JUST AN EXPERIMENT!!!

Hello, all!  And hello and welcome to all my new following family-members that I may not have acknowledged in the last few days!  I'm happy to have all of you here!!!

For several weeks my aunt has been increasingly demanding and has kept me pretty busy.  In trying to please her, I've been overworking myself; so Saturday and yesterday were days of rest -- particularly after coming in from church yesterday feeling ill.  Unfortunately, I'd also been really very tired for awhile so I guess it started to catch up with me.  I felt some of the pressure but ignored it, not realizing just how tired I was and/or how it was effecting me.   Being HARD-HEADED I even ignored the signs.   For instance, I don't know if any of you noticed  -- and I just can't figure how I did it -- but I made a wrong selection on my last blog candy for the paperstack.  The winner should have been the Cricut Couple as they were the 12th commentor; how I counted as far down to Maria... I just don't know.  However, as embarrassing as it was, I've apologized to the Cricut Couple, and both they and Maria will receive paper stacks.  Thanks to my hubby for recognizing my error in that he decided to sit and  browse/read through my posts and comments.  Also, on Thursday, my DT project here on my blog posted late because I thought I'd automatically scheduled it but had never taken it out of "draft" mode.  Then, I dozed off Friday afternoon and was awakened by the sound of a god-awul explosion -- I'd forgotten some eggs I'd put on to boil and when the water completely boiled away -- BOOM!!!  LOL!!!  What a mess; boiled eggs were all over my nice clean kitchen!!!  God only knows what else I've done I'm not aware of yet!!!  LOL!!! Anyway, like I said, I did get some rest most of weekend.  However, doing nothing, bores me very easily; therefore, I decided I'd just experiment on something simple for a minute or so to break the monotony.

Several weeks ago, I purchased this frame bookmark from a resale shop:

Well, by now you should know me!  I've been looking AND looking at it, and this morning decided I'd experiment to see if I could come up with something similar -- not to do anything stressful or strenuous, just something to toy with.  After thinking on how I might be able to make this bookmark, I grabbed a coat hanger (and cut off a section of the wire), a can of gold spray paint, a medium and small size cabachon, and some oven-bake clay:

And in a matter of about 30 minutes here's the outcome of my version of the bookmark:

Here are both bookmarks side-by-side:

Mine is still a bit rough looking but now that I've done the experiment, I know what I'll do refine it to make it better looking!  However, I won't do that now because I think the fumes from the paint are causing what was a dimenishing migraine to resurface.  However, I'd appreciate your telling  me what you think so far!

Before I leave, I also want to share what may be the very last of the roses from my hubby's garden for this summer.  Each year he keeps fresh assorted flowers and roses all throughout the house that he's grown.  All his red roses and most of the flowers have already gone but there're still a few buds left of the white, pink and yellow roses on the bushes (which he's hoping will still bloom).  Here's what he brought me in yesterday that had opened:

His flowers and roses are always so pretty!  Here's a close up of these which are probably though his last ones for the summer:

Well, I'm going to get a bit more rest to try to rid myself of this aggravating migraine; then I'll be back later to visit with some of you!  Maybe even "sneak" in another project!

Thanks for stopping by, love you all, and...

I'll be seeing you -- soon!

HANDMADE CHERUB FRAME (AND BRIEF TUTORIAL)

Hello!  I hope your Monday is as wonderful and beautiful as mine has began!  And..., I'm sure we all put aside a moment yesterday to reflect on the 10th anniversary of September 11, and that we are aware of just how blessed we really are!

Yesterday evening, I did a bit of playing around -- I LOVE to play!  My inspiration for this project came from some plaster the hubby had lying around in the basement in the storage room (yep, same plaster you can purchase from any hardward supply store), and a can of spray webbing adhesive... lol!!!  Now why was I digging around in our basement storage room?  Well, looking for a craft idea, of course... lol!!!  The spray webbing adhesive was some I'd purchased several years ago but had no idea why I'd want to have it; so until I decided, I tucked it away and forgot it -- until yesterday when I was searching through materials in the storage room.

Surprisingly the idea that came to my mind was not to use the webbing adhesive as a glue, as intended, but as dimension on my project.  I wasn't certain it was going to work or even how it would look but, like I said, I like to play! 

Here's the cherub frame I made:

That gold webbing on the frame is the webbing adhesive!  Doesn't it look great?!!!

