What I do when I play..........

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

Carter (7th grade water boy) & Caleb

Photo Courtesy of Deb & Tim Morey

Love is in the air....

2012-02-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

litterally...in the air...hanging above my sink...

We all loved having the Christmas lights hanging in the kitchen, it gave off a nice gentle glow early in the mornings or late at night when someone got up to drink or drain..

It made me sad to take them down...then I got an ah ha moment..

Why not put up red lights in replace of the Christmas colors...but then...it would still look "Christmasy"..

In enters..red paper..a stencil..and glitter...

And here we go folks..I went on a heart creating frenzy!!

I made a ton of hearts..and I mean a ton..I started putting hearts all over the place if we're gonna be honest here.. :)

The pictures here aren't the greatest but I was trying to capture the pinkish red glow..I think you get what Im trying to capture here..or at least I hope.

Stay tuned to see what else these hearts made an appearance on :)

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

They are growing up so fast! Where did the time go?

Pinterest Play Day!

2012-01-30T19:57:00.000-08:00

I finally had a pinterest play day! You know FINALLY doing SOMETHING that you've pinned to one of your boards!

If you haven't joined pinterest yet..enter with caution it's addicting!

So I seen this recipe on pinterest for these little cracker bacon snacks..

instantly I thought DAN WOULD LOVE THOSE!!

And let's get real who doesn't love BACON?!

Basically you take a club cracker, put parmasean cheese on it and wrap a half strip of bacon around it and bake it at 250 for 2 hours....

The picture below is about an hour into baking time...

And this is what they looked like when they were done..I know...wipe your mouth your drooling...

And this is what it looked like when Thing 1 tried them!

All three males in the house say this is a recipe to be filed..give it a try..they are super easy to make and not really that expensive. I got 28 crackers out of 1 pack of bacon.

This original recipe came from The Pioneer Woman. She has step by step directions on her blog if you'd like to see how this all goes together.

A Valentine Mantle

2012-01-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

Ok so this mantle didn't go quite as well as I had planned.

I knew I wanted to blend the colors red,pink and turquoise but I couldn't get them to look just right on my mantle. Sometimes my dark wood work really works against me!

I seen how Lucy over at Craftberry Bush did her mantle and my wheels started turning!!

Her mantle is BEAUTIFUL be sure to take a peek-you won't be sorry. It's so soft and romantic.

However..I wasn't going for a romantic look just more of a fun whimsical feel.

She showed how she made a faux cross stitch picture and I knew right away I too wanted one of those!!

HOWEVER-I did not even come close to doing as good as she did. I just free handed mine and didn't use precise lining-which I regret now..because mine isn't so "cross stitchie" looking..but it'll do for this year I may redo it and do it correctly this time, for next year...

I was also inspired by her to wrap the blue jars in burlap and use the stripped down books.

I'm still not happy with how my mantle turned out. I think Im going to add some big glittery hearts.

But I don't want to dwell on it..so for now Im going to call it done..besides I still have to decorate the hutch :)

It looks more cluttered then decorated to me...I'll bet I end up redoing it eventually lol..

How are you decorating this year?

I've Been Featured!!!

2012-01-27T23:21:00.000-08:00

Yay! So exciting!
The heart wreath that I made got featured as a top 10 on the Happy-Go-Lucky blog!

Thats super cool...I know right?!!
Thank you so much to Kara and Amy for hosting a fun blog party!
Be sure and pop on over to Happy-Go-Lucky and check out her blog.
Lots of link ups and cool stuff to see!!

Love is in the air...well sorta...

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

I started pulling out the RED and PINK stuff today!!

I wanted to share with you what I made a back in December.

Little Heart Scatters..Made from SALT DOUGH!

I cut them out with a little heart cookie cutter..

Spray painted them red-quick and easy here folks..

Shot them with a coat of sealer..And BAM! Done!

Cute little bowl scatters...I made star scatters, gingerbread men scatters and Santa's boots and hat scatters (I will share at another time)

Here is the salt dough recipe that I used..

Take about 1 cup salt and dissolve it in about 1 1/4 cup water (or a little more if needed). Then stir in about 3 cups flour ( one cup at a time), until it's a nice soft dough.

You can shape it or cut it out with cookie cutters. Let it harden or bake it at 200 degree F until hard. Then paint with regular acrylics or spray paint :) Be sure your scatters are completely dry and cooled off before you paint them. Store in a container where no moisture or water can get to them.

I sold these this year for $2 a dozen and they were a big hit!

January Almost Over..........ALREADY..??!!

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Looking at the calendar today, I was a little taken back by the date! January 26th!

Seems like just yesterday we were ringing in the New Year!

How are you doing with your New Years Resolutions? Are you sticking to them?

I myself...have stuck to some..some I haven't started..and some are starting to fall by the wayside...

When I looked at the calendar I realized Valentine's Day is just around the corner (already!) and it's time to start packing away the winter and new year's decor and pull out the red and pink..yay the one time I can get away with pink in this house :)

So Before January comes to an end, I want to wish you a Happy New Year one last time this year!

~ Wordless Wednesday~

2012-01-25T13:32:00.000-08:00

(My neice Allie)

A Valentine Start

2012-01-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

After taking the all the Christmas decor down, I decided to keep the small tree

that I bought up. I stuffed it in a corner in the dining room and thought it would be fun to decorate it for the different holidays.

Doing things DIY is always my first go to before I spend money on something.

Carter was using his parla beads (The beads you put on a pegged tray and fuse together with wax paper and an iron) the other day, and I seen the heart tray setting there and the phone rang...and so....began the start of making Valentine ornaments for the little tree.....

So whatcha think? I think cute so far..but guess what, I ran out of pink beads....ole well..Stay tuned for more ideas to come :)

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T04:23:00.000-08:00

And that's a wrap!

2012-01-11T04:05:00.000-08:00

I think is the last of the cards for a little while. Next month Im planning to work on Christmas

cards so I can be prepared to send them come December instead of attempting to do them all last minute!

(Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics!)

More Cards...

2012-01-11T03:45:00.000-08:00

I was getting Christmas cards all the way up to Christmas day.

I didn't get a chance to return some cards back to a couple people, so

I decided to make a some "warm winter wishes" cards to send back

to those people that didn't receive a Christmas card.

Not only that, I think it will be a nice welcomed surprise in their mailboxes.

Plus it gave me a chance to play with the new stamp set my sister Shannon bought me

for Christmas. As well as the fun stuff my mother in law got me!(Thanks Shanny and Lou Anne I love them!)

This card is an actual Christmas card, it's one I started and didn't get finished so I went ahead and finished it and someone will receive it next year lol..I just am in love with those tilda stamps!!

Happy New Year...What are your resolutions?

2012-01-04T00:44:00.000-08:00

(another crappy cellphone picture)

Christmas for me seemed to be here and over in the blink of an eye!

As I took down the Christmasy stuff I decided to decorate my mantle in a winter theme

until February, when I will Valentine it up!

For the year 2012 I resolve to be more prepared for Christmas!

I LOVE Christmas and LOVE to do all things Christmas related!

My friend Teresa over at 8 Things About Me and myself have come up

with a month by month motivational challenge.

So if you are like us, always running behind, please feel free to join us. And if you post on your

blog about it please let us know or link back to one of us so that we can see what you are doing as well!!

Here is the list of challenges we've come up with...

I will clean up all the Christmas decorations and will start a gift closet in Jan.
Feb.-make Christmas cards
March make Christmas crafts/gifts
April- buy forever stamps for your Christmas Cards.
May- buy one gift for every child in my house.
June- find crafts (Kids) and recipes for Christmas
Christmas in July we are going to do crafts with the kids make a Santa list,watch a Christmas movie.
August- Stocking Stuffers- school supplies are on sale.
September- Make sure you have supplies for your cookies.
October- Address Christmas Cards, make sure I have enough crafts made for everyone.
November- rearrange furniture and start getting Christmas decorations out.
December- Wrap gifts

Sounds easy enough right?!! Come join us for the fun and motivation!

p.s. As I write this Jan 4th...Im sitting on the couch looking at my pretty lovely lit up Christmas tree...I always hate taking it down I love that thing all lit up!! But as the challenge goes for January....lol..I have put everything else away tho so I am doing "something"....

As for the rest of my resolutions...

1. Stick to the Christms Challenges and see how they work for me

2. Open an etsy store

3. Be smoke free by my birthday-April 9th!

4.Lose at LEAST 20lbs this year..refer to #3..this will be a REAL challenge concidering

I could go on and on with a list of things I'd like to do and like to change but I will stop here!

I hope 2012 holds nothing but the best for you!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Christmas Cards

2012-01-03T23:42:00.000-08:00

I didn't get alot of cards done and mailed this year, but the ones I

did get done I was pretty pleased with!

Sorry the pics aren't the best, they were taken on my cell phone.

2011 Christmas Home Tour

2012-01-03T21:55:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings!

I hope you Christmas was memorable and full of Christmas magic!

I thought before taking my decorations all down I would take you

on a little Christmas tour at our home.

I didn't put up alot this year, Christmas seems to have came pretty quickly!

First, I will show you what I did outside..I think this was my

favorite part of the decorations! Living out here in the

sticks it's pretty pointless to hang up lights outside but some times

I long for the days that we use to live in town and really "do it up" outside

with all the lights on the roof and in the trees...so this year I made do..

Yes, I am aware of the paint under my window..talk about

crappy house painters! They won't be painting our house again!

(yes Im serious, they were PAID painters!)

And now into the kitchen...

This is right above my sink. I really like this because it's

VERY sparkly!!

