God's feathers

Hello There,

I hope you are having a wonderful day...today is Saturday and tomorrow is Superbowl Sunday....and I decided to go grocery shopping today....since I do not like to go shopping on Sunday...

First I went to Michaels and picked up some bling....I keep running out....and I also picked out some liquid pearls, I have never used this and I have been seeing some beautiful things made with this....and then I went to the drive thru at McDonalds and picked up a large diet Coke....something about this makes me happy....and then I headed out to HEB...

Well, imagine my surprise when I showed up and the parking lot was almost full....hhhhmmmmmmmm...interesting....and I get a buggy (there were about seven available) then I go in... HEB was packed...I've never seen so many men in this grocery store before....it was like Thanksgiving shopping crowded....wow.....who knew....certainly not me....I have made a mental note to self....do not go grocery shopping on Superbowl weekend....I hope I remember next year....

I still enjoyed my shopping trip....the diet coke helped and I had some mint gum that was nice to...and now I am home...groceries are put away....I got the mail....and put the trash cans up....and now I checked and the card I made yesterday was not uploaded....and I'm sitting here thinking why is this taking so long.....apparently....I did not tell it to upload, I just took the pictures......I think I was still distracted about all the wonderful friends that came to see me in the mail.....oh, the joy....see previous post for details, if you are interested....anyway, when I finally sent my card picture it uploaded in like two seconds....if I am having technical difficulties it usually is me....oh, well.....I have a beautiful card to show you I am entering it in the Word Art Wednesday blog challenge....I really enjoyed making this.....

The card base is black cardstock and I layered designer paper on top...gold, burgundy, and the top layer is gold...I used a Martha Stewart punch for the edges....a silky transparent ribbon...two silk floral leaves....a pink handmade rose....and a few feathers (we collected these on one of our trips to see Mammaw in Fredericksburg)...I don't know what kind of feathers they are, I only know man did not make them...God did and they are stunning and beautiful....and seem to have found a home on my card....this is my favorite card I think I have made....I shrank the Word Art a little and used a spellbinders die to place the Word Art on...I then backed it with some of the burgundy designer paper (I traced around the spellbinders on the edges and then cut it out...this is not the normal shape....that's what I love about spellbinders....you can change the shapes as you see fit....)...I used some brown, glittered chipboard pieces on top of the sentiment and on the side of the card next to the ribbon....I added a small amount of bling to make it pop a little more...as I studied it....I realized that the pink rose, even though it was pale pink.... was competing with the other hues on the card...so I took some of my Tim Holtz vintage photo ink and inked the tips of the petals and the edges...this really softened the effect of the rose and now it flows perfectly with the feathers....and makes a perfect card...


Have a blessed evening
Sherry

Some friends came to visit in the mail...

Hello there,

Remember I told you that I had won a prize....some blog candy.....well...I have never won a blog candy prize before....and now I know what that feels like....you want to know....."It feels Amazing", and "Exciting" and makes me all giggly to look upon it's goodness...and it makes me smile and smile and smile....I won the Purge blog hop from Teresa Kline @ http://paperieblooms.blogspot.com

Wow, this is just Wow, Amazing and brings me such joy.....I love this candy....it's the best candy I've ever had....Seriously...Teresa Kline you are sooo generous...I have never dreamed that all this was coming to me....and for this my friend I am truly honored, and grateful that you have bestowed upon me this "WOW...WOW...WOW...blog candy....(Please, insert happy dance music and dance with me....)

Can we just talk about how happy I am....the mail has brought me some new friends and a few of my old friends as well....so now I think I will show you just what this little gift had tucked away inside....first the box had my name on it....always a good sign....and then...it said Teresa sent it.....oh...my...I'm getting tingly....and then it had on the top some purple tissue paper....if she was going for the drama effect it worked.....oh, the anticipation....and in that box was well an untold treasure trove of goodness...so I just have to share ...it had an adorable valentine card tucked beneath the purple tissue paper....I have not posted a picture of the card...I don't know if I can since I did not make it.....but trust me it is adorable....gave me a warm fuzzy when I saw it....as I was going thru the box....Gary said "I haven't seen you this excited in awhile....and Rebecca passed by and stopped and said "whoa, somebody invested"....she knows the value of these items, because she usually is with me when I go to Michaels or Hobby Lobby.....do you want to see what I see in my treasure box...

Are you ready.....look carefully....and be as Amazed as I truly am....Do you see what I see.....

I see buttons, clips, hat pins, a prima applique, and a valentines tag book...Oh My...

I see Prima lace and lots of bling....

I see some Amazing papers...I can't wait to play with....

I see more Amazing papers....that will have to be patient and wait their turn....

I see some Amazing stamps...I can't wait to get inky with....

I see some old friends....I love Penny Black and I don't have these...:O (this is my singing voice...)

