RUSTIC DAISY STUDIO

Sweet candy......of the non fattening kind!!!

2012-02-02T19:04:00.000-05:00

Click HERE to take you to the deets on how to enter too!!!!

This is what's up for grabs....

Most people will tell you I love just about everything.

Life's too short to have hard feelings about stuff.

Not to get too heavy on here,

but we aren't guaranteed tomorrow, so smile and enjoy!!!!!!

Get well..... E. Mc.

2012-02-02T18:52:00.000-05:00

One of my hubs dear friends is having surgery and

the hubs asked me to go to the store

and pick up a card.....

Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

Sure, I'll go to my studio and purchase one.....LOL

I asked him "What do I do in my studio just about everyday?"

He replied, "I didn't want to be a bother you."

Bother, how can it be a bother when

I love doing it and any excuse to make

something is as good as any.....right???

Here's the card I came up with....

The stamp set is called Fabulous Florets from SU!

I stamped the the flower heads on yellow cardstock using versamark and then used black embossing powder....then fussy cut them out.

I stamped the leaf onto newsprint cardstock and embossed it with black as well.

I stamped the stem w/leaves with gray ink and did it twice more

without re-inking to get the subtle effect.

Layered it onto black cs and then all onto a kraft card base.

On the very vanilla piece I used the ticket corner punch.

I pop dotted the flower heads and leaf onto the front.

It's not too frou frou for a man is it????.......

I wanted it to look elegant without being too fussy.

Until later, petals.........Gotta split......TFL!!!!!

Kisses all around....

2012-02-01T19:04:00.000-05:00

New video tutorial for this card.

I'm sending this one to the hubs too..... I don't think he will mind

all of the 'sweet' cards.

Hard to make a card when you are

straddling the tripod and looking around the camera.

I'm going to work on another way

to film to make it less frenetic looking next time.

Hope you enjoyed it !!!!

Until later, sweet kisses.........Gotta split......TFL!!!!!!

Love blooms...

2012-01-31T09:24:00.000-05:00

it blooms where its planted ....

Valentine's is slowly creeping up on us

and I saw this design on a blog (sorry can't remember where) and loved it.

I used the cricut to cut all the images.

All the images are hearts of 1/2" increments of sizes

and even the leaves at the bottom is a heart cut in half and placed just so.

I used the swiss dots embossing folder to create the background.

I haven't put a sentiment inside yet, but I think

I'm simply going to put just as my post title says....

Love blooms...

I'm giving this to my other half....

don't worry he won't see this, he never reads my posts.

Bwahahahahahahahahaha!!!

My love blooms more and more for him everyday though....

even if he never reads one of my posts.

Until later, bloomers...... Gotta split.......TFL!!!!

Shower curtain make-over!!!!

2012-01-27T20:48:00.000-05:00

I can never leave anything as it is.

Below you will see a video of me painting on my shower curtain.

I love the stripes, but it reminded me of a bumble bee.

I wanted to update the look for a less juvenile look.

Here goes.....

Did ya like it.....

I know, I'm either brave or crazy......

Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

Until later, painters.......Gotta split........TFL!!!!

Finished.... ahhhhhhh!!!

2012-01-27T06:43:00.002-05:00

Cabinet finally came in.....

My daughter and myself installed it and

then my sister came over and added her touches to the decorating.

I think I'm done for a little while now.

I even took a video of the installation to show just how easily it can be done.

With a just a little know how and ingenuity.

The "braces" that I was referring to are simply some scrap 1" x 2" scraps of wood that I
screwed onto the cabinet to help hold it up on the existing cabinet......
almost like a cantilever...
The new cabinet weighed about 50 lbs....

Heather REALLY didn't want to be on video.....LOL

Until later, Finishers......Gotta split......TFL!!!!!

DIY projects are still underway....

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've been seeing all over the web horizontal stripes for curtains, furniture, etc....

I wanted to change my bathroom and fell in love with this color scheme..

Yellow, Gray and white.

It worked perfect for me as we have a gray toilet, shower stall and counter tops.

I couldn't find any fabric that was yellow and white stripes so I sewed strips together to get the result I wanted and from there I created a shower curtain.

The average shower curtain measures 72" X 72".

My stripes measure 6" finished. So it was easy to add just enough for the seam allowances and hems to get 12 alternating stripes to come out even.

12 stripes, 12 buttonholes, and miles ans miles of thread and

ta daaaaaaa!!!!!!

Still more DIY to get done.

Installing an overhead cabinet today, with a little help from one of my daughters and my sister. Wish us luck that we get it up without killing each other.

Until later diy-ers........Gotta split.....TFL!!!!!

Question......

2012-01-20T07:47:00.000-05:00

My question is:

What do you want to see me post about this year....???

Maybe more tutorials, more 3-d items, how-to's,

any specific genres, contests,

simply more regular postings (lol), etc.....

Let me know and I will do my best to make you all at least

a little more happy in the coming year.

Until later, my faithful followers.....Gotta split......TFL!!!!

We interrupt our regular programming..........

2012-01-16T09:55:00.000-05:00

......for some much needed down time!!!!!

I think I'm just clearing my head after the make-over of the kitchen.

I received as a present for Christmas some xbox 360 games, yep I really did ask for them.

Hubby was a little skeptical at first, he thought that our daughter (who is 12 yrs old) wanted them when he asked her what he thought Mommy would like.

Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!

Well, I had already given her a list of the ones I wanted.

I know, I'm kinda nerdy.

But they say to keep your mind young, you need to work out puzzles, read, keep it active. I intend on doing just that!!!!

Side note: I did get other things....

like a table easel, money, candy, etc....

My hubs is the most generous man I have ever met.!!!!!

Until later, gamers........Gotta ~~play~~ split......TFL!!!!!!

D~O~N~E !!!!

2012-01-12T06:00:00.002-05:00

well, almost done.

Still waiting on cabinet for above the sink and then I can finish the tiling there.

Looking good so far though.

These are some of the tools I used.

This tile cutter is very simple to use and inexpensive....(I think its around $25-$30)

This miter saw I purchased about 14 yrs ago. I received a gift certificate as a prize

for a painting project I created. It was a $100 and I used it towards the purchase for this.

and a lot of hard work..... Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!

Not to bad !!!!!

I also did a video on how to use the tile cutter, how I achieved the different angles.

Until later, hard workers......Gotta split......TFL!!!!!!!

tiling almost complete...

2012-01-11T08:20:00.005-05:00

Just a small update on the progress of the tiling....

Hubs is going to be surprised. Some of you may not know; but my hubs works out of town most of the time and anything and everything that gets done around here is by moi.

Here's a few pics of the tile job that I started...now I just have to wait for the tiling adhesive to set so I can grout.

Originally there were white tile here.... and they were in a straight pattern...not diamond.

This is part of the back splash near the sink.....none here previously and I was constantly having to clean the wall and it looked terrible.

Behind the sink....no that isn't the final color of paint.

Island before..... (ugly laminate)

The laminate came off very easily.

Hard to see but there are pencil lines marking the center. You need to start from the center and work your way out to make the pattern uniform. (Especially since our island was an odd size)

Tile is laid and now on to the grouting and trim..... I cut all the tile using a tile cutter (see below)

Messy, but it will be worth it in the end!!!!

Until later, DIY'ers......Gotta ~~grout~~ split....TFL!!!!!!

Kitchen make-over....

2012-01-08T15:08:00.000-05:00

This is what started it all....

I found this metal sign at a local discount store and fell in love with it.

Then it seemed everywhere I looked the same colors and themes were jumping out at me.

I painted my island with black flat acrylic paint to use as a chalkboard...

really, what self respecting coffee shop doesnt have a chalkboard to write the specials on....