These are my attempts to capture the sparkle of the garland and glitter balls...

I put a small 5ft tree in the kitchen and I baked some gingerbread men out of

cinnamon dough, they turned out super cute and I made extras to give to

my sisters as gifts. I actually took all the Christmas related stuff off the tree and put it in the

dining room corner. Thought maybe I'd leave it up all year!

My friend Elizabeth McCabe got us a couple of these faux
ribbon candies that actually LOOK REAL ...they were prefect on this tree!!
And if you look closely you can see that I actually strung REAL popcorn on the tree!
Can you believe I don't thin I've ever done that before!!

My vintage baubles kept under a cloche, Im not sure how old these
are..My Aunt Penny gave them to my baby sister when she first moved into
her own home, and my sister didn't want these "crappy" ornaments!
And I was glad to take the crap!

Mr, Mouse with another vintage ornament. What is it about
Christmas that make mice cute??!!

Pointsettia garland was drapped on my hutch

Candy Canes made by boys. My mom cut them out of wood and the
boys painted them. First one made by Carter -obviously and the second one made by Caleb.
It doesn't bother me one bit that they are unperfect. I think the unperfect-ness of them makes
them have character and gives them a rustic kinda look :) I love them and smile every year that I unpack them!

Here's our little pig thats allowed to live in the house..
He has lots of "costumes"..think plastic goose dressed up in outfits...yea
thats our pig :)

Green and red glass balls in a decorative jar.

Making the carpet look pretty when making Christmas cards..

it really was kinda pretty...but then again im a bit addicted to glitter :)

The mantle..just a bunch of wonky stuff

I liked the glass balls in this arrangement, but I am so getting
different greenery for next year that fake looking stuff looks like crap!

Some of my nutcrackers along with a nutcracker book..

The prize in the stocking...lol...I fill tp tubes with old candle wax and paper towel
and give them to my friend Staci for fire starters. Well I stuck one in each
one of the boys stockings during the month, while we were waiting for santa to come
(hey i wanted them to hang right!!) and forgot to take Carter's out of his stocking!
Whoops! He emptied his stocking and out came that...he looked at me like ..
"What the hell is this??" I said.."better not open that, it could be rudolph pooped in your stocking"...

This little snow baby on the sled I've alway thought was adorable. When I was a kid my mom use to make a bunch of these and sell them at craft shows.

Our Santa Key holds top place in all our Christmas decorations.

I first made this key for Caleb when he was little and asked how Santa was going to

get into our house when we didn't have a fire place.

I am SO thankful now that I wrote the year on the back of the key! (I did't realize I had done that until this year!) 2002-I can't believe that key is 10 years old already!! Where did the time go?!

I used a fake key embellishment from scrapbooking supplies and bought a pin with a santa face on it. Popped the pin back off and glued on the key and string!

Santa has came, ate and drank..left a note and now
it's time to put all the decorations away..that part always makes me sad!

I hope that you were able to find many things to cherish this Christmas!

A Fall Banner

2011-11-18T06:11:00.000-08:00

Here lately I have been having so much fun making banners.

The fun thing is, there are no lines to follow, you can be as modge podge

as you want...roam free..you crafters know what Im talkin bout'!

I like to use sturdy cardboard..usually recycled from some

sort of box..like crackers or cereal boxes..

Now I'm thinking I might need to make a Christmas banner...right after

I wash that smeared up mirror (oops!)

Some Spooky Halloween Decor..

2011-11-18T05:32:00.000-08:00

I didn't want to put alot of Halloween decorations out this year, but I did want to do a little "something something"...besides that the boys ALWAYS ask EVERY year WHEN am I going to get the Halloween stuff out....so this year I decided to keep the Halloween decor dedicated to just the dining room.....

Of course I had to stick my plastic daughter in there some where :)

Our monster head is one of our favorite items (Thank you again Aunt Janet)

Putting the eyeball and spider in the skull was all Carter's idea lol..

Some little "potions" that I am yet to make labels for..

A little haunted house (again thank you Aunt Janet) I think

it's the cutest little thing, lots of little decorations on that lil baby!

The haunted house behind the ceramic ghost my youngest sister

made for Dan and I when we lived in our very first home. Its around 13-14years

old and I always smile every year that I pull it out! My sister is amazed I still have it! She was like 12 or 13 when she made it for me!

This little witch is old too. I made it in highschool! I don't think

it's anything impressive, rather ugly really, but since I've made it and had

it this long already, I figure I'll keep it now, until it falls apart.

I ADORE these candles!! (Thank you to my mother in law)

See how people support my addictions..it's great really :)

I think the faces on this ghosts are just down right stinkin adorable!!

I keep them in their package because I don't want them to get

dusty or their little noses to fall of or something tragic that would make me cry :)

{Easy Spring Wreath}...and ooh so cute

2011-04-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

I came across this idea while looking thru a blog hop and drooling over everyone's projects..!!

This is not MY idea..I totally copied it! And I love it :)

I got this idea off of "Keeping It Simple"

You won't beleive how easy this was..and ah hem..MESSY :)

She made up a tutorial on how to make this VERY SIMPLE and CHEAP wreath..you should all go check it out. It only cost me like $3 bucks to make it and I still had supplies left when I was done!

It's nice and bright and even the hubs says it makes the door look "cheery"..and he's color blind lol..

A wee bit O' Green....

2011-03-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

This project is NOT I repeat NOT complete..

I'm stuck at a stand still on it..

It didn't end up going the direction I was aiming for so for now it's been set aside..

So eventually (before March is over) I will finish it so you will just have to come back and

see the final results..hopefully it's something to brag about ha ha!

This started out as a ugly gold and brown picture frame..Hello black spray paint!

For the shamrock I cut 3 hearts out of an old cracker box, then I glue the hearts onto a 50 year old dictionary page and recut the hearts out again..

Then....I took a COFFEE FILTER (I really should do a tutorial on this) and folder the filter up into a triangle and rubbed green and brown ink ALL OVER IT..then I ran it under water to let it all run together then I set it in front of the heater to dry (didnt take long at all)

Then I got out my handy dandy decoupage (Love that stuff!) and deco'd the filter hearts (I traced them using the next smallest heart cookie cutter) ..the results are awesome and kind a cloudy transparent look. Click on the pic to see it in better detail.

I used glue dots to attach it to the glass.

I also colored the clear glass a green color. You REALLY MUST try this!!

You take modge podge and put a few drops of food coloring in it and mix it all up, then you paint it on your glass. It will look like a creamy color but when it dries it's clear. It's so awesome and the possibilities are endless!! I wish I remembered where I seen the tutorial on how to do this!

I will make one next time I do this technique..

So here is what I got so far...was going for a vintage look but don't feel Im on the right path..we shall see how it turns out in the end...stay tuned!

I've been awarded! Yay me! TWICE!

2011-03-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

I've been awarded !!

Twice in one week two different people have awarded me with this award!

What an honor!

Thank you both to Binge Crafter and Candy,Cakes, and Crafts!

Now I get to pass this on:

Rule #1: Link back to the person who gave you the award (see above)
Rule #2: Share seven random things about yourself.
So...
1. I am a major clutter bug.
2. My crafts side track me
3. Im a procrastinator BIG TIME
4. Im scared of everything..frogs..snakes..bugs..spiders..dark..lol
5. I talk to my baby sister on the phone no less then 5 times a day.
6. I start my morning out everyday with coffee and facebook...SHAME ON ME :)
7. I am addicted to looking thru blogs. I will start looking at one and before I know it Im still thumbing thru them in the evening!!
Rule # 3 Award seven newly discovered bloggers with this award.
Here are some blogs for you to check out:
http://8thingsaboutme.blogspot.com/
http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/
http://www.blessedlittlenest.com/
http://onegirlinpink.blogspot.com/

Altered Butterfly Cd

2011-02-26T21:40:00.000-08:00

I started working on this project earlier last week, but it came to a halt when I caught the kitchen

on fire and needed to get to work cleaning up that mess.

I was making this for one of my very best friends and today, she happen to come over and help me the entire day with cleaning up A TON of soot!

So after I was "burned out" on cleaning later this evening I decided I was going to finish it up and give it to her tomorrow at church.

It didn't turn out as well as I was hoping and Im still trying to decide if it needs more added to it..but here's what I got..

It started out as two cd's. I decoupaged one cd with a piece of sheet music from a 1910 old hymn book, then I sandwiched the lace and glue between the 2 cds and smushed it with my super heavy book that I have named "the smushing book"...after that was dry I added dots of hot glue and I set the butterfly punchies on it to give it a raised effect...I'm still thinking it needs something...pearls...pink beads..Im not for sure, ..But anyways I just wanted to show you another idea for altered cd's...

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-13T22:08:00.000-08:00

We seen this idea on "Family Fun". (Love that site!) And Carter (my 8 year old) wanted to make these for his Valentine's instead of giving out paper ones.

The initial idea sounded cool..and truely it was easy..but when you wait till the VERY last minute to do this it becomes work..lol..

If you have never made home made play dough you really should give it a try. It's VERY easy and was made in like a total of 15 minutes-seriously! And it was fun to watch it transform...however I think I need to start using the shake weight, this stuff gave my arm a work out lol..

Ok so here is the recipe from Family Fun...

Materials

3 Cups of white flour

1 1/2 Cups of salt

1 1/2 Tablespoons of cream of tartar

3 1/4 Cups of water

6 Tablespoons of vegetable oil

Red food coloring

Rolling pin

Cookie Cutter of your choice..obviously we used a heart....

In a medium sauce pan mix all the dry ingredients with a wisk or fork. mix them together well.

