Queen of Nostalgia

Queen's Guide to the Fabulous Tea Party...

2011-06-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

"I'm late, I'm late! I'm very, very late!"

Poor Rabbit. It is his first time hosting a party. He was invited to create his own soiree by the lovely Vanessa at a Fanciful Twist, and now he is worried if he can pull off a fabulous tea party. I decided to create a "How To" list for this handsome hare, and he was so delighted, he asked me to share :) Obviously delicious treats and tasty tea are a must (and perhaps some Flamingo Croquet) but some other things to consider...

The Invitation List

Since conversation is just as important as to what tea to brew, it is crucial to invite interesting people who not only are witty, but can wear party hats with panache...
These gals know how not only how to rock their powdered wigs, but how to sip their tea without mussing their ruffles...

The Ambiance
Please note I did not say "decorations." One must create an ambiance, an atmosphere, a magical place that transports the party goers to a realm of wonder. Indoor or outdoor, you must find the perfect nooks to tuck in unexpected lovelies, and they should include flowers, fancy china, and linens...

Party Favors
Without pretty little gifties, your party may feel more like a simple snack time. Homemade favors are best, the more unusual and eclectic the better...
This is a paper teapot I created a few years ago - perfect for place settings!

Couture

One must throw themselves into her attire with reckless abandon. Large hats, layers of lace, and of course, as hostess, a fabulous apron...

And there you have it! Some simple guidelines to help you created a lovely tea party that will keep the party goers talking for months! So get your tea cozy ready, cut some flowers, and tie on that apron - and go visit the other party hostesses today!

Credits
All vintage photographs are from my collection of adopted ancestors. The Alice in Wonderland illustrations are from the Library of Congress. The watermarked images are of my creations and other pretties (such as the apron and stack of linens), and the fabulous photos of flowers and such are from http://www.countryliving.com/.

A Place for Everything...

2011-05-31T06:15:00.000-04:00

So busy lately! Is it just me, or does it seems like that the nicer the weather gets, the faster the days go? I know there are more "daylight" hours, yet it seems like I am still running out of time. Of course, the nicer weather means I am outside more, playing in the sun with the boys, helping them plant a vegetable garden, and trying to soak in some sunshine.

Before the nice weather arrived, I did spend some time cleaning my studio. I organized and prettified.

I have a large shelf by the window, and I like to keep flowers and ribbons at hand. I use a lot of bowls, boxes, and jars so I can see my supplies. If I can't see it, I forget I have it - so I like to keep my pretties visible...

My best storage solution for ribbon: mug racks. I got several of these vintage looking, white chippy racks and then hung them vertically, and the rolls of ribbon fit perfectly! Not only are they pretty, they are easy to access.

Storing supplies is one thing - crafting a creative ambiance is another. I like to tuck in unexpected notions with my supplies for little bits of unexpected inspiration. Antique photos and orphaned pages from a vintage book are nestled in a box of tea-stained ribbon...

I adore polkadots - so I need to keep my dotted ribbons handy! A fancy dowel is the perfect home to rolls of ribbon. The paper flowers I made are a nice nest, and I had these fabulous old Bingo cards which needed a place to stay...

A love of words and letters. Old printer trays are ideal for storing chipboard letters. One tray is for plain letters, the other for decorated letters.

All little bits are kept in little jelly jars and little tin cups. Easy to see, easy to use. Buttons, bottlecaps, hatpins, and more...I put the jars on an old cookie sheet, so I can just lift the entire tray up to my work table if I need to.

Of course, that was a while ago, and it doesn't look nearly so tidy anymore. I am a messy crafter. When I work, I like to spread everything out, and right now my crafting table is covered in scraps of paper, bits of fabric, and a few half-finished projects.

However, seeing how nice it can be in there inspires me to clean.

The next rainy day.

I promise...

Fun with Dick and Jane...

2011-04-28T13:03:00.000-04:00

If you are a follower of my blog, you know I just adore vintage goodness! So when I saw this fabric a few years ago, I just had to have it. Now bear in mind, I wasn't even sewing then. I was strictly a paper girl working on scrapbook pages and paperbag albums. And while I would incorporate the occasional swatch of fabric or strip of lace into a paper crafted goodie, I never bought yardage of anything :)

So it sat in my stash of goodies,

Until last week! I was digging in my stash, and found my lovely "Dick and Jane" fabric. Perfect for my newest obsession - Pillows.

It measures 12x12, and has an envelope enclosure in the back so it is easy to clean. I have it listed at Artfire , and I think would be a super cute Mother's Day giftie :)

Here are a few more that I have created...

Have a fabulous Thursday! I have fabric scraps all over the house, so I seriously need to get cleaning...

Well, hey there!

2011-04-12T10:21:00.000-04:00

You would think I was a bear. I feel like I have been hibernating since Thanksgiving... only I think bears emerge all skinny and cranky. I think I have gained a few - but at least I am a happy bear! So what have I been up to? Sewing, reading to the boys, crafting, playing pirate, baking pies, and planning for spring!

Johnny and I made another PIE - he loves the show Word World, where "words come alive," and one of his favorite episodes is where Pig makes a PIE. The letters come together and form an actual pie... so we made one too! It was a raspberry and strawberry pie, and it was delicious...

I also have been playing with some of my stashed vintage texts. I used pages from a 1916 children's magazine and covered chipboard letters. Perfect for titles for scrapbook pages and other altered art. I am also working on some little chipboard houses using the advertisements from the magazine. I love the timeworn patina from these pages, and the charming ads and stories! Apparently my cat, Bastet, does too...

I have had this obsession with wanting to grow veggies in my backyard, but in containers because we are at the bottom of a hill in a subdivision where all our neighbors use chemicals on their lawns. So I tore out some plants (sorry hubby...) with the grand vision of making raised gardening beds. Well, Sunday we had temperatures in the upper 70s/low 80s, and the boys were out with daddy while Mama made lunch. Daddy, being the awesomely fun dad that he is, let them play with the hose. I came out for our sunny picnic lunch loaded down with sandwiches, and saw my little darling piggies - I mean boys - covered in mud.

They were so proud of their mud hole. So pleased at the knee deep sludge they had created...

Good thing they're cute.

Festive Friday

2010-11-08T09:12:00.000-05:00

If you are in the Flint area this weekend, you need to come check out the Festive Friday event! Get your holiday shopping done early, and have fun at the same time! I'll be there with my aprons, handmade stockings, and other pretties :) If you have any questions, drop me a line at..

queenofnostalgia@gmail.com

Tricks, treats, and teenagers...

2010-11-01T09:37:00.000-04:00

So the boys were dressed like a vampire (Johnny) and a magician (Mikey) and had a lot of fun getting ready for trick-or-treating. Layers of turtle necks and thermal underwear under costumes made them warm, and we only planned to do a quick run through the neighborhood. I think the bunny perched on Mikey's hat was my favorite detail :) So trick-or-treating commenced! We decided to start at the end of the neighborhood where Johnny's bus pal lived, and then work our way back. Unfortunately, we had to pass playground to get there. Mikey decided that he would rather slide than hunt for treats, which would have been fine if it weren't so cold and getting colder by the minute.

So a few quick runs down the slide, and I had to drag a howling magician down the street protesting with every step, bunny flopping on his mad little head. Meanwhile, chants of "I want Mama, I want Mama..." were behind me as Johnny decided only I could hold his hand, not Daddy, and he didn't want to carry his plastic pumpkin after all.

Mikey finally got on board, but instead of yelling trick or treat, he would run inside the house we were visiting, I would chase after him, Johnny would shout, "I'm coming toooooooo!" and Steve would be shaking his head and apologizing to the house owners. In the end, we lost our camera, got two pumpkins full of candy, and made it home in one piece in under 25 minutes. We actually had a fun, albeit interesting, time. Like I told Steve, it wouldn't be Halloween if there weren't some tears, some embarrassment, and a little bit of disaster. Then I realized my camera had fallen out of Steve's jacket somewhere along the way...

He went back out (darkness had fallen) and came home to report he didn't find it, but did interrupt some preteens making out in the neighborhood playground.... They begged him to not tell their parents, and Steve (probably more embarrassed than they were) quickly assured them he was looking for something he lost during trick or treating, no problem, as you were... and beat a fast retreat.

About ten minutes later, two sheepish and red faced kids came to our door. After Steve left (who didn't have time to look around the playground as he was completely mortified that he interrupted two little lovebirds) they scoured the playground and found my camera and brought it to our house.

Kids crack me up.

Winners! Halloween party fun :)

2010-10-18T17:09:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I am tired from a weekend of partying with the ghosts and goblins, witches and gypsies this weekend! So much fun! Magical as always :)

This was my second year having a party, which was planned and hosted by Vanessa at a Fanciful Twist. Like last year's party, I am having a little giftie giveaway! So I did the random drawing thingie, and here are my winners!

This is Kelly, who also had a darling party on Saturday :)

And this is Vanessa, our hostess! I am so glad the hostess gets one of my treats, as she inspires such lovely parties :) The hostess most definitely deserves a surprise :)

And just what are these lovely ladies going to receive? A witch hat, of course! I made two special hats, and will share pictures of them before I ship them off :)

Congratulations, ladies - and thanks to all the lovelies that visited my party this year! I can't wait until next year's festivities!

A Halloween Party... Pumpkin Style.

2010-10-16T04:07:00.001-04:00

Three little pumpkins were sitting on a gate...

And as it so often happens with pumpkins, they were arguing. Because today, of course, is the Halloween Party , hosted by A Fanciful Twist, and none of them could find their invitation. Or the directions.

"I'm telling you, I remember distinctly that the party is in the old house next to the pumpkin patch!" insisted the oldest, and with a naughty smile added, "You know. The haunted pumpkin patch."

The littlest pumpkin tried not to be afraid, but this was his first party, after all...
So the three little pumpkins began their journey. Soon they came to a lovely little forest, and met a little cat. Perhaps he might know the way?

"Excuse me. Hello? Hellllloooo...?" The oldest pumpkin gave the kitty a little tap on the head. "Most unresponsive, this one. Let's move on." And so they rolled further on, hoping to find someone who could tell them where this magical party was being held.

"Hark! Here looks like someone who could help us! He looks familiar... Uncle Jasper?"

But upon closer inspection, it was not Uncle Jasper, and he most definitely did not know the way to the party.

The littlest pumpkin shivered as he passed this tall and silent spectre,,,,

"Aha!" cried the eldest. "See? I knew we were on the right track!

They all breathed a sigh of relief, and soon saw the house. But it was unlike any house any of them had ever seen before...

"Um, brothers?" asked the littlest pumpkin. "Perhaps we should just head home..."
"You aren't afraid, are you?" teased the oldest pumpkin.
"Maybe just a little."
"It will be fine. We'll have a great time! Besides, I am the bravest pumpkin of all time, and nothing scares me. I will make sure that nothing scary gets you, no matter how big and scary it is."
Somehow that didn't reassure the littlest pumpkin.

They went to the front door, and a voice called from inside, "Come on in! You can put your hats on the shelf there. We're in the kitchen!"

Hats?

And sure enough, there was stack of hats in the foyer. Witch hats.

"Um, brothers?"
"Not now, littlest pumpkin. Let's go!"

As they headed towards the kitchen, the littlest pumpkin widened his eyes as he took in every detail of this strange and fascinating house. He took a closer look at the portraits on the walls.

There seemed to be a trend here.
"Um, brothers?"
"Not now, little pumpkin!"

And so they made their way to the kitchen, where it looked like the party preparations were still taking place... Bowls of flowers...

And piles of pumpkins...

And jars of poisons...

What?

Before little pumpkin could say a word, he heard a clunk and a clatter from the counter.
"Murder! Mischief! Mayhem!" the oldest pumpkin was shouting...

And without another word, the brave oldest pumpkin rolled out the door, hollering as loud as he could.

A cackle of laughter filled the kitchen, and the two remaining brother pumpkins looked up in fear...

"Fear not, my little pretties! We are making apple pies today. Not pumpkin. If your silly brother had stayed, he too could have a nice warm slice of pie. Do you want a scoop of icecream on your pie?"

They did.

And so the rest of the afternoon, the two little pumpkins ate pie, danced to merry tunes, and played parlor games with some very charming, and very kind, witches.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you had a hauntingly good time :) Please leave a comment! I will be doing a random draw Monday morning (October 18) from the comments for a delightful prize!

Credits: In addition to my original artwork, photographs of house and empty rooms are from Amas Veritas and have been modified, spookized, and hauntified :) The black portrait frames originated from ShabbyBlogs,, and the delightful pie image is from Yesmeals.

BEE book, things to do, and other randomness

2010-10-12T09:47:00.000-04:00

What is Random Tuesday? Check out the UnMom...

So I can't find my son's BEE book. That is the "Bring Everything Everyday" book that is pretty much the most important thing in his backpack. Notes to teacher, daily schedule... And the worst part? I lost it. I took it out to fill with snacks and books for his day at the Farmer's Market with me. I took out the Holy Grail of teacher/parent communication that has his little homework calendar and important numbers and alphabet practice sheets... I took it out, put it on the floor in some random spot by some toys, came home that afternoon from the market, and it is nowhere to be seen. I asked the husband, and he can't remember seeing it.

Ugh.

So now I have officially put the first black spot on Johnny's academic career. I wrote a note to teacher, and offered to come in and wash her chalkboards if I can get a new one...

I need to finish cleaning my craft room. I have an entire room devoted to craftage, yet I still am dragging my goods downstairs to the kitchen. Mostly because my craft room is a mess. And the TV lives down here, and how can I watch Supernatural while I craft if there is no tv?

Oh, that reminds me - I need to go to the library and get the next disks on DVD...

