CORRECTION TO LINK FOR SLEIGH CANDY BOX TEMPLATE

Hi, again, guys!  I apologize but I understand there was some trouble with the download link for the sleigh candy box template; that the download link was not working. I've made an adjustment both on the post for the project, and here at the bottom of this post also with a link that should work.  I apologize for any inconvenience if you attempted to download one of the templates and couldn't!  The links below should get you the templates!  Just click on your choice of the the JPEG or PDF image for downloading.  This should work.  Should you have any further problems, please let me know so that I can contact 4Shared to find out what the problem could be with the links.

Well, the DH and I had another good day!  We were invited to and given tickets for the Bayou Fest football game in Indianapolis this weekend when we visited with a friend today.  Of course the DH is definitely going but I'm not too into football, so I think I'm going to just stay here around the house and get some crafting in.  Hubby wants company driving down but I haven't made him any promises!!!  I really prefer not going and I'm trying to make up time with Buster too because (excluding yesterday and today) I really hadn't given him as much attention as he deserves and it was showing.    He is such a good little fur-baby and he'd been so patient to get attention.  He's been much happier these last couple of days!!!

Anyway, I popped in to make certain you guys had a "workable" link  for the templates.  And I hope it resolves the problem.

Have a great evening!



Please click your selection for download:

JPEG:



PDF:

TEMPLATES SLEIGH CANDY BOX AND CARDSWAP CARD PICTURES

Good afternoon, everyone!  Hope all's well!

Wow, I had such a wonderful day yesterday; hope you did too!!!  The weather here yesterday was mid-70's -- not too cool, not too hot, just a lovely day -- and the hubby suggested he, myself, and Buster get out and enjoy it!!!  The 3 of us had a great-great day!  Buster, I think, was in "fur-baby" heaven having both of us to himself!!!  Because today is another great day and the weather forecast is for a not-so-great weekend, we decided to do it all again today!  Probably not many more really good days, so we're going to try enjoying what's left of them.

In the meantime, I wanted to make certain I posted templates for the sleigh candy box for you.  You will find them at the bottom of this post.  One of the templates is a JPEG picture file and the other is a PDF document file; you decide which works best for you.  For future use, I will also have these posted on my sidebar before the end of the day tomorrow; I'll let you know exactly how to locate them once they are posted there.  If/when you use this template, I'd really appreciate your linking your project to my blog so that I can appreciate what you've done with it too!  Enjoy!

Something else I 'd like to share with you today - I recently participated in a cardswap hosted by Agnes, aka Flowerdisco, and in the mail yesterday, I received the following cards in return for the ones I did for the swap:

I don't know that the pictures do them they justice they deserve and, if not, I'm telling you they are ALL just so beautiful!!!  I just have to say I was absolutely amazed by the extraordinary talent of these cardmakers, and the time and effort they put into making these cards; they are amazing!  And, being that I'm not very much of a cardmaker myself (mine weren't nearly as nice as these), I am so inspired by these creations that I am prompted to immediately work at creating better cards myself.  All the ladies did a wonderful job and I so much appreciate getting them, and being a part of the swap!  Thank you, ladies!  Agnes, you did a fantastic job!!!

Well, I'll be back!!!  I'll try to get around to your blogs to say hello when I get back later this afternoon/evening.  And if the weather is great in your part of the world, do yourself a favor -- enjoy it!!!  I hope it is and I hope you do!!!

In the meantime...  I'll be seeing you!

Click on your choice of image for template download:

JPEG:

PDF:

DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW...

Hi, everyone!  Back again and I think I have a project to share that you will all like.   I think it's adorable and I don't like to brag about my own projects.  I was so excited about this one, I could hardly wait for the glue to dry.  So, tell me what you think:

It's a Christmas card and sleigh candy box gift set.  Here I'm trying to give you a closer-up of the sleigh box:

I got the template for the sleigh from a 5-year old issue of a "Paper Crafts" Holiday Magazine.  I've been meaning to use it since the time I bought the magazine but I always forgot about it during the Christmas seasons.  Well, not this time...

I, again, used the Christmas Noel cart to cut the reindeer (I think I've got a thing for those reindeer -- lol!) and used puffy paint for the snow.  As soon as I scan the template of the sleigh, I'll post it for you -- would you like that?!!!

I'm not good at entering challenges, but maybe I'll try to find one to tuck this one into!  Yea, I like it that much!!!

