Blooming Ideas

Life is Like

2012-01-27T09:33:00.001-05:00

A box of chocolates...

And you really never know what you are going to get.

Recently gifted to me was this sweet box by Deb.

She thought it would be perfect for the

Chocolate themed bracelet that I made.

I think she is right. Don't you?

Thank You!

I'm using this post to share in the Pink Saturday.
Which I haven't done in awhile.
It will be fun to visit the other"pinkies"!
Thanks for stopping by.

Free Collage sheet

2012-01-25T10:48:00.000-05:00

Dress Form Ball Blog Party!

2012-01-24T22:39:00.002-05:00

One of the blogs I follow

The Polka Dot Closet

is going to have a

Dress Form Ball.

February the 7th - 14th

All dress forms are welcome!

12 feet or 12 inches tall

Paper, metal, wood

Old or New

Dressed or ala natural

Homemade or store bought

As many dress form Posts as you like.

Plus a giveaway

Check out her blog for additional details.

Hope to see ya there!

Katherine's Scarf

2012-01-23T20:13:00.000-05:00

So the scarves are done for the

Winter Tea Party.

This is the one that Katherine gifted to me.

Pretty sheer fabrics accented with beads

she sewed on by hand as well as the

yarn trim!

Just one of the many styles she

created for the ladies.

Thank You so Much!

Moonlight Journey Journal

2012-01-20T21:52:00.002-05:00

I used these collage sheets to do this journal

http://www.moonlightjourney.com/images/Becky118.jpg

http://www.moonlightjourney.com/images/Image24.jpg

http://www.moonlightjourney.com/images6/Becky200.jpg

http://www.moonlightjourney.com/images/Becky22.jpg

And these products:

Zutter - Perfect Closure Set

EK Success Nostalgics stickers

K & Co. ephemera and stickers

Hero Arts stamp,

Beaded trim, ribbon, misc. beads,

gold string and a little lace.

I may add some glitter but

I haven't made up my mind yet.

Thanks for stoppin' by and looking.

Cards for a Friends

2012-01-20T17:41:00.001-05:00

An unexpected surprise came to me this week.

I had two different friends request that I

make some cards for them.

I was delighted and honored to fill their requests.

The first two were for an engagement and an anniversary.

I neglected to to take a picture of them

before she came to pick them up.

Then I got a call from one of the the friends

that she given the cards to.

And she wanted 3 cards for her family.

So this is what I created especially for her.

The smaller cards are done with her color requests

Today's Bracelet Creation

2012-01-10T18:07:00.000-05:00

African Jade medium nuggets,

glass flowers, Czech grooved rectangle

Copper daisy spacers and toggle.

Scarf Pin for Mom

2012-01-09T23:41:00.000-05:00

More than likely she will not be wearing this with any

scarf. But she can attach it to her beach bag.

The ice skates are to represent the many years

she lived in Michigan.

Not to mention both of her kids played on

travel hockey teams.

My brother was really good! Me, not so much.

The Dolphin is to represent the recent decade

she and my dad have lived in Florida.

The "M" is for the first initial of her name and for mom.

And the rest are just random charms.

One reminds me of a snowman

and Mom loves them.

Bracelets and Pendants

2012-01-08T20:25:00.001-05:00

Tinkered around with the Vintaj metal

embossing folders for this heart Pendant.

Added a Tim Holtz Idea-o-logy vintage keyhole

and used some of the Alcohol inks.

Then using this pattern I found

at Art Beads

http://www.artbeads.com/make-a-bracelet-vintner-weekend.html

I made my version of it.

I followed the pattern requirement for the number of seed beads

for one of the bracelets.

The other I used less seed beads to see how much shorter

I could make it with out loosing the design.

About 1/4 of an inch.

These two bracelets are made of

Mill Hill antique glass seed beads,

flat sided freshwater nugget pearls,

mat tila beads, gold tone toggles.

Loving the earthy color.

And this one I use a pale purple nugget pearl

with a silver toggle.

Thanks for stopping by.

Copper and Black

2012-01-02T17:35:00.001-05:00

These are the beads I played with today..

I had no real plan other than I wanted to use this thin black chain

with the chunky round copper glass beads.

I'm somewhat pleased at the results.

I may make a few adjustments.

But for the most part I'm calling it done.

Thanks for looking.

Hope Tag

2012-01-01T00:50:00.003-05:00

Using one of the

Winter Children ATC Collage

sheet from Moonlight Journey,

I created this Winter Tag.

It was fun to use all sorts of punches and dies.

Diamond, gold and tinsel glitter, Lace

and beaded trim.

For me, my Hope is that the

winter goes by quickly.

Blue Jean Necklace

2011-12-28T22:49:00.000-05:00

I thought these beads would look good with blue jeans.

Loving the Montana blue Czech glass,

round and faceted beads.

added a gun metal chain, re-purposed silver necklace,

and various silver metal spaces.

Next I'll make a pair of earrings and perhaps a bracelet

as additional options to wear.

Winter Tea Arrangement

2011-12-26T17:07:00.001-05:00

Today I worked on the arrangement

for the Winter Tea Party.

I just needed to see if what I had

in the way of floral supplies would work.

The cool part will be when I add the batteries to

the battery pack for a light up twig.

Unfortunately I will have to tear it down.

In order to put the batteries in.

But that's okay.

And if by the time the part rolls around and I hate it.

I have time to change it.

Thanks for stopping by and looking.

Winter Tea

2011-12-21T14:14:00.001-05:00

Planning a Winter Tea Party for January.

for some of the elderly ladies

in our congregation.

We have 18 including ourselves.

My friend Katherine and I decided on

a Snowflake theme.

Thought I would share some of the projects

we have been working on for the party.

A simple snowflake embossed invitation.

Sizzix embossing folder, Martha Stewart snowflake punch,

Pink glitter paper from DCWV, star brad & sheer white ribbon.

A tea cup made out of recycled mat board.

Sizzix tea cup XL die, DCWV Luxury stack papers,

misc. trims & embellishment.

Katherine is going to crochet scarves for the ladies.

I was going to do earrings.

But some of the ladies either don't wear them

or wear clip-ons.

So I'm gifting the ladies with this style of scarf pin.

Fruit-A-Refic!

2011-12-10T10:45:00.003-05:00

I made this especially for Deb.

