My Latest Crafts!!!

and a rambling post! It's funny cause since going back to work full time, I've prob gotten more creative stuff done. My house is an absolute disgusting wreck but hey, priorities right? I had a wonderful Etsy seller ask me if I was a quilter. And will respond here too cause I dont think my rambling response went thru to her.

First I LOVE Etsy and didnt really discover it/use it til recently. After I get the kids to bed, I often stay up late either doing something creative, reading quilting books/mags (now beading mags) and/or if no energy for any of that, I LOVE to look at what others are creating. I'm on a quilting board but love to look at a wide variety and many on the quilting board are creating year long masterpieces (that are GORGEOUS) but not super inspiring to me. My motto has always been: fast and easy. The ADHD mind of a busy mom - right? Plus stuff has to be super durable. Another reason I've also been on Etsy is that I've wanted to replace some of my quilts now that I have some income. We literally had worn out large twin size quilts I've used for years protecting the couches from kids/animals and just with heavy duty cuddle time. Of course I just keep patching them together but wanted a few new things. I went thru a big pink phase and almost all my early stuff is Rachel Ashwell based (whites/pinks): not the sturdiest of fabrics, altho suspect I will always love it. Now have a huge desire to work with pinks/oranges etc. Into Bright. On kind of a funny note since this is a blog about different types of scraps (incl paper).. finding it so interesting that many of the paper companies for paper scrapping are now getting into fabric (Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket), etc.

I have purchased two quilts from Etsy and love both. One has much applique in it and some gorgeous quilting. I asked the seller and she doesnt use a longarm. I can only BEGIN to imagine how long it takes to do the tedious quilting she did in this quilt. The other is very basic but just loved her pattern. Anyway, I hope it's ok with Etsy sellers to heart their stuff if we dont always buy. I suspect it is. It's inspirational and I do buy some. I still consider myself a beginner quilter.. maybe a bit more than beginner. My greatest barriers in going forward are time and patience. Even if I had the time, not sure I'd have the patience. I have pieces cut out for a Moda Blush quilt and it's been sitting for three weeks. Hopefully soon!!

In meantime I did finish a few beading projects. Another reason I love Etsy : lampwork beads. And probably will end up buying more beads from Etsy if I keep beading. Pics of two projects. One which is an anklet and one which is a bracelet but too long.. need to re-string! Want to do a bracelet as an end of year gift for one of my kids' teachers and a bday gift for friends' bday coming up. Will post those when done. The "too long" bracelet was to be a prototype of teachers' gift so it will prob be similar....

Super FAST and EASY, but pretty, Strip Quilt

using Moda's Verna. Love the Springy colors. Pics arent that great and dont show quilting. Had a harder time with the quilting on this and not sure why, maybe cause of the longer strips... who knows? Hopefully working on another quilt this afternoon.. A larger quilt using Moda's Blush! :)

Beads, Beads and More Beads

Like I needed a new hobby right? WRONG!!! I was given the most beautiful bracelet for xmas by a friend and after doing some research learned that the bracelet contained "lampwork" beads, or Murano glass beads. I decided to try and make my own after looking at prices on Etsy (granted many of these folks have purchased hand made, beautiful beads). I have no clue what this endeavor may hold but will share when complete~!

Oilcloth Bag

I should have done something different with the straps - still may pull off and fix....

Feeling Creative Lately!!

I havent posted/updated here in forever, so thought I'd load a few pics if nothing else, for my own tracking. I've gone back to work and surprisingly enough, have wanted to spend the evenings/weekends doing crafty projects. We wont discuss how neglected the house is tho!!

A gal I work with was talking about sewing and I remembered an almost complete quilt I had done years ago for my daughter. It was just taking up space when it should be sitting nice and fresh on her bed. So I pulled the sewing machine out of it's typical cramped space and moved it to the dining room table where it's lived since. Amazing how much easier it is to play when equipment is easily accessible. So in addition to her quilt, I finished an oilcloth bag I also started years ago and did a quilt in colors I've not used in past (more reds/modern looking vs. the more subtle shabby chic stuff().. I've fallen in love with Moda's line of pre-cut fabrics: charm packs, jelly rolls and turnovers. I have purchased a bunch of these and have several quilts in mind including a baby quilt for a friend. But next up, I will start working on a nautical theme (sailboat quilt) for my oldest and maybe a table runner or two (or wallhanging).. I love the fast/quick (satisfaction now) type projects!! So here are a few pics of recent projects!