In a separate bow mix all the wet ingredients. Add your food coloring until you get your desired color. I used gel food coloring..and the color did not come off on our hands when the dough was played with.

Pour the wet ingredients in with the dry, turn your burner on medium and continuously stir...don't stop stirring you don't want it to scorch.

Once you get it all stirred it will be super smooth liquid for a little bit then all of a sudden you will notice that it's getting lumps all over it..don't freak out this is normal..it's beginning to thicken..yay that's what you want.

As you are stirring it you will feel it getting thicker and thicker and your arm will seem to get wimpier and wimpier (I promise ) This will take around 10 minutes,..once it has gotton thick enough that you can't stir it anymore, let it sit and cool.

Once it's cool, knead the dough and roll it around into balls to be prepared to be rolled out. I thought it would be cool at this point to add red glitter but the boy didn't think so...what does he know about cool???

Roll out flat and cut with your cookie cutters. I got lucky and went to Dollar Tree and found these ziplock bags with hearts all over the outside. Perfect for the dough. I was going to add a real fancy to/from tag but decided against it..I didn't really feel like taking the time to do it in all honesty!

We bagged em up and Carter wrote his name on them..as you can see we didn't even pay attention that the hearts even went in right side up..lazy I tell ya lazy lol..so there ya have it. Simple as that..not real "boyish" like I think Carter was hoping for...but I think the kids will like it..I mean really who doesn't love play dough..?? Oh that's right...other mom's lol..I see a future beating at the next PTO meeting ha ha..!!

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!

Vintage Heart Garland

2011-02-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

All things vintage captures my heart! I am in LOVE with vintage..old..raggedy..primitive everything!!

I needed something to add to my hutch that is full of lots of vintage items, so I knew whatever it was that I was going to make I wanted it to look old...and here is what I came up with..

Of course it's not REALLY vintage (completely) but it's the look I was going for. And I did use some vintage items.

I started out using an empty cereal box and cut out the 3 hearts, then I decoupaged the hearts with pages from an old 1940's beat up dictionary..

The lace around the edges and the lace I used for the rosettes were made using vintage lace as well..

Notice the pearls I used...yep vintage as well!

This last heart wasn't exactly what I was going for..but well..once you glue something down with good glue..well..it's stuck for life lol...

And here is the final product. I am very happy with how it came out!

I may still add a little red "something" to the heart with the rosettes on it, it looks kinda bare...yes??

Heart Rag Wreath

2011-02-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

Not the greatest photo..sorry for the blurriness..

Basically I took red and check material and cut it into strips and tied it onto a metal hanger and shaped it into a heart. A bit time consumming and my finger eventually felt raw from tying all the knots..but pretty simple.

I made this for the front door and the good thing about it is you can do it while watching tv..

What I learned: I must invest in a material pizza cutter looking thingamabob!!

Valentine's Day Gift...from the young at heart..

2011-02-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

Ahhh..young love..its so sweet..and precious..and DRAMATIC....but puppy love is something of wonder and excitement!!

My son asked me to make his little girlfriend a "Valentine's Necklace" so he can give it to her as a gift.

Not sure of this young ladies "style" made it a bit of a challenge. These are the beads we picked out.

I might make earrings and a bracelet to match but we shall see..depends on how ambitious I might get :)

Notice the 2 hearts..that was Caleb's idea...everyone say..awwww!!

She is 12 so hopefully this is something she will like...Im sure since it's coming from the boyfriend and they are both love struck she will love it. I think Dan coulda gave me a bread tie and I'd of been swooney over it!!

And my model for today is the lovely "Chappy"...not sure if he's trying to go for the Octomom lips or if he just has a bad addiction of licking his lips..but seriously could we please go one winter without the rash attack??

I love how he's game for anything..try on a girly necklace sure.!!

And so Valentine Decorations are creeping out...

2011-01-26T22:36:00.000-08:00

I decided to put away the winter stuff and put together a little table setting for Valentine's Day.
I bought the two large red candles at walmart for $1.35 each. I think I am going to glue them to glass candle sticks as well (eventually). The glass pedistal holder I put together using a floating candle cup and a glass candle stick holder. (see directions in pervious post). I then added a votive holder to the middle and surrounded the candle holder with conversation hearts...works for now..Im not sure Im 100% pleased with it, but it'll do for now!!

Home Made Laundry Soap

2011-01-11T18:32:00.000-08:00

With all the hoopla I've been seeing online about "Homemade Laundry Soap", I finally decided it was time for me to jump in and give it a whirl. I procrastinated on making it for some time because I thought that it would take forver and be a mess to make on top of buying the first time supplies would be expensive..I was wrong about all of the above..it was fast, simple and cheap to make!!

So let's begin...

To make this you need the following....

1 quart Water (boiling)

2 cups Bar soap (grated) This can be any soap but ivory or fels Naptha is what is recommended. Also recommended is glycerin soap. (which is what I used) But really the soap is your choice.

2 cups Borax

2 cups Washing Soda

1 quart Water (boiling)

2 additional Gallons of warm water

Ok so you got all those items at your local walmart in the grocery isle (over by the oxyclean..dryer sheets etc.) Rough estimate on cost is $5-$6 total.

Add finely grated bar soap to the 2quarts boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.

Please Note- I used glycerin soap for 2 reason, one I had it on hand already from making it for Christmas gifts, it's a soft soap so you just have to chop it up and it melts quickly, Two because it is said to be a natural fabric softner, thus eliminating fabric softner. Altho Im not sure yet them I'm prepared to give up my liquid fabric softner because the truth is I don't buy it to make my clothes "fluffy" I buy it because it makes my clothes smell good :)
Pour the soapy water into a large, clean pail once it's ALL melted and add the Borax and Washing Soda and 2 gallons of water Stir well

I raided the recycle bin and used empty fabric softner and laundry jugs to store this in. Now when I need to use it I just shake it up and add 1/3 cup of the soap to the laundry. Which I measured and it equals a capful on my jug.

I wondered tho, how would this effect my washer since it's a HE Front Loader..so to google I went and here is some information I found.....

There is a good reason for using detergent that is specially formulated for these newer front-load washers. HE detergents are concentrated laundry detergents that are low-sudsing especially for use with low water high-efficiency washers.

If regular detergents were to be used in front-loading and high-efficiency washers, the presence of too many suds could 'confuse' washing cycles, cause delays and make proper rinsing of clothes difficult.

So it seems that this soap is doing ok in my front loader. It does not suds up like your regular soap will. But that's ok, because we all know suds are a visual and aren't really what cleans our clothes RIGHT??!!

Apon using this soap I found that it cleaned the clothes, yes even Dan's pig barn smelling jeans..there was not a scent of any kind what so ever in the jeans...they were very soft..I did however use a dryer sheet because I didn't want him walking around picking up people's socks and mittens due to static cling seeings as it's winter and dry here in Michigan.

So all in all, I've used this soap in 5 loads and all have came out clean and so far I am pleased with it. This recipe made two big jugs and then some (I ran out of jugs lol) I'd say it's worth giving a try and if you don't like it you can always use it to clean your toilets or anything else you'd need a cleaner for.

Now..hmm...wonder if I can figure out a way to make liquid fabric softner tee hee...

How to make expensive vases for cheap!

2010-12-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

The photos aren't exactly the greatest because I got a last minute whim of an idea to take a quick photo of this project, with my cell phone no less...

To buy something like this from Pottery Barn it could cost you $80. BUT to MAKE something like this it will cost you $2!!

My sisters and I always like to get each other very small gifts for Christmas, at the last minute I was stumped on what to get or make for them.

So off to the Dollar Tree I went..

I purchashed the biggest vases that they had at a buck each, and glass candle sticks..also a buck each..

Got out my handy dandy e6000 and started assembling. All you do is glue the candle stick to the bottom of the vase. Make sure all the glass is clean and free of stickers..and there you have it..

Add some ornaments, candy canes, some greenery, maybe a ribbon around the bottom..so versitile too!

Can be filled with various items for various holidays or used for candles..etc..either way I hope they enjoy them!!

Teeny Tops made from..well..tops

2010-12-13T00:32:00.000-08:00

Tonite I was just browsing around on the internet and I came across a blog called "Creative Jewish Mom" http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2010/11/a-handmade-hanukkah-game-spinning-tops-from-plastic-bottle-caps.html#comments. Her blog was full of so much fun! She had posted these little spinning tops that she made out of bottle cap tops. I thought instantly "ah ha! Tomorrow is a snow day, two fighting boys does not sound appealing"...so off to the recycle bin I went and got 2 bottle caps. These will fit nicely in their count down to Christmas that I made last year!

http://shawnabatesart.blogspot.com/2009/12/our-christmas-count-down.html

Altered Cracker Box

2010-11-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

So the challenge presented was

"How to reuse cereal boxes"..I seen this idea a long time

ago on the internet and kept it in the back of my mind..

I didn't have an empty cereal box, but I ddi have an empty cracker box so forward I marched...

I popped it open at the seams

I slathered it in GLUE STICK (no bubbling)
and put scrapbooking paper on it and then took my handy dandy
brayer and rubbed the heck out of it...
I put the paper over the picture part of the box. I figured that way the inside of the "bag/box" would look nicer when presented as a gift...just a thought...I think the paper would stick better for durability on the nonpainted side tho..just depends on the glue you use too probably...anyways...

I even covered the flaps of the box that would normally "close" the box up at the top..then I tucked those pieces down..again..you could snip them off..I just did it for presentation and stability..your prefrence.

Then I just glued it all back together again (I used the glue gun so it would be a bit speedier..)

Then it was on to decorations..I just kept it super simple..kinda a trial run per-say..

