll be seeing you when this festive occasion is over...

Love and hugs!

KITCHEN DRAWER MINI COOKBOOK PROJECT AND A BLOG HOP WINNER!!!

2011-11-21T16:19:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday, everyone!!! I sincerely hope you all had a wonderful and creative weekend! I finally finished cutting all those little Mickey Mouse treat boxes for my niece, and I even cut out an addition 11 of the turkey treat boxes. I have to admit though that as much fun as they were to put together, I don't care if I ever cut another pattern/template again for a very, very long time!!! LOL!!! I don't even want to look at a pair of scissors right now! HA!

To my new followers, thank you so much for deciding to join my family and I look forward to our visits together! I'll be around to see you soon!

Before I announce the winner of the "Gobble Til You Wobble" blog hop prize, a wonderful friend sent me the most adorable little silverware set stamp that I wanted. I know this cute stamp will get a lot of use, and the first project I've used it for is this little mini cookbook which you can keep in a kitchen drawer:

When you unfold the top cover, it looks like this:

When you unfold the bottom cover it lays flat so this is what you'll have:

Or, if you fold back the top cover, the book will stand alone on a table or counter top like this:

Either laying flat or in it's standing position you can flip thru the recipe cards like this:

I'd like to say thanks again to my friend for this wonderful little stamp!!! And..., SURPRISE!!! If you like this little mini cookbook, it's a giveaway!!! To be eligible for it, just leave me one of your wonderful comments on this post letting me know you'd like to have it! No, you do not need to be a follower to win! I will announce the winner on Saturday, November 26. The winner will be selected by Random.org. and you will have 3 days to claim it. (Sorry, will only mail within U.S.)

Now for the blog winner!!! Random.org. selected number "19":

LISA808, you are the WINNER of the matching vellum and paper set!!! Please email your mailing address to me at audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net.

Well, I'm off to play!!! Thank you all for taking time from your creating crafting to stop by!

Hugs, and I'll be seeing you!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING CANDY BOX CARD

2011-11-19T06:00:00.042-06:00

I HAVE TWO (2) POSTS FOR TODAY. PLEASE SEE THE PREVIOUS POST FOR THE "GOBBLE TIL YOU WOBBLE" BLOG HOP! I HAVE A CUTE PROJECT WAITING FOR YOU THERE AND BLOG CANDY!

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Hello, everyone!!! Today I'm guest designer over at Sheila's for her weekly challenge. So let me get started with the project I made to get this week's challenge started. Once you leave here, please head on over there to check on what's required to enter your project in the challenge to be eligible for a great prize. Just click on Sheila's name above , it's a direct link to "She's A Sassy Lady".

Early last year, I designed this little candy card box and thought it would be wonderful to bring back as a Thanksgiving favor for your dinner guests. It would look so cute on each plate setting at your table and because they're personalized they can also act as adorable place cards!!! Here is my box design, and as my hubby is always "head of the table" I did his first, so this one is personalized with his name:

Here's what the card looks like on the inside:

And inside the card box is where you can put some little after-dinner mints or candy favors:

Isn't it cute? And isn't it such a good idea for a place card? Well, let me show you how I made it. First I cut out the cut file (which is available to you here by going to my right-hand side-bar, scrolling down to the "Available Cut.Files" drop-down menu; on the menu click on "Click for List" and scroll down until you find the file name "My Candy Box Card" -- click to open and download it. Okay, here's what the cut.file looks like:

The picture below is what the cut template looks like and how I began folding it. On the cut file I've added tick marks where the fold lines go, however, because they are difficult to see on the picture I've drawn in arrows as a guideline for you to see where I did the first folds. I've also indicated card "front" and the card "box" ends to easily identify the ends when folding in the box:
NOTE: I scored in each fold line before folding. By scoring in the fold lines first gives me crisp, clean, and straight folds.

Once I made the folds above, I turned the card as shown on the picture below and made the following folds:

Once I'd made all the folds, I placed glue along the first section of the tab on the "box" end of the card on the front side of the card:

Next I flipped the card over to the backsde, aligned and glued down the end of the tab section, where the glue was applied, along the score line closest to it (hint: I used the eraser end of a pencil to run along the inside of the pocket along the glued section to help adhere it down):

Then I folded in the small tabs on each side of the box bottom to the inside, folded up the bottom tab and glued the top bottom tab to the other tab. Now this is what the completed card box looked like:

Okay, the fun part -- decorating it!!!

I used WordPerfect to generate the wording on the inside of the card, cut it to size, and glued it in place:

The name was also typed in WordPerfect; the front of the card was a picture I found on the internet and cut to fit at 2 -3/4" x 2-3/4" (you can use any editing program to size the image):

Last, before gluing the image to the front of the card, I attached a strip of ribbon to the back of the card pocket long enough to bring the ends to the opening side of the card to tie in a bow (about 14"):

I added a few rhinestones embellies, a flower, a little 3-D lacquer to highlight a couple pieces of fruit on the card front to finish it off-- ALL DONE!!! Alright...., how will you decorate yours?!!!

As I mentioned earlier, the cut file can be found on the sidebar on my blog as instructed above. I did the file using the George cart, however, if you do not have George, please leave a comment on this post with your email address requesting a PDF copy of the template/directions and I'll email it to you.
Now about the challenge!!! To enter the challenge, again, please visit my "Sassy Lady" post for today by clicking on Sheila's name above. All the eligibility requirements will be provided to you there, so come on over and have some fun!!!

Thanks for joining me, hugs, and I'll be seeing you!!!

WELCOME TO THE "GOBBLE TIL YOU WOBBLE" BLOG HOP!!!

2011-11-19T05:00:00.002-06:00

I HAVE TWO (2) POST FOR TODAY!!! IN ADDITION TO THE "GOBBLE TIL YOU WOBBLE" BLOG HOP, I AM GUEST DESIGNER ALSO TODAY AT SHEILA'S FOR HER WEEKLY CHALLENGE. PLEASE VISIT ME THERE, OR YOU CAN VIEW THE PROJECT ON MY NEXT POST RIGHT HERE FOLLOWING THE HOP POST. TO GET TO SHEILA'S TO GET DETAILS AND LINK UP FOR THE CHALLENGE, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE DIRECTED TO HER BLOG, SHE'S A SASSY LADY. I HAVE A REALLY CUTE PROJECT TO LEAD OFF THE CHALLENGE, SO I HOPE TO SEE YOU!!!

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IT'S TIME FOR THE "GOBBLE TIL YOU WOBBLE"BLOG HOP!!!

Hello everyone!!! Welcome to the "Gobble Til You Wobble" Blog Hop!!! This hop is hosted by my beautiful friend Jean of Jean's Crafty Corner and Tina of Tina Time, and it's all about the "turkey" in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

I hope you will join all of us along the hop trail as there's a fantastic line-up of crafters with projects ready to make you "Gobble Til You Wobble", and it's going to be so much fun -- maybe even a few prizes along the way! Of course, if you know me, you know I have a little something for some lucky person to win here today!!!

Now, if you've arrived here from Georgiana's then you are in the right place. If you just dropped in to visit me and want to begin the hop from the beginning then start at www.jeanscraftycorner.blogspot.com. For your convenience, below is the line-up of all the hop particpants waiting for you; click on their specific site address to be directly linked to their blog. So, let's get going!!!

Blog Hop Line-Up:

Jean at http://www.jeanscraftycorner.blogspot.com/

Tina at http://ollieanddextersmommy.blogspot.com/

Rhonda at http://scraphappenswithrhonda.blogspot.com/

Georgiana at http://carsonscricutcreations.blogspot.com/

Audrey at http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com/ - ME! YOU'RE ALREADY HERE!

Jani at http://papercompulsions.blogspot.com/
Carri at http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/

Well, my friends, the project I've prepared for you for the hop today is a Thanksgiving turkey box and card set that I'm calling "Drunk Ole Turkey He Gobbled Til He Wobbled" Alright!!!":

Here's a closer look at the card and box (you can also click on the image to enlarge):

And here's the inside of the card:

Recipe:

Turkey (image found on Internet)

Alcohol Bottles (image found on Internet)

Kraft Paper

Pop Dots

Ribbon (Colors: Dark Brown and Cream)

Thanksgiving Border Paper (Manufacturer unknown)

Glossy Accents

My giveaway is matching sets of decorative vellum and embossed cardstock (6 sheets of each):

To be eligible to receive this, just leave me a wonderful comment on this post; you do not have to be a follower to win. The winner will be selected by Random.org and I'll announce who you are sometime on Monday, November 21, before 5 p.m. CT.

I hope you enjoyed my project -- and will enjoy all the projects!!! Thank you so much for stopping by, enjoy the rest of the hop -- and don't forget to visit Sheila's or my next post today for my guest designer project there! I think you'll really like that project too!!! Oh, and don't forget to go there to link-up your project in the challenge. Sheila has a great prize for the challenge winner!!!

I'll be seeing you!!!

"GOBBLE-GOBBLE" TURKEY TREAT BOX!!!

2011-11-18T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hello, everyone!!! I hope you're all well! I'm back at Pam's today with another fun DT project.

Today my box project is not from a cut file -- I just didn't feel like doing all the figuring out how to design a project and wanted something different anyway, so I did something different!!! LOL!!! I made a box from scratch with a turkey image I found on the internet. Ready to see it?!!! Well, here it is:

Here's a top view of the treat box where the treats are tucked away:

This box may look a bit complicated, but it was soooo easy! It's simply taking a picture of one of the turkeys, flipping another of the pictures, and gluing them back-to-back so there's a turkey on both sides; I did two sets. Next I measure a box sized to fit and glue between the sets of turkeys, and I had a treat box!!! Here, let me show you.