Well, off to get the DH some dinner and then back to the craft table!!!

P.S.  I forgot to mention earlier, the letters on the card "Merry Christmas" were cut from Plantin Storybook.

I'll be seeing you!

 

FLIP-FLOP CHRISTMAS CARD EMBELLISHMENTS (ONLY) CUT.FILE

Hi, everyone!  And happy Tuesday!

I do have a project to share with you all a bit later today -- I'm waiting for the glue to dry!  In the meantime, as promised, I am posting below the cut.file for the flip-flop Christmas card embellishments and elements.  THIS FILE IS FOR THE EMBELLISHMENTS AND ELEMENTS ONLY; please refer to the card  tutorial the for paper size, and the scoring for the card and card base.  If you construct this card, I would love it if you linked your card here on my blog!  I would just love to see what you did with it!

I'll be back shortly with my project.  I really think you'll like it!


flip flop xmas card embellies.cut

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

Just dropped in to let you know, I'm up and running!!!  Everything seems to be working just fine!

Well, I'm off to crafting!  Starting a project I believe you will all really-really like!

I'll be back!


P.S.  Per the request, my next post will contain the flip-flip card embellishments cut.file.

ROSES ARE RED!

Good happy Monday morning, friends!  I trust you all had a wonderful weekend!!!

First I'd like to say hello and welcome several new followers!  I'm so happy to see you here and I do hope you'll make yourselves at home!  Google Connect isn't always dependable when you need to locate friends and as I could not find you in blogland, please let me know where I can contact you to personally thank you for following me.  If permissible, I'd also like to drop in you too!  If not, I appreciate your following and hope you find some inspiration whenever you're here!

Second, someone did request the cut.files I used for my Christmas flip-flop card; I have not ignored this request.  I still have some file updating to get to -- lazy; however, as this one was done already for my debut on TheBugBytes, I'll make it available as soon as my Cricut E is up and operable which, hopefully, will be today.

Third, I was asked if I would be buying the Imagine, the answer is "no", not at this time.  I think it's a great machine but as it is not yet capable of working with DS I have not found enough interest in it to purchase.  I love being able to manipulate and create using all the available cartridge characters, when and how I'd like to, more than just having the characters available to use as designed; so, until it's been updated to work with DS I don't really see spending the money right now.  I LOVE designing!  I know once it's compatible with DS I'll be dying to get it!!!

With the above things addressed, moving on...  Of course I'm still waiting for my cord to arrive in the mail today but, over the weekend, I did play with a couple of resin projects.  The first project I must have added too much hardener to the resin because it actually overheated and warped my project -- sorry it was badly ruined so I won't be posting that horror!  The next project, I think, came out beautiful.  I'm calling it "Roses are Red" (yea, I know, very original; right?!)  Anyway, I grouped together several silk flowers in a glass container, added clear marbles to the bottom of the container, and added resin so that the roses appear as though they're in water; I used a low-temp glue gun and added drops of glue to give the rose petals the appearance of having dew on them:

Oops!!!  I was in such a rush to share this with you that before taking the picture I forgot to remove the plastic tie holding the flowers together beneath the base of the roses!  If you see it, pretend you don't; the tie was just temporary to keep the roses in place until the resin set.  I can remove now. 

Below is a close up of the roses with the "dew" look using the glue gun.  If you click to enlarge you might see it better:

Well, I guess I'm off to find something else to play with until the mail gets here.  In the meantime, I hope you like my roses because I'm presenting them to all of you!!!

I'll be seeing you!

AN AWARD FROM A DEAR FRIEND...!!!

Happy Saturday, everyone!  Hope all's well and that you're enjoying your weekend, so far!

Well, I've had an opportunity to do plenty of visiting today!  I think I've probably visited with close to 200 friends in blogland!  It felt great to drop in on some that I hadn't had a chance to visit in quite a while!

I also received this wonderful surprise award from a very dear friend, and former cuteandsome team fairy, Helen, aka paperscissors:

This award is titled the "Queen of Patience" Award; isn't it beautiful!!!  It was presented to me due my reaction to my recent Cricut E and Gypsy predicament.  Actually, I'm really surprising myself!!!  I can't believe I don't have the use of my machines and I'm not pulling my hair out!  LOL!!!  Like I said though, I don't think I'm surprised!  I can't recall ever having an error-free update with my machines -- I think it's only taught me to just "hurry-up" and wait!  LOL!

