A CARD AND LETTER KEEPER

Hello, everyone!  Happy Monday!

Up until about 15-20 years ago, the yellow and white pages telephone books here in Illinois were huge!!!  In recent years they've reduced the size considerably.  However, when I was a teenager we used to take those big phone books, fold back the pages and use them to hold our vinyl records -- and no! -- not the 45's buy the big records (I think they were called LP's).  Anyone remember those?

Over the years I've seen books with pages folded back to create the look of Christmas trees, among other things; however, while browsing the internet I ran across a book which inspired me so much I decided to "lift" the idea.  I don't know who the creator is or where to go back and find the inspiration for this idea, but I'd reallylike to thank this person, and for bringing back a fond memory from my teenage days.

Here's the card and letter keeper I re-created from an old book:

This keeper, up close, is really very pretty.  I don't think you can see it in the picture but it glimmers!   I stained the pages with distress inks, sprayed and sprayed and sprayed them with Glimmer Mist, and added Stickles and glitter.  The pages and folds are so sparkly and glimmery!!!  What you're getting here is really sort of a "sneak" peek because I still need to decide who will receive this so I can put a name or initials in the label; I think too it needs something (some sort of decor) at the bottom.  Anyway, until I make these decisions, I'm going to leave it as is -- except to show you how it will look when it begins to get filled.  Would you like to see?  Okay!!!

Now, is this incentive enough to keep those old books?!!!  LOL!

I'll be back!  So,...

I'll be seeing you!

I'VE GOT BLOG AWARDS!!!

Happy Saturday!!!

I hope you're all doing well, are warm, and doing lots of happy crafting!!!

While I'm here I'd like to mention that several of you have received your resin pendants, and Beebeebabs has received her "candy".  I am so very happy to hear you're all so pleased with your gifts!  Thank you for being my friends, and it was such a pleasure to please you!

I have had a somewhat busy weekend so far but have managed to get in a lot of visiting!  I have been to many places and have been so very inspired with projects I've seen I'd like to copy/"lift" and share with you.  In order to do that, being I still don't remember to write down places I go to, I have to try to remember and then complete the projects from my memory -- those that I can remember!!!  LOL!  I've, at least, tried to recall and maintain most of them in these ole memory banks of mine, writing down descriptives to use as triggers!  If I forget I don't know where to go back to find them!!!  Bad enough I end up having to do them my way which isn't quite as nice as the creator's version!!!  LOL!  I really must keep a list of places I go and get inspired!

Right now, however, I'm here to thank two very wonderful crafting/blogging friends who passed on special awards to me (any awards from any of you are all special to me):

From Nicole: 

From Kathryn: 

My friends, thank you so very much for choosing me as a person to receive these awards; I'll make certain your names are added to them on my sidebar.  However, as I've already received and passed them on previously, I will forego the rules and allow anyone who'd like these awards to please accept them, post them to your blog(s), and name me as the donator!

Again, Nicole and Kathyrn, thank you.  I am so honored you are part of my blog family and to be your friend!!!

Okay guys, I'll be back with a project soon!

ANOTHER CHALLENGE ENTRY CARD

Hello, everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful evening!  Wow, aren't we approaching another weekend quickly?!  I'm loving it because with every passing weekend bringss Spring!!!  LOL!!! I do love the beauty of winter but not when it turns ugly!

I wanted to quickly address that I've noticed more and more of you requesting I become friends with you on Facebook.  I have not disregardedly ignored your requests!!!  Unfortunately, the very first time I signed on to Facebook, and my last time since, my computer got a virus which wiped out my whole hard drive.  The techs were able to retrieve a lot of my information but had to repartition (????) my drives.  It was not pleasant and it was costly to have done!  Besides which, it absolutely frightened me when hundreds of people immediately pounched on me; it was as though all these people had been sitting there just waiting on me!!!  I am now afraid to even approach Facebook so, unfortunately, I haven't the trust at this time to sign on again -- and there's no way I could find the time to respond to all the hundreds and hundreds of people already wanting me to be friends.  I'd like to thank you all for the invites but I'm not willing to take the risk at this time.  Sorry!  Maybe one day!  In the meantime, please forgive me.

Now on to my card.  I made this card specificallyto qualify for two (2) challenges:  "Use 2 Patterned Papers" Challenge at http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/ and  "Fabulous Flowers" Challenge at http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/.

Here's my card:

I'm off to run some errands, however, when I return I'll be around to drop by to see what you're all up too!

I'll be seeing you!

MY CARD ENTRY FOR THE CUTTLEBUG "INSPIRED" CHALLENGE

Happy day, everyone!  I hope all my wonderful blogging family is doing well and happily crafting!

Today I'd like to share a card I made for the Cuttlebug "Inspired By An Advertisement" Challenge at http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com/.

Added Note:  This card also qualifies for the "Fabulous Flowers" challenge at http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/, so I'm entering it there too!!!  YEA!!!  What fun!
 
I was a bit disappointed in that we don't have magazines and/or catalogs (other than my craft books) around the house, so I had to use a junk mail furniture store ad that was delivered in the mail today; the inspiration came from the wallpaper used in the background on one of the ad photos for the furniture.  It's not what I would have preferred but it was the ad I could put my hands on at the moment.  Here's my card:

Of course I used my Cuttlebug for the all the embossed areas, made a matching flower, added some beads, a bow and -- you know me -- Stickles!