I have a day of bobbin winding, bread making, and sewing planned. I have one more Farmer's Market, then that season is over, and a few crafty shows right after that, so I need to do some serious restocking of goods. Halloween is fast approaching, and I have about 487 ideas of spooky things to make, but by the time I actually make them, it will be past the witching hour. Being a crafty vendor/artisan is confusing, seasonally speaking. You have to be at least 6 months ahead of your seasons... Crap! That means I should really be making stockings and other wintry goodies...

I should be making Halloween costumes, but Johnny said he wants to dress up "just as a boy." Easy enough, yes, but I have a sneaking suspicion that when Halloween is here, he is going to want to actually be something other than "just a boy" and I will have no time to create it, and whatever it is will be sold out....

Ok, all done being random... although writing this feels natural, which is kind of scary because of the random way my mind actually works... I should see what time the library opens. Of course my plates on the van are expired (since 2009) and I am starting to get paranoid I am going to get pulled over (again).

But that is another random story for another day...

A farmer's life for me...

2010-10-11T10:07:00.000-04:00

Had a gorgeous weekend! It feels more like summer than fall here in Michigan (and how often do I ever get to say that?) We took the boys to the Oak Haven Farm, and had a wonderful time. One of the best places! Free admission and parking, and a ton of free things to do! They went through a kid sized corn maze, fed the goats, and played in piles of hay... Johnny made a "hay angel" and needless to say, they needed some serious bath time when we got home :) There was even a waterwheel and little pond with ducks :) The kiddie corn maze was their favorite. We bought some caramel apples and much needed water (all that running through mazes, you know) and took advantage of the great weather.

I took some great pictures of my ridiculously handsome boys... this is Johnny:

And here is my Mikey:

There is this little "house" set up to look like an old front porch. I am pretty sure it is for display only and not meant to be an attraction to be walked on... but before I grabbed my little trespassers off the porch, I took a great picture...

Every time I go to a farm or orchard, I have dreams of being a farmer... I know it is a ton of work, but I long for quiet country roads and fresh berries waiting to be picked. I live in a subdivision in a house like pretty much every house on the street, next to a busy road... I am a country girl who grew up in an old farmhouse, where dad had a huge garden and mom canned vegetables and made her own juice from the grapes dad grew behind the walnut trees in back. I miss those days. My mom has since packed her canning supplies in a box labeled "DO NOT OPEN EVER AGAIN" and has it stored in her basement (canning is work, I know), but I have that romantic nostalgia of summer days, carrying freshly canned goods to the pantry. Maybe she would let me have her canning supplies... Now I just need to find me a little farmhouse to live in :)

A lovely afternoon...

2010-10-04T13:15:00.000-04:00

So I found my car keys...

And I went to the post office, mailed an apron, and then went to the library to get the next four disks of the show Supernatural. I love this show. I had only seen a few episodes years ago, and decided that I wanted to watch it from first season, first episode. I had to drive to another branch of my district library, but I was fine with that :) Because Jon Stewart was being interviewed on Fresh Air on NPR (I love NPR) and I had the most beautiful fall color drive...

And I happened to pass this little quilt shop I have been wanting to visit...

My new favorite place! Linda's Country Quilt Shop is absolutely lovely :) I had to pick up some fabulous fat quarters and a half yard of some darling Basic Grey fabric.

So now I have some great new fabric to play with, several disks of a fabulously spooky show to watch...

Have a great day!
Kristen
the queen of nostalgia

Black and white goodness...

2010-10-04T08:28:00.000-04:00

Another treasury! My black and white apron is featured here in the treasury made by lovemyhoneybeezz

I think I need to go play over at Etsy and make a treasury now... especially since I still can't find my car keys.

It's the Great Pumpkin!

2010-10-04T08:20:00.000-04:00

We celebrated the advent of October by buying two big ole pumpkins this weekend, and then letting the boys help carve them. Well, I did the carving after the kiddos drew the faces on with crayon. Johnny did help scoop out the "bluck" with me - he used a spatula. He didn't like the mushy parts, but thought the seeds felt pretty cool in his hands :)

I sat up my booth at the Farmer's Market yesterday and froze my tootsies off! There are only a few more weeks left, and then my market season is over until next spring... I really do enjoy the market (when I am not holding my tent down against buffeting winds) and plan on making some really cute Halloween goodies to round off the season. Maybe a few Christmasy things too...

I need to head over to the post office today, but I can't find my car keys. That drives me crazy! Then again, I won't be driving anywhere if I can't find my blasted keys...

Hope you have a fabulous day!

Kristen

Treasuries Galore!

2010-10-02T20:44:00.000-04:00

It's no secret I love treasuries on Etsy. I love looking at them, making them, and feel super fancy when I get featured in one! So imagine how fancy and honored I felt when I found out I was in not one, but two treasuries! I just revamped my Etsy store, so I am so glad that other Etsians are finding me again :) Thanks so much to Gaia's Gatherings for featuring my little witch hat in her spooktacular witchy treasury...

And thanks to Bubbletime for putting my newest creation, flour sack towels, in her pretty autumnal collection...

I love this time of year - witchy goodness and warm autumn colors... The boys and I decorated for Halloween this weekend, and then we carved pumpkins :) I made a delicious batch of pumpkin seeds (and ate waaaay too many) and plan on getting more pumpkins at the Farmer's Market tomorrow. I think the food and the decorating are my favorite things about this time of year... and of course the Halloween holiday specials! I love Linus and his quest for the most sincere pumpkin patch...

What do you love about this time of year? I'd love to hear :)

Halloween, Some Pretties, and some aprons of course...

2010-09-30T11:56:00.000-04:00

I know, I know- I keep changing my look. But the weather out there is telling me that Halloween is fast approaching, so I may as well may my blog match the witching hour. Speaking of the witching hour...

This year, the fabulous Vanessa Valencia is hosting her enchanting Halloween Party again this year, and I had such fun last year, I am joining in again. This year's festivities commence on October 16, so be sure to hop on your broom and head over to my witchy little cottage, as I have some fun and treats planned for all my spooktacular friends...

Speaking of treats...

I meet the nicest people at the Farmer's Market, and I come home with the lovliest flowers and tastiest produce! One of the sweetest people I have met lately is Jacqui, of jenandjacdesigns...

A fellow Etsian, Jacqui makes the cutest little hair clips, and she creates amazing altered couture for kiddos... and she is as sweet as can be. Jacqui makes Market days pass quickly as we talk kids and sewing all day :)

Last Sunday was chilly, but it still was a fine day to head to Market. I even took Johnny with me :) My little helper begs me each Sunday morning, "Please let me go to market with you?" So this week I relented. He helped me pack some toys, a big blanket, and some snacks, and we were off!

He helped set up the tent and he made my display of hats...

and little fabric veggies!

And he found my camera and took a picture of these lovely ladies who stopped by and found some paper shoes they just had to have :)

Finally, here is a peek at one of my aprons. I think of this one as "chocolate raspberry". Decadent and sweet, with heavy and supple fabrics...

I love the brown and white polka dots, and the fabric ties make the most beautiful bow:) This one has some darling shabby chic rolled fabric roses on the bodice -

perfect for the domestic goddess!

a clean, well-lighted place...

2010-09-22T08:31:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I never fail to be amazed at how helpless I feel when the power goes out. I tend to swear more and get obsessed with odors. It's true. Stumbling around in the dark, trying to find the candles and matches, I stub my toes and swear like a sailor, and suddenly notice every smell. Obviously because I am deprived of visual stimulation, my other senses compensate. And not in a good way.

The cat litter box suddenly is unbearable (even though I just scooped the damn thing) and the odor of last night's rotisserie chicken dinner haunts my kitchen (even though I did the damn dishes last night).

See what a potty mouth I become when deprived of electricity?

But you, you clever thing, are wondering how on earth am I blogging about my blind and smelly ordeal if I am electrically challenged?

I am at McDonald's, basking in their lights and sounds. Coffee never tasted so good :)

I needed to indulge. Try getting two five-year-olds ready for school in complete darkness. Mikey kept sneaking around behind me, then shouting "HappyBirthday! MakeAWish!" and then blowing out the previously glowing candles. Thankfully I had laid out clothes the night before (which I rarely do so I am shocked at my ESP) so I didn't have to dig for clothes in the dark.

Now that the sun is up, I should go home and clean my perpetually messy craft room. I had planned a day of ironing new fabric and sewing new aprons (I will be at Porter's Orchard this weekend for a little festival) but since I apparently need electricity to iron and sew, I guess I will clean and organize. Maybe Mother Nature is trying to tell me something...

Oooh, but before I do that, I will do a little more playing. I went to the Country Living website this morning after being inspired by the pictures at Moxie Fab, and found the most fun thing ever! It is called, "Be the Appraiser" where you have to try to guess what antiques are worth, and once you do you get to read about the antique in question, and learn its origin... so I am a total nerd, okay? I'm cool with that... Antiques Roadshow is one of my all-time favorite shows, so I get to play I'm on that show. I'm not very good at it, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun :)

Hope you have a bright, light-filled day!

Are you a Good Witch?

2010-09-20T11:05:00.001-04:00

NOTE** I am entering this hat into the "Crafting with the stars" contest :) Wish me luck!

How can you not love the new Halloween papers from Graphic45? Alice in Halloweenland is perfectly perfect for the projects I love to make: vintage, whimsical, and delicious colors. Adoring all things witchy, I made several of these darling little witch hats. Relying heavily on the graphic45 papers, I also used fabric, ribbon, bottlecaps, vintage buttons, odds and ends... I love to mix materials.

I sold a few at the Farmer's Market yesterday, and may put some up on Etsy. After I got home from Market, I had a bee in my bonnet to take the boys to the Family Fun Fest in Grand Blanc. I think listening to the carnival sounds and smelling popcorn all day made the festival irresistible. So after I rushed home, I changed my clothes and had Steve help me get the kiddos ready. We got a pizza on the way (my picky eaters won't even eat Carnie Food - what is that about?) and had a picnic in the park before going to the carnival. Mikey decided he was content to play at the park playground, as was Dad (he said just listening to the Tilt-A-Whirl made him nauseous), so Johnny and I took off for carnival fun.

He won a blue turtle, went through the fun house, and rode down the Gigantic Fun Slide twice by himself. I was super impressed that he did it by himself, it was super tall (I think I was more nervous than he was). And he got some free balloons from a nice lady, just because he is just that cute. He had an absolute blast, and Mikey was tickled to have Dad all to himself to help him do the monkey bars. It was a win-win for all!

The only not-so-fabulous part was that as I was getting the monkeys in the tub, I started to sneeze. And feel drippy and tickly. Sure signs of an end-of-summer cold. Bluck. I feel icky this morning, but have too much to do to be sick. So I am refusing to succumb to my desire to plop on the couch and sniff all day. I am hoping sheer will alone will heal me :)

Ooooh, and Glee starts tomorrow!

How exciting is that?

Autumny Goodness (What? It's a thing...)

2010-09-13T14:36:00.000-04:00

It was so nice to be chilly last night.

After weeks of hot weather, I relished the need to have to snuggle under the quilt and curl my chilly toes up under my legs. I was at the Farmer's Market yesterday, and the booths were bright with pumpkins and squash, gourds and Indian corn. I instantly wanted to find a caramel apple to eat...

Autumn is cuddly. Warm blankets and socks, hot drinks and steaming baked goods... Not only is Autumn cuddly, it's yummy. Lookie at all the pretties I found on Etsy:

I know Autumn isn't officially here yet, so I have yet to give up my "summery" colors and fabrics just yet. I finished this apron last week, and the lemon pie sweetness pair with pink lemonade roses are my apron tribute to summer.

Hope you have a great day!

Pumpkin bread, Glee, and the house to myself....

2010-09-08T09:05:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh.... I have pumpkin bread in the oven, my Playlist going, and I am reading the blogs I love to follow. In the house.

Alone.

This is my first "real" day without the kiddos. Johnny had his first real day yesterday, but I went with Mikey to his first day. We were there for just about an hour, played with puzzles and playdough, and then came home. Mikey "helped" me clean my craftroom (which is fitting, seeing that he is the one that destroyed it) but it still has a way to go. I have moved my poor craft room all over my house. It has been in the basement, the guest room, the "office"... and half the time I end up crafting in the kitchen anyway... but I need a place to store my goodies, you know? Unfortunately, my darling boys are fascinated by all my goodies. They like to stack them. And dump them. And walk on them. And....

You get the idea.

I finally installed a hook and eye locky latchey thing on my craft door. No boys allowed. I had one of those baby door handle things over the knob to try to deter my little destructors, but they were too clever for me. They just figured how to tear that off and get in and have their way with my crafts :( Sundays, when I am at the Farmer's Market, was their favorite day to do a little breaking and entering while Daddy watched them. But no more! They are locked out, baby!

At least until they realize they can team up, find a chair to climb, have one spot the other, and unlatch the hook.

But until then, I think my sanctuary shall be safe. I still have some crafty corpses to dispose of, but my goal today is to get my room completely in order and get cracking on a custom order that is long overdue...

While I am celebrating my alone time, I have to admit I got teary after putting Johnny on the bus this morning. Mikey's bus comes at an ungodly 6:50am, and he grumbled at me and was basically ticked off, so there was no Hallmark moment for us this morning. Johnny and I had to be at the bustop at 7:15am, and as we walked, Johnny looks up at me, and says, "Can we talk about Halloween, Mama?"

Of course we can! So we walk, hand in hand, talking about pumpkins and candy, costumes and carameled apples. I was fine until he got on the bus. I watched him get in the front seat. Totally fine.

Then he turns to look at me. A giant smile on his face, he puts one palm on the glass and waves with his other hand. The bus pulls away, and I can still see that little hand and his bright blue coat. The bus goes down our street, and I start bawling my face off. I cried all the way home.

