A Dragonfly for My Birthday

Happy Birthday to me today.  It's so fun to be 22 again.  I hope I get some hand made cards for my birthday ... hint, hint, hint:)  In honor of my birthday, I'm posting a project created using one of my favorite things on this earth - a dragonfly.  If I were a tattoo person, I'd have a dragonfly or two ..... somewhere:)  Alas, that most likely won't happen, so here's my framed project.

Don't you love the vivid blue background?  That's Brusho Pigmented Watercolor Crystals.  I do love my Brusho!

JULY HOSTESS CODE:   

HPWJY6EF

 
My July Hostess Code Special ($35.+ orders)
--- Surprise Gift  
     (You'll choose your own from a special basket, when you shop!
--- First dibs on 'shopping day' for you to shop.   
     You will be a VIP shopper!  
     See shopping days listed below.
--- Equal credit from your order (before tax and shipping) @ sale.
--- Free Color Coach (new/updated) !!!

My July Hostess Code Special runs through to the end of July.  We'll have a new code for August. 

Important dates to remember:
July 9 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00 
     Notes of Kindness cards -- very pretty!!! 

     Pay to register at least 2 days before class.
Aug. 13 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00
     Joy Sampler / Pay to register at least 2 days before class. 
Aug. 18 / Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00
     Color Your Season Cards -- Brand new!!!
     Fall, All-Occasion, and Christmas cards!
Aug. 26 / Summer Open House Party  / PLEASE RSVP!!!
     2:00-5:00 / a no fee event
     Super fun fellowship, stamping, goodies, and shopping!
     It doesn't get better than this!
Aug. 31-Sept.1 / Garage Sale /  8:00-5:00 Fri. and Sat.
Sept. 8 / FREE STAMPIN' BLENDS CLASS
      1:00-4:00 / Let's color!!!
Sept. 10 / Scraps and Prayers / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00
       Fall Project, showcasing the gorgeous colors of nature.
Sept. 15 / BONUS Saturday Stampers / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00
       Let's make some gorgeous Fall and Christmas cards.
Sept. 29 / FREE BRUSHO CLASS
       1:00-4:00 / This should be the most fun ever!!!

If you've earned one of my Sept. Free Classes, contact me if you need to attend on a different date.

Shopping Days for my little sale:

July 9 / Before or after Scraps and Prayers
July 30 / 5:30-6:30 / VIP Shoppers may come at 5:00
Aug. 13 / Before or after Scraps and Prayers
Aug. 18 / Before or after Saturday Stampers
Aug. 26 / as a part of my Summer Open House Party
               2:00-5:00  
               (I cannot begin earlier than this.  
               You may stay until 5:30 if you need more shopping time.) 
Aug. 31-Sept.1 / Garage Sale /  8:00-5:00 Fri. and Sat.

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

A Simple 'Joy' Project ... A Joy to Create and A Joy to Display

I am over half-way finished with making up the kits and gift totes for the Christmas Retreat.  Since we've had to go to 'kits only' for this class, I'd suggest that you come up with your own ways to make this into your Retreat.  I know you'll enjoy making all 18 cards.  If you're wondering why it takes so long to make up your kit ...
When I'm finished, I will have put together enough kits to make over 180 cards.  Whew!  I look forward to hearing how your Retreat went and how you enjoyed finding your little surprise gifts.

While you're waiting on your kit, enjoy today's post.  It's one of my most favorite projects that I've ever made.  It brought me joy to create it, and now joy to enjoy having it on display ... and ... it will be a joy to reuse it as a part of my Christmas decor for years to come.

I've had this idea to create this project for a couple of years now.  It's lived in my head all this time.  This year, I finally took the time to make it happen.  I love it!  I've combined silver and gold embossing (mostly silver) and the word 'Joy' is cut from black CS and then silver foil.  I wanted the blue behind the beautiful star to be lighter than the DSP, so I layered it under a piece of vellum CS.  I wanted mostly silver on this project because I created it to pair with a gorgeous trio of silver angels.

Love, love, love it!  I added the light touches of gold to my project so it would tie in with all the silver and gold already on display.  The library cabinet that has the angels atop is right next to my mission style library table, where I have all the silver, gold, copper and even champagne.  I'll share an update on that soon, too.  Library cabinet?  Library table?  Gee, do you think it's that obvious that I used to be a teacher.  Seriously though, I love this style of furniture.

