Pic 3 for the Week of 12/30/12

Feeling a little nostalgic...last Pick 3 of 2012.  

Snowball Martini - Well, this just looks pretty and has to be delicious.  Will have to find some cotton candy and give it a try.

Pocket Page - This is a lovely pocket page incorporated into her sketch.  I personally love pocket pages for all kinds of layouts...and I love how she decorated this one.

Recreate Family Photos - This is just fun and would make a great gift.  I have two sets of pics of John & Jarek what I recreated without even thinking.  I am going to do something with them and use as a gift for John.  Will share when done :)

So, today is New Year's Eve.  However you celebrate, have fun and bee safe!

See you in 2013!

Holiday Wishes

No Pick 3 today....it's Christmas Eve and I still have soooo much to do.  So, instead I am sharing my "holiday letter" with you....although it is more pictures than letter.  I used to to try to write one of those witty letters that some of my friends do....and do well...but mine just never measured up, so....

They say a picture is "worth a thousand words"; I just did 10,000+ then :)  Anyhow, wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Winter Fairy Halla

This is another winter fairy by Mo's Digital Pencil Shop.  So fun to color and embellish!

Here are the details:

Image:  Winter Fairy Halla; after coloring the image with my Prisma pencils I embellished with White Polar Flower Soft on pom-poms and leg wraps, Patina and Eucalyptus Stickles on the wings and headband, Diamond and Baby Blue Stickles on the swirls.

Papers:  all from my scrap basket; glittery!

Embellishments:  snowflake jewels, large rhinestone

Thanks for stopping by!

Winter Fairy Talva

I bought this image, Winter Fairy Talva, from Mo's Digital Pencil Shop a little bit ago and I have so been wanting to color her (and the other one...will share it later).  I finally got the time to do it...and here she is, all done.  She is very glittery, shiny, fluffy...hard to see in the picture, but she really did turn out just as I hoped.

Here's the details:

Image:  Winter Fairy Talva; after coloring the image with Prisma pencils I embellished her with Rock Candy Stickles on the snowball and her wings, Turquoise and Diamond Stickles, and Polar White Flower Soft on her pom-poms, leg wraps and headband.

Papers:  all from my scrap basket....glittery and shiny ;)

Embellishments:  rhinestone flourish, Jolee's snowball sticker, and Turquoise Stickles around the image

I am entering her into the following challenges:

Digital Tuesday Challenge #191 - Layers
Dutch Dare Card Challenges #196 - Photo Inspiration

Thanks for stopping by to look!

ATC: WArm Winter Wishes

This is the ATC I made for our last swap on Paper Crafting Divas.  The theme was Warm, Winter Wishes.

I started with a base made from metallic card stock I had.  I then found a great picture of a little girl all bundled up.  To give the picture some texture I printed it in sepia tones on a very textured card stock.  I then added details to the holly with red Stickles and green Smooch.  I layered the image onto the card stock at a fun angle, and covered the edges with clear beads.  I then added a felt snowflake with a glittery brad.  To finish it off I inked around the edges with silver.

On the wings of an angel...

I did not immediately blog about the events that occurred in Sandy Hook, CT because they raised so many emotions that no words seemed appropriate to even express what I was thinking  or feeling.  I can not even begin to imagine what the people of Sandy Hook...parents, children, teachers, school administrators, police...are going through.  All I can do is pray for peace and comfort for them.  



Across Facebook and the net, the information for sending cards has been shared.  As a result, a very talented artist who has a group on Facebook created this image to use in creating your cards.  You can get that image HERE.


You can send your cards here:
     Sandy Hook Elementary School
     12 Dickenson Drive
     Sandy Hook, CT 06482, USA

This quote touched me...

"If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them." ~The Crow, written by James O'Barr, David J. Schow, and John Shirley, 1994

And stolen those lives were, so instead of remembering and publicizing the person who stole them (I refuse to even use his name), lets remember the ones he took away....

Pick 3 for the Week of 12/17/12

Many things going through my mind...holiday craziness, wondering why some things happen & could they have been prevented, how to not worry while my son is at school, so many things to do...where do I start...so, I am taking a break from my mental overload and sharing my Pick 3 for this week....

1)  Stamp Storage - what a cute idea!  I actually have one of these old Rolodex....might have to give it a try and I could leave it out where I can easily flip through.  Hey, might make me use my stamps a little more :)

2)  Altered DVD Cases - I thought these were so cute and would make great little gifts for teachers, girlfriends, etc.