Then I re-purposed a tin sign we had before. I base coated the entire piece and distressed the edges a bit. Free handed the design and spatter painted the entire piece.

I made two of these; one here and one for a small window.

(I noticed the middle tassel on bottom was flipped under after I took the pic...but its fixed now.)

I saw this coffee print on pinterest and I copied it and printed it on cardstock.

Painted a blank canvas with the accent color and then layered with more cardstock.

With some watered down acrylic paint, I put more cup rings on the canvas.

I have a pie safe and I had to decorate the top of it as well. I found this frame at HL in clearance. The 'Mmmm'.... was added by me using vinyl after I painted over the original saying (friend forever). I also found these polka dot balls in the clearance, but they were really bright so I took watered down brown acrylic paint and brushed it over them to tone down the colors a bit and then glued them to wooden candle sticks.

Old copper tea kettle that had seen better days was sprayed with Silver hammered metal paint and then using the accent color only on the handle and bottom.

I have since painted the walls a dark latte' color and will be tiling the backsplash behind the stove and sink.

Until later, decorators......Gotta split.....TFL!!!!!!!

Cheers!!!!!

2012-01-01T10:14:00.001-05:00

I'm raising my glass to you and yours for a

very special and prosperous

New Year!!!!!!

The glass w/bubbles is a large MS punch.

Bubble border is MS punch also.

The rest is simply layering....

and a little glitter thrown in.

Isn't something NEW always with a little sparkle!!!!

Here's to a great year ahead....{CLINK}!!!!

Until later, Newbies and Oldies....... Gotta split.....TFL!!!!!!

Year in REVIEW........

2011-12-28T11:20:00.002-05:00

With an "I" for paper blog is having a year in review blog hop.

Just click on the link above for all the details.

Here are some of my fave creations from last year.

I just lumped them all together for a quick glance.

I picked 12 (not necessarily) one from each month, but just the ones that I particularly love.

It runs the gamut as far as themes and what not.

Most of my family and friends say I have a very eclectic style in and out of my studio.....bwahahahahahahahaha!!!

But I love creating schtuff and its usually whatever strikes my fancy.

Enjoy and join in.....

Until later, yearlings......Gotta split.......TFL!!!!!!!!

A visit from the North Pole....sorta......

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

well, some of the snow at least.....

Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

This Inst-snow stuff is too much fun. I bought this jar using a 40% off coupon a few yrs. back from Hobby Lobby and I still have about 1/2 jar.

I think it's original price was about $10......so it was a real bargain using a coupon.

Every year I package up two scoops into each bag and

put them on the tree for the grands to grab to take home.

(For 1 scoop add two oz. of water)

It makes a pretty good size bowl for each child to play with.

It actually feels cool to the touch and fluffs up pretty big.

They have the best time thinking they have REAL snow from the North Pole.

The packaging is pretty simple.

2"x3" jewelry baggies

4" x 3" blue cardstock (folded in half)

*Creative Memories snowflake punch

(* If you need any CM products....just check my sidebar--->)

CLICK on the link.

Wording was computer generated

small stick-on jewel.

I also spray their packages with vanilla scented spray.....

One of my grands says that if they smell like milk and cookies

then they came from Santa.

Even though they have a tag on them saying they are from "Poppy and Sugar",

we tell them Santa brought them here, special delivery.

The magic of Christmas....!!!!!!!

Until later, snow bunnies........Gotta split.....TFL!!!!!!

On the 10th, 11th & 12th days of Christmas.....

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas finale......before I take a few days off to spend with the family.

On the 10th.........10 lords-a-leaping.......

They were so excited knowing that Christmas is just around the corner

that they leaped right out from under their crowns.

I embossed "FUN" with silver embossing powder and the crowns are cut from

a MS corner punch with metallic silver card stock.

On the 11th day ........ 11 pipers piping......

No, it isn't 2 flutes......its 2 flutes placed to resemble

the number "11"....

HA!!! Gottcha!!!

The flutes are a digi and I printed it twice. Layered some paper and added ribbon and called this one done!!!!

On the 12th day.......12 drummers drumming......

Tag you're it.......12 tags for gifts under the tree.....

Tag punch from Creative Memories was used to punch out tags and

then I layered on some DSP .

The drum stamp is from Viva Las Vegastamps and punched out with a 1" punch and layered on top of 1-1/4" punch.

and a partridge in a pear treeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!!

Until later, Gifties........Gotta split......TFL!!!!!!!

On the 8th & 9th days of Christmas.....

2011-12-22T13:30:00.000-05:00

....maids a-milkin'.....

Looks like the cows were a little stingy .....

only one carton between 8 maids.

Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

I "Maid" this using the milk carton die and Comfort food stamp set.

Would be even better if I had some 'milk' duds to put inside.

Note to self: make a grocery list for the 'maids' .

Yes, I'm behind a day so I had to combine the 8th and 9th days......

below is my version of 9 ladies dancing.....

This will make a great border for a scrapbook layout.

I stamped these and then used color pencils & OMS to blend.

Tomorrow will be the last day and I'll combine 10th, 11th and 12th days for the big finale.

Until later, santa 'bee'lievers.........Gotta split........TFL!!!!

On the seventh day of Christmas.....

2011-12-20T06:26:00.000-05:00

NO, not ducks a swimming...... bwahahahahahahaha!!!

swans-a-swimming......

these are my rendition of a baby swan....

a cynget (<---proper name for a baby swan)

Remember the story of the ugly duckling....

yeah, now you get it!!!

I told ya my artistic license is going to come into play real soon.

Deets:

Card stock

polka dotted ribbon

embossing folder to create the circle on the blue card stock, then I used some scallop scissors to layer two strips.

The "cygnets" are from a punch, I used a marker to color in their little beaks.

Foliage was created by snipping some scrap green with MS fringe scissors

Until later, beautiful swans....... Gotta split......TFL!!!!

On the sixth day of Christmas.....

2011-12-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

...six geese a laying...

Well, in this case looks like they've finished the job...

Bwahahahahahahahaha!!!

I'm going to have to be a little more creative from here on out. With the numbers getting larger, it's kinda hard putting that many elements on one card....

so, I'm going to pull out my artistic license.....

Yes..... I'm a card carrying artist.

Nest was cut using the cricut.....

there are tons of nest images, use the one that you like.

Eggs were just punched using an oval punch, then I inked around the edges using

a vanilla ink.

Some seam binding and layering of the paper and taaa daaaaaa!!!!

Until later, nesties......Gotta split......TFL!!!!

On the fifth day of Christmas.....

2011-12-17T08:34:00.000-05:00

....five goldennnnnn ringggssssss....

Easy peasy .....mac & cheesy card today.

Some blingy designer card stock for the base and then layering.

The rings were cut using a small oval punched out

of gold metallic card stock,

then using a larger oval punch....

I punched around the smaller oval to create

the frame (ring).

Getting into the higher numbers is going to be tricky, but I'm gonna give it a go.

Until later, ringers.........Gotta split....TFL!!!!!

On the fourth day of Christmas.....

2011-12-16T07:56:00.000-05:00

...four calling birds......

If you've noticed I didn't put any sentiments on any of the cards so far.

That way they can be used for any occasion later on.

Wouldn't this make a lovely thank you card or birthday card???

Calling birds???? Hmmmm..... wonder what they are calling???

Maybe these are the birds that you see all lined up

on the telephone lines...

Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

Deets:

Birds were cut from CM Cheerful Seasons cartridge.

(You can buy that cartridge by clicking on my sidebar --->

and going to the CM website, tell my niece I sent ya)

Wings are from a MS leaf punch

Some layering of papers,

button and seam binding and that's pretty much it.