I see more Incredible Inky Treasures...

ا see a cast of characters from Just Right stamps that I am wanting to get to know better....

I see more images and sentiments from Just Right Stamps....so much goodness is going to come from this little seed Teresa Kline has sown....

I see more adorable stamps that are going to be so much fun....my head is spinning with possibilities....

I see a new Christmas Mini Album is coming soon....these stamps are just adorable....

I see lots of Recollections glittery flourishes....these will come in handy....I have already used some of the brown ones on a card....I told you I was excited....

I see lots of beautiful chipboard Christmas pieces that will go well in my new mini....and maybe a few cards....

I see tons of lovely ribbons, trims, lace, and twine....twine....such a sweet word.....I have been wanting to work with twine and now....oh, it won't be long till I have my fingers wrapped around you....and do you see what I see....look closely....the next photo is a close-up....

Isn't that just like God....to send me this....by way of His messenger angel "Teresa Kline"....

I took another picture of this....because....it just rocked me when I saw it....Oh the Joy of receiving such a beautiful gift....

I see Prima flowers, and some felt flowers...the blue ones are called Lollipop flowers....is this just too sweet or what....I have not used felt flowers before....let the adventure begin....

I see brads, and pearls, and lots of bling....did I mention that I love sparkly things......I am reminded of that Disney movie it had a bird....who had a hard time not looking at the sparkly jewel.....his friends are yelling "Don't look at it....nooooo..."....but he just says..."ooohhhh it'sssss Spppparrrrkllly.....and falls into some sort of trap....I can't remember the rest of it....I just always think of that little bird when I'm shopping for bling....apparently I'm digressing....


Rejoice with me this is such a wonderful blessing....all wrapped up in a box...sent by a fellow scrapper and I am blessed beyond measure by her kindness....


If you see her... or... pop on her blog tell her I said Thanks....this is a beautiful memory....

Wow, I am overwhelmed with all the beauty in this box...a true treasure chest of possibilities  are awaiting me....I have to leave you now, because my new friends are calling me to come and play.....and boy do I want to play......Thank you sooo much Teresa, this is a wonderful gift.....

Blessings Sherry

The mouse and the new room-mate

 Hello,

Here is my card that finally up-loaded...can you see this little mouse....adorable....I have decided to learn how to color with Copic markers and Prisma pencils....so remember I'm a beginner...I don't have any copic markers yet...but I do have a large stash of various tom-bo and stamp-in up markers that Holly gave me....today was very productive....I have managed to get a good deal of my scrap room organized....I'm not done....but I can tell you I have made some real progress....

Today was errand day...Rebecca is off for teacher in service days....so I took her with me....I worked on my sraproom this morning while listening to Ustream archives of Kathryn on Life on the scrap beach....that was fun, she is so nice....and Gary went to his last day of physical therapy for his foot....after lunch...we headed out...to accomplish all my to do stuff for today....we went to the Goodwill and dropped off some clothes and toys....then we went to the bank...then we went to Sears and took back a dolly that we did not need after all....and I bought my mom and electric throw...so that she can try to stay warm at dialysis....they have turned her machines to the coldest temperatures (this is to keep her from clotting off her access)...she is using two blankets right now and she can't get warm...she says it's like being in a freezer and your blood feels like icicles as they are pumping it back in...:O....So...we bought her the electric throw... I hope this helps...we then ran it over to her house....she has dialysis in the morning....then we went to Best Buy and returned a mouse pad....but it was 35 days after I bought it...and apparently they have a 30 day return rule even with a receipt....and some stuff is 14 days...wow....did not know that...so basically they have given me a gift card thing for store credit...


Then we went to JC Penny and returned a shirt....which I had bought in early December....they returned my money no problem....and then Rebecca bought some green nail polish at Sephora....for $10.00...I didn't even know nail polish could cost $10.00....

Next stop Hobby Lobby...now granted I did not need to go to Hobby Lobby....but it was in the same parking lot as JC Penny....so, we went in and I looked around....and bought nothing...can you believe it...seriously this does not happen often....I showed great restraint....