One thing I learned from this project is that I can go to my local craft store and have them cut a mat exactly the size I want, as well as the dimensions for the opening.  I never would have found a frame already on sale with these exact dimensions.  This is actually my second most favorite project for this year.  Wait until you see my number one!

 UP NEXT:

November 18 -- Christmas Retreat / KITS ONLY
     10:00-3:00 / NOW $40.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes all materials to make 18 cards. 
NOTE:
We are having a TON of conflicts come up with this date.  I am doing 'kits only' for this class.  I'm thinking that there is NO 'good date' in November for a big Saturday class.  I will have to  rethink this for next year.
   
I only have 3 kits remaining, so sign up fast to reserve yours. 

December 11 -- Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Tiny Flowers on Twigs

I've had this idea in my head for a long, long time ... to make an arrangement using twigs and adding flowers or butterflies to  them.  Today's the day I'll share how my project turned out.  I have it on my desk with a little arrangement of Whole Lot of Lovely DSP coordinated home decor items.  It's good to have a happy place in which to do your work. 

To attach the tiny flowers to my twigs, I made them double-sided, with the twig sandwiched in between the two flowers.

Remaining classes / events for 2017:
October Classes:
October 9 -- Scraps and Prayers / TODAY:)
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project on Canvas
October 21 -- Saturday Stampers
     1:00-4:00 / $20.00 / 5-6 Cards -Fall AND Christmas

November Classes / Events:
November 5 -- Open House Christmas Party / 2:00-5:00
November 13 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project for Christmas
November 18 -- Christmas Retreat
     10:00-3:00 / $45.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes materials, light lunch, and a ton of fun. 

December 11 Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags
This will be my only event for December.

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

A Cute Little 4 X 4 Canvas

I have another artist canvas project for you today.  I created this one to coordinate and display with the 8 X 8 canvas I shared here.  Remember, we'll be making the 8 X 8 canvas at our October 9 Scraps and Prayers class.  I love how the two projects look when displayed together.

I fussy cut all the leaves and flowers from the Whole Lot of Lovely DSP.  They are attached using clear, matte Gesso.

Texture and dimension are added by sponging the edges of the canvas.  I loved creating this project.

Remaining classes / events for 2017:
October Classes:
October 9 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project on Canvas
October 21 -- Saturday Stampers
     1:00-4:00 / $20.00 / 5-6 Cards -Fall AND Christmas

November Classes / Events:
November 5 -- Open House Christmas Party / 2:00-5:00
November 13 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project for Christmas
November 18 -- Christmas Retreat
     10:00-3:00 / $45.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes materials, light lunch, and a ton of fun. 

December 11 Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags
This will be my only event for December.

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

I'm Getting Ready to Celebrate our Scraps and Prayers 8th Anniversary!

I'm feeling a little better and looking forward to some great classes for October.  I've tweaked my project plans a tiny bit and I think we'll have even more fun.  I decided to change the home decor project to something you can enjoy keeping out all year --- not just Fall --- a canvas like the one I have on my desk in my studio.  I've received so many compliments on mine that I know you'll love getting to create your own.  Here's our project.

Notice below that I've tweaked the October Saturday Stampers class a bit, as well.  Instead of all Christmas cards, I wanted to add a couple of Fall cards (since we didn't get to meet in September) and then the rest will be Christmas.  I know we'll have a great time!  I'll have sneak peeks for these cards soon.
October Classes:
October 9 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project on Canvas
October 21 -- Saturday Stampers
     1:00-4:00 / $20.00 / 5-6 Cards -Fall AND Christmas

Click to see September/October Hostess Special:

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Check back soon to check for class updates.

Favorite Daisy Bouquet and a Big Thank You

Before we get into my post today, I'd like to say a big thank you for all the prayers, emails, FB notes and actual snail mail cards.   Right now, I'm progressing well with relearning to walk, but I'm fighting quite an infection in my incision.  Scary!  I'm still hoping I can hold my September classes, but time will tell.  You'll be able to keep up with my plans and progress here on my blog.

As I've been recovering from my hip revision surgery, I've spent some of my rest time cruising through our new Holiday Catalog. Wow!  I love it!  I've also gone searching through our Annual Catalog for stamp sets that I could use for Fall cards, as well.  I found a lot!

I don't have any Christmas or Fall to share with you yet (soon, I hope), but I do have a lot of other ideas and inspirations to show you.  For today's post, here's another fun bouquet.  This one was created with our wonderful Daisy Punch.  I used Daffodil Delight and each of our newest In Colors.