She loved these fruity glass beads I had in my stash.

I will be giving this to her today as a hostess gift

for an open house she is having today.

It needed some sparkle so I added a chain and attached

half silver faceted round crystals and textured glass pearl beads.

It helped to make sense of the one

creamy ab colored almond bead.

To finish it off I added a cool toggle clasp.

Carmen Miranda would be proud.

Owl Bracelet

2011-12-05T21:58:00.001-05:00

This color combo will always remind me of the

Miami Dolphins.

Had a lot of fun making this Owl bracelet

using these colorful and whimsical lamp work beads.

Just makes me happy looking at it.

Living in Florida worked for me.

And I miss living there.

But for now

I will have to deal with the gray days

of winter here in Michigan.

Chunky Butterfly Charm Key Chain

2011-12-02T11:21:00.003-05:00

What to do with that one earring because

the other was lost?

In this case two lonely earrings.

Not that these were fantastic or my favorite color

or worth anything.

I kept them because someday

I will be able to re-purpose them.

Today was the day.

Front (if there is a front)

Back

laying down

Beaded tassel gifted to me by Caroline.

Lonely earrings gifted to me by Deb.

Misc. metal chain and filigree butterfly

salvaged from another necklace.

Butterfly image from jewelry collage sheet

by Moonlight Journey.

Thanks for looking.

Today's Jewelry Creations

2011-11-30T17:55:00.002-05:00

A fun lamp-work bracelet with a few dangle bits

and an

Amethyst chip necklace with locket.

Addition materials used for this one are

Lilac stone beads, AB and 1/2 silver Crystals

and misc. metal findings.

Snow Way!

2011-11-30T10:35:00.000-05:00

Way!

Pictures of the first real snow fall this season

Simple Baby Mini

2011-11-18T22:57:00.004-05:00

Made this for my friend Amanda.

She is expecting her second bay girl.

I kept it simple.

The first photo is of the cover. The second is of one of the

10 pages. And the third one is of the back cover.

All this busy mommy or daddy has to do is add

photos of their baby girl.

They are still deciding on the name for the new little one.
A kit similar to this is now for sale in my blog shop.
Thanks for looking.

Abby's Necklace

2011-11-12T21:55:00.001-05:00

My new jewelry designer assistant is miss Abigail.

We like to call her Abby.
She is 4 years old. And cute as a button.

This was her creation tonight.

Thanks to Caroline from England for

sending me these lovely cream beads.

Which Abby fell in love with.

Floral Re-Do

2011-11-09T10:28:00.003-05:00

When a clients has cats and little children

Sometimes the things that you don't want them to play with

is the very things they can't seem to stay away from.

Somewhere there is a toy desperately seeking his bottom half.
I found it as I was tearing down the arrangement.

Anyway this is the reason why this arrangement that

I made and sold over a year ago came back to me for a re-do.
For me a re-do implies using the same material and
just to fix the damage done by the cats and the little child.

The Interior Designer had an additional request.

Not to make it so "plastic-y" and

to add something that was "butter-scotchy" in color.
My head is saying, "What!"

I don't make the materials. I just assemble them.

I purchase things that have the most realistic look

and feel when possible.

She knew that when she purchased it a year ago for her client.

I found her request odd to say the least.

And yes I was irritated.

It took me 4 days to even feel like approaching the project.

Not to mention I was busy with other commitments.

For me it was no longer a re-do but a redesign.

To now incorporate some "butter-scotchy" looking plants.

Perhaps I'm limited in my thinking
but the original tropical mix didn't call for this addition.

But what the Designer/customer wants the Designer/customer gets.

Here is the new arrangement.

Photo taken in my floral workshop.

Vintage-y Necklace

2011-11-09T09:29:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I made a pretty necklace using the

Alphonse Mucha Microscopeslides

from Moonlight Journey

Re-purposed some gold neck chain. I don't recall where

I got the pendant and it is now tarnished.

Which doesn't bother me. Just adds to the vintage-y look.

Added some brass charms that were gifted to me.

Snagged the glass beads off another older necklace

that was no longer being worn.

What I did last night

2011-11-08T08:20:00.000-05:00

I Just Got the News...

2011-11-07T21:23:00.002-05:00

I've been added as a design team member to Moonlight Journey.

Thank You so much Becky and Lynn for this opportunity.

I'm thrilled to be among the many talented ladies on the team.

I will be mixing my jewelry creations with their collage sheets.

This is one of the earrings I made tonight to get my feet wet.

These were made with :

Images from

Butterfly Pendants ~ 44~1" collage sheet

MoonlightJourney.com

Created by Whymsicalmusings

Design originals bottle caps mini pack

1'' clear acrylic cabochon by Bottle Cap Inc.

Glossy accents, pearls - peridot color

silver plated jewelry bails & Fishhook earwires

My camera batteries died.

So I will have to show

the other earrings I made tonight,

tomorrow.

Free Steam-punk Images from Dover

2011-10-28T23:06:00.002-04:00

Earrings for Clara

2011-10-28T21:30:00.001-04:00

Clara bought this bracelet from me

and requested matching earrings.

She loves the kidney shaped ear wires.

So this is what I came up with for her.

I sure hopes she likes them.

See a Need

2011-10-22T15:14:00.002-04:00

Fill a need.

Friends of mine had transformed

a small shipping box with shipping tape to close it up

into a donation box.

While it would fill the need for which it was intended.
I thought to myself...we can do a little better.

I will be surprising them with this box.

I hope they like it.

Crystal & Blue

2011-10-14T08:54:00.000-04:00

Simply strung beaded necklace.

Using Lamp-work beads and Swarovski crystals.

This set is similar to the one that was purchased

at the Jewelry open house I had.

I decided to make another one. Seen here.

Similar yet slightly different.

My friend who purchased the set had it on last Sunday.

She had on the silk blue dress suit

that she had told me about

when she bought the necklace set..

I could now see what she had in her minds eye.

Both the suit and the jewelry pieces

complemented each other perfectly.

She looked simply lovely.

One Fun Bead Store!

2011-10-13T01:41:00.001-04:00

This place is too much fun. Fresh and clean feel and so well organized.

Aren't those bead tables amazing!

It's called Bead Haven.

If you happen to be in the Frankenmuth, MI

and you like bead shopping. I think you'll enjoy this place.

