GAME CLOSED!!! -WE HAVE A POSSIBLE WINNER - CHECK MY POST COMMENTS FOR MY COMMENTS

POSTED:  SUNDAY, MAY 5,  9:55 AM - GAME CLOSED:

Good Sunday morning, everyone!!!  I hope you've all enjoyed the NSD weekend!

At this time the game is CLOSED.  We do have a potential winner!!!  All the questions have been correctly answered including the bonus question!!!  However, she/he has responded anonymously and until I can confirm the game participant is a follower (as subjuect to the rules),  I will not reveal the bonus rak at this time and this is not considered a forml announcement.  Confirmation will be pending until this requirement is established.  I will be contacting the participant via email today to confirm, and I will let you all know.

The correct answers are:

1. There is no score before the game, therefore, the answer is zero (0)
2. Wrong is always pronounced wrong, no matter how you pronounce it.
3. A hole was put in the barrel
4. A "T" is the difference between here and there
5. The day after Wednesday is Thursday  (this is the question everyone had the problem with)

     Bonus:  Five (5) letter word for a  female demon is a Lamia (or any 5-letter word meaning female demon
                 would have been accepted).

Again, I will be getting back to you as soon as the potential winner's status is confirmed. And, if this proves to not be the case, all current players will be given credit for their correct responses in the new game, and if this is necessary, I will provide detail at that time.

In the meantime, thank you all so much for playing with me.  I hope you had fun and will return for more fun and games!

I'll be seeing you!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, guys!  I hope you've all been paying attention to my little warnings because it's now GAME time, and you've got to be present to win!!!

Now, as I recall, the last game, which was a version of "Hangman", was too simple and completed within minutes of it being posted, so I'm hoping to make this one a bit more of a challenge.

For this game, you'll have to be a follower, and respond by comment to this post only. The following  are the quizz questions you must answer:

1. How does Jerry always guess the score of his brother's soccer game befor the game begins?
2. What 5-letter word, no matter how you pronounce it, is always pronounced wrong?
3. A man takes a barrel that weighs 50 pounds and puts something in it.  It now weighs less than 50 pounds.  What did he put in the barrel?
4. What's the difference between "here" and "there"?
5. When the day after tomorrow is yesterday, today will be as far from Wednesday as today was from Wednesday when the day before yesterday was tomorrow.  What is the day after this day?

• Bonus Question:  What is a 5- letter word for a female demon?

All five (5) questions must be correctly answered by 12 noon (CT) on Sunday, May 1.  The first response received with the correct answers to the questions will receive the 24-page Mini Album below which you can decorate and embellish as you wish:

Regarding the bonus question:  If the first set of 5 questions are all answered correctly and include the correct answer to the bonus question, there will be a surprise rak included along with the album.  This surprise rak will be announced once I have all the correct answers.   The surprise rak will not be included with the album unless it is answered correctly along with correct answers to all five questions.  In other words, if you answer the five (5) questions correctly, but miss the bonus question, you will only receive the album; or, if you answer the bonus question correctly, but miss any of the correct answers to the addition five (5) questions, you forfeit the album and surprise rak.  The surprise rak bonus question must be answered correctly with all five questions also answered correctly. 

If no one answers all five questions/bonus question correctly by the time designated, one question will be removed and replaced with another question, and another time designation given, then the game will continue as outlined above.  This will continue until a set of five (5) questions have been answered correctly.  If it is necessary for a game to be continued, another small rak will be added to the album.  There will be a maximum of 3 games.  If no one wins the rak by the end-time, the rak will go towards the next game time.  So, get your thinking caps on!!!

Have fun (?)!!!   LOL!!!   GOOD LUCK!!!

CORRECTION TO ORIGAMI BOX TUTORIAL

Please note:  It was pointed out to me there was a print error on one of the scores for the origami box tutorial. The correction has been made.  Please note the correction/change prior to constructing this box.  The tuturial diagrams, however, are all correct as shown

I apologize for any inconvenience this might have caused you!

CONTRIBUTORS SHOWCASE ANNOUNCEMENT AND REMINDER!

Good Friday afternoon, friends.  We've made it to another weekend, and I hope it's one we're all prepared to enjoy!!!

On a sad note, I must tell you we have lost one of our beloved fairies.  Due to family/personal obligations and responsibilities Helen (Paperscissors)>  has regrettably resigned from the fairy team and will no longer perform any showcase tasks.  Although she is still a part of our family and will be sorely missed as a team player, we wish her well in her undertakings.  All the fairies will still remain in close contact with our dear friend.

As a result of Helen's leaving the team, we are forced to make an immediately change.  As there can only be one award selection per fairy, our awards must now be reduced to four (4) instead of five (5).  We apologize but it is a necessary change.

However, on a happier note, the fairies will be announcing new and more challenging showcases beginning on May 9 in time for the Contributors Showcase #5.  The changes will be posted after the showcase #4 awardees post on Monday, May 2.  These more exciting and fun showcases, we believe, will encourage and boost participation!  So come around and check out what we'll have going on for future showcases!  We have some surprises in store for you!

Lastly, don't forget!!!  The fairies are delighted with the projects of our contributors for Monday's showcase,  and appreciate and thank them for their participation.  For those of you who have projects currently prepared, today is the last day before 8 p.m. est. to get them submitted for the showcase #4, so please hurry toget them registered before time runs out.

Well, I think that's it for now.  So, until...

I'll be seeing you!