Well, let me give you a brief tutorial on how I did this.  Already having the spray webbing adhesive and plaster, I grabbed a couple of molds and got busy:

I mixed plaster with water (enough to fill each mold) until I had a pancake consistency; I sprayed the molds with "good ole" Pam (praying the plaster wouldn't adhere to my molds still), poured the plaster into the molds and allowed it to set.  Here's what I got:

Unfortunately I dropped the frame and had to glue several of the pieces back together so I won't be giving this one away... lol!  Anyway, once the glued frame was dry, I spray painted the frame black and the cherub gold.  Next I sprayed the frame with the webbing adhesive and allowed that to dry.  My hope was that the adhesive wouldn't dry flat, wouldn't remain tacky, and would maintain it's dimension which -- yippeeeee -- everything came out as I'd hoped!!!  Once the webbing adhesive dried, I used my finger to rub over the raised areas with gold Rub and Buff.  All that was left to do after that was glue on the cherub with some E-6000 glue!

The next one I do I think I'll do in an off-white and gold because, although I thought the black would look nice with the gold, I wasn't particular afterward about the black at all.  Also, I have no idea what I'm actually going to fill this frame with; the insert I've used here is only temporary, something I put there just to keep it from being blank when I took the picture.  And, I can even see adding a bit more embellishing!  Yes, now that this has turned out and worked out well, I have even more decorative ideas for future projects like this one.

Well, I hope you like it!  Maybe you'll be inspired to try this!  Okay, off now to find something else I can get into... lol!!! 

I'll be seeing you!

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...

BELIEVE IT OR NOT!!!

Hello, hello, hello, and a very happy Thursday to you all!!!  And happy St. Patty's Day!!!

Did you all notice the very first label added on my side bar there on the right?!!!  Yes, believe it, I'm participating in a blog hop!!!  I've really wanted to do this and, although I was asked before I had to decline due to timing issues; however, I am thrilled to have been offered another opportunity!  How fun!

This is an Easter Blog Hop sponsored by our one and only Rhonda, and all the fun starts at her place on April 15.  The line-up of amazing talents participanting is listed beneath the Blog Hop label on my sidebar.  Of course, I'll have a little "candy" to sweeten the tooth of one (or maybe two) of the lucky hoppers hopping on over here, so I hope you'll all stay tuned.  I'll be reminding you before the date arrives, and I do hope you'll all join us aboard the Easter Blog Hop train.

And, yet, another believe it or not -- the weather here in Chicago will reach almost 70 degrees today, so I'm grabbing Buster and we're headed out to enjoy the day!!!  The high temp is only predicted for today and I don't want to miss a drop of it after the harsh winter we've head!  An early spring day to enjoy -- gotta have it!!!  So, this may be my only post for today!!!  I want to bask in the day as long as it lasts!  LOL!

Oh, a couple of you asked about my vase and how I did it, so my next post will be a really quick tutorial/instruction on how I did it.  This project is so easy and fast -- 5 to 10 minutes tops -- it'll be a really short post.  I mentioned in my comment post last evening that I didn't have any specific technique for doing this,  I was only playing, so I'm surprised at the results myself.   So one thing for sure is each one will be different and unique!  And I'm sure you'll all add something of your own to give it your unique touch!  You won't believe just how easy it is!!!  Believe it or not!!!

Well, I'm out to enjoy 70 degrees!!!  Hope you have a great day too!!!

Love you all!

HELLO, HELLO!!!

Hello, my family, and a happy Sunday!

Just got home from church, and wanted to let you know I sent happy prayers out to each of you.

Didn't get the opportunity to complete my project this weekend because yesterday was the hubby's birthday, and there's been "little" surprise celebrations going on non-stop (some of which I wasn't even aware had been planned).  We've had a wonderful time this weekend for his birthday!  His youngest brother came in from Decatur, IL, who we haven't seen in over a year; he'd gotten together with the next younger brother and planned a dinner party and it was so much fun -- I even danced!!!  Although the hubby "refers" -- key word -- to himself as Fred Astaire Jr., I am not nor claim to be a dancer but I do have such fun trying!  LOL!!!  Of course, my son had planned a small celebration too, so it's been a weekend of just having family fun!!!  I'm so thrilled for my honey and happy that he's called this the best birthday weekend he's ever had.  I guess I'd say the same if I got a heat/massage chair AND a new car for my birthday!!!   I guess I don't have to say, I can't wait until MY birthday now  -- and I really don't care for surprises!!!  LOL!  I even went so far as the drop a hint that I'd like the new Cricut machine for my birthday!  Heeee -heeee!

