NEFERTITI WRIST CUFF AND PENDANT "BOLD LOOK" SET

Happy day, everyone!!!  I'm hoping all's well with everyone!

Unfortunately, I didn't get around to visiting with you as I thought I would last evening, I had to have been more tired than I thought.  I relaxed during the evening for what I thought would be a few minutes and ended up sleeping soundly through the night; I still feel exhausted!  LOL!!!  However, I wanted to craft, so when I got up this morning, I began this little project I want to share with you today.  I think I'd promised you earlier some quick jewelry, so this one is really simple.  It's a  bold-style Nefertiti bracelet and pendant:

Several weeks ago my hubby took me to a newly opened thrift store he'd found in the suburbs because he knows I love thrift stores for finding old and odd elements to incorporate into my crafts.  While searching I ran across this bracelet cuff, loved how it was discolored and kind of tarnished, and it only cost $2:

Because the shape was sort of Egyptian to me that became my design idea for the jewelry set.  So, it all started here with these materials:

I dug through my stamps and found one of Nefertitit -- aha!!!!  Perfect!  So, of course, I made a mold:

I made two (2) of the images, one for my cuff and the other for a pendant.  I then cut them out, used a serated knife to trim the edges (looks sort of Egyptian, huh?), put a hole in the top of one for the pendant and baked them.  After the pieces had cooled, I painted them, highlighted them the Distress Ink, and outlined each piece with Stickles to give them a little sparkle.  When the paint, ink and Stickles was dry I sprayed them with several coats of the glaze for protection and to give them a high glossy look: 

I was delighted with how these came out!!!  Big, bold costume jewelry is quite an "in" thing and although I'm not really into the bold style look, I do think it looks pretty good on my wrist:

I haven't decided yet what I'm going to use to hang my pendant from but I'm thinking a combination of chain and rope as it needs to be bold to match the cuff.  Any suggestions? 

Oh well, I'm off to try to figure it out; however, I will be around later to drop in and visit with you.  I think though I'm going to need a small nap first-- I can't believe how tired I am still!!!!  LOL!

Hope you like my project!!!  Thanks for stopping by and I'll be seeing you...

HELLO, AND WOW, WHAT A BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY!!!

Hello, everyone!!!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and I've prayed I'd find everyone well!!!  I most certainly had a terrific time with my family!  The reunion was great, the weather held out and was perfect, and I'm happily exhausted!  I didn't personally take any pictures, however, I am going to be emailed pictures taken at the reunion and once I receive them, I'll share them with all of you.  Right now before I have to get a move on again I'm taking a breather because I really am tired -- isn't it ironic that having loads of fun can be so wearing!  Anyway, I have a few relatives I'll be trying to see later today before they have to return to their home states, and then when I get back home tonite I'll start CRAFTING and getting around to some visiting!!!

I do have something though to share.  My friend Rexann (aka Craftaholic) will be celebrating her blogaversary with this "growing" blog candy package:

Isn't this terrific looking blog candy?!!!  And this just not may be the end of it -- I did say growing!!!   To be eligible, you have to do is be/become a follower on her blog and leave her a comment before July 2, 2011 which is when she will be drawing a winner!!!  If you're interested, you can click on her name above or I'll have another direct link at the top of my sidebar that'll take you to the post where you'll leave her a comment.

Rexann also graciously presented me with a another blog award:

Rexanne, thank you so much for this wonderful award!  I very much appreciate your thinking enough of me to pass it my way.  And, as I've already previously received this award, I don't think you'll mind my adding your name to it on my sidebar, and by-passing naming another 5 things about myself (which would be repetitious at this point), and letting me pass it on to all my wonderful blogging family!!!

So family, this one's for you...!!!

Please visit my friend, Rexann, and definitely check out that blog candy!

Give me a few blinks to "freshen" up and I'll be back!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

GATEFOLD ALBUM AND ANOTHER BLOG AWARD!