Super easy and super cute......

so phone a friend and get to cranking out

the 12 days.

Until later, birdies......Gotta ~~fly~~ split.......TFL!!!!!!!

On the third day of Christmas....

2011-12-15T07:18:00.000-05:00

3 french hens......

So far this is my fave card..... not sure why,

maybe the color combo, the cute chickens, ????

Super easy to put together.....

the chickens were cut from Country Life Cricut cartridge.

(2 different chickens, one was flipped and

I chose three different sizes....

2-1/2"...2"...and 1" ).

I embossed the red with an embossing folder.....

again, sorry I can't remember the name.

I'll look thru them later today to see if I can come up with the name.

I did ink up the chicks a little on the edges. I have to "egg" on the design a little.

Until later, chickies......Gotta split....TFL!!!!!

On the second day of Christmas....

2011-12-14T07:24:00.001-05:00

...two turtle doves......

Day 2 of the 12 days of Christmas......

I'm really not sure what a turtle dove looks like,

but I think this is what it should look like.

The bird is from Christmas Card Solutions cartridge,

but any bird would do....choose the one you love.

The blue part of the wing and the branches are from the SU! bird punch.

The scalloped border is an older Martha Stewart punch.

Some inking on the edges and you have two, count 'em two turtle doves.

Until later, lovey dovies.......Gotta split......TFL!!!!!!!!

On the first day of Christmas.....

2011-12-13T11:45:00.001-05:00

my true love gave to me.....

Yep, its only 12 days until the magical day of Christmas.

Today is the first day of my 12 days of cards depicting the lyrics of the song.

12 Days of Christmas.

It will be a combination of many different products along the way

and hopefully many scraps.

So, I will give try to give you a run down of most of the supplies that I used.

Today's card was made using:

SU! bird punch

SU! Faith in Nature stamp set

SU! scallop border punch

scraps of paper

buttons

dimensionals

Hope you enjoy this lyrical trip with me.....

ENJOY!!!!!!!

Until later, partridges.......Gotta split.....TFL!!!!

Elf video debut....

2011-12-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

Here's the video for making the elves.....

I forgot one step on the video.....

The cute little cheeks were made by using a cotton swab and some chalk.

Then I added some white dots in the eyes and on the cheeks using a white gel pen.

ENJOY!!!!!

Until later, pointy ear creatures.....Gotta split......TFL!!!!!

Elf elf elf elf elf elf elf......

2011-12-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

Elves everywhere........

We don't have just one sitting on a shelf. We have them everywhere.

We have an annual family get-together for Christmas, no presents exchanged, just food, laughter, fun and the kids get to sit on Santa's lap and get pictures taken and pictures are taken with the snow angel as well.

(great nephew and great niece are dressed up as the characters...

shhhh don't tell the little ones)

My sister and myself are kinda the self

proclaimed matriarchs and we buy or make

small gifts for Santa to give to the wee ones.

So I decided on these......

I made these cute little elves I have seen on the web and what's Santa without his elves...right????

Close-up....I'll give you a run down on the punches I used. But I'm planning on doing a video on how to make these next week.

Head - SU! ornament punch

Ears - SU! bird punch (wing only)

Hat - SU! Blossom petal punch (largest petal only)

Hat brim - SU! small oval punch

Nose - SU! Owl punch (largest circle only)

Hands - SU! Boho blossoms punch

Present cuts are: white 2-3/4" x 1-3/4"

green 2-1/2" x 1-1/2"

Strips of card stock used for ribbon.

You can get really crazy with dressed these little cuties up,

by adding bows and other do-lollies.

But I know the little ones are just going to rip into these and I didn't see any need to spend extra time on them....

I have to make sooooo many.

Watch for the elves to make their film debut next week.....

Until later, santa's helpers.......Gotta split.....TFL!!!!!!!

Shake your tail feathers.....

2011-11-20T09:33:00.002-05:00

I have a full house on Thanksgiving.

We have 4 childrens and 4 grandchildren.

They all want to know when dinner is ready. Now I have a 1 ass kitchen, meaning its small and

my ass is the only one that should be in it......LOL

If I could change one thing about our house....

it would a much much much larger kitchen.

So, to keep all the hands and asses out of my kitchen I like to get the others involved in something creative.

We set up a fold out table for the kiddies to eat on and its also the hub of creativity before hand. I use butcher paper for the "tablecloth" and give them all crayons to draw on the paper with.

I also include games and activities for them to play.

I also have some sort of craft for the 'mommies' to help the younger ones with.

{shhhhh don't tell them but its to keep them out of my kitchen too...bwahahahahahaha}

Below is a game for the wee ones to have fun with.

I didn't come up with this;

I saw it on the web somewhere and loved it.

The idea is to give each player a featherless turkey and then 6 (feathers) clothespins.

They take turns rolling the die and the first person to shake his tail feathers win....

or you could have a "feathered" turkey and the first one to pluck him for dinner is the winner. Cute huh??????

I think we are going to play to first game and they have to actually stand up and shake their butts when they complete the turkey.....

(I made 6 of these, just in case one of the moms/dads want to play)

I cut out everything by hand using scissors and

some chipboard for stability,

then I covered with cardstock.

Oh, except for the hands.....

that was cut out using a mickey mouse die and my Big Shot.

Added some googly eggs.

I have a small flip flop punch and

I used the thong part for the wishbone.

{to give them all good luck while playing}

I painted the clothes pins and now the turkey is ready to

"Shake his tail feathers"

Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!

Until later turkeys......Gotta split......TFL!!!!!!

Button jars.....

2011-11-18T06:00:00.003-05:00

What do baby food jars and buttons have in common????

Cuteness.....that's what!!!!

I've been seeing these jars all over the web and decided I could make some for a little storage.

I love how they turned out. The two larger jars on either end are some pickle jars that I had saved.

A friend gave me the baby food jars and I purchased the wooden candlesticks and the wooden ball knobs from Hobby Lobby.

I spray painted everything black ....everything except the jars themselves of course.

Then I used E6000 to adher the knobs to the lids and then the jars to the candlesticks.

Sorted my buttons and ta..daaaaaa.....!!!!

Cuteness and storage ...thats a win, win !!!!

Wouldn't they make cute favors, or small gifties....you could choose paint of any color. Add some embellishments, ribbons, yarns...etc....

I chose black to match my studio.

Until later, sweet babies......Gotta split.....TFL!!!!!!

Get well sooonnnnnnn!!!

2011-11-16T10:37:00.001-05:00

The hubs is working out of town (in Rhode Island) and he calls me Monday afternoon and says that he isn't feeling well. He lays down and sleeps hoping he feels better by the next day.

I get a call at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday and he says that he thinks he needs to go to the doctor. Now for him to say that is a miracle in itself.....

he never never never goes to the doctor.

I KNEW he had to be miserable for him to volunteer going to the doctor.

Then he calls me back and said that he is headed to the E.R.

because is in very severe pain.

Now, I'm in panic mode......

I have never imagined those words coming from his mouth.

Long story....short....his appendicitis attack, he had to have surgery.

Now to make matters worse he is in Rhode Island and I'm at home in Georgia.

I paced the floor all day yesterday, calling the hospital about every 30 minutes...finally he calls me back while in recovery. The hospital never called to inform me of anything.

He's now on the road to recovery and we are planning on flying up if he has to stay for very long....or if the doctor says he can fly home within the next few days we will just hold the fort down and get things ready for him here.

With lots of phone calls inbetween!!!!!

To keep my mind at ease today; I went down to my studio and made him a get well card.

This is stamp is from a Hanna stamp set. I used versamark and white embossing powder on the grey cardstock to look like an x-ray.