So now I am baking pumpkin bread (don't be too impressed - it's a mix), drinking a pot of coffee, and listenin to my playlist which is heavy on songs from the best show on television, Glee. It makes me feel better.

A pretty new look, and pancakey goodness for picky eaters...

2010-09-03T14:48:00.001-04:00

Like my pretty new blog design? Me too! I checked out Shabby Blogs and found the purtiest new banners and backgrounds. I luuuurve that site.

I almost have a "nesting" urge right now. With my wild ones almost ready to board the bus next week, I feel this urge to become more organized, tidy, and SuperMomish. I hung up this wall organizer thing for the kitchen, and cleaned off the little white board hanging next to it. By the way - a magnetic white board in the kitchen near the door is my best thing ever! I can write myself notes, clip up permission notes... It is like a ToDo list on the wall! And because it is on the wall, it can't get buried under piles of mail, backpacks, dishes, and other goodies that seem to accumulate on my counters.

So in my nesting SuperMom mode, I thought I would share my Most Important Recipe Ever. The boys call them "Pancakems", but I secretly call them YouDon'tEvenKnowYou'reEatingHealthyVegetablesInYourPancakems.

In the tradition of the Sneaky Chef, these pancakes have pureed veggies and other goodness in them. Excellent books, by the way. This recipe I am sharing I created after being inspired by her concept of putting healthy pureed veggies in "regular" food. It is a "from scratch" recipe, and my boys love to help ~~make a mess~~ mix them up with me. I also know that you moms and dad are craaaaazy busy out there, so I also wrote the "quick and dirty" version using pancake mix. I make a giganto batch of these babies - pancakes reheat nicely, so I can pop a few in the microwave for a snack or breakfast the next few days. I feel ~~relieved~~ wholesome that I can serve up a hot breakfast every morning - without having to drag out the griddle every time.

YouDon'tEvenKnowYou'reEatingHealthyVegetablesInYourPancakems

3 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp salt

7 tsp baking powder

2 TB sugar

6 TB butter/margarine (melted)

2 1/2 cups milk

2 eggs

1/2 cup pureed sweet potatoes OR two packs (7ish ounces total) of baby sweet potatoes/mixed veggies ORANGE colored

Combine all the dry ingredients in a big bowl. Mix together well. Add milk and eggs, butter, and veggies and stir it all up! Scoop about 1/3 cup (use an actual 1/3 cup measuring cup - easier to pour) batter onto hot greased griddle, flip when bubbles look like they want to erupt (you can lift an edge and peek to check too), cook another minute, serve. Yields a ton of pancakes... at least 30ish, more if you make smaller pancakes.

These pancakes are super nice and fluffy :) The veggies keep them moist and give a super subtle flavor (only if you know it's there, if you know what I mean). If I have pureed sweet potatoes on hand, I use those, but lately I have been using the baby food. I suggest either straight up sweet potatoes, or a "orchard" or "farmers" blend baby food - my favorite is Orchard Blend Sweet Potato (it has apple, pear, and peach puree in addition to the sweet potato). Just make sure it is orangeish. Otherwise, the pancakes will be a funky color and the jig is up.

You can also use 1.5 cups white flour and 1.5 cups wheat flour if you are feeling extra virtuous - which I often don't. Feel virtuous, that is. It makes the cakes a bit flat and brownish. However, when once-in-a-blue-moon virtuosity does happen to strike, I may use 2.5 white, .5 wheat, or some other such division of the flours.

The simplest version? Take premixed pancake mix, follow their directions, and add the baby food to it :)

Good luck! If you try it, let me know :) And if you have any suggestions or other recipes, I would love to hear about them! I need all the help I can get to make my boys eat foods other than pizza, PB&J, and pancakes. At least the pancakes have some veggies in them...

Flowers, some little boys, and the guilt of motherhood

2010-09-02T08:54:00.001-04:00

A pretty glorious morning :) My little blog helpers are checking out the new laptop. Like the flowers? One of the farmers at the market gave them to me on Sunday. Aren't they amazing? They fit perfect my old sap bucket/rusty pail and I love how they look. It is nice to have a pretty spot to blog - even if I have ten little fingers wanting to "help" me type.

Speaking of my little helpers...

The countdown begins... My little munchkin butts are heading to school next week. They have been in preschool, so this isn't like the first time they will be going to "school," but for some reason, because they are five and starting the full day thing, I am wigging just a smidge. Mikey is headed to the full-day Autism program, and Johnny is going to the Young 5s at the elementary school. The Young 5 program is like kindergarten, (in my day, I guess it would be the equivalent to what the school called Primary class. Since my boys were born in July, they are considered young, so Johnny was able to get a spot in this program). They were in the same building last year, but now the teachers tell me Johnny is ready to leave the special ed building and head into the land of elementary. Which is a good thing. Right?

But now he is going to a "bigger" school, with lunch menus and lots of kids and bus stops... At his old building, I knew just about all the teachers, his class was small, I packed his little snack, the bus had like four kids on it and the bus driver would help get the boys to their seats, and Mikey was in the classroom next door... It felt homey and small. Now they will be riding different buses, not to mention going to different buildings. They never were in the same class - Mikey's autism is more pronounced than Johnny's - but I was comforted by the fact that they were right next to each other. Next fall, most likely they will be in the same building. It will be a different building for both of them, but they will be together.

Mikey also has a new teacher this year. He has had the same lovely teacher for the last two years, and this year, his last at the special ed building, is with a new teacher. Luckily, I know her and she is a sweetie, but she is new to Mikey. Mikey has a hard time with change, and I sometimes so do I. I get comfortable and like routine just like my Mikey.

And now here comes the other side of this whole back-to-school event. In some ways, while I am wigging out and feeling like my babies are getting too old, too fast, I am also soooo ready for them to be in school. I am with these little guys pretty much every minute every day. So the idea of some alone time sounds so good - and makes me feel like a big fat mean shmuck for wanting that time. I am nervous about them being at school, excited and apprehensive, sad and at the same time guilty.

Being a mom is complicated.

To market, to market...

2010-08-29T06:48:00.000-04:00

No, I am not going to buy a fat pig, but headed to the market I am indeed :)

I have a hard time sleeping the night before market. I am paranoid I will sleep too late (not that my little alarm clock Johnny would let that happen) but I usually have one last apron that needs a pocket, or a box I need to remember to put in the van, or business cards I need to remember to trim and pack, and I need to remember to fill my big ole water jug and put that in the van, too...

So I have been up since about 4am. But I finished that apron, squeezed that box in the back seat next to the antique high chair, and got my set of business cards ready. I still need to put my water in the van, but I want it to be extra chilly, so I will let it stay in the refrigerator as long as possible. It is supposed to be in the 90s today.

Yuck.

Have I ever mentioned I don't do well in the heat? Bluhck. We have had about zero rain the last few weeks, and with the ungodly heat, our yard looks like dry, shredded wheat. But as I will be outdoors today, I would rather not have any rain today.

Fickle, aren't I?

I am taking my camera today, and I hope to be able to show you the apron I had to finish for today. It is limeish green plaid with cranberry trim, and the reverse is cranberry toile. Sounds kind of funky, but I hope once you see it, you think it is as darling as I do! Any excuse to used toile...

I mentioned my antique high chair earlier, and I need to take some pictures of this crazy chair for you. It is a convertible high chair/potty seat/toy-riding-thing. One of the other vendors has been wanting to see it, and I managed to squeeze it in the van. It is one of my favorite estate sale finds, and makes a pretty cute display piece.

Well, the sun seems to be about up, so I am off! Wish me luck, and hope you have a great Sunday!

Aprons, shoes, and liberation!

2010-08-27T10:18:00.000-04:00

Are you ready to do the happy dance with me? Are you sure? Ok then - stand up, kick off those shoes, and do a little dance because yours truly has Internet at home again! Yay me! Don't get me wrong - heading to the library with two five-year-old boys in tow is ~~horrifying~~ superfun when trying to check one's email (let alone do something like work on a blog) when all they want to do is play hide-and-seek among the stacks, "help" the librarians by running behind the circulation desk, and rearranging all the books on the carts... what usually happens is we pick out some books, I chase them around the video collection, and I gaze wistfully at the computers, wondering what is happening in BlogLand.

On the rare occasions I sneak (Snuck? Sneaked? Snookened?) out of the house alone by ~~bribing my husband to watch the kiddos~~ explaining I need to get some work done ~~so I don't go insane~~, I would head to the library, solo, to plop in front of the computer. But there is a time limit, and I don't get to be in my jammies, and they don't allow drinks in the lab...

I don't know about you, but blogging and wasting time on the computer isn't the same if you can't have your comfies on and a snack and drink nearby. So. Happy and liberated, I am in my comfies, drinking a big ole fat cup of coffee, so happy to be talking to you again! Speaking of snacks...

This "cake" is a confection of paper and ribbon. Each "slice" is a box, perfect for gifties and such. Plus it is just plain cute.

My sporadic posts of late have hinted at my activities at the Farmers' Market. I honestly adore working the market. The other vendors are so sweet, the market goers are so nice and friendly, and there is just this sense of camaraderie and fresh yummy goodness in the air. My newest obsession is aprons, and it is so intriguing to talk to my new market friends about fabric and cooking, quilting and traditions... I have been also making some cards and other little pretties to sell. Among them are these little shoes. I had seen these little paper shoes from a template by Ellen Hutson. I tweaked and played, changed and altered, and here are a few of my versions of this little shoe.

Here is "Dolly" all dressed up in this vintage inspired apron. It has a little quote printed on the pocket, and the skirt just kills me! I love mixing fabric...

I keep playing with apron patterns and styles. The more I sew, the more I learn, and I have made a few patterns of my own. Talking to other women at the market has been so helpful - getting their input on lengths,and pocket preferences, and color combos...

I have about 6 different apron styles that I am currently working with. I need to start some "fall" color influenced aprons. School is starting soon (gasp!) and soon apple picking and pumpkin carving will be the activities of choice. I am picturing oatmeal colored aprons, with skirts of scarlet and muted greens and deep pumpkin orange...

See how chatty I am? I have missed you dearly, honestly and completely! Now I am going to refill my cup and get some reading done :) I am dying to know what the rest of you have been up to!

Have a lovely day,

2010-08-19T19:08:00.000-04:00

So I have been sewing like a madwoman, and have some super fun aprons that I need to share. If you would like to see them in person, you need to head to Grand Blanc, where I am a vendor at the local Farmer's Market! Each Sunday from 10-3, you can find me and my pretties under the shade of my little white canopy, aprons waving in the breeze... I am also featuring handmade recipe cards, little paper shoes, and other whimsical goodies. Since I am at the library, I haven't figured out how to upload my photos - but I hope to be able to soon. Here is a link to information to the GB Farmer's Market. It is absolutely wonderful. I remember years ago when it was just starting, and there were a handful of produce stands. Now it has expanded tremendously, and each Sunday feels like a hometown festival. It really is lovely :) Hope to see you downtown!

hellllooooo!

2010-07-22T10:11:00.000-04:00

Seriously... where the heck have I been? I'll tell you:
In the depths of despair.

Internetless, with a craft studio upended, that's where. I have resorted to the library (after paying some seriously hefty late fines for books long since returned or lost) to use the computer.

I feel like a sugar addict suddenly allowed into the sweets shoppe. Where to begin? My hands are giddy with typing.

I have been rearranging my house (that's a shocker, I know), playing with my wild children, trying to craft, and cursing the hot humidity of Michigan summers. Luckily I have the new "Glee" CD so I can belt out some tunes as I try to reorganize my house, whip up some aprons, and try to find elusive scraps of paper. Somehow singing "Bad Romance" ala Glee cast makes me feel like I can do anything...

The addict must leave, however. I am limited in time on this borrowed computer (how I miss the days of pajama-clad me sitting in my chair, a hot beverage by my side as I rambled to BlogLand) but I shall be back! I have missed you all dearly, and I need to do some serious reading on my next visit to see just what exactly the rest of you have been up to!

Ignore the Dust...

2010-04-16T08:02:00.000-04:00

In my effort to procrastinate doing the laundry, I am fiddling with my blog. Playing with graphics, adjusting widths.... Irritating I know, but I realllly don't want to do the laundry. Or do the dishes. Or scoop the cat litter.

So be prepared for a prettier blog, coming soon to a computer near you :)

Apronology

2010-04-15T10:27:00.006-04:00

So I am pretty sure that aprons are the funnest thing ever! My inner "English teacher" cringes, but the sentiment is true. I have been sewing up a storm, which is funny because when I initially purchased my sewing machine, it was to stitch on paper, not fabric. Now I find myself making hems, adding ruffles, and making linings! Who knew?

I think my latest apron looks kind of "scrapbooky" even though I am working with fabric, and not paper. Piecing fabric is a lot like paper piecing. I love digging through my stash to find bits of green toile for trees, sprigged ivy fabric for rolling hills... Of course, this now means I will go broke buying not only scrapbook paper but fabric too :( New obsessions can get pricey... I also like to check out the antique shops and estate sales to find lovely bits of embroidery, handmade lace - now that Spring is here, I can't wait for auction season! Yay!

I have a few pretties listed on Etsy, and have had some nice emails suggesting I submit some of my aprons to Apronology. Have you seen this fabulous publication? Somerset has a magazine for just about every creative obsession out there :)

Me? A maniac?

2010-03-29T10:52:00.002-04:00

I must be, because I decided to, once again, reorganize my entire craft room. And I couldn't just do that, mind you. I decided to not only reorganize it, but also move it back to the second floor from the basement. You may recall that just last August, I moved my space from the second floor guest room to the basement. I had this notion that if I worked in the basement, my children would happily play in the "family" area. I had dreams of my serenely scrapping at my table, the boys happily playing with their toys. I could cut and paint, chit chat with them while they put together puzzles, played dinosaur, sang nursery rhymes and practiced their ABC's...