First, from the image I found on the internet, I printed out 4 turkeys in WordPerfect onto cardstock (2 turkeys per page) and flipped 1 on each page for my 2 sets of turkeys:

I cut out all four (4) turkeys, took 2 of the flipped opposites as shown on the picture below, and glued it back to back; I did the same with the other set of 2 -- BUT wait, I didn't do the second set just yet!!! You'll see why in a minute.

Using one of the turkeys from the second set, I measured what size treat box I'd need to fit between my turkeys by outlining the size of the box on the back of the turkey (I didn't worry about drawing on the turkey because I'd be gluing the other one to the backside. This is why I waited). I determined the width of my box would be 1.50" and the length 3.50". Look about right, huh? :

Now, so just how did I figure out how to do my box scaled to this size? Well, it was easy and my method can be used to fit any size image; let me explain. I know I want my box now to be 1.50" inches across and 3.50" down to fit between my turkey, so I had to figure what size paper I'd need for the box allowing for the sides and the tabs. Using the method illustrated on the picture below, 5.50" x 4.50 would be the paper size I'd need for the treat box:

I'd already figured I wanted my box to be 1" deep as that would be enough to hold several small candies and not so deep as to make my turkey look like 2 turkeys!!! You'll see what I mean!!! Because a visual always helps me with where my scoring will be, I draw out the box according to the width, length, sides, and tabs on the 5.50" x 4.50" sheet of paper. Doing this shows me I would score at 1", 2.50", 3.50" , and 5" across the 5.50" side of the paper, and at 1" across the 4.50" side of paper. As a rule, I always allow the same number of inches for my bottom tabs as I do for the sides of my box, and only 1/2" for the side closure tab:

Once I cut out my paper size and scored it, I folded along the score lines; cut the bottom tabs up to the bottom 1" score line, and cut out the bottom tab beneath the side closure tab -- as shown below:

I then adhered the treat box together by gluing the side tab to the opposite end side, and gluing the bottom tabs in place -- you know how to glue a box!!! Lol!!! Here's what the glued box looked liked when measured to my box illustration -- Perfect Fit... always!!!:

Now, I glued the back side of the second set of turkeys together! Having my 2 sets of turkeys and my box, and being I'd covered up the drawn illustration, I glued my box in place approximately where I figured I'd measured it to go:

I then glued the other turkey set to the top side of the treat box to get this:

By manipulating the feet and the bottom wings, I got my turkey to stand on his own -- I'm sure the 2 sheets of cardstocks used to glue the 2 turkeys images together helped with it being sturdy enough.

Pretty cool, huh?!!! Well, of course I'm not done yet, I have to decorate it!!! Before highlighting the turkey with black, orange and yellow stickles, adding the ribbon and candies, I used a hot glue -- for instant gratification -- to glue together the two turkey heads and along the breast to give the appearance of it being one turkey -- this is why I didn't want the treat box to be too deep. Well, it's all done!!! Wanna see it again?

I really hope you like this little project, it was so much fun to do!!! And, hopefully, you'll try it -- you can always follow my means of measurement to get that perfect fit for your internet image treat box... lol!!!

Should you have any questions, you can leave me a comment; I'll get back to you!

Thanks so much for joining me today, I appreciate your stopping by! Hugs, love, and as always...

I'll be seeing you!

A CHRISTMAS PROJECT AND SOME NEWS!

2011-11-16T14:52:00.002-06:00

Hello, everyone!!! Wow, it seems like forever since I've been around!!! LOL! I hope you're all well.

I've been really busy, among other things, preparing 3 projects for this weekend. On Friday I'll be presenting my monthly DT project over at Pam's; on Saturday I'm guest designer for Sheila's weekly challenge and I'm also participating in Jean's and Tina's "Gobble Til You Wobble" blog hop. So I'll have two (2) project posts on Saturday. I do hope you'll all come around to see all 3 projects I'll be presenting to you, and that you'll have some fun in the challenge and hop!!! There'll be prizes at both!!! All the details will be available on each individual/specific post! Now that I have all these projects ready -- and one for today -- I can take some time to focus on visiting with you a bit later because Ive really missed you the last few days.

A bit of good news is my scan-test result showed I have an undeveloped "something" in my kidney that never developed from childhood which is causing the blood in my urine, so now I'm being referred to a urologist to find out what can be done about it-- sorry, if it sounds gross; however, it's better than being told it was cancer which, thank God, I wasn't! So that's good news! Isn't it funny how things always seem to catch up with you so unexpectantly?!!! Totally caught me off-guard that I was "undeveloped"!!! LOL!

Now on to my project for today. With Christmas almost upon us, I decided I better get started! I'm one of those last minute folks that never finishes getting everything done... lol!!! What I have is a matching card and gift box:

Here's a picture of the inside of the card:

The paper I used is Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium; I don't think you can go wrong with anything made by Graphic 45... lol! And although you may not be able to see it, I also used lots of stickles!!! (Maybe if you click to enlarge it.) Other than serious needing to get out and purchase a new paper cutter, I love how this set turned out with all the bling!!!

Anyway, normally this time of year (if you remember last year), I'd be knee-deep into making soaps and toiletries to sell to several once-a-year only customers. As I've had to decline this year due to timing issues (and a possible vacation), I hope to have a few more holiday projects to share with you prior to this year-end than last. And with the holiday seasons upon us and out-of-town family visiting, I'm hoping my aunt will be plenty occupied to allow me a little more "breathing" room... lol!!!

Well, I'm off to finish up some chores but I'll be back to begin my visits with you in a little while!!!

Hugs, thanks so much for taking time to stop by, and...

I'll be seeing you!

CHISTMAS "MICKEY" TREAT BOX!

2011-11-13T13:41:00.000-06:00

Hello, everyone!!! Hope all's well on this wonderful Sunday!

Today, I have the cutest little treat box to show you! Yesterday, my brother called, my niece wanted to know if I'd be able to make about 20 little favor boxes for a little pre-Christmas sleep-over my brother is "grudgingly" allowing her to give for several of her neighborhood friends the weekend before Christmas. Of course I said I'd do it. Knowing my niece loves anything Disney I immediately started scouring the internet for Disney Christmas characters. Well, just as I thought I had enough images saved to possibly use, I accidently came across this site with the cutest little Disney printables -- if was as though a gift from Heaven just dropped into my lap!!! LOL!!! One of the printables was just too perfect -- a Mickey treat box; and, a life-saver as now I don't have to figure out what I was going to do with any of the images I saved, ha! Here it is:

Here's a picture of the box where the candy/treat will go (I used a rather thin sheet of cardstock, so I added the red paper in the back to reinforce and make it a bit more sturdy). The printable requires one sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" cardstock and the instructions are included:

Isn't this just the cutest?!!! All I did was add a little puff paint, stickles, and messed up the nose because I was so excited about the box that I forgot to paint on a little decoupage glue to keep the ink from running before applying some Glossy Accents! But, hey, I'm sure the kids won't mind!!! LOL!
There're quite a few printables to select from for different occasions and holidays on this site! Yes, there's even a Thanksgiving Mickey treat box!!! Now, don't even think I didn't give a thought to you because I did!!! Before I closed out and forgot the site (which I'm known to do), I grabbed the address for you: http://family.go.com/holidays/
Once I've cut them all out, I'll fold and glue the sides together; I'll be able to lay them flat for mailing and my niece can just open, tuck the bottoms in and load them with the candies!!! Easy-peezy!!!
The only thing I'm not liking is that now I have 19 more to cut out!!! Phew! Oh well... Anyway, I hope you have fun with this sweet little treat box.
In the meantime, I have several projects I'm currently working on for upcoming challenges and blog-hops, so stick around, I'll be letting you know when they are ready to present really soon now!!! I think you'll like what I'm preparing to share with you!
Thanks for stopping by, love you all, hugs and...

I'll be seeing you!

A FAMILY FRIEND COULD REALLY USE SOME PRAYERS!!!

2011-11-11T18:59:00.001-06:00

Hello, family!!! I'm well!!! Went for to Radiology for my CT today and I'll be patiently awaiting excellent results!!!

No project today but, possibly, I'll have one ready tomorrow; I'll let you know. What I'm dropping in for today is my sweet family friend, Stacy of Love That Bug Blogspot is asking for our prayers! Due to complications, her daughter has prematurely delivered her precious baby at 26 weeks. If you can find a moment, please visit Stacy by clicking on her blog site above, it's a direct link to her blog; let her know we support her in that her daughter and grandchild stay well, and grow stronger.

I feel there's no better situation than this to present my blog award to someone who may need and can use it. Therefore, I'm presenting Stacy and her family the "You Truly Bless Me" Award because that's what I'd like us all to do -- pray and ask for all the blessings we can so that they WILL CONTINUE to be truly blessed!

Stacy, we all hope this award brings you and your family some comfort and reassurance!

As for me, I don't think I could ever thank Bobby enough for making this award for me! Thanks again, Bobby, and I hope you like how I'm using it!!! It surely feels right to me... lol!!!

Well, since I'm only just a wee bit tired, I'm off to do some crafting -- I CAN'T WAIT!!! No doctors appointments, no errands and no "auntie to-do's" ... lol!!! Gotta get in my fun when I can!!! LOL!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!! I always love when my family finds it's way home to me!!!

Hugs to you all, and...

I'll be seeing you!!!

I JUST HAVE TO SAY...

2011-11-10T21:02:00.003-06:00

Hello, everyone!!!