Well, there are a few other challenges I'd like to enter, so I'm off...

I'll be seeing you!



CAN I KICK MY BFF?!!!

Hello, all!!!  Happy Tuesday!!!

And, hello new follower!  Glad you joined my family and hope to see more of you!  You're always welcome!

I'm finally back from my MP soap session with my girlfriend.  I really don't think she felt up to doing any crafting or soapmaking today though; she didn't even help me much.  Nor did I do very well.  It took me 3 measuring cups of melted soap -- I kept burning it -- and 5 melted/distorted molds before I made a decent batch which I ended up having to bring home in a plastic shoe box.  During the time I was messing up all this melt and pour stuff I'd purchased for her to help me -- she sat there watching television!!!   As for her handmade soap making experience, she is just not a "from scratch" soap maker and decided to leave in the middle of the process leaving me to complete the batch on my own -- the batch I didn't want to do in the first place!!! She wouldn't even attempt to finish her first ( and probably last) lesson!  She said it was too hard; it really isn't, she just wasn't interested.  Anway, I'm going to try re-melting, re-molding, and then try to turn what I have into something "reasonably" pretty or I'll just use it to make liquid soap.  As far as her batch of handmade soap... well, she wants me to come over once it cures to either mold or cut the bars!  She's unbelievable!!!  I love her but I'm not liking her at all very much right now, and she could never-ever again convince me to do any soapmaking with her!!!  She won't like me posting this but I really don't care!!!

However, fortunately, I do have a project to share.  I completed this card last night for Robyn's birthday challenge "Love Is In The Air":

I thought it would be fun to add something to the inside too:

I used my Cuttlebug for the embossed background, lots of Stickles; the victorian lady image I found on the internet, the flower stickers are Mrs. Grossman, and the stamp is one I purchased years ago at Michael's.  Pink ribbon and a pink rhinestone around the neck on the image completed the card.

I know you aren't accustomed to me doing projects for challenges but (another resolution) I'm going to try to do better this year at joining in and participating in more blog activities.  All I need to do is fine some extra time!!!  LOL!!!

Well, that's it for now.  I'll be back!

A CUTE VALENTINE GIFT SET!

Happy Monday, family!!!

I FINALLY got out of the house today!!!  It felt wonderful!!!  I was actually beginning to feel like a prisoner in my own home!!!  Yes, I'm feeling so much better; unfortunately, the hubby is going through a bad time right now.  Being that he is, I will be going tomorrow to my BFF's home to play with making melt and pour soap (instead of her waiting to come here).  She wants me to show her how to make a batch of soap from scratch-- after the holiday, I'm not sure I'm up to it but I guess if she's going to show me how she makes melt and pour soap, I'll have to show her how to make soap.  I should come home with soap bars already made tomorrow while she'll have to wait until her batch becomes solid and then she'll have to cut them into bars!  I don't think she really knows what she's getting into but I'm going to show her!  We should have fun though!

Well, I actually did manage to get a project completed for today.  It was really simple in that the gable  box is actually on the Spring Holiday Cards cart -- all I did was cut it out at 3", decorate it and made a matching card:

This is the tall version of the box, there is also a wide version on the cart.

The res hearts on the card and box reads, "Valentine, you are special"; however, the wording got a bit blurred under 3 coats of Glossy Accents.  The sweet little bunny I found on the internet. 

I entered this project in the "Keys to My Heart" challenge at http://opus-gluei.blogspot.com/ 

Well, that's all for now...

I'll be seeing you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Just kidding!!!

Happy Sunday, blogging family!!!  I hope all's well and that there's some happy crafting going on!!!

Did my post title catch your attention?  Well, it isn't as if you weren't forwarned that one of my resolutions is to have all the Christmas cards I need for 2011.  So, I hope you're not too-too overwhelmed with Christmas just yet.

To me, there's a lot going on on this card so I hope it's not too busy:

Here are a few close-ups:

I have entered this card in the CraftyHazelnut Christmas Challenge http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2011/01/chnc-challenge-4-lets-see-some-bling.html

Before I leave, the pendants are on their way to everyone receiving them, as well the blogaversary candy... YEAAA!  I would appreciate your letting me know you've received them.  I hope you enjoy them; and thanks so much for always stopping by to take the time to browse my blog, comment, play with me and keep me motivated!!!

Well, that's it for now!  I'll be back, so...

I'll be seeing you!

"SUCH SWEET HEARTS" CARD AND BOX SET

HELLLLLOO!!!  How I've missed you so the last few days!!!  I didn't want to stay away but my head and stomach dictated I had to if I wanted to get better sooner!  Fortunately (between the chicken soup, Theraflu, Father John's, and Coricidan's) I feel much better, although I think the hubby is just now getting into the worse of his.  I'm being as careful as I can that he doesn't pass it back, I definitely don't want this again!

I just hate thinking he caught his "bug" from me, and I'm so sorry, because he really is such a big baby when he's sick, heee-heee! 

I'd like to thank you all for all your get-well wishes.  I so appreciate you all taking the time to think of me and comment.  I wish all of you who were also feeling equally as terrible as I was are on the mend too! 