What really happens is that the plastic dinosaurs liked to knock down my stacked bottles of paint, the only ABC's I saw were my chipboard letters scattered all over the floor, and the only puzzle was why on earth did I think I could leave all of my supplies out on shelves and my two darling terrors would leave them alone?

Silly woman.

So the daunting task began. I decided to revert the basement to a family room, completely kid-friendly. I realized that it was unreasonable for me to get mad at them for touching my pretty things when my pretty things were out, about, and soooo attractive to curious hands. And let's be honest - I wanted to be able to say, "Go play in the basement" and feel safe to let them do so. I wanted them to be able to go play in their area, alone if even for three minutes, without hearing a crash, or worse, hearing nothing in those three minutes, and investigating to see that they were dancing on my craft table and covered in ink.

So. I moved every single bookcase, shelf, table, container back upstairs. Again. More details, and maybe some photos, to come soon. I have about 15 minutes until my Lil Stinkers get off the bus, and I want to get some organizing done...

Once Upon an Apron... and Banana Bread

2010-03-15T12:29:00.011-04:00

In my latest obsession with apron making, I combined my love for old quilts, vintage finds, and paper piecing...

When I scrapbook, I adore making little vignettes; houses on rolling hills, elaborate trees on lush landscapes... you get the idea. I also love the look of primitive samplers and quilts. I had made this sampler a few months ago

(and sold it to a dear and darling customer!) and have been itching to make another. Until then, however, I decided to try to make a little landscape art. But this time, I used all fabric, and instead of paper, my canvas was an apron.

I used some fabulous fabric I got at an estate sale. I think it is floursacking - it is so thick and supple! A combination of new fabrics and vintage lace were the rest of my materials, and a tiny little old button was the perfect doorknob :) After much deliberation, I decided to list it on Etsy. I thought about keeping it, but now that it is up for sale, it gives me an excuse to make another!

As for the banana bread...

This weekend, I had the grand idea to make some banana bread. The recipe is my Great Grandma Tessie's recipe, for "Fruit Loaf", and whenever I make it, I usually double it. Well, I had quite a few bananas, and whenever I do make this yummy bread, my dear friend Kelly begs for some - with chocolate chips, of course :) So what do I do? In my ambition, I multiplied the recipe by six. Twelve cups of flour, six cups of bananas, a dozen eggs...

My mixing bowl overfloweth....

It all turned out in the end (my arms got quite the workout. Mixing that much batter is way more taxing than a rowing machine, my friend) and I even had enough for six loaves and six muffins :)

Kelly will be happy :)

Springing Forward...

2010-03-14T19:11:00.004-04:00

I feel as if I have been in hibernation - and in some regards, I have. I have missed Blogland! My plate seemed to get so full that I had to crawl into my cave and catch up. Nothing horrible or earth shattering - just one little thing piled up upon another little thing, until my plate became a heaping platter and I had to take a break. Of course, now that I feel like I have caught my breath, I lose an hour to daylight savings time. Blasted Spring Forward, anyway. I miss that hour! I feel like I am cheated of that sixty minutes not just today, but for at least two weeks... my body and soul fight this change like no other...

But I am back! During my hiatus, I fixed my wonky stove, discovered how fun cooking can actually be, and have been teaching myself to sew with fabric and not just stitch on paper! I also painted my kitchen.

I have been a busy girl.

It is funny how one thing leads to another. I ordered the part to fix my stove, and when it came, I wanted it fixed right then and there. Instead of waiting for the hub to get home, I pulled the stove out (how does it get so dirty back there? And that plug? HUGE!), found some tools, and fixed it myself. After cleaning behind the stove, I realized how much I hated the white walls in my kitchen, and how dingy they looked. So I loaded the twins in the van, went to the hardware store, and bought pretty robin's-egg-faded-blue paint and brushes.

I painted until 1am.

Now that I had a nice clean kitchen and a functional stove, I looked around and decided I hated how grubby my kitchen chairs looked...

The next thing I know, I am hauling out the sewing machine and stitching chair covers. I had these really cool old coin bags, and I thought they would make nifty "shabby chic" covers if I split the seams, stitched on some ties... and then decided a tablecloth would be nice. Something with a bit of blue...

Because my kitchen was now so pretty, I decided I should spend more time there, so I started digging out my old recipe collections. Nerd that I am, I have been collecting recipes since I was about twelve years old. Notice I said collected them. Never really used them until now.

I have been cooking up a storm!

And when I was cooking, I found myself wiping my hands on my shirt (I can never find a towel when I need it) and pretty much destroying my clothes. What I needed, I said to myself, was an apron.

I didn't own an apron.So I decided to make one. And have found a new passion that has now consumed me. Apron making! I have so many fabulous fabrics and vintage linens, I have been making aprons all week! I have a few listed on Etsy, and have a few started that I hope to finish this week... Ah, the joy of a new obsession... and it all started because of my wonky stove.

Catching Up... and a wonky stove

2010-01-05T05:03:00.004-05:00

Where does time go? I know it flies when you are having fun, but I think it goes at warp speed when you are behind in tasks...

Getting ready for Christmas, making teacher gifts, celebrating the holiday, last minute orders to complete, having the kids and a husband home for two weeks... Now I am ready for a vacation!

I promise to have some pretties to show soon :) I made some cutie holiday gifts for Christmas, and they were so well received that I am thinking of making some Valentine inspired versions soon... so keep an eye out :)

At the Pixie Cottage, the current contest has been extended, so you have an extra week to make a "Button It" creation! If I ever get my blasted camera working properly, I will show you what I came up with. It is still acting wonky (my new favorite word) so I may just have to break down and get a new one. Of course, my stove is also acting wonky. I was attempting to make dinner yesterday, and when pre-heating the oven, I thought I accidentally turned on the interior light. I flipped the switch. Light still on, and growing brighter.

Hmmmm...

Opening the oven door, I see there is a spark of light, growing into a bright flame, traveling down the coily thing in the bottom of the stove. Sparking and red hot, it looked like a movie version of the dynamite stick where the fuse is about to blow.

"A shooting star! Look, Mama! There is a shooting star in the oven!" a little voice yells behind me.

"Get back Johnny!"

I grabbed a cup of water and tossed it onto the flame, which only seemed to incense it. I slammed the door shut, pushed Johnny behind me while I watched in horror as the red hot flame grew in intensity, sparked and finally fizzled.

And snapped the coily thing.

So I think the oven is broken.

Hey, does this mean I don't have to cook anymore?

And the stockings were hung...

2009-12-10T07:33:00.007-05:00

It is so hard to believe that Christmas is so close! Wasn't I just handing out candy to trick-or-treaters? Didn't I just make pumpkin pies and roast a turkey? Time, like snow, is flying too fast!

I have had some camera issues - as in, the children had decided it would be fun to play photographers on Safari with Mama's camera - and as a result, there was one time-out, a bit of yelling, and one broken camera. If I hold the lens on just so, I can get a halfway decent photo... but if I lean over too much, the lens falls out and then there is more yelling...

I was able to take this picture of a layout I made for Etsy. The stockings were pretty fun to make - I don't know if you can see it or not, but the red one on the left has a real jingle bell on the curly toe :) I had to get creative with my layering to fit the word "stockings" on the one 12x12 page, but was able to manage it. And let me tell you - so glad that I got back into stamping, because my ink in my printer is out, and I wanted to print "hanging the" on some cardstock... but luckily I have my little set of letter stamps, and stamped them out instead!

Speaking of stamping... If I can get my lens back on my camera today, I will take a picture of my card for the "Once Upon a Wednesday" challenge at Pixie Cottage! I created the sketch for this challenge, and it is simple and sweet :) While I am fiddling with my camera, head over to the Pixie Cottage Blog to see the other DT member's take on this sketch. You have lots of time - until December 20 to enter this every-other-week challenge, so get your sketch on!

It's a cupcake kind of day...

2009-12-02T16:19:00.003-05:00

So after three days of no solid food, I have been in Thanksgiving leftover heaven. Yay real food! My hubby's procedure went great, and all is good. My need for something other than broth and Jello manifested in dozens and dozens of paper cupcakes.

That's right - paper cupcakes. With some fabric and buttons too! I have made these little cupcakes for scrapbook pages and cards, and thought I would put some on Etsy and see if other people might like them too! There are two varieties, and lots of flavors :) Do you know what one of my favorite things about selling crafty goods is? Making up the names. I love making up names for my creations. Like these cupcakes, for example. In my shop you will find Aunt Greta's Cupcakes, and Cousin Nellie's cupcakes, Winterberry and Polkaberry... I don't really have a cousin Nellie, but I do have an Aunt Greta, and the pretty checkered red fabric made me think of her. Nelli's cupcakes are inspired by Little House on the Prairie, and Nellie's surprising success at the culinary arts...

While listing these little cuties, I have been entertaining myself by playing "Farmville", a game on Facebook. Hello new addiction!

Well, I have another batch of cupcakes coming out of the oven - I mean, the studio - so I need to quit chatting and get those sweeties on the shelf while they are still warm!

Have a great day,

Big Sales, a treasury, and don't forget to Play with the Pixies!

2009-11-29T20:29:00.005-05:00

I love the holidays, and I love my family, but let me tell you... I am glad for things to get back to "normal." Everyone goes back to work and school tomorrow, and the schedule-lover within can't wait for the routine to resume. Of course, now that I am updating this post, I have two little boys home with coughs camped out on the couch watching cartoons and drinking apple juice...

My mom and dad assured me the turkey was fabulous, and they agreed that the pecan pie was the best they had ever had. I love my folks! I was sooo nervous hosting my first Thanksgiving, but it went pretty darn smoothly! I made all my pies the day before, and prepped my casseroles the night before. I even watched an episode of the Martha Stewart show about preparing a turkey... I didn't use a cheesecloth or brine ole Tom in white wine, but I did slather on the butter like she instructed :)

So now I have a refrigerator full of yummy leftovers. My husband has to have a simple procedure done on Monday, and has been on a liquid diet. Nothing solid since Saturday morning - and fabulous wife that I am, I said I would do it too. Misery loves company and all that. Plus I would feel bad loading up my plate with turkey and stuffing while he sadly sips bland broth... I'm trying to remember if he gave up coffee with me when I was pregnant...

I didn't brave the crowds this weekend, opting instead to stay in my jammies, eat broth and put up the Christmas tree. I have a big sale in my Etsy shop, though - still doing the *Buy Three, get one FREE* card sale, and am also offering free shipping on all goodies! I also plan to list some seriously sweet paper cupcakes today. I think all this broth and liquid nonsense is manifesting itself into my crafts - all I want to do is piece together cupcakes...

Oh, and I am also featured in a treasury! As many of you know, I am obsessed with treasuries! Nightlady made a super pretty treasury of Blue Christmas, and my paper flowers are among some really pretty blues...

Don't forget that the latest challenge at Pixie Cottage is "Getting Stitchy!" I am having camera issues, and hope to get that resolved asap - I want to share my stitching on my card for the challenge! But have no fear - the fabulous design team has lots of pretty cards for you to look at on the Pixie blog. You have until Sunday, December 6th to enter, so lots of time yet!

I hope you have a great day. I can't wait to raid the refrigerator tonight...

Gobble Gobble, I hope my pies don't wobble...

2009-11-25T14:19:00.003-05:00

Happy Pre-Turkey Day! I have been baking all morning, and have three pies done, and one more in the oven. Pie, that is :) Two pumpkin, one pecan, and one chocolate-creamcheese-pecan yummy pie... The turkey is cooling his heels in the refrigerator, and I have all my ingredients ready for the side dishes. Luckily, Mom is bringing sweet potatoes, apple dumplings, and pistachio salad. And folding chairs.

I still need to go out tonight and get rolls, and I might need another thing of whipped cream... I made a lot of pies...

I wish I had a picture to share of a card or something, but my darling Mikey was apparently snacking on my USB cord. He likes to chew metal. Seriously, he does. So I need to find a plan B, because I made some seriously cute paper flowers, and I have a few cards I want to share too....

Ok, well, I need to check on the kiddos and the pie. I ran out of the dratted tin foil, so the edges of my pecan creations are overdone :( Oh, well. It's called, "Eat around it, people!"

If I don't have a chance to pop in tomorrow, I hope your turkeys are juicy, your pies unburned, and your families safe and healthy :)

Happy Holidays!

Let It Snow!

2009-11-17T11:00:00.004-05:00

I am super excited about a new project - Self Standing Scrapbook pages! I have had such fun with the easel cards, so I decided to do some experimenting and paper engineering... and made some scrapbook pages that are display pages! I am making some for my Etsy store, some for Christmas gifts, and some for me!

Here is a snowy themed one. It has a little paper pieced boy on it. He reminds me of Randy from "A Christmas Story". You know, the little brother that "can't put my arms down!" There is a photomat, a journaling pocket with tag, and I even made a protective case/envelope for when it isn't on display :)

Last post today, I swear....

2009-11-12T10:52:00.006-05:00

I have been so busy creating the last few days, I hadn't had the time to post what I have been making! And since I have about 19.5 minutes until the bus delivers the munchkins, I figured I better seize the moment (especially since these two challenges are due asap!)

This first card is my entry to my first ever to the Just Magnolia challenge blog :) The challenge was distressing (not to me, to the card, silly!) and I had a lot of fun aging the edges, teastaining the fabric...

This is the only magnolia stamp I have, and after using her, now I know why so many of you love your magnolias! She was really fun to color :)

Ingredients
Papers:MyMindsEye
Image:Magnolia
Embellishments: fabric, buttons

My other card is a little more seasonal. Drawing inspiration from Our Creative Corner, I went autumnal and thankful for this easel card. Loving the easel cards! I used the sketch from Sketch Saturday, and used Kraft paper as requested by Daring Card Makers :)

This stamp was toooo fun to color, and I really had a blast finding just the right papers for her :)

Ingredients
Papers:Graphic45, Creative Imaginations, brown Kraft Paper
Image:Greeting Farm Anya
Embellishments: fabric, buttons, punch

Chilly Willy....