Wow, I've been getting around looking at all the fabulous projects you have been working on, and I'm more than impressed. You're all so busy creating -- I love that!!!

I'm well but still trying to get through some things that must be done, so I'm still running -- "no rest for the weary". Early this afternoon I went to have some dental work done -- they called it scaling/root planing, but I'm calling it scraping because that's what it felt more like they did -- in my opinion. The gums are still a bit sensitive (the doctor was really aggressive) but the pain I expected never came after the numbness wore off, so I'm grateful I was spared that... lol! What I'm not grateful for is having to rinse with this god-awful rinse they gave me because I have a tooth that rated #5 which my dentist says is a beginning stage for periodontal disease. And, yet tomorrow I have another doctor's appointment and several days next week I have to get my aunt to appointments, so I'm getting my exercise in! Anyway, that's my itinerary for appointments. I'll just have to sneak in project when I can because there're still the inbetween things I have to get to.

Howevr, what I really wanted was to just drop in to say "hi" and to let you know what's still going on and that you're in my thoughts!

I do have some DT and hop projects I'm working on, and I'll let you know when I'll have those ready to present. In the meantime, I'm off to bed now; gotta be up at 5:00 in the morning, and I really need the rest -- soooo tired. My test is scheduled for 7:15 a.m.

Hugs and love you all!!!

YOU'VE GOT TO SEE THIS TO BELIEVE IT!!!

2011-11-08T23:11:00.002-06:00

Hello, everyone! I just had to pop in to tell you about a giveaway going on at Bobby and Jill's blog!!!

YOU CAN WIN THIS

In honor of surpassing 500 followers, the Cricut Couple will have a daily giveaway until November 17 for all their followers. Today is the first day of their BIG celebration and the grand prize for today is a Cricut Cake Mini!!! To be eligible for today's or any of the daily prizes, please head on over --right now!!! -- to check out the details. You can get there by clicking on this this direct link: http://cricutcouple.blogspot.com.

Hurry!!! This is one celebration you won't want to miss this!!!

Congratulations again, Bobby and Jill!!!

"JUST BECAUSE..." A CARD TO SHARE!

2011-11-07T12:46:00.000-06:00

Hello, everyone! I hope all's well! To all new followers, hello my new family-friends and welcome!

So.., I wonder what's going on with Blogger now -- what new updates or issues are causing these recent interruptions. I haven't had my reading list since yesterday evening, and I wasn't able to post earlier; Blogger kept timing me out. I seldom get frustrated but it just wasn't fun!!! It was annoying! Bloggers tells me to check my browser but I know that's not the problem because I clear my browser every several days automatically. Is anyone else having these issues?

Anyway, I haven't had much time with you lately, and I did want to visit more but it's difficult with having to deal with the constant issues, my missing reading list, and to top it off -- it's SLOW!!! I'm not one for complaining but geez! However, on the cheery side, I am happy to have a card to share with you (hopefully Blogger cooperates...lol!). I know I keep telling you I'm not a cardmaker and I'm convinced of that but I'm working on it. Although I did make a mistake on this one, I think I'm getting better; I like my attempt at this one eventhough it's still "rough around the edges"...(literally! I have to get new paper trimmers; they're all well-used and over used...lol):

Oh well, I have an appointment and an errand to get ready for this afternoon, so I'll try to check in with you later.

Have a great day!!! Thanks for dropping by, hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

HELLO!!!

2011-11-05T16:37:00.001-05:00

Hello, family-friends!!! I wanted to drop in to say to "hi" to everyone!!!

I've been visiting with many of you and seeing all the wonderful projects you've made; I'm so disappointed that I've missed so much of all that's been going on. To those of you that I haven't made it around to dropping in on yet, I'm working on getting to you as soon as I can -- wouldn't want to miss anymore than I already have. Unfortunately, after a couple hours of sitting, I get really uncomfortable and it begins to put a bit of stress of this poor "ole" back of mine... lol; I'm sorry but I'll have to take a break and get to the rest of you later. I also apologizie if I couldn't spend as much time as I would have liked with some of you I visited but I guess, with trying to reach out and touch so many, there just isn't enough time with my being so far behind and ALL the many wonderful projects you've completed. I do hope to catch up eventually on "almost" everything you've done... lol!!!
I'm been so busy lately, my work isn't done yet. I mentioned on somebody's blog that it seems like whenever I think I can sit down to relax something or someone pulls the cushion from under my tail...lol!!! I love being busy but I wish I were busy doing more of what I enjoy; however, I'm feeling well, and although a little tired I'm happy, so I don't have a thing to complain about!!! Things do seem to be winding down for the moment, but... lol!!!

Now that I have a few minutes , I think to squeeze in between other things, I do want to get started working on a project -- I've really missed getting into my craft room over the past several days and I'm so looking forward to it! Again, when I can get myself where I can to sit comfortably for a "spell" again, I'll be back to visiting. And, God willing, I hope to have something to share with you when I return.
In the meantime , didn't want you to think I'd forgotten any of you; I've really-really missed you.

Thanks for stopping by, thanks for being here!!!
Hugs, big love, and...

I'll be seeing you!

PRIZE WINNER OF THE "DECORATE TO CELEBRATE" BIRTHDAY HOP!!!

2011-11-03T19:20:00.002-05:00

Hello, all! And welcome to some wonderful new followers!!! Thank you so much for joining me and my blog family!!! I'm so glad to see you and look forward to a wonderful relationship!!! I'll be around to see you as soon as I can... if I can.
Those of you who may have looked for my DT project today over at Sheila's... I've been so busy, I absolutely forgot!!! I did explain to Sheila, and soon I'll have another little something to share with you over at her place... I'll let you know the details soon!!!

I do apologize for being away and having to just as quickly rush back out. As most of you know, I am "attend" to and assist in the care of my aunt and although she's a sweetheart she's also very demanding. With assisting her and having other immediate home responsibilities, I've been extremely busy the last several days and I'm trying to get through what needs to be done without taxing myself. I am fine but just not finding crafting/visiting time right now; normally after busy days, I stay up late nights to visit; however, the last few nights I've just been too exhausted to keep my eyes open long enough to probably even get my blog open! I hope you don't ever think you're forgotten or ignored, believe me I'd much rather be here having a great time with you than what I have to do/am doing!!!

I did return to the dentist yesterday, and with the swelling down, they were finally able to complete a full x-ray, so I wanted to update you and let you know it appears there was no damage from the fall!!! Didn't I tell you it would all be okay?!!!

A big surprise though was my dentist told me I had freckles... lol!!! She said I'd probably had them since birth!!! I never knew I had freckles... and I still don't being I can't see them!!! I've had everyone who came within a close mile of me -- lol -- examining my face for the freckles and only one relative thought they might have seen them!!! Go figure, huh? (She also told me I had a few moles on my cheeks-- thank GOD I can't see those... lol!!!)

Anyway, I have a winner for the DTC Birthday Blog Hop for Brenda and Amy's birthdays. The number selected by Random.Org is #28. The 28th commentor is Susan of CricutandGrasshopper.Blogspot.com!!! Congratulations, Susan!!! You are the winner of the pad of Pop-Up Cards!!!!

Susan, please contact me at audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net with info on where I can send your RAK.

As I still have something I must get back to this evening, and most-of-the-day errands to run tomorrow, I can't promise I'll have a project for the next day or so to post; however, I will be back as soon as I can. Hopefully, although I probably won't have a project before Saturday, I will try to get around to doing some visiting (or "lurking") when I can squeeze some moments in in-between. But I should definitely be done with errands and chores by Saturday!

Love you all, miss you much, and I'll be back with you as soon as I can -- I promise!!!

Hugs, and I'll be seeing you!

DECORATE TO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY HOP AND CHALLENGE!

2011-11-01T05:00:00.001-05:00

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the birthday blog hop for Rhonda and Amy! Thank you for joining me and my wonderful friends who are ready to thrill you with their handmade creations in celebration of the birthday girls!!!

The birthday girls, Rhonda and Amy, are super-talented and gifted friends who met on-line and "clicked". The lovely Rhonda had this incredible idea for a new twist on a challenge blog, so she contacted dear Amy and asked her to share in her idea. For months now, they have enjoyed being able to Celebrate and share by involving others to participate together by presenting an on-going showcase of handmade goodies to use to Decorate for parties, special occassions, and all fun times! Their union is how the Decorate to Celebrate Challenge Blog (aka DTC) all began!

To begin the party, we have a great group of crafty designers waiting to inspire you with the projects they've made in honor of Rhonda and Amy's birthday. By clicking on their blog links you will be directed to their specific blog site. To start from the beginning, you'll start with the first participant on the list who just happens to be one of our very own birthday girls, Rhonda:

Rhonda http://scraphappenswithrhonda.blogspot.com/ (Our November Birthday Girl!!)

Audrey http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com/
Kacee http://youhadmeatscrap.blogspot.com/
Norma http://pinkblingcrafter.blogspot.com/
Jean http://jeanscraftycorner.blogspot.com/
Liz http://www.mywhichcraft.blogspot.com/
Sherrie http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com/
Cally Ann http://callyanncraftycreations.blogspot.com/
Tracie http://trace-elementz.blogspot.com/
Brenda http://createbyburffrau.blogspot.com/
Amy http://amyscraftingspace.blogspot.com/
Lisa http://indymermaid.blogspot.com/
Sheena http://lilflowerslynne1.blogspot.com/
Peggy Sue http://icrea8cards.blogspot.com/
Carri http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/
Amy http://www.lovetocrop.com (Our December Birthday Girl!!)
Decorate To Celebrate http://decoratetocelebrate.blogspot.com/

Immediately following the hop, you're invited to link your own "Birthday Party" themed project over at the DTC blog site. Your project can be anything you choose/desire that's birthday related. DTC will be awarding birthday prizes all month long and there will be a grand prize! To be eligible to win you must enter at DTC. Click on the DTC link at the bottom of the participant list get there for details and to enter your project(s)!!! There may be additional "goodies" along the hop trail; if so, details will be available on each participant's blog.

