In the mail...and what a find...

In the mail, I got a fun package from 123stitch.com.  And even more fun is I didn't get all of the order today.  A couple of patterns were on back order.  However, I received an email informing me that the remaining items are on its way!!  But here's what I got today.  FUN, FUN, FUN!! 

Valentine Rose by Blackbird Designs

January Snows by Bent Creek

and threads from CC, GA and WDW

Then while I was browsing a local thrift store with some friends, I came across these two beauties. I've been collecting a handful of patterns from Lavender & Lace.  I think I'll start one of them this year.  However I need to finish a couple of things before that day arrives!!  But some really, really cute stuff!

Oh, today, I worked on a couple of blocks for my basket quilt .  I'm getting closer!!  Stay tuned for the latest update.  Have a great evening!! 


Until then, 

A little love...

Hopefully, I was able to capture a little romance in this card for Valentine's Day.  I participated in the Pals Paper Arts Inspiration Challenge using Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge.  Here's a pic of the inspiration:

Seriously, one of the most captivating images I've seen in long time, which is why I wanted to create this card.  Oh, yeah, the blog candy is cool, too.  :-)

RECIPE(supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)

Stamp Set: Weathered Background Stamp (retired) and Noteworthy (retired)

Ink: Tim Holtz's Alcohol Ink (cranberry) and blending solution, Basic Black Classic

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White and Basic Gray

That Little Something: Smooch Spritz (Silver Foil), Twine, Pretty In Pink Ribbon, Blue Moon Butterfly charm, Little Pink Flowers, Tag, Clear Rhinestone Brad, Tattered Angels Spritz (Red Velvet), Sizzix Nesting Flower Die Cut

That Little Helper: Sewing machine, Embossing and Sponging

A little romance...

Hello, it's snowing again...but it's a light fluffy snow...the kind that sits on the pine trees to make them look majestic.
I had a little time on my hands this morning, so I thought I would make a valentine card.  I participated in the MojoMonday Challenge.  And it appears I kinda made my own sketch...sorta.  I guess I "altered" it slightly.  Oh well, creativity holds no boundaries, right?  Here's what I created:

RECIPE (supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)

Stamp Set: Artistic Etching

Ink: Basic Black and Tim Holtz's Distress Ink Pad (Walnut Stain)

Cardstock: Basic Black, Mellow Moss and Graphic 45 Le' Romantique DP paper

That Little Something: Smooch Spritz (Log Cabin), TwineAntique Brads, Hero Arts Woven Lace Ribbon, Misc Flower Petals and Crystal Stickers 3mm Clear Clare (little rhinestones)

That Little Helper: Sewing machine

It's official...

It's official...I have too many projects started.  I think it's in my best interest to finish those projects before I start anything else.  I'll try really hard...not to start anything more.  Promise, cross my heart...really!  As some of you know, Tuesday is an outstanding sewing day for me...I've been working on this Calendar Quilt of basket blocks by Willow Berry Lane.  Here a pic of the finished quilt:


Here's the blocks I have done...(now that's wierd...a couple of the blocks appear to be a different color.)  Whatever...just look at the blocks...:-)

Birthday card for Mojo Monday...almost a week late...

Yep, you read it correctly.  It's a birthday card for Mojo Monday 171...which tomorrow will be considered a week old.  I really wanted to created a card, but the hardship is if you are not a Splitcoaststampers.com (paid) member, you are requested to not upload anything on Sundays.  Yes, there are several other challenges out there, however, I don't know where to find them.  If you have some suggestions, please leave me a comment.  I would greatly appreciate some other challenge opinions.  But any ho, since I had some creative juices flowing, I had to take advantage of them.  Right?!
Here's the sketch from Mojo:

Here's what I created from that sketch:

RECIPE (supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)

Stamp Set: Sanded, Birthday Bliss and On Your Birthday

Ink: Memento Ink (Tuxedo Black) and Tim Holtz's Distress Ink Pad (Vintage Photo, Peeled Paint)

Cardstock: Basic Grey's Oliver with SU! Whisper White and Cherry Cobbler cardstock

That Little Something: SU! Linen Thread, Basic Grey Button(little rhinestones)

That Little Helper: nothing really...

http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2010/12/mojo-monday-171.html

Happy New Year...