3)  White Chocolate Cinnamon Pretzels - YUM!  I made these as little neighbor gifts and all I can say is...YUM!  Salty, sweet, crunchy, creamy...delicious and easy.

As we draw closer to Christmas, winter break, and the new year and all the craziness this time of year brings....try to take a minute and craft!  It will make you feel better :)

Pick 3 for the Week of 12/10/12

Well, I spent the entire day Friday on the couch and in between sleeping, feeling utterly miserable, and sneezing my head off I pinned quite a few card ideas that I really want to try in the new year.  These were my 3 favorites....

1)  A Child is Born card...you have to go to the blog to truly appreciate this card.  I love this fold, but she really made a showpiece with this one.

2)  Whooo;s Read for Christmas? card...so cute!  I am already figuring how to change it into a penguin ;)

3)  Polaroid Pop-up Card...Wow!  Love this card and she has a tutorial!

With the holidays so near, I am sure every one is crafting in some way...what are you working on?  baking?

Kitty in a Stocking

This is the card I made for my Secret Santa recipient.  She is a cat person...I knew exactly where to find a cute digi...Sliekje Digi Stamps has adorable FREE animal digis.  She actually had so many I didn't know which one to choose.  I decided on this one because of the little mouse peeking out.  

Here are the details:

Image:  Sliekje Digi Stamps; colored with pencils and accented with Polar White Flower Soft and gold metallic pen

Papers:  from by scrap bin

Embellishments:  gray pearls, Prima paper flowers, ribbon

Thanks for looking!

Snowball Sale Lola

This is the card I made for the Simply Betty Santa Swap

Here's the details...
Image:  Snowball Sale Lola by Simply Betty Stamps; I  colored with pencils and added clear micro beads tot he "snow"
Papers:  from my scrap bin
Embellishments:  ribbons and fibers from my scrap basket, iridescent jewels, and "snowball" stickers by Jolee's.

Thanks for looking!

Pick 3 for the week of 12/3/12

What a weekend!  Jarek had a couple of friends over Friday night...I think I fed them constantly!  Growing boys :)  Then Saturday, after the boys left, we met the family at a restaurant for a dual birthday lunch...Marvin, my nephew, will be 16 on the 6th and Jarek will be 15.  Sunday was yard work, trips to recycling and goodwill, and more organizing.  This has got to be the longest it has ever taken me to get things unpacked and organized.  Downsizing is a pain!

So, here are my picks for this week...

1)  Scrappy Christmas Tree - this is a great project for you or your kids....use up all your pretty paper scraps or give them construction paper.  I personally would add a topper...big fluffy bow, maybe...and then dust the entire tree with diamond dust.  Pretty!

2)  Ribbon Wreath - another great scrappy project!

3)  Christmas Cookie Cocktails - YUM!  need I say more?

OK, I am on the last 2 boxes of craft room stuff....my craft room will officially be done today...Yeah!  I will share pics later.  Enjoy your day!

Simply Betty Secret Santa Blog Hop

The Simply Betty Facebook group did a Secret Santa gift exchange.  While I have been on the group for awhile this was my first exchange with them.  WOW!  It was so much fun...shopping for your person and then waiting to receive your gift....ANTICIPATION...made it so much fun!

Here is what I found in my box...

Lots of FUN stuff!

Look at this card....beautiful coloring, cute papers and I LOVE how she did the trees!

Ribbon, ribbons, and more ribbons!

Treats for me...so I am comfy while crafting ;)

Adorable Echo Park papers and sticker sheets...plenty for cards and layouts.

Finally....a whole bunch of SB stamps!

My Secret Santa certainly spoiled me!   

My SECRET SANTA was.....

BETTY ROBERTS!  

Thank you, Betty....I love it all and can't wait to get creative!