I'm not actually keeping these outside, but I thought they'd look cute there for a photo shoot:)

My favorite part of all is the dragonfly.  I cut him from vellum, sponged (Lemon Lime Twist) and embossed it.  Love this added touch!

Come on and sit a while.

Can you tell how I created the centers for my daisies?  I embossed a piece of Crushed Curry CS, using our Oh My Stars embossing folder and then punched out a 'star shape' for each daisy center, using a small circle punch.

This is one of my favorite projects.  It just makes me happy.

Tentative September Classes:
September 11 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / We'll be creating beautiful Fall Cards.
September 16 -- Saturday Stampers
     1:00-4:00 / $20.00 / 5-6 Beautiful Fall Cards (all new cards)

IMPORTANT REMINDER:
September classes are tentatively on my schedule, based on the progress of my recovery from surgery and fighting the infection of my incision.  I'll keep you posted, so check this blog frequently. 

October Classes:
October 9 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Fall Decor Project
October 21 -- Saturday Stampers
     1:00-4:00 / $20.00 / 5-6 Beautiful Christmas Cards

Click to see September/October Hostess Special:

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Check back soon to check for class updates.

OK ... The Last of my Daisy Projects ... for now ...

Let's wrap up my daisy projects with several little bottles from my collection.

 

Coming up ... I'll be sharing some fun cards I created using goodies from our upcoming new catalog.  Be sure to come back to check it out.

If you hadn't been thinking about the new catalog, I'll bet your are now!  You won't have long to wait. 
SECRET MESSAGE:
If you live in the area, you can stop by and pick up your copy of our new catalog.  Call first so we don't disturb the baby's nap, please.

AND MORE CREATIVE FUN ... UP NEXT: 
May 20 / Saturday Stampers / Eastern Palace Suite Projects / 3 cards + a layout / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

June Events:
June 12 / Scraps and Prayers / All Occasions Cards / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Make some beautiful cards to add to your stash to send to special friends and/or family.

June 17 / Saturday Stampers /  Mixed Media Patriotic Project / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

June 22 / EARLY BIRD GARAGE SALE / 5:30-6:30
June 23 + 24 / GARAGE SALE / 8:00-5:00

June 25 / Open House New Catalog Party / 2:00-5:00

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration. 

There's just something about flower shopping ... and ... yes, more daisies!

A couple of days ago, my husband and I buckled up the baby in his car seat and went flower shopping ... one of my favorite activities of the year.  We figured out early on that we'd need both our cars - one for the baby and the stroller and one for hauling the plants home.  So, off we went.

There's just something about flower shopping.  Everyone you pass is smiling.  It's fun and it just makes everyone happy to walk among the rows of gorgeous flowers.  You see all sizes, all colors (people and flowers:) and I adore them all.  Joey loved flower shopping, too.  He was fascinated by a giant plant that had leaves so large that one of them just towered over him.  I taught him to 'touch' using one finger and let him touch this huge leaf.  He just smiled and smiled.

Every year, I promise myself that I'll stick with my mental list and not get sidetracked by too many other plants that are new to me and may not even grow where I plan to place mine.  That works pretty well ... for a while.  This year was actually my best at staying the course.  I only got one plant not on my list and that was a plant for my new pot on my porch.  I call that success.

I am a container gardener ... due to poor knees and bad back.  We got the large pots planted in the afternoon, while Joey played on the deck.  I placed the other various sized pots then and we'll plant those next.

So, for today's daisy business ... a cute little vintage creamer of daisies.  This was my favorite, too.

If you hadn't been thinking about the new catalog, I'll bet your are now!  You won't have long to wait. 
SECRET MESSAGE:
If you live in the area, you can stop by and pick up your copy of our new catalog.  Call first so we don't disturb the baby's nap, please.

AND MORE CREATIVE FUN ... UP NEXT: 
May 20 / Saturday Stampers / Eastern Palace Suite Projects / 3 cards + a layout / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

June Events:
June 12 / Scraps and Prayers / All Occasions Cards / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Make some beautiful cards to add to your stash to send to special friends and/or family.

June 17 / Saturday Stampers /  Mixed Media Patriotic Project / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

June 22 / EARLY BIRD GARAGE SALE / 5:30-6:30
June 23 + 24 / GARAGE SALE / 8:00-5:00

June 25 / Open House New Catalog Party / 2:00-5:00

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration. 