Punched two holes on each side of the box...

This is the other side of the box..I rather like it plain quite better actually then I do the other side..

I made a quick to/from tag with the left over scraps

Inserted some ribbon for the handles (I should made them longer but..oops ole well...trial and error again..lol..)

Stuffed in some blue tissue and there you have it...an altered cracker box suitable for gift giving...

Now I am aware that this is pretty simple and not real fancy cute..but I just wanted to give it a try and it was something to do while watching HOARDERS...so quick and easy won...I'd love to see your altered boxes if you choose to make some!!!

Making A Fall Tree

2010-11-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

Excuse my funky mantle right now..it's in the process of being redone and repainted..

I started out with an old cereal box...and a stencil and some free hand...

Glued them on to various scrapbook papers...

Inked the edges...

Cut them all out..... (again)

Hot glued some string on them...

Added some corrugated cardboard to a jar, plopped the branches in it..

And there you have it...a quick fall decorations..!!

Americana Snowmen Ornaments-Made from paper bags.

2010-11-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

OooOps...I just realized that I glued the striped fabric on one of the snowmen side ways...ole' well..so much for perfectionism...

I seen a snowman somewhere online that was made of felt and sewn and super cute.

Well me being a non-sew type person I re-enacted this with my handy dandy glue gun and other supplies..

These started out as paper bags...

I pulled out the upholerstery sample book and found the material to make the pockets..another item used that cost me nothing!!! :)

Once I had them done I stuffed them with batting, glued on the jute to hang them from.

They didn't turn out the direction I was going for...but I still think they came out cute!!

They are headed to the craft show..I sure hope they find new homes!!

Cardboard Tube Snowflake

2010-10-14T10:07:00.001-07:00

There are so many things you can do to recycle cardboard tubes!

I seen this idea on the internet and thought it would be fun to give it a try.

Here is where I got the idea, a google search will bring you endless ideas.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pxu_finland/4171438560/

I gathered my supplies and got to work.

First I took the rolls and pushed them flat(mine are both toilet paper and paper towel rolls)
The I took a ruler and marked where how big I wanted my "loops" to be.

Then I just cut all on the lines making all the loops.

I rearranged the loops how I wanted them and started glueing.

I first started out using ELMERS CRAFT BOND GLUE PEN. Which I got

as a test product for being a Bzz Agent.

It worked great. It held them together very well and calling it a "bond" is no lie.

The problem I ran into is I was having to hold the loops together until they dried.

Which it doesn't take long to dry but with all those loops I could see this quick project was going to become time consumming.

So after glueing about half the snowflake together with the Bond Glue, I decided to speed things up and break out the glue gun.

Once I got it all glued together I spray painted it white.
The cardboard absorbed the paint alot so I had to do several coats.
If you have any spray on Kilz that would work perfect for this project.

Here is the finished project. I just pinned it to the wall so you could see it. I think I will end up putting it on a string and hanging it from a window or something tho.
I like how it turned out, but I can most certainly see room for improvement.
Just for a snowflakey effect I added sparkly glitter to it.
This project was quick, fun and simple and the ideas of various snowflakes are endless.
I am going to make more. They would be so pretty hanging a bunch in different lengths and sizes from a window or sliding glass door.

Christmas Jewelry..

2009-12-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year I made lots of jewelry.

I admit I am not a pro at this...but I'm pretty proud of myself

at how far I've come with making them look so much better then

a string of beads! (Who knew crimping beads were so awesome??!!)

This first necklace set is made for a friend of mine.

This is one of my favorite ones that I made.

It has lots of crystal beads, and the charm is a unique one.

When Dan and I were in Mount Pleasant I picked it up at an Indian

museum and all the beads there were made by the Indians that lived on the reservation

that ran this particular museum.

This set here I made for an older teen.

I'm not sure of her style so I'm hoping

she likes this.

If you look closely the "wild" design beads are actually

made from magazine pages. Yep paper beads baby!!

I use a really strong glue when I make these, so when

they dry they are rock hard.

(I'll be making a tutorial for those of you who don't

know how to make paper beads)

This set here is made for my sister in law.

She wears a lot of Harley clothes so I figured if

I went with black/white/clear she'd have some

sort of shirt to match it.

I had to get the wire to shape so now it lays flat

not all curved like the photo shows.

And look there is some more of those paper beads!

This set was made for my little cousin

who is also an older teen, but a HUGE

University of Michigan fan.

I'm sure she'll wear these with pride!

(Go Notre Dame!)

Here is a set I made for another friend of mine.

Her favorite color is purple so I'm really

hoping that she likes this set.

This photo shows more of the true color of the

beads. (wow jewelry is hard to photograph!)

She also is not a person that I've noticed wears

various earrings so instead of earrings I made her a

bracelet.

And lastly, this set is made for my Auntie.

It was very hard to get the real colors of this set.

The colors are more like turquoise stones.

This was just some of the necklaces I made

this year. I gave 4 away without photographing them.

I told ya I been busy :)

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope your Christmas was a great one and that Santa

brought YOU lots of good things!

Our Christmas Count Down

2009-12-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

For the past couple years I've been trying to figure out how to make

a Christmas Countdown that would be simple but possiably reused...

FINALLY!!!

I don't know where I seen this idea...(Sorry I can't give credit where credit is due!!)

I thought this was a neat idea!! It's recycling, simple, cutesie/old fashioned "feel" to it...

WHo woulda ever thought to use toilet paper rolls!!

Isn't that a nifty idea!!

Now that I did a simple one, I'm thinking...hmm this could be done up really cool if you have any spare time on your hands to add great whimsy to them!! For me...well maybe another time..but for this year, these are perfect! :)

So does that mean I have officially "altered" toilet paper rolls??? LOL..

Don't it look cute!!!

All I did was tuck fold the bottoms of each end.

I stuffed candy and other goodies

in it, along with a small activity!

I was able to stuff 2 packs of funsize m&m packs into them!!

**** COUNT DOWN/HALLOWEEN TIP HERE!!! ****

On Halloween when you take your kids trick or treating,

once it's all over give them a freezer bag with their name on it.

Ask for 25 pieces of candy. When they are done seal them up and throw them in the

freezer!!

You now have your Christmas Countdown candies. They still get to eat "their"

candy...just not all at once!!! :)

Thanks Suzanne for this tip you shared with me years ago!!

P.S. Don't always expect your kids will be pleased to "hand it over" lol..

I've been wanting to find a website

that has the story of Mary and Joseph and the

birth of Jesus, where you would read a section of the

story each night but I've yet to find a website for that.

So next year I will just break the story down myself, plus have

family activites in there.

I had a hard time tho coming up with something everyday..so incase you need some ideas too I'm including our list.

Have a Merry Christmas..time is counting down..ha ha..

1 decorate the tree
2 watch rudolph
3 curl up with hot coco and read a christmas book
4 send postcards to your friends
5 say a prayer for the troops
6 Set your shoe by your bedroom door for tonite is the nite St Nick comes!
7 work on gifts you're making for family members
8 listen to christmas music and sing along
9 read a christmas book
10 watch a special christmas movie in mom's bed! (I bought the movie "8 crazy nights" and included 2 fun size m&m's)
11 have a cup of warm coco and tell us about your day!
12 say a special prayer for everyone
13 enjoy your treat (put suckers in this one)
14 make cookies
15 read a christmas book
16 say a prayer for the troops
17 read a story about Jesus
18 Take goodies to the neighbors
19 have fun at the school party today!
20 enjoy your treat while we read a christmas book (put a piece of candy inside)
21 play a game of "trouble"
22 help open and hang the christmas cards
23 have coco popcorn and watch and christmas movie
24 Hang your stockings. Read a book about Jesus and verse
25 Happy Birthday Jesus! Be sure to thank him for all he's done for you! Enjoy your day!

A Hartfelt Christmas Blog Party!!!

2009-11-19T10:29:00.000-08:00

Everyone is invited! Would you like to join the celebration? Read on...

How to join:

Make a post in your blog with the big announcement to let people know you're attending! Big catches people's attention. *winks*

Post the button in your sidebar with a link back to this blog for those who missed your grand announcement! (Plus it will help you not to forget too!)

Have your post ready to go on the 12th.

Post a comment here after you have made the announcement, and leave a link to your blog so Kelly can add you to the guest list.

Once your post is up, make sure you make a comment on http://hartfeltchristmas.blogspot.com/ and link back to it from yours that day so everyone knows you have made your post and can also find the rest of the party posts.

*************************************************************************************

Not sure what to post? Here are some suggestions:

Your holiday decorations

A story about your favorite present of all time

Your family traditions

Recipes

Crafts

And don't forget to include some pictures that incorporate your work if you are an artist, everyone loves to see that!

You're only limited by your imagination!

2009-11-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CAwSdvUpI_s/SvxJO9TDV2I/AAAAAAAACFs/tURa_K6p0-w/s1600/Blog%2Bparty%2Bflyer.png

A few more cards.....

2009-11-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

Well...I'm getting there..

slowly but surely adding to my

many Christmas cards that need to be made.

I got very lucky. When I was at a thrift store I found this

old tattered hymn book. Of course I had to snatch it up!

It was even already aged for me ...and I'm talking to the

point that the pages are so old that the page are brittle!!

I totally love it :)

I love this barn image stamp!

I tried to make it wintery by adding the blue sky and glitter.

I'm not crazy about the ribbon, i think it's too wide and I might add

some snowflake die cuts to this card. will make it again so I'm calling

this one a "rough draft" lol..

Bummer the embossed Christmas trees didn't show up on the green paper!

This card is growing on me. I do love that image tho!!

