SugaredSongbird

What I'm working on

2011-02-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

Alright, so it's an older photo, but it's still one of my favorites. Today I used my photo editing skills (thank you Jessica Sprague and Erin Cobb) to clean up this little fellow. Then I created
my own little watermark (so official looking!) It still takes me a while to go through all the steps for printing and preparing for internet, but it is getting faster!

I think on this photo I was very lucky. Most of my photos from 2009 aren't worth editing. I'll try to post some more recent photos soon!

A quick Silver Bella Tour

2010-11-29T07:35:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, this post is long coming. I had to work some long shifts immediately upon coming home, then Thanksgiving, then the dull drudgery of Christmas shopping (OK, the shopping was enjoyable ;). First off, you gotta love these adorable top hats made by Cari Kraft :
Most Bellas start their trip by getting a shopping fix at Second Chance Antiques:

I scored a hat for vendor night, an embroidered blue silk with purple velvet:

Always old friends to meet and new friends to make (here with Amy Powers, Heather Buhaj, and Kathi Pilar)

We don't go away hungry, the chef made these special for our last dinner together:

Swaps are a favorite part of the whole Bella event, isn't this bee crown the best?

Did I mention shopping?

And finally, bringing home our precious pieces to display for our families:

Thanks for peeking into my trip!

Itty Bitty Sneak Peek

2010-11-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

Leaving for Omaha on Wednesday, and my final swap is finished! These pretty Bella waterlilies are packaged and ready to go. Now I just have to get the rest of me ready!

Scattered

2010-10-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

Blogging has been difficult for me on so many levels lately. Generally speaking, work has been taking up too much of my time. Not enough time with my family, let alone creative free time.

Mostly I've just felt guilty. I just don't have the energy or desire to put into creating things for my etsy shoppe. And I know I associate writing here with my creations, therefore I fear I have nothing to share.

But I am not unfulfilled. I have finally dusted off my Photoshop Elements 7 and am attempting to learn digital scrapbooking. So far this is going very slowly. I think I am going to be sidetracked soon into using PSE to edit photos. I have been very enamored with photography lately (desiring so immensly a new Canon-either a used 40D or, in my dreams, a 5DM2) and absolutely drooling over the gorgeous photo actions I've discovered in my new blog travels.

So, alas, my ribbon dying days may be in the past (who knows, though- I've got buckets loads of dye). Perhaps I will come back and share some photos. I still have Silver Bella lined up for November, and just finished my 15 book pages for the Vintage Beach Bella Fat Book. Now that's something I need a photo of!

Just an interesting side note: I love my birthday. It was incredibly cool this year to have it on 10/10 of 2010! And I received some great photography gear to boot!

Blossom Sugar Wafers

2010-06-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

Life has been slowly coming back to some semblance of normal. Our computer has suffered a few glitches in the rebuild, then a few days with our U-verse lines down. My work schedule is becoming routine, and I finally feel like my creative soul can peek out once again. While I know I have a few projects planned out (still hoping to do a matching line for Dear Lizzy) I'm mostly starting with whatever moves me, just to get back into the swing of creating. I have a few new Button Blossoms in the shoppe tonight.

Technical Difficulties

2010-05-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you add a do-it-yourself-non-techie husband with an infected hard drive? A computer that has been physically removed from my home so that it can be tested at his workplace (where the true techies are) since the beginning of April.

Ugh- I've had no access to documents, downloads, major software, photos and applications for over 5 weeks. I even purchased a new iTouch to replace the iTunes that crashed last November and can't do a thing with it! At least DH has finally admitted defeat (if I hear "just let me try one more thing" one more time I will scream!) and is listening to the so-called techies advice to just reinstall the hard drive.

So, hopefully I will be back in business soon!

Ribbon Rosettes for Spring

2010-03-17T13:17:00.001-07:00

Has it really been a month? I must admit that Library of Memories is keeping me busy, but I am still super thrilled with the progress we are making toward better kept memories and stories.
It's been hinted that I needed a few more items up in my shoppe, and the rosettes are still top requested. I hope to have some of these beauties up in the next few days!

Except maybe that last one- it's may be a keeper! I'll see how much more of that ribbon I have left to make more.

What Goes Around

2010-02-05T10:30:00.001-08:00

Thank you again to all who posted their favorite scrapbooking lines last month on my blog candy post! At around the same time that I did that, Allison Davis of CK fame had blog contest of her own. Her contest involved four days where she shared a new layout each day based on just one sketch. Each layout was so different from the others based on techniques, embellishments and substutions made. She did a very thorough job teaching what she had done to each of the layouts that made them unique. She invited readers' comments each day and gave away a few of her sketch books from a drawing of those comments. I got to be a lucky winner! I had just purchased a few volumes, and was thrilled to have another.

I love Allison's sketches (and those of her mother Debbie Sanders, also featured in the sketch books) because they use a neutral background, help with pattern papers, and placement of embellishments. Yet they are totally adaptable. Here are a few pages I did with one of the sketches. (Yes, I plan to journal, this is a theme album I will journal all at one time to keep the flow continuous)

Thank you Allison! You can find links to her store (Scrapbook Generation) and sketch volumes through her blog .

Half-brained

2010-01-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

While preparing for a class at Debbie Hodge's Get It Scrapped, she asked us to take an online exam to determine which side of our brain was more dominant, left or right (or being more logical vs creative). I'm just glad to think that it believes I have one :) !

Here are my results:

Thank you for taking the Creativity Test. The results show your brain dominance as being:
Left Brain 59%
Right Brain 41%

You are more left-brained than right-brained. Your left brain controls the right side of your body. In addition to being known as left-brained, you are also known as a critical thinker who uses logic and sense to collect information. You are able to retain this information through the use of numbers, words, and symbols. You usually only see parts of the "whole" picture, but this is what guides you step-by-step in a logical manner to your conclusion. Concise words, numerical and written formulas and technological systems are often forms of expression for you. Some occupations usually held by a left-brained person include a lab scientist, banker, judge, lawyer, mathematician, librarian, and skating judge.

Blog Candy Winner

2010-01-29T18:36:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who left comments on my blog! Using a random number generator, #4 was chosen:

Cori said...
Gorgeous, Jen! I love the new Sugar Rush and Origins lines from BG. The new Kioshi is going to be one of the first I would like too.
January 22, 2010 5:39 PM

Send me your address Cori to redpaperjen at aol.com and I'll get those ribbons and flowers out to you!

A New Year

2010-01-20T19:03:00.000-08:00

Things seem different this year. Even as it starts I know some things have changed. One of the big things for me is that the Year of Color blog is over. I was able to focus much of my art from inspiration led by the blog. I was also able to participate in several outstanding swaps through it. I hope to be able to find more swaps to be a part of, but it seems I'm always finding them AFTER the deadlines. I also still need to finish one project from Silver Bella last November, and I was inspired and motivated even from sign ups late spring. Hopefully this will return when I see the class list for this year, I truly hope to be able to participate again!

But with the lack of mixed media focus, my attention has once again shifted to the scrapbook paper arena. Basic Grey has always been a favorite line of mine, and I've been able to dabble in color chemistry on two new collections based on "Nook and Pantry" and "Origins". Of course I started with ribbons! I also loved expirmenting with dyeing paper flowers, dictionary papers, and crepe. Both lines are now in my etsy.

Summer Apricot:
Moss:

Leave me a post telling me about your favorite pieces, or what lines you'd like to see next and I'll draw a name next week Friday (Jnauary 29th) for a free set of Summer Apricot ribbons and Paper Botanicals!

Catching my Breath

2010-01-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

Ah, the end of Christmas break. So much has been cleaned, wrapped, unwrapped, eaten. We even spent a fun day at our Frederik Meijer Gardens, a local family botanical center with a fabulous Christmas display. My Dearest Husband and son love the miniature train displays.

And the girls and I love the Chrismas trees from around the World display. A very lovely afternoon spent.

I've been doing several highly involved journaling challenges that have been consuming much of my writing time, but several of those will be wrapped up shortly. I've also laid out the dyes and ribbons/flowers to start a new year in the etsy shoppe. Hopefully soon I will be releasing dyed embellishments for Basic Grey's Nook & Pantry and Origins.

Christmas at Sleepy Hollow

2009-12-07T13:41:00.001-08:00

Sleepy Hollow Botanical Gardens have done it again! Their magical gardeners have performed their wonders in creating these new hybrids of the peppermint variety, perfect for the holiday season. These particular specimens come from their most hardy bushes, the Ribbon Candies.

These magnificent selections will be forthcoming in the etsy shoppe! Once again we thank Eileen and Star of Star's Fault for their lovely tutorial found here.

Lineage of Love with Pam Garrison

2009-11-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

Lineage of Love was actually my first class at Silver Bella. I'll admit I swum against the tide of everyone else's use of cabinet cards and other antique photos by using contemporary photos of my family from last Christmas. Although I love the beauty of old photos and fashions, I knew I would appreciate more an assemblage that contained my family. That and if I messed things up it wouldn't cost too much to replace these photos. I wasn't able to complete this project in class, so I was able to add some Christmas tidbits that I picked up recently, and pretty tinsels and more ribbons.

I currently have the finished piece resting on one of our living room bookcases.

Here is our fabulous teacher, Pam Garrison, with a student who wired a very large banner.

There were a number of very unique banners, some showing a baby aging through adulthood, some with themed photos (costume, Christmas). You easily see individual style coming out in the projects. Thanks Pam!

Pecan Pies are done!