Then we were supposed to go to Wal-Mart and buy some AA batteries and get the jewelry dept.  to replace my watch battery....but at this point me and Rebecca were shopped out, and I decided that I didn't mind wearing a watch that had stopped....so we blew it off...we will do the Wal-Mart adventure another day....We would have high-tailed it home....but....we were not done....we had to go check on MaMaw in the nursing home...and take her clean clothes and pick up her dirty clothes...on a side note the nursing home is excellent and gives excellent care and is perfectly willing to do her laundry....but....MaMaw refuses to let them....because....they won't do it right....and she knows I will...or so she tells me anyway....While we were there we filled out her menu for the next week with her, wow....they feed her good....Rebecca and I were getting hungry just reading the list....Mamaw has a new room-mate that she is not too pleased with....she says she plays in the bathroom and stops up the toilet by continually filling it with toilet paper....I asked her how she knew this, because she is blind...and she told me "the nurses told me...."
O....K......and then I suggested that we pull the curtain more closed between her side of the room and the other persons as the other person was trying to sleep...."Oh, heaven's no, don't do that...she will sleep all day and keep me up all night..."....I said  "Why, is she talking to you?"...."No, she just rummages around on my side....riffling thru my things and waking me up in the middle of the night" she said.  As MaMaw is talking to us...she is facing her TV in her wheel chair with her feet propped up on her stool...me and Rebecca are sitting on her bed.........the room-mate comes over and riffles around on Mamaw's table and grabs the candy jar opens the lid and helps herself....and turns around and walks back to her bed...we can hear her clicking the candy in her mouth....me and Rebecca just look at each other....then she comes back and puts a blood pressure cuff behind the candy jar on Mamaw's table (she is hiding it from the aid that is looking for it so he can't take her blood pressure)...she does not talk very much....her daughter comes in to check on her while we were there and Mamaw tells her that she is into her stuff...so the daughter scolds her mom "You can't be messing with that lady's stuff, that's not yours...and stay out of her candy...you're diabetic and shouldn't even be eating that...."...the staff scolds her while we are there....finally she responds loudly "O...K..."...so the daughter leaves and the three staff people leave and a few moments not minutes later here she comes straight for the candy jar....I get up and go over to her and gently remove the candy jar and tell her "no, that's not yours... remember..."..she stops and I notice she has her hand out and I ask her "Did you want to put it back?"...she nods her head up and down...and opens her frail little hand and drops two pieces of the hard candy in my hand....I say "Thank You..." and she goes back to her side of the bedroom....I thank God that he has been working on my patience....and I wonder how long she has had to live with diabetes....and told you can't eat that....no candy for you....and now I have a phone call (to ask permission) and another errand when I venture out again...to buy a new candy jar with some sugar free treats for Mamaws new room-mate...

I love this card I used blue cardstock for the base and raided my stash of scraps for the rest...there is a sheer ribbon and a thin burgandy ribbon layered on top of the red designer paper...I made the rose with a Cricut cartridge and backed it with a silk floral leaf...I cut black cardstock with a Cricut cartridge and used my spellbinders circle die for the image....I used a Penny Black image and sentiment...I colored the image with Tom-bo and Stamp-In Up markers...I used my postage scissors and edged the sentiment and inked it with Tim Holtz  distress ink and popped it up with pop dots....I used an EK Success scallop punch for the side edge....

The process of coloring this image was heartwarming for me and I am encouraged that as I progress on this journey I will find inspiration and great joy....

Blessings
Sherry

The fog and the mouse

Hello,

Today was beautiful....I woke up to fog...rolling...misty....fog....it always reminds me of God...all encompassing....mysterious....and shows up suddenly in your midst....I love the accronym of F.O.G. it stands for the favor of God....isn't that beautiful....

I made a card today and when it uploads I will show it to you....it has a mouse...I'm not too keen on mice but I love this one he is just adorable....he is floating in the air in a hot air balloon in a basket and throwing out handful after handful of flowers and love....it makes me smile just to look upon it's cuteness...

I did a blog hop today on Our Daily Bread Design Blog....and it was the most incredible hop I have ever done....the theme was about the strength of God in relation to meeting all of our needs in the midst of any storm...and tied it into the sea and ocean...they were also using the old hymn that always speaks to me called "It is well with my Soul"...this is one of my favorite hymns as it always brings strength and peace whenever I hear it...or ponder it....I also, love the newer spin on it by Ray Boyles I think it's called "The Anchor Holds"....but I'm not sure if I spelled his name right or remembered the title of this song....but whatever the case...this song is soooo amazing....some of the lyrics that are constant on my mind these days are "The anchor holds, in spite of the storm, the anchor holds, tho the sails are tattered,  the anchor Holds in spite of the storm....." there are some days when this is all I can say, think or pray.....

Rebecca had her last Junior High Basketball game last night...it was fun....and now I am trying to plan a party for both the girls and boys teams....they need a memory....and I need some more pictures....this has been a wonderful season for them all....

Well, apparently my pictures have still not up-loaded....so I will hurry up and wait...obviously I need to work on my patience....

Have a blessed evening
Sherry

Holly's Trip and A Prize

Wow, it's been another beautiful Sunday....Church was amazing...and I have just gotten back from having lunch with Gary, Rebecca and Holly....Holly is going on an adventure tomorrow to Arizona for a work conference with lots of exciting classes....she's a crafty girl too....loves, loves, loves every thing about jewelry...wearing jewelry, making jewelry and teaching others how to make it....I should have had an inkling that this would be the direction she would be heading, since she has always been a "Jewel" of a child to raise...and she always sparkles and shines...a beautiful Jewel from God...she will be gone for about nine days....please keep her in your prayers for a safe passage to and from and for peace and security as she ventures out....Thank you for your prayers....God is good all the time and all the time God is good....