REVISED ORIGAMI BOX TUTORIAL

Please note:  It was brought to my attention that I made a print error in the scoring of this box.  The score mark shown below in red bold print is corrected to read 4.50", not 4' as initially posted.   The tutorial diagrams shown, however, are correct.
Good evening, friends!!!  I hope all's well and I apologize for being so late posting today, however, it was such a beautiful day today that my hubby decided we'd spend the day together and end it with dinner out.  It was fabulous day and I had a wonderful time!!!
Before I get started, I see a new follower I'd like to say hello to -- hi, Blue6366!!!  Welcome and so very happy to have you!!!  Now that you're at home and family...

I mentioned I'd have the tutorial for you for the origami box and I do.  You'll need one 8.50" x 11" sheet of cardstock and paper glue to make this box, and whatever embellishments you choose to decorate it.


Starting with the top 8.50" (across) side of cardstock, score at 2.50" and 6".

Turn paper around to the top of the 11" (across) side of cardstock, score at 2" all the way down the length of cardstock; score at 2.50" but do not score past the scoreline marked at 6" for the opposite side.  Next, score at 4.50" and 6.50" all the way down the length of cardstock; score at 8.50" but, again, only to scoreline marked at  6"  for the opposite side; and score at 9" all the way down the length of cardstock.

Turn paper around the opposite 11" (across) side of cardstock and score only to the scoreline at 2.50" and 8.50".  You're scorelines on the cardstock should look like this:

Next, on both 11" sides, cut the 2.50" and 8.50" lines in both directions to the scorelines opposite them as noted on the diagram below in red:

All the remaining black lines are fold lines.

Fold up the tabs and the panels at the 2.50" and 8.50" red cut lines.  You're cardstock should now look like this:

Now fold up along all the remaining black score lines, then unfold and lay cardstock in a flat position again.

Next, fold the inside panels up, with the cut ends folded in forming one-half of the box; do the same to the opposite side forming the other half of the box; glue box sides.  It will look like this:

Okay, we're almost done!  Now, take the top end panel and fold up; take the cut tab and while still holding the end panel up, fold the tab downand glue to the bottom of the red cut line.  It will look like this:

Now fold and glue the tabs down on the remaining three (3) corners and you have your origami box!!!

I hope I made the directions clear enough for you.  If you have a problem, just let me know!!!

If you make this box, I'd really like to see what you did with it!!!  Enjoy, and...

I'll be seeing you!

A CUTE LITTLE ORIGAMI BOX

Well, happy Wednesday!!!  Everyone!!!

Good news is that I actually got home sooner than I thought and have spend the afternoon trying to play catch-up and work on getting all you wonderfully talented but hesitant crafters to sign up your projects in the showcase.  The other good news is that my doctor says that my hand is doing well, I'm doing a great job with my therapy, but that it will take about six (6) months before my hand is fully healed.  Well, as long, as I can craft -pssst!!!  I'm happy!

Now that I've gotten some things out of the way, I'd like to share another little project with you.  This is one of those projects I found on the internet somewhere and, for the life of me, can't remember where.  Now I have my cute little journal to avoid this type situation, right?!!!  Anyway, I remembered the box and just had to sit down and try it.  Now mine may not be exact to the origami box I saw, but I think it's fairly close.  I'm working on drawing up a tutorial for you if you like it and I should have it ready sometime tomorrow or no later than Friday.  I'll also be doing a cut.file but I'll have to let you know (in advance) about when I'll have it ready for you.

When I saw this little box, I thought it was just adorable and I hope you will too.

This box opens by folding down both sides, like this:

And is completely open when fully extended:

I don't know what I'll put in it, maybe you will all give me some suggestions!!!  I hope you like it!  If so, don't forget to check back for the tutorial and the cut.file.

Thanks for visiting, and...

I'll be seeing you!!!

A "SITE" TO REMEMBER

Good evening, friends.  Hope all's well!

Wow!!!  Now I think I know why I was having Google issues yesterday!!!  I just noticed all the new updated blog changes -- they've even added video!!!  I'll have to check out what else is new, but first I want to share with you.

What a day I had today!!!  First I had to go to therapy, then grocery shopping, and I ended up with taking Buster to be groomed.  It's been a long day!!!  I was hoping to get home to post earlier than this; unfortunately, things don't always go as planned.  The downside is I have to go back to therapy tomorrow and more errands to run -- a woman's work is never done!!!

Anyway, I have question for you -- while I was unable to craft due to my hand, do you remember I mentioned to you all how I'd been getting in some blog-hopping, and had gotten several inspirations and ideas from some of the blogs I visited?  Do you also remember my mentioning my hubby telling me to write those sites down so I'd remember them?  Well, of course I didn't!!!  Now, I can't remember where I went and/or what I saw, and all the ideas I had seem to have gotten lost in my head somewhere.  Anyway, that's what brought me to this little project I want to share with you today.  I am so frustrated with this continuously happening to me that I decided to do something about it.  What? Well, I'm going to tell you.

I made this little journal I'm calling "A Site To Remember" (got that -- "Site"?  Catchy, huh?), and I'm putting it next to my computer so that everytime I visit a site or have an inspiring idea I can write it down.  Of course, I wanted it to be a little fancy for my desk.  Here it is,and this is the cover of the journal:

This is the closure flap opened by using the ribbon pull:

This is the cover of the book opened revealing the inside of the journal with the writing pad:

And this is the flap open to the writing pad:

Isn't it cute?!!!   And, I did all the writing in the Jasmine cart using my cricut glitter pens!!!  Although I've had them for a while, this is the first time I've used them!!!  I must say, I think I'm going to now be addicted to them.  The paper is from K&Company.  I hand cut and made the journal, and the pad is from the Dollar Store.  The embellishment  on the  closure flap is one of Tim Holtz's fragments which I backed with a decorative piece of the paper.