Next stop is:   KATHY

Here is the complete list in case you get lost:

Betty Roberts, Vanessa Bland, BreAnn McFarland           http://simplybettystamps.blogspot.com/

Rio Judy Ford      http://mommylittlecrafterincrime.blogspot.com/

Corinne Jones     http://wishuuponascrap.blogspot.com

Trish Sakulich     http://scrappintillthecowscomehome.blogspot.com/

Sheri Loatwall     http://www.mammasscrappin.blogspot.com/

Louise Mann    http://louisescraftycards.blogspot.co.uk/

Kelly Millett      http://www.kamscraftyplace.blogspot.co.uk

Trudie Howard     http://trudiescakesandcards.blogspot.co.uk

Anita Blake     http://www.kardmakingheaven.blogspot.co.uk

Anda Nicolson     http://craftyfresian.blogspot.co.uk/

Robin Bogle     http:// www.rcz28.blogspot.com

Ginger Paige     http://gingerscreativeplace.blogspot.com/

Rachel Mutchler     http://rachelspaperwishes.blogspot.com/

Lisa Nelson     http://www.distinctiveLMNts.blogspot.com

Emily Candy     http://toomanystamps.blogspot.co.uk/

Erin Fairclough     http://elfiessparkleanddust.blogspot.co.uk/

Aeryn Kelly-Reitmeyer     http://www.aerynkelly.com

Marie Franklin     http://marie97-lotlot.blogspot.com/       <<< You Are Here >>>

Kathy Gillon     http://kathyand3kids.blogspot.com

Stacey Stratis     http://www.anastasiasarts.blogspot.com/

Katrina Benton     http://www.flutterbytrina.blogspot.co.uk

Thanks for looking :)

Warmest Wishes

So, I had a card swap to do...while unpacking and organizing my new craft room I found this kit.  I decided that it would be perfect.  Little info...I bought this kit about 10 years ago because I wanted the penguin brass template and the only way you could get it was in the kit.  So, the kit contains the printed penguins, card bases, envelopes and seals.  I thought this would be a pretty easy card to do...I knew I would end up adding to it, but still pretty easy.  After all, the main thing was to line up the printed penguins on the brass template on the light box and trace.  Sounds pretty easy, right?  NOT!  By the time I did all 8 of the cards my hands were aching.  I had to take a break before going on.  I did go on...now I had to cut out all the penguins.  Finally, I had all my pieces ready...I pop dotted the penguin, added a torn piece of glitter card stock for a snow bank and a sparkly snowflake.  I would have liked to add Stickles to the hearts...but they are currently MIA in one of the few boxes left to unpack.  

Pick 3 for the Week of 11/26/12

Little bit of Christmas on the brain....

1)  Glass Ornaments - these are so pretty and with all the new cutters (dies, Cricut, etc. ) and images to color you could make a very personal gift.  I did these last year...but I didn't know how to get my image to not move around...this blog has a much better technique then the one I used.

2)  Mistletoe Margarita - YUM!  I do love my 'ritas and martinis....this is a definite try for this year :)

3)  Red Velvet Puppy Chow - this looks yummy...I am thinking it might be a great neighbor treat...and I think I will add some green M&M's to make it even for festive and package it in a take out box with a tag.  Cute!

How is your Christmas decorating...shopping...crafting coming?  Wishing a a productive week ;)

Happy Thanksgiving

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~ W. T. Purkiser

As you enjoy your Thanksgiving in whatever why you choose to celebrate, think of the many blessings you have and how you can use them to bless others. Wishing you a day of love and plenty!   Happy Thanksgiving!

Pick 3 for the Week of 11/19/12

1)  Storage Jars - I saw, and pinned, these on Pinterest.  While I do like them for the kitchen, my thought was to use them in the craft room.  Great for all those little things...brads, buttons, rhinestones...and easy to change the 'label'.

2)  Winter Wishes by Echo Park - new line from EP,   love the blues & purples!

3)  Crepe Paper Flowers - lovely!  They don't look very hard either....now, where did I put that box of party decorations???

So, my craft room is still not done...I am amazed at all the stuff I have.  I am close though...hoping to finish up in the next two or three days.  I have so many projects I want to work on...Have you started your holiday crafting?  

Hope you have a wonderful week with time to create!

40th Birthday

Quick share...card I made for my baby sister's 40th birthday.  Since I am still in the midst of unpacking my craft room from our recent move, I had to keep it on the simple side...however, I really love how this came out...so much so that I used the base card for a swap.

All the papers are from A. C. Moore...pink card stock, silver glitter card stock, and a pink & white vellum swirl.  The "40"  is   a rhinestone sticker.  I added gray pearls to the corners and a big, fluffy pink bow.

ATC: Pretty in Pink

Quick Share...this is the ATC I did for a swap.  It is so much prettier in person, but I do like the way it came out.