As with most retired couples, the hubby and I live comfortably managing to enjoy ourselves, our life, and to acquire most of the things we want through careful budgeting -- because we're nowhere near wealthy.

Well, when everyone would ask Len what he wanted for his birthday, he'd jokingly say he wanted a Mercedes Benz!  Of course, he really hadn't considered getting one, but a little here and a little there from everyone  made a wish come true!!!  I AM STILL ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED MYSELF!!!  Actually, he won't  have the car until April because, from what I understand, once ordered and getting here to the U.S, it must be then be assembled because it comes in parts.  I hope once April gets here, my honey's head isn't so far up in the clouds he won't hear me when I shout up at him -- or gets any bigger than it already is, LOL!!!  Now, wouldn't you drop hints too?!!!  The new Cricut isn't nearly as much as a new Mercedes!!!

As for my "wee" parting gift (I only bought the chair), I'm ending his birthday weekend by taking him out to dinner in just a bit, but before I left I wanted to drop in and, at least,say hello as I haven't been here since Friday!  Now you know why my jealous butt disappeared to this weekend!

I'll be seeing you!

I'M HOME!!!

OMG!  I'm home!!!  And you are all amazing and wonderful friends!!!  I just got an opportunity to read some of your comments I was unable to access while I was away, and I am so grateful to have gotten so much more than I expected.  Thank you so very much!  Your comments were truly comforting!

All the way home, I kept thinking all I wanted to do was get home to hug and kiss my hubby, my son and Buster, let them know I much I loved them; and let you all know I was back and how much I missed you and appreciated your all your prayers.  My brother said the service was beautfiully done.  Second, I wanted to find out what challenges were going on so that I could immediately jump into my crafting -- I truly missed not being able to do something as simple as make a card while I was away.

So, I'm off to find a challenge, do some much needed crafting, and have something to come back to share with you.  After, I'll start coming around to visit with you personally (which will probably be some time tomorrow).  It may not sound appropriate to say after coming home from such a sad circumstance, but I feel as though a weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I'm ready to come back to life!!!

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!

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!

JUST AN UPDATE!

Hello, everyone!  I hope this post finds everyone well and enjoying the holiday season still!!!

I am well, and still enjoying family that are here visiting for the holiday!  I have relatives here from Philadelphia, Washington, and Louisianna.  My hubby has relatives here from California and Mississippi.  Everyone is spread out staying with different families, so we've been back and forth visiting, and trying to organize one big New Year's eve celebration where we can all come together -- so far, it's been a joyous week!!!  I hope you and your families are taking the time to "live, laugh, and love".  For us, we don't get together often, so the holidays become particularly important.

It's been wonderful being able to drop in and visit with some of you, and seeing some of your amazing creations!!!  I still have a lot of getting around to do but I'm enjoying taking the time in between family visits admiring all your work!

Still haven't been able to just jump into crafting yet or playing with my new Imagine but after all the family festivities I'll have all the time I need to do that too -- still looking forward to some pointers from any of you on this Imagine!

Anyhow, I wanted to drop in to just let you know, as always, I'm thinking of you.

Before I leave I want you to know, my aunt actuallty asked me to tell all my blogging buddies hello and happy holidays from her!  I guess she's finally paying attention to how much blogging and all of you mean to me.  Guess she's put her envy to a side for the holidays -- LOL!!!  For all of you that have asked about her, she's doing well, just got another perfect bill of health!!!

Please don't forget to sign up for the resin pendants too.  Next week is the last week and, as a note, I'm trying to come up with something exciting for you to help me bring in my blogging one-year anniversary, which is January 3, 2011!!!

Hugs, and ... I'll be seeing you!

REMINDER FOR PHOTO RESIN PENDANT DRAWING!!!

Hello all my wonderful family-friends!  I hope all's well!

I am so sorry I have been unable to come and visit but I've been having a rough time these last few weeks, and more busy than imaginable.  To give you a brief summary of what I've went through, I was late getting my first batch of soap to the customer and worked feverishly through the night to have it ready for him the next day.  Ironically, the second batch came out too strong, so it wasn't usable -- I think I was just too tired to have even attempted starting making in the first place.  Next, I had one box filled with 27 glass bottles of parfum and the hubby accidently dropped the box -- you know the rest!  I had to redo those bottles!  Unfortunately, I haven't had time to take any pictures, I've been moving so fast with none of the time available at the rate I'm going.  I'm tired but trying to get through this.  I don't think I'll be doing this again next year, it's getting to be way too enormous.