Well, I certainly hope you like it!!!  Now I'm off to do some blog visiting and commenting.  So many things to do, people to see, etc.!!!

I'll be seeing you!!!

A Gatefold Acrylic and Paper Card & Box Set

Happy Sunday, everyone!!!  Well, another weekend is winding down and I'm starting to get around better -- Woooohooooo!!!

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend as it starts to wind down.  As for me, I was up most of the night tickering with this card -- still can't get the full cooperation of 2 of these fingers but I'm just happy to be crafting -- I have no complaints!!!  LOL!  Anyway, as I was saying I was working to complete this little project.   It's not much, but for me it was another accomplishment.  So far, I'm down 2 new projects!!!  Just a few days ago, I couldn't do anything!!!

This card is made from acrylic and cardstock, and it has a matching box.  I cut out the gatefold card  and letters on my E and just cut by hand the acrylic slightly larger to fit beneath the gatefront fronts.  I do not have a cut file for it, but you should pretty much be able to look at it and figure it out (just double-click on the image for a better view).  I made it into a Mother's Day card only because that's the nearest occasion and I figure I'll give it to someone to give to their mom on their special day.

Because the acrylic is cut larger than the card and extends the front panels forward, the card is able to stand alone as it's own display.  I wished I were able to embellish it more, but I still must be a little careful with glue and stuff.  However, you can betcha I'll really dress the next one up because I love the effect of this card.  I hope you like it.  It's simple but to me it's still elegant.

Well, that's it until tomorrow when I'll be back to announce and feature the contributors for the showcase.  I hope you'll all join me and the fairies in congratulating the selected awardees and all the contributors!!!  They all did an amazing job!!!

I'll be seeing you!!!

I'M BACK!!! AND I'M CRAFTING AGAIN!!!

Helloooo, all my beautiful friends!!!  I hope you're all well and bright this beautiful Friday!!!  To all my new followers I may have missed while I've been temporarily MIA, welcome to Cute and Some!!!  It's wonderful to have you and don't even think about going anywhere -- LOL!

Yes, I'm back and I can't wait to hear from all of you!!!  Doesn't it seem like I've been gone forever?  I think I have some catching up to do -- LOL!  I'm feeling so much better, I could scream it to the world!!!  And, I want to thank all of you for the many "get-well wishes" comments you left for me.  You don't know how much they meant and how comforting it was to go through and read them. My really good news came when I told my therapist yesterday that I missed my crafting, and she said "do it, it's good therapy".  Well, she didn't have to tell me twice, I ran right home and started this little project.  It took me all day and half the night to get it done because I'm still unable to fully bend all of my fingers and there's still some minor swelling, but I'm doing my therapy exercises in between the sessions and I can feel them getting more limber -- it seems by the hour -- LOL!  There is still some pain in the finger that split open, but it's healing well and not nearly as bad as it was earlier.  Well, I'm just so excited to return to something I so much love and enjoy that I wouldn't care if I were in pain!!!  Not to mention how much I missed all of you and hope you missed me too.  I did try to keep up with my visits to you as much as I could these past weeks, but if I missed anyone, it was because it was not easy trying to manuever with only one hand; and being there are so many of you.  I will be playing catch up now though!!!

This little project I've done is sooooo darn cute!!!  When you look at it I'm sure you'll think what's so cute about it, it's just a box, but you'll soon see. Now the pictures may not be so good because it's still hard for me to grip most things, and it was not very comfortable trying to hold on to my camera.  But here's my box...
there's nothing really different about it except it's embellished, right?  Wrong!!!

Take a look at the back of the box:

Okay, here's where cute comes in!  When I unfasten the back the flower ribbon (which I have velcroed), the bottom panel of the  box opens into a little dispenser:

Isn't this just too darn cute?!!!  And I have a cutfile of it for you below!!!   I've filling mine up with buttons I use for crafting; what will you put in yours?!!!  I can't wait to see!  Just lift the lid at the top of the box and fill it with beads, buttons, pins, money, candy, gum balls... anything you'd like!!!  Open the bottom panel to remove your items!!!

I used the George cart to cut this box.  It's really very simple to put together.  I hope you enjoy it!!!

Well, that's it for now!  But, as always...

I'll be seeing you!!!  Real soon!!!

NOTE:  I wanted to leave this little reminder that today is the last day, before 8 p.m. EST. to get your projects in for showcase #3.  The fairies and I are so anxious to give out our awards  on Monday!!!

And, I haven't forgotten we have a "game time" so don't get too comfortable!!!

Dispenser Box.cut

PLEASE READ RE: CONTRIBUTORS SHOWCASES

Hello, friends!!!  Hope your weekend is winding down on a happy note!!!

I hope you please will take the time to read this post:

Tomorrow, Monday, April 19 is the beginning of registration for Contributors Showcase #3; and the airing and awarding to the contributors of showcase #2.  We would really love to showcase and reward your talent, so if you have a new craft (even one prepared for another challenge/contest) why not register it here in the showcases too!   We are also working on some exciting new things to introduce into the showcases in the near future; however, this will only be possible if we can get enough contributors.

We believe your projects are very special, that you are very talented, and would love to present your creations to as many viewers as possible.  We believe you can inspire and motivate others through your talent, so I'm challenging you to show your crafts here in our showcases!!!  If you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact myself and/or any of the team fairies by posting a comment to our blog; we will be more than happy to get back to assist you.  If you have any suggestions, please let us know those also.  If there is a reason you are particularly not interested in the showcases, we would very much be interested in knowing why. Everyone is (this includes non-followers) welcome to participate!