The only good thing I can say about how I've felt this past week or so is that I've lost 6 pounds!!!  LOL!!!  Well, now that my belly is about back to normal that won't last long!  LOL!!!

More good news, for the recipients of my pendants and the anniversary candy, they'll be in the mail tomorrow.  My son is going to come pick them up and take them to the Post Office for me.  Unfortunately, as much as I'd love to get OUT OF THIS HOUSE, I think I should let feeling better settle in a bit more; particularly since we have a wind chill factor of  about 20 below zero!  Ouch!

Disappointing news is one of my friends was going to come over today to show me how to work with melt and pour soaps.  I love soapmaking, however, I'm not good with what's supposed to be the "easy" stuff.  Anyway, she's great with it, but being my hubby is probably still infected I didn't think it would be a good idea for her to come.  I so miss any company but it's something I'm looking forward to when my house is bug-free.  And, hopefully it'll give me something else to share with you once I get this "easy" stuff down pat; considering it goes well for me!

Enough said (see what happens when you don't communicate with people for several days, you talk too much).  Let's move on to a little project I made this afternoon.  It's a card and candy box set:

I hope you like it!!!  I'll be back...

I'll be seeing you!

HELLO FRIENDS, NOT DOING SO VERY WELL TODAY!

Hello, all you wonderful friends!!!  I just have to thank you for all your wonderful responses -- soooo many!!!  You have given me food for thought - to consider things I hadn't thought about.  So much of what you say makes so much sense.  And, really, I wasn't so much worried about the number as I was that I might have displeased one of my friends considerably!!!

Well, no project today!  I've tried working on a project but I've have this monsterheadache all day I can't shake!  Because I couldn't complete the project, I even tried to visit but due to the headache, it's just too much strain on my eyes!   Between the hubby and me, I don't know who's worse moping around here.  I do know this flu is loosening up, I just wish I felt better a bit sooner than later.

We'll see how tomorrow goes!

Anyway, thank you again, you don't know how much you've eased my mind!!!

Love ya and hugs!

A SPECIAL DELIVERY!!!

Hello, again, everyone!  I'm feeling better, but this flu is still kicking me around, and  I've passed it on to my DH!!!  Does it ever end?!!!  Of course, he's really going to milk it -- LOL!!!

First, thank you all for your kind responses to my losing several followers.  I realize it happens but it's so hard to not  take it personal!  I did want them to know, however, I did appreciate the time they did share with me.

Now, on to happier things!!!  When I was growing up, it was common for little boys (including my brother and my hubby) to either deliver newspapers and/or deliver groceries in their little red wagons to make "candy"  or "extra" money!  Whenever I'd go grocery shopping with my mom, there was always a little boy who'd pull the groceries home for no more than just a about a quarter to 50 cents!!!  Now, I haven't seen little boys pulling groceries in wagons since I was a teenager!  My-my, times have certainly changed!!!  LOL!

The thought inspired this valentine gift for my son and my hubby!  They aren't so into the "fluffy" cutesy stuff like us girls for Valentine's Day; they're so macho -- LOL!  Being so, I think this will appeal more to men than little heart boxes filled with candy:

The mail package/box inside the wagon contains  little chocolate candies.  Of couse, my hubby had to critique it, said the wheels were too large, so I'll make adjustments on the next one, but don't you think the guys will just like this one!!!  And isn't it just too fun and the cutest!!!

This is such an easy project, 2 boxes!!!  Try it, and let me see!!!

Thanks for stopping by to have a look!!!

I'll be seeing you!

 

GOOD-BYE TO SEVERAL FOLLOWERS

Hello, my wonderful family-friends!  Hope you're all well after a great weekend!

It is with a saddened and questioning heart that I am saying good-bye to several followers.  Over the last couple of days, I've noticed several followers have withdrawn from following me.  I don't know why they decided to leave but if they are reading this post, if it was a result of something I inadvertently did or didn't do, I'm so sorry.  I work very hard at reaching out and extending myself to all, however, I know that no matter what I do I'll never always please everyone, and/or be able to touch/reach everyone as much as I'd at least try to.   If anyone doesn't know this, I'm saying it now that I appreciate you all so very much.  And, in my posts I do try to let you know this as best I can!

I wish I knew the circumstances for the withdrawals, however, it was your choice- your decision; I'll respect that.  But, I'd like you to know I'll miss you, and thank you for the time you did spend with me.  Maybe you will come back from time to time to visit with me -- I hope so!

Well, to the rest of my family-friends, I'm completing a little project I'll be back later to show you!  I did tell you I'd have something fun!!!  I think I do!!!

I'll be seeing you!

ANOTHER SYMPATHY CARD

Happy Sunday, all you beautiful bloggers!!!  I hope all's well as we come to the close of another weekend!  I don't want to sound as though I'm complaining, so I'll skip saying how I feel today and just keep everything happy!

Unfortunately, I'm sharing another sympathy card today.  I don't take a lot of pleasure in making these, but we all have to admit they are necessary.  Too, I'm hoping to inspire some who may have as much a difficult time coming up with ideas for these card as I do.  Besides, I'm keeping to my resolution to not run out of the "necessary" cards.  However, my next post will be something more cheerful and fun!!!  I promise!!!