Anyway, I wanted to remind you that I will "pop" in tomorrow for the pendant drawing.  I don't know if there are any new participants but I'll be doing the drawing for those of you who have posted.  If you haven't, you have until 12 p.m. (CT) tonite!

Again, I apologize for having to run, but I still have a considerable amount left to do and I have to have all my orders completed by Saturday.

I'll be dropping back by tomorrow with the drawing results!

I miss you all so very much, and I hope holiday preparations are going great!!!  I should be back next week!  And for those of you who have contacted me and send me some love, thank you so very much!!!

Hugs!

P.S.  I'm still waiting on photos/words for resin pendants from a couple of the winners -- don't forget to email them to me.  My email address is:  audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net

RESIN PENDANT WINNERS FOR TODAY'S DRAWING!!!

Hello, everyone.  I hope all is well!

Sorry I'm a bit late posting the drawing for today but I'm really pushed right now.  Hopefully this will all be over by the end of next week -- if I can survive it!!!!  I guess that says how I feel right about now!

Well, since I'm sorry to have to jump in and right back out, I guess I'll get to the matter of this post.  First, let me apologize for having to be so abrupt but I'm really backed up right now, and I'm not having an easy time.

Okay, the winning numbers selected by Random Generator for today's (Friday, December 10) drawing are:

The numbers 4 and 11 correspond to the placement orders for:

1. Dawn
2. Amber

Congratulations, ladies!!!

TO ALL WINNERS:

Please email me at audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net to follow-up on the specifics (photo and/or words desired on your pendant) by Friday, December 17.

I've noted I've received several questions from some of you, and I'm not ignoring you.  I will respond to your questions soon.

Again, I am so very sorry I have to run but I will get back to you all as soon as I possibly can.

Miss you!  I'll be seeing you!


P.S.  Good news!!!  A bright side this last days was when my aunt's doctor they examined the cancer and she will not have to have the chemotherapy!!!  YEAAAAA!!!

I'M MISSING YOU SOMETHING AWFUL!!!

Hi, everyone!  I hope you're all doing well!!!

Although I really don't have the time to spare, I just had to drop in to say hello and to let you know I really miss you.  Sorry I've been unable to post and/or visit these several days, but I'm soooo behind in getting everything done.  I really pushing myself trying to make my quotas and deadlines, and having to work alone this year and with being concerned too with my aunt, I'm having a very difficult time.  I'm tired but I do have a few moments where I really enjoy the challenge of getting through all this.

I've got all my soap poured and it's setting right now in a cool place in the basement.  Once it's set, I can cut and shrink wrap it.  I will snap some pictures once it's ready so that you can see.  In the meantime, while waiting to do that, I've been busy on the other toiletries I have to do.

I started out trying to take pictures for you as I go, but as the time gets nearer to getting everything ready, I'm not finding much time to stop and take pictures right now.  I would like, while I'm taking this moment, to share with you some of the pictures I have managed to "squeeze" in:

Here are just 2 of the bags filled with the bottles, jars, etc. I have to fill with toiletries:

This picture is where I started pulling out and organizing some of the ingredients I use in my toiletries:  essential and fragrance oils, unrefined/refined shea, mango, and cocoa butters, vitamin E, Glycerin, sweet almond oil, etc.  These is just some of what I pulled off my shelves to get started.

I make everything in separate batches according to the different essential/fragrance oils being used.  The perfumes and body oils are colored according to their different scents.  Here is a batch of lotion I'm whipping up:

To assure everything stays clean and sanitary, before capping all the bottles and jars, I first make certain it's sealed.

After the containers are filled and secure, I get the labels ready to label them.  Here're some items ready to be labeled:

Here's an order that's labeled.  This is part of an order for linen sprays.  This person is giving each of his favorite customers s a personalized bottle -- 31 bottles!!!  Whty am I not somebody's favorite customer?!!!  LOL!

This order is for a friend who has an auto supply / repair shop.  He's requested 6 personalized car refreshers and 50 just to put in his shop to sell and/or giveaway:

 

Oh, and I've just got to show you this!!!  This is the second year I've made this and this year I've gotten over 100 requested orders for 2 different spa's.  Last year when I made this, I wasn't sure how well it would be received but it was a hit!!!  This is a whipped cream soap and it is absolutely luscious!!!  I put loads of good stuff in it, and made it to lather really-really well!  I put the spoon in it just to show you how thick and creamy it is:

I'm going to keep this unopened one for myself!!!