Pictures are from their website

It all Started with a Bead...

2011-10-10T16:42:00.003-04:00

This Bead in fact

Amber with greenish yellow, black and white dots.

This is not a pretty bead in my opinion.

So I bought more not so pretty beads

to see if they would go with it.

Amber with grey bumpy dots.

Another serious case of "What were you Thinkin'!"

I went to a "new to me".. bead store this Saturday.

Spent hours getting lost in all the variety of beads.

Places like that make my head swirl with ideas.

I found these golden yellow wide leaves

I also picked up these two styles of black lampwork beads.

One with flowers and one with circles and dots.

Using these with what I had in my stash. I made this toggle bracelet.

After I was done I said to myself this reminds me of a Bumble bee.

I'll make another using these colors.

So with some of the left over lampwork beads, my bead stash

and bee charms I have.

I made this bracelet.

The round pewter beads reminded me of a round beehive.

So I just had to use those.
And now I have a this Honey Bee bracelet.

I might have never worked with this color combination,

if it hadn't been for that one bead.

Honey Bee bracelet is now for sale in my blog shop.

Sweet!

2011-10-02T23:55:00.004-04:00

Sweet treat bracelets with lampwork

cup cakes, white and chocolate truffles.

The rondelles on this one

remind me of M&Ms.

This toggle says peace begins with a smile.

And a smile can begin with a sweet treat!

These are for sale in my blog shop.

Fun with Snaps.

2011-09-27T20:42:00.000-04:00

Chunky Snap Bracelet .

Bead Soup Blog Party!

2011-09-17T01:30:00.227-04:00

Yeah it's Bead Soup Party Day!
With 21 countries and 362 participant.
It is going to be a party that I will be savoring all week!
And will take me at least that long to visit every one.
So whether it be painting, mix media, card making,...you name it.
Do I have a style?

Now that I've been dabbling in the bead world
for the past couple of years.

More so now because of meeting Lori and

all the wonderfully talented ladies I have met through the

Bead Soup Blog Party's.

I find myself asking the same question.

Regardless if I do or not,
what seems to stay the same for me is when
the "canvas speaks" to you.
Telling you what it wants and doesn't want.
Isn't it interesting how they speak to us all a little differently.
Which adds to the rich variety we see in the Art world.

This Beads Soup mix was no exception.
I wanted to do something abstract or asymmetrical.
The beads said, "No".

The focal is a delicate gold leaf.
A stand alone type of piece.

The golden toggle, simple.

Both pieces are light in weight.

It was saying keep it light, keep it simple and clean.

Enhance the glimmer of the focal leaf.

Beads I added to Deana's to accomplish this were:

3mm round gold spacer beads, various gold tone spacer caps,

Czech glass metallic light purple wavy leaves,

(I find these type of beads with holes drilled at the top a challenge to use)

6mm amethyst bumpy lamp-work beads,

gold tone chain, a few accent seed beads and

Czech purple flowers.
And out came a Necklace and Earrings to match
with all it's glimmery-ness.

With so much soupy goodness... I made a few more pieces.

Here I used up the pearl heischi beads, faceted metallic beads and

the set of Antique gold metal tear drop beads

from the soup mix to make these bracelets and earrings.

Here I used some memory wire for a bracelet. Went in a south west direction
with the coconut shell beads adding

some turquoise colored seed beads and pewter feather charms.
It's as light as a feather, hardly feels like you have anything on your wrist.

This is as far as I got with this one. It's still in the ole think tank.
I'm looking for a metal gold tone dragon fly I saw with a slight curve to it's body.
I'd like to add it to the front of the pendant.
I just can't remember where I saw it.

And I still have lots of left overs to use in the future!

Thank You Deana.
You've truly been a delightful swap partner.
Click here to see what I sent Deana

Thank You So Much Lori

for hosting the biggest Bead Soup Blog Party to date.
I have had a great time each and every time I have participated.
For more eye candy...

Please click on Lori's link to take you to the list of other participants
and their Bead Soup swap partners.

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

My Party Progress.
Started at the bottom working & slowly my way to the top...
I wish I wasn't sick with a head cold or I could visit you all faster...
181-171 with partners 9/17/2011
170 -161 with partners 9/18/2011
160 -151 with partners & 150 -141 with partners 9/19/2011
140 -131 with partners, 130 - 121 with partners 9/20/2011
120 - 111 with partners 9/21/2011
110 - 101 with partners 9/22/2011
100 - 91 with partners, 90- 81 with partners 9/23/2011
Only 160 more to visit...
I can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel!
80-71 with partners 9/24/2011
70 - 61 with partners, 60-51 with partners, 50-41 with partners 9/25/2011
Migraine 9/26/2011 no comments today.
40-31 with partners 9/27/2011
Another sick day 9/28/2011
30 - 21 with partners, 20-11 with partners , 10 -1 with partners 9/29/2011
Yeah I finally have now visited each and every one!
Now that was some Party!!

Fun with Flowers

2011-09-11T06:02:00.002-04:00

Made this for a

Pin swap over at Creating a Crafty Life.

I chose to make this simple lace flower

to display a set of stick pins in.

Added a rhinestone center and metal flower.

This leaves it alterable for the ladies when they receive it

to change the color of the lace flower
to any that they wish.

This ribbon flower

was created for a flower swap over at LSH.

Theme Summer. Since it is now late summer

I went with these colors.

Tips to make these can be found on You Tube.

Simple, simple, simple.

Strangely Beautiful

2011-09-06T20:47:00.001-04:00

Last night when the sun was setting the suns rays hit the trees

in such a way it made them look like they had

changed colors prematurely.

Within minutes it went back to just green.

What a phenomenon!

Talk about Trompe L'Oeil

(fooling the eye)

What's New

2011-09-03T19:11:00.011-04:00

She is!

Well She's new to me.

After years of admiring Deb's dress form(s)

in her Art room.

Yes, I said forms..she has 4 now.

Two with cages at the bottom.

Super Cool!

Deb called me up last Sunday to ask me if I

wanted her (the dress form) sight unseen.

It was a serendipitous moment.

She said she was fantastic and had the original stand

with wheels and the finial at the top.

Sounded good to me and a fair price. So I said Yes!

Deb and her husband Steve fixed her up a bit.

I'm not that handy so I am very appreciative for that.

She is well used, has neat brass arm hole plates

and has ink marks and spots.