A couple Christmas Card Shares.

2009-11-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time again...

You know, when you swore that you would have all your cards made and ready to be sent out December 1st?!!!! But that didn't happen so now it's Crunch Time in November lol..

I did actually get a few cards made but then I didn't keep on keepin on with making them..so here I am getting back into the swing of things!

Here are two of the cards I made this weekend.

Both from sketches, that I didn't save links to (sorry)

Monkey See...

2009-05-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

I'm not real sure how I feel about this paper piecing.

He's not totally ugly, but his face don't look right to me.

Even after looking at the pattern tho, that is how the face is suppose to be.

Ole well He can be used on a card if anything (a kids card ha ha)

Mother's Day Cards

2009-05-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

This is the card I made for my sister Stephanie.

I like how it turned out but I still feel like it's missing

something. It's kinda "plain". But I really adore that stamped

image!!

I made this card for my sister Samantha.

I LOVE the image but am not too fond of the card it's self.

It didn't go together well like I was hoping and

the flowers I wanted to use I couldn't find.

I think I'm going to add a gray shadow around her and the chickens feet.

It looks rather plain.

This card is for my MIL. I thought the little

boy stamp was cute and since I have two boys, plus her son..well..I

just thought it fitting.

Kinda reminds me of Alfalfa from "Little Rascals"

Ok so this isn't my favorite of my cards.

I think the coloring looks horriable.

But being pinched for time I'm still using it.

This one is for my stepmom. She enjoys just getting

"fun mail" and handmade cards.

BEE-YOURSELF

2009-04-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

I made this for a challenge over

at Paper Piecing and Scrapbook Fun (yahoo group)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Paper-Piecing-And-Scrapbook-Fun/
The challenge was to make a paper piecing that represents spring.

I made this little bee from a rubber stamp image

(I belive the stamp is made by TAC)

Once I got the piece finished I thought he turned out really cute

and wanted to use him on a layout...

And this is the layout I done. I thought it came out so cute!

I love that photo of Carter!

Monster Truck Birthday Layout

2009-04-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Nothing Major really..the cover page for Carter's

6th birthday.

We had a monster truck come in as a surprise.

All the kids (and adults) loved it

Happy Birthday Jaidon

2009-04-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

I really should not post this disgrace lol..

This is NOT a cake I am proud of!!

But I wanted to show you a cheap way of adding a photo to

your cake. It's not ediable but it's doable.

I took a 4x6 photo and wrapped it good and tight with saran wrap,

then place it on your cake and pipe frosting around it.

That's all there is too it!

I always add extra frosting to where the photo is going to lay so when you pull

it up that section of the cake isn't without frosting.

Altered Cd with a Unicorn Paper Piecing

2009-04-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

My friends daughter is doing her room

in fairies and unicorns.

I made this paper piece and wasn't sure what

I was going to do with it.

Well I ended up mounting it onto a regular old

no good cd and making it into a wall hanging for her.

She will receive this for her birthday.

Hope she likes it!!

Blog Party Winner!!!

2009-04-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

Long overdue...........

I finally got a winner from the Blog Party Giveaway!

I used Random.org in order to make the giveaway fair.

The winner will be receiving the lovely bracelet and earring set.

And she should know I love how it turned out and am having a hard time parting with it :)

So on to the winner......the winner is.....

*~*DRUM ROLL *~*

Sheryl1024

My doll is modeling these for you all to admire.

(We still need a name for her!!)

She's such a great model huh? rofl!!

I love it! It's very sparkly too! The pictures don't do this set justice!

Happy Belated Birthday Karen

2009-04-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

I made this card for Karen on Scrapbook Lane.

I didn't get her card sent in time.

Shame on me :)

I'm fairly happy with how this card turned out..I wish I had different ribbon tho.

For the cherry on the dropped ice cream I glued a red bead.

I love that image!!!

card and bookmark

2009-04-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm on a kick with these rainy day stamps lol..

I made this card and bookmark for my friend Barbee.

Her husband has been in the hospital and I wanted to send

a little something to lift her spirits.

When life gives you a rainy day.....remember to play in the puddles

2009-04-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

This is a card I made for my Sister In Law.

She's going through a rough spot right now and

I thought maybe the card would cheer her up a bit.

I think it turned out cute.

It's hard to see on the front of the card but full

bodied duck is pop-dotted.

Triple the Sketch Challenge

2009-04-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Over at Triple The Sketch Blog http://triplethesketch.blogspot.com/2009/04/our-one-year-anniversary-blog-hop-raks.html they have a sketch for anyone who wants to try it. (Several sketches actually). It's too late to get in on the prize but it's still a great sketch for a card or layout.

My layout came out similar to the sketch but I had to change things up a little bit to make it work how I wanted it to. (But who says you have to follow sketches to a T!)

Angel Bookmark

2009-03-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

For one of the online crops at

Scrapbook Lane (yahoo group)

The challenge was to make a bookmark.

I made this bookmark for a special friend of mine.

I LOVE that image!

I hope she likes it too!!

I think you're SEW sweet!!

2009-03-29T21:42:00.001-07:00

This is a little card I made up for a friend who is going through a tough time right now.

Not one of my favorite cards but I do just LOVE the image of the little girl!!

2009-03-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

This is a little Easter Ducky paper piecing I did for a challenge in a yahoo group called

Paper-Piecing-And-Scrapbook-Fun

I think she turned out rather cute if I do say so myself :)

I think I'm going to add some light pink cheeks tho!

WELCOME TO THE BLOG PARTY!!

2009-03-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for a fun time of blogging?? I know I sure am!!

There are SO many blogs that are doing this blog party so be sure to check them out!

When I set this blog up my intentions were to set it up so that people could get craft ideas and maybe some ideas on cards and layouts.

It has become a great outlet for me when it comes to sharing my crafts and ideas. I hope you will take the time to look around my blog and maybe you'll find an idea or two.

And as always, come back, I'm always adding something new!!

Would you like to get in on my giveaway??

For the blog party I decided to have a surprise give away!! Whoever the winner is will receive a surprise piece of jewlery made by yours truely. (Psst...I bought special beads just for this piece)

Winner will be chosen March 27,2009

You can enter by doing the following-

1.) Everyone that wants in on it MUST tell me what your favorite craft, card or layout is that I have posted already on my blog and post it here.

2.) For an extra chance blog about my giveaway and then post here

Please be sure to have a way that I can contact you if you win. Winner will be chosen by random. org

I want to give a special THANK YOU to my friend Teresa who has TOTALLY helped me set this whole thing up!!!! She's such a gem!

She'd doing the blog party too and has a wonderful blog full of TONS of great stuff. Go check her out when you're done here! http://8thingsaboutme.blogspot.com/

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

2009-03-18T14:30:00.001-07:00

I used Random. org to determine a winner for the St. Patty's Day bracelet and our winner is....................

TERESA!!!

Congratulations Teresa!!

Teresa has a great blog full of neat things sure to spark your interest.

Check her out over at

http://8thingsaboutme.blogspot.com/

Please let me know which bracelet you would like. The circle beaded or the square beaded.

Keep an eye open for more giveaways in the very near future!!

Clearly Inspired Challenge...

2009-03-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

Over on the Clearly Inspired Blog, this sketch was presented

to make a Christmas card with.

Here is my version.

http://clearlyinspired.blogspot.com/2009/03/merry-christmas-sketch-5.html

(While You're here don't forget to sign up for my giveaway below)

Thought you could use a lift.....

2009-03-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

This is a card challenge I did over on Scrapbook Lane

The inside reads "I thought you could use lifted up today"

BLOG GIVE AWAY!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Last night my kids had "Parent's Night" at their Kids Club. (Wednesday night Bible school)

I always like to send their teachers a little something during the "holidays" to show my appriciation of them volunteering their time.

So yesterday I whipped up these GREEN bracelets for St.Patty's Day.

I am also going to be making them for their school teachers as well.

It got me to thinking, since I'm going to be making 2 more anyways I may as well make THREE!!

One for each of the teachers and maybe one for YOU!!!

SO with that said...........I decided to make an extra one to give away right here on my blog!!

If you're interested in getting in on maybe grabbing one of these bracelets here is what you will need to do..

1.)Leave a comment ANYWHERE on this blog. You can leave several comments if you like, but your name only will go in one time...however..

2.) If you link this giveaway to your blog and let me know either in a comment or email dash_02@netzero.com I will put your name in for the drawing a second time!

The drawing will be on St. Patty's Day. Please be sure to leave a way for me to contact you in case you are the winner.

Good Luck to EVERYONE!

I took the sketch challenge at "Our Creative Corner"

2009-03-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the challenge:

Now for today's challenge. Our Creative Corner's February hostess, Laurie Schmidlin, has created this fantastic sketch for us to work with:

I needed to make a "Thinking of You" card but had no inspiration.

So I decided to go over to "Our Creative Corner" blog http://www.ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.com/ and see what their challenge for this week was.

I took a look at their sketch challenge and it seemed simple enough...and it helped get my mojo moving. Of course my card is nothing as elaborate as the cards on their blog or probably the ones that would be entered in their contest (I could only dream to make cards that fantastic) but none the less, it helped get me moving and I had fun making it. And even saved the sketch. This is one I will do again!! And for the most part I was pleased with the final results!

Hogs and Kisses

2009-03-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

I made this card for a friend of mine.

The inside says "Hogs and Kisses".

It's hard to see in the photo but I pop dotted all the animals

I GoT BiT bY ThE SCrApPiNg BuG.........(and I liked it!)

