Wine Cork Memo Board

I made this wine cork memo board for a girlfriend that has an Italian Bistro feel to her kitchen.  A restaurant saved corks for me and I then cut them in half.  Cutting them, I now see was really not necessary.  I was at first concerned that the corks need a flat surface for the hot glue to really hold them in place.  But, now I feel that they would be just fine whole and that the hot glue will hold just fine, the tighter the spacing, the better the hold and the recessed look would not be so much with a whole cork.  I found the glass-like grapes on the clearance aisle at Michael's after Thanksgiving.  The tray is solid oak, that color that look so stark and drab.  Maybe because the corks were of the same tone.   I decided to add alcohol inks in a random dabbling.  I used gold, silver and eggplant Tim Holtz inks.  I like the look, it is a warmer feel.  On the top right and bottom left corners I added 5 purple rhinestones in a line, attached with my irock.  I found round push pins in purple at Walmart in the office supply department.  They come in a nice little tin, perfect to add to the gift.  I hope she likes it.  Off to make some more gifts.  Chat later!

I finished my commissioned work.

I am so very excited that I finished my order a week ahead of schedule and already have it delivered.  Making 35 of these was a major job!  Here are a few pics of the work and the pile of them all wrapped up and ready to go. I was super busy for about a week, saw this logo in my sleep. LOL  I am very pleased with the finished product.  I made these for the President of this college.  Each tile comes with the display easel and has a plague on the backside that says it was presented by the President - December 2010.  When he and I first started talking about this, I proposed the boxing and wrapping at an extra charge.  Of course he went for that.  I hope that I get some referrals from this.  Here is a pic of the finished tile, logo nothing exciting, but it is what it is!!!! And the mess of boxes on my kitchen table ready to be crated and delivered.  

 

My Christmas Wreath

I am working on  a wreath for my side entry way.  I am not totally satisfied with it.  Can't put my finger on what I think it needs, but SOMETHING!! I took apart an old wreath that was tired and bought some  new pieces.  I kept the bird's nest for good luck and the pine needles from the old one.  The rest is new and purchased or leaves cut on my cricut , then diamond dusted.  What is it missing.  It looks a little crooked in the photo, it isn't.  That is just the angle of the pic.  Take a look and give me some tips.  Thanks!

Santa Babies

It's that time of year when we take our children to visit Santa.  My girls ( Riley and Miranda 3 yr old Yorkie-Poos)  weren't crazy about it, but I loved it!  LOL!  A little elf told me that squeak toys and chicken jerky are on their wish list.  When asked if they had been good girls, they proclaimed, OF COURSE!!!!

Our Fantabulous Mini Vacation

 So many of you have asked when my wonderful hubby and I were going to take that surprise trip he came home with.  Well, we did it over the Thanksgiving Holiday!! It was amazing. Here are just a few pics of our fabulous trip!  My husband's family had vacationed at the Outer banks of North Carolina during his childhood.  I had never been there, so he decided it was about time!  The weather was made to order. Low to mid 70s during the day and a low of 60 at night.  A light jacket needed for the breeze off the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.  Of course we took our Yorkie-Poos, Riley and Miranda.  They loved it, as well.  If a trip to this precious place is at all possible for you,  I highly recommend it.  The Outer banks is truly a national treasure!!! We are already planning our next trip!

View from our Villa looking South

Currituck Lighthouse on Corrola

   

                            

Jockey's Ridge State Park
( the ever changing sand dunes of the Outer banks)

                                  

                   Hubby and the "ladies", the smaller of the two,  Riley wanted to catch a seagull!!!  LOL

ATTITUDE AWARD

First I want to thank Rhonda over at http://scraphappenswithrhonda.blogspot.com/ for giving me this award.  She really got me pegged right.  I am definitely one with attitude.  LOL.  Please go and check out Rhonda's blog, she is a very talented paper crafter. I am especially fond of her grandma mini!  It is so cute. 

In order to receive this award, you must list 3 things that give you "tude" from everyone else.  Then, nominate 5 other blogs that you believe also have attitude! Lastly post this award in your side bar with a link back to didis with attitude challenge blog. 

My 3 things are:

1)  I don't drink coffee, don't like the smell, make DH brew it in the garage.  LOL

2)  I make the best chicken pot pie in the world!

3)  She who dies with the most designer shoes and purses wins!