Hello, everyone!!!  I hope it's a beautiful day where you are!  We've had a few terrible storms the past late evening, but it actually turned into a gorgeous and fabulously cool day today; although more storms are expected.

As I've mentioned, we have a family reunion this weekend -- beginning with the "Meet and Greet" on Friday, so I probably won't be around here as much as I'd like because I've still several things to do in preparation.  One of those things is completing a gatefold album I've been working on for a relative coming to Chicago for the reunion.  Because I probably won't get it finished to have back here in time to show the completed version, I'm going to share with you peeks into the album now.  Of course the album pages will be left blank so that my relative can add whatever she likes inside.  I have left room in this album for photos, journaling, notes, etc.  It will hold anything from wallet-size photos to 4"x6", anything in between, and pockets for something slightly larger (or folded items):

Album Front

When you open the album, the frame insert on the back cover (on the left side) will hold a 4"x 6" photo or can be used for journaling:

Here are more of the inside pages:

The left page (shown below) holds a pad which opens into pages for photos, journaling, etc. and

... an envelope with a blank tag is on the right page to be used as preferred.

The insert on the first left side page of these pages holds a personal card.

The gatefold page in the middle holds a blank book which opens into pages for photos, notes, etc. and includes a built-in envelope holding a tag.

Here's a page with an envelope larege enough to hold many things.

And, the envelope opens into an additional 2 pages to hold photos.

There are more pockets and tags throughout the album for additional storage.

When I started this album it was only a few pages but, as I've been working on it, it's grown.  I just love how the gatefold pages open up to all the little nooks and crannies!!!  I actually had to take the original wires off to put larger ones on...lol!  Anyway, while it was in it's "work-in-process"stages, I did manage to get a picture of it standing, so you can at least get an idea how that'll look:

I hope you like what you've seen of it!  I wish I could've had it all completed in time for you to see a finished project but I'm pushed for time as it is, so I don't think that'll happen.  Anyway, at least, as crafters you can use your imagination!  Right?!!!

With so many families coming in (already arriving) I probably won't get back here much until after weekend; therefore, if you don't hear from me have a wonderful and joyful weekend, and I will see you after the reunion!  (I will, however, try to sneak in a few visits though when I can... lol!!)

Oops!  Before I leave I've just got to acknowledge another blog award I've just received from my friend Girlia.  It's the "Stinkin' Cute" Blog Award and it really is stinkin' cute:

Thank you so much, Girlia; this is such a cute award and I appreciate your passing it on to me!

Now I'd like to pass it on to the following bloggers:

Georgianna, Carson's Cricut Creations

Angi, Cokie Pop Paper

Bobby and Jill, Cricut Coule

Lisa, Lisa's Craft Room

Deborah, Love My Paper

Stacy, Love My Bug

Rhonda, Scrap Happens

and because, as I understand, there are no rules for this award other than passing it on...  why not just all of you -- EVERYONE -- grab it from me and pass it on to more deserving bloggers!!!  How fun!!!

Thanks for always for thinking of me and stopping by to visit, I appreciate that.

Hugs!



MY "I'M STEAMPUNKIN'" PROJECT AND A BLOG AWARD

Hello, everyone!!!  Happy Monday, and I do hope all the fathers, hubbys, brothers, etc. had a wonderful Father's Day on yesterday!  We had a wonderful time!  We had a little Father's Day barbeque/gathering for all the men in the family; and later my son took his dad out for some 1-on-1 quality time (which really means he took him out for a drink)!  LOL!  So he wasn't feeling any pain when he got back home -- ha, ha, ha!!!

I'm going to try not to talk much as I have a project for you today and a blog award I'd like to acknowledge to four (4) beautiful family-friends who all passed it on to me.

Beginning with my project I'm sharing with you today, this is a peek-a-boo-style steampunk box which measures 4" x 4", so it's large enough to hold a relatively nice size gift:

Here is a close-up of the top of the box:

A close-up of the front of the box:

And here's a shot of the box open, with a peek-a-boo window-lid flat which allows you to see the contents inside the box without opening it all the way:

I made the gears on the box from molds I made and using polymer clay.  The paper is by Graphics 45.  I hope you like it!  It was a lot of fun to do!!