Well, I've got to get back; I've got so much to do in so little time!!!  Sorry I don't have the time to visit with you all right now but, as much as possible, I'll try to keep you posted.  And, I'll have pictures of my soap for you as soon as they're ready!

Don't forget, those of you who haven't already done so, I'll be back for the drawing this Friday for the resin pendants;  be sure to sign up!!!



I miss you all terribly!  But..., I'll be seeing you!

Sorry, I've got to go!

RESIN PENDANTS DRAWING TOMORROW, DECEMBER 3!!!

Good afternoon, bet you thought I wasn't going to make it back today, huh?  LOL!!!  If it were left to my aunt, I probably wouldn't be here -- she's jealous of you all!!!  LOL!!!  Can you believe that?!!!

Thank you for dropping by and for your comments on my DT project for She's A Sassy Lady today.  I always appreciate your feedback on my projects, and I'm so delighted you enjoyed this one.

Anyway, I needed to drop by here to remind you tomorrow is the drawing for the resin pendants.  Two (2) recipients will be randomly drawn, so if you haven't gotten your name on the post for them, please hurry and get your entry in before midnight (CT)!!!  I will announce the winners between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. tomorrow.

I also mentioned I had to pass on a blog award, and now I have to also acknowledge 2 others I just received; again, the "Stylish Blogger" award from my friends Samantha, aka Wife2TJ and Debbie.  These are very talented friends I admire and love to visit, and I hope you will also drop in on them when you can.

Ladies, thank you so very much!!!  I will add your names for this award to my sidebar under the award.

This award I'll be passing on right now is one I received earlier from Sheila  and Wende, and one I hadn't previously received; therefore, as I promised, I'd love  to show some love to these deserving blogs by passing it on to them::

1. Love My Paper
2. Melissa Made
3. Cokie Pop Paper
4. Enjoy the VA Sunshine
5. Southernbelle Scrapper
6. Staying Crafty
7. Creative Genieous
8. Passionately Artistic

Please visit all these crafty and talented ladies!  And, again, thank you very much!!!

Well, I've so much to do that I need to get to, so that's it for now.  I don't have much time right now to do much crafting for posting, but I will continue to try to visit with you as much and as often as I can;  but it will be slow going!  If I can squeeze in a few minutes to craft, I promise I'll use it to share with you!!!

See you tomorrow when I announce the pendant winners!!!

Hugs!

SOMETHING TO SHARE AND GIFTS!!!

Hello!!!  I've really missed all you wonderful people over the weekend and I hope your holiday was as beautiful as mine!!!  Of course I ate tooo much and rested too little, so my body decided it would make me take the "R&R" it demanded.  I feel so much better now!

Now that I think (and hope) my system is back on track, I'm ready to go!!!  And to start off, today is the day I invited you here with a hope that what I have will be a pleasant surprise for you!!!  But before I go there, let me share with you a few things.

Over the last several weeks, in between my blog projects, I've been playing around again with resins and utee (Ultra Thick Embossing Powders).  I gave out several as gifts to see how well they'd be received and everyone loved and was overwhelmed with them all.  I've even been requested to make some for purchases but I won't -- these are strictly for gift giving and for fun!!!   Here's just some of what I've did with resin:

I took this cameo and the crystal:

and made these molds from them:

Once the resin set, I popped out my replicas and here's what I created:

I plan on using these as box and card embellishments!  I've always admired cameos and have always wanted to do the decoupaged crystals but they are so expensive to buy; this way I now won't have to use all the few of these items I do have.  But, I didn't stop there!  I made these photo pieces which will be used for assorted jewelry, and I've quite a few more to do for a family photo cube (similar to Rubic's cube)!  Cool, huh?

Of course, I completed a several photo/personalized jewelry pieces too.  Here are some:  pendants, purse charm, bracelet, and initialed cuff links for my son:

These resin pieces are soooo much fun to make!  And I have plenty of beads, wire and jewelry makings; so I've already prepared molds ready for earrings, rings, Christmas card charms, embellies, magnets, pins and more!!!

