Paper Pieces of Me

Tea Stained Cone

2012-02-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

I am acquiring a strong affection for creamy neutrals. It was such a delight to feed my desires when I made this cone for Rhonda for a Valentine swap with my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group. Imagine my glee when she requested a tea-stained color theme.

This cone is so fun in person because when you twist it, it sways almost flapper-like.

I made these flowers out of strips of tea-stained fabrics.

The inside is covered with vintage sheet music.

This back view shows the base, damask looking fabric I upcycled from a dress I bought at Goodwill. I was so please with how nicely the different patterns turned out in the tea bath. Also, it was a bit stretchy which made it much easier when I covered the cone.

A crystal attached to the bottom of the cone. Sweet Rhonda said she hung it in her window to catch the light, clever gal!

And here are the goodies I stuffed inside.

A heart tin/jello mold filled with trim, buttons and a "7" for Rhonda's lucky number.

This little bag was filled with several different laces and trims. This taupey, iridescent sequin trim is one of my favorites.

Hand wrapped Dove chocolates, lace and extra tea-stained fabrics.

And last but not least, itty bitty Valentines that I copied from all my vintage postcards. Such fun to create!

You know you're a mother when... (Roses and Thorns)

2012-01-19T16:00:00.001-07:00

You know you're a mother when...

You (indulgently) spoon feed a sick princess chicken soup, so she can give Mickey Mouse her undivided attention.

You pour your luke-warm, okay face it... cold, chicken soup into a tall, clear drinking glass to gulp down on your drive to the dentist. (Hey, at least you brushed and flossed this morning, right? Yes, pretty sure, you think, running your tongue over your teeth between chugs of noodles.)

The second your head touches your pillow, the princess' creeps off hers and you realize its tomorrow already.

You sit in a steaming bathroom peering by nightlight into the face of an angel who keeps catching you looking and through her weariness smiles at you every time which makes your heart flutter.

In between feeling sorry for your boo, and blissfully enjoying the cuddling, you wonder... does this sauna-like room count as exercise? Did I remember deodorant this morning?

You let said sick princess crawl into your bed and listen to her breathe for a few hours.

You give up your pillow-top mattress for the carpet next to princess' bed and you're sure she is breathing better in her humidified, cherry menthol smelling room.

Some times there are thorns...

But oh the Roses.

Valentine fun

2012-01-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to share this Valentine Marie ATC. I made 3 to swap with my MAMA group. I was delighted to finally get to use this gorgeous dresden that I found several strips and style of at an estate sale some time ago. Apparently the lady decorated eggs, lots of neat treasures at that sale.

Linking to:

Share the Love Wednesday

Christmas Ornaments

2012-01-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year too! Mine were blissfully wonderful days spent with my sweet little family. I didn't extend myself too much this year and I only signed up for 1 MAMA swap (last year I signed up for all of them, something like 6 or 7, crazy me!) I made these first 3 ornaments to swap with Cari at luckygirlgifts.

I made this snowgirl from white velvet fabric, then added rhinestone buttons, a pink tulle scarf, pearly eyes and mouth, a lace crown and I made her a pink Sculpey carrot nose.

A simple rectangle ornament with a Marie-like lady, French text, vintage tinsel trim Martha Stewart holiday crystal course glitter (my favorite this year, I got 2 more bottles on sale plus 2 of the fine texture also, yay!)

This fabric rose pomander was fun and quite time consuming. I spent several evenings watching Christmas movies, hand sewing 32 fabric roses. I glued them all to a paper mache sphere. I'm so glad it turned out as I had hoped.

And here are the 3 beauties I received from Cari. I topped my new pink tree with the glittered silhouette girl. Love her!

She sent me such pretty ornaments, so fun! Thanks again Cari.

Tea for Tuesday

2011-11-29T13:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Tea Cup Tuesday. Martha and Terri host a most wonderful tea cup sharing party, so be sure to check out all the lovlies. Here is one of my newest tea cup finds.

I love this little cutie. It is my tiniest tea cup at just over 2 1/2" tall. The pale pink with the black and gold make me smile. It seems girly and chic altogether.

I know next to nothing about teacups, but here is undercarriage of my pretty. Going to have to ask Santa dear for a tea cup collector book.

More gold to smile at on the handle and a very generous stripe at the base.

Thanks for stopping in to see my cup. As promised there is another tote up at my Frilly Frou Frou +2 shop. Pinks and ivorys this one. Eeeeee! :)

Dearly missed *& prize winner!!

2011-11-28T13:42:00.001-07:00

You all have been dearly missed but not forgotten (I promise!).

First I want to share a new tote with you. This is Ivy, and I just listed "her" (haha I decided to name all my Frilly Frou Frous) in my Etsy shop.

Simple and sweet I hope. I had so much fun with the 50's looking minty greens.

I handmade both the flower and the velvet leaf for embellishment.

And now, I will spare you the litany of excuses for my absence and proceed with the show, yahoo! I last left you with the promise of a drawing for the tote filled with goodies. I did reach 100 followers and beyond even, thank you everyone so much for playing.

Well, here goes... a drum roll please...

The lucky winner is Judy of French Laundry. I'm going to hop over now and tell her the good news. Also, I have already photographed 2 more new totes and will add them to my shop this week too.

Cheers friends!

Celebration Giveaway Extravagan-ZA!

2011-08-24T16:43:00.001-07:00

Here's the Loot! I am thrilled to give away this assortment of goodies, see the pretty tote in the back there. Ooooeeeee, so exciting! Read on...

There are so many things to celebrate here I decided to roll them all into one big ol' Celebration Giveaway Extravagan-ZA! First of all, today is my 31st birthday. Hooray! I am happy to be alive and healthy and I am hopeful for a spectacular year!

Second, I have officially opened my Etsy shop. I do hope you'll come visit me there.

Frilly Frou Frou +2

Hooray again!! The "Plus 2" is to honor my two fantastically frilly daughters. Haha! The first items I have listed are really fun totes like this one I made specifically to give away here. Right now, the shop is a tad bit empty, but I couldn't resist revealing it as soon as possible. Don't fret, I will be adding many more FRILLY FROUFY items soon, so be sure to check back when you can.

This tote is made from a heavyweight canvas-type material which I tea-dyed, washed then line dried. Smells so yummy off the line, love that! (Took all of 5 minutes in the 114 degree heat yesterday.) I added these handmade fabric flowers.

And some really lovely laces. The taupe-y colored lace goes around the back also. A new applique I scored recently, I love how it looks like a medalion.

Add all that together and it makes for a great tote. I made myself a pink one that I simply LOVE, perfect with my everyday jeans and white tee.

Here are some closeups of the rest of the items in the Giveaway:

And last but not least, my favorite reason to celebrate... YOU! I have reached almost 100 followers. Triple Hooray!!! If that isn't a good reason to boogiewoogie to a good song, I don't know what is. :) I thank eack and every one of you for coming here to look at my blog and for taking the time to leave a comment when you can. You really make my days special!

Here is a list of the items in my

Celebration Giveaway Extravagan-ZA!

Frilly Frou Frou Tote

4 - 8.5"x11" pieces of wallpaper

Wallpaper border piece

Vintage Happy Birthday tissue/wrap

Handmade pink flower w/ velvet leaves

Shop window card

Hankie w/ coral crochet border

Rose doily

Millenery Rose

5 book sheets Vintage German calligraphy

5 sheets Vintage dictionary

5 sheets French poetry

5 sheets Vintage Greggs Shorthand

2 white lace pieces

Silver rick rack piece

(And a whole lotta LOVE!)

To ENTER... all you have to do is comment here

(1 time).

For extra entries you may:

~ Follow my blog (or be a current follower)

~ Link to my Giveaway in a blog post, include first photo

~ Link to my Giveaway in your sidebar, include first photo

~ Like my Etsy Shop on Facebook

Then comment 1 time and let me know how many entries (up to 5) qualify you for the Giveaway.

A winner will be chosen, verified and announced September 24th.

Clear as mud? Hee hee, had to put that in there. Thank you again for visiting and for making this so fun for me, hope you enjoy playing in the Celebration Giveaway Extravagan-ZA.

Truly and affectionately yours,

Sewing Slipper & Curly Cuties

2011-08-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

Oh my dear goodness it's been awhile since my last post. My husband has been working out of town for 5 weeks, so I have been staying quite busy with my girls. He is home now (and off work after 32 days straight) for a week and then gone again until Labor Day weekend. So thankful he has work though, we can not complain. In the mean time, I have been crafting and creating into the wee hours much to my heart's desire.

I made this sewing slipper to swap in my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group. Our hostess, the sweet and super craft savvy, Melanie provided us with a fabulous example and tutorial.

I cut up a vintage lace and embroidered doily to use on the vamp of the slipper.

I have been saving this metal shoe "buckle" clip for just the right project. I'm so glad I came across it while I was searching for embellishments, its a perfect fit. I used blue velvet trim under the buckle for a soft pop of color.

The base fabric is a very pale blue satin.

The slipper opens up to reveal felt spaces to hold sewing pins and needles.

Love this bow trim!

Then I tied the slipper closed and filled it with a few fun notions, some wide lace and a pretty hankie. I searched and searched for pretty vintage scissors to no avail. Ah well. My 4 year old loved the slipper so much she desperately wanted to try it on. I disallowed it, but I saw the draw she had to such a pretty little satin slipper. Wouldn't it be nice wear a pair of these around?