Now, guess what ???

I was going thru emails this afternoon and found out something Amazing....I have won a blog candy prize and it will be announced Monday...so I don't think I can tell you yet....but I think I can after she posts it on her blog....wow, wow, wow....I have never won any blog candy before...this is very exciting....I will keep you posted....

I hope you have a beautiful and peaceful Sunday afternoon....
Blessings
Sherry

Jr.High Basketball last Away game...

We just got back from Lake Jackson and had a great time at the basketball games with Rebecca's team and the Jr. High boys team....these kids have really developed their game this season... it was great watching them come up against the tallest girls they have ever played...and they did not faint.... Rebecca is tall herself...one of the girls on the other team Rebecca nicknamed "The Great Wall Of China"...this girl was tall and strong and could play this game and play it well....it was hilarious watching our girls try to jump high enough to try and block her....and play defense on her... and try to shoot with her on them... and not to mention our girls trying to get up on her and take the ball away....they were like gnats trying to bother a bear...but the bear took no notice of them, and when they did try to take her down... they pinged off of her , like the bear had some sort of gnat repellent on....up and down the court they went....legs pumping, pony-tails flying in the wind...and the showdown at the net was...well, it was not hoop dreams...it was more like "Shoot, Shoot...." and our girls are like..."I can't, there's a tree (insert very tall and clever girl) in my way...."....dribble, dribble, dribble....skuffle, skuffle, shove, poke, smack, shoot, shoot, shoot....and then they are running down the court...with each little "hoop encounter" the pony-tails are becoming more miss-aligned and askew....sweat is beading down their beautiful faces....some of them are looking like "Bob, the Tomatoe..."....and still the game goes on....skuffle, skuffle, shove, poke, smacK....slap, squeak, skid....thud....some of them have literally "Hit The Wall"....they get knocked down...and they get up...no, they don't cry...they get mad and they want to win at all costs....so when the dust settles....and my child comes to me...and sits down on the bleachers....I notice another swollen...green, yellow and purplish color on her knee...I reach out to comfort her and she Yells:  "Don't touch me there, I'm fine... just don't touch me there...O...K....".....My child is a sports kid....I never know what she will find in the morning when she wakes up....there have been mornings that she has awoken with aches and pains and bruising....as she says..."Where did that come from...."go figure...I wonder how many of our girls are going to wake up tomorrow and say...."Where did that come from".....

Now on to the Jr. High boys game...it was an awesomely close game....feet pounding, pulses racing...hearts thumping....sweat pouring....wow...I felt like I was on the court....it's an amazing transformation that takes place in gangly jr. high boys when they step on the court to "PLAY" (and I use this term loosely)....they seem to add a whole new dimension to the game...I saw soccer plays, football tackles, track hurdles, baseball throw-downs to second base....seriously, the basketball was thrown down court from the hoop and went completely out of bounds, several times... and if all else fails just body slam-um....these boys know the pain of hitting the floor hard...then...jumping smack dab in the middle of a free for all for the ball...they don't seem to understand the boundaries of their physical bodies....it's like watching a dog play fetch....they don't get tired....they don't stay down, writhing in pain... no, they get knocked down and they jump back up... they get slammed into walls. and they laugh...they repel off of each other in massive waves from the aftermath of multiple collisions...they have no fear....all they know is "Get The Ball"...and "Get Out Of My Way"....FIERCE....I tell ya......they are FIERCE....

it's a shame to see the season end.... our girls and  guys are just getting warmed up...

You've got to love a kid that can take a lickin and keep on ticking...you should see all their little determined faces...I can almost hear what they are thinking..."You think you got game...we'll see....Bring It"....

The last game of the season is next Tuesday....I'll be there....and I'll keep you posted....

My first card to enter in a blog challenge

Today, has been beautiful...a cool, breezy, sunshiny kind of early spring day.....I know....I know....we are supposed to be in winter mode....Well, I live in Texas... and the weather changes about as often as the clock chimes...

I have been in jeans and a light sweater today....I am happy to inform you that I seem to be energized just by the appearance of my old friend Mr. Sun....well, Hello sunshine....sit down and stay awhile....I have not been tired at all today....and the only change is....the sun came out.....God help me if I have to move somewhere with no sun for long periods of time.....I think it would be quite rough to say the least...and I might turn into Rip Van Winkle.....

Guess What ???