Now for the five blogs that I believe have attitude:

1) http://thegreenbeanscrafterole.blogspot.com/

2) http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com

3) http://papergirl11077.blogspot.com/

4) http://ladybuglair.blogspot.com/

5) http://lilgreenbugville.blogspot.com/

BIG NEWS

I have received so many emails asking why I haven't been posting projects or layouts lately. Really all I have posted has been those great coupons for all of you.  I have decided to spill the beans.I am so very excited.  I have done craft fairs for a while now and have thoroughly enjoyed it.  I have accepted a few commissions here and there, but this is big.  I have accepted a major commission (several dozen) of one of my projects.  I do not want to say to much (yet) as these will be Christmas presents.  So, as you can probably imagine that I am busy making the "goodies".  It is a lot of work, but so cool to have my name out there.  I am enjoying the job, but haven't much time for anything else at this point.  Good thing I have such a pretty new studio to work in, it is all I have seen for a while now!  I will take a few days off for the fabulous holiday and then back at it.  I will be seeing these in my sleep.  LOL.

I do hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Do stop by and let me know what fab deals you got on Black Friday.  I know where I am heading first.  I hear $20.00 lites calling my name!!!!

A BEAUTIFULLY STYLISH BLOG AWARD!!!!!!

I am so thrilled and honored. Audrey at   http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com/  has awarded me with The Stylish Blogger Award. Isn't that exciting! Thank you so much Audrey. You totally made my day!!! Everyone should go check out Audrey's fabulous blog !! She is a very talented lady.

The Stylish Award comes with some fun to do's!!!! 

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you 

2. Share 8 things about yourself

3. Pay it forward to 8 bloggers that you have recently discovered

4. Contact those bloggers and tell them about their awards

Eight things about me:

1. I love paper.  I am so fascinated about what one can make out of it! 


2. My husband and I have been married for 27 adventurous years. Saying I do to him was the best thing I ever did! 

3. My home town is Key West, Florida, yes there really are people from there!  LOL

4. I have four pound dogs (two yorkie poos) and  two twenty pound cats! :) Love my furbabies!

5. I am a Law and Order (tv show) junkie all five versions, or is that groupie? 

6. I am a shoe nut, nothing lifts my spirits more than a new pair of designer shoes. So severe that my DH built me a shoe closet! 

7. My dream vacation would be to visit the Galapagos!  Maybe someday soon!

8. I love to container garden.  I have some plants that are nine feet tall and 20 years old! 

This was hard, to choose only eight of the many talented ladies I have met in the crafting blog world! But, I had to narrow it down to eight.  The following are my eight deserving and talented ladies.  

1. http://doxiemeldesigns.blogspot.com/

2. http://www.2bea.blogspot.com/

3. http://withglitteringeyes.blogspot.com/

4. http://susanbluerobot.blogspot.com

5. http://scubascrapperbrandi.blogspot.com

6. http://papertreats.blogspot.com

7. http://jensbrainthings.blogspot.com/

8. http://cardztv.blogspot.com/

Fabulous Stickles storage

The Fantastic Solution

 This is the most amazing quick fix I have ever seen.  In fairness, first let me say it is not my original idea, secondly I have gone back and searched and cannot find where I first originally saw this awesome solution.  We all know that we are supposed to store our beloved Stickles upside down.  I have seen lots of manufactured solutions, most are very pricey and also quite a few have come across many homemade versions, none that really seem great to me.  Well, that was before I saw this!  Fantastico!!!!  Brilliant!!!!  Stupendous!!!!. You get the idea.  I am super thrilled about this.  This version of the upside down storage of our beloved Stickles is made with plumbing parts.  Who would have ever thunk it???? For the smaller bottles (original size) you will need 1/2 inch coupling, for the newer size (just released larger bottles) 3/4 inch coupling.  Coupling is connecter pieces for PVC piping, it is a straight joint! I bought a ten piece pack for under $2.00.   I found mine at my local Lowe's, but sure Home Depot or any hardware store will have these on hand. Found in plumbing supplies department, I had to search a bit, but did finally find them. All I did was hot glue( Queen would be proud) pieces together.  Because you did not cut a piece of PVC, edges are smooth and no sanding required.  I did off set the pieces, thus more glue points.  It is firm and heavy enough to be moved as a unit and stable enough to not tip.  It is perfection.  Easy to move by just grabbing and placing fingers thru open coupling. I have less than 12.00 in both of my two storage units!!!  LOL~~~~~~~I see a rush for couplings all across America!!!!!!

side view

1/2 inch coupling for smaller bottles

3/4 inch coupling for larger  bottles

OMG my hubby surprised me with the best present ever

Look at this paradise!  Isn't it just beautiful?    My wonderful hubby came home and surprised me with the best vacation ever!!  This is the view from my villa.  Can't give to many details, DH says that is not safe to tell to many details.  But we are going soon and I am so excited!!!!  I am so looking forward to warm fab weather and a relaxed atmosphere.  I can already smell the salt water breeze and taste those fab tropical drinks.  Let's see, lobster or shrimp for dinner tonite??  Hope your DH is as good to you as mine is to me!!!!
More info to follow!