The Artist in me says leave her as is...
the Monk-ish (one of my favorite TV show)
part of me says, "fix the spots".
Which put's me in the thinking stages
of wanting to alter her.

Perhaps all black? Or half black?
Or decoupage her?

For now I will adorn her with some jewelry that I am making.

Made this necklace yesterday.

Any suggestions on name for her?

I'm leaning toward Jewelee.

Thank You a thousand times over Deb for

calling me and telling me about the dress form.

She looks great in the office!

And this is New too!

Just a little project I got done today.

I re-purposed this old wooden frame

to display earrings for future home shows.

That is if I follow through with that.

Kept the glass in it for the reflective quality.

Spay painted the wood frame to a flat black.

Added some of my Crescent Marbled paper.

Normally used for French matting.

Attached some framing wire I had with

upholstery tacks to hold it in place on the side.

And I'm fairly pleased as to how it turned out.

Now I got to get busy and fill it up.

Creative Friday

2011-08-25T01:19:00.000-04:00

This week we needed to reschedule Creative Friday

as it turned out for Wednesday.

Kind of impromptu ..but it worked out well.

We worked on making jewelry.

Since a good size order of beads came in

from a supplier we like.

Deb worked on her beautiful pearl necklaces

for her soldered charms.

I worked on some Bead Soup items

(not pictured until Sept 17th)

as swell as other bracelets and earrings.

Deb has gifted me in the past with several of her soldered charms.

I'm thrilled that she would even want one of my creations.

So I customized & gifted this bracelet for her.

She likes cuppy cakes...I like cuppy cakes...

We all like cuppy cakes.

Enjoy!

My Bead Soup Arrived!

2011-08-22T16:00:00.002-04:00

So cutely packaged

A pale green box with all sorts of yummy beads inside.

Oh my goodness there is so much in here!

Wow!

I'm a big fan of the lime green and earthiness.

I'm loving this soup mix.

Items I may have not bought for myself.

And the point of this bead soup mix swap is to

challenge our selves out of our comfort zone.

So I will have to sit and stew on this.

Stop back by in September to see what I came up with.

THANK YOU SO MUCH

DEANA!

You can Check out my partners blog here:

http://justdeesarts.blogspot.com/

I Wonder Who This Could Be For?

2011-08-19T13:23:00.000-04:00

Digitally altered Image so not give it totally away.

Some of the colors have been changed.
(to protect the innocent.)
Okay that may only be funny to me.
I work on my own time table as you know.
But as promised.... these items are finished
and are on there way to you.
I think you know who you are.
(smile)
I just hope you like them.
(originally posted several weeks ago)
The gift has been received....
And now the reveal.

Yep! You guessed it, Anu..It was for you.
So pleased you liked the items I created especially for you.
I'm also glad to hear your students thought they were cool too.

Ceramic & Crystal

2011-08-17T17:29:00.000-04:00

Ceramic, quartz and crystal beads.

Collected from various sources.

Accented with metal spacer beads and toggle.

And a pair of matching earrings.

Pearly Goodness

2011-08-15T22:26:00.001-04:00

More Jewelry fun and Pearly goodness!
This piece sold at my recent jewelry party! 10/01/2011

Yummy

2011-08-15T16:55:00.002-04:00

Awe...peacefully resting Iko

I'd better hurry and try to take some photos before

she is on to me wanting to get some photo's of her.

Uh-o she's alert!

She hops off the lounge chair and comes over to me.

I'm thinking great.

I'll get a shot of her looking up at me..purfect!

This is what I got.

But I have to say this photo of Iko makes me laugh.
How is it that she knows

when I'm trying to take her picture.

She is a photo saboteur.

But I couldn't take a photo like this if I tried...

good thing I wasn't trying.

Chunky Bracelet

2011-08-13T23:33:00.001-04:00

This one put me to the test....Why did I order these beads?

What was I thinking? I truly have no idea.

But here you have it a Chunky bracelet.

Yellow Turquoise, Honey Quartz, AB Black Rondell Crystals,

Metal spacer beads, Misc left over beads, with a Toggle clasp.

I'd say it has a sophisticated whimsy.

Debating whether or not to add some metal leaf charms.

I'm of the philosophy

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

I'll think about it.

Creative Friday

2011-08-13T08:53:00.001-04:00

This week's Creative Friday

found Debbie and I making these adorable cup cake boxes...

Oh yes complete with homemade chocolate cupcakes!

She has the Accut die and the perfect type of card board

which also makes this a "Green" project.

We also got to play with our Impression Obsession stamps.

This is how far we got decorating them last night.

Because we had spent most of the day making Jewelry.

She made fantastic pearl necklaces to sell in local shops.

Where she incorporated colored crystal findings.

A must see.

Then the soldered charms she makes and sells

can be hung from them.

Some how I managed to go home with this
Soldered button Charm and added it with my vintage pearls.

So I made this cute little bracelet.

Beads were collected over several months from

Hobby lobby, Michael's, Fire Mts and Art beads.

Inspiration from Lori Anderson.

Then I worked on my first double stranded bracelet.

I have been wanting to make this for years ever since I purchased

a watch from another jewelry designer.

Easy to wear but I had difficulty photographing it.

Love this magnetic closure.

Well there ya go another Creative Friday here and gone.

Thanks for looking.
And Thank You Deb for everything!

Free Silhouette Images From Dover

2011-08-11T12:01:00.004-04:00

Bead Soup Tease

2011-08-08T15:33:00.003-04:00

HA...I love this link that Lori just passed on to us.

Picnik

This way we don't show the actual bead soup mix we are sending to our partner.

So it will still be a surprise.

We can do this pix-elated version photo of our bead soup.

My Bead Soup partner this year is some one I have visited

before through the Where Bloggers Create Event.

# 68. Deana Hager

This year I'm #273 on the list

So Deana I hope you like your tease.
Here is a link to Lori's blog all the info about the
party and the list of those participating.
Pretty Things

She has them now so I can reveal what I sent.

Another Fun Banner

2011-07-29T22:47:00.000-04:00

Some of the Supplies used:

Sizzix Banner die

DCWV Le Creme Paper

Black lace trim, Pale pink velvet ribbon

Pale Pink Ribbon roses

Pearl trim, Pearl & Black beads

Pale Pink Seam binding

Alpha Thickers, Black dauber paint

Gold Eyelets, Black Glitter,

French Script stamp by SU!