Here's the card:

Here's a close-up:

Well, I'm off, back to my crafting table!!!

I'll be seeing you!

UPDATE TO THIS POST - WOW! ANOTHER BLOG AWARD FOR ME!!!

UPDATE:  I forgot to mention earlier when I posted, to the recipients below being passed on this blog award, this award entitles you to a $5 digistamp from http://digiwithattitudechallenges.blogspot.com.  Enjoy!!!


Hello, everyone!!!  Hope all's well!

So, I finally got back from seeing my doctor; fortunately, I don't have pneumonia but I do have a stomach flu.  Unfortunately, she couldn't prescribe any medication because they are none to cure stomach viruses -- so I'll have to suffer through this on my own!!!  A real bummer is that she told me I should lay off the coffee because caffeine doesn't help: boo-hoo, I'm going to miss my coffee!!!

I'm sorry to say, by the time I left my doctor, I wouldn't have made it to the Post Office in time before they closed.  I will, however, ask my DH if he'll take all the givesaways for those expecting them for me on Tuesday (I think Monday is a holiday).

Now, I have a blog award that was very generously passed on to me from my friend Helen:

Thank you, Helen, I am so honored!  I'll add you name to this award on my sidebar!

To accept this award, I must list 3 things different about me and to pass it on to 5 others.  Three (3) things different about me:

1. All my toes are the same length -- even the big toe (seriously)
2. I have a piano that I never even considering sitting down to play anymore
3. I'm absent-minded

 The 5 bloggers I'ld like to pass this award on to are:

1. http://cokiepopaper.blogspot.com/
2. http://lovelifeslittlepleasures.blogspot.com/
3. http://thecroppingcanuck.blogspot.com/
4. http://carsonscricutcreations.blogspot.com/
5. http://curtsplayhouse.blogspot.com/

Please visit these wonderfully creative blogs!

I'll be back!!!

A CUTTLEBUG SYMPATHY CARD

Hello, everyone and happy Friday!  I hope those of you who haven't been feeling well are on the road to good health!!!  I am feeling better, but not by much.  I did, as I said I would and made an appointment to see my doctor.  The good news is she'll take me as her first patient tomorrow; the bad news, she's not in one of her Chicago offices on Saturdays so I'll have to drive to Orland (a suburb).  It's a pretty long drive and I'm not looking forward to go it -- but I'm going!

This project is a result of my hubby.  Unfortunately, and so sad, he's attended 3 wakes and funerals this week.  So many of his friends have either been gravely ill and/or passing away.  I normally keep a few get-well and sympathy cards on hand to have for these occasions, but with his last friend's passing, he had to buy a card.  Therefore, I've decided one of my New Year resolutions is going to be being  prepared with cards to suit every occasion -- including Christmas!!!  Cristmas really did sneak up on me without enough cards to send, and I felt awful about this, so get prepared to see lots of cards -- including Christmas cards.  I resolve to be ready for all occasions!  LOL!

As a start, I completed a sympathy card today, and I'd like to share it with you all:

Here's a picture of it closer up:

I seldom use my Cuttlebug (or my Spellbinders Wizard), so today I decided to pull out my "bug".  Oh-oh, another New Year resolution -- to use more of my crafts toys and cartridges that I don't get around to using.

As a note, I hope those of you who won the resin pendants, and Beebeebaps who won my blogaversary candy, saw my post that said I'll have everything in the mail to you as soon as I can.  If I can get out of my doctor's office after my appointment in time tomorrow to make it to the Post Office before it closes, they'll be in the mail tomorrow.  I'll let you know!

Well, I think that's it for the moment.  I'll be back!

MY SECOND IMAGINE CARD!

Hello, everyone.  Wow!  I'm seeing that I'm not the only one who has this lousy "bug".  I've been doing some visiting and so many of you are mentioning that you have a cold bug.  As you have wished me to be well soon, I hope the same for you too!  Being in the same boat, I know how you must feel!

I honestly think I DO have the flu though because, since early this morning, my stomach is tied in knots; can't eat, can't drink, body achy and I have to breath through my mouth because I'm too congested to breath through my nose.  I know I should be lying down probably; but, for the life of me, I cannot not do anything!  So, I've been piddling around all day trying to finish this card and getting in some visiting-- just to give myself something to do to try to keep my mind off how awful I feel.  Besides I get cranky if I get too bored!!!

Anyway, if I don't feel better tomorrow, I will be calling my doctor to schedule an appointment.

This is my second Imagine card and, although it's not what I'd like to produce, I feel it's a heck of a lot better than my first one:

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

For this card I used the Imagine More cartridge and the Cricut Quarter Note cartridge.

Well, that's it for now.  I'll be back when I can!

Hugs! 



"TEA WITH ME" TEACUP TEA HOLDER / TUTORIAL

Hello, everyone!  Hope you're all feeling better than I am!  This cold has really got me so clogged up and achy!!!  I hope I don't have the flu!!!  Anyway, I've tried resting but unless I'm asleep, I'm not one for just sitting or laying around doing nothing.  So, while I am tending my cold as best I can, I'm crafting too -- as much as I can concentrate on it!