The project I'll be sharing for this birthday celebration I'm calling "Friendship Is A Key That Opens A Heart To Sweet Things". I think this is what Rhonda and Amy have did for each other! The featured project is the plastic heart box filled with bath salts, which I'll have an easy recipe for you at the end of this post. The holder box for the heart box is shown as an accessory and to bring to life the name I've given this project because that's where the "key" is:

Here are close-ups of the top of both boxes:

To do this project, I started with pieces clay to form the flowers and leaves:

This is what I ended up with:

Next I took the plastic heart box and covered the lid with glass glitter:

I finished it all off by painting the flowers and attaching them to the boxes; for the key on the container box, I simply took an old key and added glass glitter. Finally, filled the container with bath powder, and I think it came out pretty good!!! Here is the recipe:

Sculpey Oven Bake Clay
Glass Glitter by Marisa Frances
Martha Steward Decoupage Glue and Sealer
Mica Pigment Water Color Paint
Plastic Heart Container (wedding section at a craft or Dollar store)
Seam Binding
White Colorbloc Cardstock (for box)

Now, my first giveaway (I have another one -- yeaaa!) is the easy bath powder recipe:

1 cup - equal amounts of Epsom Salt and Sea Salt (both can be found at your local grocery)
20 drops - Essential or fragrance oil (or favorite perfume to sense/taste)
1 to 2 drops - Food coloring (not too much -- a drop or so goes a long way)
1/2 tsp. - glycerin (found at your local drugstore)

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until you have a fine powder; let dry for 24 hours. Now it's ready to add to a decorative container! Easy!

My second giveaway is a pack of ten (10) all occasion pop-up cards by Paper Flair. The lucky winner does not have to be a follower. The requirement is that you leave me a wonderful comment. Unfortunately, if you win and reside outside the U.S., you will have to be responsible for any additional shipping charges:

Now Kacee's waiting on you with another terrific project! Hurry along and hop on over!

I hope you enjoyed my project; I certainly enjoyed sharing it with you! And, I hope you're all having fun celebrating with Rhonda and Amy!!!

Oh, and don't forget to enter and link your own projects for the challenge!

Thanks for stopping by and I love you all!!! And, of course, I'll be seeing you!

A CARD TO SHARE AND AN UPDATE (OF SORT)!!!

2011-10-30T15:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday, family!!! I hope all's well and that everyone is enjoying themselves crafting and/or getting ready for Halloween festivities!!! Buster and I are just about ready!!!

So as not to forget, if you haven't noticed it on the top of my sidebar, I'm participating in the blog hop/challenge to help celebrate Rhonda's and Amy's birthdays. All the information will be available soon and I hope you'll all plan on joining us for all the fun -- I'm sure there'll be candy and there's a grand prize to be given to some lucky person!!! And, oh, I have a "sweet" little project I think will surely please!

Right now, I have a card to share with you. This card can be used as a sympathy, baptism, or christening card; maybe more but those are the only ones that come to mind... lol!!! Anyway, I left it blank because -- obviously -- I don't know it's purpose and/or the occassion I'll use it for; therefore I'll add wording when a situation arises. It's difficult to see but I added silver stickles to the cross chain on the praying hands to match the cross on the ribbon:

This is a picture of the card open:

The middle circle on this card can be removed to write a message on the back or, depending on the occassion, you can even slide a picture in between the top and bottom circles (for instance, an occassion such as a baptism):

Well, I hope you like it!!!

I'd like to thank each and every one of you who sent such kind and warm words regarding my fall. I appreciate every word but I do believe there's nothing at all to worry about -- again, I have no pain and nothing hurts. I know I have other family who do not live close who have expressed concern too, so just to show you that most of the swelling has gone down, I've taken a picture... lol!!! Now be forewarned I'm not looking my best, okay? The hubby took this picture just a bit ago and I'm at home, so I'm not primped up and I haven't curled my hair so I have a "flat" top... lol (hubby says I'm still beautiful -- isn't he a sweetie?)!!! The only swelling is very slight; the tip of my nose, my upper lip, and my jaw is just still a wee bit swoll:

So now you see? It's not so bad at all! By the time I go back to the dentist for the x-rays, all the swelling should be down! I hope this makes everyone feel a bit better!

Well, I'm off again! Still gots lots to do in a very short time, so...

Hugs, love you all, and I'll be seeing you!

A FRAME-EASEL NOTES GIFT BOX

2011-10-28T18:53:00.000-05:00

Hello, everyone!!! Hope all's well!!! Welcome to a new follower, and thank you for joining me!!!

Sorry, I've been away the last several days, things have been pretty hectic. I've had so much going on with things to do for my aunt, household things, and even having to sit in both an emergency room and my dentist's office because I had a really nasty fall. After being checked out, I'm okay!!! I still have to return to the dentist though because there was too much swelling in my face for them to get a full x-ray to make certain I don't have any fractures to the lower gums-- I fell on my face with my bottom jaw hitting the concrete first and taking the brunt of the fall. I think it'll all be fine however, as after the initial shock of falling, I have no pain -- thank God!!! Although I'm accident prone, this was not my fault. There was a slight rise in the sidewalk where the 2 blocks of concrete met, which happened to be on a slope, so the tip of my foot hit the rise and away I went flying through the air without the greatest of ease...lol! I'm laughing because I really do feel fine and it all seems kind of funny now. I think once all the swelling goes down, they'll find my worse injury was that I bit through my lip.

Anyway, I've still got lots to finish up (and the never-ending errands to run for my aunt), including another blog hop and DT project within the next week; therefore, I will be in and out of here until I get caught up. I will, however, make time to drop in on you as I can, and even try to sneak in a small project I'm almost finished working on before then.

The project I'm sharing with you today is one similar to something I saw a while ago browsing the internet. I feel in love with the original but I didn't know how the creator did hers, so I had to fashion my own. Mine is a smaller and condensed version, and not as nice but overall I think I did okay. I thought this little box would make a wonderful gift for a boss, co-worker, or even a teacher to place on their desk. To describe it, it's a frame attached to an easel lidded box (just like on the easel cards) that sits upright to display the insert in the frame while also allowing access to the note paper inside the box. I've inserted the words "Live, Laugh, Love" into the frame but it can also hold a small photo (great for a picture of the new grandchild, right?!!!). Well..., see for yourselves! Here is the box opened with the frame in an upright position on the easel so that the frame insert can be displayed while allowing access/exposing the note sheets inside the box:

Here is the box fully open to the note sheets inside:

This next photo shows the box completely closed (a top view):

And this final picture shows the box from the side (a view of the frame on the easel):

I will be doing a cut.file for this box but, right now, I really can't promise when. Also, I haven't forgotten about doing a tutorial on the wedding box, so that too will be when I have more available time. I will get to them both as soon as I can.

I'm sorry to have to be out of here again but I really do have a lot going on right now! As I said I'll be in and out often enough that I won't miss you too much -- nor you me! LOL!!!

In the meantime, I'm extending my love to you all!!! Thank you for taking time to stop by and as always...

I'll be seeing you!

A CARD TO SHARE

2011-10-25T13:14:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday, all!!! I hope you're having a great day!

I'd like to say hello to several new followers too! Welcome, and I'm so very glad to see you!
I've been running through the neighborhood visiting with some of you and, I have to tell you, it hasn't been easy!!! What in the world is going on with Google Blogger?!!! It's definitely been acting more weird than usual this afternoon, and early this morning! Even last night I tried to visit and my Reading List was gone again -- I waited for a while and just decided to go to bed with the hope it'd be here today; thank God it was!!! Hope you aren't going through these same annoyances! I guess with improvements comes these little "quirks" which could drive you almost nuts!!! LOL!

Anyway, I have a card to share right now. This card was not only a delight to receive from my friends, the Cricut Couple, for my birthday but an inspiration. So much of an inspiration, I wanted to make a pretty card with a cage too. Of course, mine isn't nearly as beautiful as what they made me, but I love it just the same. I haven't added any words or sentiments to this card because I just wanted to do it and didn't have a clue where it was going, or to whom:

Here a closer shot but you can always double-click on it too:

And here's the inside of the card:

Well, I'm almost done with another project -- one I think you'll all really like, so I'll be back! I will get around to doing some more visiting too; however, between Blogger being slow and acting crazy, and some household necessities, it may take a while so please be patient with me.

Hope you like my card!!! And if you haven't visited with the Cricut Couple before, their blog is a "must see". Click on the link above and drop in; they're always prepared for company!!!

Love you all, hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

IT'S TIME!!! A BLOG CANDY WINNER!!!

2011-10-24T18:28:00.000-05:00

Hello, everyone!!! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
I had a wonderful weekend! The hubby and I spent all weekend together; we went to check out the Breast Cancer Awareness Marathon, admired our lakefront, and we even went to the JFA (Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories) Show!!! The weather this weekend was fabulous, the temps were in the mid-to-upper 60's, and it was just too gorgeous outside to spend indoors; even Buster enjoyed the outings. Besides these may be the last days of comfortable temperatures and we didn't want to waste them... lol!