Here is a photo of my little Curly Cuties. I did their hair in sponge rollers for church a couple weeks ago. Their locks were just-a-bouncin when they walked, so fun to have girls (with curls)!

Love and BIG ol hugs,

Fabric Covered Metal Cuff

2011-07-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

It was total bliss to create this cuff for a swap with my Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group. My partner Tabitha loves the pink, aqua, cream look, so I got it all in there for her. I love the curled up millenery flower in the middle with the pink pearl center I added.

I was so happy to use the white and cream vintage lace, and I was holding out on using my blue lace (which is truly pettable, it's so delicate and soft). This was just the right project and color scheme to break it on out! Hee hee.

This is the inside of the cuff, an aqua satin.

I was vacationing in Colorado Springs, so I brought a giant box of goodies and tools and I handsewed everything in my hotel room there while my girls were napping. :) The best part about the project was that after worrying and expecting it to be fairly difficult, I was happily surprised with the completed cuff.

Tabitha in turn made me the most beautiful cuff. I have really been enjoying all neutrals in crafting. The pieces I make using the monochromatic whites, creams, beiges usually turn out to be my favorites. And in the fashion/jewelry world, I have been raving about white, so how perfect is this cuff for me?

The roses on my cuff are divine! She had it all wrapped with love in the wonderful hankerchief. I love the sweet pink birdie clip and the white flowers she sent, too.

The inside looks so gauzy and cool.

The center piece is amazing. I love that crackly grey look of the rhinestone. And that scalloped surround. Swoon!

How about the cool wire, pearl and rhinestone detailing she added to the sides? Over lace. I am in love with my new cuff! Thank you Tabitha!

Izzy's Hat

2011-07-19T10:02:00.010-07:00

Oh it's been too long since I last scrapbooked; how I have missed it so. Part of my Mystic Paper assignment this month was a layout and I was thrilled, yippee! Here is what I came up with from the 7Gypsies paper and the wallpaper border.

This bitty beauty is my younger daughter last Fall. The coloring in these photos of her coordinated so wonderfully with my kit. The frame around the photo, the frame corners as well as the flowers, I cut from the amazing wallpaper border.

I trimmed around pieces from the wallpaper and used pop dots to elevate the leaves around this photo. I left the white border to really make it pop.

A circle cut from a manilla folder daubed with Tattered Rose distress ink and misted with water. Grungeboard letters painted white and rubbed generously with Brushed Corduroy. The trim in my kit was perfect for the curve of the circle. Then I just added some doodle dots with brown marker.

Don't you just love her chubby arm? It makes me so happy. She is about to turn 3 this summer and still hasn't quite lost the baby squishyness yet. Awe, proud mama heart is swelling now. :) Enjoy~

Wild Woman

2011-07-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Here is my first project for Mystic Paper this month. The 7gypsies paper and the wallpaper border in my kit just spoke something western to me. Maybe it was because I was surfing around the blogs right during the Paper Cowgirls event and that inspired me, but when I found the Crafty Secrets wild woman image, the chimes rang and the lightbulb flashed and angels sang, "Aaahhh." I love that moment when it's like, "Okay, I can do this. Yes." Vision and the feeling it gives me once imagined always shocks me a little. Isn't that funny?

Well, here she is...my collage board.

My "Wild Woman." I painted a Glimmer Chips frame white (super sloppily) and rubbed it with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. I loved the old west look of it.

White paint and ink on grungeboard letters. Up in the top left corner you can see some of the flowers I cut from the wallpaper border. Love that stuff, so luscious in color, weight and texture.

Dictionary clippings: Prarie Fairy

Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree it's been three long years..... (that's all I know.) :) Goodness do I ever love seambinding. And did you notice, I couldn't help myself from using crepe streamer (once again) to make a sumptuous ruffle, just the touch of western femininity I wanted. Oh and with the Brushed Corduroy ink. Yeah!

Don't forget to click over to see the other gals Design Team projects (the lovely Sheri and Jenna). And check back tomorrow for my scrapbook layout for Mystic.

Elegant French Pouch

2011-07-07T07:52:00.002-07:00

Remember when I shared photos with you of my gorgeous kit from Melanie? Here is the "Elegant French Pouch" I created. Oooh I have so much fun with these fabric projects! I love getting to use new stuff from far away lands. :)

Here is a close up of the lovely Marie Antoinette printed fabric Melanie sent me. I love the colors in it, so inspiring. The bottom of the trim border photographed a little crooked here, but I swear it's all straight and nice in person. (That would drive me crazy to look at.) I had a little fun with the crinkly seam binding and made a loopy "fringe" trim for the bottom of my pouch.

The pretty rose and charm Melanie made me, and a earring clipped onto the lace. The gold worked so nicely with the browns in the trims.

With all the decadent pretties Melanie sent, I couldn't resist totally decking out the back of my bag too. I am in LOVE LOVE LOVE with the blue and rosy cream lace.

More jewelry here. This piece is now probably one of my most favorite in my current collection. Pink rhinestones, aaaah!

So I hope you like my little pouch. I might wear it all around the house today, it makes me that happy. Hee hee!

Mystic Paper Kit

2011-07-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

Look at the pretties I get to create with for Mystic Paper this month. A stretch of pretty flowered wallpaper border. Some gorgeously coordinated 7gypsies papers, some great rosey brown trim, and buttercup seam binding. My assignment: 1 layout and one collage board. Hooray! Can't wait to get started. (I remembered to take this picture before I jumped right on in this time.)

Hop over to Sheri and Jenna's blogs to see their kits this month too. And be sure to check back to see what I have created with these goodies.

Free Marie ATCs

2011-07-04T16:10:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July everyone! I made these ATC's for a Red, White and Blue themed swap with my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group. Can you tell I love swapping with them? I do I do I do. :)

Lots of neat things on these cards. Embossed pearly wallpaper, a stamped birdcage, a Copic colored Marie, a Stickled blue bird, "Free" text from a vintage dictionary, flapper fringe, lacy trim and silver glass glitter. I had so much fun playing with my pretty stuff on these.

Hope you all had a safe and fun weekend. My hubby grilled the most delicious steaks last night, YUM!

Take care,

Charm Swap

2011-06-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

I don't believe I have ever shared one of my charm swaps with you here on my blog, and I love these! For this one on my MAMA group, you make and send in 25 charms and receive 25 in return. The color scheme this time was Crystal, White, Pearl, Silver. Ah, my favorite! Technically you only have to send in 25 charms, but usually I do packages of 2 or 3. This time I went a bit overboard because of my abundance of supplies in the color scheme. (I have been waiting for a "with silver" swap to come along so I could use these pendant/bails I bought.) Yeehee!

For this set I used a faceted Aurora Borealis bead from a necklace I got at a yardsale with some of my solid sterling spacers and bicones. So shiny!

Another bead I have been waiting to use... my silver/rhinestone spacers. They fit perfectly with the faux pearls I had (another yardsale purchase).

More faux pearls, these oddly shaped, with cute little clear beads.

Some larger beads with end caps to add some interest.

After I made these all up, I strung the charms on strips of satin and tied them onto cards with my name on the back. Easy to see and kinda pretty I think.

Then baggied them all up to mail off to my amazing hostess, Rhonda. I'll be sure to share my returns and my finished project (probably a bracelet) with you.

Hugs!

A kit for Melanie

2011-06-15T06:48:00.010-07:00

Here is the kit I sent to Melanie for her to use to create her French Elegant Pouch. I made six little 2.5"x2.5" square boxes to fill with her goodies. Here is how they looked all packed up.

This is one of the boxes closed.

I wrapped the laces and trims around tickets which matched the cream, pale tealy blue and peachy pink color scheme and fit inside the bitty boxes just right.

I used coordinating scrapbook papers so the boxes even matched the kit.

The jewelry pieces and extra embellishments, plus some extra cream satin and grey silk.

This box fit four pieces of fabric rolled up all pretty.

More surprises.

An embellished salt shaker that I filled full of beads and cushioned inside the box with some wider nude-pink vintage laces.

Oh, I missed taking a photo of the flowers I sent. I borrowed this one from Melanie. They were my favorite part to make.

And a box full of cream goodies hopefully to dazzle and delight the lovely miss Melanie.

I have just the most fun making kits for my MAMA partners. Something about gifting like this just makes my heart all full up. :) I was especially nervous to gather and pack this one up though, because Melanie was our dear hostess and I really wanted put something great together for her. Thanks for checking it out, I can't wait to see what she makes.

A kit from Melanie

2011-06-14T09:19:00.001-07:00

My Marie mail is always such happy mail. Waiting for these packages to arrive from some of the most wonderful women around the country and world too, is one of my favortie things about the group. (Okay maybe not the actual waiting, but the anticipation of such pretty mail is wonderful! Like Christmas all year long.) This box and the beauties inside came from Melanie who was the hostess for a kit swap with MAMA. We sent our partners things to make an French Elegant Pouch, just look what she sent for me to create mine...

I love how she used the elastic lace to tie these heart boxes together.

Everything was packaged so beautifully.

So much fun to open.

These fabric images are so amazing. I can't wait to create with them.

I'm going to love using these trims and flowers on my pouch.

Jewelry pieces galore! Wheee!

The most amazing fabric lace trim pieces I have ever seen! Thump thump thump... that's tiny heart palpitations you hear.

And the embellishments she sent were over-the-top gorgeous too! I feel so lucky with my kit and so excited to get going on my pouch. I love having a project like this waiting in the wings of my ordinary life. It's delightful to day dream about the beauty and possibility. Ahhhhh, bliss.