Before the holiday, I'd ordered several of the Utee Brightz embossing powders in all the glorious colors and figured today was as good as any to use one of them -- because I had a project in mind.  While trying to "do nothing" I was going through some old boxes, getting rid of stuff I don't use when I ran across a teacup mold I used to use for chocolates; well, it was old and pretty beat up so I was going to toss it until an idea hit me to see if I could make this cute little tea holder.  And here's what I came up and how it turned out:

Now isn't this just too darn cute?!!!  How'd I do it?  Well, starting with the UTEE:

I rubbed liquid clear embossing ink to the inside of that ole raggedy mold and filled it with the melted UTEE:

After a few minutes, I popped out these little teacup replicas:

Well, no!  Of course they don't look so great right now, but I'm going to spruce them up -- watch!!!

Using only one finger -- lol, I rubbed a little metallic rub-on cream on the teacups and highlighted them with Stickles.  Looks better, huh?  Then I made a bottom and back for the teacup by pouring more UTEE into a small square cookie cutter equivalent to the size of the teacup:

Of course, I  rubbed embossing ink on the inside of the cookie cutter too - didn't want anything to stick or be difficult to remove!!!

And I just think it came out absolutely adorable!

Although I made two teacups using the mold, I only used one of them -- I'll save the other for another time.

Now, I'll fill my little teacup holder, make a box to pop it into, tuck in an invite card to  my best girlfriend to come over to have tea -- with me!!!  When I'm feeling better, of course!!!

Wanna see what it looks like with tea tucked into it?  Okay:

Is this just too cute, or what?  As lousy as I feel, this has really brightened my spirits -- at least!!!  Let me know what you think of my little project!!!

Oh, before I forget, I've almost completed the pendants -- only 2 more to do.  I'll be sending them out, and also Beebeebabs blogaversary candy, as soon as I feel well enough to go out and get to the Post Office.  Sorry, I'm not feeling well enough to get out right now!

Now I'm off to grab my "Mold and Pour" to make a permanent mold of the teacup so I'll have it for future use!!!

I'll be seeing you!

TEDDY, TEDDY!!! BOX AND CARD!

Hello, everyone.  I certainly hope everyone's doing better than I am.  I apologize for not getting around to visiting as much I would have liked to, however, this cold is getting worse; of course, that means I'm feeling worse.  I've slept off and on today, probably due to the codein in my cold medication, but I have also off and on worked on this little project I want to share.

This is a little teddy bear box with a matching card:

I've filled this little box with chocolates!  I found the teddy bear on the Heritage cart and had the idea of this box and card set.  And, that cute little heart nose on the box... well, it's a button that I strung a ribbon through to tie in the back to secure the box.  See, I'll show you:

Unfortunately, I still have some work to do on this cut.file because I had to improvise and hand-cut a second arm for the front of my bear box -- there isn't an arm!!!  The cut looks just like the back of this box.  The box did cut out and come together pretty well and was fine after I snipped off some unneeded edges, but it just looked awfully strange without the second arm!!!  Of course, now that I've posted this box, I don't know when I'll finish the cut.file, but if you want to try it "as is"  just let me know and I'll email it to you; you'll just have to do like I did and cut your own second arm.  Otherwise, I'll finish it eventually.

Well, I'm going to try to drop in and do some visiting, although I'll probably end up going back to sleep -- that's where I feel I'm headed right now.  We'll see...

Hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

BLOGAVERSARY DRAWING, AND A PROJECT TO SHARE TOO!!!

Happy, happy Monday!!!  Well, this cold is really beginning to get the better of me but I refuse to be less than happy!!!  LOL!  I hope you're all doing well and have enjoyed a weekend!!!

I noticed I have a few new followers!  Welcome, my friends, happy to have you and your home so just come on by whenever and as often as you like!!!

I have an easy little project to share today.  I love Dollar Stores because I always find something that sparks my creative juices!!!  A few weeks ago, I found these little 3"x3" square mirrors that you place candles on and a candle holder.  With an idea in mind, for a present for my cousin, I purchased 5 of the square mirrors, 1 mirror candle holder, and a box of red candles.  Here's what I made:

Well, you know me and you know I love boxes, so what else!!!  I etched my cousin's name on one of the mirrors and used rub-ons for the designs, glued the 5 mirrors into a box, and used the candle holder for the lid; I added a matching rub-on to the candle I inserted into the holder -- instant gift!!!

Now, if you were to just happen to ask what was inside the box...

I'd have to say extra candles!!!  And it cost  less than $10!  I think she'll love this gift, don't you?!!!

Let me know what you think!!!

Now the moment we've all been waiting for!!! Are you ready for the winner of the drawing?!!! Well, let's see what number Random.Org tells us the winner is:

The winner is: BEEBEEBABS!!! Congratulations!!!

Beebeebabs, please email your mailing address so I can get your candy package out to you. You can email your information to: audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net

Thank you all again for just being who you are, and thanks too for participating!

As always, I appreciate your dropping in; it's always a pleasure to have you here!!!

I'll be seeing you!

THE VOTES ARE IN!!! BLOGAVERSARY PARTICIPANT "CANDY" LIST COMPLETE!!!

Hi, again!!!  Sorry I'm late, I had to finish preparing the hubby's dinner.