Here is a sample copy of the award for showcase #3:

Isn't it pretty?  Well, we're anxiously awaiting being able to present it next Monday to five (5)  selected contributors.

As an aside, although all the projects submitted to-date have been, we feel, exceptional, we had to set a  limit.  The decisions as to which projects will be selected are difficult ones and may even result in our possibly having to draw for contestants.  I am explaining this because we do not want any participants who have submitted an entry(ies) that does not get selected to take it personal.  This is NOT a contest!  All your chances to be showcased are equal!  But we have to have a limit!  So, just keep those entries coming in each week and soon your project too will be showcased and awarded.  If we can keep the showcases going, I promise you it'll happen; and I hope you know that I'll do all I can not to disappoint you.

Again, be reminded submitted projects do not have to be exclusive to the showcases, they only need not to have been posted within a specific time frame (see rules) and as of right now there are no craft designations.  However, there are some surprises being outlined for future showcases. 

With that being said,  I hope you please stop by tomorrow to view the projects contributed to showcase #2  and to congratulate the awardees.  In the interim, the fairies will be looking forward to seeing your project entries for showcase #3 -- we hope you don't let us down?

Have a great evening!!!  And...,

I'll be seeing you!

HELLO, FRIENDS!!!

Hello, everyone!  Just dropping in to say I hope you're all doing well and ejoying the weekend, so far.  As for me, no cmplaints other than I'm missing crafting!   I'm feeling better daily and being entertained royally.  When I'm fully functional I think I'll probably miss the spoiling and pampering almost as much as I miss crafting -- keyword "almost"!!!.  Hopefully I'll have my hand removed from this splint this week so I can get back to my crafting which I miss terribly.  If not, at least I know the wait now will be sooner than later.  It's not that I'm such a patient person, it's that I have no choice!  So I'm not heroic, brave or any such thing; just biding my time  -- which is fastly approaching.

I must tell you, I've been trying to visit and keep up with what's going on with you and in the "neighborhood" as much as possible, and I've been so inspired by ALL the wonderful projects and creations you've been doing.  I have all these wonderful ideas in my head that I'm planning, and can't wait, to begin working on.  Funny, but I think I've had more mojo working for me now than before -- LOL!!!  Although it would be just like me on my first day of being able to craft again, not to recall any of my ideas or to be able to come up with a single project -- LOL!   My hubby keeps telling me to write my thoughts and ideas down, and I think as soon as I finish talking to you that's exactly what I'll do.  Ole brain isn't as spry as it used to be!  (Did I say that?!!!)

If I've missed getting around to visit anyone, I'm still working my way around and I'll get to you too!

Anyway, enjoy the remainder of your weekend, hope you do lots of crafting,  enjoy and savor every [special] moment of your life!

Hugs!!!

I'll be seeing you

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWERS AND HELLO FRIENDS!!!

Hi, there!!!  Had to drop in to say hello, and to welcome a brand new follower!!!  It is so wonderful to look up and see a new friend who wants to follow me even when I'm unable to do any crafting right now; that just makes me feel wonderful and is even more of an incentive to want to  hurry up and whip this hand in shape!!!

To all my new followers, thank you so much!!!  I welcome you with open arms and hope you make yourselves at home and stay awhile.  I love company and will try to keep you as entertained as I can.  Right now I'm working on getting better from a nasty hand infection, but as soon as it clears up and heals, I'll be back to crafting and sharing -- two of my most favorite things to do, so please just be a bit patient with me and don't run away!!!

I have to tell you all  though that with my phone ringing off the hook, family and friends dropping by to comfort and feed me, hubby being absolutely attentive, and having your comments and being able to visit and admire your projects has kept me from being bored.  Without family and friends and all of you, I probably would be ready to climb the walls!!!  I feel I'm going to not only end up spoiled but fat too!!!  LOL!  I told another friend I wonder what happened to bringing a person flowers when they were not feeling well!!!  I love flowers but I'm really loving all the goody gifts waaaaayyyyy too much!!!  I think Buster is really jealous because I'm now getting all the attention he's accustomed to getting; although I've given him some "special" loving and attention-- he's such a cutie!!!   I bet he's not missing my crafting at all!!!  LOL!!!

Also, I may be operating with only one hand right now, but at least I'm able to do this.  Believe me, I am not putting any stress on the healing hand or myself.  When these meds tell my body to rest, I disappear!!!!  LOL!  I may not like it but it doesn't give me a choice.  Typing with one hand is slow and laborous, but it keeps me busy between calls and visits, and this is something I love.  Helps too to take my mind off some of the throbbing and pain-- makes it easier to deal wih.  All I'm missing right now is being able to craft and that's coming.  I'd rather do this than to sit around complaining and feeling sorry for myself -- and I don't/won't!  To me, I'm still able to do a part of what I enjoy so much, so I'm happy with this until I can do better.  Which, hopefully, is jusy days away now.

So, what appears to be stubbornness in taking care of myself  is really my way of coping while enjoying the pleasures that I can at the moment.  In a sense, I am doing something for me to help me get better -- I'm not letting this overpower me and make me miserable.  I'd much rather be as comfortable in this situation as I can and happy than being as miserable as I can -- does that make sense?  anyway, I'll be poking in and out checking on all of you too.  Okay, okay, I'll admit it, I'm hooked too!

Thank you so much for all your kind words and warm comments.  You just don't realize how much your attentiveness has helped, and I'm so gratefeful!

Now don't forget, this blog is still busy; the fairies are waiting for your craft entries and I'll be sneaking in a little blog game at some unannouced time very soon.  So, my hand "ain't" stopping no show -- heeee-heeee!

I'll be seeing you!

BLOG CANDY WINNER!!!