I hand cut the heart because all my heart punches were either too small or too big for my liking.

The inside was decorated with a punched heart and another Hanna stamp that I embossed with the white embossing powder.

Until later, paper surgeons......Gotta split.....TFL!!!!

Poncho shirt getting "fleeced"....

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

My new guilty pleasure to wear is this poncho type shirt.

I just throw on a tank top and then this over it and a pair of jeans and

I'm ready to walk out the door {well after a shower and make-up and doing my hair}.

It's so comfy too...

I purchased this one at Rue21 for approx. $12.

When I got home I was looking at it and decided I could make this a lot cheaper...

So here goes..........

I first found some fleece that was on sale at a local Wally world.

I purchased 1-1/2 yds of each piece.

I'll have 4 news ones to wear that only cost me $4.41 each.

This is the original garment.

Its much like a cape, but it is stitched

approx. 4" up each seam on the bottom to mimic sleeves.

I laid down some brown paper and cut out a pattern.

These are the pattern pieces {body, hood and pocket}.

I decided to just fold the fleece in half and instead of cutting two separate pieces for the body, I cut one on the fold at the shoulders.

I did cut the neckline out.

This is the end result.... looks exactly like the purchased one.

Minus the extra seams and pull ties......

I used a tiny zigzag stitch. The fleece has a slight stretchiness to it

and I didn't want the seams to break.

Now to finish the other colors......

Until later, sew true friends......Gotta ~~sew~~ split.....TFL!!!!!

Turkey legs anyone!!!!!

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

I prefer the breast meat myself...but these legs are looking pretty tasty!!!!

I used one of the new tube bags from SU!.....inserted my candy corn and made sure that I could fold it in half for the turkey legs.

Here's a close up of this little ca-yoo-tie !!!

I used several punches, distressed all the pieces to my liking and adhered everything together....

I used glue dots to glue the turkey body and feet to the plastic.

Close up of the punch shapes and how I had to hand cut some of the pieces.

Until later, gobblers.....Gotta split....TFL!!!

Monogram anyone ????

2011-11-08T11:03:00.001-05:00

I was walking by the kitchen table and I noticed my daughter had unloaded her bag/purse there. She went on a field trip yesterday with her District Honor chorus and it was a long bus ride, so she took several things to keep her occupied. Her DSI-XL for one.

I've always told her to label her things for trips, so if they get misplaced or (god forbid) stolen she can identify it.......this is her way of labeling......

well, at least she didn't write directly on the DSI-XL.... :)

Hmmmm, so I decided to help her out a little and

this is the result after I got a hold of it.

I even placed it on upside down so when its open the lettering won't be upside down to people sitting opposite of her. Just like they do on laptops......cool, huh????

Very quick and simple and I think she will be pleased with the result.

I again used the font that came with my new E2.....didn't have to look for one, just pushed a few buttons and I was done!!!

GOTTA LOVE VINYL.... check out the link on my sidebar,

way up there on the right!!!!

(Expressions Vinyl)

Until later, mono-crafters........Gotta split......TFL!!!!

Spinning.........

2011-11-01T21:19:00.002-04:00

the wheel !!!!!!

Guess what I did yesterday??????

I auditioned for the WHEEL of FORTUNE show!!!!!

They had a call for contestants in the Atlanta area and I was called.

It was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown ATL.

This is the wheel that was used, the screen behind the wheel is where the puzzles were shown we had to solve.

These are the buses in the hotel parking lot.

There was a written test and this is the pencil that we were given to use.....and yes we got to keep them.

{Future scrapbooking material.....just sayin'}

I actually solved 2 puzzles and I won this talking Vanna key ring by solving the first one.

I made it through all the rounds and now I just have to wait and see if I get a letter in the mail that tells me I made it on the show.

No letter.....no show....

But I really think I did a great job and will make the show.

{Lots of clapping and smiling, clapping and smiling.....

did I say clapping and smiling!!!}

It was so much fun and can't wait until the real thing!!!!

Until later, wheel watchers......Gotta ~~spin~~ split.......TFL!!!!

ETA:

This is from the local news station. They were filming while we were auditioning....if you blink you will miss me. I'm at approx. 1:32 on the counter. I'm wearing a red jacket sitting on the front row!!!

Winner winner chicken dinner !!!

2011-10-23T14:58:00.001-04:00

Look what I WON!!!!!

From a very special friend and fellow blogger!!!!!

As a recipient of The Versatile Blogger Award, there are 3 rules to follow…

Thank the person who awarded you.
Tell 7 things about yourself that your readers may not know.
Award 7 other bloggers with this award.

(1) I want to accept this honor with great pleasure from a
dear friend ...

THANKS SO MUCH ...ANGIE (@ http://atuttletime.blogspot.com )

She is the sweetest and most genuine person I know.

(2) 7 things ...huh???? I'm not sure if I have 7 things that

people don't already know about me.... but here goes....

1. I love horror flicks......Freddie is my fave of all time!!!!

2. I really don't like any dark chocolate.....white chocolate is my fave.

Bleccchhhh!!!!

Yummmmm!!!

3. LOVE me some Coffeeeeeeeee !!!!

4. I'm a paper ho.....any kind, any size, any shape, any color !!!!

5. I abhor seafood, of any kind.....bleccchhh!!!

6. I would love to be on TV one day!!!!!!

And last; but certainly, not least....Number 7.

A nephew and I were having this discussion recently about getting older/old and we both said that we were actually loving it. I turned 50 yrs. old this year and have never had a birthday yet that I wasn't excited over!!

So, #7 is loving getting old!!!!

OK, enough about me.....now I have to pick 7 blogs that I adore to give this award to....

hmmmmm!!!!!

(3)

Stef @ glitterbabe greetings - she's a hoot and a half!!!!

Haunted Design House - from my list you already know I love horror.

Gale @ The Happy Stamper - I just love her accent!!!!

3 sisters @ Eighteen 25 - they have some of the cutest stuff.

Mark Montano @ Big-Ass blog - love his DIY projects.

Donna @ Popsicle Toes - her 3-d cards are the awesome-ness.

Madison @ Funky Cards - Love this young girl's craftiness!!!!

Well, I think I hit all the bases. Thanks again Angie!!!!!

Until later, award winners.......Gotta split.....TFL!!!!!

Test those Ta ta's !!!

2011-10-21T09:09:00.001-04:00

Thought you guys would like to know about the

great commitment that EXPRESSIONS VINYL is offering in honor

of ta ta awareness!!!!

Read the statement below.

October is breast cancer awareness month. We commend the

courage of ALL those who have fought or are fighting this

battle. We have all been affected by it in some way.

As a business we want to show our support again this year.

We will donate 10% of all sales on Saturday, October 22 and

Sunday, October 23 to Susan G. Komen for the cure. Further,

if you simply comment PINK in the comments section of your

checkout, we will include a 6"x12" sheet of pink vinyl for

free.

Together we can make a difference.

If you would like to help out, just click on the link at the top right.

or HERE !!!!

Until later, ta ta testers.........Gotta split....TFL!!!!

I see the light ......

2011-10-11T08:47:00.000-04:00

What do all of these things have in common????

LIGHT!!!!!

I had a the proverbial light go off in my head....Bwahahahahaha!!!

{By baby brother called then Einstein moments...}

Keep looking and you'll see the light too!!!

After I gathered all my supplies together, I got busy......

(candlesticks were purchased from HL, the globes were re-purposed

from an old ceiling fan that we replaced)

First, I painted the candlesticks and let them dry. Then I adhered the globes to the candlesticks. In less than 1 hr.(most of the time was waiting on the glue to dry) and I could see the light!!!!

(Before lighting)

Ta daaaaaa!!!!