Tomorrow I'll share photos of the kit I sent to miss Melanie. Ciao for now and lots of love!

Marie Fabric Journal

2011-05-20T11:20:00.001-07:00

As long ago promised, here are the photos of the fabric journal I made from the kit from I received from the wonderful Debi in a swap through our Marie Antoinette Mail Art group.

I must admit this is one of my most favorite projects. The process was truly cathartic and the finished result just made me so happy (I love it when that happens!). Hopefully my daughters will appreciate my handiwork and cherish it as I do when they are older. At 2 and 4 years old, they already know just who this is in my book, they say, "Oooh Ma-wee. Beautiful momma." Isn't that enough to melt your heart.

Well, Miss Debi sent me so many beautiful things and I was sorry (almost mourning) when the book was finsished... So I kept on with the fun and made a bag in which to store the actual journal.

The front of the bag.

Closer up

The back of the bag. I love creating with neutrals.

The front of the journal.

The sides all poofily luscious with trims and fabrics.

Oh my, now I need to go get this book and look at it (and best of all feel it) again. :)

I'm taking my hubby out for his birthday tomorrow night, but it requires a new dress for me which I get to shop for today. It's going to be a great weekend ~ all smiles here.

Hope you have a beautiful weekend too!

Mystic Paper May Project

2011-05-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

Oh boy did I ever have a wonderful time playing with the Tim Holtz Kraft Resist Paper from my Mystic Paper kit this month. Be sure to stop by the other design team member's blogs (Jenna & Sheri) to see what they did too.

I just love kraft colored paper so, I wanted to get as much use out of the 8 sheets of paper as I could, including the backs. I decided make a journal using fabric hankies as the covers with the cool TH papers all decorated inside. The plain back side of the papers makes perfect space for writing. Hard to see them here but the TH charm and pin I attached to the seam binding bows say, "Wonderful Thoughts."

The front of the journal

Inside the with all the pages layered up.

Close up of the AWESOME paper. You can see the resist, in the swirly line and the black printed butterflys. I painted them with Glimmer Mist. In the very last photo here I took a pic in bright sunshine so you can see the actual sparkle.

Some stamping and inking on the blank side of the paper. As well as the cool Paris postmark resisting the pink Glimmer Mist.

Music notes resisting peach GM. Plus I added a Crafty Secrets journal spot and stamped a little.

This ledger page I folded and glued to make a pocket, then used Mustard Seed ink followed by Iridescent Gold glimmer mist.

Look at all these fun layers. By this point I was really playing! See how I tied seam binding around a page to hold pieces on... like the envelope tag here.

I love this pattern paper. I painted the lady's hat and dress with Glimmer Mist. You really have to imagine this book all glittery which is so nice with the muted kraft.

More painting with GM, this time in a patchwork style.

This page I tried to just splash paint haphazardly (but leaving "Paris" untouched.

So here you get an idea of the sparkle all throughout the journal and also how nice and shiny the resist is on the paper.

I hope you liked looking at my journal. I feel I really only scratched the surface with what neat things could be done to this awesome paper.

Have a wonderful day! H

Mother's Day Brooch Swap

2011-05-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

I played for the first time at A Swap for All Seasons in the Mother's Day Brooch swap. My wonderful partner, Mary, sent me the sweetest package and brooch.

She sent the package all wrapped up in the most gorgeous doily which she laced shut with ribbon. Genius! Then a super great tag that will be a perfect bookmark. And even extras ~ a yummy soap that made the box of everything smell delicious, and a tiny bear measuring tape (adorable and oh so useful).

And inside that wonderful fabric covered, music lined box? The most beautiful sachet and a Mother's Day Brooch that seems it was simply made for me. :)

Here I am wearing it today.

Here is the package I sent to Mary.

She said she liked cameo pins, and I found a really interesting 3D cameo brooch for her.

Mary is a quilter so I made a pinwheel square and added an "M" applique and some lace. I thought maybe she could add a hook to the back to hang it up and decorate it with more brooches, or have it on a table flat even. Then I wrapped the whole thing in a color coordinated hankie. I hope she liked her package. I had such fun with this swap and having her as my partner.

Happy Mother's Day y'all!

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-05-03T08:22:00.001-07:00

Last week for Terri and Martha's Tea Cup Tuesday I shared the beautiful tea cup swap Wanda sent me. Here is the cup and giftie I mailed off to her.

Wanda wished for pink and green or pastels (and "loves roses"), so here is the cup I found and fell in love with for her. The background that the roses are floating on is the palest baby blue color. I thought it was quite lovely.

The mark is Adderley bone china. And again, I love the pretty crown and even the off centeredness and other markings.

The set also came with this not truly matching, but coordinating dish. Wanda collects those gorgeous sugar cubes like she sent me, and she said it is perfect for them.

This is the package of extra goodies I sent. Several cards full of lace and trims, tea tucked in little paper pouches that I sewed, and a french ephemera journal with a fabric cover.

Here is a closer picture of the journal. I thought it might be fun to write in as she has tea, or maybe to tuck photos or mementos inside.

These some of the inside pages. My favorite is the first, a to-die-for amazing French ledger page with beautiful calligraphy. I won it as a prize in my Marie group from a dear friend of mine, Rhonda.

Mystic Paper Kit

2011-05-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

Oh wow, I am so excited about the paper I got in this month's Mystic Paper kit. Eight, that's right 8 sheets of the new Tim Holtz paper.

The paper is gorgeously printed and super luscious even though it is kraft colored. The best part is the varied "water mark" looking print which resists inks, color, mists and the like.

Be sure to check out Sheri and Jenna's blogs to see what they got in their kits this month.

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-04-26T07:49:00.002-07:00

Oh I have been so excited for this Tea Cup Tuesday hosted by the wonderful Terri and Martha. I recently participated in a tea cup and gift swap with my Marie Antoinette group and received quite a beautiful package from my partner Wanda that I couldn't wait to share.

Here is the gorgeous cup she sent me. I was so excited about the little yellow flowers on it as the reminded me of daisies. And Wanda didn't know, but I love daisies because I had them in my wedding. Then the more I looked at them I thought they might rather be sunflowers or black-eyed susans. I asked my mom who was visiting for Easter what she thought, and she said, "They are what ever you want them to be." Isn't that the sweetest kind of mommy answer? I deem them daisies.

This view of the back shows the gorgeous shape of the cup. Thinkin' I need to get a tea cup collecting book so I know more about all this.

The mark is pretty. I am always attracted to the fancier markings, funny huh?

Look how beautifully Wanda packaged up all the extra goodies.

And here is what was inside... oh yes tiny squeals of delight could not help but escape from me. A wall hanging filled with trims and two hankies, notecards (perfect for this stationery-ista), shortbread, coasters made in England, a really gorgeous card, the tea, and more...

Like this delicious little handmade pin cushion tart.

Or these rose frosted sugar cubes. They're so darling aren't they?

I love love love the spoon. I'm so new to this tea thing, it was totally unexpected and fun.

Here is some detail on the hanging. Wanda made the adorable velvet flowers, I just love how she put it all together.

So you can see why I was totally blissed out with my tea cup swap. Thank you again Wanda for all the work you put into every detail. (More tiny happy squeals!) Yay! I'll be sure to join in next week too and share the cup I sent to Wanda.

Domino Mini Book Part 3

2011-04-18T15:42:00.001-07:00

This is the second Domino Mini Book I created and photographed the making of for my tutorial which you can see in PART 1, as well as photos and tips of the other book in PART 2. Enjoy ma cheries.

Peachy alcohol inks with a paper Marie, a tatted flower and a rhinestone. For this book, I alcohol inked the edges of the domino also.

Lace and gold trim glued on with 3 in 1.

The ten interior pages.

For this cake set of 3 pages I cut the middle section exactly to match an interior BASE with no side borders. This makes the cake (or image) really look like all one piece when you open the book.

After alcohol inking the back I stamped with StazOn and attached rhinestones with Glossy Accents.

Well, there they are in all their itty bitty glory. I hope you enjoyed seeing these come together, I would love to hear what you think or even see photos of yours if you try them.

Ciao Bellas!

Domino Mini Book Part 2

2011-04-18T15:19:00.003-07:00

Ah now for more photos and little tidbits and tips on one of my finished Domino Mini Books. You can see a tutorial on how to make these in PART 1 and photos and notes on the other book in PART 3.

Front cover: The tealy design is made by placing lace over the domino, adding alcohol ink, and allowing to dry before I removed the lace. Pretty cool huh? Then I just glued the paper Marie over that.

**The covers may seem like the hardest part, but really they are the most fun! :) There are tons of things you can do to them. Alcohol inks work great. Try Pearl with the brighter colors to make pastels. If you don't like how it's turning out, wipe it off with rubbing alcohol and begin again. :) The pleasure is in the process, just have fun! You don't even have to use alcohol inks, but this is a great place to try.**

I attached the rhinestones to the paper with Glossy Accents. And the paper and lace materials to the dominoes with 3 in 1.

Here are the 10 teensy interior pages with all sorts of different decorations.

Stamping and glitter paper. Notice I did distress ink the edges of the pages.

Some music paper and glimmer misted dresden.

For this double set of pages, I stamped directly onto the base paper. A little chancy, but if you mess up, you can always cover it.

I stamped with StazOn on the back and attached a piece of punched glitter paper with 3 in 1 glue.