2009-02-22T19:25:00.000-08:00

We had an online 6 day crop over at my yahoo group

Scrapbook Lane (Email me if you'd like an invite)

I had a great time!!! There were lots of challenges, and several to make you step out of your comfort zone..which is always a fun challenge in it's self I beleive!

We had a great time racing each other in the chat room to get things finished!

Here are some of the layouts I got done.

Some I am really happy with and some are...well....done..lol..

All these layouts have something on them made using the cricut. (I love that thing!)

This one I like ok, it's been a challenge using these colors and so much pattern paper.

That's outta my element but it was alot of fun!

I think this one is my favorite layout of them all!

I was really pleased with how this one came out too. And
almost all the embellishments on this layout came from swaps I did YEARS ago!!

I was pretty pleased with this layout. Especially for as simple as it is.

I found a use for my tear bear! This is my little "neice" Meagan.

She's my cousin really, but neice at heart :) I blocked her face out tho because

I didn't have permission from her parents to post the photo. Wish you all could see her adorable face!

Quick Tear Bear Tutorial

2009-02-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

First I want to confess that I in no way shape or form am a professional at this!

Infact this is my very first tear bear ever made.

As I went along, I learned a couple things and found room for improvement..so maybe just concider this more as a "tips" post then a tutorial.

First I started with this rubber stamp, I beleive it's by Stampin Up!

I scanned it into my computer and sharpened the edges to make it darker and I enlarged it...this was my pattern. (But a tear bear google search will also give you plenty of patterns)

Next I cut the body apart...

Then I flipped each piece over and traced it..filling in around the body where the parts were missing.

Then I took the body parts and saturated around the edges of them with water using a paint brush.

I should also state, that originally tear bears were meant to be made with mulberry paper. However I did not have mulberry paper and I used cardstock..cardstock is ok, but it don't tear as easily and precise, I'm not sure how regular paper might work, but I'll eventually try it!

Once the edges were good and soaked, I carefully tore towards me.

I read a tip that roughing them up with a tooth brush along the edges gives them a more fluffier look. I did not try this tho.

Once all the pieces were dry I assembled the bear back together and this is my ending results.

Not the best tear bear out on the internet, and still room for improvement. (Like her head coulda been a bit bigger) but I will do this technique again.

If you make one of these I would love to see your work!!

Card Share

2009-02-14T23:57:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to make one Christmas card a week, that way when it's closer to Christmas I'll have a good headstart on my card.

This card was inspired by a card I seen on

http://stampowl.blogspot.com/

I hope she don't mind that I card-lifted her card so to speak!

Her work is awesome you all should go check it out!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2009-02-14T23:18:00.000-08:00

Just want to take this chance to

tell you all Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope your whole day was full of LOVE.

To all our friends and family,

we don't say it nearly enough but we LOVE you all!!

Time passes so quickly, and before you know it..weeks..months..go by

and we go so long without seeing each other or saying I LOVE you to one another.

I LOVE you is not something that should just be said to a spouse or a parent or your children.

Many people feel funny saying "I LOVE you" to people they "actually do LOVE..but I say if you LOVE someone tell them....especially while the opportunity is there to tell them. LOVE is not a shameful emotion. It's the best emotion a human can have...so again to you friends and family, we LOVE you all!!

2009-02-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

Here is another Valentine's card I made.

I didn't realize the pic was so blurry until I pulled it up on the computer.

At of course I have since mailed it off so I can't retake the photo :( but you get the idea!

This was for a sketch challenge on Scrapbook Lane.

If you're interested in joining Scrapbook Lane let me know it's invite only.

Just drop me an email and I can send you an invite.

dash_02@netzero.com

Photo Tagged

2009-02-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of my nephew Bryce. It was his first birthday.

What a ham!!! He's so cool!

Photo Tagged

Teresa at 8 Things About Me

http://8thingsaboutme.blogspot.com/2009/02/photo-tagged.html

tagged me for a fun and easy photo challenge.

Here are the rules:
Go to the 4th picture folder on your computer.
Post to the 4th picture in the folder.
Explain the picture.
Tag 4 more people.

The blogs I tagged.......

http://scrapatheartproject365.blogspot.com/

http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com/

http://sharonsfamilylife.blogspot.com/

http://yourgypsygirl.blogspot.com/

What I do when I play..........: Tilda and Friend ATC Challenge

2009-02-13T02:33:00.000-08:00

What I do when I play..........: Tilda
http://tildaandfriends.blogspot.com/ and Friend ATC Challenge

Tilda and Friend ATC Challenge

2009-02-13T02:02:00.000-08:00

I decided to take the ATC Challenge over at Tilda and Friends

http://tildaandfriends.blogspot.com/

The challenge was to incorporate hearts into your ATC - it doesn't have to be a Valentine. You can use any stamps or style of craft as long as the overall look is cute.

I used stamps by Stampin' Up!

Also you can't really see it in the photos but at the top of the cards there is white paper lace.

If you are an atc collector and you'd like to have these cards leave me a comment below with a way to contact you and I will draw names and will mail them to the winner.

What to wear when your wife has a "Honey Do List" for you

2009-02-13T01:56:00.000-08:00

I don't know who this is, I received this in a "forward"

in my email.

I found it to be rather humorous and I had to take a double look before it made sense to me!!

New Card Challenge

2009-02-13T01:37:00.000-08:00

This Card was made during for a challenge at

Scrapbook Lane. We were given a card sketch and had to create a card using that sketch. This is the card I came up with.

I made two, mailed one to Grandma and one to the In-Laws.

I think it turned out cute!

If you're interested in joining Scrapbook Lane and getting in on the challenges let me know.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ScrapbookLane/

It's invite only so email me and I'll send you out an invite.

dash_02@netzero.com

Valentine's Day Gifts

2009-02-13T01:23:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day I made up these quick little gifts

for Caleb and Carter's Bible School Teachers.

For the candles, I just took walmart votives and wrapped them with scrapbook

paper and double sided tape and tied a "Happy Valentine's Day" ribbon on them.
I also included these little altered magnetic frames.
They were originally business magnets, I just recovered them
in scrapbook papers.

How to make Paper!!

2009-02-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

Making paper is such a FUN experience!!

I've been doing this for years!!!

My very first time ever making paper was when I was in highschool.

I was hooked from then on!!!

It is a great way to add texture to your cards, layouts, atc's and various other crafts.

If using it for your scrapbooking be sure to only blend acid free papers.

I will try to explain this the best I can, but if

something does not make sense or you have a

question please feel free to email me.

dash_02@netzero.com

First thing you need to do is pick your paper colors.

Keep in mind, that the darker color will be the dominant color.

It will come out lighter then your darkest paper tho.

I throw in white paper for a color filler.

You can use any scraps (which i recommend, why waste??)

You can use magazines, news paper,computer paper, your kids

old school news letter..

Ok, after picking your papers tear them up. There is no rule here

Just tear them up so they blend better and quicker

Put them all into your blender.

There is no rule on how"much" paper to use but I fill the blender up about half way with torn loose paper. It really don't take much.

Then put your water in. Again, no set amount here either

It doesn't matter how much water you put in it's eventually all going to drain out. I usually fill mine a little over half the blender cup.

Also, I don't know as it matters, but I let my paper soak in the water for about 5 minutes before I blend it. I just figure it gets the paper soaked and soft..but that's just my way of thinking lol..
And here it is blending.

I usually put it on the "blend" setting but to tell you the truth I don't think it really matters.

It does not take much time at all for this to all blend together. Less the one minute really!

Beware if your kids are around they will think you are making a smoothie! (Kids love this project even when they find out it's NOT food lol)

Ok, now it's all blended and thick and I'm going to be using

this for "snow" so I added about a teaspoon of glitter to the top.

Put the lid back on and hit "grate" but only for a few seconds.

When it's dry it'll be nice and sparkly. You can add other things at this point too. it don't have to be just glitter. If you want to add flowers I recommend you either put them in and hand stir or put the in the paper as you're pouring it.

I also would recommend if you are wanting to add fibers you hand stir those in because they will get caught on your blender blades and that's a real pain!

Ok now, this is where you will need a screen of some sort.

What I usually use is something that's just a handmade deal.

I took a picture frame and removed the backing and glass then I took a staple gun and stapled regular old window screen to the back side. This is a great tool! It's cheap and it keeps your paper in a rectangular shape. HOWEVER.......this particular time, I could not find my screen tool so I improvised and used my wire drying rack for beef jerky. A little wider screen then what I'd prefer but it worked in a pinch.

Ok so take your screen and set it in a secure spot where it won't tip over or be spilled.

Then you just pour your "pulp" over the screen.

You can spread it out with your hands to make it thinner if you like.

When using my screen (with the much smaller holes) I like to put saran wrap over it and roll it out with my brayer.

PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT LAY THE RACK OVER YOUR SINK AND LET YOUR PAPER DRAIN THIS WAY!! IT WILL CLOG YOUR SINK AND PISS YOUR HUSBANDS OFF!! I USE A BAKING DISH AND SET THE RACK OVER THAT.

Here is the paper all spread out and draining.

What I like to do is take a old towel and fold it up and lay it across the paper. It absorbs alot of the water then after about 20 mins or so flip the towel over and it'll absorb even more.

Once the paper is done draining and NO water is leaking out of it, I will then lay the rack across my sink for better air circulation. It will take over night to dry but I'm very impatient and so I either blow dry it or zap it with my heat gun. The hair dryer method will take about 20-30 mins to fully get it dry but a heat gun is much faster.

Now here is a handy dandy tip-IF you decided to use your hair dryer or heat gun don't set up a "holding station" so you don't have to sit there and hold the dryer. You really should move your dryer back and forth. If you prop it up and let it dry that way it will result in warped paper.