Sophisticated Heritage Anna Griffin Quilted Lay Out

This is another Anna Griffin favorite pattern of mine.  I did one for each of my children.  It almost looks like an old-fashioned baby blanket to me.  I have altered the look for a few other pages by changing the pattern and colors. I do a heritage album for each child and then other albums of  every day life, like school, awards, trips, etc.  The heritage album is more sophisticated in feel and style  Lay Outs.  This photo was taken in black and white, when my son was small. The little outfit was so sweet and reminiscent of years ago.  The yoke on the blouse worked perfectly with the feel of this Lay Out.   The page looks complicated, but the weaving of this pattern is really quite simple.  It is the cutting that must be precise.  It does take ten papers, 2 solids of different colors and eight of similar and matching colors in patterns, all different.  Cut  six of the patterned papers into one inch strips.  Then, let the weaving begin. Once the weaving complete and fastened in the edges only.  It is double matted in the one remaining solid and one pattern. The interior frame is a purchased AG, but could so easily be made.  Using the remaining solid paper I  shadowed the oval frame in the  coordinating color blue and cut by hand.  Accent cream satin ribbon on the corners and center bow are 1/2 inch wide.  Name plate information computer printed.  I am very pleased with the finished page.  It really does have that wow factor as a two page spread, one page for each child.  Hope you like!!!!!

Tea is for Teacher

Tea is for Teacher.  I bought a box of a beautifully and colorfully packaged flavored teas.  Each flavor was in a bright and exciting color of packaging. They were so pretty!  I must confess I am a tea drinker   (never tasted coffee and have no desire to join that craze).  I find a cup in the afternoon soothing and at times invigorating.  I thought what a perfect gift for teacher!  On the hunt for plain mugs I went!  I found white ones at my local discount store.  I used the Cricut cartridge Doodlecharms to cut a 3" apple out of white contact paper. I used that to make a template (adhering the negative image) for the alcohol inks to color in the apple.  I used watermelon, cranberry for the apple and lettuce for the leaf.  A little filler in the bottom of the mug, then 8 different flavored teas.  I wrapped up with plastic and a ribbon that looks like a ruler and attached the poem.  Just perfect for that grade schooler to give their teacher for Christmas.  Below is the poem I came up with.  Hope you like it.  Tell me what Christmas gifts you are busy making.  Thanks for looking.

Santa has a belly full!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Santa has a belly full of sweets!  I used an oatmeal container and transformed it into Santa's belly!  So easy and CUTE!!! Red card stock is 8.5x11 inches cut at 5.75 inches lengthwise (not to worry that the red card stock will not completely cover container, the white piece will cover that opening). The white cut at 5.75x3 inches,trimmed with one of those fabulous Martha Stewart edge punches, black grosgrain ribbon and a buckle cut out of dark yellow card stock. Buckle is actually two square punches, a 3/4 inch and an 1 inch.  First punch the smaller, then align the larger over small square, holding punch upside down.  Wrap black grosgrain ribbon around container as a belt, then add buckle. I just added some buttons (hot glued for extra hold), then just stickle the buckle.  Inside is peppermint and spearmint candies.  Top inset circle is cut at 3 3/4 inches and stamped with a "to and from".  A little wreath applique added, that is it, you are done. Who can resist Santa! This cute project is sure to please all.  A cute Christmas present, easy on the pocket book and you recycled!!! 

Happy Halloween

Here are my two baby girls,  all ready for the festivities to begin.  Riley and Miranda ( they are YorkiePoos and weigh a whopping 4-5 pounds each)  seem to enjoy being dressed up, I really think it is all the attention that they command when decked out.  Like they are not the center of attention all the time as it is.  This year they are lady bugs.  They look so cute.  They are quite the social butterflies, oops I mean ladybugs!!!!  LOL!!!! Happy Halloween to all, have fun and be safe!!!!

I am a winner!!!!

I got my winning package today from  http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/. 