Latest card

OK so I've been soo out of scrapping - digi or otherwise forever now. Sad cause I can't even prob tell you what I used on this silly card. Actually I can so email me if you really want to know, but not gonna list cause I dont think anyone follows this - more for me. Hopefully will be helping out on a few yearbook pages soon (for kids' school) which will force me to find my digi groove. Did this card very quickly but given how fast I did it, was fairly happy how it came out. I love my Copics altho didnt layer much color here. I also love that I can quickly make a bday card when I'm out! :) Biggest prob is just pulling all the junk out. I soooo can't wait for the day I have more space!

a Thank You Card, Guy Colors :)

Sooo for me, doing a card with more muted/toned down colors is sometimes of a challenge. I wanted to do a special card for a special friend who spoiled our kids rotten for the Holidays. I'm still on a huge learning curve with these Copic markers but having a lot of fun. I just keep playing! Of course I am addicted and wanting more. This is the thing about the paper crafting world. You ALWAYS want more... the latest and greatest. I swear it has to be right up there with video games in terms of being recession proof. I struggled with my Cricut for a bit today attempting to do something to soften up the hard lines (too many straight/rectangular things going on for me), and got really frustrated. I've had my Cricut (original ) for several years and mostly have appreciated for kids' projects. I'm truly thinking of selling it. My new love: nestabilities with my Big Shot (another piece of equipment I've had for years but with a "universal platform" which was inexpensive, it's taken on a new life... being able to run other company's dies thru). I'll prob ultimately keep my Cricut, cause I'd probably get all of $20 for it or something like that, and I do enjoy using once in awhile to cut numerous shapes for the kids (thinking forward to V. Day).

ANYWAY, the thank you card. Used one of my fav' papers from awhile ago: We R Memory's Boho Chic.. rest is Bazzill. Got the buttons thru a scrap club I was in a few years back. Image is Stampendous Changito Monkey - so cute! OHHH.. and discovered Gina K's pure Luxury paper and it's truly Pure Luxury.... the stamped image is on 120 wt paper which isnt necessary for stamping but what I've been using as I play of late. That with Brilliance or Memento Ink, seems to prevent bleeding.

There are many things I wished I could have done differently here, but given we're nearly a month out from the Holidays, just wanted to finish up and get to him!

Welcome Baby Card!

So it's been nearly a month since I posted and not great about posting here anyway, but had to post this as I'm fairly happy with the way it turned out. I 've learned in the past few weeks, Copics are awesome, but there's a learning curve. Of course you need to have some basic understanding of "coloring, shadowing, etc " (all of which I still need to really learn,) BUT there are some basics you need to deal with in using these alcohol based markers. Paper and ink can make a huge difference and it took much experimenting and research to determine what was gonna work best. The card posted here uses Brilliance Ink on SU Whisper white cardstock. I got a tiny bit of bleed, but not much. The SU ink didnt seem to work well for me at all. I just got some Gina K Luxury, 120 wt paper which is supposed to be great (altho Walmarts generic -Georgia Pacific, 110 wt paper, is supposed to be good too). The inks (in my research thusfar) that seem to be recommended are Brilliance and Memento (as well as a handful of others). On the Copic website you can download a booklet which outlines which inks they feel work best.

AND then there's the incredible Marianne's blog "I like Markers" where I've learned so much. She works for Copics, gives classes, etc. Here's her address:

http://ilikemarkers.blogspot.com

Anyway, the card is a Welcome Baby card for a friend. The stamp is from Pink Cat Studio, Cardstock is Bazill, patterned is K and Co. Used Nesties for embossing (in Big Shot - that was fun) and the new Storybook Cricut cartridge for die cutting.

And just got the SU set Happy Heart Day - sooo adorable and versatile. Can be used for V. Day but also for bdays, thank yous! Given my two older kiddos have to make 50 home made V. Day cards I thought this would be a great set! Hoping to see the new Stampin up catalog soon - hear it's great!

Copics: My LATEST obsession!!

Incredible Markers BUT HUGE price!! I'm wondering if they're available in Korea? They're imported from Japan and wonder if some of my friends traveling might be able to find? Anyway, just got a basic set as my xmas gift and soooo excited to try... yee-haw!! :)

Some great websites on the markers:

www.copicmarker.com
www.copicmarkers.com
http://www.oozak.com/

and this person's blog is AMAZING for everything Copic:

http://ilikemarkers.blogspot.com/

Paper Doll Set - TOOO FUN!!

Ok so my next venture of late was to do a Paper doll set with another MFT set. I love this set and so do my kids! They've had more fun coloring in the images and cutting out and playing with them. I stamped the images, colored and then laminated with my Xyron. Unfortunately the Basic Grey magnets aren't sticking real well as the magnets are so strong they slide off the laminate. I'll have to play with some of my different glues. All and all tho a super fun project.. but like doing anything with kids around.. already missing one of the pieces - oh well!! Will tackle next time we've got the stamps out.

Here they are:

Inside the tin.. extra dolls and their dress-up clothes! The missing piece which will hopefully show up is a super cute green tu-tu!

With Mermaid and bear outfit on

Outside of tin... doll is magnetized so can be removed.

Back into Paper Crafting!

And having a lot of fun! I go thru spurts and every year about this time, I jump back into paper crafting. I'm loving the MFT - My Favorite things stamps as it allows we adults to act like kids again and *color*!! :) Sooo much fun. I did my Flopsey bunny card with my Prismacolor pencils but I didnt have a smooth white cardstock so it didnt come out great. But all in all, was fun and will file and def use in future. I want to build up my stash of homemade cards so I dont have to do them at the last moment. So here's Flopsey:

Just catching up:

and yes.. lots to catch up on!