Hi , all!!!  Thank you so much for your well-wishes, sound advice, and overall concern; I so much appreciate it and it warms my heart how much love you're sending my way -- I can really feel it!!!  However,and it's probably why, there's just no way for me to stay away too long!!!  That would take a lot more than a bad hand!!!  Someone already referred to me as a "blogger gone wild"  How funny is that?!!!  But I'm feeling a bit better (even did some visiting although I didn't leave any messages), so I wanted to just  drop in to announce the winner of the blog candy!  Sorry, but I had to wait until the hubby got back from running an errand, otherwise I would have had him select a winner and posted a couple of hours ago.

AND THE WINNER IS...  Barb's Boys. 

Barb is a recent friend and follower whom I have so soon come to admire,  She is a another talented and kind woman you'd love to visit.  When you have a chance, drop by and tell her hello; she'll be so glad you stopped by.  You'll like her blog too!

Barb, I'll need a snail mail address to send your RAK to.  You can leave me an email from the message board and I'll get back to you.  And, congatulations again!

Everyone, because I may only be dropping in and out, I'm still keeping my eyes open, soI'm still expecting and checking on your entries for showcase #2.  The fairies hope you all enjoyed the first showcase and look forward to you coming back!!!  There's an award awaiting for your blog!!!  Get to crafting and sgin up before 8 p.m. EST. on Friday!  We're looking to see you! 

That's it for now.  As you can probably imagine, my right hand is getting quite a workout!!!  LOL!

Oh, almost forgot, FOREWARNING -- you're due for a "game time" soon too, so be on the lookout!!!  This will be the only notice -- Still a little stinker!

I'll be seeing you!

RELEASED!!!

Good afternoon, friends!!!  First I need to apologize because I wasn't here yesterday to personlly congratulate all the showcase awardees.  Also, I'm going to be a lttle later getting to the winner of my blog candy than I expected.

You see, as I'd told you, I went to see my doctor yesterday but what I didn't know was that it would turn into an all night stay!!!  Before I left yesterday, one of my infected  fingers decided to split open maybe 5 -10 minutes before getting out the door and it was a mess!  When I did get to my doctor's office she immediately sent me over to the hospital emergency room where they admitted me and treated me for an extremely severe case of "cellucitis" -- a bacteria infection below the skin.  They were so afraid the infection may have gotten into the bones, veins, and/or the nerves of my hand.  I am so glad I have a strong faith because I think, although I've had some major pain these last few days, I was the most calm of everyone in that little room they had me confined to.  Anyway, I just got released several hours ago and I'm just getting home.  To keep me from being able to do anything with my hand at all, they wrapped it in a splint.

I now have to take a different antibiotic and a probiotic (to replace the good cells and bacteria that the antibiotics kill).  I'll try to explain it all in detail later.

Before I was released, they gave me a whole bunch of goodies to make me feel better.  I'll let you peek in my bag...  I've got sterile water, syringes, pills, gauze, and all kinds of stuff for my hubby to treat me over the next several days.

And I got to "sport" the lastest fashion hospital emergency room wrist bracelet...

All joking aside, this is a serious and frightening infection, and was/is excruciatingly painful!!!  Right now I'm still pretty groggy from all the meds and four series of antibiotic IV drips.  So, I'll be back later after I let my body get the rest it's so much demanding right now.

I haven't forgotten you all and I miss you too!  Wanted to let you know what was going on and that I wasn't ignoring you.  As soon as I can wear down the effectiveness of these meds today, I'll get the names of my followers who left comments together, have my hubby pull from a box, and come back to let you know who won my blog candy; but, it may be several more hours.  I'm sorry!  This episode truly wasn't part of the plan!

Showcase winners, sorry I'm a day late in saying congratulations!!!  You and all the contestants did great!!!

Right now, not feeling too great, kind of dizzy, kind of still in some pain and discomfort; so gotta go get myself better so I can get back to you all sooner than later.  Before this stuff takes over and "knocks me out" completely, I've got to figure out how I'm going to keep this hand elevated while I'm sleeping; don't have the bed rod here they had in my room last night -- tsk, tsk...

I'll be seeing you!!

REMINDERS!!! RE: BLOG CANDY AND CONTRIBUTORS SHOWCASE

Happy Sunday, my friends.  Hope all's well,

Won't be long as it's no fun and is too dang slow trying to type with one hand, however, I wanted to remind you of several things:

1. If you haven't already, don't forget to sign up for my blog candy.  The drawing is Tuesday, April 13.  See post for "15,000 Hits" to leave comment.
2. Registration for Contributors Showcase #2 will be open/available in Mr. Linky on (tommorrow) Monday, April 12.  Showcase #2 will be posted/held on April 19.  Click on the Showcase label on my sidebar to get a direct link to Showcase post and Mr. Linky.
3. Selected showcase projects for the Contributors Showcase #1 will receive awards and projects posted for viewing on (tommorrow) Monday, April 12.
4. Please "show some love" to the selected participants.  Give a visit or a "shout out" on the great projects they contributed.

I'd like to say, in closing, all the projects entered in Showcase #1 are exceptional.  The fairies were amazed by the talent.  We hope to see you all come back to play with us!!!  We have a totally new reward waiting for your name to be put on it!

And, thanks for making our first showcase a success!