I hope everyone was able to ring in the New Year with a bang...because I was asleep by 9:00pm.  Sometimes I wish I could stay awake to welcome the New Year in like most of the  population in the United States.  But then again, if I stayed up I probably wouldn't be able to do all that I did today.  Take a look: 

YUMMY!!!! That's right, count them all.  7 loaves of the bread...please note you don't see the shorty loaf...Tim and I did a quality check on the first one.  Also, I converted the Focaccia recipe to a bread machine friendly. I think it needed more rosemary...for next time.
Also, I wanted to include the latest update of Simply Live cross stitch project.  I know it isn't the best pic, but I'm almost done!  WOOOHOOO!  This weekend has been a good weekend to stay inside the house being the temperatures are in the N-E-G-A-T-I-V-E degrees! I not kidding!!  Frickn' cold in the midwest country.

pretty card....

So today...on December 30...in Minnesota, it's raining.  I guess stranger things have happened, but really...rain...with the snow on the ground?!  Oh well, moving on...I haven't posted a card lately.  So I thought I participate in Splitcoaststampers.com sketch challenge.  I have been in a funk with the whole card making thing.  And I'm not sure I'm still not in that funk.  This card isn't anything fancy, but it felt great to stamp after such a long break.  Hope you like the creation.

RECIPE (supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)

Stamp Set: Lots of Thoughts

Ink: Always Artichoke and Tim Holtz's Distress Ink Pad (Vintage Photo)

Cardstock: Basic Grey's Olivia with SU! whisper white cardstock

That Little Something: SU! felt flower, Cuttlebug 2x2 Stamp die cut and Crystal Stickers 3mm Clear Clare (little rhinestones)

That Little Helper: Sewing machine, stapler


Sketch:

Hello...from a full tummy!

Good Morning, I have survived the Thanksgiving feast.  Yesterday was the first of several days during the holiday season that my stomach will hate me.  Yes, it's true...I don't need to feed myself until I'm too full, but the food is sooooo good.  Today, I will have leftovers...YUMMY!  
Any ho, I've been working on my Simply Live cross stitch project.  I think I've made some progress.  But it's not perfect, I've noticed there's a mistake with the green flower and some objects around it.  I counted wrong...So I'll have to check it out...later...or not!
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving...and even a better Black Friday to all the shoppers.
Tomorrow I'm thinking about making some christmas cards...I'm excited to play with my stamps.

  

Before and After...

As I mentioned in my previous post, I would have the Heart cross stitch completed.  So here it is:  Take a close look at the craftsmanship and the detail of this project. Beautiful work! 
BEFORE:

AFTER:

I didn't do so good, did I?  Instead, I started a different project, which needs to be completed by Christmas.  I thought I should get it started this weekend, if there is any hope of its completion for my Hudak Secret Santa.  I feel in love with it at Stitchville USA, so when I purchased the kit I made sure I purchased enough linen for myself.  It uses Valdani floss which is amazing to work with.  I think it will be beautiful!

Pattern: Simply Live by Primitive Needle
Floss: Valdani
Linen: 36 ct. something


Thanks for stopping by!

An early birthday gift for me...

My sewing buddy wasn't feeling well today, so I had a day off from it.  Instead, I went to Stitchville USA to spend some time browsing.  My birthday is coming up; so I thought I would treat myself.  However, I did start on my christmas list.  I'm stitching the Simply Love from The Primitive Needle for my Secret Santa on the Hudak side; the Valdani threads are this project...so p-r-e-t-t-y.  I can't wait to start it...AFTER I get the Hearts project completed.  Check it out...I'm hoping to have it completed by this weekend.  We'll see if I'm able to get it completed...stay tuned.


(side note: OMG!! I got hooked up with my Oregonian peep on Skype...and I cried.  Seriously, what a dork I am...I was soooo happy to see her!! I received some of her creative juices via Skype, so I'll probably start some Christmas cards to sell on Esty.com.  Check out my esty link.)

I'm not sure where the buttons go...the pattern doesn't say where to place them. Could get interesting!  I'll keep you posted.

a little something different...