So, did I tell ya these are addicting? They should probably come with a bitsy warning.

Domino Mini Book Tutorial Part 1

2011-04-18T15:01:00.003-07:00

I am currently hosting a Domino Mini Book swap over at my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group. I really wanted it to be easy for people to play even if they had never made one before, so I included a tutorial detailing exactly how I assembled my lil' books. Another member, the sweet and amazingly talented Terri, at Artful Affirmations tried some of her own and suggested I share the very same tutorial with you. So here goes... :)

This PART 1 will detail the making of the Domino Mini Books. In Part 2 and Part 3, I will share more photos of my finished books and tips too! The measurements on this tutorial are for 1"x2" dominoes. You may need to modify if your dominoes are a tad larger or smaller.

Cut your interior BASE paper to 1 7/8"x9". My paper here has a scalloped edge to add some detail, but same basic idea.

For your first score mark your paper should be facing up on the side you intend to decorate. (Here, I want to decorate the plainer, lined side; and leave the prettier glittered side for the back of the book undecorated. **Score at 7/8"

Flip paper over. Place first score mark at 7/8". Score again.

Continue to flip paper over and score, with previously scored mark at 7/8".

Fold in fan fashion on all scored lines.

Back and forth, using folder to crease well.

You may notice an overhang on the very last page. (I over-measured the 9" to allow this on purpose.) Trim this off even with the folds.

So here is how the BASE paper should look folded to allow for 10 interior pages, placed with your domino covers.

***You will want to decorate your covers BEFORE you put your book together. Believe me, I did it both ways, and decorating (especially inking) the covers afterward was quite difficult.***

Cut lengths of ribbon or lace to tie the covers shut. Over measure to allow enough to tie a bow. You can always trim later. Glue to center line of each domino front and back (I used 3 in 1 again).

Then attach your fan folded BASE paper to the front cover, centering the space at each edge. Go light enough on the glue so it doesn't squeeze out onto your ties.

Attach the back cover in the same way.

Before you attach your interior pages, you may want to distress ink your BASE paper sides, folds and creases. I cut my interior pages to 3/4"x 1 3/4". Here I did shorten that measurement a bit to allow for a nice border with the scalloped edge.

So that's that. :) I hope this tutorial was useful to you and that you enjoy making your own teensy tiny mini books. I find them quite addicting. I always knew there would be a use for the favorite bitty scraps I have been holding onto. Hee hee!

Happy Monday, Holls

Tissu Che'rit Le Journal Gift Kit

2011-04-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

Not long ago, I participated in a wonderful Fabric Journal Gift Kit swap with my Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group. My partner was the fabulous Debi who sent me the most gorgeous kit of delicious goodies.

Right when I opened the package I knew it was going to be special. The doily was made by her husband's aunt at least over 40 years ago. Debi wrapped each of my THREE boxes in pink tissue donned with lace and roses. Inside that, two different sized Eiffel tower book boxes filled to the brim with journal making marvelousities.

Gosh this box of hand dyed fabrics, appliques, and doilies in the softest pinks and neutrals was positively Swoon Worthy! The materials she sent were so totally inspirational for the journal I was about to create.

Vintage laces and trims and ribbons to make my mind go ga-ga with the possibilities.

A sweet floral hankie, stamped muslin, rosettes galore. And tiny tied boxes perfect for trinkets and jewels. And last but not least, the most demure little birdie girl you ever did see.

Was I spoiled? Definitely. Did I love it? Every second. {Grin}

You may click HERE to see the kit I sent lovely Debi. It was just delightful to put together for her. And be sure to check back soon to see my completed journal.

7gypsies Camden Easter Basket and Box

2011-04-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Wow I had so much fun creating with the 7gypsies Camden paper. I decided to make some gift containers. Great ideas for all the gifty stuff coming up: Easter, Mother's Day, Graduations, teacher gifts, not to mention my hubby's birthday and our 12th anniversary.

First I created a sweet little mini basket. I used 3 paper lunch sacks which I cut down, layered, and glued together. Then I added a crepe streamer ruffle and snipped it up to look like grass. After that I covered the inside and out with rectangles of Camden paper. I embellished with the gorgeous Prima flocked rub-ons. I used 7gypsies tape to cover the seams and coordinate with the grass color. I made the handle from an extra piece of paper bag wrapped with ribbon.

My favorite part of the project is (of course) the seam binding bow which I stamped with the Crafty Secrets Bonjour stamp set.

The next project I made is an apple pie box.

Here is a close up of the amazing Prima flocked rub-ons. They go on super smoothly and are raised up a bit for a really cool texture addition.

I hope these simple projects gave you some good gift giving ideas. Be sure to click over the Sheri and Jenna's blogs to see their projects too. Or drop by Mystic Paper in to see them all in person.

April Mystic Paper Kit

2011-04-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Look at the goodies I get to play with this month from Mystic Paper. New 7gypsies Camden paper, Prima flocked rubons, ribbon and seam binding. Wheee whooo!

Be sure to check out Sheri and Jenna's blogs to see their kits this month.

Meet Bebe Millie

2011-03-11T09:04:00.001-07:00

My new vintage wooden baby doll.

Doesn't she have the sweetest, happiest expression?

And she sits so prettily.

Who wouldn't love her chubby wubby knees?

Or her rosy cheeks and cherub curl?

She is very large (I gather) for a wooden baby, fully life size.

Precisely the precious girl I was looking for to wear this lovely tatted bonnet I have had in my collection. It's like she found me.

So despite all the peeling and cracks of age... I am in love.

Say bye-bye Millie. Time for night-night.

Le Cirque de Holleil

2011-03-09T09:18:00.002-07:00

UPDATE: Wow I just found out I won a random prize for posting my tags on the G45 facebook fan page. The most exciting part is that the Graphic 45 blog featured 3 of my tags. Such an incredible honor, and sure made my day!

Oh boy was it ever a pleasure to use the latest and the greatest Le Cirque Graphic 45 paper for my Mystic Paper project this month. Hopefully you can tell how much fun I had playing and creating my 4 tags and 2 cards.

First is my very favorite tag, I wish you could see all the layers. I really should have done a side view.

And here is a card I made using the back, striped paper to create a poofy circus tent. I sprayed it with Iridescent Gold glimmer mist to mute the color and add some sparkle and lined it with gold and black Stickles. To make the curtains I crumpled them while wet with the mist and used a heat tool to dry them into shape and give them a great crispy texture.

I added a simple tag and feather inside to really finish it off.

This one is the most plain, but I loved the blue color (Broken China distress ink sprayed with water and edged with Vintage Photo ink) so much I wanted a simple tag. I made the folded, stamped flower using the back of a tag. The picture part is from two different tag images with the stands and circus cars in the background and Miss Louise popped up in the front. Fun where the paper led me. :)

I just about wrote, "this one was just FUN," but they were all such great fun really. I wanted this tag to have lots of clowns, like how many clowns will fit into a VW bug kinda thing. The clown charm on the chain dangles and swings for a touch of whimsy. The ticket image is a Tim Holtz stamp.

Then I did a simple card, but the paper really makes it playful.

So I had to make the inside just as lively.

And for the last tag I did something a little more girly. Soft pink seam binding and Tattered Rose and Brushed Corduroy ink with a shimmer of the Iridescent Gold glimmer mist. I made a 3D popcorn box from white cardstock which I inked with Fired Brick and glimmer misted. A touch of gold Stickles for the "lights" around the poster and some cool Tim Holtz wheels to make it look like a carriage or boxcar.

Be sure to stop by Sheri and Jenna's blogs to see their wonderful projects this month, and stay tuned for our next kits.

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-03-08T16:56:00.000-07:00

I'm sharing some of the new treasures I found at yardsales this weekend for Terri and Martha's Tea Cup Tuesday.

I love this mini tea cup with the generous gold rim and sweet scene on the inside and out.

I just thought this cup would add to my pretty collection. It has such a neat rim, and (though it's hard to see here) I fell for the palest pale blue background behind the flowers, above the double gold lines.

Saucerless, it still looked nice stacked on my two new plates. I thought the square one was unusual, and below you can see the great detail of the cream plate. I just love the dark silvery gilding, the crackles and the embossed edging.

Cheers! (I always want to say cheers on here, but thought it might sound silly. Well now I've gone and done it so oh well.) Hee hee!

You make my Heart sing {UPDATED}

2011-03-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hi friends, I am updating this post to play in Karla Nathan's Using the Good Stuff! challenge. I LOVE the idea of using lots of or all "besties" on a project. I think that's why I had so much fun making my cloth heart, and also why I was so darn pleased with the result. I do hope you will check out Karla's beyond beautiful blog and try to play in this challenge that encourages you to bring out your favorites and USE them. You won't be sorry when you do.

My Marie Antoinette Mail Art group is hosting an online Valentine Gala this weekend and I can't wait!

The divinely talented miss Terri, hostesse extraordinare, gave us a wonderful pattern and instructions for a Cloth Valentine Heart with a Contest in preparation for the Gala. I had so much fun creating this project with some of my favorite finds.

Hanging cloth heart (closed).

Hand embroidered feather stitch surrounding stamped silk. A vintage millenery flower that I glimmer misted with Silver and Crushed Shells. Garter clip and key. Seam binding and vintage lace bow. All on deep gray, dupioni silk heart base.

Side view

Inside view. I used a ton of my treasured hand-tatted laces around the border and for the ties. I just adore the scalloped rosette one. I sewed a necklace to the V of the heart as a hanger and a pretty dangle for the bottom.