Okay, I know you probably thought I'd forgotten about announcing the winner of Halloween/Fall Blog Hop but not this time... lol!! The winning number that Random.org selected is:

This means the 21st commentor, Sherri K, is the winner of my papercraft kit. Congratulations, Sherri. I hope you enjoy it!!! Sherri, please email your mailing information to: audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net. You will have until Saturday, October 29, to claim your winning!!!

Well, that's about it for now. I am currently working on several projects to share with you and I will be around to visit with you all as soon as I can. With such a busy weekend, I'm back to where I always seem to be lately -- trying to catch up!!! LOL!!!

Before I go, I want to say not to be disappointed if you didn't win -- there's always another chance right around the corner!!! Okay?

Thanks for stopping by, and thanks so much for all your wonderful comments on my hop project. It was wonderful having you all come over. Hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!!!

A GIFT BOX FOR THE SEASON!

2011-10-22T03:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the Bugbytes Halloween / Fall Challenge Hop hosted by Pam!!! Pam and the Bugbytes Design Team are looking forward to your joining in the fun by linking a Halloween or Fall theme project, or a black and orange project, in the challenge -- as well as joining us in the Hop!!! Of course, Pam has a special challenge prize for the lucky winner of the challenge but, of course, you'll have to head on over to Pam's for all the challenge information. Just click here for a direct link to Pam's where you'll be able to get details on linking your challenge project. So, I hope you're ready for lots of fun; you won't want to miss it a minute!!!
We've prepared to greet you with some really great projects for your viewing pleasure along the Hop and some of us even have blog candy made especially for you.
Here is a list of the participants in the order they're ready to receive you:
Jen from http://3catsandabug.blogspot.com/
Lori from www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com
Jeannie from http://nonnasscraps.blogspot.com/
Audrey from http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com/ THIS IS ME -- YOU'RE ALREADY HERE!
Kymberlee from http://www.thepapermidwife.com/
Allison from http://goodybagdiva.blogspot.com/
Kelly from http://www.kamscraftyplace.blogspot.com
Debbie from http://debseclecticthoughts.blogspot.com/
Carole from http://www.onmycraftroomwall.blogspot.com/
Kate from http://sassyandscrappykate.blogspot.com/
Amylynne from http://www.amysscrappyspace.blogspot.com
Mila - M&M from http://milamemories.blogspot.com/
Dayna Sabrina from http://sabrioletdesigns.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth from http://www.217creations.com/

The project I've prepared for you today is a box for the season. I sooo wanted to do this box but I also wanted to capture the colors of fall to fit into the theme of the hop, so this box is a combined effort. I'm calling it "A Gift Box For The Season":

This is a basic gable box, however, I altered the top of it by rounding off the handle instead of it having the typical square or half octogon shape. My inspiration for the handle design came from a Lauren Meader box I saw some time ago. I thought the top/handle was so different that I retained the idea of it to lift and use on one of my future boxes -- this was it!

I am providing a cut.file below (at the end of this post) for this box. The cut.file uses the George cart and here's what the file looks like:

This is the template once the file is cut:

To constuct the box I bone-folded along the fold lines that I've indicated with shaded lines below:

Before adhering the box I covered the inside window frame with vellum; however, acetate or transparencywould have also been great choices:

Now I'm ready to glue the box together: working with the back of the box facing me, I located the tab extending from the right-side middle panel of the box; I folded the tab up and added glue to the bottom of the tab (Note: the bottom of the tab is actually the front); next, I fold over the left panel and adhere the bottom of the panel to the bottom of the tab making certain the edges are evenly aligned. The picture below shows where I placed the glue on the bottom side of the tab on the left side of the box:

Finally I fold up and glue the tabs in place on the bottom of the box. Here's the assembled gable box with the altered handle:

Now the box is complete, and ready for me to decorate and embellish any way I'd like. Here's the recipe I used on my box:

The 2 scrolls were cut from Anna Griffin's Adhesive Felt Borders Colllection, shown on the left; the 3 silk roses I cut from a stem of roses and wired them together; the autum leaves are by Prima; and I don't know the correct name for the stuff used as a filler for many flower bouquets but it was green with white so I spray- painted it with Walnut Ink. I arranged it to my liking on the box, glued everything in place, and added accent ribbons.

You can fill this box with a nice Thanksgiving gift of a bottle of lotion or other toiletries, candy, cookies, etc. It's a fairly good size box to have fun with for the fall season and Halloween holiday!!!

Now for my blog candy!!! Everyone is eligible to win by just commenting. However, please note, if the winner lives outside the U.S., he/she will be responsible for additional mailing cost. The winner must contact me by the deadline date which will be provided once the winner is selected or the prize will be submitted for another drawing. The drawing will be held on Monday, October 24, before the end of the day. The winner will be chosen by Random.org. Here's the candy:

I put this little kit together just for you and I think you'll like it!!! Good luck!

Okay, if you haven't been there already, getting to Pam's is easy from here: click on the link in the first paragragh of this post, or you can click on the challenge logo/picture provided on my side bar on the right-hand side of this page at the top under the Halloween/Fall Challenge Hop announcement. So come on over... link your project(s) to enter the challenge -- and participate in a really fun hop!!!

Thanks so much for joining me, and now the others are anxiously awaiting your arrival! We're really looking forward to seeing everyone and seeing your wonderful project entries in the challenge!!!

Hugs, and I'll be seeing you!

Available Cut.File (George Cartridge):

http://www.4shared.com/file/pdSA4yHb/my_fold_it_up_box_2.html" target=_blank>my fold it up box_2.cut

TOTE-IT!!! NOTE IT!!!

2011-10-21T06:00:00.025-05:00

Hello, everyone! Again today I'm presenting another monthly DT project here and at Pam's. If you haven't joined me there, I hope you're joining me here! If you'd like to also visit the Bugbytes Blog, just click on Pam's name -- it's a direct link!

Today, I'm sharing a little tote bag project. This project was lifted from one I'd seen similar somewhere while cruising the internet some time ago. Whoever created the original for this bag, I wish to let them know I think it's just the cutest! Having found myself again at the last minute trying to figure out a DT project to do, I decided to finally give this one a go, and I hope you like it. I'm calling this "Tote-It , Note It"; you'll see why at the end of the tutorial. For now here's my project tote bag:

What I needed to make this tote:

2- 15" long strips of grosgraine ribbon (for the handles)

2- 4.25"x 5.50" cardstock (for tote front and back covers)

2- 4" x 1.50" cardstock (for botttom and inside bottom cover panels)

1- 2"x2.50" cardstock (for tote pocket)

Starting with one of the 4.25" x 5.50" cardstock sheets; with the 4.25" side across the top of the scoreboard, I scored down the length of the 5.50" side of cardstock at 1":

Turning cardstock so that the 5.50" side is across the top of the scoreboard, I scored down the 4.25" length of cardstock at 1/4"; the next scores are scored only to the 1" scoreline across the 5.50" length of cardstock -- I do not exceed scoring below the 1" scoreline -- , score at 1.25"and 4.50":

I've highlighted my scorelines with a marker so you can see what it looks like after scoring:

Next, as shown below, I cut out the small corner section connecting the 1/4" and 1" scorelines, and drew in and folded a diagonal fold on each 1" corner square:

I did the same exact scoring to the other 4.25" x 5.50" cardstock making certain to bone-fold all the scorelines to precisely so that the tote assembly would be easy when constructing the tote.

With the tote front and back pieces facing upward, I laid them out and added glue to the tabs only:

I turned over one of the panels so that I'd have the top front of the tote opposite the top back as shown below:

I attached the front of the tote to the back by laying the two cardstocks one on top of the other and gluing the edges without tabs to the glued tabs on each side -- making certain to keep the edges on each side perfectly aligned:

Once the glue dried, I gently squeezed the sides of the box to slightly open it, and then I folded in the triangular corners in place on all four (4) sides and glued them down -- this is tricky, if/when you do this take your time!!! This is also where precise bone-folding will pay off:

When all four (4) corners are glued in place the bottom looked like this:

Now I'll add the handles by gluing the ribbon ends about 1" from the edges of the box bottom on each opposite end. I'll repeat this for the ribbon handle on the opposite side:

After the handles are attached, as show beow, take one of the 4" x 5.50" panels and glue to the bottom of the box to seal and close off the gap/opening and seam:

I used the other 4" x 5.50" panel and glue to the inside bottom of the box.

Now I'm almost done! I glued the 2" x 2.50" pocket piece of cardstock to the front of the tote, then glued the ribbon handles in place up the lenght of the tote (for interest I added the strip of paper you see around the top opening of the tote) :

The box is done! To embellish and finish it offt off, I used a white Pearl Pen to add the pearls to the ribbon and the same pen to outline the top of the pocket and along the opening edge, and popped on some little ribbon bows. I decided to stick a pencil in the pocket and a matching notepad in the tote, called it my "Tote-It!!! Note It!!!", and here it is:

Isn't this tote cute?!!! Now it's your turn to make one! If you do, I hope you'll let me see it when it's done!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope to see you all tomorrow at the Bugbytes Halloween/Fall Challenge Hop!!!

I'll be seeing you!!!

A PROJECT AND AN AWARD TO SHARE!

2011-10-19T16:16:00.002-05:00

Hello, everyone! Hope all's well!!! And hello to several new followers too! So glad you found your way home!!! If I haven't already, and if I can find you, I'll be around to drop in on you too for a visit at your place soon.