This is in our main bathroom.

This is where they will reside until I change it again.

Bwahahahahaha!!!!

{Everytime the hubs comes home he says

he has to look around 'cause its always different.}

I have his and hers sinks and a large space in between.

I also made the birdhouse creation that you see also.

Hope you could see the LIGHT too!!!!!!

Until later, lights of my life.....Gotta split....TFL!!!!!

Have I told you how much I love vinyl....???

2011-10-09T09:43:00.001-04:00

I thought today I was just recap some vinyl projects that

I have created since getting my first Cricut.

Shirt I made for my hubs..... using heat transfer t-shirt vinyl.

(See out last name is Rood and he thought this was hilarious.)

Stockings; again using heat transfer vinyl

We made t-shirts for out scrapbooking group....the "Scrap-n-ista's"

Heat transfer vinyl

Now on to the wall vinyl projects....

This is in our hallway.

This is above the headboard in our bedroom...

This is in our daughters room.....she loves everything Paris.

We can't forget the vinyl on my car.....

My niece and I created these for the scrap group as well.....

Look at my cute family.....

Don't forget the most recent project on the post below.....

the stairs leading back to the real world from my ~~sanctuary~~ studio.

If you want to give the vinyl a try....its super simple.

Just click on the Expressions Vinyl link on the top of my right sidebar to

order and get started.....

Until later, vinylettes.......Gotta split.....TFL!!!!

Stairway to .....reality....????

2011-10-06T11:47:00.001-04:00

Not sure about the rest of you, but when I'm in my studio

(aka laboratory...money pit... dubbed many names by many people);

I get lost into a fantasy world of color, imagination, playtime.....etc.......

I can just go down into my studio and breathe, its my escape; not that I have a very stressful life. But, its just my way of relaxing and enjoying time by myself.

I received my new E2 yesterday and this is the first project that came to mind.

These stairs are a little worse for wear...though they look great in this photo. They have a few scuff marks, paint drippings, scratches, you name it. So, I decided to give them a little make-over.

(This is what I see when I'm heading back into the real world)

This is after a little color was applied....

Nice....but not quite finished.

(You can see the color matches my studio)

Now this is an eye opener!!!!!

(I {heart} it)

I cut the wording from vinyl using the Cricut Alphabet cartridge

that came installed in my new E2 at 4".

It pretty much sums it up!!!!!

{I'm thinking I might add more images to the rest of the stairs....

what do you guys think???}

If you need to order vinyl look on my right side bar (on top).

Click on Expressions Vinyl and it will take you straight there.

It has any kind of vinyl you want and at very reasonable prices.

Until later, my fellow dreamers......Gotta split......TFL!!!!!

Winner winner zombie dinner......

2011-10-03T09:33:00.002-04:00

Winner from the trick or treat blog hop HERE.....

is......

get on your feet and get ready to applaud....

the winner is.........

Natasha, if you could send me your snail mail to my email

(please put "zombie dinner" in the subject ),

I will send out a surprise package to you.

In the case that Natasha doesn't contact me within 2 days;

I will pick a new winner.

This was a lot of fun and hope everyone enjoyed it at much as I did!!!!

Until later, treats......Gotta split......TFL!!!!!!

ETA: Natasha has contacted me and

I will be sending out her pkg. tomorrow.

Can't see the forest for the trees....

2011-10-03T08:33:00.001-04:00

one tree anyway....and what a beautiful tree it is.

I love trees, they are so majestic, reaching up to the sky like they are trying to touch the clouds.

This cut is from Creative Memories Cheerful Seasons cartridge.

It has something for all seasons on it (hence the name).

If you need to order this cartridge (and they have three other carts. to choose from as well) you can contact my niece HERE.

Also, I inked around the edges some and did some layering, added a few half pearls(ornaments) and its finished.

This is my creation for the challenge at My Pink Stamper blog.

Well, I hate for you to 'leaf', but 'branch' out and give this challenge a try.

Bwahahahahahahahaha!!!!!

Until later,my little acorns.......Gotta split......TFL!!!!!

Hoppin' into Halloween

2011-10-01T06:36:00.003-04:00

{knock knock}

Who's there?

Phillip.

Phillip who?

Phillip my bag of candy!!!!

Boy do we have some eye candy for you !!!

Just look below and you'll see the great line-up of hoppees.....

but first let me tell you about my little treat.

I started off with a set of pre-packaged cards with these super cute polka dots.

I stamped the sentiment with a $1 clear mini set from Inkadinkado on a scrap and cut it with scissors (kinda wonky).

The pink monster is from Mini Monster cricut cartridge (pg. 38). I cut only the base shadow (black) and the base image (pink). Then, I punched the holes in the pink layer using a crop-a-dile...both size holes.

I cut some smaller pieces of yellow to place between the pink and black layers to show through the punched holes.

I wanted a very impressive mouth, I grabbed my Fiskars lip punch and it was perfect. I layered the mouth on using dimensionals.

I glued on some tiny googly eyes on the cute pink trick or treater and I added a few on the card base itself (on some random pink dots).

Now, you get to see more treats .....
your next stop is Natasha

But just in case you get lost on the way........

Here's the list of ~~houses~~ blogs you get to trick or treat at....

Blog Hop Line Up:

(1) Angie: TuttleTime, http://atuttletime.blogspot.com/

(2) Sarah: Simply Sarah, http://simplyshaddock.blogspot.com/

(3) Crystal: Rustic Daisy, http://rusticdaisy.blogspot.com/

(4) Natasha: Crafting With Natasha,http://craftingwithnatasha.blogspot.com/

(5) Monica: Scraps 2 Treasure, http://scraps2treasure.blogspot.com/

(6) Elaine: Expressions by Elaine,http://ExpressionsByElaine.blogspot.com/

(7) Mary: Mare Bear Scraps, http://marebearscraps.blogspot.com/

(8) Wendy: http://gilbyscraftster.blogspot.com/

(9) Theresa: http://www.TheScrapbookingQueen.com/

(10) Shar: http://scrapendipity.blogspot.com/

Didn't think I would let you leave without a treat, did ya???

I'll pick a winner for a special treat, (its a surprise).....
all ya gotta do is leave comment and a way I can get in touch with you.

Until later, tricksters......Gotta split....TFL!!!!!

I can't give you the world...but I can give you roses !!!

2011-09-29T10:27:00.000-04:00

This saturday is World Card-making Day!!!!

Cricut is holding another contest......Click here for details.

(Hurry the contest ends soon.)

Look at my card below, can you guess what cartridge I got the roses from???

Can ya, huh?????

First before I give away my secret.....

I made this card for a great-niece that getting married Oct. 15th.

OK...OK.......

Are you excited to find out......???

Do you really want to know...???

Oh, alright......Its the number 9 from the Happy Hauntings cartridge.

Or you could also use the number 6 as well.

I flipped one to make it more aesthetically appealing.

Ahhhhhh..... you see it now......

(I also used this idea before HERE )

The leaves were cut from the Heritage cartridge.

I inked around the edges and pop dotted the flowers.

The background white panel was embossed with swiss dots folder.

I'm thinking of adding half pearls to the corners....hmmmm, not sure yet.

I love looking at the cartridges and trying to find shapes that can be used as something else.....life (for me) is wayyyy more interesting when you think outside the box.

Until later, Rosettes......Gotta split......TFL!!!!!!

Plans........ hmmmmmm

2011-09-27T19:20:00.000-04:00

I've decided on making plans for the upcoming year.

Yeah, I know its wayyyyy to early to make plans for that far ahead, but why not???

So, here's my plan.......

I'm going to make something everyday for the 365 days of the upcoming year. That's 365 projects. But the real kicker is.....I'm going to use the calendar of everyday holidays.