Now, I'm honored to acknowledge my sisters, Deborah, Stacy, Rhonda, and Susan for this lovely award:

Please click on each of their names for a direct link to their wonderful blogs; you'll truly admire their very special talents!  Again, ladies, thank you so very much!!!

To accept this award, I have to note 7 random facts about myself and pass it on to 8 other bloggers (that's the really hard part).  I'll begin with those 7 random facts: 

1. I believe in God, and that all the good that's in me and in everything I do is based on that belief
2. I love getting inspiration from everything, everywhere -- those things I see, touch, feel!
3. I'm not ticklish, so I hate being tickled (and hubby loves tickling me)
4. I'm typically a very happy person who loves to laugh, so I find humor in things where most people don't (lol!)
5. I love crafting, blogging, visiting, commenting on your blogs, and reading your comments to me
6. I hate watching the news; it carries too much sadness, grief, and tragedies I hate being reminded of
7. I like to pretend I can sing, so I'm always singing around the house, in the shower... ( I can, at least, carry a tune though even if I don't actually have a sing voice -- lol!!!)

For the eight bloggers I'd like to pass this award to:

1. A Creative Operation
2. Scrapcrazyyyyyyy
3. Creativity Is Only A State Of Mind
4. Alice Brown Creations
5. For The Love Of Art
6. Paper Andi
7. Crafter's Delight
8. Serenity Scrappers

Because I received this award from more than one family-friend, I think in lieu of passing it on an additional 24 times, I'd like for you -- all my family -- to pick it up for your blogs from me!!!  Oh, and don't forget to visit all these wonderful bloggers, and show some love!

That's about it for now, thanks so much for stopping by, and I'll be back soon!

"PUT IT ON DISPLAY" BATH SALTS

Hello, everyone!!!  Glad to be here and at Pam's to share another DT project/tutorial with you today.

What I have for you is a little bath salts project with a matching card.  I call it  "Put It On Display" because these little bath salt envelopes rest in their own little display box.  Here it is:

And here's a picture showing one of the bath salts envelopes outside the display box:

And, of course, I just hade to embellish the back and include the directions:

This little display box holds 2 envelopes of bath salts (or you can add potpourri, candy, or whatever you like).  It makes an adorable gift, and it's quick and easy!  Here's how you can make it.  First cut out the 2-page cut.file which will be the display box and the envelopes (I have these files available for you for download as a cut or gypsy file at the end of this post):

Page 1

Page 2

Once you have cut the box and envelopes, this is what you'll have:

I'm sure you all are familiar with how to fold cut files but, just in case, I'll go through it for you.  Starting with the display box, fold in the outer side tab on the right side of the box, and next fold in the front, back and side panels by aligning the folds with the middle of each tab slit; last fold in each bottom tab.  Below is an example of how the folds will look:

Next fold the side tab on the right into the inside of the box and add adhesive/glue to the front side of the side tab (the side that's up); bring over the opposite side panel and adhere the top side of side tab to the back side of the panel.  See example below:

Once you have glued the sides together you will notice part of the side tab protruding over the diagonal edge of the side panel, before completing the display box you will need to snip off the protruding edge ajligning it with the diagonal edge as shown below: 

All that's left to do with the box is fold and glue the bottom tabs, leaving one of the larger tabs to fold/glue last:

Now it's time to fold the envelopes for the bath salts.  So easy -- just fold in the side tabs, add glue to the top of the tabs, and fold the bottom panel up to just along the top of (and aligning with) the glue tabs on each side:

Below I'm showing you that I've added tick-marks so you'll know where to fold the flap down for your bath salt envelope:

And here's your display box and bath salts envelopes:

  