Once it's dry and be sure it's completely dry because when it's wet it's delicate, you can peel it off your screen, carefully.

And that's it. You have paper. Now just cut it up and do what you like with it!!

If you make this paper please come back and let me know how it turned out and how you liked it.

Come back again and see how I make wedding favors using this handmade paper!!

Paper Piecing-Making your own pattern

2009-02-05T20:53:00.000-08:00

Ok I'm going to try to explain this the best I can.

To make your own pattern for a paper piecing

is fairly easy. It can be time consuming but it's not

that bad-honest.

The penguin pattern using is actually a rubber stamp.

I stamped it onto a piece of paper in black ink, then I scanned

it into my computer enlarged it and printed...

Basically to make this penguin into a PP I have to pretty much

"dissect" the pattern. Meaning I had to cut each piece of it off.

Following the pictures below will give you a general idea.

First I cut the hat off the penguin.

The reason for that is so I could get the black body

outline of the penguin.

I then placed the pattern face down and traced it.

As you can see, this is how I got the black part of the body

Next I cut all the black part of the body off of the pattern

time to trace the white part of the body.

I left the other pieces intact on the body so that it did not

mess it up when I traced it.

You will eventually cut the rest apart as well. But in the mean

time leave them attached

As you can see here, there are gaps along the edge from

where the scarf and stars are. If you don't think you can cut without having it

filled in go ahead and connect the lines. It don't have to be perfect.

Here it is with the lines filled in.

Ok, now it's time to really dissect the pattern.

I cut the rest of the smaller pieces apart from the pattern.

Just as I did the body, face down, and trace on the color you choose.

Ok here are all the pieces...it is now time to assemble.

Now all you do is rebuild the pattern. You may want to print two copies of your pattern if you aren't sure you'll remember how to assemble

I Also want to mention, that you will have LOTS of little scraps.

Instead of throwing them away, toss them in a blender with water and make some handmade paper (check out my paper making in "fun techniques)

Waste not want not!!

Here he is all assembled.

Only thing left to do is add the final details to liven him up!

And here is the final project!

Isn't he so cute!!!

You might notice I did not add the stars to mine. I had intentions on doing so, but it was for a swap and I ran out of time (due to my procrastinating)

If anyone is interested I think I might still have this penguin saved on my computer. Leave me your email if you want it and I will send it to you!

A Sketch Challenge.

2009-02-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

This is a layout I did yesterday for a sketch challenge on

Scrapbook Lane.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ScrapbookLane/

Although this is NOT one of my favorite layouts it did give me a great

opportunity to do alot of journaling and documenting my son Caleb's

Great Aunt Linda who has since passed

If your interested in joining Scrapbook Lane

email me for an invite dash_02@netzero.com

Bear Card

2009-01-30T14:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a card I made for a card sketch challenge on Scrapbook Lane

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ScrapbookLane/

There is a new challenge posted every week rather it be for making a card or making a scrapbook layout. It's lots of fun over there.

If your interested in joining, it's invite only.

Just drop me an email

dash_02@netzero.com

This card was made for my sister and brother in law who are going through some tough times right now.

Also after I snapped the photo, I got to looking at the card and I didn't like how you could see my colored pencil lines so I went over the bear with a blender pen. Worked perfect!

Softened up the bear!

Wish I woulda retook the photo...but...shucks I already mailed it!!

I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag Of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

2009-01-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

There is something about huge giant flags flapping in the wind that I

just love seeing!!

It's so "AMERICAN". This flag was found in downtown Goshen Indiana

Harley Rocks

2009-01-30T13:43:00.000-08:00

These are some plain ole' rocks that I embellished with Harley emblems

and then I sealed them with a shiny varnish.

At the craft shows I get 12/$1.00

If interested email me at dash_02@netzero.com

These look great surrounded by candles.

Baby Clay Ornament

2009-01-30T13:15:00.000-08:00

I was looking through a catalog one day and I seen this adorable ornament

Every year for Christmas we get my neices and nephews ornaments.

Well this particular ornament was out of my price range but would be perfect for my

nephews first Christmas.

So I got to thinking, I wonder if I can make it out of clay..

So below is my attempt...

Here is the ornament all sculpted in clay

Here it is all painted (minus the face)

Here is what the original ornament looks like.

For the life of me I can't find what I did with the photo of

"MY" finished project. But at least you get the idea of what

it's suppose to look like when it's all done.

I also personalized his name and the year on the blankie.

This one is made from scuply I beleive, I had to paint mine.

I think I like the scuply one better but mine worked :)

I Love My Soldier

2009-01-30T13:08:00.000-08:00

This is just a little last minute ornamet I put together for the

Craft show I did this winter. I sold out of them. I didn't make alot but

the ones I did sell I sold for $1.50. I also personalized the back of the star.

If you're interested in buying one you can contact me at dash_02@netzero.com

Chilly

2009-01-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

This little guy is also made of clay.

He is a one of a kind. The only one I made like this.

I sold him for $4 at the craft show this winter.

If interested in one similar you could email me at

dash_02@netzero.com

Harley Snowman

2009-01-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

I made this little guy from clay and sold them for $3.

I also made them for gifts for friends that we ride wih.

If you are interested in purchasing one you can contact me

through email at dash_02@netzero.com

I can personalize pretty much anything on the tummy. Material for the hat

and scarf varies tho.

I Love Lucy Atc

2009-01-30T11:02:00.000-08:00

I really like how this one turned out!

Of course Lucy is just as awesome as they come anyways :)

This was done for a swap called "Famous Dead People" on Atc Lane

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ATCLANE/?yguid=253174667

I hope whoever received it liked it.

Simple Valentine's

2009-01-26T20:16:00.000-08:00

Here is a Valentine's Card I made for a challenge for a yahoo group called Skrapnstylesisters

My attempt at re-doing my dolls hair

2009-01-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

I have a secret love for baby dolls.

I love all kinds of dolls!

This particular doll caught my eye at our local thrift store.

I only paid 50 cents for her!!!!

When I seen her I knew she'd be fun to dress up in different outfits for different holidays and such.

It's funny, she become my plastic daughter I think lol..

People come over to my house and even notice her outfits are changed.

My stepmom even looks for outfits for her lol..

And you know.....she don't even have a name! We'll have to do something about that I suppose!

So anyways, when I got her, her hair was not in the

best of shape. Not to mention she is the doll of choice

of all the little kids that come to play at our house.

So her hair has been run through the wringer.

Today I decided to take her out of her Christmas outfit and put her in her

Valentine's outfit.

Well as I was changing her outfit I got to looking at her hair and thought..

She so needs hair therapy!

So here is what I did..

First I filled a pan with warm water and I put about a cup of liquid fabric softner into the water.

Then I stuck the dolls head in there and just let her soak for about a half hour.

(Yes basically I drowned her!)

I was worried her hair might turn blue but nope it didn't.

This is what her hair looked like before the soaking.
See what I mean. Major need of conditioning lol..

After she soaked for about a half hour I very loosely wrapped her hair up in a towel. (didn't want to tangle it anymore then it was)

Then I took a very wide toothed comb and very carefully combed her hair. Starting at the bottom and working my way up.

Although I was careful I still ended up with a nice size hairball when all was said and done.

Her hair still looks a little frizzy but I looks SO much better then what it did. And it's ALOT shinier!

I couldn't do anything with her curly bangs, they were just outta control to begin with. So I combed them as best I could then I pinned them back with a bobby pin.

To save her hair from frizzing any more or getting tangled again I very tightly braided it.

And there you have it....Not great hair but much better!

If you have some babies or barbies with goofy hair give this a try it might work for you!

If you've got any suggestions feel free to share them!!

Oh and by the way, her hair smells great!!

A Card Sketch Challenge

2009-01-22T20:08:00.000-08:00

We had a card sketch challenge on Scrapbook Lane and here is the card I made from it.

The recipient will be my husband's Grandma and Grandpa thanking her for all the goodies she cooked up for us this past Christmas!

A long time ago I made this envelope.

I thought it went well with the card so I stamped

matching butterflies on it and it's

now officially on it's way!

Wouldn't you like to receive mail that came in an

envelope like that!

Congratulations to the Obama Family

2009-01-20T22:33:00.000-08:00

I would love to interveiw these girls.

What is happening to them is beyond their wildest dreams.

I mean seriously what kid hasn't dreamt of living in the WHITE HOUSE!!!

I also think that they seem to be so proud of their daddy!

Isn't this so cool?!! She is taking pictures of todays event!

It's so surreal she wants to take it all in.

I wonder if she has a clue how many photos of her and her family will be taken over the next 4 years lol..I love it!!
I wonder what they're saying here. "We did it Baby!"

I just think this picture is to cool.

"We did it Baby! We made it to the White House!" and she says "That's my man!"

I think they seem so PROUD!!

One focus on today (which is NOT a big deal to me) was what will Michelle wear.
I thought it was pretty neat to hear she wore a non famous name and instead chose someone that wasn't in the lime light.
However! I do beleive she chose a great outfit for today. Looks like it was as warm as she could get with still looking classy.
Good thinkin!

I have never found election time to be of much interest to me.

I mean I know it should be, I should exercise my right to vote,but I always just figured I didn't know what all that political stuff meant so I wouldn't know who to vote for really.

I never seemed to form my own opinion. I took what other people were saying about the past candidates and formed my opinion from what I'd "heard".

But this year it was different. I studied each candidate, as well as the VP's, I watched the debates, I read up on them online..and I VOTED!

I did not find it to be an easy vote either! I was torn right up till the time I filled out my ballot!