Everyday is celebrated in some way or another.

(ie....National Donut Day)

My project will reflect whatever holiday that day has been

designated for.

I sure hope I can keep up with these plans....

besides it could be lots of fun.

Until later, planners.......Gotta split......TFL!!!!!!

No bones about it.....

2011-09-23T09:25:00.001-04:00

Halloween is almost here!!!!

I love this new set of stamps from SU!....

Halloween is my fave holiday........who doesn't love to dress up and pretend to be someone else.....or, is just me!?!?!?!?!

I've been working on my costume for a few days now.... and I think its pretty awesome if I do say so myself.

Nope no hints, you will have to wait until I post pics.

Very simple card to put together.....the owl and cage is from another SU! set that is super awesome.

WARNING: Enter at your own risk......if you have just the least bit of arachnophobia......

I warned ya!!!!!!

This was a visitor I had this a.m. at my door. He looks ghostly from the flash.

It has rained all night, so the moisture was clinging to the web and making it sparkle.

This is what he actually looks like.

Spiders don't scare me in the least. Actually there pretty awesome.

Until later, web stars........ Gotta split.......TFL!!!!

Just my type.......

2011-09-22T07:44:00.000-04:00

Don't you love retro images......

I DO !!!!!

I just received this new stamp set from SU!...... and it has some awesome images on it. It looks like an old advert from a sears catalog....(I'm really dating myself now).

Though I'm not as old as this typewriter. I do remember life before computers......

I took typewriter classes in school.....now its called keyboarding.

This was a very simple card to put together, much like life way back when....SIMPLE !

Card base, striped layer, stamped image, a punched heart and I even went retro and used one of those old DYMO label makers for the sentiment.

Yes, I still have one of those....and you can still buy the tape for them.

Until later, oldies but goodies......Gotta split......TFL!!!!!

You gotta have FRIENDS.........

2011-09-21T07:53:00.000-04:00

I love my friends..... it is true, you can never have enough.

You can tell a true friend by what they do and not what they say.

People are too quick to say things and not follow through.

I'm a follow through kinda gal, if I say I'm gonna.... I DO IT !!!!

This card is to all my FRIENDS that are true. Whether they be in real life (so to speak), scrapbook group, old and new, Facebook, blog land, wherever.

Friendship can span a very wide range.....but its still the same.

Love to you all!!!!!

{{{HUGS}}}

Until later, FRIENDS.....Gotta split........TFL!!!!!

Voting begins.....

2011-09-20T07:34:00.000-04:00

I entered a card into a contest to win $40 free product.

Click here to leave a comment and vote for my card......

Mine is #3 (make sure you put that in the comment)

Until later, balloters......Gotta split......TFL!!!!!

Bizarre foods.........?????

2011-09-19T09:24:00.000-04:00

AS you can imagine......sometimes my kitchen might look like this while I'm being creative......

bwahahahahahahahahahahaha~~!~!~!~!~!

Jars of this and that scattered about. After all, I'm a true southerner.....we don't throw anything away. I have to admit I've eaten some pretty scary things in my lifetime and quite enjoyed most of them.

Though I have never sampled rat or spider (or at least I don't think I have.....bwahahahahahahaha),

but I have partaken some pig brains and really loved them.

Haunted Design House has a challenge this week is Appalling Apothecary. I think this serves well........

I used a new stamp set from SU! called Piece of Poison (spider, brain, rat) and an older set called All wrapped up (jar).

Drop you jars and bottles and skidaddle on over and see what you can create from your laboratory.

It's ALIVE!!!!!

Until later, druggists............Gotta split......TFL!!!!

It's going to be a "banner" day......

2011-09-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

on the 26th of Sept. when they show my banner and announce me as a winner of an Expression 2.....on HSN!!!

It actually hasn't happened...YET, but it WILL!!!!!!

I'm just putting it out there in the universe, so it will happen.

Here'e the banner I submitted for the contest....

On the 26th they are launching the new E2 and during the show they will be showing some of the banners that were entered into the contest. So, if you happen to be watching and see my banner......give me a shout out in case I miss it......!!!!!

HERE'S the link to enter the contest details,

you better hurry there's still time.

Until later, bannerettes.......Gotta ~~split~~ WIN....TFL!!!!!!

Day Dreaming...........

2011-09-15T09:26:00.002-04:00

I created this vinyl to go above our headboard.....

yep our headboard is actually some shutters I re-purposed when we had the outside of the house re-done.

I can't remember the font that I used.....{SORRY}it was created

using the SCAL program, but the clouds are from the

cricut cart. Graphically speaking....

I got the phrase from the title of one of my fave songs.....

Dream a little dream of me

I LOVE this song.....

This is my fav version also.... I remember Doris Day and loved everything she did.

If you can't see it here, please click over to youtube. It was the only version I could find with her singing it. You won't be sorry....
CLICK HERE

This song has been remade many many times.....
Originator was Ozzie Nelson in 1931,
then remade Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Marilyn Monroe
and even Mama Cass (her version is pretty awesome too).

Until later, fellow shower crooners.....Gotta split....TFL!!!!!

Anyone for some cat treats......

2011-09-14T07:00:00.001-04:00

...here kitty kitty kitty!!!!

No, ot those kind of treats......these kind!!!!

I saw this super cute cat on another blog.....(check it out here).

I wanted to send a shout out to the person

I ~~stole~~ CASE-d it from .....Hi, Linda!!!!!!

For those not in the know....CASE-d means Copy And Share with Everyone..

Also to tell her, I didn't add whiskers to mine either.... I tried several ways with ribbon, twine, yarn and even strips of paper. None of them looked right to me.

Maybe its one of those Sphinx cats that have no hair........ bwahahahahahahaha!!!!

Anywhooooo.....it is adorable. I used the pillow box die and found some super cute halloween paper and placed my kitty on it.

Another addition I made were the legs..... if you visited Linda's blog you'll see hers didn't have hind legs....I used an oval punch. My cat's eyes are a little different also. But that's what CASE-ing is all about right?

Until later, kitty cats......Gotta split......TFL!!!!

I was working in the Lab late one night.......

2011-09-13T08:21:00.000-04:00

When my eyes beheld an eerie sight

For my monsters from the punches began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise ........

they did the MASH....the MONSTER MASH!!!!

Bwahahahahahahhahahaha!!!!

Fair warning.....pretty long post......

if you dare to enter, there's no turning back!!!!!!!!!

I must have been getting into the Halloween spirit when I woke up out of a sound sleep and this idea popped into my head..... like the 'good' doctor opened up my skull and injected it into my brain.

So, just like the 'good' doctor, I started piecing my creations together and now.....

they're A L I V E !!!!!!!

Pretty basic card, base and layers......

Below I'll tell you how the monsters were born.....

Mummy: Base vanilla cs owl base, then punched 3 more of white cs; cut into strips and distressed the edges with ink, eyes are self explanatory (all punched using the owl punch from SU!).

Frankie: Base green cs owl base, purple for the pants, white for the shirt (snipped w/ scissors) and black for the hair (snipped). Eyes are basic, cut lg green eyes in half to use for the lids. Screws in head are pieces from the notebook type punch from SU! (Sorry can't remember the name....and I believe its retired).

Wolfie: Base owl punched in brown, punched 3 more and snipped layers to the desired shape I was after and distressed with ink. Punched eyes and cut in half.

Vamp: Base owl punched in vanilla, distressed in green ink, black cs for pants and hair(distressed with white). Eyes, again, pretty simple and the teeth were just snips of paper.

Until later, mashers.......Gotta split......TFL!!!!

Art is Magic....