I have finally decided to enter my first card EVER in a Blog Challenge....and I like the way it turned out...the only requirement was to use the scripture presented on the blog "Word Art Wednesday" or another scripture or up-lifting quote with your ART....Well, I figure if it's got the word in it, my time won't be wasted....so I dove right in and came up with this card....I'm just not sure which picture to submit...and how to link it to my project page....since I blog....here....and I don't have any other pages....I think this is the correct page...at least....I hope so....we shall see....this is like going on an adventure and you just don't know what's going to happen around the corner....but you keep going....just to see what happens next....What do you think of the card...and which picture shows it off the best....to submit....

The link to the challenge is:  http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html
This is part of the Word Art Wednesday Challenge they do each week....this is fun and I hope some of you can join in on the fun....there is a prize....but, I have no idea what it is....if I find out I will let you know....

Here in photo #1- I took a straight shot of it laying flat on the black background.....

On photo #2 - I took the shot with the card standing up and tried to get as much light as possible on it....to show the depth of the colors and the degree of layering....

On this photo #3 - I angled the card slightly...and I love the way the light is cast on the card...I think this is the best photo to submit....but,  I'm not positive....

On photo  # 4 -  I tried to get a side angle so that you could see the dimension on the flowers, leaf, bling, and layers of paper and ribbon...I am  not sure which picture is best to submit....what do you think....


Oh, I forgot to tell you how I made the card....first I used black cardstock for the base it measured 8 x 5 and a half wen it was folded, I used my scoreboard...next I layered some gold vellum slightly smaller than the base that I used a Martha Stewart punch on the edge and glued it to the black cardstock...then I used a piece of red designer paper from DCWV Mariposa pack cut it down to 8 x 4 and a half and I also edged it with the same Martha Stewart punch (it is not marked...so I do not know the name, they should label these so people can buy them, when somebody does something cool with them that you just NEED to DO to....but you don't know the name of their punch....)...I then inked the edges with Tim Holtz -Vintage Photo Distress Ink (I love this stuff, I can do soooo many amazing things with it...and it looks like I am amazing...but really its just the ink doing it's own inky thing)....I then raided my ribbon stash...don't ask me what kind....all I know is it's soft, transparent, organza like and silky on the paper and slippery in my fingers....and I have it in several colors...perfect for cards and bows...but I did not put a bow...I tried but it looked tacky....I tucked the ends of the ribbon behind the designer red paper and glued it down...I love the gold peeking out from under the red...it thrills me....and then I used some of my stash that I had made out of black cardstock with my new Cricut cartridge called "Art Philosophy" from Close to my Heart (it's an exclusive of theirs, and it really is....AMAZING....this is me singing....:)....)...I used two different sizes of something frilly...if you really want to know, leave a comment and I will go look it up....I then took my sentiment and ran it thru my cuttlebug on white cardstock and used a spellbinders Labels Eight (the fourth one if you are counting smallest to largest, since there are six in this set)...I then inked it to look like suede or leather...with...what else...Tim Holtz - Vintage Photo Distress Ink...I told you I can do amazing things with this stuff....and then I popped it up with some foam dimensionals...and laid it on top of the black frilly circle things...and then I grabbed my stash of paper Roses...yes, I have a stash....I made these while I was at the softball fields on weekend with Rebecca and Gary....yes, I did....frankly, Honey...I can scrapbook anywhere...and then I grabbed a silk leaf and used my Red tape...you know the good stuff and stuck the roses and leaf in place...trust me...they are on lock down now....and finally I had to add a little bling....because....because....it's my card....and I wanted it on there....so I DID IT MYYYYYYYY WAY....Oh wow, excuse my loud letters they are just way to excited about this card....if you have any questions about this card that I did not answer, leave a comment and I will get back to ya....






Enjoy what's left of this beautiful day....


