SNOW day......

toooooo funny....I have to tell you my kiddo were rather upset that we got a Nor'easter over Christmas break.....REALLY REALLY MAD is more like it....but thems are the breaks kiddos!!

but.....this is what I found when I opened my door Monday morning....we got over 16" of snow over night and into the morning

CRAZY...CRAZY...CRAZY!!

is all I have to say!! It was over my knees as I shoveled my way to my car.....but I LOVED IT!!!

So what does one do on such a day as that......CREATE is what I say...and what I did!!

Let's Capture Our Memories is having a "Twelve Days of Christmas" Challenge....this is day Eight....requirement... to use Chipboard....and hence the Snowman and one of the trees!!! Lysie wasn't too happy I used some of the photos I chose....but I found them on my memory card so guess what... FAIR GAME!!

For this layout, the Eleventh Day of Christmas, the requirement was 3 different ribbon/laces. I printed the "goofy" picture of Lysie....too funny she doesn't have a problem with this one....in B/W, Sepia and Color. I then cut the picture up and collaged it!! I LOVE THIS GIRL!!

As you can see, I am creating in NO PARTICULAR order.....which would be me!!! Counting the days till Friday when I will be able to get the rest of the creative ideas out of my head......YIPPEE!!

OK.....SO..... the new Paper Issues is up.....go check it out.

and MARK YOUR CALENDAR......January 5-January12....the Zutter Zisters are having a Blog Hop...you definitely won't want to miss this!! A GRAND PRIZE.....a Zutter Supply Pack...Owires, Covers, Cover-Alls and SURPRISES!! so MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!!

till then WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR!!

my SNOW tree.....

I created this little ditty about a month and a half ago...it's been on display in the store....then home for what seems weeks and I just got the opportunity to photo it today!!

It was created using the Tattered Leaves die and different white/beige fabrics and Multi Medium.

Simple yet elegant!! Love it!!

Hoping everyone had an AMAZING Christmas and wishing all a HAPPY & SAFE New Year....

Let it Snow....Let it Snow...Let it Snow!!!

We have been in perpetual snow showers here in Northern New Hampshire....it sure is BEAUTIFUL. Having grown up in NH....there is nothing like a WHITE CHRISTMAS!!

The beauty...the silence.....GORGEOUS!! I just had to go out to my back yard and snap a few photos.









I was inspired by the snow to create a layout using Bo Bunny's Midnight Frost.....love love love oh did I say love that line!! I also got a new Spellbinders die.....Snowflake Pendant die...OMW and of course Tim Holtz Snow Flurries~On the Edge die....

LET THE CREATING BEGIN..........




I cut a few snowflakes out of a mystery paper I had, to create masks. I then spritzed on some of my Faded Jeans Reinker mixture (Faded Jeans Reinker Ink, Mini Mister, Perfect Pearls and Water), then I outlined the snowflakes with White Opal Liquid Pearls. (this will take a bit to dry)


I then cut additional snowflakes from Mulberry Paper and Crenoline. I then spritzed the Mulbery paper with my Faded Jeans and Weathered Wood Reinker mixtures.



I cut paper from the Snow Flurries "On the Edge" die and painted on some Rock Candy Distress Crackle.....LOVIN' how it made the paper curl!!! I adhered them to the paper with machine stitching....


















hehehehe....some REAL snow snuck onto my layout when I was photographing.....hehehehe!!

I just love the poem I found written by Trade Martin....which I included on my layout!!

It’s the first storm of the season…..,
And it really sets the mood……,
Cause the spirit of the holiday….,
Comes from gifts, snow and food….,
And it looks like a good one…..,
That I hope you just won’t miss…..,
Snow Light, Snow Bright On Christmas….,
Yes, Snow Light, Snow Bright On Christmas….! ! !

Here's.................Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas!!!

.......oh YESTERYEAR!!!

 

I LOVE ALL THINGS VINTAGE......

are you surprised.....I didn't think so!!

So.....for this weeks project for the challenge over at
Simon Says Stamp and Show...

Something from Yesteryear

I decided to create a hanging cone...

Speaking of yesteryear....I went to my stash for Christmas Past paper...and chose Eskimo Kisses by Basic Grey.
I pulled out some very vintage crepe paper....not in the roll but the kind by the sheet...and I let the creating begin!!

I made the cone....that my wonderful friend Peggy taught me (I will post instructions later) and ruffled the crepe paper (basting stitch on the sewing machine). Stamped a Flourish on the cone....outlined it with Tacky Glue then sprinkled on the FABULOUS Vintage Glitter Glass.

What would one of my creations be, if I didn't cut and color fabric to create a Tattered Floral Flower!!!??!? I used a Barn Door Reinker mixture.....brushed on some Multi Medium and dusted with the Vintage Glitter Glass.

To finish it off, I came across a vintage tassel, added a Bauble...and there you have it!!

 

Please note......you will have TWO weeks to create and post your goodie from "YESTERYEAR" on the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge Blog!!