2011-09-12T08:13:00.000-04:00

Art is truly magic....... where else can you take something so simple as a piece of paper, add a few stokes of a color pencil and you have something you can deem as ART.

The technique I used on this card is called black magic. Its very simple to accomplish, but such a wow factor when finished.

I first stamp the image on black cardstock using white Versamark ink and dry it using my heat gun; you can let it air dry...but I'm an instant gratification kinda gal.....

The stamp set you use needs to be a solid image or made up of smaller solid images (as the one I used here), or else the color pencil won't show up on the black cardstock.

Then using my color pencils, I color and blend until I get the look I want......then a few dots with a white gel pen and you have the finished result.

The stamp set I used is called Precious Butterflies; its from Stampin' Up!

Its a hostess set that I received a few days ago.

Look closely at the flowers themselves and you can its

made up entirely of butterflies. Cool, huh????

The way it ended up after coloring it kinda reminds me of clover blossoms.

Give it a try and see what BLACK MAGIC you can create!!!!!!

Until later, magical artisans.........Gotta split.....TFL!!!!!!!!

Nuff said!!!!!!

2011-09-11T09:03:00.001-04:00

Look what I 'kanji-ed' up.......

2011-09-09T09:31:00.001-04:00

Kanji is pronounced like con-gee.

I was cleaning my studio and like most of us crafters, I moved some clear stamps sets around and "BAMMM" my creative mojo karate chopped me in the head.

I found this clear stamp set in the clearance aisle of my local Michael's. I'm not really into the whole Japanese style.....but before I knew, like a sneaky ninja it was in my buggy.

I already had a 6"X6" paper stack that had an oriental feel, that's the blue layer. I stamped her right onto a page from a book (see below) and then colored her with color pencils, and blended w/ OMS and a stump. I love how the wording shows thru the image.

The book below I found at one of our local thrift stores...... it looks like a Japanese text book of some sort. So, if there is any foul language, I want to apologize in advance to anyone that can actually read this. Lord knows I can't read it.....

It just looks very beautiful to me.

Then I used my Pagoda cartridge and created the kanji symbol with the tag feature key for laugh/laughter. I mean, look at her, she really looks like she's laughing to me. A few jewels for her hair and she's ready to パーティー (<---means party).

Until later, nighttime stamping ninjas.......Gotta split.......TFL!!!!!

psych......!!!!!

2011-09-08T10:05:00.000-04:00

Psychotic, crazy, loco....however you say it, it pretty much says it all.

That's me about my credit card......I'm crazy about it!!!!!

My family has an inside joke about me .....whenever I say I'm going to the store, shopping or going to pick something up....they always say "SWIPE SWIPE SWIPE !"

I really don't spend a lot of money (tee hee) I always buy it on sale...and clearance should be my middle name.

Oopppsss...be right back, the UPS man just pulled up.

OK...now what was I saying.....oh yeah,.......

s h o p p i n g!!!!!

Bwahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!

I made this card for the challenge at Haunted Design House.

I kinda used my artistic license on this one, well I am fully ~~certifiable~~ certified....

The challenge was to create something that contained a angry/crazy/psychotic woman and the color silver.

Well, this is pretty crazy, right?????

(sentiment on the inside)

I think this is my hubs mantra!!!!!

I made this credit card with silver card stock, rounded the corners and added a strip of black vinyl.

Until later, fellow swipers.........Gotta ~~spend~~ split......TFL!!!!!

My Craft Channel video......

2011-08-29T18:32:00.000-04:00

Y'all wish me luck...........
I really hope I get chosen!!!

Until later, well wishers.......Gotta split........TFL!!!

Dedication to my brother!!!!

2011-08-27T20:06:00.002-04:00

The picture you see below was taken last April (2010).

This is my brothers and sister and myself.

Pictured from left to right:

Oldest to youngest.

Pam, Rusty, Myself and Micky.

On August 22, 2011 my brother Micky passed away from an apparent heart attack.

He was only 48 yrs. young. He died just hours before his 49th birthday which was Aug. 23rd. It was very unexpected and we will miss him so much.

I wrote a eulogy and actually had the strength to say it at his funeral service.

This is what it said:

I just wanted to say a few words about Micky. He was a father, a brother, an uncle and a dear friend to many.

He would give you the shirt off his back even if it was the only shirt he owned. That was just the kind of person he was.

Two words come to mind when thinking of Micky.....

FREE SPIRIT

He didn't care what people thought of him, he just wanted to live life to the fullest. He was truly Viva Don's (our mother) son.

Growing up with Micky.....one minute we would be rolling around in the dirt wanting to tear each other apart. The next we would be hugging each other like no one else in the world existed.

He never met a stranger. He was always smiling, laughing, joking around, and telling stories.

To quote Micky on the very day of his passing; he told the guys he worked with....

Tomorrow is my 49th birthday. If I die today; I've lived a good life.

We are not here to mourn Micky...but to celebrate his life.

I hope everyone walks away today embracing their inner Micky and enjoy life.

My heart is truly broken.

We will love and miss him very much!!!!!

From the mouths of babes......

2011-08-18T10:22:00.000-04:00

I love the saying on this card. I recently found this clear stamp set that has a few sayings on it from children. It truly is a very special set that I'm sure to use quite often.

I created this one for a challenge at Ribbon Carousel (The blog).

It's a sketch challenge and

you have to use anything that comes off a spool (ribbon, twine, bakers twine, thread, yarn, etc....) on your creation also..... (see my little bit of ribbon and yarn).

I love how this turned out....... my mojo has been on vacation lately and now I think its returning.....slowly but surely!!!!

Until later, blog family.............Gotta split........TFL!!!!!

Royal Bleeding Heart Club.....

2011-08-17T18:23:00.001-04:00

A rose by any other name would still be a ~~rose~~ nine......Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!

Hmmmmmm....gottcha wondering about the title and the verse above. Well, don't these really look like bleeding roses. Their not really roses at all. They are actually the number 9 from the Happy Hauntings cartridge (pg. 36....see on bottom).

I was really stuck (no pun intended) with the latest challenge at

Haunted Design House. This week its "Queen of the Damned", but anything royal would suffice. I so see a evil princess/queen having roses like this.

I punched out the leaves with a leaf punch and ran my stylus down the middle to create the spine of the leaf.

I used crystal effects to emphasize the blood droplets.

Doesn't that #9 really look like a bleeding rose in the booklet..........well maybe very artsy bleeding rose...Bwahhahahahaha!!!

I love to look at images in a different way.

I really stretched this one to resemble the challenge......

But all fair in love and challenges!!!!!!

Until later, fellow members.........Gotta split......TFL!!!!!!!

Warsh day.......

2011-08-12T10:59:00.000-04:00

I was sitting here in my office listening to the washing machine running; the laundry room is right next to my office (how convenient...LOL) and was thinking about my new stamp set from SU! named House & Home .

I love the retro feel of it. Yes, I still hang my clothes on a clothes line outside. Yes, I have a dryer, but I'm old school and I remember the fresh smell of the clothes after they have hung in the sun; and it does save on electricity as well. After they have been hanging out till they're almost dry I bring them in and fluff them in the dryer for a few minutes.

Also to remove any critters they may have taken up residence..... Bwahahahahahahahaha!!!

Ahhhhhhh......fresh smelling clothes!!!!

Card deets:

I started with an A2 size base of white card stock and then layered on so saffron and then cameo coral cardstock. The white layer I ran thru my Texture Boutique with one of the embossing folders from Wall Decor set(the partner folders that match the Wall Decor and More Cricut cartridge).

I stamped the gingham with so saffron and it reminded me of a quilt, ahhhh perfect.

Then I stamped the clothes pins and ironing board (to use as a base) with chocolate chip ink.