Daisies, Daisies, Daisies, Part 2

Today, I have the cutest little trio of daisies in the cutest little vase.  I love it! 

I originally bought this vase to use for a succulent but then I decided to make a terrarium instead, using a variety of succulents.  (By the way, I hadn't made a terrarium for years and years and really enjoyed this project.  Succulents are absolutely everywhere right now, so this would be a good time for you to try making one yourself.)  So, going back to the vase, I had this cute little vase just sitting and begging for some little daisies in it.  I've made several daisy projects already and, so far, this is one of my favorites. 

If you hadn't been thinking about the new catalog, I'll bet your are now!  You won't have long to wait. 
SECRET MESSAGE:
If you live in the area, you can stop by and pick up your copy of our new catalog.  Call first so we don't disturb the baby's nap, please.

AND MORE CREATIVE FUN ... UP NEXT: 
May 20 / Saturday Stampers / Eastern Palace Suite Projects / 3 cards + a layout / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

June Events:
June 12 / Scraps and Prayers / All Occasions Cards / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Make some beautiful cards to add to your stash to send to special friends and/or family.

June 17 / Saturday Stampers /  Mixed Media Patriotic Project / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

June 22 / EARLY BIRD GARAGE SALE / 5:30-6:30
June 23 + 24 / GARAGE SALE / 8:00-5:00

June 25 / Open House New Catalog Party / 2:00-5:00

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration. 

Daisies, Daisies, Daisies, Part 1 ... and a special message at the end of this post:)

My two absolute greatest loves in the floral world are daisies and Calla lilies.  Calla lilies are elegant and beautiful and need to be used in just the right place.  Daisies are probably more versatile.  They are fun, bright and cheerful, and just plain make me smile.  With my brand new Daisy Punch, Delightful Daisy DSP, Double-Stitched Ribbon, Faceted Gems, and Daisy Delight stamp set, I've been making so many daisy projects that I had to go out and buy up a bunch more packages of floral stems.  Here's my first daisy project ... a canning jar bouquet of daisies.

Aren't they pretty ... and realistic looking.  This project was totally inspired by our new catalog (going live on June 1) and they were a ton of fun to make.

Adding the Baby's Breath, as they showed in our catalog ... I think that's the touch that makes it all look real.

If you hadn't been thinking about the new catalog, I'll bet your are now!  You won't have long to wait. 
If you live in the area, you can stop by and pick up your copy of our new catalog.  Call first so we don't disturb the baby's nap, please.

AND MORE CREATIVE FUN ... UP NEXT: 
May 20 / Saturday Stampers / Eastern Palace Suite Projects / 3 cards + a layout / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

June Events:
June 12 / Scraps and Prayers / All Occasions Cards / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Make some beautiful cards to add to your stash to send to special friends and/or family.

June 17 / Saturday Stampers /  Mixed Media Patriotic Project / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

June 22 / EARLY BIRD GARAGE SALE / 5:30-6:30
June 23 + 24 / GARAGE SALE / 8:00-5:00

June 25 / Open House New Catalog Party / 2:00-5:00

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration. 

My Succulents Wreath

I have one more succulents project to share with you.  It's a wreath.

I used the same process to create the succulents as I did in my previous posts, with one variation.  On the Rich Razzleberry succulents, I added White Craft Ink to the tips.  Doing all the sponging is what makes the petals really stand out and look realistic. 

Succulents come in pretty much all different colors, so I tried to add a pleasing variety.

The base of the wreath is a styrofoam ring covered and wrapped with burlap ribbon.

I hot glued the 'fluffy/messy' stuff to the entire ring, then arranged my succulents and, when I was pleased with the placement, began hot gluing them to the wreath.

I took the photo on my porch to get good daylight for the photo.  It is hanging in my studio now.

AND MORE CREATIVE FUN ... UP NEXT: 

May 20 / Saturday Stampers / Eastern Palace Suite Projects / 3 cards + a layout / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

June Events:
June 12 / Scraps and Prayers / All Occasions Cards / 5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Make some beautiful cards to add to your stash to send to special friends and/or family.

June 17 / Saturday Stampers /  Mixed Media Patriotic Project / 1:00-4:00 / $20.00 

REGISTRATION CLOSED.

June 22 / EARLY BIRD GARAGE SALE / 5:30-6:30
June 23 + 24 / GARAGE SALE / 8:00-5:00

June 25 / Open House New Catalog Party / 2:00-5:00

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.