Wow, it's been an interesting couple of days; I've been going full-force with no slowing down. But I'm a lot like that little energizer bunny, I keep going and going and going....!!! LOL!
I thought you'd all like to know how absolutely thrilled my friend and her hubby were with the money box!!! Everyone at their celebration just "oohed and awed" over it! It really was such a fun gift to give. I've actually been asked for instructions and I'll try to put something together; however, this box came along as I was constructing it and I didn't note or tutorialize it. I just completed it, took a picture and gave it to the happy couple. But I know how to do this again and, like I said, I'll put something together for you when I have more time.

Now regarding the project I'm sharing today and an award I received. I'll save the best for last and begin with my project! Hoping to get a headstart on Christmas presents this year, I was thinking on little Christmas presents I'd like to pass around and/or use as stocking stuffers and, well, while browsing in a Dollar Tree store I saw these little bibles. Once I saw them, I knew just what I was going to do. Now the first one is not decorated or embellished for Christmas because the hubby lost another close friend and because I'd come up with the idea, I thought it would also be a nice little gift for the deceased's family, so this one I made as a condolence gift. I plan on dressing the others up more appropriate for Christmas. Anyway, you'll get the idea. Here's my bible in a box gift idea:

This next picture is the side of the box:

This last picture shows the bible I purchased for $1 which the box houses. You'll also notice the paper which was used on the side of the box also complements the inside bottom of the box:

Really I think this little gift can accommodate about almost any occassion depending on how you embellish it. And it probably cost less than $2, considering the cost of the sheet of paper! So, I hope you like it, and that it inspires a nice little gift giving project for you too!

Now I'd like to please take just another moment to share an award that I recieved from two wonderful family-friends: Eva and Jani. They both passed me the Versatile Blogger Award:

Thank you ladies so very much!!! I appreciate each time I'm thought for something so special as these awards. As I'm still considering who I'll be passing this award on to, I like to postpone doing that until I have more time to give it appropriate attention; therefore, I'll be back later to post who will be receiving it from me. I hope you ladies don't mind! In the meantime, I hope everyone visits my family-friends by clicking on their names (which are direct links to their blogs) and tour their wonderful blogs for fun and inspiration!

Well, that's it for now. However, I do want to thank you for stopping by to spend this time with me. Hugs to you all, and...

I'll be seeing you!

A ONE-YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MONEY BOX

2011-10-16T04:17:00.000-05:00

Happy weekend, everyone!!! I've been enjoying getting around visiting and admiring all the wonderful projects you've been creating!!! You are all so amazingly talented!!! Anyone I missed, don't worry, I'm coming!!!

I've been so busy with numerous things, however, I have been working on several projects. I had another check-in with my doctor and all's well. Had a few errands to run for the aunt (yep, I'm back at it again...lol!), had to take "the" Buster for grooming -- blah, blah, blah; but I finally finished one of the projects I've been working on. Well, I pretty much had to considering it'll be going with me and the hubby later today to an anniversary celebration. A good friend of mine and her DH are having their 1-year wedding anniversary celebration.

The gift for this couple came as somewhat of a surprise to me. Instead of a card, my creative juices started flowing to make a money box. The idea to do this just popped into my head though because my intention actually WAS to make a card. But..., I like this better!!! And I don't think I could have planned this box any better -- wherever, in the far-far recesses of my mind, this idea came from; if I did I'd definitely like to tap into it a lot more... lol!!!. Here's the money box:

Okay, let me tell you -- this money box can fool you because the base is not the box! It's the little round box on the top! To talk about my box a little, the box is detachable -- it's held to the base by magnets so it can be removed to easily get in and out of the box:

There's a little standing tag on the back of the base reading it's from Leonard and me; and when you open the lid of the box... that's where the gift of money is tucked away!!!

I added a bit of everything I could find and get my hands on once the thought of it was coming together... lol!!! I've added lace, satin ribbon, beads, rhinestones, flowers, and -- of course -- Stickles!!! I embossed it and even personalized the top of the box for the happy couple with a bottletop cabachon!!!

Don't you think this is a more exciting gift to give than just a card?!!! It's so different and I had so much fun doing this box. I really hope they like it, and I hope you do too!!!

I hope the rest of your weekend is a happy and crafty one!!! I'll be back with another fun project soon!!! However, right now I'm going to get a few hours sleep before I have to get ready to take my gift to the anniversary celebration.

Thanks for taking time to stop by, I always love and appreciate your coming over!!! Or, and you are at home when you're here I hope you know! For now, hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

OMG! I FORGOT MY "400 FOLLOWERS" RAK ANNOUNCEMENT YESTERDAY!!!

2011-10-14T11:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, everyone!!! I am soooo sorry, I forgot about announcing the RAK winner in honor of my 400 followers! I've been trying to juggle several things and it totally slipped my mind! I also thought yesterday was Wednesday -- where did this week go?!!! Please forgive my keeping you waiting.

The number selected by Random.org is:

The winner is: HAPPYSCRAPIN!!!

Happyscrapin, please contact me at audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net with mailing instructions for your Tim Holtz set.

Thank you all for following me, I love and appreciate every one of you. With that being said, please look forward to the next RAK I'll have for you soon -- I want to try to make all of you happy with time with opportunities to show my appreciation!!!

In the meantime, I have been able to sneak in some visits and I'll get to more of you as I can (had a bit of a problem with Blogger which slowed me down a bit though). I also have a couple of projects in the works that I think you'll enjoy!!!

That's it for now but I'll be back! I'm hoping I get one of my projects completed today, so I may even see you later today! Thanks for stopping by, and...

I'll be seeing you!

PEONY FLOWER CANDLE BASE TUTORIAL!!!

2011-10-12T16:47:00.000-05:00

Hello, everyone!!! I hope all's well and that you're all happy crafters!!!

You're all just sooooo amazing and I love you all for being yourselves, and I'd like to thank you for being so wonderful and dropping by to visit (and follow) my new friend, Sheila's, new blog. I hope you enjoyed your stay!!! I believe Sheila will appreciate all the love!!!

I've gotten a couple of emails requesting a tutorial on the peony flower base candle holder I did for Brenda's birthday blog hop, so I put one together for you. I think you'll be surprised at just how simple it is. In case you don't remember it, it was this one:

To put this candle base together you need oven-bake or air dry clay (whichever you prefer) and Liquid Sculpey to use as an adhesive for the clay.

To begin, pinch off a piece of clay just large enough to close your fist around, and begin shaping it into a ball by rolling it between the palms of your hands:

Next begin flattening the clay out by pressing it between your fingers and turning it constantly as you go to start forming the base petal for the votive. As you are turning, pressing, and forming the circular petal base try to get it as flat as possible while pressing it between your fingers; however, do not worry about it being irregular or having fingerprints, etc. -- we want this. If it tears, just pinch the clay back together and continue on. As an example, here I am pressing, turning, and shaping the clay:

Continue working the clay until you have a circle large enough to fold up and cover the sides of a votive candle:

Leave the voltive with the clay wrapped up the sides and form 4 to 5 more of these petals (depending on the fullness you want). Now, taking a second petal, add a dab of Liquid Sculpey to the center:

Adhere by pressing the center of the second petal firmly to the bottom center of the first petal attached to the votive. Using your fingers begin shaping the petals to look like a peony flower:

Add the remaining petals by gluing them on with the Liquid Sculpey and form/shape the petals with your fingers as you did with the first petals; lastly, remove the votive and you should have a base that looks similar to this:

Now how easy is this?!!! All that's left to do is for you to decorate it. You can spray it, paint it, use rub-ons -- it's all up to you!!! For the sparkle on mine base, after I blended together several color glazes to apply on it, I sprayed it adhesive and sprinkled Diamond Dust over it.

Okay, don't forget to leave your wonderful comments for my blog candy by going to the top of my side-bar on the righ side of this page and clicking on the link to that post.

Well, that's it for right now but I'll be back later to visit with you and admire more of the awesome projects you do!!!

Thanks for stopping by, and...

I'll be seeing you!

I FOUND A WONDERFUL NEW BLOG BY ACCIDENT!!!

2011-10-10T21:40:00.000-05:00

Hello, again, everyone!!! I just had to jump back in to let you know of a wonderful brand new blog I found totally by accident. While being directed to another wonderful new blog, I was misdirected to Sheila's Super Duper Crafty Corner, and Sheila has some amazing projects. It won't be long before she has followers galore, I'm sure; but, at the moment, I think I'm her only follower -- yes, she's very new!!!

I know you'd all love this amazing crafter, so I would appreciate your dropping in to visit with her, check-out her delightful and amazing crafts, and leave her a comment. Here's a direct link to her blog, and please let her know I sent you: http://sheilassuperdupercraftycorner.blogspot.com.

Besides being an amazing crafter and because Sheila is just getting started, I think she is just a perfect candidate for my very own award designed for me by my friends The Cricut Couple. I think this would make Sheila feel welcomed and show her some love -- it's for just those special moments like this I want to present this award. So, Sheila, please accept my "God Blesses You" blog award and I hope you post/display it on your blog proudly. I also hope you pass this award on to someone who needs a lift, encouragement and/or support, or someone who needs very special attention! Welcome to the community and to my family!

To all of you, you can be directed to my "400 Followers Blog Candy RAK" post by clicking on the direct link at the top of my sidebar on the right-hand side of this post. Please don't forget to leave those wonderful comments by the deadline date of Thursday, October 13. Comments for the RAK will only be accepted on the RAK post -- and comment as much as you'd like to increase your chance to win!!! Again, good luck!!!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you visit Sheila, you'll love her!!!

Love you all,

A BLOG CANDY RAK AND A BIRTHDAY PROJECT FOR A FRIEND!

2011-10-10T13:15:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a beauttiful weekened!!! I most certainly did, and I thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes!