Pink SU! Dye pad

Tim Holtz Rosette die

A Request for Your Thoughts & Prayers

2011-07-27T00:44:00.002-04:00

There is so much that is going on...

Death of loved ones, Floods, Natural Fires,Wars, Bombings

Missing persons, Murder, National Debt, Personal Debt,

Depression, Work Place Stress, Pollution,

Cheating, Starvation, Gas Prices, Food Prices

Arson, Employment, Bullying, Theft, Health Care Concerns,

It just seems to go on and on....

Which brings me to Family Illness.

My Aunt has been diagnosed for the second time

with breast cancer. She was in remission.

But just for a 2 year period. And It's Back.

This time it is a more aggressive kind.

I know she and her family

would appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Then she can stop by here and
read all your lovely comments.

Cancer is such a strange sell.

You can go along for years in remission

and then one day it pops it's ugly head up again.

Perhaps we all could say a prayer for

those we know and don't know

that are in need of support and strength too.

No matter what their particular circumstances are.

Whether it be a health issue or something else.

Thank You on behalf of my Aunt.

Spider Web

2011-07-24T23:32:00.007-04:00

The flood in Pakistan made millions of spiders seek higher anything.

In this case Trees.

The flood waters took so long to recede that the trees

were cocooned by the spiders.

A blessing in disguise.

It is thought that the mosquitos are getting caught

in the spider’s web thus reducing the risk of malaria

This is one of the many photos that was passed

onto me through an e-mail.

Which inspired me for whatever reason
to write the poem below.

Spider Web

I don't think I shall ever see

A spider web spun by thee.

A web that sparkles like diamonds from the rain

Catches unsuspecting victims with little pain.

An instinctive talent they alone posses

Not much thought but oodles of finesse.

Like little strands of steel none can compare

The spider's web so delicate and fair.

Silken threads cast into the wind must land

So begins the task strand by strand.

Now I know I shall never see

A spider web spun by thee.

Terri Hadji-Gauthier

THE SPIDER THREAD —Photo by Akutagawa Ryunosuke

If this poem has a similar ring to it. It's because I used Alfred Joyce Kilmer's poem "Trees" as a model.

Sizzix Pro Purse Die & Digi Lily

2011-07-23T17:41:00.002-04:00

Deb recently got this adorable purse die.

So to break it in... she let me cut one out.

I happened to have some of this 2 sided SU! Paper.

(Pretty sure it is discontinued by now).

Martha Stewart & Tonic Punches

Spellbinder dies

Ribbons and Ric-Rac, Rhinestones

Ribbon Roses, Sequins

Gold leaf pen

Digi Lily from The Greeting Farm

that I had colored 3 different ways:

blond, strawberry blond, and red head.

So this is what I had talked about cutting out in the recent

Creative Friday post.

So do I keep it as a clutch purse

do I add a handle of some sort...

perhaps using a chain or ribbon?

The creative possibilities are endless!

Thanks Deb!

Marie Antoinette Fan a R.A.K. for Deb

2011-07-23T12:18:00.001-04:00

This fan was done as a R.A.K. for Deb

I did it some time back.

Was cleaning up my photos and files

on my computer and I ran across this

the with these photos I took of the Marie Antoinette fan.

The one below is one I started for me and have yet to finish

I did find some feathers that are the right tone.

So this fan may finally get done!

So why not share them both with you too.

You Tube Winner!

2011-07-22T11:50:00.002-04:00

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-07-22 15:41:41 UTC

I Can't Believe It..Really I won!!!

#12 ...That turns out to be...

Misty!

CONGRATULATINS!!!

Thank You all for Playing!

Another Creative Friday

2011-07-18T12:16:00.000-04:00

So I've had a late start to visiting all the blogs that signed up for

Where Blogger Create.

Because that Friday I spent the day with Deb creating cards.

I wanted to play with some new images I bought from

Lilly of the Valley

I'm embracing and complaining all at the same time

as to why it takes me so long to create.

So it took all day to create these two cards and to make a

paper purse using one of Deb's new

Sizzix Pro dies

It's assembled and partially decorated.

I have to add a few more embellishments to it.

So I'll wait until it is finished to post it.

This was created for a friend who loves to fish.

This is for me to have on hand for any occasion.

Where Bloggers Create

2011-07-14T22:53:00.023-04:00

Welcome to the 3rd year of

Where Bloggers

Started by Karen Valentine our wonderful hostess of this Party.

http://mydesertcottage.blogspot.com/2011/07/wbc-party-day-for-2011.html

The list of participants are on the side bar when you visit her blog.

Choice A) Scroll through the pics, leave comment,

and move on to the next blog.

Choice B) Linger a bit, look at the pics, read what I have written to describe the

changes in the room, leave a comment and move on.

Choice C) Click on the link to last years post and

slide show. You'll actually see not much has changed.

Altered Frame

2011-07-10T00:08:00.001-04:00

Altered wood frame that holds a 4" x 6" photo.

Started by painting the whole frame

with a sky blue paint.

Then I selected a sheet of decorative blue paper

from the

Ella Blue paper collection by

GCD Studios.

Added lace trims, buttons and paper flowers

by Reflections,

Kaiser Craft pearl flourishes,

Accented the side and center with blue trim.

Used pretty blue velvet ribbon around the outer edge,

EK Success - Remnants collection -

Cream ribbon with metal plaque that says "joy"

Added a vintage photo.

Frame is decorated in such away
that you can still use photos that are either
portrait or landscape

Word Art

2011-07-09T09:20:00.004-04:00

I pasted in my blog URL and

Wordle takes words

from your blog and creates Word Art.

This was the easiest way to try it out.

You have some options to play with

and you can type in your own random set of words.

You can change

the direction....the font...the colors, etc.

So why not and go have some
Word Art fun.

Creative Friday & Saturday

2011-07-03T08:40:00.003-04:00

It's been awhile since Deb and I were able

to have a creative Friday.

House projects and other commitments.

But this past Friday we worked on

some our personal jewelry projects.

After a run to Michael's and JoAnn's

and a few other stops

we grabbed a quick bite to eat

and started playing.

What I didn't finish on Friday I finished up on Saturday.

