Just the Ticket

Hello everyone...it's been a while hasn't it?  I did have plans to be on here more often but life just happens.  I have been busy these last few weeks but still managed to make 35 christmas cards.  And they're all in the mail!  Phew!  

Anyhow...on with the show!  I'm so excited to show this creation I made last night.  As I was looking through my stash of craft goodies, I was thinking about how much I'd love to find a unique way of making a fireplace and I happened upon the PTI set "Just the Ticket" and that's exactly what it was. When positioned just right those tickets made perfect bricks for a fireplace.  What do you think?  I did a ribbon treatment for the 'mantle' and 'hung' those lovely PTI die cut stockings.  It's odd that the first time I use that stamp set it would be for a Christmas card.  I'm going to try something with the ticket strip die.  Hopefully I'll be able to share that with you in a more timely fashion.

Tomorrow I'm heading out of town with my daughter as she has a scheduled ultrasound for her tummy.  She's had multiple issues these past couple of months and now we're having to run a multitude of tests.  Sick kids cause so much worry!  My son has been home with a high fever these last couple of days and I felt guilty for not being at home with him.  It's such a strange and sad feeling knowing that last year at this time I was at home full time with kids being able take care of them while they were sick and able to answer all the doctor's questions because I knew my kids so well.  Now...not so much. We are fortunate that we have family daycare so I don't necessarily have to miss work.  Hubby did stay at home today though and that made me feel much more comfortable not being at home.

That's my life for now and I'm looking forward to the Christmas holidays.  If I'm not around before then have a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2011

Like a Kid in a Candy Shop

My new craft room is pretty much the same thing.  And my favourite thing right now is my jars of scrap ribbon and buttons.  Just looking at all those colourful goodies gives me plenty of inspiration.  I need all the inspiration I can get right now because I need to get those Christmas cards done!  I'm half way there.

My desk looks out the window facing the cul-de-sac where my kids spend the majority of the time playing with the neighbourhood kids.  That will probably be less of the time now that the weather's getting chillier and wetter.  We're expecting snow later this week.  I don't enjoy the roads but appreciate that snow gets rid of the gloominess.

Anyhow I also have an extra table for a few friends  or kids to spend some crafty time with me. The tables also handy to spread out my materials and get creative.  Now I just need a handy peg board to pin up some challenges.

Operation Sunshine

This year my daughter started Grade 2!!!  No longer my baby girl and turning into a little lady.  Unfortunately the cattiness of little girls has begun along with the hurt feelings.  It's a whole new learning experience filled with growing and my hope that there's something positive to learn from it all. The goal of this project is for my daughter to give the girls in her classroom a book mark that would remind them what she appreciates most about them....spread a little sunshine.  A way of showing appreciation for their individuality even if she doesn't always agree with them. 

The idea for this project comes from something my daughter's preschool teachers made for her.  Each child made a picture and told each classmate which virtue (patient, kind, friendly, compassionate, etc) they saw most in them.  Those pictures were collected and then the teacher made a laminated book out of them.  I still catch T. looking at her book.  It's her feel good book.  And how good would it feel to get a genuine positive remark from someone you thought didn't like you or appreciate you?

Elements used in this are pretty simple...my only goal besides using up scraps was to create unique bookmarks, not one is the same.  Different buttons, ribbon, and stamp placement.  The pictures still aren't the greatest but I have to get batter lamps for my quickly put together light box.  It will all have to do for now.

Hope you see feel a little sunshine in your life today.  Have a wonderful day.

Never Forget. Always Hope.

My middle son made this beautiful poppy at Beavers (aka Scouts)

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead.  Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands with throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields

If you managed to read the entire poem or recite it by memory, I encourage you to take the time to consider how this poem still resonates in our lives today.  To me it's not just a time to remember those that fought for our freedom but also for remembering those who fought a brave fight with Cancer, MS, ALS, Parkinson's, etc.  I also think about those who continue to carry the torch.  Our brave soldiers signing up for the unknown, those who run or bike marathons to raise money for medical research, and the families that are left to fill the whole that's been left from loosing a loved one.

Have a beautiful & thoughtful Remembrance Day.

Ghoolishly Late

Wow, I actually have something to post and keeping with the theme of the last few months...I'm late!!!  yes Halloween has come and gone but I did manage to find time to make these labels for the pencils my kids gave to their classmates.  I did the same thing last year. This time there were 44 to do and I only made a few the same.  I practiced different techniques like sponging, background stamping and using those punches I've collected. Nothing fancy but I just had to post the fact that I FOUND TIME and I haven't disappeared from the face of the earth!