Then I stamped the ironing board again with cameo coral and fussy cut the cover to place on top with dimensionals. The sentiment is from the Loads of Love stamp set....perfect for this....don't ya think???

You can almost smell the freshness just by looking at this card....

Well, the washing machine has stopped and I have to go hang out for a little while!!!!

Until later warsh women.........Gotta ~~hang~~ split .....TFL!!!!!

My Studio......

2011-08-08T13:40:00.000-04:00

My studio is my sanctuary..... I love going down there (its in the basement) and spending the day.

My sister calls it the "laboratory" and my hubs calls it the "money pit".....Bwahahahahahahaha!!!

My entire studio measures approx. 12 feet by 34 feet.

Welcome to my studio!!!!!

I've posted some pics below with a little description of each..... and I'm going to show you......

You don't have to spend a fortune to have a great crafting space.....

This rack was purchased at a local thrift shop...it was originally a free standing magazine rack, the kind you might find at a doctor's office. I paid $4.00 for it. My 8-1/2" X 11" cardstock fits it in nicely.

Of course these are from the craft store, but they were both purchased using 40% off coupons. I have my papers sorted by colors on the rack to the left and the one on the right by theme.

This a closet organizer...... I used to have this in my laundry room holding our laundry supplies. We had our laundry room re-done so I use it now for some of my punches.

This rack I made myself using 1" x 4" pieces of lumber..... a few nails and a little paint and I have the perfect rack to store stamps and more punches.

Less than $10 to make.

These 2 pieces of peg board were freebies, and I store odds and ends and ribbons for easy access.

On the other end of my studio I have a painting area. These racks were purchased several years ago from Wal-mart. They were re-arranging their craft area and I asked the manager if I could have/purchase them..... He said sure.... I asked how much and he said a quarter each......LOL, REALLY????... That's all I paid.

This sign I found behind my hubs workshop, it was covered in dirt and I was just curious to what it said.... I sprayed it off and saw it was a sign advertising tires (4/49.95). Tells you how old it really is....LOL

I noticed it had holes in the corner for easy hanging and (the light went off) I knew I had my embellishments in those metal favor tins with the clear plastic tops, but they were in a box and I had to search thru them anytime I wanted to find anything. I grabbed my strip of magnetic tape and adhered a piece to the back of each one and this is the result...... I can see at a glance anything I need.

Until later, studio dwellers.......Gotta split.....TFL!!!!!!

The Great Crepe Capade

2011-08-02T22:52:00.000-04:00

What could be better than........

Sweetened cream cheese rolled up in a feathery crepe smothered in a cherry sauce.

I had some left over Rainer Cherries that I was snacking on a few days ago and I didn't want them to go to waste. So, I made a sauce out of them. Then I was on a search for something to use it on.

The first thing that came to mind was a crepe.

I got busy in the kitchen.

I always have cream cheese in the fridge so the fillings was the easy part. Pancakes are one of my specialties around here, just one step beyond that is a crepe.

Turned out pretty fab for something that was created to use a leftover (the cherries).

Yes, it tasted as good as it looked......creamy, sweet, and satisfying.

Crepe recipe:

1 egg

1 cup self rising flour

1-3/4 cup milk

Heat a small fry pan, brushed with oil while mixing all the above thoroughly. When well mixed and no lumps, pour a small amount of the mixture into middle of the pan and then twist and turn the pan to coat the bottom evenly. Cook until slightly browned and then flip to cook the other side.

You can use any filling you desire and any sauce to accompany it.

My daughter ate hers with just butter and syrup.....LOL

Until later, sweeties.........Gotta split.......TFL!!!!

the PRICE is right.......

2011-08-01T13:33:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday Mr. Price !!!

Today Vincent Price would have been 100 yrs old.

He looks pretty good for 100, huh???

What more fitting memorial than to be featured on Haunted Design House and it's also HDH's 100th challenge. The challenge is called Varying Visages of Vincent.

When I read the challenge the first movie that popped in my head was House of Wax....a classic starring Vincent. He was such a stunning man!!!

(front)

If he was reading the phone book aloud; I would be sitting there with my jaw dropped to the floor in awe.

Looking very similar to VP's jaw in the pic below. Bwahahahahahaha!!!

I altered the photo from above to make him look like he's melting. Then I added some crystal effects for extra goo.

(inside)

I kept it black and white......'cause it just felt right.

Vincent ....nuff said !!!!

There's also a chance for some "blog candy corn"

Melts in your mouth and not in your hand...

Until later, visions of loveliness .........Gotta split.......TFL!!!!!

Here an herb, there an herb, everywhere an herb, herb.....

2011-07-30T15:26:00.000-04:00

My sage and basil are growing like crazy..... I've already had to dry one batch. This second batch is even better. I use it fresh as well..... I just can't use it up fast enough. But drying it helps, it shrinks up a LOT!!!!

I grew it in pots so I can bring it in this winter and have fresh herbs all winter long. I tried to grow cilantro and oregano and both of those just didn't do well at all.

They may get tired of every dish I cook having these herbs in them.

But, I have a saying around here.....

"You git what you git...so don't have a fit"

Until later, herbettes........Gotta split......TFL!!!!!

What a mess!!!!

2011-07-25T14:56:00.000-04:00

Boy, it's going to be a real surprise when his wife gets a load of that mess....... especially the one on his lab coat!!!!

If I was his wife I don't think I would want to see what he finally creates......

I love this weeks challenge at Haunted Design House....... Out out damn spot!!!!

I don't want to tell on myself...but this is what a lot of my t-shirts look like when I'm working on a painting project.....Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

Watch your step and go over and give this one a try....maybe you won't be quite as messy!!!!

Until later, spot removers.......Gotta split.......TFL!!!!!!

R.L.D.G.

2011-07-17T13:21:00.001-04:00

Our new "drankin" stemware........

I've seen them called by different name......Redneck Wine Glass, Redneck Drinking glass.....etc.....

I made these for my Great-nephew and his new bride as part of their wedding presents. I also made them a glass etched tray and a photo album to add pics too later.

Super simple to make. I have seen them in specialty shops and online for a premium price up to $14.95 each. Ouch......if you paid that much how can you afford to fill it up with any liabtion.......Bwahahahahahahaha!!!!

I found some cheap-y glass candle holders and already had some E6000 epoxy and said to myself......."Self, you can make these for under $2 a piece." So I did!!!!!

Here's the label I made..... the care instructions was easy...... being from the south, I have relatives that talk just like that.

I will be making more of these......too fun!!!!

Until later, ~~funnelers~~ drinkers..........Gotta ~~drink~~ split........TFL!!!!!!!

Love birds are going to be sharing a nest after today......

2011-07-16T10:49:00.000-04:00

My great-nephew is getting married today to a very sweet girl. They have been together for the last few years and today is the day to make it official. The wedding is being held at my sister's house....{its her grandson that is getting married}. We always have so much fun when we all get together, no matter what the occasion.

I will be taking some pics to share later.

They are such a fun couple, they are getting the Varsity to cater the event. If you are from the south you know what we are anxiously anticipating.......

Whatta'll ya have, Whatta'll ya have, Whatta'll ya have!!!!

Card deets:

Kraft cardstock and black cardstock

Dotted shimmery DSP

SU! bird punch and heart punch and ovals as well.

Clear stamp set for the sentiment

Corners embossing folder (on the birds)

Heat embossed the heart with the SU! set called Punch Potpourri and black embossing powder.

SU! scallop eyelet border punch and

some dimensionals to give it a little sumpin' sumpin'!!!

So, I guess I better go get ready myself.

Until later, birdies.........Gotta ~~fly~~ split........TFL!!!!!!