Helen, thank you so very much for this beauty and it definitely did what you set out for it to do, my friend!!!

If you don't know my friend, visit her when you can -- she's just one of the greatest!

Well, Provo Craft says I should have the cord by Monday, so I'm just going to wait patiently.  In the meantime, I may just go start some "hand" project(s); at least I'd be crafting and have something to show for my patience.

Hugs, all!  I'll be seeing you!

IS IT JUST ME?!!!

Hi, again, guys!  Well, woe am I!!!

Here's what I have...

... an old Expression, a brand new Expression and a Gyspy!!!  And I can't cut anything!!!  Each machine works independent of the other but will not cut because Gypsy doesn't recognize either Cricut Expression and stalls whenever I try to cut from DS!!!  I've been back and forth on the phone with Provo Craft  all day!!!  They are now going to send me a new cord.  They said they "think" this will resolve the problem!  Why or why didn't I just wait and let my old Expression just die!!!

As anyone else had this problem?  Is it just me?!!!  LOL!!!

I'm LOL because it's just been one of those days I refuse to let get to me and steal my joy!!!  I can't believe it but I'm not at all upset -- maybe I anticipated this!

Don't you just hate updating anything though?  Does it ever go "smoothly"?  Oh well, I'm sorry but it looks like now I'll be further "delayed".

I'll keep you updated!

UPDATE!

Hello, friends!  Hope all's well!!!

Wow, life certainly seems to just keep getting in the way!!!

I thought I'd jump in here to let you know I'm not delinquent -- again -- but slightly delayed!  As it appeared to me my old Expression might have been dying on me, I went out to purchase a new one.  I've done all the DS font and firmware updating on the new Expression; however, I am still in the process of reinstalling and updating my Gypsy.  I did run into a slight problem with the version of Microsoft Frame.net istalled on my computer and had to call Provocraft for some help there.  I just got off the phone with them and now I'm keeping my fingers crossed everythings installs and runs perfectly!

I thought I'd let you know what was going on, and to let you know I'll be seeing you shortly!

WOW, I WAS PASSED ON THIS BEAUTIFUL AWARD...

Happy Thursday, all my lovely friends!!!  Thank you to all of you who dropped in for my debut today and your wonderful comments.   I appreciate you all so very much!

Wow, the wonders and the blessings never cease!!!  I found out I've been passed on this really beautiful blog award from Rhonda:

Thank you so much Rhonda!  I'm sure most of you are familiar with Rhonda and all the wonderful minibooks she makes and gives away; if not, you're in for a treat when you visit her -- please do!

In order to accept this award, I must pass it on to 15 other deserving bloggers.  As I always say this is the hardest part of accepting an award because all of you are awesome project creators! So, as I always try to do, I've narrowed one looong-long list down to 14 bloggers and I've reserved the last one for all of you, my friends, that would like to grab it!  You all deserve it!

Jamie, Bits of Paper
Terry, Crafter's Delight
Dawn, Dawns Crafts
Debbie, Love Life's Little Pleasures
Stacy, Love That Bug
Rose, My Happy Place
Ohhh Snap
The Cropping Canuck
Scrapcrazyyyy
Beatriz, Amazing Grace
Shari, The Cricut Rookie
Love, Laughter and Creations
Cokie Pop Paper
Barb's Boys

Please visit these talented crafters for great and inspiring crafts!

Have a great day!  I'll be seeing you, because...

I'll be back!

A FLIP-FLOP CHRISTMAS CARD

Hello everyone, I hope all is well and happy Thursday!

I'd like to thank Pam of http://thebugbytes.blogspot.com/ for having me debut as a designer on her wonderful blog today.