All that's left for you to do is decorate/embellish them as you'd like and add whatever you'd like inside your envies.  You can even toss in a small matching card using the scraps like I did.  I've added about 6 teaspoons of bath salts to my envies; you can use a store-bought brand but I used a very simple and basic recipe.  If you'd like to use it too, here's how:

Mix all the ingredients together well and allow to dry for 24 hours - 

(All except the oils can be found at your local grocery or drug store. The fragrance or essential oils can usually be purchased at a health food store or some beauty supply stores) 

• 1/2 cup each  Epsom Salt and Sea Salt
• 3-4 drops of glycerin
• Several drops of fragrant or essential oil (or spray with your favorite perfume/cologne)
• Optional:  1-2 drops of food color, if you prefer your salts to have a color 

Because I like a finer and less course bath salt, once the glycerin is dry, I blend it for several seconds in a blender.  That's it!

The cut and gypsy files below were done using the George cartridge; you can download whichever one you'd like by clicking on your preferred file -- or take both!.  If you have any comments and/or questions, I'd love to hear from you!

Have fun with this!    I hope you please let me see what you've done with it, and thank you so much for stopping by!!!

I'll be seeing you! 

bath salt and display box.cut

my bath salt display box.gypsy

PAPER AND FLOWERS "CANDY" WINNER!!!

Good afternoon, everyone!!!  I hope you're all having a wonderful and happy day!!!

Well, of course, I'm a bit late; kind of lost track of time.  However, I didn't forget, and we do have a winner for the paper and flowers candy package.  Random.org selected:

In the order of posted comments the 8th person to comment was LAURIE!!!  Congratulations, Laurie!!!  Please email  me your address so I can get this out to you.  My email address is audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net.

Well, I'm off now to completing my Design Team Project for over at Pam's tomorrow.  I'm really hoping you'll join me for my project presentation because it's a really cutie, one I think you'll really like.

Laurie, congratulations again!  To all of you, thank you for playing with me and for all the love!

Thanks for stopping by, and...

I'll be seeing you!

HELLO! IT'S ME -- AGAIN!

Hello, everyone!  I hope everyone's having a wonderful summer!

The weather here hasn't been great, however, my absence the last week has been due to summer activities definitely catching up to me before I could catch up to them... lol!!!  We are preparing for several reunions and  a family picnic.  And, already out-of-town family are making unexpected "surprise" visits.  So, as far as a fun-packed summer, we're all set; as far as crafting and blogging, we have so many events it's probably going to be more of the same... lenghty absences.  Fortunately, all's well and everyone is doing great!  At least (for now) no drama -- thank God!!!

Although it's been great fun, I've been running around like crazy helping to get things ready/finalized for a family reunion next weekend (including getting additional port-a-pottys for our reunion... heeee-heee!) and just couldn't find the additional time to really relax to visit or do much crafting.  However, I did start several projects, one of which I plan on completing as my DT project for over at Pam's on this Friday.  I'm really excited about one of my projects; so far it's coming along great and I can't wait to complete it to share but it's going to take a bit longer depending on my schedule.   I also have a couple of quick jewelry projects I'd like to share with you, hopefully, in a couple of days.  Anyway, I've been trying to "sneak" in a bit of crafting here and there but it's just that there are so many other wonderfully "summer" busy things to do, I just haven't completed any of the projects I've started!!!

In the meantime, I promised you I was getting another little blog candy package together -- which I am and haven't forgotten; but in the interim because I want you to know that no matter where I am and what I'm doing, I think about you, and now I'd like to offer this little token of appreciation for your being the best family-friends in blogland:

I couldn't resist how the paper and flowers matched so perfectly, so I knew one of you lucky enough to receive this would love it too!  Just leave me a comment on this post and random.org will select a recipient.  This is open to everyone, and I'll announce the winner tomorrow (Thursday) before 5 p.m. central time.