OHHHHH and I must share!!! I had the most wonderful opportunity to meet one of my FABULOUS teamies today. Nancy Crissinger and her hubby were in my neck of the woods here in New Hampshire...so we met for a wonderful lunch and chatted as if we had known each other for EVER!! Can't wait to see her on her next visit!!

Choices...Choices...Choices......

this is another one of those.....HOW DO YOU CHOOSE challenges!!! but do I have toooo....
Yes.....Says.....Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge Blog.....

I choose a technique Tim used on Tag #10.....embossing acrylic!!

I used (4) 7.5 x 5 Clear Acrylic Cover by Zutter
Alcohol Inks: Denim, Stonewashed, Meadow, Pitch Black,  Metallic Pearl and Silver
Alcohol Blending Solution
Distress Stickles: Forest Moss, Rock Candy, Antique Bronze
Ink: Snow Cap Pigment Ink
Stamps: Tim Holtz ~ Winter Sketchbook, Reindeer Flight
Texture Fade: Tall Pines
Die: Winter Wonder
Bind it All and 3/8" Owire

It was a bit tricky embossing the covers as they are rather thick. But when done, coloring the Acrylic with the Alcohol Inks was fun! blues on the inside....Metallics on the out!
For a WOW effect....I stamped the inside with Snow Cap Pigment Ink and the Snowflake stamps.
You will need to dry this....but be careful...you are heating acrylic!!

I cleaned off the trees with blending solution. I painted the inside of trees with Meadow and Pitch Black.
On the outside I covered the trees with Forest Moss and Antique Bronze Distress Stickles and accented the trees with Rock Candy Distress Stickles.
I did a mound of Rock Candy under the tree trunks and created icicles along the top edges.
I cut the snowflakes out of Best Creation Glitter paper and adhered them with Glossy Accents.
To finish off the Luminary I used my Bind it all and Owire!!

There you have it......

 

BEAUTIFUL by Day or by Night!!

so put your thinkin' cap on and choose if you can your FAVORITE Tim Technique.....

Create it and link it to the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge Blog!!!

SEE YOU THERE!!!

OOOOOPPPPPSSSSS....I almost forgot....this weeks random winner gets a.....

Merry and Bright!!!

Thought I would share this mini I made for my December Zutter DT project. I had created another whole project but in the end I couldn't use it because I chose to submit if for something else....I will share that project when I can!!

ANYWAYS....have you ever had a mini or project or just something you wanted to bind but the edges weren't straight and you just weren't sure if the holes would punch right......well head on over to my blog post on the Bind it All blog for your SOLUTION....it is so easy....you'll say WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT!!

Do you see the BEAUTIFUL NIGHT DIVINE COLLECTION  by IOD/Creative Imaginations.... just the YUMMIEST Christmas line ever!!!

A Christmas Greeting.....

TIS THE SEASON....

to be wishing a Merry Christmas....

and so goes this weeks challenge over a Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge Blog!!!

My inspiration for my greeting was this LOVELY vintage card.....

Firstly, I cut the Snow Tree out of cardboard....rubbed on some Forest Moss Distress Ink and spritzed with water. I then accented the branches with Rock Candy Distress Stickles....
love how it picked up the color.

and do you see the edges of the card........Distrezz it All baby....nothing like it.
Add a little ink and ohhh the wonderness of it all!!

See the Tall Pines embossed into the face of the card.....had to slit the top of the embossing folder for this to work....but it was well worth it!! I then floated my Ink Blending Tool inked up with a bit of
Vintage Photo and Forest Moss Distress Ink over the embossed trees.

A piece of Film Strip....some Prima goodness and a pretty little bow and there you have it!!!

Now be sure to link up your Christmas Greeting to the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge Blog cause you could win a WONDERFUL $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE to the Simon Says Store.....
and ohhhh the goodies they have!!!

Bring your TAG ON!!!

 

OK FOLKS........are you ready to get you Tag ON????

This week at Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge Blog.......IT'S ALL ABOUT THE TAG!!

I don't know about you but I love creating tags!! It is such a great way to let those creative juices flow!!

My tag has a bit of a vintage flair to it...I inked my Silhouette Spray stamp with Mustard Seed and Peeled Paint Distress ink...spritzed the inked stamp with water, then stamped on my  tag and paper, giving the image a "watercolor" look. Do you see the Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint??? The tag was accented with a Tim Holtz Corner.

The Maya Road flourish was painted with Gesso, embossed using the Collage/Notebook Texture Fade, the high points sanded then inked with Faded Jeans. If you notice....there is Distress Ink everywhere....used in both the pad and liquid form.

Do you see it....do you??? My GrungePaper Rose!!! If you would like to know how to make this little ditty....check out my tutorial

So....peeps!!! get your TAG ON....and link you creation to the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge Blog......can't wait to see!!!

Would it be vain to brag on myself for a moment!!! You see a life long dream of mine has been to be published in ANY Stampington Magazine....I know I was published in the Stampers Sampler....greedy as I may be, I WANTED MORE!! Sooo....when I got back from my Thanksgiving Mini Vaca....there it was...... a YOU'VE BEEN PUBLISHED magazine ....I almost cried!! Their magazines are JUST THE BEST and it is TRULY AND HONOR to be published in one of their magazines!!!