A satin Marie I have been saving for just the right project. I pulled her from a scrolly, gold metal frame with crumbling foam and red velvet backing. Here I encircled her with *~sparkly~* rhinestones. This is also a good view of the background lace which is actually cream with pink stitching details. Also two glass buttons, and a sweet ivory one.

An image stamped on fabric and topped with a poofy pink, pinked tulle heart. And a close up of the cool chain.

"You make my Heart sing" stamped on one tail of a creamy silk bow.

Back view (closed). I made both the pink flower under the tulle and the shabby gray rose. I attached a pretty button to the back of the necklace charm so this side was also nice and finished.

Side view of back (closed). That feather stitch is so fun! This was the second time I have tried it. I taught it to myself on the crazy quilt stocking I made.

Outside view (open).

Sigh, I {heart} this project... I hope you had fun looking, thank you from the bottom of my (oh my goodness, I didn't mean to pun that) heart for popping in.

Paris "Pantalon" Purse

2011-03-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

Isn't it fun to repurpose old things? Okay, maybe half the fun is in shopping junk stores for the funky item I just know, one day, will be perfect for some project. It takes visions of grandeur for sure. You'll never guess what I made this chic purse out of... or maybe you will because it's in my title. Hee hee!

Pantalon ~ "Pants!"

Two different pairs of red printed pants. Isn't the Paris print so sweet. At least on a purse right? Here is a closeup of the flower I made to embellish it and the tag I added to the seam.

My eyes (& heart & mind probably too) are always searching for the bigger picture when it comes to crafty stuff, and it is a joy to see the fruits of my shopping "labor."

Hope you have a wonderful day, (look out for staples for your next project in unexpected places.)
Hugs,

Mystic Paper March Kit

2011-02-18T18:31:00.001-07:00

Well March is already just around the corner so we have received beautiful kits to work on for Mystic Paper. I am thrilled to work with the "hot off the press" Graphic 45 Le Cirque paper line. My quest is to make 4 tags and 2 cards. Wheeeee! Such fun!

Be sure to swing by the other two design team member (Jenna & Sheri's) blogs to see the pretties they get to create with this month.

Happy Valentine's Day Circa 1920's

2011-02-14T11:23:00.001-07:00

Last year I shared a 1950's Valentine from my personal collection. It was from my great-grandparents to my grandpa. So sweet. This year I wanted to share one of my great-grandmother's Valentines. I'm guessing it's from the 20's or earlier as it has her maiden name on the back.

The card itself is super thin paper, glad I have this scan as it looks about to crumble. The front has such gorgeous color, embossing, and gilding even around the heart.

Then the inside is ever so precious. I adore the scrolly print image around the sentiment.

Here are my tiny Valentine sweeties.

My little one is obsessed with her tutu and wears it everyday. (Luckily today it looks great with her new pink and red striped socks.)

Hope you have a wonderful day!

New pretties

2011-02-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

Look what I found at the thrift stores this week. A couple of real pretties I think. At least they made me happy inside. :) Hee hee! Plus, they look kind of nice all together don't you think?

The pinky-beige lace is lovely, but my favorite find this time is the card that holds it. "Fascinating Trims," in such a sweet font, how stinkin' cute. I LOVE IT! Also some muted gold trim, delicate ivory doilies the likes I've never seen before and soft gray real vintage silk seam binding. Yay! I'm happy all over again just sharing these treasures with you guys.

Have a wonderful (Super Bowl) weekend!

Twilight Zone Moment

2011-02-04T12:55:00.001-07:00

"You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension - a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into the Twilight Zone."

A total Twilight Zone moment happened to me last Friday.

I was in Payson (a sweet Arizona moutain town) visiting my parents. That evening my parents were exhausted after long days at work, so they went to bed and I went downstairs to search for a good book to keep me company until I cruised to la-la land.

Their shelves are full of lots of delicious choices. I almost decided on the complete short stories of Mark Twain, but then I grabbed this one.

Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott

So that FRIDAY evening (one week ago) I began to page through this pretty purple printed book; past the title sheet and the chapter lists to the very first page...

Where I found this date sheet. {Insert spooky music} It took me half a second of looking at it to realize, "Holy cow! January 28th, that's today. And ohmygoodness even creepier, today is a Friday!"

So anyhow, I decided by fate of super weird and totally cool cooincidences, I simply must read this book.

14 Love Notes ~ Mystic Project

2011-02-03T11:03:00.002-07:00

I have finished and submitted my project for Mystic Paper so you can stop by the shop to see it in person (and go shopping) if you like. Or, without further adieu here it is for you too!

Music sheet envelope, tied with crinkled seam binding. Buttons, pearls and a sweet heart charm. The "Valentine" heart is cut from the Cavalini paper. Also, I love using these October Afternoon Mini Market alpha and numbers on all sorts of projects. Such fun colors.

Gotta love the Scrabble tiles. I made these see-through, glassine like envelopes from tracing paper.

A little crepe paper gathered and accented with Tattered Rose distress ink.

A delicious heart doily also rubbed with Tattered Rose ink

These tickets are super cute! I used many of them as pull tags for the love notes.

Oops, I forgot to photo #5.

Crafty Secrets images stamped to look like a postcard.

Kaiser bling

White distress crackle paint again accented with Tattered Rose ink.

Oh, vintage seam binding makes me happy.

Tim Holtz calendar tissue tape. (The "10" got covered here. Windy photo session.)

More doilies used a little differently here.

Chipboard banner.

Aaaah yes pink crepe streamer blossom. My favorite.

SO much fun with this project.

The back.

Thank you so much for coming by to look at my project. Be sure to click over and see (the other DT members) Sheri and Jenna's sweet works of art too.

Crinoline Giveaway!

2011-01-30T14:29:00.001-07:00

Look at this amazing giveaway at My Mother's Pearls. She is drawing the evening of January 31st and I just happened upon it, yay!

Oh my goodness, I could only be too lucky. How beautiful.

Mystic Paper Feb Kit

2011-01-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since you have seen a Mystic Paper design team project from me, right? We took a little break for the holidays, but now we are back in full swing. Yay! Of course out of practice, I was so excited to use the poster size Cavalini paper that I cut it all apart before I took a photo, but you get the idea.

How lovely is the vintage valentine print? Also included in my kit are love tickets, red and white seam binding and some sweet, lacy heart doilies. Hope you'll come back soon to see my creation. :) Don't forget to stop by Sheri and Jenna's blogs to see their kits too.

Hugs! p.s. I am too excited today because I am cashing in on a Christmas present from my hubby, 60 minutes at Massage Envy. Wheeeeee! Relaxation here I come.

For the LOVE of Cupcakes!

2011-01-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

We celebrated my daughter's 4th birthday this past weekend and I'll share more on that fun party later, but for now I just had to share the dessert that was so good I already had to make it again for my friends who came over last night for a Valentine project. To be honest I am sitting here eating one for breakfast right now, ha!

Pink Strawberry Frosted
Sparkly Sugar Coated Chocolate Cupcakes! {Sigh}

They looked so pretty on my new glass cake plates. I am going to get a ton of use out of these babies!

Not only are they super tasty, they are simply gorgeous. IMHO. I got the sparkle sugar from TJ Maxx and I already know I want more. Tee hee hee.

I thought those pink poofy beauties were perfect to share with my new tea cup. This will be my second tea party with Terri and Martha for Tea Cup Tuesday and I have to say, I'm already becoming addicted. :) As I said before, I am no Cup Connoisseur. I chose this one simply because it I love it.

The very smudged stamp reads Made in Habsburg Austria. I love the pale teal color of it. (Okay, so I am easily pleased. A regular day PollyAnna. That's not so bad is it?)

So good day to you all, Cupcake wishes & Tea Cup dreams,

Cabbage Roses

2011-01-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

My latest creations for a fabric/ribbon flower swap on my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group. They are about 3 inches wide and made from torn fabric. I experimented with sewing the strip to a matching background until I got it to look how I wanted.

Wouldn't these look so pretty on a purse? Or as a statement hair piece? I can't wait to make more and start accesorizing. If you love them I would be interested in making more to sell, just drop me a line.

Happy Saturday friends and thank you so much for visiting and for your wonderful, encouraging comments.

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-01-11T10:55:00.001-07:00

This is my first Tea Cup Tuesday post. I decided to go ahead with one, though my cup is sorely lacking a matching saucer. Hope that's okay, {grin}. This lil' pretty is currently my very favorite. That being said, I don't know a lot about tea cups. I suppose it speaks beauty and softness and girlyness and grace to me, and so... I love it.

I love the laurel wreath~banner shape of the flowers and the gold around the base and rim. I most recently tried Tazo Passion tea in this cup, paired with homemade coffee cake, delicious.

The fancy handle makes me giddy. The photo doesn't show, but it has a touch of a gold stripe also.

The stamp is very off-centered and you can see it says, Royal Stuart Spencer Stevenson. Call me crazy, but I think the crown is almost as pretty as the rest of the cup, hee hee.

But my very favorite thing about this cup is the indented shape. Kinda special, but again, I'm no aficionado.

Snow Bunnies

2011-01-06T20:20:00.001-07:00

Or should I say, Snow MOUSIES?

I stayed over at my mom's house in Northern Arizona after Christmas and waited for a forcasted snowstorm. My little Phoenix girls loved it. Here are some pics from our playin'.