Unfortunately, I do not own the Robotz cart, so I elected to do a Christmas card to share with you.  I'm calling it a flip-flop card because it's a single version of the flip-flop book, and I hope you'll like it.   (I do apologize for the bad qualityof the pictures, I could not seem to find better lighting.)  Here is the outside view of the card:

Here is an inside view and a close-up of the inside sentiment:

 

Now I'm going to show you how I put this card together.  I began by getting together all my embellishments and card elements, beginning with laying them out in Design Studio and cutting them out::

I put these aside and continued on to doing the outer layer and base cards.   As shown below the outer layer card is an 8"x11" sheet of paper scored at 5.50" down the 11" top side of cardstock; the base card is a contrasting (or background color) 8"x11" sheet of cardstock scored at 5", 5.50", and 6" down the 11" top side of the cardstock:

I bone-folded the 5.50" score line on the outer layer card;  the base card is also bone-folded on the 5.50" score line, and the 5"and 6" score lines are then folded onto the 5.50" score line.  The example below illustrates one side of this fold.  The same is done to the other side:

After all score lines were bone-folded I turned the base card over, with mountain-fold side of the score lines up, and placed it on top of the outer layer card carefully aligning the edges on the right side (it's important to align the edges as close and even as possible) and then gluing the cards together up to within 1/2" from the 6" score line:

Next I did the same to the other side, ran my bone scorer along all the folds, and the card will look like this when you stand it up:

Okay, now I go back and grab my embellies and elements.  One item at a time, I painted each item using a brush-on glue (you can also use Elmer's Glue thinned with a bit of water) and sprinkled all with a fine glitter:

Next I glued the tag covers (decor cardstock) onto the tag bases (the contrasting color); these are used for the flip-flops on the inside of the card:

Now, the fun part, putting it all together!!!  I decided where I wanted my embellies and elements to go, and glued everything in place where I wanted them on the outside of the card:

On the inside of the card:  with the tabs centered one on top of the other along the mountain-fold of the card base (but making certain they did not touch, leaving about 1/8" space between the tags), I glued the top tag to the top peak of the mountain fold and glued the bottom tag to the underside peak of the mountain fold.  NOTE:   If you make this card, make sure the decorative side of the top tag is facing up and the base side of the lower tag is facing down before gluing in place; this is to assure when your card opens the correct sides of the tags are displayed.  If you look closely at the card picture below you will see the top tag flops over towards the right and the decor will remain facing up but the lower tag will flip over to the left when the card is opened, so the base side must be face down when glued in order for the correct side to show -- thus, giving it the name "flip" "flop":

Lastly I added my additional embellies, some pop dots, lots and lots of Stickles, and the card was done!

If you are interested in making this card and using these embellies and elements on this particular card, the following can be found on these cricut cartridges:

Christmas Noel - the reindeer

TBBM - the tags and snowflakes

Wild Card - "Merry Christmas"

If you would like my cut.file where these items are already sized to cut and which also includes "Seasons Greetings" from the Blackletter cart, let me know and I'll make it available to you.

Thank you so much for stopping by, and should you have any questions, please feel free ro post your question/comment on my blog and I'll get back to you.

Thanks, again, Pam!  And, I'll be seeing you all again soon!

AT LAST! A LITTLE EASEL CARD TO POST!

Happy Tuesday, everyone!  And I hope you're all enjoying a wonderful day!!!

I have to laugh at myself because, like a child coming home to play with a new toy, I was so excited to get home, rush in the door and complete this little easel card to post, and share.  It seems like I've been away such a long time and that it's been forever since I've actually posted; I've been so anxious to finish at least one of the several projects I'd started since the weekend.  This was the fastest to complete and get posted!

Now this card isn't glamorous or anything, it's just an easel card but it's the only project I've completed in several days and that alone makes me happy.  Besides, as I'm not very fast at making cards, I really need a jump-start on my Christmas cards, so you'll probably be seeing more over the next several weeks along with any other projects I complete-- I hope you don't mind!!!

Anyway, here's my card:

Unfortunately, I've still got things I need to get to tomorrow, one being I have to take my aunt for her doctor's appointment in the morning and that's an all morning affair -- unfortunately!  However, the medic car she used to order to drive her always comes too late for her to make her appointments on time, so I'm now her designated driver.  I really don't mind, she's 90 years old and although she still works (yes, she's employed as a live-in care giver Monday thru Friday) and gets around pretty well, I don't trust having her on the street getting on and off buses.  You see 3 years ago, getting off a bus going to work, a 16-year old not only hit my aunt and ran, she drove over her legs crushing bones to get away.  After surgery, it was predicted my aunt would never walk again but although she has rods in both legs, she's one very, very feisty woman!  She determined she would not sit at home and "dry rot" as she calls it, so she got up, started walking, and requested her agency arrange a patient for her to tend to close to home.  Before you ask, no, the family couldn't stop her eventhough we insisted and threatened!  She's a dear and I believe working is what keeps her motivated and going strong!  So, we all gave in.  Now, I just try to be watchful of her and keep her happy.  The family does take comfort in that the lady she cares for only lives several blocks from my aunt's home and everyone in the neighborhood knows them, and watches out for them and my aunt's coming and going.  For her to travel further outside her area -- on buses -- would make me too uncomfortable.  But she'd try and dare anyone to stop her!!!  LOL!!!