2009-11-12T09:12:00.005-05:00

I mentioned the other day how I made my first ever easel card, and I can safely say I am addicted to this style. Thanks to Crazy for Challenges for challenging me to do this, as well as providing a fabulous link to a great tutorial! I made this little card with the super cute sketch at Sunday Sketch and Stamp, and Cupcake Craft wanted to see something that was "Snow much fun!" This card is pretty little - it is only 4" square, but perfect for this stamp I won from Peachy Keen Stamps a while ago. Finally, using the recipe from Stamp Something, I limited myself to 1 ribbon, 2 papers, and 3 embellies... For such a little card, it sure holds a lot of challenges!

Ingredients
Papers: Basic Grey, MyMindsEye
Image: Peachy keen
Embellishment: sparkly brads from stash, vintage ribbon

GLEEful to be Home for the Holidays...

2009-11-12T08:36:00.008-05:00

So who watched "Glee" last night? Such a good show! It just gets better and better :) I swear, I have a "new" favorite character each time I watch... and just when you think you have a someone "figured out," they surprise you...

And as for Home for the Holidays... I am hosting my first ever Thanksgiving dinner this year! I am sure I'll burn the turkey and forget the potatoes, but I am going to give it my best. I made this card with the theme of old fashioned goodness, and have entered it into the Mojo Monday challenge. I love silhouettes, and when I found this set of rub ons in my stash, I had to use it!

Ingredients
Papers: Basic Grey
Images: Rubons from Marah Johnson
embellishments: sparkly brads, and fabric from stash

Glee photo from imusicdaily.com

2009-11-11T09:11:00.003-05:00

I am super excited and I'll tell you why - Because it is "Once Upon a Wednesday..."

Every other Wednesday we will host a challenge, and we want you to play. Prizes and fun and inspiration abound, and because you have a week and a half to get your entry in, there is plenty of time to find your creative magic...

Head over to the Pixie Cottage blog to find out the rest of the details. There are some super cute stamps you could win, as well as a chance to become a guest DT :)

I created the sketch for this challenge, and would love to see what you come up with:

Here is my take on this sketch.

Head over to Pixie Cottage to see the rest of the Design Team's work - you won't be disappointed :)

Ingredients
Papers: MME, Graphic45, PaperPizazz
Image: Candy Cane Wishes from the Pixie Cottage
Embellishments: fabric, brad
Colored pencils, copic marker, Zig marker

SALE, SALE, SALE! ... and good morning of course :)

2009-11-10T07:30:00.005-05:00

I found a challenge that asked to create an easel card, and I was a little intimidated at first, having never made one... but then I did! It was fun, and wasn't too difficult at all :) I love the display aspect of these cards. Very fun! I need to take pictures as soon as the sun decides to come out :)

I watched Bring It On yesterday (I know!) and totally got into this cheerleading flick. I am a movie producer's dream - I pretty much get immersed in any movie if I get watching it :) So I was cheering away and making cards all morning while the pumpkins were at preschool...

"My name is Kristen! Yah! And I make cards! Yah! Gooooooo Crafting!"

With all the cards I have been making, I need to clear out my shop to make room! If you fancy stocking up, check out my Etsy shop - I am having a Buy THREE cards, get one FREE! Sale :)

A happy day to you!

Treasure this day...

2009-11-09T07:27:00.006-05:00

Good morning! We had the most lovely weather this weekend, and we took full advantage of it. Steve raked leaves (Mikey and I jumped in the piles - Johnny was napping, so don't tell him or he will be mad he missed out on this), we all went to Frankenmuth on Sunday and had a lovely time. We walked around the village, threw pennies in the pond, and found lots of things to add to our lists to Santa :)

We came home, went to the neighborhood playground, and then came home and hung our Christmas lights. I know, I know - it is early. But weather in Michigan can go from 70 one day to 40 the next, and I don't fancy hanging lights in piles of snow :) But I promise I won't plug them in until after Thanksgiving. Not too much.

Today I plan on working on some scrapbook layouts, a couple of cards, and I hope I can get that flower tutorial done as well. I also plan to walk on the treadmill, but now that I am sitting here, drinking my coffee and chatting with you, I might skip that. Listening to the soundtrack to Forrest Gump and sipping my java is making me feel cozy and very un-treadmilly.

Here is a little card I made last week for a few challenges. It was difficult at first, as the challenge at Cute Card Thursday was primary colors. Normally not a primary color kind of gal as I lean towards the faded/muted tones. But that's why it is a challenge, right? :) Pairing this challenge with the color scheme of black and red from Creative Inspirations, I used the sketch from PaperTake Weekly, and made this any occasion card:

Ingredients
Image: Gorjuss Girl from Sugar Nellie
Papers: BoBunny, Paper Pizazz
Embellishment: ribbon from stash
Copic markers, colored pencils, ink

All Dressed Up...

2009-11-07T18:22:00.006-05:00

I mentioned the other day how I have discovered my new favorite thing to make - paper flowers! I made a girly-girl layout with some of my favorite papers, and when I saw the Mojo Sketch 111, I knew I had to make a card with these papers and my favorite little floral pretties! I swear, if I had a little girl, her entire scrapbook would be in pinks, greens, and black and white...

I had a comment asking if I would do a tutorial for these flowers, and I will work on it this coming week while the munchkins are at school.

I also have some big plans for some blog candy (I have over 100 lovely followers, over 100 sales at Etsy, and almost 1300 hits on my blog!) to give away, so stay tuned :)

For this card, I did the fancy little flowers, and I also pieced the skirt together a bit. I stamped it first on white cardstock, then three times on patterned paper. I then "built up" the skirt in sections, layering parts of the skirt to give it a bit of dimension. I didn't pop dot it or anything, because I wanted it to be subtle...

I made the inside cute too - nothing fancy, just coordinating papers and brads :)

Ingredients
Image: Inkadinkado
Papers: Prima (patterned) and Bazzill (pink cardstock)
Embellishments: brads in centers of flowers
Ranger Distress Ink

Jingle all the way...

2009-11-07T07:48:00.004-05:00

Today is Saturday Showcase at Pixie Cottage! The Design Team has created some seriously cute cards. Oh, and don't forget - tomorrow is the deadline for our "Once Upon a Wednesday" challenge! You have until Sunday midnight to get your entry in. The theme is "celebrate!" so get that card made and have a chance to win a 20$ voucher to Michelle's Scrapbooking and More. Not only does she carry fabulous Pixie stamps, she has the best deal on copic markers I have ever seen (seriously) and she has Flower Soft, Primas, Spellbinders, Stickles... whomever the random winner is, they will be like a kid in a candy store! Not only is there a random drawing, the design team picks its top three favorites from the entries and those fancy winners get a pretty little button for their blog!

My card features a stamp from one of the new designers, and he was super fun to color! I attached a real jingle bell (carefully grunged and kind of rusty but in a good way) for a vintage touch. I used the sketch from Cupcake Craft Challenge.

Ingredients
Image: Pixie Cottage
Papers:Cosmo Cricket, Graphic45, DCwV
Embellishments: Ribbon and bell from stash

Running on Empty, Cupcakes and Girly Girl-ness

2009-11-05T11:45:00.018-05:00

For starters, I want to go on the record and say that I love Daylight Savings Time. The Fall one. I really, really enjoy falling back and getting that extra hour - especially with Christmas only about seven weeks away. The Spring Forward thing I am not so fond... So between this extra hour and all my vitamin C and echinacea, I have been a scrapping fool...

It feels like Halloween was forever ago, and yet it was just last week! In fact, it was a week ago that I made these little yummies...

I felt sooo fancy because, while the cupcakes were from a mix, and the frosting from a can, I tinted that canned frosting orange. I know - Martha Stewart I am not, but for a gal who usually plops the batter in a pan and pretty bakes just so she can lick the beaters, going that extra yard and coloring the frosting and adding sprinkles and adding a fake spider, well - fancy! I packed the cupcakes in the van, crammed Johnny in his winter coat, and hit the road with an extra five minutes to spare, heading to Mikey's class party...

... I should have known things were going too smoothly.

Exiting off the highway, I was about to hit the brakes to slow down, when my van started to slow down by itself. Now, my "Low Fuel" light was on (it almost always is - I know, I know - naughty me. I put a few dollars in here and there...) but I was pretty sure it hadn't been on that long... anyway, by the time I got to the traffic light, my steering wheel was locking up. I coasted through the red light using every ounce of energy to turn right, and landed mercifully in the driveway of the gas station with my tailend still in the road.

It was raining, I didn't have my purse, and Johnny was asking, "Where are we mama? The party isn't here, is it? Hey mama, hey mama, what are we doing? Hey mama...." Long story short, two attendants, one random lady getting gas, and little old me pushed the van to a pump (they let me get gas on my honor to return to pay) while Johnny was yelling that he wanted to push the van, too...

I left the gas station with a grateful heart, and four cupcakes less :) I returned later that night to pay for my gas, and my faith in the goodness of strangers is restored. Thank you, Speedway on Hill road, and thank you Random Lady who helped push my van in the rain...

On a happier, and less soggy note :), I listed probably one of the cutest girly-girl layouts I have ever made on Etsy this morning...

It doesn't have any crazy elaborate piecings or anything, but I just love the colors, and the papers from Prima are some of my favorites. And I made these cutie little flowers - my new favorite things! I might just make a bunch of these pretties and finish watching Baby Boom tonight after the boys go to bed... I just love Diane Keaton, and every time I watch this movie I want to move to Vermont and help her make baby food...

Hope you are having a great week, too!

Scrapping left and right...

2009-11-03T15:15:00.005-05:00

I have been so busy making cards, I hadn't been doing too many scrapbook pages lately. This week, after mountains of Vitamin C and Echinacea, I am finally feeling better!

I have had a cough that has just lingered, I have been tired.... blah blah blah... but I am actually feeling like myself! I made some layouts for Etsy, and here are some of them....

a few have sold already, and I plan on making more! I have some great Christmas papers, and there are some embellishments I am dying to use...

Boo!

2009-10-31T18:40:00.004-04:00

Happy Halloween! I hope your night is magical, your tricks are fun, and your treats are sweet!

My little ones both have the sniffles, and there is a wind advisory (in addition to sprinkles and below 40 temp) so we are staying in :( Luckily they got to trick or treat at their schools, so they had two days of Spooky Party fun, and I would hate to have them get sick.

We are handing out candy to the brave trick-or-treaters that come to our door, eating popcorn, and watching spooky cartoons tonight :) I may try to make them wear their costumes (I need photos to scrapbook!) but it might turn into a pajama party - and I think we will be ok with that :)

I think next year I will just plan on dressing them in furs and having them be polar bears...

Pixie Candy!

2009-10-30T06:22:00.004-04:00

Candy candy! The Pixie Cottage is having its first ever blog candy! Lots of pretty new stamps, perfect for the upcoming winter and holiday season! Head on over and get the details...

Featured!

2009-10-28T13:12:00.003-04:00

I was on the Graphic 45 site (one of my all time favorite paper companies!) and was completely surprised and thrilled to see my teapot card was on the featured page of the gallery! Too exciting! This site is fantastic for all things vintage/nostalgic/whimsical/retro/beautiful.... check it out! I love Graphic 45 pretties...

I am such a geek.

I actually am going to be teaching a teapot/altered book class in December at my LSS. So if you are in the Michigan area the first weekend of December... :)

Play with the Pixies!

2009-10-28T09:40:00.003-04:00

It is time for our second challenge at Pixie Cottage! The challenge this time is "celebrate", and since babies are one of the most fabulous things to celebrate, I made this sweet pea card. I love pinks and greens, and this little cutie in a peapod makes me smile! Buttons, of course, and a bit of vintage pink eyelet fabric make this a little sweet card for a baby girl :)

Head over to the Pixie Cottage blog to see what cards the Design Team made, as well as find out the winners of the first challenge!

Ingredients
Papers: My Minds Eye
Image: Pixie Cottage
Embellishments: fabric, buttons, tag, brad
Colored pencils, ranger ink

I almost forgot! I am entering this card into several challenges :) Spots and stripes are all the rage at PaperTake Weekly, and I used the sketch at Cupcake Craft Challenges.

Great Pumpkin, Pretties for sale, and costume update

2009-10-25T18:53:00.007-04:00

So it isn't even 7pm, and it is dark as midnight... when is Daylight Savings Time? But it makes the perfect ambiance for some Halloween movies, popcorn, and cuddle time on the couch. Of course, the Halloween movies will be G rated, and the scariest thing will be when Linus is spooked by Snoopy, but that is ok. I was going to make popcorn balls today, but I feel completely deflated after ruining two huge pans of pumpkin seeds yesterday :( It totally bummed me out. Trying to multi-task, I was carving pumpkins, keeping the twins away from sharp knives, baking seeds, looking for tea lights, chatting with my in-laws... the next thing I know, I smell smoke.

Many bad words were said. By me. My husband and his parents all ate handfuls, trying to convince me that the seeds weren't too burned... It was a sweet gesture, but by dinnertime, Steve's stomache was killing him, and I blamed the seeds.

I did manage to get some pretties listed on Etsy. My new favorite craft is altering and embellishing boxes. I had so much fun making the ones for my Halloween party, and I can't wait to make more! I also have a Halloween scrapbook layout up for grabs on eBay. It ends tonight, so you could get a deal!