I used  the dress template I found here.  Of course I changed it up a little, because I wanted more of a party dress.  I took the sleeves off and made it strapless.  the base of the dress is pink glitter card stock.  The over skirt is a opalescent vellum (rather hard to fold I might add...doesn't hold creases well).  I then added a piece of rhinestone trip tap for the belt and an acrylic flower.  The base card is covered with a piece of embosses mulberry. And I added silver glitter around the edges.

Thanks for looking :)

Pick 3 for the Week of 11/12/12

OK, so I got a little lost last week...no Pick 3...no posts at all!  Good news though, I think I am actually winning the "Box Battle".  We are just about COMPLETELY unpacked...just have to keep the momentum going!  This is the time I usually lose it and start hiding boxes away to be dealt with later instead of unpacking...trying not to this time.

So, here's my picks...

1)  Flowers by Fiskars - we all love flowers, don't we?  Well, these are so pretty....and SO EASY!  I can't wait to make some for my projects.

2)  Trash Management - I can not tell you how much I love this.  Quite frankly I do not know how I did not think of this.  Definite do for Christmas!

3)  Emboss Tricks - here is how to make a void when you emboss.  Easy technique for lots of impact on your projects.  Just an FYI...this blog is fabulous & has lots of information on it.

Thanks for stopping by....now I have to get  back to the boxes...what are you up to today?

Candy!

Quick card to share...

Here's the details:
Image:  Marvin with Candy Apple by The Stamping Bazaar; colored with pencils. (Note:  I would have loved to have added Crystal Effects to that candy apple, but...couldn't find it among my boxes & didn't have time to get to the store)
Papers:  from my stash
Embellishments:  sheer black ribbon, and a sentiment rub-on.

While I could not do all I would have liked to this card, the image is just sooo cute!

Enjoy!

Betty's Birthday Hop

Today's post is doubly special...as the title says, this is to celebrate Betty's birthday and it is my first hop!  Now, who is Betty you might ask, well...she is an awesome stamp designer (Simply Betty Stamps) with a tremendous following.  While I do not know her personally, I can tell from the company she keeps (on FB group:  Simply B Fan Group) that she is a caring, sensitive, creative person who has her share of problems, but perseveres...and usually with a smile.  She seems to be someone I would love to have coffee with (or maybe a martini ;)  Anyhow...when this hop was announced I just knew I had to do it...it was a challenge because we just moved and most of my crafting stuff is still in boxes, but I was determined.  So, Betty...this is for you...

Betty, I hope you have a day filled with love, not only from your beautiful family but your "Betty family" as well.  Enjoy!  

Here's the details:

Image:  Chef Ariel colored with pencils

Papers:  from my scrap stash...one of the boxes I have managed to find :)

Embellishments:  Sandy Lion Essentials flowers in sea breeze, Wilton black doily (can't find the Spellbinders), ribbon, flourish stamp by Heidi Grace, Jewelry Basic black metal charm, Cat's Eye chalk ink in Raven

Now, here's the full blog list so you can celebrate Betty's birthday with us!

Corinne http://wishuponascrap.blogspot.com/

Irene http://irenescardcreations.blogspot.com/
Jessica http://www.canyoupixelthis.com/
Beth http://bethscraftycorner.blogspot.co.uk/

Tanya http://little-scrapper.blogspot.com/
Samantha http://www.stuffbysammi.blogspot.com/
Celina http://www.scrapvamp.blogspot.com/
Michelle K. http://www.maybecreative.blogspot.com/
Michelle S. http://www.craftyshell.blogspot.com/
Robin http://www.rcz28.blogspot.com/
Louise http://louisescraftycards.blogspot.co.uk/
Sharon http://www.mrslumpys.blogspot.com/
Trish http://scrappintillthecowscomehome.blogspot.ca/
Rachel http://rachelspaperwishes.blogspot.com/
Emily http://remmyspixiewishes.blogspot.com/
Berenice http://karbersweetescape.blogspot.com/
Trudie http://trudiescakesandcards.blogspot.co.uk/
Jill http://cuddlyscraftycreations.blogspot.co.uk/
Anita http://Kardmakingheaven.blogspot.co.uk/
Sharette http://scrappernthemaking.blogspot.com/
Tammy O. http://www.tammyscrapincorner.com/
Veronica http://www.artbyveronica.blogspot.com/
Anda http://craftyfresian.blogspot.com/
Sharman http://sharman33.blogspot.com/
Carrie http://carriescreativecards.blogspot.com/
Kelly http://kamscraftyplace.blogspot.co.uk/
Lisa http://distinctivelmnts.blogspot.com/
Erin http://elfiessparkleanddust.blogspot.co.uk/
Lucy http://loopylass2010.blogspot.co.uk/
Marie http://marie97-lotlot.blogspot.com/   You are here!
Katrina http://flutterbytrina.blogspot.co.uk/