Blessings
Sherry

A sleepy day ponderings

Hello....today has been a little strange...we are supposed to be in winter mode right....well, we are in gray skys, misty, sometimes a few sprinkles of rain and temps in the upper sixties, it's been like this for days ....I think it feels weird...I can't seem to tell my days from my nights when the weather stays like this...for example I did not want to get out of bed this morning....and I stayed in bed a whole eleven minutes after my alarm went off....this is not normal for me...I usually wake up a little before my alarm actually goes off or if I sleep till it goes off I then easily get up...because I have things to do, I have everything timed out, I have a routine and if I deviate from it on school mornings things can get a little sticky, so I try to keep it moving....get up, get dressed, get breakfast for three, make Rebecca's lunch for school, feed the dog, let the dog out, let the dog in, unlock the shop, make sure Rebecca is up and getting ready, she usually is...but this morning we were both dragging...I told you it was a weird kind of day...I drove her to school in a haze....it was not foggy outside...it seemed to be foggy inside of my head....and then I went to Walmart to pick up a few things for us and Mammaw, she needs socks and black knee highs...when I got home this morning I started the laundry, made the beds, did the dishes, emptied the trash, put up the groceries....all the while, feeling tired.....which is strange for me, I am a morning person and have the most energy at the start of my day, but apparently, not today....I decided to sit down and rest while I removed the packaging and stickers and plastic brad things that hold socks together these days and write Mammaw's name in her white socks and unwrap her black knee highs and put them in pairs....well, I discovered that in one of the packages of knee highs they only had three knee highs and it was a two pair pack, so there should have been four altogether....but they short changed me....I have decided not to mention this to Mammaw....because....I don't have I have the energy to go into a lengthy discussion of the value of a dollar...(this two pair pack of knee highs cost $1.24, where they came up with that number I will never know)....If I tell her about this she will tell me I should take them back and don't let them short change me....and they need to know that the package said two pair, and it only had one and a half pair...and I should not have to pay for two pair when they only gave me one and a half pair....etc.....etc.....I can almost quote you ver-ba-tum what she will say....:0....so please, let's just keep this to ourselves and she will never know....I see no need to stress her out over one little missing knee high...I got a phone call from her the other day while I was at the scrapbook expo she left me a message, she said ".I need for you to pick me up some plain ol chapstick, nothing expensives....no scented kinds or expensive brands like carmex....no it needed to be plain"...so, I got her plain....I will take it to her tommorrow if the weather does not turn bad...her clothes should be dry by then I hope...

In the meantime I took mom in to check her access and get an ultra sound done to see if she needed surgery to get it unclotted, her dialisis nurses thought it may be clotting off...apparently the term..."The thrill is gone"... does not mean what it used to mean...:)....but her "Thrill" in her arm fistula is still strong....and she does not need surgery yet....Praise God for little blessings like this...it makes my day.....

Rebecca had a basketball game this afternoon... we went.... they played well.... we came home.... ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.... she did her homework and studied for her tests.... then Gary and Rebecca loaded up and went to softball practice...did I mention it's drizzling outside now...so here I sit on the couch.... I'm still tired.and my eyes feel very fuzzy....I fell asleep at lunch.....and I'm still tired....it's not even 8:30pm and it feels like midnight....it's weird...I will be glad when the weather clears up....

If I wasn't soo tired I would go and work on my Starbucks mini album....but apparently, I need a blankie and some warm milk or cocoa....I can't go to bed yet...Gary and Rebecca aren't home yet, and I have to tell them goodnight....but if I'm asleep on the couch when they finally show up....that counts right...I stayed up....I didn't go to bed....that counts right...

goodnight and may the Lord bless you with a peaceful nights sleep
Sherry

Christy Faught's Starbuck Sleeve Mini

Hello there, 

I wanted to share with you the Starbucks coffee sleeve mini album that my friend Christy Faught made and brought to the crop Saturday to show me....Well, let me tell you, it wowed me with the sheer genius of this idea....great way to recycle and be productive...Christy was just watching some you tube videos...don't you just love you tube...I do....so many great ideas to share....well, anyway....she saw it, and then did her take on it....she told herself "I am not spending anything on this, I'm going to use what I have from my stash".....apparently she has a well stocked stash....because this little mini is just adorable and so versatile....it could be.....a brag book....a journaling book....a quote book...a scripture memorization book...etc....you are only limited by your own imagination....

What you will need to make this book: six starbucks coffee sleeves for the pages, 3 sleeves for the tags, and another  1 or 2 for the feet (the little squares that you attach the rings with) basically a total of ten to eleven sleeves, two one inch metal rings, a hole punch, a simple stapler and staples....then raid your stash for scraps and start getting your scrap on....it's time you got inky....and made a play date with your inner child....

Basic construction:  squish six sleeves flat, these are your pages with pockets (clever  huh)...then take three sleeves and  cut in half on the sides to slip into the pocket...trim the ends till they easily slide into the pockets....measure out a one inch by one and one eighth inch square cut out twelve of these little squares from the remaining sleeves and insert one eighth inch into bottom of sleeve ( the smaller end is the bottom)...place the little foot about one fourth of an inch from the side of the sleeve (see photo above)...staple foot and both sides of sleeve....you have now formed your pocket without any extra glue or tape or supplies and your tag will not fall out....(I repeat....clever huh)....

Here is the finished book that Christy Faught made and brought to the crop...it is just awesome...the ribbons and the fibers on the rings are perfectly suited for the papers and embellishments she used...I did not take a picture of each tag...I probably should have...but with the pictures listed below you can get the idea of how she laid out her book...

This page has a small pocket on it, in addition to the pocket in the page itself....there are really no measurements needed for this project to speak of just lay out your sleeve on the papers of your choice...cut out and glue....or glue and cut out....she used a glue stick (again, clever huh)....then embellish as you see fit...it's practically fool proof...and I have a feeling this little mini is going to be addictive....