Good Afternoon, I thought I would go with something a little different. Here's a pattern my hubby got me while we visited the Czech/Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids, IA last year.
I've been wanting to work on some cross stitch projects, but just haven't made the time.
I'm surprised I remembered how to stitch; I haven't cross-stitched for more than 10 years or so.  I must admit this little project was a nice change in things.  I would like incorporate different things other than just cards into my blog, I hope you don't mind.  


Within the next couple of weeks, I would like to visit Stitchville USA (a nice stitch shop) to start collecting BlackBird Design's Anniversaries of the Heart.  I'll keep you posted on the field trip.  Until then, here's my latest project which I have finished.


Cloth: 22 Count
Floss: Weeks Dye Works Color Iris


Oh ya, Oregon peep: I tried to call you today.  Call me when you can...Love you!

good morning...

good morning, everyone; i'm kinda (really) excited for today.  I have nothing planned...oh, I need to fill the bird feeders, clip the coupons and call my Oregonian peep, but that's it.  Guess, what room you are going to find me in after this posting...okay time is up...C-O-R-R-E-C-T!!...my craft room to make some cards or something.  I'll post what ever I started or finished towards the end of the day.


See ya!  :-)

I suck...

Good Morning, I'm here to report that I suck as my Oregonian peep's best friend.  Her birthday was September 12...and I'm just getting to completing her birthday gift. 


Life has been too crazy for me lately!!  Living in the midwest, winter is the time to rest (at least for me)...and let me tell you, I could use some rest!  


Here are some more of the cards I've created for her.  Hey, Oregonian peep check your email...(hopefully, if I did it right) you'll find a PaperTreyInk gift certificate.  Enjoy...I know you like their paper, ribbon and such.


I love you a ton!!

weak start to my week long celebration...

Well, it has been a weak start to my week long celebration.  It's Wednesday; and this is my second posting.  I was hoping today's posting would be my fourth, but it is what it is.  I'm going to have to make up for lost time.... 

All the cards I've created for this week are being sent to my Oregonian Peep as part of her birthday gift from me; as many of you know, she's a Stampin' Up Demonstrator.  My card designs vary from her designs, so I thought it would be cool to send her some of the cards I've created.  This way she's able to add them to her collection for card parties and such.  I hope she will like them!!

RECIPE (supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)

Stamp Set: A Cute Christmas
Ink: Baja Breeze

Cardstock: Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Paper, Baja Breeze and Blushing Bride Cardstock

That Little Something: Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon

That Little Helper: Sewing machine

Kicking off a week long celebration...

Hello everyone! Today kicks off a week long celebration of my best friend's (Oregonian peep) birthday! She has been my friend since I was a sophomore (and she was a freshman) in high school. I am so thankful for her! I couldn't get a card done for this posting, but she'll have a whole weeks posting devoted to her.  I know she'll cut me some slack...(I hope).


Oh, I thought it would be cute to include a picture of her, so here it is:


Okay, the real story, I wanted to include a picture of her when she was younger, but the stupid printer/scanner pooped out on me.  As a result, I needed to find a quick replacement image...and the angel image is what I found.  It represents how much she means to me!  And here's the poem to go with it:


What is a Friend?


What is a friend? I will tell you
It is a person with whom you dare
to be yourself.  Your soul can be naked
with him. He seems to ask of you
to put on nothing, only to be what you
are.  He does not want you to be
better or worse.  What you are with 
him, you feel as a prisoner feels
who has been declared innocent.  You
do not have to be on your guard.
You can say what you think, so long as it
is genuinely you. He understand
those contradictions in your nature that
lead others to misjudge you.
With him you breathe freely. You can
avow your little vanities and envies
and hates and vicious sparks, you mean-
nesses and absurdities and, in opening
them up to him, they are lost, dissolved on
the white ocean of his loyalty.


He understands. You do not have to be
careful. You can abuse him,
neglect him, tolerate him. Best of all,
you can keep still with him. It
makes no matter. He likes you - he is
like fire that purges to the bone.
He understands. He understands.
You can weep with him, sin with him,
laugh with him, pray with him.
Through it all - and underneath - he sees,
knows and loves you.  A friend?
What is a friend? Just one, I repeat,
with whom you dare to be yourself.


--C. Raymond Beran