A new look.

TA-DA!!!!!

Do I look good in ORANGE??

PS. Thanks for the help Gremhog!

PPS. Scroll to the very bottom for a new blog game....The only one I was ever really good at back in the day!

Just for Me!

So, after being frustrated with my stamping yesterday, I made this framed art piece just for me!



My SCS/blogging friend Jenny had similar feelings of inadequecies and frustrations when comments about her cards weren't piling up in her gallery/blog. Calling herself a validation junkie, she decided to take a break from posting online. I'm not sure if I'm secure enough to call myself a validation junkie! But I applaud her self control.

So, today, I decided to make something for myself. Something that I have tossed around in my mind lately but reading another one of her posts gave me the kick start that I needed!

I cranked out most of this frame before picking up DS from preschool. But the arrangement just took a bit longer! I wish my creatures were a bit darker but over all...it's a pretty fun frame...FOR ME! Now, I'm thinking that I want a note book for my car too! Thanks for the inspiration, Jenny! Come back soon to the blogging world!





PS...this frame is only going to be posted here too...not on splitcoast!

A card before preschool!

I was really happy with my card...



And I got it done before leaving for Preschool!

A Blogging Dilemma...

I used to browse a lot of blogs. But I don't have the time these days. So I decided I'd delete some of them from my favorites list. And wouldn't you know it? Every time I open a new blog, there is some great idea that I *NEED* to keep.

I also wanted to find some new blogs to browse. Since I don't have time to look for them any more, please post a link here and I'll check YOURS out!

Skittle Purse Tutorial

I have had quite a few requests for the directions to the Skittle Purse that I made for a seminar display last month. My good stamping friend Kelly sent me a purse like this several rounds back when we were paired as sisters in DSS. (She doesn't have a gallery but you can find some of the cards she has sent me in this album.) It's quite easy and would be fun for some Halloween treat bags! Today's color combo called for pinks...and since I have just gotten rose red and regal rose inks...those are the colors I went with!

Basic supplies: coluzzle oval template and knife, clear envie, sticky strip tape, round tab punch, velcro dots, exacto knife or rectangle punch, ribbon, embellishments as you'd like, CS, ink, stamps.

Using the Coluzzle Oval template, cut out the 2nd large oval.

Stamp as desired.

Fold oval in half the long ways. Use the rectangle punch or exacto knife to cut slits. (Personally, I think an exacto knife works best for the ribbon handle. I used the punch so that you could see the placement better.)

Take your clear envelope, with the opening on top, fold the bottom UP to meet the top. Crease well.

It should look like this when the envelope is unfolded.

Turn the envelope over and apply sticky tape (or ATG tape) across the top back.

Attach the envelope to the inside of the oval...like so.

Use the round tab punch to make a "latch" for your purse. You may decorate it as you wish.

Use a brad to attach the tab to the purse front.

Apply the velcro dots in the appropriate places.

Attach the ribbon handle by knotting the ends on the inside.

Open the envie, fill with skittles or other treats. Then fold back up to close.

Decorate as desired. If you want an edge, like the rose red rim, you will have to attach it to the flap before you add the latch.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Enjoy. (PS...sorry for the blurry shots. I've got 2 four year olds scampering about!)

Oh...and...Here is the back:

This is my friendly reminder to all of my readers about Women's Health in October! (hehe.) I'll be giving this to my friend M*, who does amazing things with punches. The rest of you will just have to have a cyber reminder!

Another Miraculous Find!

I must be THE MOST blessed person when it comes to finding missing jewelry.

Tonight after dinner, I was rushing to get to the post office before it closed in order to mail a couple of joke books that my kids put together for some a friend in physical rehab and an ill family member. Checking my ear lobes as I often do, I realized that one of my earrings had broken off! Now these earrings are a bit special to me. My grandmother bought them when she was in Europe and are Austrian Crystal. When she was dying, I chose this pair when we were allowed to choose from amongst her jewelry. My mom has a near identical pair that I borrowed and wore on the day that I got married. (My mom's pair being clip-on, and my grandmother's pair is pierced.) These earrings are so sparkly and eye catching. I get many comments when I wear them.

So...back to today...

One of the crystals had broken off. So I called my 2 youngest kids back into the studio where I was when I realized that one was broken. And showed them what to look for. I said to myself "I have faith that this will be found." And I got on my hands and knees and felt the carpeting. Then I said, "McK* get the broom." And I started to sweep the kitchen floor in front of the sink. In the first 2 sweeps, I pushed the crystal out from its hidden nook on the floor. Wow! What a relief!

I am so grateful to be so blessed to find things that are lost! And lately, they have been found so quickly!

Cheers!

A few posts back, I commented how I felt miserable about a certain situation that I was in. Well...today, I talked to the man in charge...and I am going to be relieved of my misery! Yes! I was beaming as I walked down the hallway. What a relief not to be stressed and bothered!

DS survived the night without food. And I think he has learned a big lesson! Thanks to all those who left a supportive comment too.