This was a prize of Above Rubies Studio monthly kit!!!!   Lucky me!  OMG this "kit" is so beautiful.  It has a little bit of everything  and a whole lot of everything else.  There are these beautiful Graphic 45 papers and My Mind's Eye as well. These are some of the prettiest card stock I have ever seen.  The embossed and flocked pages are beautiful!  Really outstanding 3-D lettering and some adorable embellishments, gorgeous double sided quality purple satin ribbon as well as a bottle of a new glitter liner by Viva.  This is a new product for me and looks very promising. Looks like it will be easier to highlight and lightly define an object or letter.  Kinda like stickles, but so much better!!!!  Thank you so much Megan Gravener!  There is definitely enough in this fabulous kit to make a Halloween mini and more!   These are just a few of the highlights of what this kit has to offer.  Check it out in the link above.  I have been a long time follower and think these kits are amazing and quite the value! 

Great stocking stuffers

These are the miniature version of the post it note holders.  These cuties fil perfectly down inside that Christmas stocking!!!!Exactly the same idea as the large version , but on a 4x6 acrylic frame for the easel.  They really are cute and can sell inexpensively,  I have never been able to keep them on my table throughout the day.  They are usually gone by lunch!!!!

Ultimate desktop message center

This is another one of my craft fair goodies.  These are customized with the school shield and school colors.  The materials are an 8x10 acrylic frame with a 5x8 memo pad and a traditional disposable ink pen.  By turning the frame with stand end at the top, this creates an easel.  Just add your decor, in this case black and red card stocks, a few embellishments and you are done.  These sell extremely well. Card stock and school emblem are under the acrylic.  Ribbon and accent embellishment are on top.  I insert a piece of the coordinating card stock inside the pen.  As you can see one of the sets is more masculine than the others, I did this for a male teacher or administrator.  It has over sized paper clips, that are usable.  Of course the pad is replaceable when this pad is done.

School emblem tiles

This is an oldie but goody. Last year I made these as coasters with school mascots and such on them.  They sold OUT!!!  This year I decided to up the tile size and use the school shield.  This particular school is the new Charter School in my community.  They are the host of the season's biggest craft fair in my town.    Last year anything I did with their school in mind sold fabulously.  Got to love school spirit.   I think that I will also do some pictures of the most well known local landmarks.   I already have multiple orders for these. I am doing very well this season at the craft fairs.  But more importantly, I am so having a great time!  Thanks for looking!

Autumn votives with my cricut and Timmy!

I saw something very similar to this on another blog.  forgive me, I can't find the post again.  But, she really gets the credit for such a cool idea.  All you need is glass tumblers, a few leaves cut out, etching cream and Tim Holtz alcohol inks.  Here are a few pics, the first just to show you the smoke glass old fashioned, I purchased from The Dollar Tree. I used the Speaking of Fall cartridge cut 2 different leaves at 4 inches.  I then used the etching cream to make the leaf shape.  After that was done, I used the leaf itself to place over my etched leaf and then used the inks to create the fall color feel on the glass.  The colors I used are cranberry, eggplant and gold.  I primarily used the gold and then cranberry as my den is mostly dark red. Add your tea light candle and you are done.  They really do have a warm special glow in person.   I really like how these came out.  I think that I will add a few to my craft fair items.  I am thinking Christmas ones with holly, santa hat, etc.   One tip, if you want to try this.  I would keep my design simple and probably only use flat sided glass in the future.  It is difficult to get your image to lay completely flat on a tapered and beveled surface.  Thanks for looking!

Remember

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I made this project as a donation for my local Relay For Life Chapter.  I don't know if they will auction, raffle or use as a prize.  I wanted to do something a little different.  I was inspired by dear friends and fellow paper crafters Paper Phenomenon's and BugJunkie's similar projects.  Paper Phenomenon has a recent Ustream tutorial on the shadow box.  This home decor shadow box is a REMINDER to REMEMBER our fallen sisters, those that are in for the fight of their life and for each and everyone of you to REMEMBER to get your mammogram or insist that your loved ones do.  Early detection is the key to survival. I made a feminine hand with the pink bow and pearl bracelet as the main focus. Her fingernails are "polished" with glossy accents. This image is raised, wording and pink ribbon are recessed on back wall.  Lace and pearls finish off the scalloped edge of frame.   I used cartridges Jasmine, Lacy Labels and Designer Calendar. Card stock is all DCWV.  Thanks for looking.

You say WITCH like it's a bad thing!