After that I have another errand, so I can't promise I'll have a project tomorrow (although I'll really try to finish another one); however, I will have my debut on Thursday over at Pam's blog and I'm hoping you will all join me for there for that.

In the meantime, hugs and...

I'll be seeing you!

STILL BUSY!

Hello, everyone!   Happy Monday and I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Between chores I've been working at dropping in to visit with you but I just wanted to pop in here to say hello and let you know I'm thinking of you; particularly to those of you I haven't gotten around to yet.  I'm still quite busy running around doing errands and tending to home/family matters but hoping things calm down very soon.  It's time time of year for change and I'm all caught up in it!!!  Iget manage to get started on a couple of projects; unfortunately, didn't get an opportunity to complete one of them to share with you today.

I also notice I have a new follower.  Hi, MsDebbie and welcome, and thank you for dropping by and for commenting!!!  Please make yourself at home and come as often as you like!!!  I love company!!!  I love lots of friends!  And, of course, I'll be dropping in on you too.

Well, guys, that's it for the moment.  After I get home tomorrow, I hope to be able to complete one of the projects I'm working on to share with you.  Until then, have a wonderful evening and...

I'll be seeing you!

JUST A LITTLE SOMETHING TO SHARE

Hello, everyone and sorry I haven't been around these last couple of days.  However, between home and family errands, and finally doing some remodeling at my little place here, my hands have been full.

I'd like to thank all of you who came to my rescue with suggestions and/or offers helping me to get the "new" look around this place.  I definitely needed and appreciated the help -- and the motivation!  I do hope you like the changes I've made so far, and I'm trying for a few more.  Of course I still have some updating to do but, at least, I'm now over one major hurdle!  LOL!

Over the last few days, unfortunately, I haven't had much time for crafting; however, I do have a small project I'd love to share with you.  This is a card I found on the web and after seeing it I got sort of interested in remembering how it folded.  It was a while ago and when I saw it, I swore I'd remember, so I moved on.  If my memory is correct, I'm pretty darn close to the "real" thing.  One of these days...!

I used the medallion stamp I got from the CHA to make the embellishment for this card and I apologize for the card being unfinished as I don't know yet who the card will be for to complete the label on the bottom front, nor have I gotten the folding down quite "pat" as it's a little "off":

I think, because of the way it opens, it'll make a great house-warming card!

If anyone knows where I might have picked up this card on the web, I'd appreciate you letting me know as I'm still "tickering" around with it and would love the actual directions.  If not, I'll either do a cut.file or tutorial using the folding technique I've used on this one.

As I have some other agenda items to get to this evening, I probably won't be visiting with any of you until tomorrow when I get home from church but I will get to you as always.  In the meantime, I have missed you and I'll be back!!!

Hugs!

RESIN THINGS AND A CARD

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

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday to see so many of you had posted.  I thought you'd be, as I was, glued to HSN's 24-hour craft show!  Actually, I wish I hadn't been so involved in the show because I'd have more  in my bank account today-- LOL!!!

Unfortunately, I spent the rest of the evening (and most of this morning) on-line trying to figure out how to change the look of my blog -- and in between checking up on all of you.  I was on-line searching on how to save my sidebar and making other necessary changes, so as not to lose anything, because I want to update my blog look.  None of the tutorials seem to be quite clear to me though.  I just love visiting so many of you and how nice your blogs look.  I'd really love to have a new look too but can't seem to find any good on-line help/instructions and I don't know anyone near me who blogs to help -- sooooo, although I'd like a fresher look and would like to "redecorate" I guess I'll have to live with this look for a while longer until I'm a bit more computer savvy.  I'd just hate to mess up my blog and not have a clue as to how to get it back up.  As you know, our  Google "Help" is more often than not no help at all.  Another down side, I've spent hours trying to read up and watch tutorials which is taking away an enormous amount of time from other things I want to do (you know).  I understand this is all suppose to be quite easy but I only feel quite intimidated.