2009-11-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

and the Fuzzy Navel Jello Salad (with peach schnapps, of course), vegetable tray, coconut squash (a souffle), and cornbread. We're off to my parents house tomorrow after church, with extra chairs and one golden retriever. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Silver Bella Shadowbox Class and Bracelet Class

2009-11-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

My last class at Silver Bella was the Bundle Up Birdie Class with mohair artist Jennifer Murphy. We used pompoms, real twigs and acorn caps for Birdie. I took special care with the music paper when I adhered it to remind myself to make sure I built my box right side up. The music, of course, is now upside down. Jennifer Murphy's example had two banners, but I had seen someone use the phrase Baby It's Cold Outside. I adore that song (especially in the movies Elf and Esther William's Neptunes Daughter) so I had to snag it for my box. I finished most of this project in class, but took it home to add the pink mica before I hotglued Birdie in.

The other class I took Saturday was Kaari Meng's (French General) bracelet class. She has the most relaxing voice and was very patient explaing the how-tos for us novice jewelry makers. I've had no experience making jewelry, but have loved browsing her site for the visuals. I was able to complete this class entirely (whereupon I rewarded myself with a pretty polka dot jewelry kit from French General). There was a second portion of the bracelet that could be made, but I liked the way it was at this point. Sadly I lost the horseshoe charm that was glued to the large pearl rectangle, but everything else is still there. My favorite is the red glass raspberry on the far right.

I love the colors in this kit, the cranberry reds, pinks, and pearls blend beautifully. I've been able to wear this quite a few times already!

Hodge Podge Journal with Rebecca Sower

2009-11-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

My first class Saturday morning was the Hodge Podge Journal with the sweet and down to earth Rebecca Sower. She led us through papering our covers, building the collage and hardware, with interesting details such as the cheesecloth sandwich. We used her vintage 2 hole punch for the covers and the papers inside. Rebecca gave us much of the papers inside, including the nice weight watercolor papers. We were able to add any of our favorite papers to her provisions. I love the vintage bingo card from my roomie Sue

Odd bits are what makes the hodge podge quite unique.

I try to remind the girls I teach that there aren't any mistakes in art, just opportunities for being creative. I had punched the wrong end of my back cover. Now I have a cute bit of lace on that end!

I was able to finish most of this in class (I only had to add the ribbons to the rings when I got home). I plan on using this piece for an art journal. Thanks Rebecca!

Silver Bella Vintage Circus Fat Book Swap

2009-11-25T12:04:00.000-08:00

One of the most fabulous things about being a Bella is the mega swaps that were started last summer. Some of the swaps were mailed in ahead of time and some were brought directly to the convention. The Vintage Circus Fat Book is definitely one of the most amazing swaps I've had the opportunity to be a part of. Hosted by Wanda of The Rat's Pajamas, fifteen participants each created fifteen 5x5 inch pages. We mailed these in ahead of Silver Bella, so Wanda could put them together for us. The front of my page is on the right (the backs of the pages were decorated as well).

All pages can be seen on Silver Bella's flickr!

What Jo Creates

2009-11-23T14:24:00.001-08:00

At Silver Bella's Saturday afternoon's luncheon we had the most amazing opportunity to hear Jo Packham of Where Women Create speak. I have loved WWC from the book and have it and all the magazines, discovering many favorite artists from within them. Jo gave us many insiteful tips on submitting to the magazine, and also a heartfelt speech about the insecurities of well known people such as herself. (If you have the chance to meet this amazing woman, be sure to take the opportunity to introduce yourself!)

On our plates before the luncheon was served we found these simply wrapped boxes. All of us (at about 200 ladies)! Miss Sweet Jo herself had created each and every one of us a beaded bookmark, the key is engraved with WWCreate, with an inspiring message inside the box. MAY YOU ALWAYS FIND NEW DREAMS TO CALL YOUR OWN, NEW ROADS TO TRAVEL, NEW DOORS TO UNLOCK.... All that I do is created From a Woman's Soul, Through a Woman's Eyes, By a Woman's Hands.
Jo Packham

I found it amazing that she had taken the time to create so many of these from her heart to women that for the most part, she did not know. I am touched by her generosity. Thank you so much Jo! (And my bookmark has already made it through the pages of one book, now residing briefly in a second, soon to enter the latest issue of Where Women Create!)

Silver Bella Vendor Fair

2009-11-19T19:09:00.000-08:00

Warning, eye candy overload. Friday night at Silver Bella involved wearing our dashing aprons, getting our hands stamped by Teresa's son and husband, and large amounts of drooling. I couldn't even get past the first vendor, Vintage by Crystal, without purchasing. I have a few of her tiny creations. This time I brought home a small girl on the back of Lucky, Santa's newest reindeer- a rescued vintage ornament. Here is a small part of Crystal's booth.

I wish I could remember who this kind lady was, she had some very pretty old paper and cotton santas! (Thank you to Wanda, who reminded me this booth belongs to Jocelyn of the Painted Fern!)
Annalise of Sugar*Sugar's houses were all sold instantly- aren't they gorgeous!

A crown from Whim & Fancy. She will hopefully have her reindeer kits up soon in her etsy shoppe.

Bit's and pieces from the likes of Raised In Cotton, Curiousofa, and more...

This pretty shop Willow Nest, needs to be begged up to open up an online source! I found many pretty baubles, especially a new favorite (mercury beads).

A snap from Jenni Bowlin's booth

Jennifer Murphy (with the youngun) and her Mother, also a bear maker.

Here Kari Ramstrom (ArtsyMama) is seeking treasures from Heather of Speckled Egg (I found a few treasures myself)

Needless to say I have hoarded a massive amount of sparkly bits and millinery, sprinkled with vintage paper and a little pink birdy from this lovely lady.
I hope to post more on my classes soon, but I am trying to finish a few of the more detailed projects to share with you also!

Bella Social Events

2009-11-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

Being a Bella is more than just crafty goodness and shopping, we loved meeting each other in various venues. Here I am with my roomies Kris and Sue Our first gathering was and Italian Buffet on Thursday evening. We tried spotting our favorite paper arts bloggers

Swap night was a very hyped (hyper?) social outlet. Glitter and Sugar giving everyone the giggles, and lots of eye candy in the form of supply and art exchanges.

I knew there were a number of people I wanted to meet (bloggers that I've posted comments with, shop owners, and great teachers). I found many of them on vendor night, including the sweet Jenni Bowlin (and thanks to her hubbie Jared for shooting the photo!)

Vendor night was where we all wore our Bella theme aprons, too. I almost missed getting a photo of mine, a perky sheer hostess apron found at Second Chance Antiques (next blog post). Black with metallic gold dots and velvet sash!

Another large luncheon, with centerpieces by Cari Kraft, and carrot cake and red velvet cake for dessert!

Even more photos to come!

Before the Bellas - Shopping In Omaha

2009-11-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

I hope to show you many of the things I saw and did while in Omaha- every single moment was amazing! I came in extremely late at night on Wednesday, so the fun started Thursday morning. My two roomates, Kris and Susan went into the Old Market district. I love the old buildings and architecture, and the fun outdoor decor of the shoppes as they beckoned us inside. Second Chance Antiques was a destination for many of the Bellas. I fell in love with this piece, but left it behind (knowing that packing for home would be difficult enough) I knew someone would love it as much as I and it would find a new home soon.

I did spoil myself with many new crystal chandelier drops- but forgot to grab a cobalt one (in the dish on top)! Already I see another trip to Omaha in my future.
One of the permanent residents of Second Chance.

Look at all these lovely vintage music sheets!

Our first celebrity sighting. I'll take a picture with anyone holding a Reese'

More sights...

Some of the shopping was underground!

This little hidden alley is indoors, and we are standing below street level.

Fab Shab Blossom in Artful Blogging

2009-11-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

Only one more day until I hop aboard the train that'll whisk me away to the fabulous Silver Bella retreat. Aside from the fact my iPod will not cooperate with being charged and synced I seem to be fairly ready. I made a last minute run to the big M's last night to gather a few more supplies. I always love to check out their magazine selection, Stampington's lines being my favorites. I picked up the latest Artful Blogging because I knew Kari Ramstrom had written an article on her a Year of Color blog.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear... My photo, done for the fabulously shabby blossoms/nests tutorial on the blog, on the bottom of the title page!

My jaw hit the floor when I saw that, but the other shoppers at M's didn't seem to know that the whole world had stopped for a minute. Aren't they silly?

Bits and Bobs

2009-10-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Finally, a few more pretties. This time inspired by the Christmas favorite "Raindrops on Roses". I've started with two colorways for my collection "Brown Paper Packages". They aren't tied up with strings, though! The first colorway is Whiskers on Kittens.

I also wanted to invoke the feeling of the fleeting autumn in "With the Moon on Their Wings"
I also did "Whiskers" in specialty ribbons- velvets and curls! and an embellishment set. I couldn't resist the red shoes in the backdrop. But, alas, the Princess Royale still needs to wear these through the holidays, so I'm not sharing those!

Velvet Ribbon

2009-10-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hmmff! I've been waiting for about 2 weeks since I placed a wholesale order for more velvet ribbon that I've needed for some upcoming etsy or other projects. Finally called them today to ask about said order and it's backordered til next week! Thanks for letting me know, Mr. Company.

I'm hoping to add more painted velvets and some more made-to-match lines soon, just waiting on the supplies!