Okay, the votes are in!!!  Here's the numbered list of everyone who commented/responded with the phrase "a little bit of this, a little bit of that" for my 1-year blog anniversary "candy" giveaway:

The number beside your name is the number that will determine the winner selected by Random.org.  The drawing will be 5 p.m. tomorrow, Monday, January 10.  At that time the winner will be announced.

Good luck!!!  And thank you so much for participating!!!

I'll be seeing you!

HELLO EVERYONE! DON'T FORGET MY BLOGAVERYSARY CANDY GIVEAWAY IF YOU HAVEN'T COMMENTED YET!!!

Good Sunday afternoon!!!  I hope you're all enjoying what's left of a beautiful weekend!!!  And thank you all for your gracious comments respecting my mother and sharing a moment with me.

I hope, if you that haven't already done so, to please remember to comment using the phrase " a little bit othis, a little bit of that" to be eligible for my blogaversary candy -- it's open to everyone!!!  You have until 5 p.m. (CT) today to get your comments in.

What an interesting evening I spent yesterday.  I've developed this nasty cold I've been nursing with plenty of fluids, soup, and cold meds to prevent it from getting any worse.  As a matter of fact I felt well enough to get started on the pendants for my resin pendant winners, and even took some time to get familiar with my Imagine yesterday.  I do think getting to know it better, I'll be able to come up with more interesting projects than my first one; but it's just not DS -- which I just love!  In between, I kept looking at the pictures of my mom and crying.  I really don't cry easily, so I know most of it is emotion, but the rest has got to be hormonal!!!  LOL!!!

I should have stayed home with this cold today, but I HAD to be in church to to just give thanks for all the wonderful blessings!!!  I took my mom's pictures with me for everyone there to see and cried everytime someone said a kind word or made a warm gesture; I sure hope I didn't spread any cold germs!  I did keep my mouth and nose covered, and tried to keep some distance from everyone.

I have to say my mother was not only my mom but my very-very best friend and I'm so grateful she was here long enough to see me married, and for my son to get to know his grammy well enough he remembers her.  I know I've gotten accustomed to being "physically" without her, however, these pictures have made me realize I've never let go -- I never will and no regrets!  I don't want to get gushy but, a message to you; if you have your mom, don't take it for granted, treasure every moment.  That's all on that subject!

I'm not uncomfortable but I know I've got to work on this cold so I'm off to take more cold meds and get a nice hot cup of tea, but I'll be back later with the numbered list of candy participants and to let you know when the drawing will be!!!

I'll be seeing you!  Hugs!

WILL YOU SHARE WITH ME A VERY SPECIAL MOMENT?

Hello, everyone!!!  It's Friday, and I'm sure there are many of you just ready for the weekend!!!  Well, I hope all's well and that it'll be happy scrappin' this weekend!

Unfortunately, I didn't get any crafting done today because I didn't start the day feeling too well.  Later, this afternoon, my aunt called and asked me to pick up and bring her some Ensure.  I was so annoyed but I didn't refuse her, and I'm so glad I didn't!!!  What an amazing evening this turned out to be!!!  I'll tell you why.  But, first I have something to show you, here's one of my graduation pictures... ohhh, about some 40+ years ago!  Reaally!!!  Take a look and don't you dare laugh:

Now the reason this day became so important is because although my aunt really did want the Ensure, she'd also decided to give me 2 pictures of my mother when she was younger that I'd never seen before.  She told me she knew if I'd seen them sooner I would have begged for them and that she wasn't ready earlier to part with them; she thought it was now a good time to pass them on to me.  This is my mom's graduation picture:

And this is a picture of my mom my aunt has just held on to, hidden, for all these years:

I don't think I'm going to stop crying for the rest of the evening!  My family is notat all  particular about having pictures taken of themselves, therefore, family pictures are far and few between.  So, this is just a blessing and a surprise to me that these actually existed, and that they now belong to me!!!  Oh, I have a few pictures of my mom but all (except one) of them were taken after I was born -- and I think I took them, so these are very precious indeed!  Maybe I'm bias but I think she was just beautiful younger as she was young!!!  My mother was only 42 when she passed away.

The reason I put my graduation picture here along with my mom's is because I wanted to share a very tender moment with the rest of my family/friends, and also because I guess now I'm going to have to force myself to make a scrapbook in memory of my mom!!!  This is the best Christmas, New Year, Valentine present wrapped-up-in-one that my aunt could have given me.

Now, and the most important reason for posting my graduation picture, my picture has been tucked away and hidden too -- in my piano bench.  I'm going to take out allllll the pictures I have of myself and make certain I share them with everyone I love!  I was fortunate to be here when my aunt decided to let them go; I won't take that chance with my loved ones!

Thank you for dropping in to share this with me. 

IT'S MY BLOGAVERSARY, AND I HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF THIS AND A LITTLE BIT OF THAT TO GIVE AWAY!!!

It's my blogaversary - it's my blogaversary - it's my blogaversary; am I haaaappy?!!!  YESSIREEE!!!!

I'm back and thank you all for being so patient and waiting!!!  And, so as not to forget, thank you all for visiting me earlier here or at Sheila's for my DT project.  I appreciated all the comments and, as always, your support!!!