As I had my poor sweet Sandy so worried about me, I mentioned to her that I was going to leave somewhat of an itinerary for you just so you'll know where I am if/when I'm not posting.  When I left you "hanging: last week it was because I'd totally forgotten about some planning obligations -- which is why I said summer activities caught up with me.  With all the drama I've had lately, I wouldn't want to worry anyone else, and for now I'm happy and enjoying life!  In the event it becomes difficult for me to get to you, here're some of what my plans are so far:

• Family reunion # (mine) 1, June 24-26
• Family 4th of July Picnic, July 3
• Family renuion #2 (hubby's), July 7 - 10.  As this reunion will be held in Atlanta, GA., we will be leaving on July 6 and not returning until July 11 or 12. 

I'll also be attending CHA and the summer show the end of July; shortly following, the hubby and I will be on a 2-week vacation; the exact date has not yet been determined.

I've dropped in on some of you and although I don't want to make any solid commitments (life's been too full of surprises for me to make any commitments right now) but I'll be around to see to those of you I haven't as soon as I can!  So,  good luck on the "sweet" little candy gift.

Thanks always for stopping by, hugs and I'll be seeing you!

IT'S ME AGAIN!

Hi, all!  It's me again but feeling a lot more calm and relaxed than earlier... lol!  I just came back from the hospital; they're keeping the aunt for a day or so because she's so unsettled still, and to run some tests on her.  We still haven't sorted through exactly what all happened because of her confusion but thank God she's safe.  I'm so glad Leonard came and took me back to see her; it made me feel better to at least see her myself.
   
I wanted to get back to you letting you know as much as we all know right now, and to let you know Len and I truly appreciate your prayers and concerns.  Leonard said everyone -- from the sheriff to the hospital staff when they got there was wonderful and so patient with her -- to your prays and kind comments. 

Well, I'm going to get some rest as I have to see my doctor myself early morning tomorrow -- no problem, just my general check-up and so I can get my prescription refill.

I hope you all have a wonderful evening, and thanks for stopping by!  I'll be back tomorrow!

YOUR PRAYERS HELPED!!! THANK YOU!!!

Thank you so much for your prayers.  They found her!!!  A sheriff  actually found her, contacted Chicago Police who contacted Leonard's uncle.  She was somewhere in Joliet, IL.  Apparently she became disorientated and got lost; I can imagine she was very frightened too.  I don't know all the details yet; Leonard and his uncle are on the way to the hospital with her.  Once he gets home, he'll explain it all, but for right now she's physically okay and was not harmed in any way.

Again, thank you for your prayers and concerns -- we have all been so frightened for her.

I'll be back ...

PLEASE SAY A PRAYER...

Hello, all.  I am asking that you please say a prayer for my husband's aunt.  She left home yesterday morning at 9 a.m. to have an emission test on her car, and has not been seen or heard from since.  My husband's uncle got concerned when she never picked him up from work yesterday evening and didn't call him.  They live in a suburb called Calument City and the emission place is located not far from their home.

My husband left several hours ago to be with his uncle and just called me because the police had just left after taking the report.  She's in her 80's but has always been very vibrant and in good health.

I would really appreciate your please saying a prayer for her safe return home.

Thank you so much.

HELLO!!! HOPE YOU'RE COOL...

Hello, family!  I hope all's well!

We wait so long for summer and great weather to get here that I really-really hate to complain, but it's HOT!!!  LOL!!!

I think it reached 100 degrees here in Chicago today, and even with air-conditioning I'm feeling the affect of this oppressive heat!  I've been trying to do some crafting all day, but I'm feeling drained!!!  I think Buster likes it though because he keeps begging to go out every 30 minutes (or so it seems) -- and I don't mean he wants out in the yard, he takes me to his leash to go out for a walk!!!  LOL!!!  Each time I've went out there I believe I suffered heat exhaustion because I just haven't been able to come back in with enough anything to get me motivated to give attention to completing a project; although I have started several.    Honestly, I've felt like I spent the last month dragging 100 Budweiser horses for 5 miles!!!   It was in the 90's yesterday, but it didn't feel nearly as bad as the few more higher degrees today!  Guess I'm just getting old!!!  Speaking of which -- the "senior" moments I've had today!!!  OMG!!!