My new toys

2009-10-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Brand new lines of Martha at the big M's. LOTS of new glitter sets, just waiting to be collected and sprinkled. My must-take-home set for the day is her Vintage Leaf Glitter. It's a flat chunky glitter, similar to gold leafing, but in ever so many sparkly colors! I also like the new packaging with the molded trays that the tubes lie in, easier to pull out without the others all rolling around.

I'll go back next week for some of the tinsel glitter (I got the Christmas set of that last year) or the new irradescent colors. She also has flocking sets and microbead sets (and lots of new punches).

Just thought you might need some ~~enabling~~ inspiring.

Something to Crow About!

2009-10-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

One of the most anticipated exchanges of the year is ArtsyMama's Sweet & Sinister Swap. Our swap suggestions for this year included something sweet, something sinister, something handmade, a home decor item, and something thrifted. Mostly black & white, with just a smattering of orange. Now, I was so excited to get my package to my partner Candice Carpenter of Peacoats & PartyHats that I neglected to take pictures of what I sent out, so I made sure to share all of the black and white deliciousness of my received box here. This is only the first layer, a spooky handmade card and two black roses on white shred. Everything was wrapped in black tulle. Upon removing the first layer, I discoverd many tissue wrapped parcels amongst other treats- the lolli is from a new line I've admired "skelanimals". The beribboned box holds even more surprises...

The second layer: a white pumpkin, autumny candle, black&white purse filled with Reese's. Well, it WAS filled with Reese's. Black cat and halloween ornaments. The black and white striped bowl is JUST perfect for this stripe-loving person!

It took awhile to get everything unwrapped, but here is the main photo of everything, also including some Bethany Lowe Halloween tissue banners, and a homemade banner by Candice herself-very dimensional with those white yarn poms!

I waited and opened the candybox last- little things are too fun, and this was no dissappointment- cupcake picks, mica and super chunky glitter, velvet flowers, ribbon, Halloween rings, bingo cards, even the dried baby's breath lent an autumny scent to the box.

Yes, this year's swap is definitely something to crow about!

Land of the ArtPrize

2009-10-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Home to ArtPrize, the brainchild of Rick Devos, and the worlds largest monetary prize for art. Last Sunday my family and I went downtown to watch the worlds record release of 10,000 paper airplanes (and me without my camera!). Today we took in some of the other exhibits. This first one is a "memory jar" of sorts. The artist captured scents in these canning jars- each is labeled with a smell and a location.

I just plain liked these plum and gold rotating flowers...
A traveling wagon for an artist family...

This one centered on Grand Rapid's history of furniture making...

Grand Rapids own Loch Ness monster (made of styrofoam) floating in the Grand River...

My family enjoying a playful sculpture...

The Sharing Tree, leaves made from melted pop bottles...

The Sharing Tree holds a kaleidoscope that actually turns- autumn leaves are in the base for a colorful presentation...

The exhibit continues until this Saturday and spans a good portion of the downtown, come see it if you can!

Etsy front page!

2009-09-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm just a smidge excited- my first front page item. I just finished wrapping my last bits of this ribbon up today. Looks like I'll have to make another lot of it now. Oh, darn.

My Addiction

2009-09-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

It's like cocaine for vintage enthusiasts. I can't get enough, this is only part of my collection. Vintage rhinestone buttons. Aren't they deliciously decrepit? I like the unusual ones, the black ones, and pink ones most. Some are so incredibly corroded, like the rusted ones near the back. I love it when the buttons have left a bit of their sparkle back in their golden days- so many stories kept in secret!

What makes your heart patter?

Whoooo Aarree Yooouu?

2009-09-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

Anxiously awaiting Tim Burton's version of Alice In Wonderland. And my heart stops beating just thinking about THIS: Alan Rickman as the Caterpillar! His voice and face painted onto one end of an animated caterpillar (let's hope they get the right end). Next Spring!

Crepe and Scrapbook Layouts

2009-09-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I stop what I'm doing to actually do a scrapbook page. I took my newly found embellishment making skill to create a felt button for the "K is for kiss" page below. The layout uses some of Jenni Bowlin's chocolatey sweet Town Square line (the brown soda water paper is exclusive to her kits- Love that paper!) and also some of her new circle letter stickers.

Next layout uses one of my friend Lita's sketches (No 7) and one of my all time favorite Basic Grey lines (Urban Prairie). I got to use some of my own hand dyed ribbon, attached to the layout with little French knots, and a bit of vintage millinery. This was also my first time journaling on the computer (mostly cause my handwriting underneath was awful and my pen was drying up, hmmph)

Wonder what the Crown Princess was thinking of?

Lastly, I finished up a collage I had started earlier (I may post the whole thing later, only a sneak now). Can you tell what holiday it is for?

And finally, I found this crepe monster in my photo studio (aka my living room bay window). Looks like it's having a bad hair day. Madness crepe will join the etsy shoppe later today. Cheers, and go make some soup!

Beer Cheese Soup

2009-09-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

This has been a most popular request amongst my cooking group. Mmmmm... (Ignore lovely bits of cheese that has congealed on the side of the pot) Ingredients:
2 small or one large leek (white part only) 1/4t white pepper
2 stalks celery 1/4t nutmeg
1 onion salt to taste
6c chicken broth/stock slightly less than 12oz dark beer
4T cornstarch in 4T water 2 egg yolks
3c shredded sharp cheddar 1c heavy cream

Chop all vegetables, make celery really small if you want to leave the veggies in (I usually do). Add vegetables to the chicken broth in a medium stockpot and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer mostly covered for about 45 minutes. Strain vegetables if you have something against them. Stir the cornstarch/water into the broth and cook til slightly thickened. Take swig of beer and pour remainder into broth. C'mon, I said just one swig, you want the soup to be flavored right? Stir slowly until most of froth is gone. Add cheese and stir til melted. This will take longer if your cheese is frozen. Add white pepper and nutmeg, and salt if desired. In a small bowl (I use a pyrex measuring cup- at least the 2c size) whisk the egg yolks into the cream. Stir in 1 to 2 c of the hot broth excruciatingly slowly to the egg mixture so as not to form scrambled eggs in the soup. Mix well and slowly pour back into stockpot, stirring quickly. Cook for 2-3 minutes to rewarm.

About 8 cups.

Just a Little Something Sweet

2009-09-03T15:22:00.001-07:00

Not much news, just some more fun handmade embellishments and ribbon sets. I absolutely adored the colors in Cosmo Cricket's "Jolly by Golly" Christmas line: and while it took several mixings to get the pink, it definitely is the piece de resistance for the ribbon set.

Lastly, I knew that I would eventually bow down to the makers of Basic Grey, and created ribbons and felt/button embellishments for their line "Lemonade".

All are in my etsy shoppe!

Made to Match

2009-08-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

I've always been so inspired by scrapbooking paper collections, so it's always been lurking in the back of my mind to do specific coordination embellishments/ribbons to match some of my favorites.
Finally, that time has come. Introducing "Apple Evening" a made to match set for Pink Paislee's Amber Road.
The ribbons, in the shabby sugar (grunge) style...

And the felt and paper embellishments...

In the shoppe now. I hope to do similar sets for some of my other favorite lines (Basic Grey for sure). Would love input!

Ribbons and bits, and a few Swap Sneaks

2009-08-25T12:36:00.001-07:00

Well, summer does seem to be coming to a close, not that Michigan had much warm weather. I don't think we had our air conditioning on for a total of 10 days. Still, the anticipation of new school clothes, changing leaves, and steaming bowls of soup has me ready for autumn.

I'll be debuting some new ribbons, ala grungy style, soon. Here are two of the completed colorways: Blackberry Jam and Bonfire.

Also trying to keep on top of my Silver Bella Swaps (so no peeking for those of you in the Vintage Winter Banner or Paper Dolls Swaps)

Winter Banner base is some lovely flocked wallpaper, topped with all sorts of my favorite bits, crepe, poms, glitter, flowers, more glitter....

More crepe used for the paper doll swap, and a fun new use for cupcake liners :)

So much done, yet still so far behind!

Flea Finds and a Growing Inspiration Board

2009-08-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind with my Jenni Bowlin BPS challenges- but I did finally get to go to my very first flea market last Sunday. We didn't have much time, but I did find a few treasures there, and also a few while browsing antique shops while on vacation. I got the two very large dictionaries for a whole dollar. A few bird postcards, and antique key, a vintage music book, milkcaps, a button card with a bird print, a few old photos, a mini ledger, an antique Cosmopolitan magazine, and a "Book of Knowledge" that features great old pages on language, science, art, maps, and so much more (a $4 steal). Sum total was less than $30.

Also updating my Inspiration Board - with one of my "Experiments" that I chose to keep, and a Haunted Moon Ribbon tag.

I have a piece of chicken wire just waiting to be painted black and a frame all ready for it- they may fit these pieces better. Just have to get it made!

Another Lita Sketch

2009-08-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let my friend Lita know that I really AM trying to keep up with her sketches. I was able to kill two birds with one stone with this double page spread- Lita's sketch combined with a challenge from Jenni Bowlin's BPS class using the red and white Dennison labels. I also got to use papers from one of my favoritist companies- Basic Grey. I've heard many say that their Junebug line is too loud, but I adore it!

The photos are of the Princess Royale at her Farm Day at Preschool. "C" was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, and one of her difficulties is keeping her eyes focused on yours (or the cameras) so the photo on the right hand page of her with the hat is very rare and a favorite of mine.

Back to Reality

2009-08-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

Back from our travels, and I'm spending a few peaceful moments (heirs to the throne are snuggled into bed) catching up. While on our trip we visited the Macinac Bridge (very small in the background of this photo). Toured Tequamenan Falls (both of them)- here is the King with princesses and prince on the boardwalk to the lower falls. We couldn't hold still for too long because Michigan's Upper Pennisula's state bird (ie Mosquitos) were eating us alive!