Pick 3 for the Week of 10/29/12

So, we spent most of the weekend bracing for the "frankenstorm", Sandy, that is supposed to hit our area.  We are starting to see the beginnings of it...heavy rain for the past 12 hours and the wind is picking up.  We are not even close to the conditions they are predicting...that is supposed to happen later today.  I have decided that is not a matter of if we lose power, but when, so...I am trying to do all things that require power.  Laundry, pay bills (online), print out some digis to color, etc.

So, here is my Pick 3...

1)  Rose Creations - this is just a little bit of the beautiful roses this crafter made using Spellbinders Rose Creations die.  She has a wonderful tutorial to help you along.  I have this die...I need to start using it like this.  These roses are beautiful!

2)  Flourishes - I love how she gives her stamped flourishes dimension using pens to shadow and highlight.  Great directions to create it yourself.

3)  Punched Rose - you are not going to believe what punch they used to create this rose....SU owl punch!  Wow, I knew the punch was versatile, but a rose???  I just got my punch, a gift from a bestie - Thank you!, so I will have to try this out.  Hey, something to do that does not require power :)

OK, I have to get back to my "To Do List of things that require power"...for my friends facing the threat of this "Perfect Storm" or its side effects, stay safe & my prayers are with you.

Pick 3 for the week of 10/22/12

Yes, I missed last week...I got lost among the boxes.  Glad to say that we are making progress in all the unpacking and I will be able to start organizing my craft room now.  I am just taking a quick break to share my Pick  3 with you...found some really cute things I think you will like.

1)  Ice Cream Cone Mini Album - this is so cute, and super easy.  While the ice cream cone is cute, what about a candy corn for Halloween pictures?  or a slice of pizza for a pizza party?  or turn it upside down and it's a party hat!  

2)  SU Owl Punch - more cute ideas for that owl punch.  I really need to get one :)

3)  Gingerbread House Photo Card - this is just too cute.

Hope you have a wonderful week...me, more unpacking.  Enjoy!

Pic 3 for the week of 10/8/12

Yes, yes...I know I am a day late.  I decided to take yesterday off, it was a holiday :)  The past week was crazy busy with our goods being delivered on Monday and then trying to unpack and put away everything.  Oh, and through in a yard sale too!  Yes, my DH decided that we need to have a yardsale to get rid of some of the things we knew we were not keeping...Now, I was not against the idea, but I would have rather waited a little.  However, we did great...got rid of all the large items and most of the small.  Only 3 small boxes went to Goodwill!  So, back to unpacking....I do not think I am ever going to finish...I truly believe my boxes are multiplying!

I have not even begun to unpack my craft room.  Fortunately, the boxes were marked very well (thanks, Juanita!) and I have been able to find things as I need them...I had swaps to create!

So, yesterday...while relaxing I had time to peruse Pinterest and the web for inspiration/ideas.  Here are a few that I want to share with you...you can see I still have a little "Halloween on the brain".

1)  Blood Fondue - love this!  This will give me another day I can use the chocolate fountain I bought for our holiday open house.

2)  Page Pockets - what a great way to reuse...I love the idea of the window pockets for little bits in a journal or page layout.  You could put in ticket stubs, labels, notes, etc.  Check our here entire post on this journal she created...lots of other reuse ideas.

3)  You've Been Booed! - this just adorable.  I love the whole "boo-ing" thing...especially since a lot of children don't even trick-or-treat anymore.  I wish I could say I did mine as cute as this, but...no.  We did 'boo' two of our neighbors last night, but I used Halloween bowls and covered them with clear cello and tied with a bow.  I am sure this kids didn't care, but I would like to use this idea for next year.

OK, I think I have procrastinated enough...I am sure I have 20+ more boxes not (multiplying...remember?), so I better get back to it.  Enjoy your week!

Change of Plans

No pick 3 today...movers are on their way!  WooHoo!  Finally getting our household goods so we can start making this place feel like home.  And, I can get back to crafting!