Anyway, I wanted to drop in to say hello and to remind you not to forget my post for "Pay It Forward".  I'm still trying to reach out to the first five (5) of you to begin making  gifts for.  Also, I'm still working on another little blog candy package, so keep on the lookout for that too!  I haven't forgotten and I don't want you to either.

Well, guess I'll try to finish at least one project this evening!

Love you all!  And, I'll be seeing you...

A PRETTY GIFT BOX!

Happy, happy Monday, all!!!  I hope the day is as beautiful where you are as it is here today!!!  And, I hope you had a wonderful weekend and will have a wonderful week ahead!

I have to tell you, I'm really having a ball altering and adjusting the size of this flip lid box.  It is so versatile and so many things I've come up with how to use them.  Of course I won't bore you with them all but I had to share this one.  It measures 4x6 inches, and because it's still the flip top box it requires a  6x24 inch sheet of cardstock to allow the 6" for the top and 6" for the bottom:

Peacock feathers are just so beautiful and I thought it would look so pretty on this box with the tassel.  The embellishment is one I made a while ago made from the dimensional faux enamel by Inkessentials - finally used it!  I think it looks pretty good paired with the feather and tassel.  Tell me what you think.

Anyway, to show you it's another version of the flip top, here's a picture of it opening.  The difference on this box from the other 2 is I added a lip cover on the top front of the box:

And what's in my box that I'm going to give to "someone" as a gift is a comb/brush set:

So now I have the same box with three (3) different looks!!!  How fun!

Hope you like it!!!  I'll be seeing you!

HELLO AND HAPPY SUNDAY!!!

Hi everyone!!!  Hope you've all enjoyed a wonderful weekend so far.  The weather here has been great, despite a few showers, and so the hubby wanted me to get out to help him with a few "fun" things here and there.  It's always nice to spend time with him and I even managed to squeeze in a couple of really quick projects just for some added enjoyment.

I'm not certain I like this card much.  I think it's pretty, of course, but it just came out looking too much like one I'd previously done although the design is different.  I did this card on my Imagine, and I used both Lori's Garden and Damask Decor: 

I really love both these cartridges and I will probably use them a lot (will change the color on images though).  Here's a shot of the inside:

This next little project uses the same flip lid box I did for my DT project on Thursday, however, I altered the size to fit 3x3 note cards.  This little box will hold 3 cards and envelopes:

I also cut the side panels on an angle which I hadn't done on the larger box:

Here's a peek of the box open:

I cut this box out by hand and haven't made a cut.file for the specific size yet; but, I am going to do a cut.file to have available for anyone preferring this size.  I do, however, want to adjust the size to hold at least 4 cards and envies comfortably though.  I'll let you know when it's complete and ready for download.  As for the images, I cut them all on the Splice and used the Dance and Music Design Card.

By the way, I received my new Yudo screens on Friday but not the ink -- hope PC didn't forget!  And yesterday I received my replacement Teresa Collins' Baby Boutique cart.  I haven't tried this oney et but will later, and I hope to be able to play with it -- yippeee!!!

Well, I'm off again!  Promised a friend I'd stop by for a short visit, so I'll be back later to catch up with you!

Thanks for stopping by and I'll be seeing you!

SUCH A "NEWSY" LITTLE THING! BOX PROJECT / WELCOME TO NEW FOLLOWERS

Hello eveyone, and I know we're all headed for the most wonderful weekend!!!

Wow, I've got new followers!!!  Welcome!!!  And I'm so very happy to see you!!!  I hope you've already made yourselves at home because you are.  I'll be dropping by, wen/if I find you, to say hello personally as soon as I can get to you.  Thank you so much for joining my family!!!