Little Isabella cried and cried when it was time to come in. She was completely in love with the falling snow.

Sweet Tessa coun't get enough either! She was a total pro at snow-angels and sledding.

Baby Izzy was a tad nervous at first, but eventually had fun once we got her on the sled and pulled her around slowly. She's a very cautious girl, totally my fault. :)

And I was just like a little kid in all that snow. It brought back such wonderful memories of living in Wyoming early in my life. (Don't my parents have an awesome view?)

Secret Crazy Quilt Stocking

2011-01-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Oi, sorry for being gone so long y'all. I missed the writing and the sharing and the reading, glad to be back for sure.

So our whirlwind of Holidays from Halloween to the New Year has finally ended. Everyone say, "Awwwwww!" :) Hope you are filling your time with lots of fun and friends. I know I do after all the bustle is over, I just gotta keep it going a lil bit. Ha!

I took part in a Secret Santa Stocking Swap over at my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group. I couldn't share until now because I was keeping the surprise from the gal I sent to, Kris. The whole process of making this stocking was completely wonderful. I loved choosing the fabrics and machine piecing them, hand sewing the trims, and embroidering too, with some new stictches I've never tried and metallic floss. Too FUN!! By the time I finished it I was stroking it like a baby, I loved it so much.

I was thrilled to learn that not only did Kris love the stocking, she was absolutely downright delighted, especially with the fact it is a crazy-quilt because... she quilts! And I didn't even know. I love when those little coincidences (aka God Winks) happen. Makes me smile.

Another of these stockings is definitely in my future. Of course I'll need a "Round Tuit" first. ~wink~

Paper Doll ~ Christmas Marie

2010-12-07T22:38:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post to share the latest swap I did with my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group. My very first paper doll, just mailed her off today. I have to admit I am tickled with how she turned out. Definitely more of these in my future I think. :)

Happy Christmastime Y'all!

Silver and Gold Decorations

2010-11-29T21:58:00.004-07:00

And Holly of course! (I always have some song in my head don't I?)

This is my last card for my amazingly fun stint as a guest designer for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge. These gals are so incredibly creative, inspiring and most of all, encouraging. It was a wonderful experience working with them.

The Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge has combined three sketches in this post that will last the WHOLE MONTH. We have supplied both the FANCY and CAS sketches for you. In the true celebration of crafting, you are more than welcome to enter as many cards as you like this month. You can even do a few of each if you want to. Just have fun, crank up those holiday tunes and get some Holiday cards created. In addition to entering your cards throughout the whole month, we would like to invite you to share with us some of your holiday cheer, memories and things that have made your holidays extra special throughout the years. Along with those wonderful cards you will be posting, we would love to see some holiday pictures (old or new). Share your yummiest holiday recipe, pictures of your pet with a bow in it's head, share your favorite holiday song, video or even a blast from the past with your dad dressed up as Santa. You name it, we want to see it!! You can leave your links in your comments or just add whatever you would like to share with us on your Midnight Madness blog posts. In true holiday spirit, the prizes this month will be the gifts of giving from your heart and from all of us (DT and Players) and simply through the joy of sharing with each other.

Confused...?? Keep reading....

I wanted to share a story with you about the time my hubby and I got fogged in in Seattle and we almost missed Christmas here in Arizona. Our flight was scheduled for a couple days before Christmas and when the first flight was canceled, we smiled and went home to hang out for the day. But the next day at the airport when our flight was once again canceled, I couldn't hold back the tears. This was too much! (Me only 20 and missing my momma real bad!) I started to hate the sight of the Seattle airport with each step I took out that door. This time we went home and were bored stiff, so we decided to open a few presents. One I had bought for my hubby was an army man play set. We had so much fun that Christmas Eve setting up battles and playing War. (He of course much more practiced and therefore skilled than I.) Finally we bit the bullet and switched our tickets to Alaska Airlines (equipped with fog take-off and landing gear, big DUH on us.) We got out on a red-eye flight with burrito dinners and itty bitty tabasco sauce jars and finally made it home 5am Christmas morning. It's funny but to this day, army men and tabasco sauce remind me of Christmas!

Here are the December sketches... "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. (I went with 84 for my card.)

Feel free to enter multiple cards this month too!

Just have fun and come play with us :)

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My first Noel...

2010-11-22T21:47:00.007-07:00

...card this year that is. :)

It's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge time! I used one of Priscilla's wonderful new Christmas digital images and more of my beautiful Paper Temptress paper.

Some fun embellishments...

I printed the image on vellum and then colored it with Copics. Boy was that ever fun! :) A bit of Stickles to glitz it up. Voila!

This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"

Enter one style or both this week. Just have fun and come play with us :)

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Be sure to visit our weekly sponsor too, Robin's Fetish Digital Stamps and More.

Melissa Frances Home for the Holidays

2010-11-17T12:23:00.002-07:00

Hi all! If you know me, you know I downright adore Melissa Frances products. They are always a joy and never a disapointment. Of course I was thrilled to get the newest Home for the Holidays papers and snowflake embellishments in my Mystic Paper kit for November.

I love the sweet images on the paper so I decided to highlight them on a Wreath/Advent project.

I painted the chipboard snowflakes cream and then glimmer misted with Crushed Shells. Gorgeous, and oh so Melissa Frances, shabby effect.

Then, from the soft red houndstooth and pale blue snowy patterned paper, I cut and folded 24 tiny boxes (until my fingers and arms went numb, ouch!).

I used Melissa Frances Mica flakes for some dazzle. And of course most of my projects call for some crepe paper streamer ruffles. I distressed everything with Tattered Rose ink. Perfectly soft with these papers.

I dangled a bigger box for the 25th in the center of the wreath.

And this is the finished Wreath/Advent project.

Be sure to hop over to Sheri and Jenna's blogs and see their projects too!

Pink Christmas ~ I can't help it...

2010-11-15T21:30:00.003-07:00

Oh how I enjoy being a guest on the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge design team! It is a delight to share a new card with you every week. I would love to see your creative take on the sketch and do hope you decide to play. I am really jammin' into the Christmas spirit, so here is what I created with this week's gorgeous sketch:

{Singing: "These are a few of my favorite things..."}

Girls in white peacoats all nestled together

Gold background paper that looks just like feathers

Snowflakes all stamped and Stickled to add bling

These are a few of my favourite things.

I used a Crafty Secrets image. Who doesn't love sequins, glitter, lace, buttons, seam binding and ink. I love pink too and couldn't help but use it on this Christmas card. All the beautiful papers are from our monthly sponsor, Paper Temptress.

Cranberry Brown Bag: This paper is so cool it's the texture of a paper bag and one side is colored, the other side is brown. I used it here both ways. :)
Ice Pearl Glossy: Shimmery and lovely. It punches like a dream. Then I stamped snowflake onto it carefully with Stazon.
Mountain Rose & Rose Quartz Stardreams: Oh so yummy (pink) metallics.
Brockway Pink: Baby pink deckled brockway stationary. So pretty!
Retro Gold Glossy Lustre: This paper is DIVINE. It's texture looks somewhat like feathers swept through paint. Then the COOLEST thing happened............ By accident, I scratched a corner of this delicious gold paper. So I took my nail file to the rest of the edges to make it look like I did it on purpose. Such a cool (vintage) effect.

The snow everywhere is clear glitter glass accented with Icicle Stickles. Above you can see the brown side of the paper bag paper and the (happy accident) scratches on the gold.

This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)

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Make sure to check out our weekly sponsor too, our Hostess with the Mostess. . . Priscilla Styles.

Melissa Frances Mystic Kit

2010-11-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

The girls at Mystic Paper and our design team captain, Sheri, know me too well. I was all smiles when I picked up my kit a few weeks ago.

Lookie lookie! New Melissa Frances Christmas paper and snowflake chipboard. Plus some really cool trims, and a PEACE bingo card.

I'm in love, and I already have a great idea for my project this month. Stay tuned on that one! Be sure to click over and look at Sheri and Jenna's kits too.

Hugs,

Icicle Fairy

2010-11-08T22:00:00.002-07:00

This week for Midnight Madness I got to use a Priscilla Styles Store image with the gorgeous papers from our sponsor Paper Temptress. You might be able to tell that I went Spellbinders crazzzzzy with this one. So much FUN with these amazing papers.

I used:

Sky Blue Glossy for the background which I embossed with a snowflake motif, then inked the raised portion with a sponge daubbed in Timber Brown Staz-on. (Close up below.)
Cappucino Text Only: Have to say this is one of my favorites! I die cut first and then went to town with a Sepia Copic. I left the Spellbinders die in place and then used it as a stencil for the middle rectangle. On the upper and lower rectangles I carefully colored the debossed edge to make the shape pop from the page a bit.
Emerald (Stardreams em): This paper is a deliciously divine metalic cardstock!
Ice Jade Vellum: Again die cut and embossed. The green is so subtle it looks great with all different backgrounds.
Ice Pearl Glossy: For perfect snowflakes... this paper is AWESOME! I Copic colored using my Spellbinders die as a stencil.

Above is a look at all the different layers and embossing I did. And below is a close-up of Priscilla's beautiful Fairy image. I covered sweet flowers on her dress so she would fit with my snow theme. I added Mica flakes to her wand and wings and pearl puffy paint to her hair.

I had a total blast with this card!

This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)

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Hallo-Cuties

2010-11-08T01:18:00.000-07:00

Halloween has become such a fun time for me. I am blessed with two beautiful girls and the thrill of experiencing all the festivities as if they are brand-new.