I think both McCain and Obama had something good and bad to bring to the table.

I am honored to be a part of this day in history. To know that *I* voted to help bring change to this great country is remarkable. My kids and Grandkids and so forth will be studying this day for years and years to come.

I am excited to watch the Obama girls grow, I am excited for this family! They just give off such a glow of "WE DID IT!!"

I am going to reach out and grab hope and say, "I hope Obama does good by us and is the change America needs." May the Lord guide him and keep him and his family safe. It's going to be a tough road for PRESIDENT Obama.

There are several out there who are anti-Obama. And that's ok. We have the right to our own opinions, that's the great thing about living in the USA, we have the right to our opinion. But the majority of America has spoken. There is no turning back, nothing can be done. So we may as well make the most of it. I say give him a chance to prove himself. Reform your opinion once he's had time to make a difference. Maybe you'll be surprised. Maybe he will serve you well.

I am epecially proud to be an American today. I loved seeing how other American's came together as one. I was also especially happy to see how much prayer was said and the mention of God. May he never be removed from our Country.

I am attaching some photos I found doing a google search. I got them from

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/20/sasha-and-malia-obama-ina_n_159499.html

If you want to see more. There are some great ones!!

An Idea For Christmas Photos

2009-01-18T21:20:00.000-08:00

I love receiving Christmas cards!

And to make it extra special, I love it when photos are included.

But once Christmas is over I never know what to do with all the wallet size photos I receive.

So a couple years back I started a Christmas Album.

I take the card and photo (and newsletter if one is sent) and I make a VERY

simple 8.5x11 scrapbook page.

I then just keep them in a 3 ring binder.

It's so fun to go back and see how much people change and grow!

Just curious does anyone else have ideas for Christmas photos?

The Sea Shore ATC

2009-01-18T20:38:00.000-08:00

This atc is made from a photo out of a travel company magazine.

I layered blue and white paint around the edges, added magic mesh to the corner

added a clipping from the article and then added a silver dollar bead.

I really like this card. I think the little girl is so sweet and innocent looking

Snowflake Card

2009-01-18T00:22:00.001-08:00

This is not my favorite card, but perhaps someone might like it

and find inspiration in making one better :)

Standing Clay Snowman

2009-01-18T00:19:00.000-08:00

This is a snowman I made from airdry clay and then I painted.

He sold at a craft show this year for $4.50.

He's one of a kind-the only one I made like this.

He turned out pretty cute dotcha think!?

Altered Cigar Box

2009-01-18T00:02:00.000-08:00

I thought I had some other photos of this but I guess not. (I'll keep digging)

My sister's bedroom is all done in gold tone safari type decor.

For Christmas I altered her this cigar box and filled it with fun little trinkets.

This was alot of fun to work with.

I painted the whole box black, the I decopauged the patterned paper on.

I sealed the box with a good clear shiny sealer. I used a wooden ball and painted it gold and put it on top of the box. I also used wooden balls to make "feet" on the box

She seemed to have really like this.

Fairy Atc's

2009-01-17T23:47:00.003-08:00

Here are some Cards I made for a fairy atc swap on

ATCLANE a yahoo group that I own. (Come on over and join us!)

I love how these cards turned out.

They are images I printed of the internet they were black and white and I water colored them and added all the good fun embellishments.

The first one is my favorite!!

Fun little Card

2009-01-17T23:23:00.000-08:00

This is a card I made for my cousin when I didn't get his card sent in time.

I can't remember where this pattern came from either, I beleive someone shared it on one of the yahoo groups I'm on.

This can also be flipped up the other way and a bikini top made.

Wedding Card

2009-01-17T22:34:00.000-08:00

Here is a card I made for my brother and his wife for their wedding.

Crud tho!I forgot where i got the pattern from. If anyone knows where this pattern came please leave it in the links section.

This was really easy to make and it's "different"

HOW THE HECK TO YOU MAKE A RECORD BOWL?

2009-01-17T22:05:00.000-08:00

Ok so my cousin is a huge Elvis fan, well for Christmas last year I made her a record bowl and put various Elvis items in the bowl...however everyone else's bowls that I've seen came out way better then mine. Anyone got any tips for me?

Here is what I did.

I went to a thrift store and got them for like 25 cents I bought extra for mistakes.

I put the oven on a low temp and laid a metal bowl ontop of a flat cookie sheet.

Then I laid the record on the bowl letting it "melt" around the bowl.

Below is the cobbled up crap I came up with..anyone have any ideas or tips for me??

This is SO me!!!

2009-01-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, I got 2 gifts that are SO me. Like "thee perfect gift" and ironically I got a great chuckle out of them!!

As soon as I opened these gifts it was like "She's good she KNOWS me!!"

I am a HUGE coffee drinker! Pretty much drink it from sun up to sun down.

And there are many mornings I get up and realize CRAP! I'm outta coffee...creamer..filters..etc...

Well my friend Staci made me a "emergency coffee basket". How awesome for me lol..

She filled it with creamer, and filters, and coffee samples and sugar packets and just lots of other things...everything a coffee lover needs for her coffee!! How funny and perfect is that??!!

From my Mother in Law I got a super cute pair of pj's! The pj pants have coffee cups and pots all over them!! And they are a really pretty teal color to boot!! When I opened these up I couldn't help but laugh because I think these jammies were made just for me lol..

I really love and cherish every gift I got, these are just the 2 gifts that screamed "me".

I hope you all got some great gifts too!

Snowman Paper Piecing

2009-01-07T12:00:00.003-08:00

I used a pattern out of a toll painting book. I think he turned out cute.

It's hard to see the snowballs, but they're there and even glittered.

I made this for a swap in a scrapbook group.

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

Ok with the prompt from my friend Teresa I'm going to list my New Years "resolutions"

This year I was going to try the whole "My resolution is to have no resolutions" but seriously??? is that possiable??? My mind keeps wondering to new things that I think "I want to fix that this year" So I don't think it's possiable to have no resolutions.

I want to wish you all a Happy New Year!!!!!!

Here is my resolutions for 2009....

Shawna's 2009 New Years Resolutions...

1* Quit smoking or at least cut WAY back

2*Spend more time with my boys, quality time. They are growing up before my very eyes and I'm not embracing it as much as I should or even could.

3*The dreaded lose some weight ...OYE

4*Work on my crafts and scrapbooks more and attempt to get ahead of the game

5* Get more organized...although this might be a hard one, I'm beginning to think I'm hopeless in this department :)

*6 Read more.

So there ya have it. Those are the things I'd like to accomplish in 2009.

Do you have your list made??

8 Things About Me: New Years Eve

Elf Atc's

2008-12-31T10:57:00.000-08:00

I got to playing around with my wrapping paper and here is one of the atc's I made. I used wallpaper for the background and also a carpet sample for the carpet. everything else is from wrapping paper besides the wreath which came from one of last years cards. the elf and stove are on pop dots so it's like a 3d effect didn't it turn out so cute!!

here is another atc i made with the elf wrapping paper. This one is very 3d. the window stands off the card so it's like you are looking in their window and it's 3d inside too. But yet still fits in a sleeve :)
I love these little elves they're so cute and I have a whole sheet of them lol

What I do when I play..........

Wordless Wednesday

Love is in the air....

Wordless Wednesday

Pinterest Play Day!

A Valentine Mantle

I've Been Featured!!!

Love is in the air...well sorta...

January Almost Over..........ALREADY..??!!

*~* Wordless Wednesday*~*

A Valentine Start

Wordless Wednesday

And that's a wrap!

More Cards...

Happy New Year...What are your resolutions?

Christmas Cards

2011 Christmas Home Tour

A Fall Banner

Some Spooky Halloween Decor..

{Easy Spring Wreath}...and ooh so cute

A wee bit O' Green....

I've been awarded! Yay me! TWICE!

Altered Butterfly Cd

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Vintage Heart Garland

Heart Rag Wreath

Valentine's Day Gift...from the young at heart..

And so Valentine Decorations are creeping out...

Home Made Laundry Soap

How to make expensive vases for cheap!

Teeny Tops made from..well..tops

Altered Cracker Box

Making A Fall Tree

Americana Snowmen Ornaments-Made from paper bags.

Cardboard Tube Snowflake

Christmas Jewelry..

Our Christmas Count Down

A Hartfelt Christmas Blog Party!!!

A few more cards.....

A couple Christmas Card Shares.

Monkey See...

Mother's Day Cards

BEE-YOURSELF

Monster Truck Birthday Layout

Happy Birthday Jaidon

Altered Cd with a Unicorn Paper Piecing

Blog Party Winner!!!

Happy Belated Birthday Karen

card and bookmark

When life gives you a rainy day.....remember to play in the puddles

Triple the Sketch Challenge

Angel Bookmark

I think you're SEW sweet!!

WELCOME TO THE BLOG PARTY!!

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

Clearly Inspired Challenge...

Thought you could use a lift.....

BLOG GIVE AWAY!!!!!!!!!!

I took the sketch challenge at "Our Creative Corner"

Hogs and Kisses

I GoT BiT bY ThE SCrApPiNg BuG.........(and I liked it!)

Quick Tear Bear Tutorial

Card Share

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Photo Tagged

What I do when I play..........: Tilda and Friend ATC Challenge

Tilda and Friend ATC Challenge

What to wear when your wife has a "Honey Do List" for you

New Card Challenge

Valentine's Day Gifts

How to make Paper!!

Paper Piecing-Making your own pattern

A Sketch Challenge.

Bear Card

I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag Of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Harley Rocks

Baby Clay Ornament

I Love My Soldier

Chilly

Harley Snowman

~ Wordless Wednesday~