Now I'd like to show you two (2) freehand pieces I made just playing around with utee.  I don't know how I'll use these yet but I can also see (and have many other ideas) jewelry and embellishments with these:

You might not have realized it, but this has all been an introduction to what I have in store for you -- (DRUM ROLL!) -- because I will be giving away 10 resin photo pendants!!! Beginning this Friday and every Friday in the month of December (the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st),  I will select two (2) blog followers by random generator to receive one of my handmade photo pendants. 

Here are the rules:

1. You MUST BE A FOLLOWER OR BECOME A FOLLOWER.  If you're aren't a follower and would like to participate, you must sign-up to follow me before the Friday of each random selection.  You will be eligible if you are a follower the week of - but before -the Friday before the drawing in that week.
2. You must be WILLING TO EMAIL ME A PHOTO that you'd like in your pendant, or you can request I design your pendant for you.  (I will provide the selected persons my email address each Friday after the drawing.)
3. You MUST PROVIDE ME AN ADDRESS where I can send your pendant.
4. You MUST LEAVE ME AT LEAST ONE COMMENT ON THE THURSDAY BEFORE THE FRIDAY OF EACH DRAWING!  (IMPORTANT:  Your comment on each consecutive Thursday before that Friday's drawing in that week  is what will be used as your assigned number for random generator in order to be selected.  If there is no comment on the Thursday prior to each Friday's drawing, you will not be counted as eligible to win.

There will only be one gift to each winner; therefore, if you win once and then again for any additional weeks), another winner will be selected.

NOTE:  I will make all the pendants at the same time, after the last drawing on December 31 when all 10 candidates are selected; all pendants will be mailed out to the winners in the first week of  January 2011.

So, now that you have the rules, I look forward to making and presenting you with your gifts!!!

Again, this is my way of saying how grateful and fortunate I am to have you all in my life, and to thank you for following me, giving me love, support, and inspiration!!!  Good luck in the drawings!!!

In closing, I have several blog awards I must acknowledge -- I haven't forgotten!!!  I'll get to them as soon as I get back!  And, of course, I'm waaaay behind in visiting you... again!!!  So that's on my agenda too!

I'll be seeing you!!!

DROPPING IN TO SAY... "HELLO" YOU ARE NOT FORGETTING!!! (EDITED)

Hello my blog family!!!  I miss you all and your creativeness so very much!!!  I hope all's well!

Edit:  If you tried to get in this posta bit earlier and couldn't, it's probably because of this edit.  I guess I'm more tired than I thought because I almost forgot my manners.  I should have and want to say thank you for all the wonderful comments you've left me concerning my aunt.  I very much appreciate that you have kept us in your thoughts and prayers -- Thank you!!!


I am fine but very tired.  My aunt is recovering -- physically -- very well; however, the last 2 days she has been confused and hallucinating.  The doctor says it may be the medication, however, I think it's a rapid progression of alzheimer's.  The symptoms are so eerily familiar to me as those of my grandmother, grandfather, and my mother-in-law.  I've been spending all day and evening with her, and they have a nurse sitting with her during the night to keep her from pulling out her tubes and/or trying to leave the hospital.  Most of the time, she's lucid and can hold a normal conversation.  She remembers people, events, dates, but then there are those awful  and sad moments in between.

I did come in this evening and relaxed by working on a couple of projects, and chatting with the hubby.  He had even prepared my dinner!!!  I was so tense and stressed, and crafting did me so much good; so I will have something to share with you as soon as my projects are dry and I get back from the hospital tomorrow to post.  Hopefully, another family member will relief me so I won't have to spend the entire day there and I'll be able to post fairly early.

I am going to try to visit as many of you as I can during the available time I have, but considering my schedule right now, it willl be slow going.  However, please know you are all in my thoughts!

I'll be seeing you!

UPDATE!!! MY AUNT IS SUCH A TROOOPER!!!

Good evening all my extended and wonderful blog family!!!

Thank you all so much for your well-wishes and prayers concerning my aunt.  I just got home and I'm so very happy to say she came through her surgery very well and VERRRY feisty!!!  This was no easy task getting her to do this and we ran into some problems with that, but when the dust settled, she went into surgery about 9:30 this morning.

The good news is that the doctor believes she got all of the cancer.  They had to remove all but about 20% of her colon, however, there's enough left that she won't have to have a bag (if you know what I  mean).  What we don't know yet is whether or not she'll have tohavechemotherapy.  That will be determined once the pathologist has examined the tumor and has checked her.  But she woke up fussing and we knew then she was okay!!!  LOL!!!  She really is amazing eventhough she'll drive you crazy!!!