I sewed the girls' costumes again this year. As most of you know I am obsessed with Marie Antoinette, so now my 3 year old, Tessa, is equally enthralled. She ran around all week saying, "I'm the Queen of France" and "Let them eat cake!" with the fervor of royalty. So funny!

Little Isabella was a sweet lil' Woodland Fairy. The costume seemed to match her fun pixie personality. I thought maybe the hat would be a gonner right after the pictures, but she insisted on wearing it even to dinner! :) I received the gorgeous mustard colored flower in a MAMA swap from the talented miss Julie Anne Cooper.

I used a styrafoam cone under Tessa's real hair (yep that's her REAL HAIR!) which I combed up and ponytailed at the top. Then I just curled a little bun on top.

I love this picture. They look like they are from Wonderland or something...

It's beginning to look. . .

2010-11-01T21:32:00.006-07:00

A lot like Christmas. . . Okay, maybe not so much here in sunny Arizona, but at least the craft stores are decked out in festive glory. :)

This month is so exciting at Midnight Madness! Our November sponsor is Paper Temptress and everyone has absolutely fallen in love with the products. They have Cryogen White Iridescent paper which is perfect for coloring with Copics and their Mica/Metallic line is divine. If you have not tried her papers, just take a look at what the Midnight Madness DT has made this week. We were all spoiled by Patricia and have used her yummy papers on our sample cards.

My wreath stamp is from our weekly sponsor DRS Designs and I am absolutely in love with it! First I glimmer misted white cardstock with Apple. Then distressed the edges in Aged Mahogany. And finally stamped and colored with Copics.

The gorgeous papers from Paper Temptress that I used on this card are:

Rosso Incandescent: OH My Goodness, the sparkle on this red color is goldish and DE-lish!
Ivory Plike: This is softest paper I have ever felt. Unusual and amazing. I glimmer misted an oval shape in Crushed Shells.
Khaki Crepe: I love the look of this paper! I was even able to stamp (with the edge of the wreath) on the FUN texture. TOO cool!
Gold Pearl Linen: Sparkle, color and texture to flip for let me tell ya! Hard to tell in my photo, but it's name does it justice. :) The background and interior of the card is done in this paper. I also cut a strip and scalloped the edges to add layer to the diagonal part of my card.

All I added to these beautiful papers was a little ink, some gold glitter glass, tinsel trim and the vintage plastic angel picks.

This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)

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Poppy Fairy (Midnight Madness #77)

2010-10-25T22:45:00.014-07:00

A bit of a reversion to the brighter side of summer and spring for me with this week's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge. I hope you enjoy!

My digi-stamp, Poppy Fairy, is from "Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps And More" our week 77 sponsor. She is offering a SWEET prize, too! I made the fabric flower, and the pin full of beads is a gift I received from a Valentine swap. The yellow background is Glimmer Misted with Crushed Shells and the patterned paper is Webster's Pages.

This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)

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Be sure to check out our monthly sponsor D'Amour Allure and the awesome prize they have up for us!

Tricky Treat Holders

2010-10-21T08:36:00.002-07:00

Hi all! I am really getting into the swing of things for Halloween. I love the end of October when the desert in live in finally starts to cool off. Finally we can open the doors and the windows (in the morning at least.) For me Halloween is the kick-off for a wonderful holiday season and lots of time with my family. I just love this time of year!

I've been having a ball creating all kinds of fun, spooky projects. Here is what I created with my Mystic Paper design team kit.

I made a high-heeled shoe with a pattern I got from Terri Heinz' blog Artful Affirmations. She is one of the extremely talented artists in my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group. The shoe is just the right size to stuff full of candy; I'm thinking of orange pixie sticks! Maybe a mini Dark Hershey's?

I have to say I am in LOVE with the vintage crepe streamer from my kit this month. I made the ruffle with it for the back of this shoe, and it is so soft and lucious I will have to get lots of it when I go back! Here, I lined the folded streamer with Silver Stickles. A girl's gotta have some sparkle you know!

I used a Crafty Secrets stamp for the shoe's buckle (stamped in black and distressed with Antique Linen). Then I looped the double-sided green polka dot ribbon through it. The green crepe "Trick or Treat" circle is from the Girls Paperie Toil and Trouble line embellishment package. These are wonderful (and EASY) additions to any project. How cute would they look on tags?

Then I made this pumpkin with circles and LOTS of chunky, deep orange glass glitter (from Mystic of course). One of the circles creates a little shelf perfect for stuffing with candy treats! A spool for a stem gives it a sweet, vintage look.

And last, a cute tag from the NEW Halloween Crafty Secrets Creative Scraps sheet. Such a simple addition, gonna need more of these too!

Oh yeah, and stay tuned for a tutorial on this pumpkin. :) I took lots of photos as I made it.

Wishing you all a Spook-tacular season!

Harvest Cutie Pie MMSC76

2010-10-18T23:47:00.002-07:00

So typing my title just reminded me of my cousin who is named "Harvest." I just think it is so pretty as a name. Anyhow, on with the show. :)

I love the old applique that I Glimmer Mist colored to match. And my favorite, seam binding, bows in the corners. Graphic 45 and recipe card papers. Felt swirls and pearls. I just had a blast making this card!

I thought I would try something a little different for this week's image.

First I stamped and embossed this Harvest Cutie Pie from our weekly sponsor, DRS Designs, in white powder. Then I began to color her with my copics. Much to my surpise and delight. . . the Copics colored the white embossed lines. So each piece of my little cutie could be any color I desired. Or any Copic color I have that is. :) I was able to do some cool outlining and other neat effects. I added a close up below.

Check out her hair. First I colored it all over with brown. Then I went over the embossing with yellow. Presto! Like magic, wish my highlights were that easy. I colored and colored on this little gal into the wee hours of the morning! I also used Gina K paper for the first time. Total yumminess and shiny Copic coloring with no bleed through.

This weeks Midnight Madness sketch...is "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)

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Be sure to jump over and check out our Monthy sponsor also, D'Amour Allure.

Thanks for lookin' y'all, and have a great week.

Halloween ~Queen~

2010-10-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

As promised, LOTS of photos of all my latest projects. :) I have fallen in love with creating all things Marie. All of these projects are items I made for swaps with my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group.

Banner Swap

Shoe Swap ~ We made 3 shoes and filled them with goodies.

Here is an unpacked shoe.

And here are the shoes all filled up.

Gothic Arch Swap ~ I went for a fancy arch. See my cute pumpkins in the background? More on those later. :)

I am thrilled with how these arches turned out! I love it when that happens. :) The Marie is super puffy and layered up to look 3D. I used my new chunky deep orange glitter glass from Mystic Paper on the M. LOVE that stuff.

Hope you had fun looking at all my fun Halloween Queen Marie swaps. I had a total blast with the theme.

Hugs!

Toil and Trouble Fun!

2010-10-13T08:09:00.002-07:00

The anxiously awaited holiday product has finally arrived at Mystic Paper. We took a break in September just to wait for this special stuff. My kit is absolutely fantastic, and I am thrilled to work with the new Girls Paperie Toil and Trouble line.

Four spooky cool double-sided papers, a wonderful coordinating embellishment pack, 3 Halloween colored trims (I LOVE POMPONS!), the most delicious crepe streamer and silver Stickles.

So I already stared on my project and I can't wait to share it with you soon. Hugs and Love! Enjoy your day today. H

Halloween Marie MMSC75

2010-10-12T06:19:00.001-07:00

It seems I have let another week go by between Midnight Madness posts. Me oh my... I have been finishing many projects, so I have lots to share with you. Just time to sit and blog is sorely lacking. :) I promise lots of pretty photos soon.

Anyhow, I Love MIDNIGHT MADNESS. I can wait for you all to see my card (and it's little surprise) this week so here it goes. Happy Halloween Marie.

I just love Marie Antoinette, so it was fun to use my stamp this week. I colored her with Copics and accented with Cinnamon and Icicle Stickles. You can't tell here too well, but the pumpkin is poofed out, and her arms are raised from the page holding it. And the surprise. . .

So I had a little fun with the sketch by creating tiny doors for my sentiment. :)

This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)

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Be sure to click over and visit our weekly sponsor, One Stop Card Crafts and our monthly sponsor D'Amour Allure. Check out the Midnight Madness blog to see the awesome prizes they are offering.

Have a wonderful week my friends!

Sadie's Floral Hat MMSC74

2010-10-04T21:03:00.001-07:00

I got to use the most adorable image for this week's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge called Sadie's Floral Hat. She is from our monthly sponsor D'Amour Allure. Be sure to click in to the post this week to see the awesome prize pack they are offering (tons of gorgeous stamps).

Pretty little gal huh? I love this stamp! I think she is so versatile. I have done her for Fall, but can't you see her done all cute for Christmas, or Valentines, maybe Patriotic?

This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)

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Please be sure to stop by Studio 313 Exclusive Creations, our weekly sponsor's site also.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for stopping by to see my card. I'd love to hear what you think.

Hugs!

Side by Side MMSC73

2010-09-27T23:16:00.009-07:00

Ready to see my card and
this week's Midnight Madness Sketch?

So can you tell I like polka-dots? Lots of different dots here. :) A couple of fun things on this simple card. . . I Glossy Accented the red swing set to make it really shine. I used a silver pen to go over the "chains" for a little sparkle. And my fav, "the silver lining" of glitter glass on the funky clouds.