I received a few emails regarding where to purchase the 12x24 paper for the Cricut.  If you're having a difficult time locating the paper and Cricut.com does not have it available, I have had great luck at:

http://wwwstaples.com/
http://cricutdirect.com/

I have ordered the paper from both these places on a few occassions (when our Michaels was out of it) and had no problem at these on-line stores.  If you still have a difficult time, please let me know and maybe we can work out some arrangement of getting it for you; okay?

Well, now I'll share a little something I put together with you.  It's another recycled ice cream container.   For some reason, I think I'm beginning to fixate on every box I see ... lol!!!  I was even looking at an empty butter box until I caught myself and said  to myself... "Audrey, it's just a plain ordinary shaped box you can easily do".  Am I terrible or what?!!!   My hubby said I almost blew his head off when I caught him getting ready to throw the box away and screamed not to do it; well, don't you agree he should always check with me before throwing anything away?!  LOL!!   Anyway the name, Such a "Newsy" Little Thing, comes from my using newspaper in the background; the leather paper I've had for a long time and the company that makes it is no longer in business so I use the paper I have left very sparingly.  Here's the box:

I hand-strung the beads onto 12 guage wire for the handle and I used Vintage Photo color Distress Ink to age the box and the crumbled newspaper; the closure embellishment is an old earring I found and attached a bead to.  Two of my little cousins alreadys wants it to use as a small purse.  Of course, to prevent an argument, I'll have to make another one because I won't even try to decide which of them to give it to!!!  So, they'll both wait until hubby buys himself another pint of his favorite icecream, then they'll both have one.

Well, I'm still working my way around to visiting while I'm crafting, so I'll be back again soon.  In the meantime, don't forget about the "Pay It Forward" previous post!

Hope you like my box!!!

I'll be seeing you!

PAY IT FORWARD -- A VERY GOOD DEED INDEED!

Hello, all my wonderful friends!!!  As always, I hope all's well and that you're all having a crafting good time!

Thank you all for the wonderful comments on my DT project earlier!  It was more than a notion to do and I was up til 4 a.m. trying to complete it and get it posted!  As easy as it turned out and is, it took me forever to figure it out  - I even made a mistake on the tutorial.. lol!!!  Unfortunately, I thought I'd have the matching cards to go inside the box but that'll have to come later now, time just wasn't on my side.

Right now, I want to share this wonderful idea I ran across on several blogs and I just loved the sentiment behind doing this.  It's called "Pay It Forward" and how it works is that you bless someone with a random act of kindness (RAK) without expecting anything in return; but, with a hope that someone else will follow the example to do the same.  As I understand it, you also hope to establish a never-ending chain of goodwill and connecting/sharing relationships -- doesn't that sound awesome!!!  I love reaching out in any way possible and what a wonderful way of doing it than this way!!!

Now part of what I have to do is promise to send one of my handmade original creations to the first five (5) of you who leave me a comment on this post.  In return, you must post th picture and this same information on your blog, and also promise to send an original creation to the first five people commenting to you... and so on to your 5 commenters.

Got it?!!!  Okay, let's detail it all to make certain you understand:

1. Leave a comment on this post and I will send a handmade project to the first 5 commenters.

2. Create a post on your blog offering the same.

3. Send a handmade item to your first 5 commenters.

4. It must be sent to your 5 people by the end of the year.

5. Please do not sign up unless you are fully committed to making your 5 items!

AND, you do have until before the end of the year to have your gifts to your commenters - we can all do that, right?!  I'd say networking this way to reach out and show love is not only kind, but a way of giving in return for the kindness received.

So..., what are you waiting for?!!!  All I'm looking for is the first five (5) commenters who are interested!  Now, post those comments right here!

While I'm waiting I'll be showing my love by dropping in on you and just saying hello while admiring your wonderful craft creations; letting you know you're always with me in my thoughts and prayers (even if I don't say THAT...lol!).  Now it's going to take me some time but I'm working at getting to you!

Love ya, and see ya!!!