Thankfully, I'm now down to one job and hope to find time to make my Christmas cards before time runs out.  Most likely they'll be late but that just makes me consistent doesn't it?  Thanks so much to all my blog friends that have stayed in touch with me blog or no blog and to those of you who followed me post or no post.  I can't wait to start seeing all of your holiday creations.  'Tis the season you know?!

Please forgive the picture quality.  I haven't found the perfect set up for taking pictures in the new house plus I'm working during the day now so it gives me limited time to take those pictures.

Today I'm grateful for having the kids living in an awesome neighborhood where they can play with other kids their age from dawn until dusk.  I'm also thankful for the fact that the temperature today sunny and warm.  Much more like September weather rather November.

Have a fabulous week.  Happy Crafting.

CAS-tastic Fun

Well I'm a few days late to actually enter these cards into the challenge but the point is that I found a little time to get crafty.  It happened this past Sunday and Monday and I thought what better way than to start at the CAS-tastic Challenge site.  The challenge was to CASE the design team and I chose Deb Neerman's card because of her fantastic and easy layout.  It was a good place to start getting back into the crafty groove.  I managed to make not just one but TWO cards!!! and I broke out the sewing machine since I don't have to worry about packing it away for house showings {insert big smiley face and sigh}.

For my first card I folded my new October Afternoon pattern paper and sewed it all down then added some Martha Stewart Decorative Tape I found on Discount at Micheals.  That decorative tape may come in very handy.  The yellow paper flower is from the dollar bin and how can you not smile at yellow.

I was surprised to learn during this sewing session that you can sew tissue paper...very carefully.  The second card I folded blue tissue paper (courtesy of the Verve) and sewed three lines vertically to make it stay together.  What do you think?  Unfortunately when I went to take the picture I had wet hands and managed to touch the one and only place I had ink.  Please ignore the smudge =)

Today I am so thankful for my wonderful blogging friends.  When I wrote my last post I thought for sure I would loose some viewers but nope I actually gained one (thanks Julie).  Thanks so much to all of you just for stopping by or dropping me a line.  I miss all of you.

I will be back this weekend with another card (yes, I made three!) and a little shout out for a few friends that I think deserve a small pat on the back...even if it is only from me.

I'm Alive...but not awake

Hey everyone!  Just a quick little blurb to let you all know that I am healthy and happy although I am very tired working 2 jobs and getting the house ready to move next month.  We managed to sell our house last week!!  Such a relief and now we can get on with our lives.  And the bonus is I don't have to worry so much about keeping the house spotless while I'm working.

Unfortunately with all that is going on I just don't have time to dedicate to my craft.  I haven't picked up a stamp set in over two weeks!  Sad but true.  I have, however, gone camping with the family over the BC long weekend.  That is nothing short of a miracle as I despise camping.  The kids love it!  So while it was a long weekend, it really wasn't much of a break and I feel like I could really use another long weekend.  Here's a picture of my family having lunch...yes that's my hubby in the background doing the cooking. =)

That's all I have time for, for now.  I don't know when I'll be on here next and I will completely understand if you stop following my boring blog as all I have to discuss right now is work.  I do hope you'll drop me an email if you think of me.  I'm so glad to have met some really amazing people in blogland and wish you all the very best.  

Today I'm grateful for selling our house!  What are you grateful for?

EBTKS + Embellish = Fabulous

Hey Everyone!  Today's day at work went very well and I'm happy to say it won't keep me up at night with worry.  Lots to learn but the ladies I work with are really fabulous and patient. 

This card was made for three challenges: EBTKS, CAS-tastic, and Embellish.  The current CAS-tastic challenge was to use three of several techniques on one card.  I chose image stamping, paper piercing, and inked edges.  This card really was simple but it packs a punch with those colours and paper piecing and piercing.

For the piercing bit I stamped and cut the leaf image, placed it on my cardstock and pierced the outline.  It give's a much more subtle affect than paper piecing or stamping but still defines the image.  Neat hey?  Those terrific patterned papers are from the October Afternoon Fly a Kite collection.  Love it!  I bought it for my birthday a month ago and finally got it in the mail last friday.  Haven't had much time to play around with it but I'll try to make some time this weekend.

Tomorrow I'll be working a full day and won't be home for dinner but fortunately for me (or probably more so for my hubby) my mother-in-law plans to have dinner ready for him when he gets home.  Today I'm grateful for a supportive family...what are you grateful for? You might be grateful to hear about Ann's Blog Anniversary giveaway.  Just head on over to check out her wonderful CAS creations and a chance to win!  You won't be disappointed.