Here are the links for all the entries in Mr. Linky for showcase #1:

1. http://myscrappyjourney.blogspot.com/2010/04/create-critter-arrived.html
2. http://scrapperscreativecorner.blogspot.com/2010/04/contributors-showcase-1_08.html
3. http://shariscreationswiththecricut.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-entries-to-cute-and-somes.html
4. http://shariscreationswiththecricut.blogspot.com/
5. http://scrapadoodledee.blogspot.com/2010/04/more-create-critter.html
6. http://suessnippets.blogspot.com/2010/04/some-of-my-favorites.html
7. http://scrapadoodledee.blogspot.com/2010/04/coaster-box.html
8. http://sammibugscrapshack.blogspot.com/2010/04/entry-for-challenge-and-contributors.html
9. http://scrapperscreativecorner.blogspot.com/2010/04/contributors-showcase-1.html
10. http://www.scrapperscreativecorner.blogspot.com/
11. http://lovethatbug.blogspot.com/2010/04/contributor-showcase-1.html
12. http://sandyfromukiah.blogspot.com/2010/04/this-is-my-entry-for.html
13. http://www.sandyfromukiah.blogspot.com/

I'll be seeing upu!

P.S.  I'll let you know what the doctor says about the hand after my visit with her tommorrow.

YET ANOTHER BLOG AWARD!!!

Happy Saturday, all!!!  Hope all is well. 

I hope you don't mind if I keep this short, I'm having quite a bit of pain in this hand right now, but I wanted to acknowledge my friend, Just2ducky for awarding me the Ms. Brightside award.  When I'm able, I'll pass this award on to some other deserving recipients.  In the meantime, please visit my friend when you can.

Thank you my friend!

I will try to visit you all later!!!  Thanks for your patience!

YEAAA!!! I'VE GOT ANOTHER BLOG AWARD!!!!

Happy Friday, friends!!!  Hope you're all heading for a bright, sun-shiny, and happy weekend!

I am so honored to be awarded again by Brenda, the Ms. Brightside Award.  Brenda has been a good friend that has encouraged and supported me for almost as long as I've been blogging.  I admire her and I'm inspired by her work.  You may recognize her for all the comments she leaves on, it seems, almost everybody's blogs.  Please click on her name to be directed to her blog.  I know you'll enjoy your visit to her.

Because it's difficult typing right now, I'm going to refer you to my last award for the "About Me" and "Trivia" details.  I hope you don't mind and understand.  As far as passing this award on, well... no one deserves it better than all of you, so please feel free to grab it.

Thank you so much, Brenda!  You are a wonderful friend!!!

I'll be seeing you!

A Sympathy Card and Gift

Helloooo, friends.  Helloooo new followers, I see you there, and welcome!!!

I have not had a pleasant day today with my hand.  I hate taking meds but I broke down and took a couple of pain pills today.  The only problem is the pills wear away before you're scheduled to be able to take another one, so I've been trying to keep busy.  But now I think it's starting to really get to me, so I'm going to share this with you and give this hand a break.

I have been saying I would post something to share for the last several days; unfortunately, I didn't expect my hand to be in this condition.  However, I took my time (that's all I could do!) and worked on a project I'd started.  I told myself I'd post this project today whether it was completed or not, and that's just what I'm getting ready to do.

I had so much trouble trying to work on this today with my hand in this condition, and I made so many errors because my fingers refused to cooperate.  It's such a simple project but because I can't bend/move 2 fingers, it became unbelievably difficult to put together.  I am unable to complete it because I'm having some really nasty pains right now -- like pins being stuck in my hand.  But, I will finish it for you one day soon when I'm better.  For right now, I thought you'd get the idea.

Like I said I was bound and determined though to post today.  I will complete the cut.file tomorrow for you because I still have some "tweaking" to do.  This is just awful, from what I'd already started on this project, it should have only taken me 20-30 minutes and now I've worked on it all day!!!

I cut the card, the cross and the box from the George cart.  I used my Cuttlebug to emboss the card front and the cross (maybe if you can click on it you can see).  I typed the words on the card, cut it out and inked the edges.  I used beaded lace ribbon and a plain white ribbon bow and added rhinestones to the flower petals.  I used transparencies for the windows in the box.  There were a few more embellies I wanted to add and I wanted to cut out the words for the inside of the card, but I just can't manage to do anymore.

I hope you like it "as is".  Look for the cut.file sometime tomorrow.  At least, I hope to be able to tweak what is just a small matter without too much of a hassle.  It's even taking me a long time to type, so I'll be back to you all tomorrow.  Thanks for you patience with me, I appreciate it  -- and reading all your kind and warm comments have helped me get through the day too!

Oh, before I go, the fairies and I would like to thank everyone who  entered into the Contributors Showcase.  Everything I've seen so far is absolutely wonderful!!!  We are so glad you came to play with us!!!  Good luck!!!

I'll be seeing you!

Cross, Box and Card.cut

REMINDER -- DON'T FORGET!!!

Hi, all.  Just dropping in to remind you that all entries for the Contributors Showcase must be entered into Mr. Linky by 8 p.m.. EST on Friday, April 9.  All the fairies are waiting for you!  Just go to my sidebar under the "New!!!  Contributors Showcases" label and click where indicated to get to details and Mr. Linky.

Also, please don't forget to leave your comments for my blog candy giveaway.  The drawing date is Tuesday, April 13.  Scroll down to the post for "Over 15,000 Visitor Hits" for rules and details.

Thanks and I hope you all have a great evening -- oh, just noted the time so, a great morning!

I'll be seeing you!

OH NO!!! MY HAND!!!

Good evening everyone!  Hope all's well!