I got the finishing touches for the twins' costumes today: pirate hat and hook, cowboy hat and badge. I also was delighted to find a little stick horse that Johnny can carry around (I know, I know - I will end up carrying it before the night is through, but it will be soooo darn cute!). I just need to cut Mikey's pants all jaggedy, and I think we are all set! Johnny insists he needs cowboy boots, but I think I have him talked into wearing his snow boots...

Don't forget tonight is the deadline to enter your cards for Pixie Cottage's first challenge! Woo hooo! I am having a blast seeing the cards made with my sketch.

Take care :) I am off to snuggle the munchkins (who are playing much too quietly... hmmmm...) and wait for the Great Pumpkin....

Visions of Sugarplums... Pixie Peek!

2009-10-24T08:01:00.004-04:00

It is no secret I love pinks and greens. With two boys, I love the chance to girl it up with some pretty pastels! With Christmas around the corner, however, these colors are perfect for more than just "girly" cards. Gingerbread and candy canes, frosting and minty goodness are for everyone! This little card was super fun to make. I have been so busy with Halloween preparations, it was nice to push aside my black cardstock and pull out some red and pink!

More wintery wonders await you at the Pixie Cottage blog... the Design team has been working like Santa's elves to bring you some Pixie Peeks!

Ingredients
Papers: Heidi Grace, Daisy Bucket, Core'dinations
Image: Gingerbread Men by the Pixie Cottage
colored pencils and Ranger Distress Ink

With all this sweetness, I had to enter this card into the Cute Card Thursday challenge using the sketch from A Spoon Full of Sugar.

Chocolate, costumes, and challenges :)

2009-10-22T18:50:00.008-04:00

I have had some success in my quest for cute costumes for the twins. I decided to go with altering "real" clothes. This has several advantages. One, I feel fancy doing a "homemade" costume. Two, in Michigan, it has been known to snow on Halloween, and the store bought costumes often get covered in a coat (because I usually would buy the cheapies that were flimsy anway), and three, I justify the cost of buying a few things because parts of the costumes can be worn "for real" after trick or treating. I got some nice heavy black sweatpants for Mikey - after I creatively cut the cuffs into ratty pirate pants, he will be warm and festive at the same time! I found a cute red fringed scarf on sale, which when wrapped around his waist will be a perfect pirate scarf (and I plan on pirating it later - I love red!). Johhny can wear jeans, and his new plaid shirt can be worn long after the sugar buzz has worn off. I plan to hit the dollar store tomorrow for the proper hats to finish the costumes off.

In other news... I have to share my new favorite indulgence. Three words: Nutty Waffle Chocolate. Ice-cream with chocolate covered nuts, pieces of waffle cone, and swirls of decadent fudge. I polished off the carton while watching last night's episode of Glee (could life get any better? I don't think so!), and I have a burning desire to go to the store and get more. This could be dangerous.

Finally, I want to remind all you card makers and other crafty people that the Pixie Cottage Challenge is taking entries until Sunday night, midnight EST. Exciting and new, challenges are posted every-other-Wednesday. You still have time to make your card with this sketch:

I actually created this sketch, and am tickled to see all the great cards that have been made so far! A random winner will get some fabby stamps, and three others get a cutie blog button to show they were a Top Three cardmaker. You have until Sunday night to get this sketch up and loaded to the Pixie Cottage blog, and then the winners, along with the new challenge, will be revealed on Wednesday, October 28. Come play with the Pixies!

Here is the little button for the challenge - feel free to snag it and put on your blog :) Just right click, save, and load.

Hope to see you play, wish me luck in my costume making adventure, and remember - eat lots and lots of ice-cream!

Halloween costumes and Hello Friend... a triple challenge card :)

2009-10-21T10:54:00.006-04:00

So I am looking for Halloween costumes for my boys. Johnny has proclaimed he is in charge of choosing all of our costumes (I have no idea where he gets his bossiness... not me! Well, maybe a littls...) and has proclaimed that he will be a cowboy, his twin Mikey will be a pirate, my husband is to be a ghost, and I get to be a witch. So I am looking for costumes, and I keep thinking, I could make that. I could totally make that! Of course, I pretty much just sew on paper...

Any suggestions out there? I want to make their costumes, but I will admit it, I am not a master seamstress. I can get hats easily enough, and I figure I just need, what, a vest or two, maybe some chaps? If you have any sites or articles you can link my way, I would love to see them! And of course I waited until 10 days until Halloween, so this will be a bit of a challenge...

Speaking of challenges...

I love card challenges! Here is my latest :) Using the sketch at Friday Sketchers, the color scheme at Colour Create, and Moxie Fabb's challenge to use ruffles, I made this little square card. I love this stamp from Sugar Nellie! I could color her over and over...

Ingredients
Papers: Graphic 45
Image: Sugar Nellie (sentiment... Inkadinkado?)
Embellishments: fabric for ruffle, testained tag, brad
my only 2 copics (face) and colored pencil, Ranger distress ink

Yummy... Truly Scrumptious Coco :)

2009-10-20T18:53:00.002-04:00

With the chilly fall weather, nothing warms you up like a mug of hot chocolate! I love this stamp from Whiff of Joy... Isn't Willow just tooo purty? I covet her hair...

This card was made for the challenge at Tr uly Scrumptious, which had the theme of autumn, and a great sketch! I love blues and browns together... so cozy!

Ingredients
Paper: Paper Loft, MME
Image: Whiff of Joy
Embellishments: Buttons
Copics, colored pencils, and Ranger distress ink

How Sweet! Sweet Sketch Wednesday...

2009-10-20T18:41:00.003-04:00

This little card was super fun to make - I love buttons!

I used one of the newest Pixie Cottage stamps, and I loved coloring this little cutie :) He is a new favorite! Speaking of Pixie Cottage, don't forget the first ever challenge! You have until this coming Sunday to get your entry in :)

This card uses the sketch for the Sweet Sketch Challenge, and it is a nice one. I love the ribbon on top...

Ingredients
Paper: Cosmo Cricket, MME, Making Memories
Image: Pixie Cottage
Embellishments: fabric and buttons
Copics and colored pencils and Ranger Distress ink

Something WINNING this way comes...

2009-10-19T14:19:00.011-04:00

Well, my broomstick is worn out! I was flying all over BlogLand this weekend, attending fabulous Halloween Celebrations, hosted and organized by Vanessa of A Fanciful Twist. I hosted a party as well, and had such lovely feedback! I am honored to have had so many visitors :) If you didn't stop by my haunted and magical party, the ghosts are still in full swing and the music is still playing... check it out!

I planned to have a random draw for a prize, and after having such fun at my soiree, I decided to have TWO prizes! Both gifts consist of a little altered box, a Halloween notecard, three "potion" tags, a mini book with a potion label, and a set of three of my altered vintage playing cards, tied with gingham and dried lavender.

I went to random.org and here is what I got! The first time, I had 90 comments, and when I decided to do an additional draw, I had 93 comments :)

So my winners are....

Suzy and Studio at Crow Haven Farm

Congratulations ladies! As soon as I get your info, I can send your pretties to you :)

Thanks again for everyone that stopped by. It made my weekend sPoOkTaCuLaR! I can't wait until next year's bash! Thanks again, Vanessa, for organizing such a lovely party :)

Hauntingly Magical Celebration...

2009-10-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

It is a blustery October morning, and the sun is hiding behind smoky clouds. The shadowy day was pale and chilly, yet I hoped to make a quick journey to the pumpkin patch. Because today, of course, is the Hauntingly Magical Celebration, hosted by A Fanciful Twist, and I needed some lovely pumpkins to adorn my home!

Pulling my cloak a bit closer about me, I made my way to the pumpkin patch. I knew a shortcut I could take... but I was a bit fearful. The old Haversford Cemetery had a reputation for shifting shadows and whispering trees, and the stories the locals told... But I was running late, and I reminded myself ghosts usually only rattled their chains at midnight, and it wasn't yet noon.

The rolling hills, dotted with their crumbling tombstones, was as silent as... the grave. Then a noise, whisper soft, made my heart beat faster. I peeked around a stately oak, and caught a glimpse of someone else making their way through the stones.
"Hello?" I called, but was answered only with a soft sigh of swishing branches as this mysterious wandered disappeared in a thicket of crimson leaves. Curious, I peered into the tangled branches.
A key, large and rusty, dangled from the branch, a mysterious invitation. Pumpkins forgotten, I reached for the key...
It had to belong to the cloaked figure I spied in the graveyard. I could just follow the path, the branches still quivering, to see where she had gone off to. Just to see if the key was indeed hers. The branches created a darkened tunnel, twisting and turning, until suddenly I stumbled into the open, and saw the House.
Large and stately, it loomed against the pale sky. A heard a door thud shut, but not before a soft laugh floated across the expanse. "Wait!" I cried, "I think I found your key?" I trotted up to the front porch, the echo of that laugh still ringing in my ears. I knocked on the door, but no one answered. I considered the key in my hand, and my curiosity overcame me.
The door opened without a sound, and I poked my head inside the darkened foyer. "Anyone home? Helloooooo..." I thought I heard footsteps above, and a dim light flickered above, making shadows play on the staircase in front of me.
I followed the elusive footsteps, and found myself in a small room, the only light filtering in through a lonely window...

But wait! There was a light in the corner.

A small table stood in the corner, and it looked as though a child had just left his play.

Little wooden blocks lay abandoned, and a magazine lay open to a charming little puzzle. I moved the blocks aside, wanting to see the little story...

A Halloween Party! So the owners of the house were having a party, too, perhaps! I glanced about, wondering where these elusive people might be. I went back to the door and listened - but the house was still. I turned back to study the puzzle...

..but that was strange. I don't think those blocks were stacked like that. A tinkling laugh from behind me sent shivers up my spine, and I decided I had seen enough of this room...
I went downstairs. I would just leave the key on the kitchen table, write a note, and get out of this house.

Back downstairs, I headed down the hall and found myself in a lovely sitting room.

A large fireplace looked lonely next to the forgotten chair, and I found myself wishing that a warm, crackling fire were lit. A glimmer of candles at the other end caught my eye. There was a table set up, and in the candlelight I could make out a stack of boxes. Presents, perhaps? It was looking more and more like a party was being planned.

But what kind of party? Black and white packages were nestled among the candles...

...and mysterious little books were tucked in among the boxes...

I looked up in the flickering candlelight, and let out a muffled scream - someone was there!

I let a sigh of relief. It was merely a statue. "Is that you, William?" For I recognized the bearded Bard, Shakespeare, and felt oddly comforted by his presence. A familiar face in this flickering darkness. But then the words from Macbeth came unbidden into my mind, and I found myself whispering into the darkened room, "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes..."

I gave a nervous giggle, and looked at ghostly companions keeping old William company...

These frightful but delightful pumpkins leered and grinned in the darkness, and I continued on into the house, calling out. "Hello? Anyone here?" Still no answer. "Trick or treat?" But still, no answer. A few more steps, and I found myself in what had to be the kitchen. The table was set, but no guests seemed to have arrived...

But this was the strangest kitchen I had ever seen. The shelves held dozens and dozens of tiny little glass bottles, all with very unusual labels...

Wing of Bat? Phoenix Tears? Ground Mummy? I decided, then and there, that it was time for me to leave.
"Ok, well, I am just going to leave your key here, ok?" I called out to the flickering darkness. "Have fun at your party..." I added, at a loss for what else to say to the empty house.

Thank you...

It was a whisper, softer than a sigh, and it was right behind me...

I dropped the key and ran out the back door, not looking back until I was safely out of the house. I turned for one last look. I heard music floating from the window.

Was that - no, could it be? I could hear the strains of "Monster Mash." I put my chilled hands in my pocket, and found a note. Heart beating, I unfolded the piece of parchment, and read:

Dinner is at seven o'clock

Laughing, I folded the note up, and made my way to the pumpkin patch. I was going to need more pumpkins for the pies I planned to bring to this fabulous party.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you had a hauntingly good time :) I will be doing a random draw Monday morning (October 19) from the comments for a delightful prize!

Credits: In addition to my original artwork, photographs of house and empty rooms (and spooky ghost) are from Country Living Magazine and have been modified, spookized, and hauntified :)

First ever Pixie Cottage Challenge!

2009-10-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

I am super excited and I'll tell you why - Because it is "Once Upon a Wednesday..."

I recently became the lead designer for the Pixie Cottage Design Team, and we are hosting our first ever Pixie Challenge! Every other Wednesday we will host a challenge, and we want you to play. Prizes and fun and inspiration abound, and because you have a week and a half to get your entry in, there is plenty of time to find your creative magic...

Head over to the Pixie Cottage blog to find out the rest of the details. There are some super cute stamps you could win, as well as a chance to become a guest DT :)

I created the sketch for this challenge, and would love to see what you come up with:

Here is my take on this sketch. I used this little cutie designed by Tricia Moore. Head over to Pixie Cottage to see the rest of the Design Team's work - you won't be disappointed :)

Ingredients
Papers: DCwV
Image: Little Witchy from Pixie Cottage
Embellishments: little bat brads
Colored pencils, copic marker, Zig marker

Thanks a bunch!

2009-10-11T18:20:00.004-04:00

Just a quick post! This card used an old sketch from Friends of Flourishes (great sketch, by the way!) and for the Cupcake Craft Challenges, which wanted a project to incorporate the theme, Thanks a bunch! This cheerful little card uses one of my most favorite "thanks" stamps by my favorite illustrator, Mary Engelbreit.

Ingredients
Papers
Image
Ranger distress ink, colored pencils, copic marker

Holly Jolly!

2009-10-11T17:57:00.003-04:00

Being a "crafty" person (as in, one who crafts) can be confusing in a seasonal way... I am baking pumpkin pie, watching Halloween cartoons, but making Christmas cards. Many of you know this feeling, where your "real" life is pretty current with the rest of society, but in your head (and in your studio) you are a season or two ahead! I love Halloween, and I feel relief that it is almost here since I have been planning and crafting it since summer! If you are an artisan and sell your pretties, your "seasonal disorder" puts you in a crazy calendar, and a panic sets in when you still have cool projects you want to make, but the actual holiday is looming sooo close... I am also doing my final preparations for the Halloween party hosted by A Fanciful Twist. It is this weekend, so make sure you check it out! I am one of many participants, and it should be a fun, magical day!