I have a little RAK giveaway today to say "Thank You" to all my wonderful 412 followers!!! To those of you who are new to my family of friends, Welcome!!! I love having you here and I look forward to getting better acquainted! In honor of reaching/exceeding 400 followers, here's my giveaway -- a little Tim Holtz package:

As this RAK is a result of my celebrating my followers, and to show my appreciation of your choosing to follow and support me, only followers are eligible this time around for this RAK -- sorry! However, all additional new followers are welcome to participate as long as you're a member by the RAK deadline. (I will have more giveaways which will include all my non-member friends again soon!). The only rule to be eligible for this gift is to just leave me one of your wonderful comments! The drawing/deadline will be Thursday, October 13, no later than 5 p.m. CT. Good luck!!! And, thanks so much again for following me! I hope to never disappoint you!

Now I have a belated birthday project to share that I am sending to a wonderful friend. She'll know who she is, I'm sure, when she drops by for a visit...lol!!! But it's okay, I want her to see it!

I started this project as a card; however, when I looked at it, I decided to leave it blank because my friend has grandchildren and I thought this might even be better as a little card album. So I've left it for her to fill in as she pleases. Here's a tour of the project:

Here's why I especially thought this would work best as a card album instead of just a card -- it stands alone as a display for whatever is on the pages. That says, to me, "ALBUM":

I hope my friend likes this, and I hope you do too!!!

Well, I'm off to do some lite chores, run a few errands, and I'll be back later to visit! Thanks for taking the time to stop by to see me, love you all, hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

MY "BRENDA'S BIRTHDAY BLOG HOP" RAK WINNER!!!

2011-10-09T15:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday, everyone! And what a beautiful day it is here again today!!! The temperature is in the lower 80's, and it's a bright, sunny, gorgeous day! I hope your day is wonderful too!

I'd like to take this moment to thank all my wonderful new following family-friends! I am so happy to have you here and very much appreciate your choosing to be a part of my great family circle! I hope you enjoy your stay, and look forward to visiting with you also!

To you all, I apologize for being a bit late with this RAK announcement; I hadn't planned on anyone deciding to take me out so early in the day to begin my own birthday celebration. I hope they didn't think me rude for rushing to get back home get this posted... lol!!! I did have a wonderful time and once I'm done here, I have other birthday celebration engagements, so I won't be back until much later this evening, if I get an opportunity to visit at all. Okay, enough said, the winning number selected by Random.org is:

Number 28!!! The 28th commentor for the hop post is Marlene of Uniquely Ella Blogspot!!!

Congratulations Marlene!!! Please email me at audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net an address for you where I can send your blog candy by no later than Friday, October 14.

Again, I thank all of you who hopped with us and/or took the time for stop by for my project.

Now, very shortly I'm off but don't forget I'll have blog candy again tomorrow in honor of all my wonderful new followers -- you won't want to miss it!!!

Love you all, hugs, thanks for dropping in, and...

I'll be seeing you!

WELCOME TO BRENDA'S BIRTHDAY WISHES BLOG HOP!!!

2011-10-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Brenda's Birthday Wishes Blog Hop!!!

Hello, everyone! Thank you so very much for joining me on this hop for Brenda's 40th birthday and helping us to celebrate with her! Happy Birthday, Brenda!!!

Family and friends, there's a wonderful group of celebrator's ready to welcome and awe you with their projects along this blog hop trail, so don't forget to drop in on everyone!

Brenda, of course, has a very special blog candy treat for some lucky person, but you must visit all the hop participants, leave a comment, and become a member of each blog to be eligible for her RAK. In addition to all the great crafting and Brenda's blog candy, there will be other little surprises along the way -- including here! (You'll have to read each participant's eligibility rules to qualify.)

Now, if you've just popped in and would like to hop with us from the beginning, please see the list of participants below and just click on each of their links to be directed directly to their blogsite(s). Each participant will instruct you as to who would be the next participant you'd be visiting when leaving their site.

Participants:

Rhonda http://scraphappenswithrhonda.blogspot.com/
Kari - http://purplefuntastickcreations.blogspot.com/
Amy - http://www.lovetocrop.com/
Lisa - http://indymermaid.blogspot.com
Lynne - http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/
Kathy - http://the3esblog.blogspot.com/
Audrey – http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com
Tami - http://tamiscraftconnection.blogspot.com
Kathy - http://www.scrappingfelkatz.blogspot.com/
Susan - http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/
Kacee - http://www.youhadmeatscrap.blogspot.com/
Christy - http://christybladehandmade.blogspot.com/
Erika - http://www.craftysprouts.com/
Brenda - http://createbyburffrau.blogspot.com

With all that out of the way, let's get started! Knowing Brenda loves working with various media's and clay being one of them, I made this project specifically in honor of her for her birthday! It's a battery operated candle in a peony clay base with a matching card (the flower on the card is made of paper):

And, when it's lit, don't you think it's such a nice way of saying "...you lite up my life":

So, whadda ya think?!!! LOL!

Now for my blog candy RAK for you today! One of your comments will win you these stickers, letters, and package of assorted layout papers:

You do not need to be a follower of my blog to win, everyone is welcome to participate in this drawing. All you need to do is comment to qualify. (Exception: If you live outside of the U.S. and win this RAK, you will be required to pay any additional shipment and/or mailing charges.) Good luck!!!

The winner will be selected by Random.org and will be announced some time on Sunday, August 9, before 3 p.m.

Now for more fun, other great projects,and blog candy -- get moving on along the hop trail!!! Your next visit will be Tami - http://tamiscraftconnection.blogspot.com. Have a great time!!!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and, of course, I'll be seeing you!

WOW!!! I'VE REACHED 400 FOLLOWERS!

2011-10-07T15:24:00.001-05:00

REVISION: Well, I'm doing it again!!! No sense of date/time. On this post, below I indicated a date to return for a blog candy announcement of August 10; of course, the correct date should read October 10. It'll all come together for me eventually...lol!!!

Happy Friday, everyone!!! So are you all glad to see the weekend? LOL!!! I'm retired, so it's not like I work, so I don't know why I look so forward toweekends myself! LOL!!!

Anyway, without paying much attention, I realized I have 401 followers!!! Welcome new followers to my wonderful family, and love too to all of you!!!

I guess you know this means blog candy!!! But..., you'll have to return on Monday to see what I have for you!!! Ahhhhh!!! But, so, just come on back on Monday, August 10, to leave your comments for my candy package! You can bet I'll have a nice little RAK waiting for you!!!

Well, I'm off now to finish getting ready for Brenda's birthday hop tomorrow, so I hope to see you all.

Again, thank you to my new family members who decided to follow me; it's always such an honor to me and an honor to have you!!! I just love having all 401 of you!!!

I'll be seeing you!

JUST A LITTLE TREASURE BOX

2011-10-06T06:00:00.072-05:00

Hello, every one!!! Thank you for coming for my DT project that's being presented over at Sheila's today!!!

As for my project today, after spending so much time working on another project I thought was due yesterday but which isn't due until Saturday, I hadn't much time to prepare a design project for today and, for the life of me, my mind went blank leaving me with nothing much exciting to do for you. Normally, I start planning a week or so in advance for my DT projects but I was unable to do that this time around. Fortunately, not intending to let you down, I knew I could always do a box if nothing else -- if you know me, you know I love boxes!!! So, I put together this little treasure box for you (due to the Glossy Accent on the stamp of the woman's face there's a reflective glare, sorry about that):

Here's another view of the box:

This simple and easy little box may not be very exciting and/or what you expected but I hope you like it nevertheless. It's so simple and, as a crafter, you can probably put one together yourself in a jiffy; however, if not, at the end of this post tutorial you'll find a simple cut.file you can use or copy the pattern from. I put it together by first cutting out the 2 page cut file (the box and lid/cover, and the decorative paper panels):

Here's what the pattern pieces looked like once they'd cut:

Next I folded and bone-folded all the folds along each fold line on the box as noted in the picture below by the white markings:

Easy, right?! After all the folds were done, I turned the box over, grabbed the lid/cover and glued the panels on both the box and lid/cover pieces:

To enhance the color-depth of the paper, with a sponge I used Weathered Wood colored Distress Ink (which is a bluish color close in the color of the paper) to rub ink very litely onto the box and lid/cover; following that application, I used the tip end of the box of black StazOn Ink to distress the paper a bit by litely streaking the paper with the tip end of the inkpad:

Next, using 2 large stamps, I randomly stamped the panels capturing the image of the woman's face on the lid/cover:

After the ink and stamping was applied to both the box and lid/cover, I glued the box together and glued the lid/cover to the back of the box about 1" in:

At this point the box is done. But, of course, that naked box must be better dressed to impress... right?!!! So, I decided on my embellishments. The Tim Holtz keys and locks looked perfect to me; and I grabbed a couple of metal filagree which I cut into pieces to use on the lid and on the box corners:

(To dull and or lessen the sharp color the silver filagrees, I painted them with black paint and then rubbed off the paint. They then blended in well with the the silver lock and key)

You can see from the picture of the completed box at the top of the post how these pieces all came together. To finish it off, I highlighted and gave dimension to the stamped face of the woman on the lid/cover with some Glossy Accents, added small silver beads to the bottom of the box as the feet to raise the box a bit, used black diamond color Stickles to outline the edges of the box and lid/cover, and used a black Viva Pearl Pen to add the black pearls -- all done!!! To keep my box closed/secure, I simply tucked it behind top of the Tim Holtz lock embellie.

It wasn't what I would have done had I had more time to plan but, overall, for a rush job I'm pretty satisfied with it! I hope you like it too!