Wow, it's been quite a year, and so much thanks goes to all of you for being here for me.  In honor of my first year as a blogger and to celebrate, I have something I'd like to giveaway -- a little bit of this and a little bit of that!!!

It has been such a pleasure making such wonderful new friends, and I so look forward to another year of making more new friends, crafting, being inspired and all the wonderful things that we bloggers share with each other.  It's so amazing the bond we all share and are committed to!  Mere words cannot do justice!

Because Cute and Some made it from day one to today has been because of all of you -- followers and visitors alike.  Without all of you collectively, I probably wouldn't still be here with my hopes and wishes to continue.  Honestly, I never expected to have more than 45,000 visits/hits  in one year when I began this blog!!!  Therefore, this giveaway is open to everyone!  No restrictions!!!

Like I said, the candy being offered for giveaway is a hodge-podge of  craft items -- not much,  but a little something to let you know I appreciate you and thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart for being the beautiful collection of people that you are. Over the year, you have entertained me, comforted me, lifted me, inspired me, and on an occassion or so even scolded me.  I couldn't have asked for better blog friends than what you've all become to me.  I wish I could do so much more but here's the candy I have to offer:

To win, please 1eave me a comment on this or any post AND include the phrase "a little bit of this, a little bit of that" (THIS IS A MUST).  I will compile a list of everyone who comments to me using this phrase and assign a number to each participate.  Once the list is compiled I'll post the participants and their numbers, and post the date I will use Random Generator to select the winner.  All comments must be in by 5 p.m. on this Sunday, January 9;  at that time, no more participants will be accepted/eligible as I will begin the list to have ready to post on Monday, January  10.

To all my visiting friends, I'd love to meet you all too!!!  I love company -- and I don't bite!!!  LOL!

Good luck to everyone!!!  Now get those comments coming!!!

I'll be back, so...  I'll be seeing you!

IT'S SO DARN TRANSPARENT!!!

Hello, everyone!!!

Today, I'm presenting this project over at Sheila's.  This is going to be a quick and easy project, basically because I'd totally forgotten about my project and the schedule as I mentioned on my previous post!!!  Phew!  Glad I thought of it in time!!!   Because I only realized this yesterday evening, I had to hurriedly come up with a design and a quick cut.file.  Although I wish this could have been something more detailed, I am still hoping you'll like it -- let's get started!

The focus of this project is the transparent (hence the post title) candy box only, it is my project.  The card and matching envie I did only to compliment the box, give it a good presentation and, hopefully spark your interest and/or inspire.  The box is made from a sheet of 8.50" x 11" clear cardstock (you can also use a transparency sheet).  Here's the set:

Here's a close up of the candy box itself:

The candies in the box are chocolate covered candy sticks and they were the inspiration for this box project.  I found them at a store called Tuesday Mornings that I like to frequent, you may have heard of the store and/or may have one near you.  This is the box of the chocolate covered candy sticks:

Let's begin the box by cutting out the template from the cut.file.  The clear cardstock is size 8.50" by 11":

Here's the cut.file template after it's been cut by the Cricut:

I'm sure you're all familiar with folding a cut.file, so just start folding up the template by using the dart cut-outs along the bottom as a guide to align the folds with the tabs along the top; fold in the side tab and glue your box together however you prefer.   Easy!

Now that the box is put together, fill it with the candy sticks:

All that's left to do now is decorate your box however you like.  On my box I used gold Peel-Offs on each  corner of the box, tied brown sheer ribbon around the box and tied a bow; the label on the front is a sticker that I put white cardstock on the back of and pop-dotted beneath the ribbon bow and, to finish it off, I added a transparent gold colored rhinestone to the bow and  a couple to the label to set off the gold in the label.

The sticker label along with the paper used for the card and envie are all from K&C Company's Jubilee Designer collection.  The template cut.file was done on Cricut Expression using the George cart.

If you're interested in the cut.file it is available at the bottom of this project post.  After tomorrow it will be available on my sidebar under "Cut.files".  You can find it under the name "Stick Candy Box".

Here's the cut.file below, and thank you so much for stopping by and/or joining me over at Sheila's.

Stick Candy Box.cut

I'M OKAY NOW!!! THANKS FOR YOUR RESPONSES!

Just a note to let you know that whatever the problem was, Blogger must have resolved it.  I'm on-board with my post for later today!!!  Yea!!!!

Off to bed, gotta get up and get ready to be at a doctor's appointment!

Thank you for the reply responses; I appreciate your taking the time to let me know I wasn't the only one with the posting problem.

I'll be seeing you!

OMG!!! I'M GETTING FORGETFUL!!! I'M GETTING OLD!!!

Hello, everyone!!!  And as I always say and pray -- I hope all's well!

You may not agree but I say I'm getting old, my hubby says I just got overwhelmed and time got away from me; however, I came in a while ago from getting my hair done, sat down at my Imagine to work on another project for this evening and then realized I'm on the calendar for a DT project for Sheila's blog tomorrow.  OMG!  I'd completely forgotten!!!  Now, tell me that's not senility setting in -- I'm really good at keeping up with my DT projects!!!  Well, I hurriedly abandoned working on the previous project to concentrate on what I'm going to have completed tomorrow!!!  So instead of posting a project for today, I'm frantically trying to come up with my project to post tomorrow.  Therefore, this post is now an invitation for you to please join me tomorrow at Sheila's for my monthly project -- whatever it turns out to be!!!  LOL!