Well, unfortunately, athough I'm trying ( it's slow going) I'm having a difficult time completing today's project.  I'm also having a hard time trying to type this post.  You see, I suffer terrible every year this time from eczema and it always settles in the same place -- my left hand, right between the fingers.  Last night, I lost some sleep because of the itching, and then came pain!!!  And, throbbing!  What little sleep I managed to get left me feeling physically drained, and I awoke with swelling so bad that several of my fingers wouldn't bend, and moe discoloration, pain and throbbing.  I noticed a couple of days ago a little minor swelling and just keep applying the hydrocortizine I'd been prescribed thinking it would just go down; it was itching but not painful, so I just overlooked it as normal.  I don't know if I was rubbing/scratching at the itching areas too much or what, but this infection definitely set in really quick.  This is what I got up to this morning:

As you can see, during the night the infection worsened and spread below the knuckles of the fingers and down into the upper portion of my hand.  My doctor prescribed an antiboitic to take for the usual 10 days; I took one when I got back home and I only awoke about an hour ago.  She also gave me a prescription for Tylenol 3 with codein for the pain (which I probably won't take).  Once the infection is gone, she said we'll deal with something to help re-soften the skin, which is sandpaper dry, and something to help get rid of the discoloration and bring the natural color back.

Thank God I had a doctor's appointment today and didn't have to go sit in an emergency room!!!  I deal with the itching, discoloration and dryness every year; however, I've never had an infection to set in before.  You wouldn't believe how painful it is!

Overall, I've decided I'm not going to let it keep me from doing what I enjoy -- but it will take me a bit longer, so please bear with me.   I really hope to post something to share with you all tomorrow and if I don't get around to visiting you between this evening and tomorrow, I am on my way!  It's not easy trying to type with 2 fingers that don't want to cooperate -- LOL!!!

I'll be seeing you!

OVER 15,000 VISITOR HITS!!! BLOG CANDY TIME!

Good day, friends.  Happy Monday to you all and I do hope you had a great Easter weekend.  I very much enjoyed my time with the DH and Buster, and it was one of the most relaxing weekends I've had in a while.

Before I continue, I'd like to take a few minutes to welcome some new followers.  Hello, to you!!!  I'm so happy to have you and I hope you visit often!   As I've always said, "I love company".

Well, unbelieavably, I have an excess of 15,000 visitor hits!  It seems like I only got here a few days ago -- LOL!  And, as a token of my appreciation, I have a small RAK to share.

This is just a tiny gift of appreciation , and the only rules to getting it is you must be a follower and to leave me a comment under this post.  You will have until  the end of the day on Tuesday, April 13.  On Wednesday,  I will have the hubby pull a name out of "the hat" from the list of commentors and announce the winner.

Thank you all for your continued support and all the kindnesses I have received from you.  I will always try my best to support, encourage, and inspire you as well.

I'll be seeing you!!!

P.S.  Oh, and don't forget the Contributors Showcase, the team fairies and I will be looking for you!

HAPPY EASTER SUNDAY!

Happy Easter to all my family!!!

Just dropping in to say I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

But, before I go, please note the message above for the "Contributors Showcase".  Get your projects ready to be signed up between Monday (tomorrow), April 5 and Friday, April 9 by 8 p.m.   Projects will be showcased on Monday, April 12.   Just click on the first label on my sidebar, "Contributors Showcase" and follow the directions to the post for all detailed information and to register with Mr. Linky

All the team fairies will be waiting for you!!!

I'll be seeing you!

THE "JACK POT SLOT" BOX

Good Easter Saturday!!!  I hope all's well and this Easter weekend is colorful and gay!!!

Unbelievably I have reached 15,000 hits, so in a couple of days I'll be posting a little RAK -- look out for it!!!

Now I have a little item I made that I think you'll all get a bit of a kick out -- but first, how it came about.  I was in my hubby's "man cave" -- the basement -- waiting for some laundry to dry.  While sitting there, I looked around laughing at all the toys he has accumulated; a big screen tv's, bar tv, exercise room tv, stereo equipment, electronic exercise equipment, wii, and then my eyes stopped searching further and my brain started ticking.  This is what I was looking at:

It was the hubby's slot machine -- a BOX!!!  So I ran upstairs, grabbed my camera, ran back downstairs, moved the chair from in front of the machine and snapped a picture.  With my mind still telling me "a box", I ran back upstairs, sat down at my cricut and here's what I came up with:

It's a slot machine box!!!  I cut out the box using George, and I search Google for a picture of a slot machine that I cut into layers and decoupaged on the front of the box to give it some dimension.  Here is the box open:

I used Stickles for the simulated lights and 3D Crystal Lacquer for the windows on the slot machine.

Is this pretty cool or what?!!!  I am pretty excited about it.  I know a few people who love to play slot machines and I'm thinking this would make a great birthday gift to them!  Of course I won't put "Cute and Some" on their box, but I'm thinking it'll be pretty clever to use their name.

.Unfortunately, I forgot all about my clothes in dryer until this morning, and they had cooled off and wrinkled by the time I did think about them -- hate wrinkles!!!  So, I popped them back in the washer on the last rinse cycle and re-dried them -- gone were the wrinkles!!!  LOL!!!

I hope you like the box.  I've included a cut.file and the picture of the slot machine I Googled for you to use to make your own.

I'll be seeing you!

The Slot Box.cut

I'M BACK WITH MY DECISION ON WHO I'M CROWNING QUEEN OF CRAFTS!!!

Well, guys, I sat here and pondered, and it was just too hard a decision to make, so I decided on only one person -- justifiably.  I guess my mind was on this friend who is troubled right now, so I thought she would be the best one to receive this award.  I not only decided based on the fact that she could use some love and warmth right now but because she is also a person who shares her crafting talents and inspires; is a kind, spiritual and loving soul who gives support and encouragement and now she could use some of what she so often freely gives.  I know many of us know her.  She has probably visited many of our blogs and/or commented to you on the mb.