So, my house smells nice like pumpkin pie. But after making this card, I feel like getting out some Christmas music...

This card, using the sketch for Mojo Monday's challenge, incorporate the theme of Christmas for the Creative Inspirations challenge. I love these papers! Polkadots make me super happy! I made the inside

Ingredients
Papers: Making Memories, Bo Bunny, DCwV
Image: Peachy Keen stamps
Embellishments: brads, ribbons
colored pencils, copic markers, zig markers, ranger distress ink

Fall into Autumn with Pixie Cottage...

2009-10-10T06:10:00.005-04:00

Crisp air, crunching leaves, and caramel apples... fall is here! It is one of my favorite times of year. I have been pulling my Halloween decorations out of the basement (with the hindrance, I mean, help, of the twins) and getting fabulously spooky! I love the colors of fall, too, and look forward to wearing lumpy sweaters and silly seasonal socks! Please tell me I am not the only one who digs wearing silly socks with witches and mummies that play the tune of "Monster Mash"....

In the spirit of all things fall, the Pixie Cottage Design Team has created some darling cards using some of the latest releases. Head over to the Pixie blog to see the other DT members work - you won't be disappointed!

My two cards use images from the fabulously talented Eileen Gutierrez. Her whimsical illustrations were super fun to color! That frog cracked me up the entire time I was coloring him and his pumpkin full of candy :)

Little Mr. Scarecrow is fun because he is perfect for the entire Fall season. I think I might do another card with this little guy, but in blue overalls next time... This is why stamping is so fun! There is so much flexibility with colors, you can get an entire new "look" by changing your palette...

"Harvest" Ingredients
Papers: I cleverly cut the strips off ages ago, and can't remember the maker :( 7 Gypsies? Paper Loft? I wish I knew, because the harlequin is cute and I want more...
Stamps: Pixie Cottage
Embellishments: buttons, teastained fibers
Sketch: Friday Sketchers
colored pencils, Ranger distress ink, colorbox ink

"Trick or Treat" Ingredients
Papers: Cloud 9 design, BoBunny, MyMindsEye, teastained paper (for sentiment)
Stamps: Pixie Cottage, Inkadinkado (sentiment)
colored pencils, Ranger distress ink, colorbox ink

Trick or Treat

2009-10-07T10:58:00.006-04:00

Good Wednesday to you! Super happy that Glee is on tonight :) and in honor of my newest favorite show, I have loaded some of the songs to my playlist. So if you are hearing music, no, a choir hasn't infiltrated your house (at least I don't think so...) it is just my little song gadget giving you a bit of Glee! It is at the bottom of my blog, so you can pause, replay, skip... fun! I am singing along right now as I type...

I have a cutie patootie card to share. I made this little Halloween card for several challenges. Spoonful of Sugar wants to see some Halloween, and Stamp Something challenged artists to create a Fall themed card. This little froggie, a fabulous image from Pixie Cottage, is "hoppy" to oblige (sorry - I couldn't help myself!) I used the fab sketch from Stamping 411.

Ingredients
Papers: Cloud 9 design, BoBunny, MyMindsEye, teastained paper (for sentiment)
Stamps: Pixie Cottage, Inkadinkado (sentiment)
colored pencils, Ranger distress ink, colorbox ink

Spooooky Blog Candy :)

2009-10-06T09:07:00.003-04:00

The super sweet Tanya has some blog candy up for grabs on her blog :) You should check it out! She is a doll, and her candy is fabulous! Perfect for your Halloween cards and scrapbooks...

Wait a minute Mr. Postman! Etsy Treasury...

2009-10-05T20:17:00.003-04:00

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while, you know I just loooove making treasuries on Etsy. It feels like winning the lottery, because it can be tricky to get a slot in time. A treasury is basically a gallery of Etsy items made by an Etsy member, the curator. Sometimes these little treasuries become the front page on Etsy, which is pretty cool :) Anywhoo, treasuries are awesome because they offer a snapshot of fabulous handmade goodies on Etsy, a gallery of the creative talent found in the handmade marketplace.

With my new found love of card making, I decided to create a treasury to showcase some of the amazing card makers that are creating on Etsy. Here is my treasury! I think you may recognize some of these artists - I follow quite a few of their blogs!

The "ghosted" images are the alternates, and I usually rearrange the gallery once or twice so that I can give exposure to as many artists as possible. There is such lovely talent out there... You can click on the picture to be taken to the treasury if you like :)

2009-10-03T09:03:00.004-04:00

Good Morning! Today is a busy day for all the card makers out there! Challenges and giveaways, sales and new releases, there is much to do! I can't wait to get the coffee poured and do some blog hopping! What is today, you ask? World Card Making Day!

World Card Making day celebrates creativity and connects fellow card makers. This event recognizes the power of handcrafted goodness, and the empowering nature of creativity.

I am so proud to be the Lead Designer for the new Pixie Cottage Design Team! The Design Team at Pixie Cottage is celebrating this event by offering sneak peeks of the magical world of Pixie Cottage. Join in the fun! And see if you too can find your creative magic...

My card features a little witchy stamp that I actually designed :) I am so nervous using a stamp I created! It was pretty exciting, though, using a stamp that I designed :)

Oooh! And I used a Copic Marker for the first time! Just on her face (I only have 2 :) markers so far) but I am soo addicted to them! I know I am going to want more...

So here she is...

Ingredients
Paper: Crate Paper, Making Memories, Graphic 45, Core'dinations
Image: Pixie Cottage
Colored pencils, Copic Markers, Zig Markers

2009-10-02T14:52:00.002-04:00

Sooo, World Card Making Day is tomorrow, and the Designers at Pixie Cottage have cooked a little something up. I can't say a whole lot, but here is a sneak peek... Be sure to stop here tomorrow morning!

I know the entire card making community will be celebrating tomorrow - that is, when they aren't making some fabulous cards! I can't wait to see what you all will be up to tomorrow!

Glee!

2009-10-01T16:09:00.004-04:00

Ok, so I have to share a new obsession with you. One word:

GLEE.

It is a new series by Fox, and it is sooo good! Funny, musical, and characters to die for! Now I never hardly ever watch TV. As many of you know, I pretty much watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer on DVD, and that series has been over for quite some time. But luckily for me, a mama whose TV is almost perpetually tuned in to PBS or Nick Jr., I found that Fancast lets you watch lots of shows, among them, Glee! Out of curiosity, I watched the first episode on Fancast, and let's just say that I didn't go to bed until well after 2am because I had to watch all the episodes.

Maybe because in my past life as an English teacher who also helped direct the school musical for several years this appeals to me, but I think that just about anyone who went to high school can "get" this show. If you like music, it's all the better :)

Too funny. Apparently for people who get to watch non-cartoon programs live, they can catch Glee on Wednesday nights. Have any of you out there seen this show? I would love to hear from you :) and we can dish it out together!

2009-10-01T08:39:00.006-04:00

October is here! Yay! Now I can put my decorations up in earnest and not get funny looks from the neighbors (Last year I put up my ghosts and gravestones in September and you wouldn't believe the looks I got... sheesh!) I can't help it - I love autumn! And the more Halloween decorations up, the better. The boys are at school, so it is a perfect time to go and excavate the basement and see what goodies I forgot I had :) I also need to get it in gear, because on October 17 is the grand gala of Halloween! A Fanciful Twist is hosting a fabulous ghoultide gathering, so be sure to come here on the 17th, and check out Vanessa's site for other parties that day!

In the spooky spirit of Halloween, I finished up a layout using some of my little haunted houses I made and showed here a bit back. I used a large pumpkin orange house, and the medium purple monster haunted house. I added a little ghost to the bigger house. If you like these little houses, I have more of them listed on Etsy. I am planning to make a card with the littlest house :) It is perfect for cards!

I really like the kooky color combination of greens and orange. The harlequin pattern makes me smile, and the polkadot ribbon feels just right :)

Lovely Autumn...

2009-09-29T17:43:00.007-04:00

Yay! I have pretty much returned to the land of the living! And just in time, too, because I wanted to get my card in for the challenge at Simon Says Stamp. Using the sketch from Creative Inspirations, I made this autumnal card, complete with machine stitching for Simon's Challenge.

I ended up cutting the image out after I stamped and colored it because I wanted a more weathered background... those curls are no easy task to cutterbee around! But I like how she turned out :)

Ingredients
Papers: BasicGrey, Fancy Pants, BoBunny
Image: Whiff of Joy
Elements: buttons, thread, and crocheted lace
Colored pencils and distress ink

Pixie Cottage News!

2009-09-29T08:49:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to announce that I am a DT for Pixie Cottage! Pixie Cottage is the home to a brand new line of stamps from some very talented artists and illustrators. Michelle is the proprietress of this fabulous new venture. I should be getting my DT kit soon, but until then, if you want to see some truly lovely cards made with these darling stamps, check out Jan's blog - her work is to die for!

Congratulations to the other DT members!
Andrea
Pam
Tara
Katie
Renata
Risa
Tammy
Anne
Peggy

Ugh. With a side of Ugh.

2009-09-25T09:54:00.000-04:00

I wish I had some fun card to share today, but I have been crippled with the most hideous cold/flu for the last few days and just want to lay on the couch and cease to exist. I hate not checking in here - hopefully this plague shall pass, and I can get back to the land of the living for real. Hope all of my friends in BlogLand are well!

oooky spooky...

2009-09-22T03:28:00.002-04:00

I just love playing with Halloween papers and stamps! This is one of my new favorites - a simple little stamp but with a creepy vintage flair to it. Using my teastained tags, I altered these with paper, ink, punches, stamping... I think these would be cute on a Halloween tree, or tied to a little witchy gift :) I must be on a tag kick - loving the patina from coffee and tea on these little tags! I have these and more listed in my Etsy shop. Halloween is fast approaching! Better get your Boo on!

2009-09-20T17:26:00.004-04:00

It is Sunday evening, and the kids are quietly playing... so I am stealing a moment to myself! I picked up this little cheesy Pirate Costume Kit, and Johnny is having a blast pretending to find treasure. He is wearing the eye patch, the hook hand thing, and growling "Arrrr!" at me each time I look at him. He cracks me up. Mikey is rearranging all of my wood mounted stamps. Apparently he thinks they belong with his dinosaurs next to my sewing machine...

So what have you got cooking tonight? I have a hankering (yes, I actually said hankering ) to make some Holiday Planners... I try to be organized, and tell myself if I have a pretty organizer, I will be more organized... Plus it gives me an excuse to play with paper. Then I want to list some goodies on eBay tonight, do some blog hopping... I had the boys home twice this week with wee coughs, and as a result I haven't had as much time to make the rounds like I like to :)

Hey, did you notice my new banner? I got it from Shabby Blogs (if you haven't been, you need to - her banners and backgrounds and buttons are darling and FREE!) and tinkered with some backgrounds I had from Shabby Miss Jen (whose designs are darling and very reasonably priced)... I felt the need for a more "autumnal look."

Ok, must go. I need to make sure Johnny doesn't decide that Mikey needs to walk the plank.

Enter... if you dare!

2009-09-18T15:38:00.002-04:00

I have been meaning to post these little cuties for the last two days! I created these haunted houses, three sizes and three colors :) I plan to use the two bigger houses on layouts, and the littlest one is perfect for a card! I have them listed on Etsy right now, so if you feel the need for a haunted house, come on over to trick or treat...

Not too shabby... chic :)

2009-09-18T13:04:00.003-04:00

I have been doing the cards so much lately, that I feel like I have neglected my scrapbooking! After making the teapot card and playing with fabulous Graphic 45 papers, I decided to make a layout. I decided to go more shabby and chic, more like the layouts in my personal albums. I love black and white/off-white, and the shot of pink adds a touch of "Sex in the City" for me :)

One of my favorite little touches are tiny tags. Perfect for adding a name or a date, they are the just-right-bit-of-color near the photo mats...

My button obsession carries over, too, since the brads I used are tiny little button brads :)

This layout has no paper piecing, but instead lets the papers work their magic. Lots of distressing, lots of layering, and shabby edges galore! I am listing it on Sunday night on Ebay.

Ingredients
Papers: Graphic45, Cosmo Cricket, MyMindsEye, Bazzill Cardstock
Embellishments: Chipboard letters, little paper tags, brads
Techniques: Painting, inking, distressing

Memory...

2009-09-14T19:26:00.006-04:00

My new favorite embellishments are the altered cards I have made using vintage photos. Made to look like playing cards, I really like the look of them on my handmade cards. Stamp Something challenged crafters to use their favorite embellies, and so this card has a nostalgic "memory" card on it :) I used the sketch from Flourishes, and used some of my favorite pink and green papers for the challenge at Cute Card Thursday.

Ingredients
Papers: MyMindsEye, Graphic 45
Embellishments: my altered playing card, teastained muslin
Ranger distress ink
Fiskars punch

100th post! Let's have some tea and chat...

2009-09-14T12:59:00.007-04:00

Last night when I was posting my latest card, I realized that my next post would be 100.

Holy Smokes.

Hard to believe that about two years ago, I had no idea what blogs even were, let alone start my own :) I look back at my first post and I think I realize why blogging is so... fun and good. As a scrapbooker, I realize how much blogging is like scrapping. The posts are like the journaling, and a good scrapbook (and blog) should have journaling. A story, some meaning. It doesn't have to be earth shattering, but it should be engaging to someone, even if it's just engaging to the author. But the fabulous thing about blogging is that there are others out there who find what you write and share is engaging too, they "get" you on some level, and that's pretty neat.