Today Chip and I are having Jesse, Dorothy & Nita
over for a Cuban themed dinner.

I made Dorothy and Nita the same pair of

earrings and bracelet.

I put them in these white organza pouches

and added a stick pin to close it.

(these did not have draw strings)
I'll see if I can make something for Jesse too.

So no fighting you two.

And I made a few things for me

These are 4 bracelets with magnetic closures.

Just using up supplies I have on hand.

Natural stone, metal bead spacers and

glass beads with a toggle clasp.

Now I'm off to start that dinner.

June Flower Challenge

2011-06-28T13:08:00.006-04:00

The Piece By Piece June Flower challenge

was for us to make a unique

trio of flowers with trim, lace or fabric!

Here is what I'm submitting for this challenge.

The Lollipop style fabric flowers we cut out using my
Sizzix circle die.
Stacked and sewn together. and using the
flame of a candle melted the edges.
What makes these flowers unique is that
the fabric is from dropped designer fabric books.
allowing only enough fabric for
one flower per fabric sample.

Thus making each flower a one of a kind.
Then

I have added to my Lollipop style flowers

a few of the

Websters page's vintage looking buttons

with rhinestone centers, some silk leaves, feathers,

copper sequin trim and gold bead trim.

Thanks for looking.

One for You & One for Me

2011-06-18T17:47:00.001-04:00

I made a simple pair of earrings for me

and a bracelet to match.

And an extra set to sell on
my blog shop for you.

I've Gone Stick Pin Crazy

2011-06-13T20:19:00.004-04:00

Shabby Chic - Sold

Golden/Amethyst - Sold

Whimsical

Golden & Frosted Amethyst

Pearl & Crystal Blue

Caribbean Blue Crystal

Golden & Cranberry

Regal Golden & Cranberry - Sold

Pearl & Blue Crystal Rondelle - Sold

Pearl & Crystal - Sold

These are so Fun to make!

Many are still for sale on my blog shop.

Earrings to Match

2011-06-11T23:31:00.001-04:00

Finished making a pair of earrings...

Now for the bracelet.

Recycled Repurposed

2011-06-05T08:12:00.000-04:00

Played with an old broken necklace

last night adding some

Copper AB Swarovski Crystals

in various sizes.

Added chain from another gold tone necklace

by doubling it near the bottom.

Now it it 46"L

It has on asymmetrical look to it.

Which I like.

Probably will be making earrings

and a bracelet to match.

Graduation Cards

2011-06-03T14:16:00.001-04:00

Made this Card today. Just in time for an

Open House we are going to this Sunday

2 1/2 hours later this is what I came up with.

I picked the colors to go with the gift bag and

not the school colors

Papers: Core'dinations, Basic Grey, DCWV

Martha Stewart Punch, Cuttle bug embossing folder,

Sizzix alphabet Sizzlet die, Splellbinders dies,

Digi image TGF, Copics, and

Ribbon an dflower embellishments

Then for another Open House later in the month

I started on this Mini

Using scrap papers and recycling one of my minis

that I had created for a different purpose.

So hard to do something for a young Man.

So I may just consider this a glorified card.

Farm Fresh Monochromatic Card Challenge

2011-06-01T16:43:00.001-04:00

Love making these Easel cards.

The Fresh Farm challenge for this Monday

was to have us make a monochromatic card.

We could pick the color.

I went with ocean blue and a few shades of it.

Used K&Co. paper, Martha Stewart punch,

May Arts Ribbon and a few embellishments.

I don't think the hair color or the skin tone

is required to also be monochromatic.

After dealing with broken down tractors,

flood in the basement, and carpenter bees

that need to be exterminated.

It was nice to do a little something creative.

Thanks for looking.

Syringa Bloomerang™

2011-05-25T13:24:00.000-04:00

This is a gift I received last year from my Mom and Dad.

Syringa Bloomerang, a dwarf, reblooming Lilac bush.

If I prune it after it blooms.

I should expect blooms again in the Summer.

They say it will be like that off and on with blooms

until the first frost.

I can't wait to see that happen!

And will post pictures of it when it happens.

Currently it's just a baby plant.

I was very pleased to see that it weathered

the harsh winter we had just fine.

If you would like some of these for your garden you

can check them out here;

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/67561-product.html

Unexpected Surprise

2011-05-23T12:44:00.003-04:00

We went over to our dear friends last night

for our movie night.

We try to do this at least once a month.

Dorthy makes the best air popped pop corn!

Orville Bedenrocker has nothing on you.

(misspelled his name on purpose)

About halfway through the evening

Nita puts this cute bag on top of the TV

with a card addressed to Chip and I.

We just looked at each other.

Huh? What's this?

Let me back up for a sec....

The night before we had taken Dorthy and Jesse

out with us to celebrate our anniversary

to a lovely restaurant called Castaways.

Nita wasn't able to join us.

It looks out on a good size lake.

The scenery is just so relaxing.

And I know they enjoyed it as much as we did.

Okay back to our movie night.

Chip and I were totally floored by this

unexpected surprise.

Words cannot express how deeply moved we were.

Such a thoughtful, loving and generous gesture.

I was moved to tears.

So why is it that it's so easy to be the one giving and

so difficult to be the one receiving.

To refuse would be robbing the other person of their joy.

I get that intellectually.

Anyway

"Gil-Belk" family if you happen to read this post.

I hope you know how much we appreciate your

priceless friendship.

And we love the beautiful poem you composed, Dorothy,

the cards,

the friends plaque, bracelet...hello green my fav,

socks and gift card.

Wow!

We enjoyed the movie and your company as always!

Which truly is the greatest of gifts.
Thank You So Much!

Revealed

2011-05-21T18:00:00.005-04:00

Isaiah 42:9

“The first things—here they have come,

but new things I am telling out.

Before they begin to spring up,

I cause YOU people to hear [them].”

We have heard of Judgement day and that it is coming.

This much is revealed for us in the Holy Scriptures.

For those of who care and respect the bible,

this is important to us.

Unless God has some how now turned into a liar

(which is impossible)

It will come.

This much of his Judgement day plan he has revealed.

It's coming. And it's been long in coming.

Yet we are told it will arrive

like a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 . . .the LORD's day is coming

exactly as a thief in the night.

But here’s the thing he has not told us the day

or the hour or the year.

Nor has he told the Angels.

Not even his son, Jesus Christ.