We did spend a little time on Macinac Island (and a little money on the fudge), and went to the Soo Locks, just as I used to as a child with my parents. The highlight of the trip for the kiddos was climbing the large sand dunes at Sleeping Bear. I did not make it to the top- the girls are not even near the top in this photo.

I also spent my time in the car wisely, finishing up some magazines, and sewing up this adorable strawberry pincushion from a kit I purchased at Heather Bailey's online shop.

Isn't it too sweet? I shall have to make more.

Madness&Mayhem, and Harvest Moon

2009-07-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

I was inspired to do two major ribbon sets for Halloween. The third happened by accident, but a very happy accident as I believe it will lead to even more in the future. Harvest Moon is an altered seam binding ribbon set, with colors reminiscent of ghosts, pumpkins, golden moons, and eerie black nights. This particular set I will continue to make through the season.

Madness is entirely black and white, with hand painted velvets and laces, marbled silk and semi-striped seam binding.

Mayhem uses the most basic of Halloween pallettes, with two striped seam bindings, a bicolored marbled silk, a dipped black-edged ruffle ribbon, and a velvet ricrac dyed to look like orange tarantula legs.

Madness & Mayhem will be very limited. I will list these when I have a chance, but the shoppe will be closed a few days next week for vacation, so it may not be til after that. Bonjour!

The Amazing Litabells

2009-07-20T19:57:00.001-07:00

My sweet friend Melita really has some blog action going on, with part of her latest being scrapbook sketches. I loved her first sketch, this one gets even slow scrappers (me) motivated.

Here's what I did with it. I used the latest Jenni Bowlin monthly kit to save me the effort of coordinating. I snuck an extra photo in, but didn't want to mat them both completely, as I wanted more of the black circle background to show, so I kind of made a "fake" frame.

But I'm not getting away from ribbons entirely. I have THREE new sets coming soon, although they may have to wait til after my vacation next week before I post (we'll see how much I get done). Here's a sneak of one of the sets:

I'm also trying to work on a set inspired by everyone's favorite Vampire book. Anything you'd like to see?

Sleepy Hollow Botanical Gardens

2009-07-15T17:12:00.000-07:00

Before Ichabod Crane lost his head, he was known to spend his Sunday afternoons roaming Sleepy Hollows Botanical Gardens. He liked to observe some of the more rare specimens created by the Gardens caretaker...

Some of the experiments were collected and labeled for preservation...

Rumor has it Alice Cullen used Sleepy Hollow Botanical Gardens for a certain special event...

(These beautiful specimens were adapted from Eileen and Star at Stars Fault, who shared their fabulous tutorial here)

Little Charlottes

2009-07-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, two posts in one day, after such a dry spell. Hope you aren't fainting. This post is mostly just for pretty pictures...

... Little Charlottes will make their way soon to the shoppe!

Inspiration (Un)Board

2009-07-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited that Jenni Bowlin's Re-Purpose, Re-Think, Re-Invent Class has started over at Big Picture Scrapbooking
One of the first things she sent us off doing is creating an Inspiration Board. Now, I am in the process of creating a True Inspiration Board, but it set me off thinking as to how I do surround my work area with my favorite and inspiring objects. Little bits and bobs of texture, color, designs, and simple whimsy fill nooks and crannies in my studio space. Notice many of my favorite etsy artists creations peeking out at you? The little banner (by CariKraft) reads "follow your bliss" (egads I am so disorganized, I promise my kitchen looks a little better)

See all that inspiration couldn't possible fit into ONE inspiration board.

Gotta love those craft cubes. Wonder how many more I can get in the room. You should see the other side of the set. Stuff, um, I mean, Inspiration ALL over the floor.

Currently the paint is drying on my real board. Hope to show it off soon!

Summer UnVacation

2009-06-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

Now that the royal heirs to our throne are celebrating their freedom from all things scholastic, the King and Queen (dearest husband and myself) have been finding ourselves dropping into bed almost the same time of the late evening as they do. (Cause those dishes don't wash themselves). Which, of course, does not leave much time for creating. Still, I'll try to keep a few things new things in the shoppe, and share pictures when I can. I did order some pretty new ribbons and laces to dye, and some new types of dyes that may be more colorfast. Also experimenting with ribbons flowers I hope to show off soon.

I did enjoy dyeing a few silks and velvets for the shoppe- hope to make these a permanent fixture in my creativity. Actually, I will dunk anything that is not moving into a dye bath just to experiment lately. Will show off what I find out!

Riot of Ribbons

2009-06-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

It is so much fun photographing the new silk ribbons, they take to the camera more easily than the seam bindings. I really tried to experiment with color mixing for Pears, Raspberries, and Bluebirds set. The aqua is a single color, but the green and pink required two colors, and the yellow was dyed then partially re-dipped into brown to give that just ripe pear color. I didn't twist them because I think they may set the wrinkles more quickly than the rayons. And though I didn't intend it, the colors match surprisingly well with Basic Grey's Urban Prairie line. Hmm, maybe I should save myself a set.

I also wanted to do a deeper colored Patriotic set, below is the new Betsy Ross set, also silk.

This photo snuck out of order....

Lastly, wanted to share a photo of a custom order I did for a dear who wanted aqua/light blues. Near the front are silks, in back are a few seam bindings.

Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

Sugared Songbirds

2009-06-03T13:13:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to give a little peep about a new item in Heidi's etsy shop. She and I had exchanged a few crepes and ribbons earlier this year, and she sent along a few of her Sugar Peeps, which the Crown Princess immediately stole. But how could I resist these sweeties, something with my name all over it?

Don't forget to check out her crepe ruffles and her hand-dyed doves, too pretty!

Cottage Drawing

2009-05-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of happy people in the great big Cottage world today, as May 30th, 2009 end the third annual Cottage Charm Giveaway. I am happy to add one more person to that list. Via Random.org's random number generator, my winner is #95- Chasity of Wild Raspberry. Thank you to all of you who posted such nice comments!

Back to Business as Usual

2009-05-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

After spending a week doing some custom orders, my fingers have been itching to get back to ribbons, especially the new silk! I have had some good (and not so good) results with it. Stripes need some refiguring, and some colors set differently, but otherwise it is very similar to the results I've seen with the rayon seam binding. I hope to have some of these lovelies listed tomorrow:
Time Travels in the Garden Silk Ribbons. Purposefully dyed very pale, as if in a misty memory.
This one is in seam binding: Hula Hoop. I photographed these before I ironed them, they will be displayed/sold smooth.

And an idea I'm still tossing around: Fairytale tags.

For these I collaged an assortment of vintage book papers onto one large piece of cardstock then cut it down into 4x6 tags. Mostly fairytales, some dictionary. So glad I switched decoupage mediums, Golden's soft gel is simply heaven to use!

We'll see what shows up in the store tomorrow!

Cottage Charm Giveaway!

2009-05-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

May marks my one year blogiversary, and in celebration, I am joing Kim's Cottage Charm Giveaway! She has done this for three years now (click on the link to find MANY more giveaways!) and it is a great way to meet new bloggers.

I am going to giveaway one set of my Cottage Style Spun Sugar Twist Hand Dyed Seam binding ribbons, in the prettiest pinks and light blues. The winner will receive one glimmer tag with five yards of ribbons, two glitter hearts, and...

Some of my newest Hand Dyed Silk Ribbons in Robin's Egg Luxe. There are two lengths here, one yard and one-half yard tied up with vintage German text and silver string.

Just comment to this post, along with a way to contact you, by May 30th!

100th Sale!

2009-05-15T10:10:00.001-07:00

I reached my first goal of 100 sales! Since the purchaser had a fondness for earthtones, I created this special ribbon, in the new silk!, just for her. Two yards of "Mink Marble Luxe" coming your way, enjoy and thank you so much Kendra!

of Lilypads and Tomatoes

2009-05-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Return of Everlasting Gobstopper. I wasn't thrilled with the tickets from the first set so I redid them as tags and flashcards. Only two sets left before these ribbons are gone! I also heard some desire for Earthtones. I imagine I may do more along those lines in Autumn (thinking pumpkins already!), but I did find some inspiration for a few sets now. The first set "Fire and Blueberry" came from a Marjolein Bastin painting...

And a summer set, Heirloom Tomato, with browns, greens, and a dark red...

(Don't look too closely- I could only find apple vintage labels)

And a few Fabulously Shabby Blossoms. I only had enough green to do one set for Lily Pad.

And I am thrilled to say that I hope to add real SILK ribbons to the shoppe soon, too. The roll I purchased to experiment has a GORGEOUS soft hand to it, with nice solid sides unlike some silk bias ribbons. Look forward to some new spring and summer palettes soon!

The Hunt for Vanilla Popcorn

2009-04-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

OK, I may not be the world's best cupcake decorator (as seen here), but I can cook. This particular blog post comes after the obsessive search through all my recipe books and magazines for the recipe for Vanilla Popcorn. I had made it last fall as a snack for my monthly cooking group meeting and they had recently asked to have it made again. I shouldn't've promised til I knew where that dang recipe had gone off to. I spent literally 4 days and many hours on a hunt that proved fruitless.

So I set off to do the next best thing and make my own recipe. I based it off of the three cookbooks in the background, using a little of each, and adapting it for the pudding I knew was in the original recipe.

