Reading Challenge 2016

I attempted this challenge last year, but did not do so good...Life just got in the way.  However, I did read more than I had in the past, so it was still a win.  This year my goal is to complete it....40 books, I can do that.  Right?  I am already reading my first one...tell you more about it next week.  So, what are you reading?  Any suggestions of books for the challenge?

                                         Marie

Top 10 of 2015

It is that time again, a time to look back and reflect on the past year and set goals for the new year. So, with that in mind here is my Top 10 of 2015.

*  The dandelion cards...this was a "Pinspiration" project and I loved them.  They were time consuming, but turned out beautiful.

*  I adore the fish card with the gel tank...unfortunately it was for a swap and did not fair well in the mail :(

*  The cupcake card - another new technique that challenged me, but the final result is pretty.

*  Love my pumpkin card...

*  This one was made for a close friend,the clean design is stunning.

*  Ahh...this graduation card was so much fun to create!

*  Another swap card...love this design and how it stands up. Or course the octopus is pretty cute too!

*  I always love coloring and this fairy is adorable.

*  I lifted this design from a friend...love it!

*  These were an experiment and, I have to say, I love how they turned out.  I call them my hybrid cards and they are a great use of my extra photos and leftover embellishments.

My One Word for 2016

I came across this post on FB and was intrigued.  

http://oneword365.com/

I went to the page to read more...then the Twitter page, the blog.  I loved it.  In our crazy busy, already over extended lives who needed another list of things to do?  I sure don't and, besides, we know what happens to those resolution, don't we? So, I spent two days thinking about what my one word would be.  So many good ones....kindness, strength, focus, motivation...but I wanted one that would challenge me to move out of the rut I have been in.  Finally it came to me, CHANGE.  In order to get out of a rut we have to change, so...it was perfect.  Each day I will focus on change...big or little...it will all help me to get out of that rut.  

Yesterday I started.  Normally when my husband and son go on their annual boy trip, I just stay home...I have no close friends here and I really dislike eating out alone.  Well, yesterday I went out and made a morning of it.

Princess Pink with Unicorn Tears
accent

Raisin bread with shaved ham,
apples, & cheddar - YUM

 I got my nails done - not a French manicure either (small change).  Then I went to lunch at a restaurant...by myself and I got something the waiter recommended instead of my usual.  
The meal, Vermonter sandwich with sweet potato fries, was delicious.  I would have never ordered this, but changing my normal behavior not only gave me a new tasting experience, but lead to a chat with my waiter and leftovers for dinner!

Now, I have already thought about how I will keep this going and I am going to make my lock screen on all of my devises this:  

A little reminder to make those changes every day.

So, what would your one word be?

Twisted Gift Card Holder

Another swap creation.  This one had to be a gift card holder.  While looking or something unique, I came across this twisted gift card holder tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers.  I loved it!  It went together quickly, great use for scraps, and could be used for other things...small treats, candy, etc.

So, probably won't be crafting much this week as I am determined to get the holiday decorations up, presents wrapped, and cards in the mail.  I can do it!

Have a great week!

Marie  

Coffee Card

Wow!  I can not believe that we are just over 3 weeks from Christmas.  November went by in a blur.  I know for me it was very busy...and it doesn't look like things will be slowing down any time soon.  My husband took a new job - out of state, so it is just me and my son until after graduation.  Between work, volunteer stuff, Senior year stuff, prepping to move, preparing my son for college...Whew!  I am just hoping I can get in some creative time.  

So, a quick share for you...made this one for a swap.  I have had this cute set , Perfect Blend, from Stampin' Up for awhile, but this is the first time I have used it.  I lifted the layout from a friend's card (Cindy - look familiar?)  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? I loved the simplicity and the pieced coffee cup.  I hand drew the border and added some washi tape....done!  

What have you been working on?Are you crafting for the holidays?

Marie

Halloween Fun & a Quick Card

 This past Friday was our neighborhood ladies' Halloween Bunco night.  We are encouraged to dress up....and well, who doesn't like to dress up???  I decided on the sugar skull make up and kept the outfit simple.  Not bad for quick pull together.  
And now, for this card...another quick pull together!  the front is a left over sticker that I have had in my stash.  I added some rhinestones and glitter pen accents to it.  I used the other sticker to make the latch for the card.  Simple, but pretty.
Hope you have a great week!  
Marie

Steampunk Card

Even though this card seems to have a lot going on, it went together pretty quick.  I made it for a Steampunk swap, so the image (from Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante line) was the inspiration.  I cut several gears - using my Spellbinders gear dies - out of black, bronze, and champagne glitter paper scraps.  I used Distress Inks, antique linen and tea stain, on the card base and edged it with tuxedo black.  I did lay this all out before I adhered anything to get the placement just right.  I added a few flowers from my stash as well as a couple of metal buttons.  Topped it with a tulle bow, done!  Love the look and I used things I had, win-win!  Thanks for looking. 

Marie