I was thrilled to use an adorable Rachelle Anne Miller stamp from our Weekly Bonus Sponsor, PaperWorks Co. They prize they are offering is RAM's brand new Fall set of 6 stamps.

Totally adorable! Wish I could enter. :)

The "Side by Side" stamp set I used came with a cute sentiment.

Here is how I used it on the inside of my card:

I cut out and used the little birdie from the stamp on the inside of my card.

And now for the sketch. . .

This week's is "YOUR PICK." Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)

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Be sure to visit our monthly sponsor too, Sunshine and Giggles!

Love and Hugs Friends!

Of Corsets Love MMSC72

2010-09-20T23:30:00.001-07:00

It's time for Midnight Madness!! I'll start right off with my card this week...here we go!

I was tickled when I took the above photo because I picked up the twinkle of the rhinestones and some of the glitter glass. Woo hoo!! I got to choose my image this week. So exciting, because I have been dying to use this Corset digi stamp from the Priscilla Styles Store.

I printed it twice. Once on pink and again onto word-type cardstock. Then I trimmed around the very edge of the pink to make a base, and around each section of the word-type which I then attached to the pink base. Then I pierced the corset's digi gromet holes and sewed her up. :) Such a gorgeous and fun image to play with!

A little glitter glass on chipboard, and some seam binding on the side. Voila!

This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)

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Be sure to stop by and check out the goods from our Weekly sponsor, Stamp and Create as well as our monthly sponsor, Sunshine and Giggles. Thanks!

MMSC71 Castles in the Sand

2010-09-13T22:32:00.003-07:00

Oh how I love Midnight Madness time! (That's late Monday night, or Tuesday morning if you haven't noticed my posts by now.) I think I said I love MM release last week too, but I can't help myself, it's so darn exciting. Ha ha! I got to use a digi-stamp from our monthly sponsor, Sunshine and Giggles, on my card for this week.

This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)
The best way to get a jump start on these challenges is to check out the SNEAK PEAK. :) Next week's sketch is posted on the blog. Too cool don't ya think?

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You wouldn't guess that Tattered Rose Stickles would make the perfect sand castle, but that's what I used here. Pretty neat, huh? They are Distress Stickles so they are muted, but still sparkly like sand.

Then I did a fun little lollipop flower/sunshine with a glitter paper layer for a cool twist.

Thought I would share a photo of my little cuties playin' in the sand. This first one is my big girl Tessa (all of three and a half years old).

And this is the one I caught of Izzy (just turned two). That girl is a hard one to photo!

Lots of summer fun was had that day including throwing water balloons! I think I almost had more fun than they did. :) Anyhow, I really hope you try out the sketch this week. Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop over to our weekly sponsor, Gurlee Girl. (Stinkin adorable stamps there!)

Take care and have a wonderful week!

Egg Carton Swap

2010-09-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Good day fellow blogland friends! Hope you are having the best kind of Saturday you can. :) For the moment my girls are playing blissfully, so I thought I would sneak in a post. Lots of photos here just to warn ya.

My friend Alex hosted an Egg Carton Swap with the local scrapbooking group I run. Each player chose a style & colors she would like to receive, and then we did a PIF (pay it forward) swap. I created a "Shabby Chic/Vintage/Floral style" egg carton for Laura P.

I filled the inside with bits and bobs for Laura to use in her crafting.

Here is a close up of the pocket I made for the inside of the lid which I filled with larger paper tags and such.

Look at the gorgeous wrapping Alex did on the carton she made for me.

I love how she did the top of the carton for me.

Of course I know right away when I saw that Alex was my partner that I was in store for some really beautiful surprises!

I had a wonderful time making my carton for Laura. Luckily our styles mirror each other and I was able to create something I would have loved to receive. She wasn't able to make it to the event, so it is still waiting at my desk for her. Hope she likes it. I am downright giddy with my little beauty from Alex. She is the epitomy of lovely creations! Haha!

Hugs,

Strawberry Midnight Madness!

2010-09-06T21:37:00.001-07:00

Sounds like I am sitting here eating a carton of Strawberry ice cream in my jammies huh? Well I wish!

I'll just be off for my spoon now, but I will leave you with Midnight Madness! Woo hoo!! Every week I really look forward to releasing my card to you here. Also, I am so proud I got two posts in this week before Tuesday rolled around again. Hee hee! Hope you got to see those, and that you enjoyed them.

I had the pleasure of using the most wonderful "Strawberries" digital image from our weekly sponsor, McMahon Five Designs.

First a close up of this yummy digi-stamp with the beading and fun, poofy layering I did.

And this is the front of the card. The sentiment reads, "The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit."

Okay, so the black scrolly surrounding rectangle is a clear acetate transparency sheet which is attached only at the top of the card, and opens to reveal the inside.

Here is this weeks amazing sketch...it's "YOUR CHOICE" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. You can see that I rotated the sketch for my card.

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)

Also be sure to check out our wonderful monthly sponsor, Sunshine and Giggles. They are offering a prize pack full of all kinds of neat papercrafting goodies!

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Summer and Halloween Cards

2010-09-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to share some cards with you. I made these for "A Year of Cards" swap we did for the local scrapbook group I run. We each signed up for a different month and made 12 cards in that month's theme to swap with the others gals. When we were done we had a gorgeous selection of cards for the whole year. There were two different sets of 12 gals, so I signed up for August in one set, and for October in the other set. The cards I made are extremely simple, but I like how they turned out.

August

October

The Halloween images are from a Crafty Secrets booklet that I got from Mystic Paper. Just to let you know, I am waiting for my September kit still. The owner, Jennifer, is waiting for some new holiday stuff to come in before the kits are assembled! (I know... Super exciting right??) I promise to share as soon as I get it.

Love and hugs to all!!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!!

Trinkets and Treasures Trump Crazy Town

2010-09-02T20:12:00.001-07:00

Last week was a total whirlwind let me tell ya! My husband was called out of town to work. Work out of town is much better than no work at all, so I can not complain. Okay maybe I can just a little because he wasn't home for my 30th birthday. :( It was hard without him, but my parents came to visit with an ice cream cake and personal, pampering presents. (Side note: God bless all you mother's out there, I never realized what hard, servant's work it is.) My hubby sent the most beautiful exotic looking flowers I have ever seen. Which was so unexpected and out of his "thrifty" character I balled! :)

Then Wednesday I prepared and taught a pretty detailed make n' take to some of the gals in the local scrapbook group I run. Thursday I packed and loaded my car with 2 projects with looming due dates (and all the stuff I might need to create them), everything for my daughter's 2nd birthday including the stuff to make decorations, and of course my baby girls! That night and Friday I finished up and turned in the projects. Saturday I made decorations and got ready for the party. Still no hunny yet. He arrived 40 minutes into my daughter's party.

Then after the 2.5 hour party, we got in the car and drove back to Phoenix to celebrate my birthday with friends. We drove through the craziest rainstorm I have ever seen. And all on curves with no pull-off areas. (Luckily we didn't make it to Phoenix earlier as there was a 69 car pile up from the sun shining on the wet freeway.)

So party time (10 of us!) and I ate cotton candy and rode the Mechanical Bull at a place called Saddle Ranch. Hahahahaha! Isn't that cool? Now I have that thing, that story to remember about my milestone day. (And still the bruises to prove it this week.) We stayed in a 4 star near the restaurants and clubs and with out the girls, I got to sleep in until 9:30am!! Then back to my mom's house to pick up my girls, who by the time we get there are at a friend's, son's birthday which we stay and hang out at too.

Finally Sunday night we are home again, home again jiggity jog...

So I owe you pictures of my flowers, my make n take, my 1 project (the other was the Halloween card I posted), Izzy's birthday, and the bull ride. (still laughing?) But for now, some pretties.

In the midst of the craziness last weekend I was able to go to the yard sales with my dad. And I swear the Lord gave me the desires of my heart. All week I had been literally dreaming about Friday yard sales and hoping for and imagining old costume jewelry, old books (I'm on a quest for a ledger), and paper dolls. Above is the jewelry I found. The aquas and pearls are my favorites. The shoe buckles will be perfect for a Halloween Shoe swap I am in for my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group.

And check out these amazing books! No ledger, but two are FRENCH! One is a novel in French and the other is a leather covered French Proununciation Dictionary from 1808!! (Aaaaahhhhh!) Then another with poetic verse and frilly print on each page. The last is Pear Culture, a manual with beautifully drawn pear and tree figures, circa 1850's And to think I almost didn't get out of the car!! My dad was looking out for my when he saw the old books, and called to me saying "bring money" when he saw the French. Hee hee.

Gotta love crusty old books!

I leave you with a close up of my favorite finds. You'll have to come back tomorrow to see my cool paper dolls as I forgot to photograph them and now it is dark.

Love ya! Thanks for visiting. :)

It's Midnight Madness Time!!

2010-08-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

Here is my card for this week's
Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge:

The adorable image, "The Good Little Witch," is a digital stamp from our September sponsor Sunshine and Giggles. The prize from them this month is amazing!! Gosh I love Halloween, so I had so much fun with this card! I used Apple Glimmer Mist over a Tim Holtz spiderweb mask in the corners. Then I used Peach Bellini Glimmer Glam on a clear acetate scalloped circle which is layed over a printed paper. You can see it better in the close up below.

This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between.

Enter one style or both this week.

Just have fun and come play with us :)
Be sure to check out this week's bonus sponsor Prairie Fairy Designs.

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