Another page to admire...Oh, the possibilities....I don't think you will use much more than the equivalent of two twelve by twelve papers,  small amount of ribbon, glue stick and embellies....

This page reminds me of the guitar hero game....I think this is a chipboard piece...she stamped, and used rub-ons, and stickers and bling, and metal pieces...

I love this...believe in yourself....it speaks to me....

Small topnote page is opened to show detail and space....

This is one of my favorite quotes that I use all the time....this is one of the reasons why I  fell in love with this little mini....

This little folder that says inspire everyone around you opens up for extra journaling or pictures...the colors in these papers are from different paper packs...she co-ordinated them perfectly...see the tiny chain and dog tags those are stickers over the thin bands of ribbon, and the tiny pinwheel sewn in the center of the inked vellum....

This page has the little folder opened....

great little journaling page...the little envelope to the right has a tiny tag inside...I see some twine and  vellum.....lots of inking and layering....

These tags have been glued down to the page....I think the tags are chipboard, covered and then army stickers and popped out with pop dots....the cotton little fiber thread is hand stitched in place....

Can you see the possibilities....Dare to Dream.....

This is another page...

This is the the back of the book...I love this quote as well..."Every noble work is at first impossible" byThomas ???
I have started my own book at the crop but I do not have enough sleeves to make the tags...so I improvised and am using lightweight chipboard....it will be great....I am using up some of my scraps as well....when I finish mine I will post as well....I hope you have enjoyed this and are thinking of all sorts of possibilities for using these little mini's....please post a comment on what you think of this....I would love to hear from you...




Blessings
Sherry

New winter lay-outs

Hello There....well I actually was able to get these photo's to upload...I still seem to be having a problem with seeing comments people are posting....so if you are able to see this, please leave a comment and let me hear from you....thanks this would be helpful to me...

Here are the two lay-outs I did at the Close to my heart crop about two weeks ago with Gina Ploss at the fire house in Texas City....bear with me I am having a little issue with uploading my photos....but at least it's something to work with....I hope you enjoy these...

These papers were beautiful, I tried to capture different effects with the light to try and show all the shimmer and blingy effects....the blue and white combo really popped with the brown...

I love the shimmer effect of the snowflake border over the brown strip, and the snowflakes are just amazing with the little extra bling of rhinestones placed in the center...

 


Can you see the larger blingy brads placed in the center of the
largest snowflakes...it's much more effective than this picture (which seems blurred) is showing you.......................................

 The blingy effects of the rhinestones, mixed with the shimmer
of the snowflakes and brads is very pleasing and I can't wait to
find the right photos to put in this....

The photo to the right is the other lay-out...I have more photo's of this to show you the details, but apparently, they are MIA (missing in action) somewhere in my computer....and probably giggling to themselves that I can't find them...you can run.....and hide for now.....but....I'll get you my pretty....

There is a beautiful ribbon with a metal slider buckle and adds a wonderful dimension to this page, that is subtle and endearing to me....the light green icicle border near the bottom is a peel and stick layer....that has not stuck well, and I think I will pop it out with some pop dots to give this page more dimension....


I have decided that I like the bling...and I am going to start using more sparklies on my pages....the way this page shimmers in quiet beauty thrills my little soul with wonder and delight...it makes me smile and I hope this has given you some ideas to...

Don't be afraid of the bling....it's a good thing....soooo....BLING IT ON !!!

Sunday Scrapbook Musings

This has been a beautiful full day...went to church and had a great time and was surprised to see Holly and Sarah there this morning...they were both adorable, they had been there since 9:00am for Pastor Kevin's class and then stayed for the sunday service which was led by Pastor Kevin as well today...we then went out to lunch with them to La Brisa which is a great mexican restaurant...and the fajitas were amazing, as usual...and the company was extra special...it was fun and energizing this morning...

Well, now I find myself on the couch with Gracie...she doesn't talk much, mostly sleeps and kicks me for the covers ... Gary and Rebecca are off at softball practice this afternoon...it looked like rain this morning and I casually mentioned to Gary that they may not have softball practice today...he didn't respond....but...as we were going into church Gary told Rebecca that I THREATENED them that they may not be going to practice... apparently I was acting like a bully and yielding a loaded mouth when I casually mentioned that it looked like rain...    

I find myself in need of recovering from staying up till the wee morning hours scrapping with some friends at the rubber stamp and scrapbook expo...I had such a good time, strolling around and looking at all the beautiful cards and layouts on display....and the make in takes were fun to...I think I'm going to use one of the tags for part of my daughters birthday card this year...because it just reminds me of Holly....and the little flip fold pocket card I am going to tuck into my other daughters mini scrapbook I made her for Christmas...I loved watching all the demonstrations from all the artists in the booths...and I am going to try my hand at making some more flowers and there is a technique flower class in Feb. that is close that I am going to try my hand at....but for now I think I need a nap...the words are getting a little blurring and my eyelids are very heavy...