Elements:

Paper: Kraft, Fly a Kite dp (October Afternoon)

Ink:  Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Small Ric Rac die (PTI), Hawaiian Shores button (PTI), paper piercer, dimensionals, large corner rounder

Stamps:  Feel the Sun (Verve), Signature sentiments (PTI)

Courage is the Key

Hello everyone!  I managed to get a couple of cards done this weekend and both of them are for the current Kitchen Sink Sketch Challenge.  I have even a couple more ideas for this sketch that's how inspiring I found it.

Anyhow, the card I'll share with you today kind of ties in with the courage I'm having to find in myself as I enter the work force again after 7 years!  Today I had my second day at my bookkeeping job and man I feel so overwhelmed with all the things I'm worried I'll forget.  Tomorrow I start my regular 9 to 3 job as an Accounts Receivable clerk and and I'm on pins and needles waiting to meet my new co-workers. I'm anxious to know how well I'll jive and how long it will take me to get in the swing of things again.  If there's one thing I can say I'm not afraid of learning and I'm determined enough to do it right.  

The sentiment of this card I had to make myself and the line actually came from a Barbie song on my daughter's ipod.  It's funny where we tend to find our inspiration isn't it?  It holds so true though, without courage we fail to see the possibilities in life.  I know I should have used the printer to make the sentiment instead of using a combo of stamps and freehand but I didn't want to fiddle around with the layout (plus I did the ribbon ruffles first and couldn't exactly run it through the printer.)

Well I hope you have a fabulous day and thanks so much for stopping by.  Today I'm grateful for my family's health and strength during stressful times.  What are you grateful for?

Elements

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Bermuda Bay

Ink: Black, Bermuda Bay

Accessories:  Nesties Labels 1, Black Gingham ribbon, Black grossgrain ribbon

Stamps: Key to My Heart (PCD), Fanciful swirls font (Hero Arts)

Sketch Challenges and a News Update

Good morning everyone!  I've got a couple more sketches done for the Practicing Creativity Challenges that end today.  And I've got some news since so much has been happening in my life these last couple of months.

Anyhow let's start with the first card.  For this sketch there was no doubt that I was going to use the PCD Look Up Set!  It's my all time favourite set and pair it with the clouds "You're Dandy" and you have one fun card.  My favourite parts of this card are button basket and the sentiment panel made up of Cosmo Cricket ledger paper, PTI ric rac and PCD banner stamp.  The sentiment was made from the Fanciful Swirls font from Hero Arts.

Now for my second fun card but this time for boys, I used up some of my Cogsmo (Cosmo Cricket) pattern paper and some hand stitching to bring a little something original to the card.  Things were simplified by using the border paper for the horizontal lines and a tag for that focus panel. I used three different types of stitches and different fonts for the printing.  Happy Birthday sentiment is from the PCD set "You're Dandy" and the Friend sentiment was made using the fanciful swirl font from Hero Arts.

Now for my news!  I've managed to find a job willing to give me the hours that will work nicely for my family at least during the school year.  So I'll be going back to work for 30 hours a week starting next week as well as a bookkeeping side job on the weekend.  I will be very busy for the next little while and in September we move into our new house so I will also be preparing for that.  We haven't sold this house yet but it will happen and in the meantime we don't have the money worries now that I'll be back at work. I don't know how much time I'm going to have to do what I love but I hope you will all keep in touch by email if you haven't seen much of me.  I still want to try and get at least one post done per week but at this point in time I have no idea how I'll adjust to the new routine.  One foot in front of the other.

My daughter broke my heart the other night while I was tucking her into bed.  She's very upset that I'll be going back to work.  I tried to explain that with the extra money we may be able to get to Disneyland sooner.  She's been asking to go for the last 6 months since 2 of her friends have already been.  And her response "Mommy I love you more than Disneyland and I want you to stay home."  What could I really say?  It brought a tear to my eye that's for sure.  It just goes to show that our kids would rather have our time and attention than anything material.

Practicing Creativity with Iris Folding

I finally found some time last night to play around with those sketch challenges Courtney has going on her blog.  There are four sketches and up for grabs is a $50 gift certificate for Practicing Creativity Designs (PCD).  Wouldn't that be handy?  I'd be able to add the last three stamp releases to my collection....and buy some May Arts ribbon as well.

Anyhow with this box sketch I was inspired to give Iris folding a try.  It's not very hard once you figure out a couple of tricks like the fact that you might need wider strips to start the pattern (at least if it's a larger pattern).  Also if it's thicker pattern paper you're using then you can't do as many layers as you might want to.  I'm proud of this card not only because I tried something different but because I managed to incorporate three different papers from three different manufacturers and I think it turned out wonderfully.