Also, in honor of my blogaversary, I'll have blog candy posted too!!!  So, I'd love for you to drop by for a chance to win!!!  Not before 5 p.m. (CT) though, because I have a doctor's appointment scheduled at 11:30 and a few errands to run for my aunt, so I can't say for sure when I'll be home to post.  As I don't like to be out alone after it begins to get dark, I can tell you I will post the blog candy by 5:00, if not sooner.  So you can be on the look-out any time after then to see what little yummys I'll have.
Well, I'm off to get started on my DT project, and I hope you'll all join me -- considering I have no idea what it'll be... should be interesting!  LOL!

Hugs!

OKAY, I'M PLAYING WITH MY IMAGINE! HERE'S MY LOUSY PROJECT!

Hi, everyone!  I hope you're all well and I'm delighted to be starting out a brand new year crafting with all my wonderful friends.

As I said I would last night, I began playing with my Imagine.  I spent most the evening calibrating it and just looking around to see how it works; today, I ventured into making a project.  Unfortunately, I don't like the project -- not at all!!!  But I feel that as I'm not yet familiar with the Imagine, I'd show you the project anyway, and hope you'll forgive and/or overlook my lack of experience with my new toy; I really hate to think I'm boring you.

I'm still not overly excited about this Imagine, however, this evening I'm going to try a project using it along with one of my Cricut carts to see what I can come up with.  I figure that eventually I'll come up with something satisfactory to me.  I wish you Imagine owners would give me some pointers!!!  Anyway, here's the box I made on Imagine:

The graphics came from the JT cartridge.  I really don't care for any of the graphics on any of the carts enough to buy any; I'm hoping they'll come out with some better ones.  Here's a close-up of the top of the box:

I used Stickles, feathers along the sides and put a bow on this box, but it just doesn't do anything for me -- it's just ugly!!!

Oh well, I'm not one to give up -- so I'm on to to trying something else!!!  I'll  beat this Imagine if it kills me!!!

I'll be seeing you!

HELLO EVERYONE!!! I'VE MISSED YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! AND IT'S MY ONE-YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY!!!

Hello and a Happy New Year to you!!!  I hope you all enjoyed the holiday!!!

Our families have all returned home (California, Washington State, Louisiana and Mississippi).  The hubby and I dropped the last of our family off at the airport today.  I can't say I was happy to see them go, however, I wasn't sad either.  Between their arrivals for Christmas and staying through the New Year, it was just exhausting -- all the running back and forth!!!  As much as I was relieved for them all to leave, I've already started missing them -- but NOT enough for them to come right back!!! LOL!!!  I've been going non-stop and I need a very looooonggg break!!!

I have so very much missed my regular crafting and all of you!  I didn't think much of my time would be monopolized during the families visit but it ended up they took up all our time.  The hubby and I had the task of chauffering them from one family to the next.  My poor little car has never been driven as much as it has the last several weeks!!!  My son was lucky, he had work to use for an excuse -- ha!!!

Our New Year celebration was amazing!!!  I think it was the best one yet because we had more family to all come and be together at one time than we've ever had!!!  And we were combined families -- mine and the hubbys!!!  It was one big party instead of our having to share the evening between his and mine!  It was terrific and I truly enjoyed every moment bringing in the New Year!  I hope you all enjoyed such love with family and friends coming into this wonderful new year, and that it will go on forever!

Anyway, I'm back now and ready to go!!!  I did do a little quick project for you. I have done some personalized pencils and they are so easy to do.  I think school kids would just love these tucked into their school bags with little messages on them.  Now when you do yours, don't do as I've done and show them before they're completely dry -- I just couldn't wait to do something and get back here.  Here they are still wet and all but in all their glory:

As I said, let yours dry first; but aren't these so cool?!!!  Let me tell you how easy they are to make:  find copy paper close to the color of the pencil(s) you will be using or use a word processing program to create a cell and fill with the color closest to your pencil(s); type in the name or message then print it out.  Cut out, very close around the edges, the wording and decoupage to your pencil using white glue or decoupage glue.  It's just that easy!!!  I used  the Times New Roman font for these set at 10" to fit between one of the sides on the pencils.  I have a couple ready to decoupage onto more pencils in red.  And, I'm going out to find more colored pencils!!!

Did I mention it's my one-year blog anniversary today?  Of course I did and, within the next few days, I'm going to have a surprise for you in honor of my anniversary celebration!!!  With not having the time to spare from our families, I was not able to get prepared in time for today, so be on the lookout!!!

Now that I've dropped in to say hello to everyone and to let you know how much you've been missed, I'll do a bit of visiting, and then I'm off to play around with my Imagine.  I haven't had time to do anything but look at it with all the families here.  So far I'm not too impressed with what I understand of it, so I can't wait to explore to see if I can come up with something exciting.

Well, I'm off to have some fun!!!  I may not get to you all this evening but (for real this time) -- I"M BACK!!!  And I'M COMING!!!

I'll be seeing you!

Glad to be back and able to hang out again!!!