Vanilla Popcorn

Ingredients- 2 sticks (1 cup or 1/2 lb.) of butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup sugar
1 small box of french vanilla pudding mix-instant
1 bag of hulless corn puffs
1 tsp. baking soda
No miniature magenta pony toys that somehow made it into the photo.

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Combine butter, corn syrup, pudding mix, and sugar in a pot and boil for 2 minutes. Take off heat and add baking soda, mix quickly til combined, then pour over the corn puffs (in a large bowl). Stir thoroughly.

Divide mixture between two WELL GREASED cookies sheets. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring after 15 minute intervals. Remove from oven (they will still be sticky). Let cool, the coating will crisp up and taste ever so good! Store in an airtight container if all popcorn is not immediately consumed.

Now then, if you ask nice, I might give you my spaghetti sauce recipe. Step aside Mario Batali!

Collect like a Magpie

2009-04-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

Every now and then we all need a little destash. My ribbon box was filling up too fast with extra cuts from sets, colors that didn't quite match particular ideas, or maybe a small run in the wrong place. Going up in the shop this weekend. "Just the Ribbons" from sets such as Pompeii and Strawberry Sundae. Magpie lots featuring the mismatched, extras, and not-quite perfect ribbons.

and a pretty set, again with the pretty scrunch-ribbon, Sea Whisper.

We've had thunderstorms all day, but it caused all the trees to bud overnight! Such a beautiful green world! We have very few spring days here before summer rears its heat. I'm enjoying it, are you?

Berry Sweet Ribbons

2009-04-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

Lots of pretty new ribbons and crepes in the shoppe now. I was inspired by warm strawberry sauce dripping down fresh vanilla ice cream for this first set "Strawberry Sundae". Rich and red flowing mellowly, intermingaling with the cream to form soft pinks...

...or bright red varigating into rich ivory for "Strawberry Cheesecake"...

I just love the way thre ribbons fell into this flower shaped pattern.

I wrapped the ribbons around a Sweet Nothings Journal, this one a soft pink cardstock filled with vintage papers, paper lace, and a smidgen of swiss dot organza.

The next set I had the colors in mind for awhile, I just wasn't sure how I wanted to prepare the ribbons, or present them. I was struck with inspiration whilst reading the latest issue of Somerset Home, Connie Govea Stuart talked about her dyeing technique for ribbons using Easter Egg tablets. I decided to try her technique (although I still used my regular dyes). They were gorgeous even during their dye baths!

A rainbow confection of ribbons starting to appear...cherry, orange, lemon, lime, blue raspberry, and grape.

Tutti-frutti bright and scrumptiously crinkley!

The Everlasting Gobstopper!

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Green and Yellow Basket

2009-04-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

Can you believe May is almost here? It's creeping up soon! I love all the delicious swaps ArtsyMama has conjured up for her Year of Color blog, and the May Basket swap is the latest in a long line not-to-be-missed fun! I've been dreaming up and slowly stirring up the pieces of a basket of little treats for my swap partner. I used a new basket, then grunged it up nicely to an age old patina, then embellished with vintage millinery.
Shall we peek into her basket?

Some pretty ribbons an leaves around a sweet surprise...

A little polka dot crepe reminscing April's color theme...

Gold noblesse and vintage berry picks

Can you guess who it might be for?

Lucky me, my own basket arrived this week- just stuffed beyond capacity with the BESTEST goodies. Kari herself put this one together. I found new treasures every time I sifted through.

Some of her pretty wallpaper, a handmade book, the embroidered table runner, a house sachet from etsy, the nutcups are even filled with tiny bits of ribbon and vintagey bling!

And a little packet of papers with my name on it! Muchos Gracias, Grazie, and Thank you Kari!

It runs in the family

2009-04-15T19:39:00.001-07:00

I have the worst time keeping the short people away from my art supplies, especially the Crown Princess. Finally, Easter eggs gives them a chance to prove their own artistry with a bright palette. (Although smart Mums know to put down the newspaper first)Rule #1. Only Mom can put her fingers in the dye.
Rule #2. Lightening McQueen does not need a dye job.
Rule #3. Neither do Littlest Pet Shop animals.

Rule #4. Use only your best cups for dye pots.

Waiting her turn for the egg pencil, the Princess Royale has chosen her own ensemble for the occasion.

Rule #5. The egg pencil does write visibly on paper.

The Crown Princess is pleased with her created pieces. Can we keep them forever Mom?

Alas, she was clever enough to realize that the egg pencil (clear wax) could create even more art by writing then covering with watercolors, which she shared with our visitors on Easter. And I share them with you! Hope yours was the best!

Finally, I leave you with a little tease of an upcoming crepe for the etsy shoppe.

Coming Monday to a website near you...

2009-04-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Yes!

I'm planning on it, already figuring out the best times/classes. I'd really love to take all the classes, what girl wouldn't? (But I will be unlucky enough to be at work when registration goes live :( Keep your fingers crossed for me!)

Are you coming too?

Happy Easter to everyone, I'm off to paint eggs with the short people.

Garland Swap Sweet Surprises

2009-04-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

I love getting mail, especially when it is full of sweet surprises. Last week I received a pleasant package containing so many pretty pieces it made me feel like Marie Antoinette. My Garland Swap partner, Kathy of Country Chintz, loaded my box with all sorts of stunning little (and big!) pieces of her art. First, my pretty garland, loaded with pink, spring, and chunky clear glitter, just the spring pick up we need! Next, a small spring collage I hung on my old pie safe in the dining area.

Here I combined several of my etsy finds (twinklehill's bird cage and janiedmatterns pretty bird shadowbox) with Kathy's framed cloth collage.

Kathy also made me a shadowbox (and I wondered why the box was so heavy!). Here I displayed it with some French books, a tag by Brandywine, and other favorites. Please excuse the dust on the dresser. I have more important things to do, like paint.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Kathy!

Also in the mail today, a few more surprises. Eileen of Star's Fault had a sweet giveaway in March for one of her pretty journals. Although I didn't win the journal, she was ever so kind to send ALL participant a sweet little handmade card/notebook just right for inspiring even more artistic works. I'm not sure if I want you jaunting off to her blog just yet, you might not come back! ;) Eileen's art is ever inundated with help from her three furry felines, so I wanted to share a photo of her booklet being enjoyed by MY little (?-he's really quite big for a cat) kitty, Barnum.

Another nice package for me (save for what the Crown Princess and Princess Royale run off with). This heady package had me before I even opened it. What could be in the pretty box?

Why, beguiling scents from etsy's Haunt. Oh, I had to stop myself from running right off and ordering a few more. Or did I? Normally I am NOT a lavendar fan, but the pumpkin part of the soap bar had me intrigued. It is heaven! Erin also sent little samples of her roma (orangey) and raspberry honey soaps. I also fell under the spell of her Lust lipbalms- two made it here (yes, I kept them from the Princesses)- sweet cream and violet!

Here's hoping something in your mail makes you smile, too!

Of Cabbages and Queens, Tutorials and Crepes

2009-04-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

Ah, lovely spring break. While it's nice not running the three small humans around to various school activities and appointments, I wonder what I'll actually be able to accomplish with them all home!
One thing I did do with the Crown Princess (my oldest daughter Dana) was to make clay buttons from Ranjini's tutorial over on the Year of Color blog. Very fun and unique buttons and charms! Here they are, still drying on the paint tray. Speaking of tutorials, I myself was fortunate enough to share one of my own for Year of Color (it's still not too late to join!-Hurry if you want to participate in the giveaway. Check out Artsymama's blog for details)

The fabulously shabby nests and blossoms tutorial went up last night.

Since April's theme is polka dot, I had to sneak a few in there. Somehow I did forget to leave this pretty photo out.

Also going up sometime today in my shop will be a few more hand-dyed crepes.

Enjoy your spring, we are expecting snow by Wednesday!

Go Make Art

2009-03-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

There are so many lovely colors in the world's paintbox! While I enjoy a particular few (red, pink, robins egg blue!) as my go-to colors, I really do love them all. I have always had a deep relationship with colors, from my first crayon box to my many dyes. I associate many objects, ideas, feelings in my mind with their own color.

Magnolia and Marmalade

I am constantly running into color inspirations for my many projects. Sources are so varied, so I must keep my mind and eyes tuned to what falls into my path. For instance, Magnolia and Marmalade came from a lovely word association. My sweet daughter Carmen was telling the family a story of her stuffed poodle- Magnolia. Later that day I read about the store Marmalade in Stampington's Where Women Create magazine. Magnolia, Marmalade. Those words just BELONG together. They must be created with, side by side. I am almost feverish when it comes to an idea that needs to be created, sometimes dyeing several lengths of ribbon before I get what I am sure is the look I desire.

Easter Eggs Vintage Swiss Bird's Nests

inspired by the beautiful colors of spring

Magnolia and Marmalade ribbons in a pretty jar.

Hydrangea and Rose ribbons

inspired by watercolorist Marjolein Bastin

I love examining other artist's work- Marjolein Bastin (of Hallmark fame) uses the most beautiful combinations of colors for her works. I also enjoy Cicely Mary Barker (Flower Fairies). Nature itself can be most inspiring. I also love creating colors based on foods (what does cotton candy, circus peanuts, cherry bombs, mint chocolate chip ice cream make you think of?).

Magazines, catalogs, and other photographs are great sources as well. I love the children's catalog "Chasing Fireflys" with their pretty boutique clothing- lovely texture, as well. And check out Wedding Chicks ! Wedding photography is just teeming with gorgeous color combinations just waiting for the artist to lift onto their palette.