What do you CELEBRATE....

cause we at.....

want to see your creations!!! 

Christmas.....Hanukkah....Kwanzaa.....Festivus....Christmukkah!!!

Head on over to Paper Issues and LINK UP your creations!!! 

you may notice a few of my creations when you stop by!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING....

Today is the big day....have my apple pie to cook but the New Orleans Casserole is baked....the Cranberry Relish has been made....BRING ON THE TASTE BUD EXTRAVAGANZA!!

Today is a day of Thankfulness, Gratitude....a day of acknowledging those we love, whether they are with us or not, being thankful for all we have, great or small, for the freedoms we so graciously have....FOR BEING AMERICANS!! Thankful for all who serve to afford us these freedoms, for the sacrifices made by those who have gone before us!

There are many things in my life, that are very negative, that I could choose to focus on....but today I choose GRATITUDE, for my amazing teenage children and the rest of my family, For wonderful gracious friends who have been by my side, To the various Design Teams who chose me to participate and share my creativity and who have been my life line at times. And to you who so faithfully pop in and leave me such wonderful words of encouragement.

But most of all I am Thankful that God has granted me one more day to enjoy this beautiful thing called life...in all it's ups and down!! Today, I AM THANKFUL!!

Here's hoping my American friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving....enjoying the smorgasbord....but to everyone....here and abroad....take time to reflect on all you have to be THANKFUL for and do share them with me....I would love to hear them!!

I will share this with you....my New Orleans Casserole recipe...it was one of my beloved Father in Laws favorite dishes....

Take 5-7 red potatoes, cut up and boil till soft to poke. Pour out water and mash as if your were making Mashed potatoes, with butter, milk, salt and pepper, but make it a CHUNKY mash. Cook up some bacon, I use 4 pieces, cut up and add. 14 oz of Sour Cream, 1/2 cup of Cheddar/Monterey Jack shredded cheese, 4 scallions, diced...mainly the white part. Mix it all together, place in a casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees, till heated through....sprinkle with additional shredded cheese........OH THE AMAZINGNESS!!

Hoping everyone one has a wonderful day!!!

Got a minute.....

Tis the season....to be creative!! I have to tell you I've been cranking out the Christmas goodies!! Think I like this season?? And so have the Design Team over at SIMON SAYS STAMP!! The challenge this week is.......DISTRESS INK!!


I used the Fantabulous Night Divine by Creative Imaginations/IOD, Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves die, Forest Moss and Aged Mahogany Distress Ink, Fired Brick and Peeled Paint Distress Stickles, Tiny Attacher, Ink Blending Tool, Claudine Hellmuth Multi Medium, Petaloo Berry Picks, vintage buttons, jingle bells, grapevine wreath and Christmas gold netting.

Now, you may want to grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa as this post is a bit long, but it does go by quickly....cause I want you to be able to create this little goodie tooo!!

So, grab your supplies and let's get creating!!

You will need to cut pieces of paper 1 1/2" x 2 3/4" of three different patterned papers,

5 green, 4 of one red and 5 of another.

Ink the edges of the green leaves with Forest Moss Distress Ink or the ink of your choice.

Trim off the bottom of the 4 like leaves.

Ink the edges of all the red leaves with Aged Mahogany.

Next Stickle the edges of the leaves, Fired Brick on red leaves Peeled Paint of green leaves.

Fold over the bottom edge of the leaf and staple.

Repeat the above process with all leaves.

Sorry, this photo is blurry (didn't find out till too late!) 

Arrange/adhere the green petals on a circle by placing a dab of Multi Medium 

on the back of each leaf petal.

Continue the same process with 5 red leaf petals.

Finish with the final 4 leaf/petals and finish off with a vintage button.

Arrange the flowers on the a grapevine wreath. 

Accent with Berry Picks, gold ribbon, and jingle bells.

(so much prettier outside)

Hope you've enjoyed my rather lengthy tutorial....Now go create!!
DON'T FORGET TO LINK YOUR CREATIONS  TO
Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge Blog!!

FYI...

If you are here to see my next post....please come back tomorrow. The post posted on the wrong day due to OPERATOR ERROR (that would be me...hehehehe)

This is the LIFE!!

SO....I got my box of goodies from IOD/Creative Imaginations. When I saw the LOOLAH Collection, I could hardly contain myself....ALL THE GORGEOUSNESS!! and it just so happened my daughter had just taken photos of herself which were the perfect match!!

I had so much fun working with all the doo dads that go with this line!!! Flower Brads, Layered Stickers, Gem pack, Combo Brads, Epoxy Stickers....and the paper......AAAHHHH!!!

I used one of the pages for the DieCut book for my hidden journaling!!

This is definitely a MUST HAVE LINE!! (can you tell I like it???)

 I cut out flowers from the blooming paper and accented them with brads and rhinestones and created this fabulous flower cluster!

Do you see the stitching on the diecut paper???

I'm serious, what is there not to LOVE about this line???