They did also see something on her liver but they said they don't think it's of any concern right now, and that  it would be typical if it were just a "blood blister" (?????) which can occur after that kind of surgery.  Anyway, I'm not going to start worrying over something that may be nothing -- I'm reporting GOOD NEWS!!!

Of course, I'll be back and forth at the hospital for as long as it takes; eventhough, she's in good physical condition, her age is still a huge factor in her recuperation and so her doctor  will not be "kicking" out after the normal 2-day stay -- which isn't pleasing my aunt at all!!!  LOL!  What a relief though that is to me!!!

Anyway, I know I'll have a lot of catching up to do commenting on your blogs, but please bear with me, it may take me some time but once I can get her through this and settled at home, I will get to you all!!!  I promise!!!  I miss you, love your comments, and you're all in my thoughts that all is going well with you and yours!

Again, thank you so much for your prayers!!!  They were answered!!!

I'll be seeing you!

QUESTION RE: POSTING COMMENTS!!!

Can anyone let me know if they've had a problem posting comments when visiting other bloggers?

I've attempted to post comments complimenting projects to several blogs and although I sign-in properly in Google, it continuously rejects my password as incorrect.  This is not occurring at all blogspots but enough to make me wonder what the problem could be.

Does anyone know what's going on? Have had this problem?

I'd hate for anyone to think I'm not visiting and commenting on their projects, when I actually can't!

DID YOU KNOW...?

Good evening, everyone!  Hope everyone is having a fun and crafty weekend!

Today I was revisiting and thinking of  things I used to do that I haven't done in a very long time. And the few things that came to mind you guys  probably already know about;  but if you don't or just in case you'd forgotten, I'd like to share them with you.  One is that I actually used to make my own rub-ons from transparencies.  Now, they're not the best transfers as are the store bought ones, but if you're in a pinch it will get the job done for you.  Here's a quick example of a tranparency rub-on I did to show you:

This isn't anything new by a long shot and transparency transfers have  more rustic look -- this one even more so because it's large.  But, for some things I really like this look, depending on the project.  And, it is something to keep in mind if you need a quick but simple rub-on in a jiffy. Just print it out and rub it on!!!  Oh, and words need be be printed in reverse for this.

Another craft I used to do was lots of molded plaster items and t-shirt transfers using this stuff:

God!  Do you guys remember Faster Plaster?!!!  I was in love with this stuff!!!  Because I have so much of  both it and fabric transfers just laying around, I decided I wanted to see if the fabric transfer would work on plaster, so I molded an ornament with the plaster and transferred a picture -- and it works!!!  Now my sample here isn't very good because I got overzealous and didn't allow the ornament to completely cool before removing the transfer, so if you try this please let your project cool completely before removing the transfer:

I think I'll do more of these, personalized for Christmas present tags, and cover them with varnish for a nice gloss!  Add a bow and it'll be a gift on a gift!  And, I'm going to try it other materials too to see what kind of results I'll get.

And lastly, I'd purchased some multi-colored glitter glue.  I normally don't buy glitter glues unless it's Stickles but the colors were so striking I thought I'd try them: 

Hated them!!!  I've gotten so spoiled to Stickles whereas other glitter glues dry so flat and loses a lot of the glimmer and sheen.  Well, not wanting to throw them away, I decided I'd see if I could use them to make embellies which can be used on cards or something -- you scrapbookers can even probably use them in your scrapbooks; create your own design!.  What I did was spread the glue and made some swirls on a sheet of waxed paper.  The glue I spread out, once dry, I realized could be cut, punched, reshaped -- now my mind is really reeling!!!  Here are some of my samples I did in a hurry just to test:

Isn't that teddy bear cute?!!!  Now that I know I can do this, I'll be a bit neater the next time I try it and more creative.

Now I'll leave you with a little tip you may or may not know; you can add a few drops of vinegar to white glue, mix it well and paint it along the sealing edge your handmade envies to create a lickable glue seal! 

 Just thought I'd share; that's all for now!

I'll be seeing you!

ACCENT ENAMEL UPDATE AND BLOG AWARD!

Good day, friends and family!

Minus some throbbing in my ear, and still some slight iritation when I swallow, I am beginning to feel much better.  Being the case, I enjoyed taking the time today to get in some playtime and I've worked on several little projects that I'll share with you once they're dry; hopefully today but they probably won't be ready until tomorrow.