Enjoy your Monday!

Pick 3 for the week of 9/24/12

1)  Halloween Card - I love this card...and I see so many possibilities when I look at.  Of course it is cute just the way it is, but what if you made the bottom portion a pocket and put a little treat in there to be revealed when you slide the top open?  Fun, right?   Or, what about changing up the theme to a movie clacker?  Then it could be an invitation to a party or you could use the pocket again and put in tickets.  For Christmas or birthday decorate like a gift box and include a gift card in the pocket.  So many possibilities!

2)  Edible Eyeballs - I have made similar treats for other holidays.  I like these, but I think I would like to use green and blue M&M's for the eyes...more color.

3)  Recondition Cricut Mats - I know we have all tried different things to recondition our mats.  I have used the Zig pen to recondition my mats (works really well), but I have been using Goo Gone to clean...I like the Magic Eraser better....not smelly like the Goo Gone.  I will definitely be trying this process...when I get my Cricut back :)  Check out the rest of this blog...lots of GREAT challenges, tips, and inspiration.

I am so ready to get back to crafting!  I have been trying to work on a few swaps with my limited supplies...quite challenging!  Good news...only one more week until our goods are delivered.  Of course, I then have to unpack everything and you know the craft room will be last.

Well, I have several things left on my to do list that I really want to get done before goods are delivered, so...I better get to it.  Enjoy your Monday!

Flash Back Friday: Dahlia Fold Flowers

Wow!  What a week!  Painting, removing wallpaper, yard work, etc.  finally....the weekend...not that it means no work, but maybe I will get a little help since Jarek & John will be home.  We will also be celebrating my DH birthday...golfing, dinner out, and presents.  I am ready for our goods to be delivered...ready to be organized, settled...want to decorate..need some crafting time!  

While working on some organizing I brought with me, I came across this layout. This was a class I taught several years ago.  I love this layout...the dahlia fold flower is so pretty, and relatively easy.  I think I might have to use it again for my birthday layout...need to come up with a second page and a pocket...it will be perfect.   

Well, I am on the last room of painting today...I better get started.  Enjoy your weekend!

Pick 3 for the week of 9/17/12

As you can see from my pick 3 I am still in a "fallish" mood...Halloween to be more specific.  I found all of these on Pinterest, but I have given you the direct links.

1)  Owl Treat Bags - so cute, and so easy.  She used Stampin' Up dies & punches, but I am sure we all have something that would work just as well if not the Stampin' Up ones.  

2)  Broomstick Bags - another easy one form Martha...

3)  Dracula's Dentures - cute!  What a fun lunch box or classroom party treat!

 Update:  Busy weekend...still painting, trying to get as much done in the house before the goods are delivered.  Three rooms down...one, maybe two, to go.  I am still deciding on the dining room.  We did take some time out this weekend to go to Lobster night at the country club.  Yum!  Jarek and I both like lobster, so this was a nice treat.  they had a buffet to go along with it...John had just the buffet :)

Sunday, the boys went golfing while I finished painting room three.  they brought me back a wonderful treat...A new red leather Coach purse, red Pashima scarf, Godiva truffles, and an adorable USMC bear.  I am a spoiled girl!

Well, it is Monday...time to tackle the to do list.  Enjoy your day!

Flash Back Friday: Central Park Layout

 I posted this quote, along with a challenge, on my FB group page the other day.  I challenged them to post pics and details of their "priciest' layouts...because this is SOOOO true!  I do believe that most of us spend far more than we realize on our layouts and I thought it would be fun to take a look at it.
Now, since I am in between moves I was limited on where I could look but this is the 'priciest' one I could find...

WOW!  $33.09 for  9 pictures....WOW!  It was a gift...and I do love the way it turned out...so, that is what matters.  I made it for a girlfriend's daughter...I knew I wanted to make it for her as soon as I saw the pictures posted on FB.  I love the vellum technique...funny thing, I haven't used it since...really must remember it for my next special page.  Of course, as per my MOA...lots of glitter and glitz...which ups the price tag.  Now the million dollar question:  will I change my scrapping after seeing the $$$ in black & white?  Nope!  It is my thing...my stress relief...my creative outlet...my art.  And, art is priceless :)

Ahh...now I have to get back to my painting, but I hope you have a happy Friday!  Try to be as happy as this little guy...doesn't he just make you smile?