What inspires you?

Spring Blooms

2009-03-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

I was very fortunate indeed to discover the Garlands and Banners class over at Get It Scrapped. I picked up a few new techniques and supply hints, plus loads of inspiration from class teacher Trish Turay. Our homework included making crepe medallions (I've got those down-pat!) and creating a spring banner. The base is Maya Road chip banner triangles, painted with a hand-tinted paint, collaged with Autumn Leaves "Fresh cut" papers, and layered with glitter (nope, never gonna stop loving that!), lace and other trims, ribbons, pearl stickers, millinery leaves, primas, and lots of crepe! all tied up with beautiful seam binding ribbons and a bit of pink tulle.

My banner will hang in a window (not the best for catching photos) so I shot the photos on the backside of a quilt.

Almost as pretty as the little green buds starting to waken outside the window! Enjoy the pretty fresh spring air!

Garland Swap Spoiler

2009-03-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

OK, Kathy, no peeking. I warned you!

One of the best parts of being involved with ArtsyMama's (Kari) A Year of Color blog is being able to participate in swaps with other mixed media artists. I almost skipped this swap, but being as banners are just one of my things, I caved at the last moment. The swap turnaround time was very short, so we had to contact our partner quickly to determine colors and themes. Kathy, of Country Chintz, told me she liked one of Kari's "Nest" banners and a blue-grey, vintage look. I'm not sure if I got the blue-grey color, but it is a nice soft blue. I had saved several boxes from the SweetHearts candies to make these pretty shadow boxes. Each piece is dimentional with lots of vintage texture and a bit of subtle sparkle. The original concept of a SweetHearts shadowbox banner came from Teresa McFayden's Winterbella E-zine. (Love those bellas!)

It will be on it's way to you soon, Kathy! And for anyone else interested in a Year of Color, you can still join us and catch the next swap- May Baskets!

Blog Neglection

2009-03-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

Is that a word? I've been off in the "real world" and have stopped here for a bit of respite. I have no great agenda for this post except to share a bit more of myself, and share a few bits of pretties.

Outside of my bird-brained blog and etsy works I am a pharmacist for a Midwest supermarket chain. At the beginning of this month we changed our prescription filling software to a new-to-the-market system created by our medication supplier. The combination of a beta-test system by a company not known for their computer skills and the fact that one of my partners had taken vacation has been the stress-monkey on my back for the past few weeks. Even with my partner back this week, the software is creating a high level of burnout by the myself and the entire company's pharmacists and technicians. (I even had one of my own techs seek medical attention for the anxiety!). It is in all of this I have to remind myself that my God has a plan for me, though I do not know it at this time. His grace is sufficient.
My life in a nutshell, and I am very blessed that my dearest husband and children still see fit to let me come home at night and drop into bed.

Onto the pretties: Peacock feather ribbons

Strawberry fields Sugar kit, already sold.

and the prettiest combination I can't believe fell into place, Lilac and Buttercream Sugar Twist.

Memories of Pompeii Spun Sugar Twist

2009-02-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

In those short days before children, my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Italy. I was reminded of the trip recently while talking with my friend Lu, as we both longed for a taste of Limoncello (or Venetian Lemonade, as she puts it). I was inspired to create several lengths of ribbons while reminscing.
Since five ribbons were created, it didn't work for me to put them on the usual trifold card, so I put the "pages" together like a book. Pompeii sky and Lemon Grove ribbons

From the top: Lemon Grove, Italian Pink Grapefruit, Olive Leaf, Limoncello, and Pompeii Sky

I collaged each page before adding the ribbon: Limoncello

(Back of Limoncello) Pompeii Sky

Olive Leaf

Italian Pink Grapefruit

Lemon Grove. This one has a warm spot of yellow fading into white, then green with touches of brown

I have more lengths of the ribbons, but I'm not sure yet if I'll offer more than one card.

Reds and Pinks

2009-02-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

Raspberry Lemonade, Pink Flamingo, Cameo and Ivory Each of them uses a different hand dye/paint technique, but they are so pretty together!

Vintage Violette

2009-02-16T07:23:00.000-08:00

A sweet friend of mine asked me to put together a kit for her to help her put together a captured fairy jar. She intends on the jar being a tribute to an aunt who loved violets. Here's what I came up with, a vintage violette collection:

A Sugar&Spice Tin filled with purples, buttons, paper flowers, purple tinsel garland, handmade SugarWafer blossoms, crystals, stamen, vintage jewelry findings. Lots of goodies hiding here.

The paper set: glimmered paper lace and tags, antique violet postcard and violet collage images, old music and book pages

I'll let her decide if she wants more ribbon. I had already dyed this "wood violet" yardage before she had even asked, must be we are both desperate for spring!

New style Ribbon

2009-02-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

I've been studying different techniques of coloring ribbon, my latest is multiple color application, which results in a varigated appearance. The colors blend smoothly from one area to the next, a very pretty technique! I've been highly inspired by the watercolor paintings of artist Marjolein Bastin, and created some ribbons with a very nature-colored hues.

This first photo shows a big pile of different lengths of dyed ribbons
This one is Rose

And here is the pretty Hydrangea

They'll be posted in the shoppe once they find their perfect Spun Sugar card combinations.

Bombay Flower Tutorial

2009-02-09T12:05:00.001-08:00

My first tutorial was very enjoyable, so I'm adding another. This one I call Bombay Flower after the first one I made with it's pretty feathers. Supplies needed: Pretty papers (double sided is nice), adhesive, circle cutters for cutting and tracing, pencil, paper punch, embellishments (I'm using a white flower, green leaves, bit of chalk)

First cut a five inch circle.

Next, trace a 1&1/2 ince circle in the center, this can be drawn on either side of the paper. Here I drew it on the outside, which will then show in the back. On the pink flower I drew it on the back side and it became glued over (probably the better choice).

Cut into your circle only up to the pencil line, tring to keep the "petals" the same width from outside to center.

Turn paper so you are looking at the "inside" of the flower. Placing glue on the pencil line (or just inside the cuts) start to bring the outside of the strips to the line and adhere down. I found it easier to do every other to start with.

Glue remaining strips down.

Punch a coordinating sheet of paper for the center- I chalked mine up a bit.

Using your fingers, press the outside of the petals lightly to "fluff" them up a bit.

Add your embellishments! On the pink I coated the center with glitter, a few buttons, and feathers (they can be ironed if they have too much curl!) . Try layered papers, buttons, felt or whatever is your favorite!

Thanks for letting me share!

Valentine Swap

2009-02-09T11:57:00.001-08:00

Aren't I the luckiest? My sweet partner in ArtsyMama's Valentine Swap was the very darling Beshka She put together a wonderful package- including beautiful handmade earrings and a fun, kitschy plastic J tied up with vintage laces and pretty pink millinery leaves.

Here is the whole box- the pretty bird is now in my valentines vignette, chocolates (already opened in the picture-did I mention my children were watching?), earrings, a fun plastic red heart full of buttons and clips, and one of juliecollings' great art boxes. Thank you dearest Beshka!

Round Flower tutorial

2009-01-31T17:48:00.001-08:00

I had posted this pink posy earlier on Scrapshare, and now I'm delighted to present my first blog tutorial! Materials need: two or three different papers (I used scrapping papers here- use what you love!), leaves (with or without wire), paper flower, brad, stamen (the white thingies with the pearly ends), glitter, glue. Circle cutter and paper piercing tools also.

Start by cutting three different size circles. Mine are 3, 2&1/2, and 2 inches.

Next, roll up the sides with your fingers (what, you didn't really think I had wings, did you?). This will be very uneven. If you don't like the rolled look, you could also tear very near the edge to give the circle some texture, or do nothing at all!

Here are all my circles rolled up.

Layer the circles, largest to smallest, and use your piercing tool (or a needle) to puncture the center.

Push the brad through the paper flower, then through all the circles. You may want to loosely fold back the brad ends to help the flower lay flat while you apply the glitter. Don't press them all the way yet.

Using whatever technique you prefer, apply glue to the rolled up portions of the circles (here I chose only to do the smallest and largest circles) and to the paper flower. Then sprinkle on your glitter! (or use Stickles)

Lastly, slightly lift a petal of the paper flower and put on a dollop of glue. Slide your stamen under the petal, and under the brad (this is why you left it a bit loose). Then tighten the brad completely. You could also do this step before you glitter, if you also want to apply the glitter to the stamen.

Depending on what type of leaf you are using, apply to the backside of the posy. On my pink posy I used a wired millinery leaf, wrapping the wires around the brad shank to hold it on. For the yellow flower, I simply used glue dots to apply the leafs (from Prima)

Voila! Use your pretty creation in your scrapbooks, collage works, home decor, and enjoy!

Fini!

2009-01-31T17:36:00.000-08:00

I had a huge list of small projects that I really wanted to finish. Got to a number of them last week while waiting for my next big etsy inspiration. First off is my hot cocoa banner, using the pieces I shared with you a few months ago, plus other letters made by dear friends of mine.

Hot!
Cocoa! My husband thinks the garland looks like marshmallows. Guess that works out perfectly! (Although I bought it cause I thought it looked like snow!)

Then I played with some vintage paper and glitter to come up with these pretty flowers. Look for tutorials soon!

Lastly, I had purchased a small planner to carry around, but alas, having waited til mid January I was left with not many pretty options. So being already covered in glue, I painted the paper insert (it originally had coffee mugs!) and glued and sewed on some music paper, digital images, blue swiss dot and pink crepe paper to make this one of a kind piece.