Well, as I've finally started playing with the black and white Accent Enamel, and as many of you asked for feedback, to update you I probably won't be running out buying any more of it unless I can get better results.  First of all it is pretty thin, not as thick like clear Glossy Accents, and it doesn't seem to hold up well -- it's kind of runny.  Also, if you mix the 2 colors, the black almost completely overpowers the white.  I have experimented with it several times already and found I had to just barely touch the tip of the black enamel nozzle onto a fair amount of white to maintain both colors.  When you start out using this product for the first time you won't realize the black consumes the white until the enamel begins to dry (and by the time it is dry there is no white), so if you decide to try it don'tfigure on equally mixing the two and expect a finished two-tone project; it will take practice.   Because the consistency is so much thinner than you'd think, I can't imagine it would be easy to use as an outliner although if you have a very steady hand you could probably do it; however, it does seem it would make a good filler when contained within a groove or mold.  I think I've  managed to complete a very-very small project with it today; I'll know once it's dry, in which case I will share it with you.

So, overall, that's it for what I've found out so far.  I will be back to share my projects with you as soon as they're ready; hopefully you'll find them fun!

Before I leave, I want to recognize a new friend, Jen.  She has just awarded me, again, with the Sweet Blogger award which I have accepted as graciously as I know how.  Jen, thank you so much for this award and I'll be adding your name to this award on my sidebar.  As I'd just posted acceptance for another of this award yesterday, I do not think it is necessary to publish the award pic again, and I hope Jen won't take offense to this.  It is such an honor and a compliment when someone new joins my family and thinks enough of me to pass on an award so soon.

Please visit Jen's blog by clicking on her name captioned above, which is a direct link.  You will certainly enjoy what she has prepared for you!!!  Thanks again, my friend, I am so very honored!!!

Well, I'll be back -- if not today than tomorrow!

SO MUCH TO SQUEEZE IN ONE POST

Good day, all!!!  I hope you're all doing well!

First, I'd like to apologize for not being around yesterday much for my Sassy Lady project airing.  Late Wednesday evening I developed a really nasty headache/migraine with periods of nauseousness and I can't seem to get rid of it. This is usually an indication my blood pressure is high, eventhough I take my meds religiously, so it'll probably subside once my blood pressure regulates itself.  We've eaten out quite a bit, and so I suspect I've overdid it with salty and fried foods, so I'm back on my bland diet!!!  BLAH!!!  No more greasy burgers and fries, pizzas and stuff!

Second, it was pointed out to me -- thank you -- I'd neglected to mention the cart I used for the CD/DVD cut.file; the cart is George.   I typically use this cart for many cuts because it has so many of the shapes easily available that I need.  However, I realize many of you do not have this cart and if you'd like a cut.file did in another cart, please let me know and I'll let you know what other carts I can do it in for you.  Plantin is usually another great cart with basic shapes.  This one would also be easy enough to do an SVG file quickly too.

Next, I really wanted to drop in to do several things:  welcome my new followers and thank a few wonderful friends for some wonderful candy/gifts.

To my new followers, I am so very happy to have you become a part of my blog family!  Hopefully I'll be able to find you, if I haven't already, so that I can also visit with you and admire your creativity.  I do hope you'll come often and if there's anything I can do to make you more comfortable, please don't hesitate to let me know.  Thank you so much for being here!  It's an honor and I appreciate all my family and friends!

Now I have a few wonderful things to share from some more very dear friends...

Last week, I won blog candy over at my friend Jean's blog:

There are tags and a mini book, and ribbon and stamps -- oh my, just loads of stuff; and, it was all packed into that cute little bag!

For my upcoming birthday, I received the following:

From my talented and wonderful friend (as well as my DT sponsor), Sheila,  I received this beautiful card and monogrammed card set:

And a card, gifts tags and buttons from a beautifully warm and spiritual soul, my friend Beatriz aka, "Paper Grace":

Thank you all!  How wonderful you are and how very talented!!!  AND LADIES, if you think for one moment that I'm going to really USE these things, you must be NUTS!!!  I'll be looking at this for years!!!  LOL!

Now, for as much as my headache will let me (depending on how well I feel), I'll be trying to continue dropping in on you periodically throughout the day; however, I know I won't get to all of you (if any), so please forgive me.  I will though get to those of you I may miss as soon as I can -- and, if you know me, you know I will!.  But for right now, my stomach is getting queasy again, so I'll mostly be lying around, being quiet, and trying to feel better so I can get back to everything!!!

Hugs!