LOL, here is Broomhilda all decked out for that most important night!   Even a WITCH likes to get dolled up!  It was a very special afternoon, I  had a girlfriend come over to play and Broomhilda is the result! We had so much fun and giggled like we were twelve.  The laughter when we gave Broomhilda's hat lace and a pearl necklace was the best!  As you can see Broomhilda  still hasn't returned those ruby slippers, she thinks they are so pretty!  After all, they are perfect with her pearls.  A well dressed witch is decked from head to toe!!!!  I used Happy Hauntings, Pumpkin Carvings and George to make  Broomhilda and the full moon.  She is multi layered and I also cut her out of chipboard to give her some stability.  She ended up being pretty substantial.  The area where she will "hang out" is well covered and protected, but it is still outside, so making her so that she could withstand cold and moisture was a must. Her skin is lime green diamond dust as is her cape in black diamond dust. A little bling is a good thing. A few purple rhine stones here and there on her hat as well as edging her cape, topped off with one purple pom pom.  Her shoes are ruby red glitter paper, La Chat (her cat) is cut from black velvet paper and has ruby red eyes.  Look closely a crow has stopped by for a visit. I inked up all the edges with black to make her seem spooky.  Black roses and orange leaves along with spiders finish off the wreath.  I didn't want to add bows or sweet flowers as I wanted this to be spooky and kinda give you the EEEWWWW feeling!  Happy Halloween to all!

Amityville House of Horrors

This haunted house was inspired by BugJunkie and Paper Phenomenon.  It was so much fun to make.  I kept thinking of more and more to add to it. Supplies are: Cricut cartridge  Mini Monsters, Cuttlebug folders Mini Mosaics and Distressed Stripes. Martha Stewart punches, Glossy Accents and various other miniature embellishments. It is an explosion box! My very first. When you open boo to you! Four cute monsters there to scare you.  A ghost peeks out of the ajar front door,  house medallion is a Glossy accent eyeball.   Around the roof line is MS Drippy Goo punch 2009, it is also glossied to make it appear wet and oozing.  I used CB folder Mini Moasics for a brick like effect and then inked at random for a old and tattered look.  All pieces are inked in purple to give a spooky creepy feeling. Windows appear to be glowing from the inside.  Grass around house is actually the MS icicle punch 2009. Rats on side are also a MS punch from 2009.  Gate surrounding house is also MS punch Iron Fence new this season.  Inside is candy for your trick or treater, that is if they aren't to scared to knock!

clutch mini/brag book

This is my version of the Monday Night Crop project.  I  have made several. They are so adorable and addictive!  LOL.  So perfect for your purse to show case those prized photos. This is one that has a travel theme.  It is not made up of the pre-made note card sets, but rather from selected card stock. I still used ready made envelopes, though.  I think these will provide the lover of paper crafts at my craft fairs a more affordable price point, than the more elaborate albums. These are rather simple, but oh so stinkin' cute.  I have made up baby, teenage and family oriented clutches.  I am very pleased with how these came out! What do you think?

Island Girl

I grew up on the Southern most point in the continental United States. Do you know my hometown, now? If you guessed Key West, Florida you are right!  When I saw this faux leather alligator skin paper (paper Studio), I just had to make a tropical purse mini.

The handle is of course bamboo and the charm an oyster with a pearl and for the closure a sunshine shaped rhinestone! Inside lining is also PS and looks like wet sand.  So cute.  There are 10 pages in total, so 20 4x6 photos.  This mini goes maxi in real estate. Pages are ocean blue with double mats. One being kraft paper edged with Martha Stewart beach shells edge punch. Then the patterned card stock mats.


Right hand pocket holds 4 tags for added photos and journaling.  I used the Cuttlebug embossing folder Shell Collage and then distressed with Tim Holtz vintage photo ink stamp.  I also distressed the sand castle die cut the same way.  To the left when you first open the bag is the coolest embellishment.  I bought real mirrored palm trees years ago at a Scrapbook convention in Greensboro, NC.  Wished I remember the vendor's  name, unfortunately, I do not. I would like to get a few more.  I think it adds just the right touch in the upper left interior corner.

       As you can probably tell I am preparing for this season's arts and crafts shows.  I was very successful last year ( my first year ), so decided to jump in again this year.  I tried the spring/summer ones, they aren't nearly as well attended and not as profitable. I have met many wonderful  artists.  Being a vendor at hese bazaars is just half the fun, seeing what everyone else creates is fabulous.

Thanks for looking.  Leave me a comment and let me know what ya think!  Have a wonderful day!  Anyone find my lost shaker of salt?  LOL