Pick 3 for the Week of 9/10/12

So, we are in the house...painting is coming along & our goods will be delivered on October 1st.  then the real fun will begin...finding homes for all our things in a house that is half the size of the house we left :]

We are all getting used to our new routines... Jarek has had the biggest adjustment.  He HAS to get up at 6 AM and be out the door by 6:40 AM.  He is liking it though, because it means he is home by 2:00-ish.

Fall is definitely in the air.   We are waking up to crisp morning, jacket required.  The afternoons are balmy and the nights are cool.  The leaves will be changing soon...with all that around me I have started to thing of the holidays...Halloween being one of them.  With that thought in my mind, my Pinterest pins have been very fallish....pumpkins, ghosts, and ghouls.  So, my pick 3 this week will be...

1)  Spooky Silhouettes - What an eerie, but easy, decoration.  They did all birds, but think of all the other cool shapes you could do...maybe even using your Cricut.

2)  Pumpkin Vanilla Pie Martini - Starbucks has their pumpkin spice...here is a more adult version.  Can't wait to try this one...need vanilla vodka.

3)  Candy Bar Covers - so cute, so easy and could be adjusted for any holiday.  I do really like Dracula though!

Ok, I have procrastinated enough...back to painting!  Enjoy your week!

Flash Back Friday: Beach Fun

While in the hotel, I brought some pictures to organize.  I am printing, gathering and making notes on how I want to scrap book them.  While doing this I came across the 100's of Key West pictures we have and I remembered this layout.  I originally designed this for a class I was teaching.  I created the pelican myself and made a pattern for the attendees.  The rest of the page is pretty clean and simple:  textured square with Cricut cut letters for the sign, logs were cut on the Cricut and strung with twine, I free handed the fish and added Stickles to them.   I think this will be perfect for our beach day!  Fun part:  I have not made a 'tear animal' in over 2 years, I am excited to do it again.  I love making the animals and watching them 'come to life' as you assemble and add details.   

What will you be working on this weekend?

Catching Up

No pick 3 this week....it was just TOO CRAZY!  It was a holiday, we were "moving in" to the house, no Internet, and I was getting Jarek ready for his first day of high school.  WHEW!

So, here we are...in the new house.  We are essentially 'camping out' until goods are delivered.  We decided to delay goods until we did all the painting in the house...just easier.  Today I will start prepping the walls, and hopefully get the primer on the two VERY dark navy walls in John's office.

Jarek started school on the 4th and, good news, he has not got lost yet.  He seems to be settling in fine.  He has made a couple friends, one being a girl ;).  He seems to like all his teachers...hopefully it will stay that way.

In desperate need of some craft therapy...might have to color a little after painting.

Enjoy your day!  Do something fun, something just for you today!

Pick 3 for the week of 8/27/12

1)  Cherry Lynn Dies  - with all my 'hotel time', I have been spending copious amounts of time on the computer.  During one of my searches I came across this site.  They have beautiful, detailed dies.  There are also tutorials on how to use their flower dies to make lovely dimensional flowers. 

2)  Foil Drawings - this is soooo simple...I have used this technique before...years ago.  Now I see it in a whole different way...what a great ATC card it would make.  Of course, they use shoe polish, but you could use any alcohol ink to get a really different look.  Hmmm.....ideas are flowing!

3)Coin Art - If you are like me, you collect all kinds of things when you travel...coins being one of them. I also have a husband in the military who has been to many countries...and he brings home coins.  This is perfect.  I have one change though...I want to add an appropriate matted picture to the middle of the coins.  What a perfect keepsake to display.

Now an update:  We are still in a "holding pattern".  We had a few bumps to smooth out for the sale of our Ohio home to proceed.  Hopefully, it will all be finalized this week.  the purchase of the home here in Virginia is all set...just waiting on the sale of the other house and then we are a go.
Jarek is all ready for school to start next Tuesday.  We have his orientation this week as well as a back to school gathering.  I am sure he is getting a little anxious, but he seems to be handling it quite well.  I think the orientation will help with any uneasiness he might be feeling.
John and Jarek have been making good use of the club...golfing almost everyday.  They played in a father/son tournament this weekend.  They came in second!  We have also had lunch and dinner there several times.

Well, fingers crossed we will be able to start moving forward by the end of this week.  I am ready to be in my own space.  Enjoy your week!