Anyway, today I'd like to share a few things I made using resin in preparation for Christmas stocking stuffers and presents:  keychains with little matching boxes, a paperweight, and a pendant with a picture of the hubby for me to wear around my neck.  My hubby actually decided the paperweight would be for his desk because he really liked it and because it was "only" a test paperweight.  Paperweights require more resin so I wanted to test the heat and cure time along with any other mishaps that could oocur before making an actual product.  I often use this picture of me and the hubby for sample projects because our families don't want their pictures posted and I respect that -- this picture is handy so that's why you see it so much.  Here're the resin projects:

I love making the keychains and charms, and I think the boxes just complement the keychains.  I think they'll be wonderful little stocking stuffers!  I also made a charm for Buster's collar using the picture of DH and me, but it's already on his collar.  I love that he's sporting a picture of "mama and poppie"!!!  Like a kid, I just couldn't wait until Christmas to pop it around his neck, LOL!!!

I also made this side-step card to share.  I'll have to change the topnote sentiment because I messed it up twice; first I stamped it a bit off (I hate wood mounted rubber stamps, can't see where you're stamping) and second, when I tried to conceal it by inking the edges I ran into several of the words which I further tried to conceal by smudging the ink -- well, that definitely didn't work.  Anyway, I'm sharing it with you now but I am going to redo the topnote and sentiment, and unmount that stamp and put it on a clear acrylic so I can see what I'm doing.  Here's the card:

I used a lot of stickles on this card!!!  The paper is from the DCWV Ciao Bella Stack.  The sentiment reads:  "Some people come into our lives and quietly stay; others stay for a while leaving footprints in our hearts and we are never the same".  I think this sentiment is really touching me right now because this is exactly how I feel right now.  I've made so-so many wonderful friends here in blogland and I no longer hear from half of them... I wonder and I pray they're well.  I think I'll dedicate this card to them so maybe one day they'll know how I feel about them and that I think about them.

Well, that's about it!

Hugs to you all and I'll be seeing you!



IS IT LIVE OR IS IT UTEE?!!!

Hello, everyone!

Well, now I KNOW I'm getting old!!!  I told you all about my stripping wallpaper in my family room and I soon came to realize was that it wasn't an easy job!!!  What I didn't realize was how sore I'd become.  My neck, shoulders, and back were so stiff and sore this weekend, I could barely move.  The hubby said I used muscles that I probably hadn't used in years -- I think I used muscles I'd never used in life!!!  LOL!  I am still a bit sore but not nearly as uncomfortable as I was this weekend and, thank God, I finished.  If I hadn't I'd gladly PAY someone to do it for me!!!  LOL!  At least, I'm finally able to get up without cringing!

Anyway, before all that drama, I'd started  a couple of projects -- still haven't finished them, but I'm going to share with you some of what I have.  One of the things I did start playing around with was my Terry Collins' Stampmaker and here are 2 stamps I did.  One is a stamp of myself and the other is an image/sentiment stamp.  I colored the flower in with my copics (still practicing with them):

With the exception of doing photos, making the stamps are really easy!  The process takes about 5 minutes start to finish once you have you're image printed and cut.  The photos are bit more diffiucult because you have to make it into a black and white, and/or turn it into a greyscale or negative first then make the necessary adjustments in a photo editing program for the correct contrast and brightness before it will make a good stamp.  After a little trial and effort, I finally got it.

I also played with UTEE (ultra thick embossing power).  I've seen cards all over the website with cards and boxes that have silk and paper flowers that look like glass or porcelain.  So I decided to try achieving this look for my own projects, so I dug out my melting pot, a bottle of UTEE, and  a few items to practice on. 

I love how this came out -- the flowers really do look like like they're glass!!!  The flowers are just cheap ones from our General Dollar Store.  I dipped them in UTEE -- easy!!!  I also played around with ribbon in UTEE but that'll be another post!!!

As I had leftover melted UTEE in the pot, I used it up by making this embossed necklace, another fast and easy project:

So, these were just a few things I'd began.  I imagine you're all probably already familiar with these techniques but, if not, let me know and I'll share them with you!  Of course, I love instant gratification, so my method probably isn't as detailed of those you might find but I love the results I get, and you might too!

In the meantime, I have some weekend catching up to do on your blogs -- can't wait to see what you were up to this weekend while I was recouperating from my aching bones!  LOL!