I am passing this on to Bren of Brens Designs.  If you don't know her, please click on her name and visit her.  She is such a sweetheart and she has many projects she shares with anyone who wishes them.  Right now she's having a love affair with Pazzles -- LOL!  It's amazing what she does!  Right now also, I'm sure she would appreciate your just dropping in to let her know she and her family are in your thoughts and prayers.  You see, her hubby has been ill for a while and is not doing very well right now.  She is such a beautiful person, I hope you'll all give her some love!  If I'm not mistaken, I believe she is also one the card fairies-- it would be like her!

Not that I won't be back this weekend, but just in case I forget to say it, I wish you all have a wonderful Easter weekend and Easter Sunday!!!  It'll be just the hubby, Buster and me  for Easter dinner this year, and as this hasn't  exactly been a "normal" week for me, I'm not disappointed.  Usually I love the hustle and bustle of getting prepared for company and I dearly love my family and friends but I'm looking forward to (and need) the quiet comfort of a peaceful HOME SWEET HOME.  I still have some "last minute" Easter projects to complete and, of course, I'll be in and out checking on all of you, so I won't have to be concerned about having to try to "squeeze" in the few things I have planned between trying to entertain.  So,...

I'll be seeing you!

YIPPEE! I'VE BEEN "CROWNED" CRAFTING QUEEN!!!

Happy Friday to all, and what a happy Friday it is for me!!!  It's 80+ degrees here today, a beautiful day!  And, guess what I got!!!

My friend, Cindy McVey has honored me by "crowning" me a Crafting Queen.  Cindy shares with kindness and generousity her crafts without asking anything in return and, although she refers to this award as her appreciation for and acknowledgment for all she's received from her followers and others, I see it as just another one her fine qualities -- being a caring and sharing individual!  Cindy, thank you so much!!!  I hope I am deserving of this honor.  Please visit Cindy's blog (by clicking on her name above) whenever and as often as you can because she doesn't just offer files, she offers learning tutorials, gives great advice and inspires in so many ways.  You'll love her as I do!!!  And, if it sounds like I'm gushing, I am...  I really love Cindy!

Here's my award:

I have to share this with you, I had just dropped in to visit Cindy when I saw this award on her blog.  I started reading and then saw my name.  Well..., I think Cindy had just posted it and probably hadn't even finishied writing out her comment to me that she was passing it on to me; but, I got so excited, I grabbed it and ran with it -- LOL!!!  So, if Cindy had entertained any thoughts of changing her mind, it would have been too late, heee-heeee!

Can you believe it, I have a "blogdom"?  That's how Cindy referred to the blogs she's awarded -- a "blogdom"!   I'll be darned!  Sounds royal to me!

Well, I have to pass this on to honor another blogger and because I love you all, it's a difficult decision to make.  So, I'm going to think about it for a bit and I'll be back to let you know.

I'll be seeing you!

A PYRAMID'S TREASURE GIFT BOX

Well, good afternoon, everyone!  What a beautiful day it is here in Chicago; the temps are in the 70's, the sun is shining, Buster is running around being little "Mr. Happy", and I found a hit counter that took up where the one I accidently deleted left off.  How Blessed am I?!!!

I've got a little something to share with you this afternoon.  As I couldn't sleep this morning (and decided it was best I get off my computer before I made any more mistakes)  I completed the cut.file and made this little pyramid box.  Although I put holes at the top of the box for ribbon to be drawn through to hold it together, I decided at the last minute to glue 2 of the sides together to the front side and leave the back panel as a door in the back.  I made the circular lid to help keep the side(s) held together.  Here is the box with a tiny bottle of perfume, which is the pyramid's treasure when tucked inside the box:

This is the box open showing the treasured bottle of perfume inside:

I used a small glue dot to secure the bottle to the bottom of the box; closed it up, placed the circular lid back in place, and now it's ready for a gift.  And, oh yes, of course I made the perfume too!  It's from my toiletry collection.

You don't have to glue your sides together on your box, but use a heavier weight board for the circular lid to hold and secure all the sides toether.  Or, draw a pretty thin ribbon through the top holes and make a pretty bow to secure the sides.  It's totally up to you to make it yours!  I hope you like it!

I'll be seeing you!

Pyramid Box.cut

OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!, I ACCIDENTLY DELETED MY HIT COUNTER!!!!!

Good morning, all!

I should have been trying to sleep this morning but, oh no - not me!  I started out after 1 a.m. this morning playing around really with my blog.  I figured I'd take a few minutes to "tinker" with a few things before retiring and now here I am up all night!  I started playing with some of the available gadgets and what do I do -- I ACCIDENTLY delete my hit counter!  And, wouldn't you know the one I used is no longer available.  Of course, I didn't think to save the code; I didn't even think about the code at all after the counter was installed.  If you don't have your html codes saved, save them-- don't let this be a lesson to you!  I don't know how many hits I had exactly but I know I was pretty close to 14,500.

Well, there goes blog candy when I get to 15,000 because now I don't know when that will be!!!  Ooooh, but not to worry; of course, I'll make it up in some other way!  I've tried to find a counter to start as near to or close to where I'd left off, but the default start count on all of them is 15.  I wish this hadn't happened, I really enjoyed seeing all the visitors dropping in; but it's what I get for tickering around instead of taking my tired old self to bed.  There's no way I'm starting over at this point, so I'll learn to live without it, but I will truly miss seeing all my visitors.

Well, it's after 5 a.m., guess I'll try to get a few hours sleep -- probably won't, too disgusted with myself!  But I'm going to bed and lay down just the same.

Is it just me?!!!  LOL!

I'll be seeing you!!!