Course the paint made the paper a little stiff and it won't lay flat yet. (By the way, the small words say "artsy queen".

I have a few more projects on my list, but onto that tutorial!

Crepe Love

2009-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

Proving that crepe has a place anywhere.

Valentines Spun Sugar Twists

2009-01-20T09:18:00.001-08:00

I added another Spun Sugar Twist to my shoppe- this one in a Valentine's theme. This pretty set has two stripe hand dyes (one multi-hued!) and two commercially dyed seam bindings. I twisted the two commercially dyed (red and pink) together for interest.

Here's a shot of just the red/white stripe. I love the softness of the color blending to the white.

And the red/white/pink stripe.

Blue and White

2009-01-17T19:06:00.000-08:00

Blue and white, white and blue. So are the colors in January's theme on Artsymama's A Year of Color blog. With her permission, I've added a line in my shoppe to feature A Year of Color. I'm very excited to work with this theme- although there are some challenges ahead! (I'm really trying to start thinking of what to do when the month's theme is polka-dots!). The first thing I want to share is something I'm happy to present- Spun Sugar Twists! I wanted a way to present seam binding that is different from what I've seen. I've used a double sided piece of paper and folded it into a three partioned card. Each partition will have seam binding on it- this set only the hand-dyeds are "twisted".

I labeled each ribbon color by stapling a piece of vintage bird book text (being careful, of course, not to staple the ribbon) and a pretty blue punch with the name on it.

I also added a few inexpensive items to my shoppe just for fun, like Giggle Twinkle Wings button ticket set. These small treats will go to the "Sugar Wafers" section, although the blue and white ones are currently in the Year of Color section.

And I did put together one Sugar and Spice Tin set for Year of Color. Loads of pretty blue images for crafting here.

I'm also lucky enough to be able to participate in the swaps available to a Year of Color blog participants. Our first theme is Valentines, and that should be so much fun to prepare a box for my Swap Sister! I'll be sure to post what I'm up to soon!

From one Holiday to the Next

2008-12-30T20:01:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We were snowed in most of the week here at the North Pole, I mean, Michigan. We were not plowed out until Christmas Eve at 9PM! The kiddos got loads of toys and sweets. Santa must've thought me good this year- I got Starbucks and Michaels giftcards and a whole box of Martha Stewart glitter in every color! He also left a Wii here, which Dearest is hooking up as I type. We've also watched many of our favorite Christmas movies, and a new one highly recommended by sweetie Candice Carpenter, Bing Crosby's White Christmas. I had never seen it before, but it's now my favorite Christmas movie (move over Elf!).
I've been working on some new Valentine's goodies for the shoppe. I must give a standing ovation to Lisa's Altered Art. Her collage sheets are lovely and may show up in a few art treats later on. Meanwhile I've been busy keeping my fingertips pink and red with dye inks. Here's a beauty from one of my kits at etsy. I'm still working on techniques that will minimize the tearing in separating layers of wet crepe streamer. Keep your fingers crossed for me! Also have many ribbons soon to be added to the sale block. I've placed a few on vintage flashcards or these lovely mini-cards from Jenni Bowlin. They are hand-dyed, as well, with lovely subtle shadings. Scrumptious!

Here's the full Spun Sugar set, with dyed ribbon and matching crepe. This crepe streamer was originally ivory, although that side is down in the picture so you only see the dipped pink end. I have several larger kits I'm putting the finishing touches on. Hopefully will be up soon!

I've got the Joy!

2008-12-19T08:46:00.001-08:00

My eldest daughter needed a gift for her second grade teacher, but changed her mind last minute. We came up with this quick gift idea. (being as banners are such a popular trend right now- she still had to explain to her teacher what it was!)

We used the lovely Jenni Bowlin Christmas Bingo cards for the backdrop, then covered them with vintage German Scraps, Christmas picks, cut digital collage images, dresden, tinsel and pom-pom garlands, a stamped image of a cardinal (insisted upon by sweet girl). JOY is made from Cricut's Storybook cartridge (yes, I use that one frequently!). All strung on bakers twine and tied up with seam bindings in red and hand-dyed cream!)
Closer ups of the individual letters- Hot glue gun works well for adding the picks, garlands, and dresdens. Otherwise Zip-dry is my personal glue choice for papers.

Sugar Shoppe

2008-12-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

I'm hoping to add more basic paper elements to the shoppe soon. Items that can be used for your own crafting. I've started with one set of SugarCubes (basic crepe rosettes). This particular set is Marzipan. You can add collage images, glitter, sparkle, buttons, ribbon, and all little fun sorts of items to them, then they can be added to collages, scrapbooks, mixed media, altered journals, banners....

You may have noticed some of the new sections I've added to my shoppe (waiting to be filled). My thoughts on SpunSugar include all sorts of trims, like the vintage red and white ribbon there now, and also I'm experimenting with dyeing both seam bindings and crepe streamers.

Raw Sugar will be small kits most likely with a few SugarCubes, some seam binding, and some Swarovski crystals all in coordinating themes.

Sugar Rush is to be larger kits including those above, plus some vintage images, fancy papers. I have so many ideas floating around my head, but most of them will have to take place after the holidays.

Generally French

2008-11-26T18:41:00.000-08:00

My wishlist has almost always include one of these gorgeous decorating boxes from the French General
I finally broke down and made my first purchase:The holiday decorating box! (I believe it is currently referred to as the Star Bright box). This compact box holds a surprising amount of heart palpitating goodness. Here is the first layer

After unearthing all the trims and notions containers, the second layer filled with dresden, feathers and stamen. The silver underneath is a type of cloth/tissue I will savour as long as it holds out.

Removing the beautiful cloth layers to reveal pretty papers and old labels. What fun it will be to create with this lovely box of notions!

Vintage Trimmings

2008-11-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

I'd been eyeing this trim at French General for ages. It's so unique, and truly vintage. And now it's finally mine. All 36 metres of it (that's a lot!). I might be sharing some soon. On the website it appears to be white and red, but the background is truly more ivory colored. I had a hard time deciding between the geranium red, bright petal pink, or ocean blue. Guess I'll have to save up for the next roll.

Sugar Follies

2008-11-21T12:23:00.000-08:00

I am almost ready to add some items to my etsy shop. The first batch will include these element sets, which I call Sugar Follies. They will be a grouping of coordinating items that can be included in scrapbooks, altered objects, in home decor, or just plain collecting (something of which I seem to do frequently). These three sets each have a crepe rosette/flower, decorated prima-style flowers -mostly mounted on a manila shipping tag, ribbon or other decorative trim, and mini vintage-style flashcards.
Here is Nutcracker
And Jack Frost

And finally, Snow berries

Melting Marshmallows

2008-11-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

I am participating two new banner swaps (Hot Cocoa and Candy Cane). I am creating the "H" and a blank for the Hot Cocoa set. (We use blanks to start, finish, and separate words on a banner). I chose to create a crepe rosette dusted lightly with mica flakes. Center round is old German print, then a Cricut Storybook H and snowflake brad. Background is a candy stripe red ribbon and swirl, again from Cricut Storybook.

The blank uses Cricut Joys of the Seasons Ice Skate, with silver blades! Chalked to age, assorted scrapbook papers, prima, doodlebug velvet brad, and some craft pom-pom trim. I hope my swap partners are pleased.

When New Friends Meet

2008-11-03T10:44:00.000-08:00

I don't feel as if I've had much time to sit down and do anything beyond standard daily chores lately. And our cat (Barnum) has not been very happy with us. Here he is greeting his new roomate for the first time. Here is the newest little member of our household shortly after we brought him home mid-October.

And a picture of him taken by the lovely family that owns his mama. He's only about 6 weeks in this picture.

He has been keeping us busy playing ropey, squeaky toys, keeping him from chewing EVERYTHING and the very fun housebreaking.

He's been dubbed Mr. Bingley (ala Pride and Prejudice) and I think he needs to go out now.

A Sugared Banner!

2008-10-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

Finally! A real banner made by someone who has the talent I lack with image editing. I've admired her work since I "discovered" her etsy work, the lovely Kris Hurst (Blissfull Elements). I'm behind already when I think of the Christmas presents I need to start making. This should give me some inspiration!

Major Mojo Buzz

2008-10-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so full of inspiration right now. I finally have come up with a concept for an etsy store. The variations on the main idea are endless, and I have PAGES of notes for different colors, themes, presentations, and names. The excitement running through me sometimes feels similar to when you first see your full stocking on Christmas morning- so happy and full of potential.

It is taking some time to bring everything together, I am anxious to have one piece finished. (I have many started. Isn't that how lots of projects go?) I have to set up the shop as well, and decide whether or not I want to keep my current buyers name or start a new account for the Sugared Songbird.

Not giving any peeks yet, as everything is in the early stages, but I hope it will be worth the wait.

Cause I seriously need to earn some of the $ back I spend there.

It's Actually All About Me!

2008-10-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

Well, at least this altered composition will be. When I decided I wanted to do a scrapbook album of my own thoughts, ideas, favourites, etc. I knew I'd want a place to track some of these ideas before they hit album pages. On Scrapshare we've taken to calling these albums "Book of Me" or BOM after the book written by Angie Pedersen. I have yet to start my album, but at least I have a cool composition to inspire me! This one is covered in Basic Grey's Haute Couture line (one of my favourites) and a vintage book page. Some of the ephemera is printed by K&Co. and some other bits are by Jenni Bowlin. Little green pearls and golden circles are from my craft box. I also used vintage collage images I had collected off of etsy.
The spine is tied in yellow seam binding and holds a crystal chandelier drop.
The back- you can also see ribbons from Basic Grey's Haute Cotoure to divide "chapters"
Happy thoughts once again, this time running up the inside of the back cover.