Thanks for joining me; I so much appreciate your taking the time to stop by.

Hugs, and I'll be seeing you!

http://www.4shared.com/file/v4pLI5um/Treasure_Box_-_George.html" target=_blank>Treasure Box - George.cut

I DID IT AGAIN!!!

2011-10-05T12:47:00.000-05:00

Hello, everyone!!! And welcome to another new follower! Very happy to have you in the family!!! I hope all's well!

Well, I did it again!!! I'd been such the busy beaver preparing a project for Brenda's birthday blog hop which I mistakenly thought was today when, in fact, the hop date is the 8th which is Saturday. I just don't seem to have any sense for time or days,..lol!!! Is it just me? You'd think I'd keep up with that, particularly when my birthday is the following Sunday... lol!!! I'm really going to have to work on my internal clock and calendar!!!

Anyway, as I'd invited you to join me today for a project, I did want to have something available for you, so I prepared this little card. I believe it's called a tunnel card but I'm not sure about that but here's a picture of the card front and the inside:

The effect of the card front was done by layering. I cut the octogon shaped windows on each layer 1/4 inch smaller progressively and layered them; I used 4 layers. The depth of the tunnel is dependent on the size of the initial window, the number of layers, and the size/measurements of each window layer. Here is a view of my layers:

This was really a very simple and fun card to do! I hope you like it!

Well, I'm off rushing now to get my DT project together for Sheila's blog on Thursday (tomorrow) and I'm absolutely sure of the day this time!!! LOL!!! Because I was so focused on thinking I had to have the blog hop project ready today, I have no clue what I'm going to do for my DT project yet but I'll come up with something...lol!!! Of course, I'll present my DT project here too, so hopefully you'll stop by here if you don't make it over to Sheila's! I hope I do see you all!

Again, the hop is on this Saturday, October 8. All details and participant information will be available on the Birthday Wishes Blog Hop post on Saturday. You want to come along for the inspirating projects, fun, and great blog candy!!!

Hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

I'M UP AND RUNNING AGAIN!!! LOL!

2011-10-03T16:47:00.000-05:00

Hello, again!!! Hope everyone is well!!!

NO, I didn't disappear again! The hubby was insistent I stayed still until my follow-up visit with my doctor -- which was today!!! My incision is nearly completely healed and I got a clean bill of health so that should satisfy the hubby -- I hope so because he's definitely been a pain in the rear... a sweet pain but a pain nevertheless...lol!!! I promised him I'd keep still and I did!!! Now it's my turn to be foot-loose and get back to what I enjoy! LOL!!!

I did get to visit with a few of you but it was so uncomfortable for me sitting up for too long that I decided to just wait the couple of days myself and give myself time because I DO NOT LIKE HOSPITALS!!! DO NOT LIKE the bland food they prepare for your meals, and do not like being constantly disturbed during the night, so I decided I'd be an extremely good girl so as not to unintentionally find myself back there again any time soon...lol!!!

Anyway, I guess you might have noticed the blog hop announcement on my right-hand sidebar; well, that's because I'm a participant, so I'll be here on Wednesday for Brenda's birthday hop with a project and I hope you'll join me. Of course, I'll have some blog candy too!!!

I can't tell you how very much I've missed you and I'm so glad to be back now to hang around a bit, visit, and work on some much "need to do" projects...lol!!!

Unfortunately, I'm so very far behind in getting to visit with you that it's impossible to play catch-up, but as soon as I finish my projects for this week, I promise to start getting around a bit faster now that I can maneuever better. Just don't give up on me, I'll be there.

Thank you all for your wonderful comments, for being here supporting me, and I love you all! Looking forward to resuming at least "somehere as close as possible" where I left off.

Hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!!!

HELLO! HOW I'VE MISSED YOU!!!

2011-09-28T14:49:00.000-05:00

Helloooo, everyone!!! I do hope everyone is doing well!

I've missed you all so very much. The other week when I wasn't feeling well, I really wasn't! I ended up having to have a bit of a hospital "vacation"! Fortunately, I got to my doctor before it became a serious matter. I am sorry I couldn't let you all know why I was detained but my hubby absolutely refused to bring a laptop to me, and he couldn't figure out how to post for me to let you know (Mr. "Blog Illiterate").

Anyway, I'm home and feeling fit-as-a-fiddle now, so I'll be back to visiting and crafting as soon as I finish getingt myself readjusted; giving Buster as much love as he's giving me-- the little stink really missed me terribly--, catching up on mail, what's been happening at home, etc.

Again, I missed you all dearly, can't wait to get back in touch!

Thank you for those who sent their concern, thank you all for stopping by. I love you all, and...

I'll be seeing you!

MY VERY OWN BLOG AWARD!!!

2011-09-20T19:51:00.001-05:00

Hello, my wonderful family and friends! I hope all's well! As for me, I'm still feeling a bit under the weather but I'm working towards feeling better while trying not to let how I feel keep me totally down.

In the meantime, I just couldn't wait any longer to share this with you!!! I am so fortunate coming here to great friends such as yourselves! I know I am Blessed having you, and I'm feeling particularly honored that my friend, Bobby (aka the "Cricut Dude"), thought enough of me to take time to create/design for me my very own blog award and to surprise me with it!!! How wonderful is that?!!! Hugs, Bobby!!! You have definitely made me feel special -- and Blessed!!!

Let me -- very excitedly and proudly -- introduce to you my "You Truly Bless Me" blog award:

Isn't it wonderful?!!! Bobby, thank you so very much for this!!! It has truly made me feel inexplicably happy!!!

As this is mine to do with as I please, I have decided I don't want to apply the same rules we usually see attached to passing on awards. Because this award is special to me, I want it to be special not just in a recipient receiving it... but how it's received and who receives it!!! And I want it to be fun!!!

I would especially love to see this award passed on to bloggers who need a lift, some encouragement, who need to know they too truly do bless us in special ways, and deserve this award.

So, over the next several days, I'll be thinking on the rules for how I hope this award will be passed on to others, and also who will be the very first to receive this beautiful and special award! I hope you'll all be around to congratulate the recipients (if it's not you... lol!!!) -- I'll let you know when!!!

Again, thank you Bobby!!!

Well, I'm back off to bed again. Writing this post was enough to let me know I'm not quite ready yet... lol!!! If I can later, I will probably get up to do some visiting; checking in to see all the wonderful creations you're doing!!! Sorry, I can't do any better or be any faster getting to you right now.

Thanks for stopping by to share my joy of this wonderful gift. Hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

JUST AN EXPERIMENT!!!

2011-09-19T16:53:00.000-05:00

Hello, all! And hello and welcome to all my new following family-members that I may not have acknowledged in the last few days! I'm happy to have all of you here!!!

For several weeks my aunt has been increasingly demanding and has kept me pretty busy. In trying to please her, I've been overworking myself; so Saturday and yesterday were days of rest -- particularly after coming in from church yesterday feeling ill. Unfortunately, I'd also been really very tired for awhile so I guess it started to catch up with me. I felt some of the pressure but ignored it, not realizing just how tired I was and/or how it was effecting me. Being HARD-HEADED I even ignored the signs. For instance, I don't know if any of you noticed -- and I just can't figure how I did it -- but I made a wrong selection on my last blog candy for the paperstack. The winner should have been the Cricut Couple as they were the 12th commentor; how I counted as far down to Maria... I just don't know. However, as embarrassing as it was, I've apologized to the Cricut Couple, and both they and Maria will receive paper stacks. Thanks to my hubby for recognizing my error in that he decided to sit and browse/read through my posts and comments. Also, on Thursday, my DT project here on my blog posted late because I thought I'd automatically scheduled it but had never taken it out of "draft" mode. Then, I dozed off Friday afternoon and was awakened by the sound of a god-awul explosion -- I'd forgotten some eggs I'd put on to boil and when the water completely boiled away -- BOOM!!! LOL!!! What a mess; boiled eggs were all over my nice clean kitchen!!! God only knows what else I've done I'm not aware of yet!!! LOL!!! Anyway, like I said, I did get some rest most of weekend. However, doing nothing, bores me very easily; therefore, I decided I'd just experiment on something simple for a minute or so to break the monotony.

Several weeks ago, I purchased this frame bookmark from a resale shop:

Well, by now you should know me! I've been looking AND looking at it, and this morning decided I'd experiment to see if I could come up with something similar -- not to do anything stressful or strenuous, just something to toy with. After thinking on how I might be able to make this bookmark, I grabbed a coat hanger (and cut off a section of the wire), a can of gold spray paint, a medium and small size cabachon, and some oven-bake clay:

And in a matter of about 30 minutes here's the outcome of my version of the bookmark:

Here are both bookmarks side-by-side:

Mine is still a bit rough looking but now that I've done the experiment, I know what I'll do refine it to make it better looking! However, I won't do that now because I think the fumes from the paint are causing what was a dimenishing migraine to resurface. However, I'd appreciate your telling me what you think so far!

Before I leave, I also want to share what may be the very last of the roses from my hubby's garden for this summer. Each year he keeps fresh assorted flowers and roses all throughout the house that he's grown. All his red roses and most of the flowers have already gone but there're still a few buds left of the white, pink and yellow roses on the bushes (which he's hoping will still bloom). Here's what he brought me in yesterday that had opened:

His flowers and roses are always so pretty! Here's a close up of these which are probably though his last ones for the summer:

Well, I'm going to get a bit more rest to try to rid myself of this aggravating migraine; then I'll be back later to visit with some of you! Maybe even "sneak" in another project!

Thanks for stopping by, love you all, and...

I'll be seeing you -- soon!