I'll be seeing ya!

WHERE AM I? WHAT AM I DOING!

Hello, all!  Hope you're all doing well!

As for me -- I could KICK myself!!!  LOL!!!  We just had new window blinds installed and I was looking at the walls in my family room and realized the wallpaper border which I hadn't thought to check before the blinds were installed didn't go with the new blinds -- they clashed!!!  So, I knew I had to remove it -- immediately (why didn't I consider this before the blinds were put up anyway?!  Where in the heck was my mind?!!!).  Anyway I run to my computer and look up removing wallpaper tips and calling friends.  Following all the suggestions, this is still one big headache!!!!  Who SAID this was easy?!!!  You wet the stuff down, pull away a few strips of paper and then you've got to get the glue off the walls -- you wet it down, pull away a few strips of paper and then you've got to get the glue off the wall -- and on it goes!!!  I used steam, vinegar, sprayed it with water and so on; this is NOT EASY!!!  LOL!!!

Fortunately, I am almost done and suffix it to say, I'll never ever in my life use wallpaper  again!!!  I do have to laugh though because I can only imagine what I must look like with bits of wallpaper on my face, in my hair, and water and bits of paper stuck to everything!!!  I guess it's best I be amused about it than just totally disgusted, huh?!!!  LOL!

Here's all what's left for me to do:

Just this strip,

and then behind the blinds because, like I said, I didn't even consider them before the blinds were installed.  I guess I'd gotten so used to them... duh!!!:

See it up there?!!!  How gross!!!  And I've got to get behind there to get that stuff down!!!  And, yes, the walls in my family room are lavendar and purple (or wine, something like that)!!!  LOL!  And I picked those blinds because my furniture is cream and shades of blue which are the colors in the blinds.

Anyway, I love how they look in my living room:

and on the sun porch (aka, our little breakfast nook and Buster's toy/play room):

OMG, I forgot I'd added a strip of wall paper to that lampshade!!!  LOL!  Gotta get that off of there too!

Overall, despite what I've gotten myself into, I have had a chance to sneak in and enjoy visiting most of you between this chore; and I have worked "at" a few projects which I hope to have ready to share with you tomorrow.  Hopefully, I'll have all this paper off my walls by this evening!  Thank God, we had the walls painted before the paper went up and because it's glossy paint it's washing down very nicely and we won't have to repaint.

Oh yea, where's the hubby while I'm doing this -- he's disappeared of course!!!  LOL!!!  Isn't he smart?!!!  LOL!  It's work and he's retired -- LOL!!!

Well, just wanted to pop into say hello and that I haven't forgotten you!!!

Wish me luck!!!

Hugs!

A BOX AND CARD PROJECT, AND A VIDEO FAVOR/REQUEST

Happy Tuesday, all!  So, it's back to school today for all the kids!!!  Which means, hopefully, those of you with school attendees can get back to and have a bit more time for crafting fun!

Before I introduce my next project, I'd like to ask a favor and ask you to reflect with me on the August 28, 2005 event -- Hurrican Katrina.  Several weeks ago was the anniversary of this tragic occurrence and, unfortunately Louisianna is my family's home and I lost several families there in Katrina.  My friend who went with me to CHA, her husband wrote a song as a tribute to the victims, and he and some friends put together this video in memorandum several years ago.  I'd really like to share it with you as my family members, of course, around this time are very much on my mind.  I'm asking that you please take a moment to watch this heart rendering video, it's so beautiful and I know you'll enjoy it as much as I do.  My friend Shar's husband is Les and he is such a wonderful person and truly has a God-given talent and after you watch this video, I know you'll definitely agree.  So, please click the link below; enjoy and thank you for sharing this time with me, and "Les and Friends".

http://www.youtube.com/faithbassnu#p/a/u/1/6lIyIS1cAwg

My project for today is this little take-out style box with matching card.  I used a stamp I purchased at the CHA to make the medallion.  I used the decoupage method of stamping and cutting out layers for the medallion, isn't it pretty?

For the box, I took the lazy way out and tore apart a small take-out box to use to draw my template.  However, I think I do already have a cut.file for a take-out box somewhere in my files but I'll have search to find it; if not, I'll do one for you.  I still need to get to all my cut.files to update and revise, and I have some newer ones to clean up; unfortunately I have yet to find the time and/or energy.  But I am going to get to them -- I promise you!