I have no idea why I came up with something for Saint Patrick's day but I came across my PTI Luck of the Irish set which I hadn't used yet and I was feeling pretty LUCKY.  Of course because this was a PCD challenge I had to incorporate one of Courtney's sets.  I used the For the Love of Dots to frame my art work.  There's always room for a little PCD =)

Elements

Paper: Very Vanilla, River Rock, Early Bird dp (Cosmo), Nook & Pantry dp (BG), Kaisercraft dp

Ink:  Always Artichoke

Accessories: cutting blade, iris folding pattern, foam tape, 1 1/4" circle punch

Stamps: Luck of the Irish (PTI), For the Love of Dots (PCD)

Celebrate Canada

While this wasn't meant to be a Canada card I figure the Celebrate sentiment fits perfectly for the day..  I don't like buying stamp sets that I will only use once a year (except for Christmas) so I don't have any patriotic stamps.  I like those sets that cover a bunch of a holidays in one set. Maybe next year I might break down and buy a small set as I am very envious of the card Maureen made with her new set. 

The inspiration came from this weeks Cinema Saturday Challenge.  It has been a long time since playing along with those lovely ladies and I miss them.  Life is just so crazy right now so if inspiration doesn't just pop out at me I tend to pass on the Challenge.  Well this week I was inspired more by the colours and using pennants than the actual movie, which I must admit that I haven't seen.  Sankari and Lynne provided some wonderful inspiration in their project as well so I just went along with the homemade feel and bright colours.  

The pennants come from my favourite Practicing Creativity set: Look Up!  Courtney's revealing a new set this week and she usually has a give away so you might want to pop over there.  Anyhow, the pennants were stamped on a neutral cotton fabric and then cut.  Hand stitching is done with linen thread around the top red panel and buttons and Kraft paper were used to create even more of a home made feel.  

Today I'm Grateful for.....having such a peaceful and safe country to live in.  What are you thankful for?

Elements

Paper: Kraft, Real Red, Garden Variety dp (Cosmo Cricket)

Ink: Staz On black ink, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, Bayou Blue, Basic Black

Accessories: Fabric, linen thread, PTI buttons (Pure Poppy, Lemon Tart, New Leaf)

Stamps: Look Up and For the Love of Dots (PCD)

Heartfelt Thanks

Hello Everyone!  Happy Wednesday!  I thought I would find time to post something yesterday but it just didn't happen.  Meetings and more pounding the pavement for a job.  It's amazing how much the process of finding a job has changed since the last time I had to apply for the job (more than seven years ago).  I wouldn't call it 'pounding the pavement' so much as 'surfing the net' because most of the time the application process tends to be done on-line.  I must say I'm glad to be getting back into the job search now rather than another couple of years.  Who knows how much technology will have changed the process by then!

Anyhow,  here's my card for this weeks CardPatterns sketch and Curtain Call colour challenge.  I took an original approach to those scallops and stamped them with the circles from PTI Polkadot Background Basics I.  Then I created an inviting scene with the On My Couch set and chose a Verve Thanks sentiment stamp to complete a bright and to cheerful Thank You.  I have to say I really like the little punches of red and the Lattice Textured Expressions (SU!) circles underneath the buttons.  What do you think?

Must go get ready for a night of camping coming up.  I'm not much of an outdoorsy person but I'm making a compromise for my kids.  Anyhow I hope your weeks ends even better than it started.  And Happy Canada Day tomorrow to my fellow Canadians =)

Elements

Paper: Whisper White, Kraft, Not Quite Navy, Summer Picnic dp (SU!)

Ink: Real Red, Not Quite Navy, Close to Cocoa

Accessories:  Pure Poppy buttons (PTI), linen thread, lattice textured expressions ef (SU!), 3/4" circle punch

Stamps:  On my couch (PTI), Polka dot background basics I (PTI), Heartfelt Thanks (Verve)

Make You Smile =)

Hello everyone!  I thought I'd try and make you smile after my dreary last post.  This is for the current CAS-tastic challenge to use yellow, blue and a neutral of your choice.  I chose white for a bright and dreamy like look.  What do you think?  The butterflies are made from the left over paper from the SU! Princess party pack. I love So Saffron but I don't have very much of that colour so I'm making do with scraps right now.  It works really well the Tempting Turquoise (also from my scrap bin).

I got a chance to play with the sun rays from one of my favourite Practicing Creativity stamp sets "You're dandy"  I also took a chance and used acrylic paint and a pattern tracer to outline the rays.  I really like the affect....it's not too much but adds to the texture and colour.  The layout inspiration came from the current fall-to-layout sketch on the Clean and Simple blog.  Thanks for the inspiration ladies!