Both are perfect and Holy.

Do you really you think

he is going to give this information

over the Mayans? Who are just as

imperfect as the next man.

Bottom line is

he is the only one who knows when he will act.

Matthew 24:36

“Concerning that day and hour nobody knows,

neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son,

but only the Father.

What's taking so long you may ask? The scriptures tell us this.....

2 Peter 3:9

. . .God is not slow respecting his promise,

as some people consider slowness,

but he is patient with YOU because he does not desire any

to be destroyed but desires all to ....

You can read about this
in your own copy of the bible.

Something else to consider.

If Harold Camping and his followers

are going to be raptured tonight and

the rest are left to experience a hell on earth…

How are they going to explain this scripture.

Matthew 24:22

In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh

would be saved; but on account of

the chosen ones

those days will be cut short.

According to what they are saying...

aren't the chosen ones raptured?

So are they Chosen or not?

(These are clearly rhetorical questions)

But please do not be mislead when someone

anyone...

gives you a Judgement day date.

But by all means stay spritually awake.

Take note of the signs pointed out to us

by our Lord and Savior.

Recorded in Mathew chapter 24

and elsewhere in the scriptures.
Serve God out of love.
Not for a date.

Creative Friday

2011-05-14T00:55:00.001-04:00

Well most of you know blogger ran into a big

snag doing some maintenance.

I have lost some of my comments on the

two previous post.

But at least the posts are back up.

So on to this post....

Played with the new

Tim Holtz Artful dwelling Sizzix die.

I was in a "grungy" mood.

And I wanted to use some of his

Idea-ology embellishments and papers.

Plus my odds and ends.

Deb was in a Shabby Chic Mood.

You have to stop by and see what she

created using these house shapes.

Adorable!

And then for our second project we did a tag.

Using Banner dies that we had

and the Tim Holtz Tag die.

Misc. trims, lace sequins and flowers.

It says," It takes a long time to grow

an old friend."

Thanks for stopping by and looking.

Farm Fresh Challenge

2011-05-12T12:57:00.000-04:00

On the Farm Fresh Challenge blog

They were having a super fun challenge this past week that requires

us to break out your "old" TGF sets which in reality aren't that old.

They are calling it a Throw Back Challenge.

All the details are on that blog.

I chose Lolli Anya for this card.

She's just so stinkin' cute.

Pantene Beautiful Lengths

2011-05-09T17:37:00.011-04:00

5/21/2011

Looks like blogger has restored all the missing comments.

Yeah!

Pantene Beautiful Lengths - Hair provided by volunteers will be used to craft beautiful, high-quality wigs by their partner, HairUWear®. Then it will go to a woman affected by hair loss from cancer.

This is my second time donating. And I have plenty left for me. (grin)
A word of caution. It has been my experience over and over again that when
I sit in the Hairdressers chair and I say cut off one inch. Two inches will be taken.
As in this case. Pantene asked for 8". Happy to spend the 3 years or so
of growing it out again for this purpose.
So I asked that 9" be cut off. Taking in to consideration split ends.
You can see what the results were here. 10" was taken.
I'm the one that grew it out. Shouldn't I be the one who decides
how much I want to donate? I'm just saying....
How to make the cut

Donated hair must be a minimum of 8 inches long (measure hair from
just above the elastic band of the ponytail to the ends).
Wavy/curly hair texture is fine—you may straighten hair to measure.
Hair should be freshly washed and completely dry,
without any styling products.
Hair may be colored with vegetable dyes, rinses and
semi-permanent dyes. It cannot be bleached, permanently colored
or chemically treated.
Hair may not be more than 5% gray.
To find out more go to Pantene Hair Donation

Lolli ~ an Older TGF Stamp

2011-05-02T09:46:00.005-04:00

I got the last one of Lolli Anya

at Funky Kits of the UK

Apparently she is an older Greeting Farm stamp.

Since I just started getting these stamps last year.

She was new to me.

I choose to put the sentiment inside

and there sufficient room to write a little note.

Then I played with this free digi stamp from

The Greeting Farm.

I removed what I didn't want and kept the rest.

Admittedly not the best cards I ever made.

But I still had fun putting them together.

Thanks for Looking!

Custom Pin Request

2011-05-01T12:30:00.001-04:00

Recently , Charlie, a dear friend of mine

who has been going through some very difficult health issues.

(She is also known as a super grandma)

asked me if I would make her a pin.

The colors she requested were

pale yellow and mint green.

What I came up with was very simple

and easy-peasy to do.

What I liked about this flower that was pre-maid

was it's satin sheen.

I also found a small pale yellow floral cluster

made of tulle and pearl accents.

I cut a few off the floral cluster

and inserted them on one side.

That took care of the pale yellow part

of her request and a few

mint green feathers took care of the other color.

Now I just hope she likes it and that it will go

with the outfit she has in mind for it.

A Lovely Award

2011-04-25T13:01:00.001-04:00

Hi out there!
I have just been given this lovely award
by my craft buddy Caroline.

Thanks so much !

If you haven't seen her blog already then

do check it out at Craft Mix.

A very talented web designer and artist.

It is so nice to hear from others how

much they like what you do.

Let's not under estimate the

effect of commenting.

Reading them can really lift our spirits.

Whether we are

having a good day or an off day.

And the good thing is

these kind comments are truly priceless gifts

that don't cost us a thing but our time.

Now, I am to give this award to

5 blogs who have less than 100 followers

In no particular order,

I would like to give this award to:

My dear me ho, Anu

http://anu-lal.blogspot.com/

Sarah Drayton

http://whimsy-dreams-studio.blogspot.com/

Jodie Lee

http://thegypsychick.blogspot.com/

Lauren Ashley

http://rosebudlips.blogspot.com/

Lila

http://asiancookingmadeeasy.blogspot.com/

Various types of blogs

Hope you'll enjoy checking them out.

Goodies

2011-04-24T15:44:00.003-04:00

This week "Creative Friday" was at Deb's.

I brought over blank

4 x 4 Pillowed tumbled marble tiles

to make stamped coasters.

I was gifted with an

adorable soldered pebble charm

which says

"Not playing with a full deck"

and on the back it says

" Out to Lunch"

She has similar ones for sale and can do custom orders

Just contact her through her blog.

She also knows I'm a fan of the olive green ...

so she gifted me this fun necklace as well.