Well, that's it for now but, of course, I'll be back!!!

Hugs!

AN ALL OCCASION GIFT CARD SET PROJECT AND A THANK YOU TO "LOVE THAT BUG"!

Helloooo everyone!!!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend, and that you're having a wonderful Labor Day today!!!

OMG, between my families and the hubbies, I've attended so many barbeques this weekend that I can do without  barbeque for the rest of this year!!!  And this is coming from someone who LOVES almost anything barbequed -- anytime!  I don't believe I'm saying this but I'm barbequed OUT!!!  LOL!  But I've had a wonderful weekend with families and great friends!  I hope you have too!  I did manage to get some visiting in this weekend but not much crafting, so now I'm really-really ready to get busy!!!

Before I publish my project for today, I'd like to thank my cute friend Stacy for passing along to me another "Cherry On Top" Award.  I am so honored to have been thought of again; thank you Stacy.  Stacy is a sweetie and if you don't take my word for it, go visit her blog by clicking on her name above.  You'll come away knowing I've told an honest truth.

Moving forward, over this weekend I'd thought several times about how I hadn't did a card box set in a while, so when I came in last night I sat down and did an all occasion gift card set; nothing fancy but it whetted my appetite to get one done.  Here is the box which is held closed by a floral sleeve:

And here is the box set open to reveal the cards, envelopes, and the card and envelope compartments:

Like I said nothing fancy.  The embellishment on the box sleeve and on the cards are actually the flowers that I cut off the leftover scraps from the paper pattern and outlined with stickles  (oh yea, the dark brown accents are vinyl stickers).  This set was done in less than 30 minutes -- so simple!  Just paper and stickles!  But because the paper is so elegant I think it made really very pretty "no work" card set, and will make a nice gift.  Unfortunately, I don't remember where the paper comes from; I'll try to find the paper stack cover and let you know.

Well, that's it for now!  I'm off to do more crafting!!!  The hubby is out shooting golf balls, Buster is resting, and I'm going to take advantage of the quiet time!  LOL!

I'll be seeing you... soon!!!

FLIP, FLIP, FLIP PHOTO CARD ALBUM

Hello, all!  And I'm back with my second project as a Sassy Lady design team member!!!  And I hope I'll please you all!

While browsing the web I came across this really cute flip album but, unfortunately, I could only find one set of directions and I just couldn't understand them, so I came up with my own based on the pictures I've seen.  Now this isn't going to be exact to the ones out there but I like mine just the same, and I'm going to show you how to do it!  First, here are pictures of my album -- a closed view and an open view:

As you can see, I've already started to fill mine with mini-photos.  Fun, huh?

To shorten this tutorial as much as possible, I will not be picturing the paper measurements and cutting because I believe we all know how to measure and cut.  With that said, let me begin.  First I'm going to begin with the cover and the pages to this album.  You will need:

1 Cover:  8.25" x 5.50" sheet of cardstock scored along the top 8.25" side at 2" and 6.25"
3 Pages:  8" x 5.50" sheet of cardstock scored along the 8" top side at 2" and 6"

You'll have these four pieces:

Put the top cover piece aside for later.  Next fold each page gate-fold style along the score line on each side and align the pages side-by-side to look like this:

Now glue each of the side panels (flaps) together to look like this:

Okay, now fold in the panels on the first page gate-fold style:

Next fold the gate-fold page onto the center of the album:

Now repeat and do the same to the right side.  Now grab the cover.  Align and adhere the center back of the folded pages to the center of the cover as shown below:

Now when all the panels and pages are open, and the album is standing, it will look like this:

I'm going to give you the dimensions now for the panels and  (base) cover for your pages.  You'll need:

8 - 1 7/8" x 5 1/4" flap panels

10 - 4" x 5 1/2" cover (base) panels

Below, are pictures to give you an idea of where these panels will be placed:

When doing your cover panels on the back, before covering the middle section with the cover panel, glue your ribbon in place and then glue on the cover panel:

Now all that's left for you to do is decorate it as you desire!!!  And, I'd really appreciate once you complete your album you please let me know so I can link it to my blog!  I'd really love to see what you do with it!!!

If you have any questions, of course, feel free to leave me a comment and I'll get back to you!

Thanks for coming by, I really appreciate it, and I hope you enjoy this project!

I'll be seeing you!