Only a few LO's... I'm pathetically behind! Have spent Fall doing some un-eventful invites to bdays and other get-togethers...In other words not a lot of interesting stuff to post:

Ok so here they are:

Artemia Quick page (page by artist Colleen)
"after5designs"
http://www.afterfivedesigns.com/
A Benefit Digi pack for a family hit with a tragedy!

Asian Artistry Kit from Jen Andersen (After Five Designs)
Japanese foliage stamp: Design fruit

A Little Journal I made for Ellie!

for school...

used a Hambley overlay, basic grey papers (Blush), a 7 gypsies "tied" kit and the 7 Gypsies gaffer tape, KI Memories Icicles (letters.. which seem to get harder and harder to find), Tiim Holtz distressing ink...fun. fun!

I continue to be sooo behind!

We learned about 10 days ago that Andrew's foster mother will be visiting the US. We're so thrilled for her and actually contemplated going as we so regret not travelling to bring him home. But for so many reasons feel it's not a good idea, and that's been hard. So I've spent this time, doing a photo montage DVD for her as well as a Shutterfly album of his second year. It was hard doing a pre-planned album (when you digi-scrap) in many ways but worked beautifully and got it done fairly quickly. I so hope we can meet her soon. The first LO is Anderews 21st month LO.. And yes, for anyone who follows I'm missing month 20.. have the pic and just need to do. The "Reflect" LO of my dd was also done (as was Andrew's LO) with a pic from our recent trip to Lake Tahoe. I used Randi Oh's beautiful "Flora " mini kit. It's available at Gotta pixel and eventually will be available at "A Cherry on top (ACOT)"... So that's the scoop .. For anyone wanting to see Andrew's photo montage will post that link too!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thought I'd try to Catch up!!

Bad blogger that I am!! I have a few LO's I havent had a chance to post and some new ones I've recently done. Summer has just flown by and can't believe that school will be starting in several weeks. Of course our drama continues as we still have no clue where the kids will attend - major grhhhh!


The pics with Ellie vaulting/riding... Have to say - major mama brag! She hadnt vaulted in so long and yet didnt care - cause... it meant riding an extra day - of course that supercedes all else! She was amazing. She rides at Giant Steps - a therapeutic Equestrian program and it's been awesome for her.. for tone issues, receptive language issues and just general self-confidence! She and her riding partner rode in front of several hundred folks, for an Arts and Equestrian Festival, and I had no clue how she'd do! She was a HOOT!! She saw her regular classmates in the stands and waved every time they passed and after it was all done, she had to bow! I asked her "who told her to do that"? And she said "no one mom, you're just supposed to!"... OK.. should have known - LOL!!

Anyway, here are a few of my latest LO's

With Aggie our cat!

The Equestrian Fest.. first pic was during rehearsal!

I havent vanished :)!!

Just super busy with end of school. So finally as things seem to be calming down, I got a LO done. It was fun. It's kind of funky but was fun to play with some new things... This is Andrew's 18 month LO.. The type is way too small for you to read, but it should be ok once printed.. Just goes over his milestones...Most everything from Jofia Devoes' new Artist workshop kit altho some On Designs kit 15 in there, Holliewood designs and C. Renee for type, and boxes by Maya...

Happy NSD - Natl scrappin' Day

Well I think most are considering at a full-blown weekend with tons of sales. I've been so busy creating I havent had time to shop.. hopefully before midnight :)

Soooo.. the gal I (and many others design for) Randi Oh had this great template challenge on ACOT ( a cherry on top) so I did two layouts with the template.. Sooo fun. Think I'm def. addicted and can see now why folks love templates.. So here they are.. (dinner time here so sorry for the short post :))

Few more LO's - yay!!

Having fun with some new kits! Randi Oh has been cranking out the stuff over at A Cherry on Top and tomorrow a great collab kit will be released called: Cherry Bits... Very fun, whimsical! Love it.. the other LO was a continuation of scrapping some of last weekend's beach pics of Ellie, using Jofia Devoe's Sea oh Sea kit and Beautiful Day. VERY fun kits! :)

A new LO, Andrew's 17 months

and I'm so excited as I'm getting way more smiley pics again. Seemed he really went thru a phase and boycotted smiling! His hair, yet again, seems sooo long. You wouldnt know I trimmed his bangs last week for his court date! He's just got the most beautiful, fast growing hair!

This LO was done with ON designs kit 16. I'm toying with the idea of throwing my hat in the ring for their latest CT call altho I'm sure everyone and their brother will be applying. They've got an incredibly talented design team! I LOVE their stuff tho, so may try anyway!

Some Catching Up to do!

Well I havent updated in a bit! Just so much going on, not to mention some gorgeous weather that necessitates being outside. Andrew is sooo enjoying his new found freedom in the backyard and loves, LOVES the slide (hopefully new LO in a day or so on that!).

Anyway, did a few paper scrap cards I wanted to post and a LO I did of Ellie from pics of this past weekend. She and I did a long overdue, girls only day out and she chose the beach as the destination of choice. It was a great choice too as it was our annual Castles and Kites weekend. She's so much fun to photograph, altho still have so much to learn about my camera! Sooo here are the latest projects.. Trying to be quick so I can scrap a new page while Andrew sleeps! :)