I used some of my Magenta stamps.

We baked our tile cookies for really really long time.

Okay we forgot about them.

No real harm done.

Now for the projects below all supplies were supplied

By Deb.

I think she was getting back at me for

giving her all the supplies to make the dress form tag

that we did last week.

We are just so cruel to each other.

(wink)

Normally we don't do that we usually bring our

own supplies for what ever we are working on.

Deb recently purchased the

Sizzix match box die from SU!

(There is talk of her hosting

a small match box themed swap)

She also got this petal box die.

Mine was filled with almond Hershey kisses!

Not pictured here.

Seriously, how long did you think

those were gonna last?

(Smile)

Thanks Deb for the gifts and the project gifts.

And the Yummy dinner and the Sushi!

Nightmare Rescuer

2011-04-19T09:53:00.000-04:00

As I was being held tight at the waist by a creepy clown of a man....who was looking deep into my eyes and close enough to kiss me. He said,
"Don't worry. I have to behave. There is a TV show in the works for me. And every move I make is under a microscope. I can't afford a scandal."

I said to him as I was struggling to break free from his creepy clutches, "How about behaving because you have a moral code or compass to go by. Now let go of me!".

Just then the rescuer of my dreams showed up and got me out of this situation. Tall dark and hansom. (In reality I'm pretty sure he represents my husband) I'm always grateful and appreciate of his help. I also think he overheard what I had said and was proud of me. The creep released me. Feeling threatened by my rescuers presence.

Photo was found by doing a Google image search

12 years ago around this time of year marks some of the darkest days for me. Actually the whole year was over the top dramatic and yet hopeful. Let's just say as I sat in the hospital waiting room that April with my Mom. The Columbine High shooting was being reported on TV. As I sat there in my own personal shock I had to ask my Mom if what I was seeing on TV was real or a movie... I felt bad for them. I felt bad for me.

So when my dreams are being disturbed...it is reassuring to me that my rescuer always comes.

Another Dress Form Tag

2011-04-17T15:48:00.005-04:00

This Creative Friday ended up with

some miscellaneous shopping.

Me organizing, Katherine beading

and Deb coloring.

Later that evening I thought of

doing a last minute project.

Sorry, Katherine it was after you left.

I just needed to make sue I had

enough to share.

So we messed around a bit with

scraps of this and that.

And there you have it another

dress form tag.

Purple Heart Necklace

2011-04-02T09:54:00.000-04:00

I inherited this purple stone heart from Caroline

from a recent swap we did..

Thanks Caroline!

Which I've turned into the pendant you see here.

Accenting it with a silver bead cap, charm and head pin .

I also tucked a Swarovski rondelle crystal

into the bead cap .

You can only see it from certain angles.

Yesterday was another

Creative Friday this time over at Deb's.

We decided on jewelry making.

I brought everything I have.

A rolling tote full and my husbands old fishing tool box.

Which I claimed for my beads.

So I worked on finishing the necklace.

This is what I ended up with.

and a coordinating pair of earrings.

Deb has a treasure box of old jewelry

that we sorted through.

Some ended up in the circular bin

and others were set aside for future ideas

and projects.

Thanks Deb for having me over.

It really was another fun day!

Tim Holtz Tag and Dress Form

2011-03-31T17:24:00.000-04:00

Used:

Ancestry paper,

Tim Holtz Pin,

sanded Core'dinations hounds tooth paper,

Mat board, Distress ink pad,

Designer trims, Tiny Silk flowers, Feathers,

Ribbons, Brass Charms,

Cloth covered button, & Lace.

Pearl & Crystal Bracelet

2011-03-28T16:04:00.000-04:00

Had fun putting this together today!

For Baby Lillian

2011-03-25T15:00:00.000-04:00

My dear friend Sarah and her husband Robert

are having their first baby!

It's a Girl!

And they have named her Lillian.

This is the bedding they have selected from Target

Off White, Pink and Chocolate Brown

I used this as a guide as well as some of the other

items she had in her registry for

Baby Lillian.

I dug through my papers and found some

Pink and Chocolate girly papers.

So I made these to accent the Nursery.

A tri-fold photo frame using a Sizzix die.

Using Pebbles Inc papers and ribbons

Making Memories assorted buttons and flowers

Rocking horse trim

Debbie Mum Ribbon

L for Lillian

Back side

Frontside

I couldn't stop there I made a banner with her name

on it .

Here are some close up photos

Used my Sizzix small Banner die,

Butterfly, Flower #5, and Alphabet.

And some miscellaneous projects

Looking forward to the shower now.

I hope the Proud Parents will like what I made them.

Congratulations you two!

Necklace & Earrings

2011-03-14T13:52:00.004-04:00

I got these beads last year from Conni at
Cheeta Cheese Chatter.
When I participated

in the Winter 2010 Bead Soup party.
Hosted by Lori Anderson.

I finally came up with a design to show off
these beautiful glass beads.

That was within my present skill set to do so.
So I made a
long chain and beaded necklace.

And a matching pair of earrings.

What I like about these earrings is that they are similar

yet different.
And I still have a few beads left over.
Perhaps a bracelet is yet to come?

A Quote

2011-03-05T16:30:00.000-05:00

I did not know who said this originally.

Don't know if it was in some self help book.

But when I heard it recently said by Kimberly Caldwell

a cast off of American idol. It resonated with me...

" Don't make anybody a priority,

that makes you an option."

Night Life

2011-03-04T23:37:00.000-05:00

One more round of Margaritas!

This Yummy Drink is actually

a Night light.

Complete with stir stick and a slice of lemon.

Just gifted to me today by my

friend Deb Abel.

Gives new meaning to being lit.

Thank You Deb, I love it!

Swaps for Caroline

2011-03-01T11:59:00.004-05:00

I Can't Believe it! I Won!

2011-02-28T16:27:00.007-05:00

This Beautiful Print from Cindy

http://cjfort-artandlife.blogspot.com/

From the One World One Heart Event

Wow! What a nice surprise!

This is the scripture that immediately came to mind

when I saw this print.

Proverbs 4:23 More than all else that is to be guarded,

safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.

One of my favorite scriptures....among many.

She has hand written around the lady

"Watch over your heart with diligence...

for from it flow the springs of life...

I just love it!!!

Cindy , Thank You so Much!!