GIVE A GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE

Hello, all my family-friends!

I hope all's well in blogland, and that we're all having fun!

It seems I'm stuck on holder projects; the other day a cassette tape holder and today a cd holder project!  However, it didn't start off that way, I began by just playing around with a piece of left-over metal and the project pretty much evolved from there.  Playing around with the square of metal, I sanded it, distressed it, inked, glittered, embossed and inked it again.  When I'd finished I thought it looked pretty cool, so I decided why not make it into a gift holder for the cd I'm giving a younger cousin going away to college next year.  The cd is called "Freedom to Learn... Your Way".  It is an SAT and ACT power prep cd, and I'm giving it to her to assist her in preparing for her college exams.  From what I understand from a friend who's daughter also used this cd is that it really is very good.

Anyway, I grabbed some leftovers and started decorating!  Here's what I came up with:

This is the cover  to the cd/holder with the metal square attached to the front, and with a leftover cameo I'd made from polymer clay; several gold silk roses, leftover ribbon, and a couple of metal book corners.

Here's the cd/holder attached to the inside of the cover:

So what do you think?  I hope she likes it!!!  I think a gift of knowledge is one of the best gifts we can give our young people.

The other day I told you I'd share a few pics of my brother and niece who recently visited with me.  Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to do much because of a family issue, but one precious share we always find time to do together is visit and place flowers on our mother's, his oldest son, and other family members graves.  I apologize that the pictures really didn't come out that well, but I'm sharing them anyway:

My brother and me

My niece (and, yes, that's my Buster.  He came along too!)

If you're remembering the picture of my niece from last year with all the long hair, well..., she's 13 years old now -- growing and maturing -- and my brother finally relented to letting her cut it all off after her begging him for months.  Me..., I like it!!! 

Okay, one more picture!!!  This is my niece and me, although it's really blurry... lol!  Oh..., Buster wants me to remind you he's there too -- see his little head peeking over the flowers near our feet!! Heeeee!!!

That all for now!  I'm off to play some more and maybe even get in a few visits, so...

I'll be seeing you!