Hope you are all having a fabulous week.  I managed to make four cards this weekends so, unless things get really crazy around here I should be back everyday with something new.  Happy Crafting.

Elements:

Paper:  Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron dp

Ink: Whisper White Craft, Tempting Turquoise Craft

Accessories: Yellow acrylic paint, MS butterfly punch, Beautiful Butterflies die, pattern tracing wheel

Stamps: You're Dandy (PCD), Everyday Button Bits (PTI)

Glitter

Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?

Have you ever looked fear in the face and said 'I just don't care'?

While I was trying to be inspired to create something the other night, I was listening to Glitter in the Air by P!nk.  Now there's a lady who can really write a song and sing it!  Anyhow the top lines are what inspired me.  I decided I wanted to play with glitter.  I had hoped to enter it in the last Play Date Cafe challenge but I just didn't have enough time to post it.  

The black glitter is a strong contrast to the turquoise and encouraging sentiments.  But that kind of represents all the mixed feelings I'm having with all the recent major changes in my life.  Without struggles I can't become stronger.  And I am so thankful to have a very loving and  supportive family surrounding me.  I also have the most amazing friends.  The ones like you who read my babble and remind me to keep my chin up.  The friends who call me to encourage me and listen to me.  My husband and I are just amazed by the amount of support we have found in our friends.

I was going to create something tonight but I think I'm just going to go to bed and get lost in a book.  What's on your reading list this summer?

Need a Lift?

I know lately I sure have and my friends have been there for me.  I am just so blessed by the amount of support that we've received in the last month.  It has been more than a week since I last posted and let me tell you it has been a busy one.  I've been sending out resumes and had my first interview in seven years and it went really well.  I was really thinking I would be on my work tomorrow but, unfortunately for me, the company had a better candidate.  The supervisor was kind enough to keep my resume on file just in case something came up and she is even willing to send my name on to any other employer she knows who needs an administrative assistant or bookkeeper.  How cool is that?

Despite all the outpouring of support from friends and family, my husband and I are becoming quite discouraged with the sale of our house.  So on top of not being able to get this job and not selling the house our fears are mounting.  It just goes to prove that you can make as many plans as you like but God is going to come along and make plans of his own.  In the meantime I'll keep applying for jobs and keeping the house clean for showings.

The cards I have for you today were ones that I sent for the last Embellish Magazine publication call but that too wasn't meant to be.  The good news is that now I have something to share with you, dear blog friends.  The black thread in the first card was meant to be the bicycle tire spokes.  I've seen the PTI Everyday Button Bits Bike done in Tandem before I just don't recall where.  Nothing new there but I liked the wheels and the colour balance in this card. In the bottom card I created my favourite balloon scene and use a black button and thread for the basket.

Anyhow, thanks so much for following my blog even though I haven't been giving much inspiration or encouraging comments for you. I will have another card to share with you Thursday or Friday.  Please check back. I trust that this post finds you all healthy and happy.  Happy Crafting!

EDIT June 26 ~ I decided to take Karen's advice and enter the bike card for the I WANT TO RIDE MY BIKE CHALLENGE IN THE MOXIE FAB WORLD.

Grateful for You

Today's card come from the inspiring EBTKS sketch challenge and pictures I took of the fresh flowers I have in my house.  I must say the one thing I've been enjoying about trying to sell the house is the weekly flower arrangements.  A month later and I've gotten a little smarter and started buying potted plants like Orchids and Cyclamen.  

During our last girls craft night I was telling Maureen of how I was inspired to recreate these roses with paper.  I needed something lighter than cardstock but stronger than tissue, then she showed me her little collection of crepe paper that she so graciously shared with me =)  And here are the results.  I went out of my comfort zone for this card as I don't do a lot of distressing and soft colours.  Would it qualify for shabby chic? I know the ledger paper has become popular or as usual it just going out of style once I think to use it.  It came from the Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend collection.  The fabric brad is from the Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses collection.  I'd have to say that my favourite little detail about this card is the light green flourish I paired with the sentiment.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope you were encouraged to find inspiration in something around your house.  Happy Crafting

Elements

Paper: Very Vanilla, Boyfriend dp (Cosmo Cricket), Old Olive dp (SU!), crepe paper

Ink: Soft Suede, Old Olive

Accessories: Sizzix flower die, brad (Basic Grey)

Stamps: Delightful Dahlia (PTI), Signature Greetings (PTI), Blessings (Verve)