To me, this Land of Blog has become like a big ole kitchen, where my sisters (you! yes, you) and I have come to sit for a spell. We gather, we gossip, we share. I wrote about this sisterhood and how even though I don't like the glitz of technology, prefer the patina of yesterday... I love the magic created by the sisters I have met on here. I have gone from posting once or twice a month to once or twice a day. In the kitchen we have our tea, and this card was inspired by the challenge at Moxie Fab :)

Like a good scrapbook, blogging does more than just share words. Pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Of our family, friends, our art. Crafters who create beautiful pieces of art with pieces of paper and ink, artists who can find the best stories in a park bench, divine and saucy characters who bake cupcakes and make me laugh, dreamers and magic makers who inspire me... the list goes on and on. I follow dozens and dozens of blogs, and you all make me smile...

So here is a card for you (yes, you!) who take the time to sit for a spell with me, read my ramblings, and share some time with me. Thank you :)

Ingredients
Papers: Graphic 45, MyMindsEye
Gratitude :)
Ranger ink

Boo!

2009-09-13T18:52:00.006-04:00

Well, it is Sunday night, and it is time to start thinking about Monday. Lunches to pack, socks to find.... I have the hardest time finding matching socks for the boys. And thinking about Monday, I almost forgot to post my card for the Monday Mojo Challenge! I used one of my new digistamps I purchased from Mo Manning at her online store. Her artwork is absolutely amazing! I almost hate to color the images, they are so perfect as it :) This card uses Monday Mojo sketch 103. I really loved this sketch! I like groups of threes, and this sketch has such nice balance...

Ok, well off to make sure backpacks are where they ought to be, find those pesky socks, and pray I have two juice boxes...

Ingredients
Papers: MyMindsEye, Making Memories, Cosmo Cricket, Bazzill
Image:"Boo" from Mo Manning at Soft Pencil Too
Embellishments:
Colorbox ink and colored pencils

Ribbons and trees and houses, oh MY!

2009-09-10T10:25:00.003-04:00

With the fall season approaching, the trees will soon change. I love the colors of fall! Even though Michigan weather can be, um, not my favorite (I don't like extreme temperatures either way - I am a 70s kind of gal), I do adore the autumn here and the fabulous colors! The nights are cooler, the air is crisp, and if the darn mosquitoes would just die already, I would be outside more to enjoy outdoor life. I swear, those bloody thirsty buggers are out in the freaking daytime, now. Seriously. Is it just me, or are the mosquitoes worse than ever before in the documented history of mankind? Ugh..

But back to trees.

I have a few more of my little trees left made with lovely green papers, and have listed them on Etsy. I love putting these on my cards and scrapbook pages. I also have a few little houses left, too! I think today I am going to make some fallish trees, more reds mixed in with the greens and such and make some spooky houses... I can't wait to dig through my stash and find some great papers! I had some nice emails asking about my teastained ruler ribbon, and finally got around to listing it in my Etsy store... take a peek! Don't forget - mention my blog when you order and you get FREE Shipping!

Ok, off to the studio, Buffy, and a fresh cup of coffee. I have about 1.5 hours until the munchkin butts get home, then I am back in MamaMode :)

Snap out of it!

2009-09-10T08:13:00.004-04:00

I swear I say this and look at my husband with this face... a lot. Poor hubby...

I do love this stamp. I just adore all of my Mary Engelbreit stamps ! I have had these for at least 10 years, if not longer. Mary never goes out of style... I made this card using the sketch for the challenge at Sketch Saturday, and because I think this image is way too funny, it is perfect for Stamptacular Saturday's challenge :) When using a ME stamp, I almost always decide to use red polka dot paper, and using some blue and white, this colorful card is just right for Cupcake Craft Challenges too! I like to make the inside pretty too, even if it is just layering the coordinating papers.

I love trying to add as many challenges as I can into a card - it is fun to see how they can all come together. Being the nerd that I am, I have this little "spreadsheet" I create to keep track of challenges... Please tell me I am not the only one who does this? Am I that obsessed and nerdy? Fact is, I get so excited each morning, checking out the challenges of the day, printing off the sketches, making notes which color combos would look good with each sketch... And actually, after this post, I am taking my Thursday list down to my messy studio and going to watch Buffy, drink coffee, and make some cards! I think I might do some altered stuff too... I have these paper mache houses I have been dreaming about...

Ingredients
Paper: Basic Grey, BoBunny
Image: Mary Engelbreit
Embellishments: Button
Ranger ink and colored pencils

Hey Santa...

2009-09-09T08:25:00.006-04:00

Now that I have finally updated my stamp collection :), I was having a hard time with the challenge at Stamp Something. How could I choose a favorite stamp? Looking at my new pretties, my old pretties, I finally chose the one that was the inkiest, and most used and loved, in my collection. My favorite stamps are my vintage Santa stamps, and this one is one of my all time favorites!

I made this card following the sketch on Card Patterns. I loved this sketch! I am a fan of "quilt blocking" on my scrapbook pages, and this card was right up my alley. My image size, and the size squares I wanted to use made me decide to make a huge 7x7 card. It is ginormous, but I think it has some real "ooohhhh" to it.

Ingredients
Paper:Basic Grey, Making Memories, BoBunny, Crate Paper
Image: Inkadinkado
Embellishment: Ribbon
Ranger ink and colored pencils

The Bus... and a card...

2009-09-09T07:29:00.005-04:00

So Mikey got up at about 4:30 am this morning. At 5am I gave up hopes of getting him back in bed. He does this every once in a while - gets up at some unholy hour and is full of energy, acting silly and giggles his head off. Luckily when he does this he is happy at least. Me? Not so much. But as I said, I threw in the towel, made some coffee, and gave him more tickles to make him laugh harder.

Today was the first "real" day of school with the bus and everything. The bus was scheduled to come at 7am. I know. Seriously? 7am. I guess getting up early was better than late - usually Johnny is my early bird, and Mikey has to be peeled from his bed. Today Johnny had to be cajoled while Mikey was downstairs watching Blue's Clues, all dressed for school, and eating his pancakes. Go figure. Twins, I tell ya... just when you think you have them figured out, they surprise you.

Everything went swimmingly until we got outside. I had the brilliant idea of waiting outdoors, since it would be sooo much fun playing I spy while we wait for the bus. Right? Sounds like a fab plan if you asked me. I took some pictures (it was still kind of dark) and we sat on the porch. Then I noticed the mosquitoes swirling. Menacingly.

I decide I Spy has lost its charm since we were all losing pints of blood to thirsty bugs, say "Let's go inside!" Mikey takes off for the road, I run after him, Johnny runs after me, falls flat on his face on the sidewalk and screams and cries "I'm hurt! I'm hurt!" I look back, his chin and teeth are bloody, I am dragging Mikey back by his backpack, and snatch Johnny up. By the time I got them in the house we were all pretty much sobbing.

Johnny seemed fine after I cleaned him up and kissed his face, hands, knees, and belly (his belly was fine - I think he just thought it would feel left out), I scrawled a note to teacher explaining his face, (thankfully I took those pictures early, though- his chin and lip looked not so perfect), and chased Mikey around the house to make him put his socks, shoes, and sweatshirt back on... And Johnny decided that he wanted to stay home, and that the bus was "a bad idea."

How was your morning? :)

Now that they are safely on the bus (which was late by the way - but seeing how our morning went, I can understand) I am..... alone. In a quiet house. I may watch some Buffy the Vampire Slayer later, but for now - I am enjoying the silence.

I am planning to make some cards today, maybe a few scrapbook pages, and need to post some newer creations. This card used the fab sketch on Friday Sketchers. Nice and simple, clean and balanced this sketch - I like it! I used some of my favorite winter papers - some fun, non-traditional colors. The stamp is one of my newest acquisitions from Simon Says Stamp. Designed by Rachelle Anne Miller, this stamp is too cute! I love her whimsical style. Her images are fun to color :)

Ingredients
Papers: MyMindsEye, Creative Imaginations and BoBunny
Stamp: Inkadinkado and "Lily and Milo Holding Hands" by Stampavie
Distress Ink and colored pencils

Back to School...

2009-09-08T19:18:00.005-04:00

Well, my munchkins had their first day of school today. It was a "Parent/Child" day, so no bus and I got to sit in a teeny little chair and play trucks :) Tomorrow is the "real" day with the big yellow bus and the whole kaboodle. Johnny didn't want to go at first, but once we were there and he saw all the cool puppets and circle area, he didn't want to leave. Yay school! Mikey is a seasoned pro at school - he has the same room he had last year, and was right at home :)

I thought it fitting that today's card was a school theme for Cute Card Thursday, and I am excited because the card is also part of the first challenge at Crazy 4 Challenges! I just adore these papers from Basic Grey. I don't have many pieces left, so I am not sure what I will do next fall! I need to find more...

I had already done little trees, a schoolhouse, and decided for this card to make a little shelf of books. I paper-pieced the books. Printing the titles on in teeny font, then folding and cutting, distressing, then adding the "pages" with little cuts to look like real books. I used my most favorite ribbon, the teastained ruler ribbon. I plan on having some of this cute ribbon in my Etsy store soon, so if you like it, better check it out! Perfect for card-making and scrapbooking.

Ingredients
Paper: Basic Grey, Crate paper
Stamp: Studio G ("Back to School")
Embellishments: Little red brad, ribbon, chipboard circle
Ink: Ranger distress ink

Like my Figure?

2009-09-07T08:58:00.004-04:00

I am so pleased to be featured in an Etsy treasury! Look at the pretties that are keeping my altered dress form collage company :) I have more of these little dress form collages to list... so much to do, so little time...

Be sure to check out some of the other pretties in this treasury. There are these darling cupcake soaps that look soooo delicious!

Smile...

2009-09-07T08:20:00.004-04:00

Ah, Monday... the last day of summer, this. The kiddos start school tomorrow, and the hubby has this week off. While this may interfere with my first week of "alone" time without the kiddos :), I plan on putting him to good use :) Since the first day of school is a "parent/child" day, and I can't split myself in two for the twins (how I wish I could some days...) Dad gets to go to school too! I will probably go in Johnny's classroom, and Dad will go with Mikey. Then on Wednesday I want to try to squeeze in an eye appointment (I need new contacts since Johnny washed my last pair down the sink and wearing my glasses makes me claustrophobic) and on Thursday I have a meeting for being a substitute teacher (I need to make some money to buy some more craft supplies)... all these appointments! I planned to spend the first week of "back to school" drinking fancy coffee and watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 5 while I crafted. Oh well, there is always next week.

Unless I am subbing.

But have no fear! I have something to remind me to smile - it is this cutie little card I made with the Sketch Saturday sketch. I used some of my favorite papers, and of course one of my favorite color combs- pink and green. I almost always make the inside cute too - I used my favorite Fiskars punch for some detail and texture on the inside too :)

Ingredients
Papers: Graphic 45, MyMindsEye
Image: Sugar Nellie Stamp
Embellishments: Brad, chipboard tag
Tools: Fiskars punch
Distress ink and colored pencils

Playing in the Sugar Bowl... and loving it!

2009-09-06T22:29:00.005-04:00

I have been playing with the fabulous stamps from Sugar Nellie, and let me tell you - so fun! And I forgot to mention - my order from FunkyKits was so quick! Even coming overseas it was quick (I am seriously impressed with how quick it was), with very reasonable postage! I will definitely be ordering again :)

Now that I have my lovely stamps, I decided to try my hand at the Sugarbowl challenge. The sketch was awesome, with lots of layers. In addition to using the sketch, I had to use buttons. Those of you who read my blog know this in no way was a problem; I have a button obsession lately :)

This stamp, "Little Star", is from the Gorguss Girls set, from the fantastic artist Suzanne Woolcott. She also sells her art on Etsy (and other venues) and I had actually first noticed her lovely art on Etsy. I was so delighted to find her images available as stamps :)

I had such fun making this card, and I can't wait to try my other stamps :)

Ingredients
Papers: MyMindsEye, pink dottie velvet paper :) that had no label
Image: Little Star (Sugar Nellie)
Embellishments: Buttons, fabric (for tie)
Ink (ranger) and colored pencils

When you wish upon a star... MojoMonday challenge

2009-09-05T16:58:00.004-04:00

This card went through sooo many versions before I got it how I finally liked it. It started out as a 5x7 with the red pattern as the base, a Mary Engelbreit stamp, and buttons... As you can see, it is completely different! Now a square, I decided to use a cute new stamp from Sugar Nellie, a design by Leanne Ellis. I ended up cutting out the image, and that made me think of an old fashioned play, with moons and stars hanging from the rafters... and so here is my interpretation of the MojoMonday challenge! If you look closely, you'll see the little strings that the stars are dangling from, as is the girl on the moon...

Ingredients

Papers: MyMindsEye, Scenic Route

Image: Moon Beams (Sugar Nellie)

Embellishments: Chipboard, brads

Ranger ink, colored pencil

Tiny Miracle...

2009-09-05T16:25:00.005-04:00

Oooooh, I am having way too much fun with my new stamps. I loved coloring this beautiful stamp from the Whiff of Joy stamps... doesn't this just melt your heart? It makes me want to go snuggle the boys.

I made this card with the sketch from SimonSaysChallenge, and using the color challenge set forth by Stampin' for the Weekend. Using orange, teal, and pink, I found the pefect papers from my MyMindsEye stash I have :) I love their papers... anyway, back to the challenge! I have also had these little bitty flowers from Prima which I was excited to finally try.

Ingredients

Paper: MyMindsEye, PaperLoft

Stamp: Willow with toddler (Whiff of Joy), Studio G (sentiment)

Embellishments: Trim,Prima flowers, pop dots

Ranger ink, colored pencils