You're my Cuppy-cake (Journal)

2008-10-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

I started keeping notes in a plain old composition book on ideas for arts-and-crafty goodness. Things like themes, great color combos, favourite supplies, and a list of my Doodlebug embellishments (they are so yummy and come in so many colors I had a hard time remembering which I had of what!). But the cover was so dull. So I dressed it up in my favourite paper line (Basic Grey) and added my favourite colors (red and pink) and favourite sweet (cupcakes) and loads of my favourite embellishments (Doodlebug, Jenni Bowlin -love crepe paper!, evalicious newsprint buttons, wish tickets, seam binding, ribbons of all varieties)
A small pocket inside the front cover
Aside from the cover stating to "Think Happy Thoughts" a perfectly "Happy" flashcard adorns the back.
And absolutely everything in here is full of inspiration!

Finished Spooky Banner

2008-10-06T10:17:00.001-07:00

All the pieces made it here, and I was able to tie it all together with a combination of seam binding and tulle.

I {heart} Jenni Bowlin

2008-10-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

I love her kits! In August she asked for willing participants to send in layouts and other items using that month's kit. I'd never tried something like that before, so it was fun to experiment with the constraints of the challenge. I did one layout of my daughter in a blouse I had sewn for her with her choice of bottoms. I also presented an altered journal.

While I did not win, I certainly had fun trying. I'd never attempted a design spot before, so this was new to me. I hope to try again sometime.

Never One to Sit Still

2008-09-10T10:59:00.001-07:00

I was inspired by a Christmas Organizer published in Paper Trends Dec/Jan issue from last year. I intended on doing the Christmas themed one (who doesn't need organizing for the Holidays, the earlier the better). However, my love of the cute notecards I've browsed on Etsy led me to do a greeting cards organizer first. I like how it turned out, and this may just become my Christmas gifts to family and friends this year! The file organizer itself came from Target, with 6 expanding files. Paper is FancyPants line "Celebrate". Cricut Storybook cartridge provided the title. I will reacess how I want to deal with the handle. Perhaps just cutting the paper down like I did on the reverse. Maybe a bit of paint. The backside was a sheet of predesigned paper from FancyPants.
The inside dividers (I was limited to six!) are titled: Birthdays, Thank You, Wedding/Baby, Congrats, Sympathy/Get Well, and Other/Blank

Now to fill it up with the whimsical designs from my favorite artists ( I already snagged two from the lovely Melissa Phillips aka Lilybean's Paperie!)

Bailey

2008-09-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

My friend and companion of eleven + years was put to rest this morning. He's been with me when I lived on my own, through the wedding and births of three children. He took good care of us and enjoyed eating popcorn when tossed his way. Rest in peace, my friend.

Playing with glue

2008-09-02T19:03:00.001-07:00

Been busy playing with crepe and glue again. I've been so inspired by all the flowers and rosettes I've seen on blogs and etsy I tried a few of my own. The little orange posies on the vintage book pages are very close in design to the pretties made by Eve
The crepe flowers are a combination of types I've seen from many artists and the ribbon flowers are my own design. And they use a LOT of glue dots. I vow from now on to never run out of glue dots, Zip-dry, and crepe paper.

S is for Spooky

2008-08-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

I'm hostessing a banner swap at my favorite site (Scrapshare). My favorite group is the Spooky Banner. Each participant in this particular group creates eight each of their chosen letter (there are two decorative "blanks" at each end) and I swap everyone's set out so the participants end up with one each of the blanks and letters to spell out Spooky. Color scheme is black, white, and orange. This was my first time sewing on paper- it went real well, til the bobbin ran out of thread, and then the whole machine started squeaking. Must remember to oil soon. I used SCAL to cut out the "S" in Oklahoma font. Black Market paper for the background, as well as Bazzill. Pink Paislee provided the stamp, while the tulle came from Bazzill's new line of embellishments (must get more colors!)
I can't wait to show off the whole banner. (Shhh...I'm liking this piece so much that I might just recreate the entire spooky banner in this style for a RAK!)

There's Something About Marie

2008-08-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

Marie Antoinette, that is! There's just something sinfully decadent in studying her lifestyle and excesses. Oh, to own even one pair of these shoes (however uncomfy those toes look!)
That's why I was thrilled to discover that Stampington (makers of the wonderul magazines my most favorite being Somerset Life) is doing an entire publication filled with gorgeous images and assemblages based on the last Queen of France! It won't be available til next Spring, I can hardly wait!

Mad Mom

2008-08-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well, after trying upload several images to blogger and kept crashing, I finally got this one on here. It's from a recent daytrip to Frederik Meijer Gardens. My children love playing in the Children's Garden. This statue is parked near the enterance to the play area. It's called Mad Mom. I think I need to make a refrigerator magnet of this one. Truthfully, it reminds me of those Colorforms people. The kind you build things out of plastic shapes you stick to a black sheet.

Never too Early for Halloween

2008-07-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

I've always been attracted to the romantic vintage images of Halloween. That's why I'm so excited to be a part of Kari Ranstom's (better known as ArtsyMama) Sweet and Sinister blog. She has a great team of artists lined up to inspire us for three whole months! I was a bit too late to join the swap, but I look forward to the giveaways, tutorials, and pretty eye candy it's sure to bring!

Sprinkles Cover All Manner of Faults

2008-07-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

There is a reason I buy my children's birthday cakes. I knew there was. I've been so inspired by the beautiful cupcake images and tasty treats posted by other bloggers and etsy sellers. So I broke down and bought a cupcake book (Crazy About Cupcakes). And went about baking the golden cupcake recipe for my son's third birthday. He picked out the Cars cupcake wrappers himself. Note to future cupcake bakers- the wrappers either stick permanently to the cupcakes or they wouldn't stay in shape and fell off the sides after baking. The recipe said would make 18 to 24 cupcakes. My 27 cupcakes were overflowing the pan and stuck to the top of it. Even with the cup only 2/3s full.
I thought for sure that the chocolate buttercream frosting I made the next day would hide the crumbly (yet very moist) cupcakes. Um, no, not really, they just spread the crumbs further.
But somehow the sprinkles covered up all the cupcake injustices of the world and they were still devoured at the party.
At least they tasted good. I would just use regular paper liners and maybe fill the cup only half-way next time.

Thought I'd post another little pretty from my studio. Fun inspiration for me while I work. Big puffy handmade millinery and bag of glass glitter stars by Marilyn . Hot pink sugar bloom and little beige silk posie by Tara . Book page rosette and crepe rosette by me. Pink shoe was a favourite etsy purchase as well.

Patriotic Panache

2008-07-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Belated July 4th! Our power was out from Wednesday til about noon today, so I am behind in posting. Still wanted to share some of my Americana vignettes.
This lovely party hat came from a kit at Peacoats and Partyhats. I love Candice's kits, they are highly doable, and still give the opportunity to add your own creativity. I've done a few of her others, including the birthday banner hanging in my living room right now awaiting my son's upcoming birthday party. She has the most delicious things in her shop, and will soon be organizing her first swap. I've done many a scrapbook swap, and secret sisters type swaps, but have yet to try a blog swap. They always look like fun! Candice is also putting together a Marie Antoinette soiree (swoon), but living as far as I do, I can just hope they post lots of beautiful eye candy of the party afterwards. Here is my favorite American Girl doll (Kit) wearing her patriotic outfit from my friend Debbie (her work is well recognized on ebay). She's looking upon a Dee Foust crown and a pair of tiny cat sisters.
Aren't they the most adorable pair of stinkers? This is the first set I've received from Crystal. They won't be my last- the work is amazingly detailed. Her seasonal work is my favorite, and I'm hoping to add a Halloween set this upcoming autumn.

Count Down to Vacation

2008-06-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will be on our way to North Carolina! My whole family plus one father-in-law packed into our van, along with our clothes, snacks, and a boatload of scrapbooking goodness. I promised I'd share pictures of the finished packaging for my goodie bag items for the retreat participants. (I'll have to get a picture of my decorated goodie bags, as our hostess Amanda insisted we have one. I was down to last minute, so I have a lovely decoupaged Target redbag.)
Here are the finished sets. I wish I'd had a bunch of glassine envelopes available instead of the sandwich baggies, but I made do. Each is made in the favorite colors of the recipient.

This one here is for our hostess Amanda
More lovelies. I cut the ice creams from Basic Grey's cupcake papers
This one is for Theresa, who invited me into the group. She likes purple, can you tell?
I know it's Kendra's on the left, but can't remember who the other is for. Thank goodness they all have names on the back!

Studio Sightings

2008-05-29T19:17:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd show you my fancy-dancy studio (re: spare bedroom that happens to have a desk in it). I'm traveling to a retreat later in June and these are the goodie-bag gifts I'm bringing to the other girls. I wrapped vintage and new trims around shipping tags. Some of the tags came pink, others I used Glimmer Mists to colour. Added things like posies, buttons, journal labels. Each set is based on one or more of their favorite colors. I will package them with crepe rosette's that are inspired by Kris Hurst's work (I have spent literally hours going over her blog posts). I hope to show you the finished packages later, but I need more colour ink to print out some collage elements for the rosette centers.

Here are just the tag elements

And this is my favorite stash-away for ribbons, glitters, buttons, and my purchased tag sets from Marilyn Healey's etsy shop.
Her's smell better.