I did manage to snag a few really cool die cuts from Spellbinders...and three different stamp sets from Penny Black (I love these images)...and my friend Christy made a wonderful little mini book out of starbucks coffee sleeves....and then she gave me some of her sleeves and I have started on my first starbucks sleeve album....

May the Lord bless your day as you meander thru this most beautiful peaceful sunday afternoon.

An Unclouded Day

Oh the joy of an unclouded day...for me unclouded is not having to be at a doctor's office, hospital, ER, surgery, or nursing home...lately....which I will find myself again Monday with my mom...BUT... today is a  beautiful unclouded "all about ME kind of day"....it's good to have days like this...it brightens my spirit and I get a little giddy and giggly....I'm going to go pick up a friend and we are going to an ALL DAY stamp and scrapbooking Expo that starts at 10:00am and goes to 5:00pm and at the same time in a different room is an all day scrap from 10:00am till MIDNIGHT...which I have already pre-paid...I can't promise I can last till MIDNIGHT...because my inner workings of a bedtime clock start sounding the alarm around 10:00pm...but I'm going to try to push thru and force myself...(seriously giggling as I write this, I told you I get a little giddy on my unclouded days)....Oh, can you tell I'm a little excited...I packed my bags last night and wheeled them into the kitchen, so that they would be closer to the door...(yes, I have several bags in which I carry my stuff....to get my scrapbooking MOJO working)...I will post some pictures later I hope...my time is seriously slipping away and I need to be out the door by 9:00am....I hope you have an unclouded day....God is good all the time...and all the time God is good....Life is good...enjoy your journey....take joy in the little things...they will carry you in the big things that come...

Well, I have to go it's time to go get my SCRAP on....Oh the joy of an unclouded day....:)

Hugs for Mammaw

I have come to realize over the last few years that grandma's are just Antique little girls...full of laughter and tears...and Patience is a Virtue...means more than I can truly comprehend some days...Love Covers and Warms better than any blanket ever could....

It's the little things that truly matter....A gentle touch....A kind word....A listening ear....these are worth more than Silver or Gold....these have the power to lighten the load bearing down on another....these are the lights that send darkness and despair away....

Our days are numbered...and we are not guaranteed any....So, while I'm here...I will not waste any....I hope I can carry this light to the others who may not be thankful....because of their troubles....but I want to remind you while I am able.....Be kind and Be gentle....we all sit at the Lord's table....

Life is a school...full of lessons to learn...some of us pass easily thru each test....some of us have trouble recognizing we are taking a test....some of us fail in the test and think we will never get past it....

Challenges come as each day in the school of life progresses...and we must not fear...we must persevere and go on to the next test....we all have a purpose...so I remind you while I am able...Be kind and Be gentle...we all sit at the Lord's table....

Always Remember:

You are Precious...
You are Loved...
You are needed...

Life is the journey of the choices You make....choose to be kind....choose to be gentle...and Go Light Your World as You are able...

Love and Blessings
Sherry

Zumba or Not

I went scrap-booking friday night and stayed out till midnight (my normal routine is bed by ten) and made these two layouts...which I actually like really well....then Saturday we signed Rebecca up for the new spring softball season....came home and vegged out on the couch looking at you tube and ustream scrapping videos....apparently I was still tired from the late-night scrap....on Sunday we went to church which was awesome and then came home and played with my cricut...I have been wanting to try out some new cartridges and let's just say wow, my cards are so gonna rock this year....I am going to go to the Pasadena Rubber Stamp and Scrap Book Expo...and crop...this Saturday....very, very, excited about it, as I've never been before....Oh, happy day....

So, now here I sit as my morning is progressing and turning into a very full day already....Creaking a little....I am in full laundry mode today...Rebecca is off from school today...so my schedule is a little off...I will head out to pick up some groceries and gas....maybe head over and swap out Marie's clothes (she's my mother in law, is 86, legally blind, and lives in a nursing home..I do her laundry and errands once a week) and finally deliver my last two christmas presents....that I keep sweeping around....

I finally opened my Wii Zumba fitness video I got as a christmas present (and YES I did ask for it)  and tried it....I thought I was getting really out of shape again...and apparently this confirmed it...I started with the slowest level and it seems to be at least four tempo beats faster than my body is willing to move...picture the instructor as the energizer bunny in slow motion...and the turtle (that's me) still can't keep up....yea, that was me...but I persevered, how could I not with the instructor cheering me on "that's it, you got this, wow, your'e doing great, you rock"...oh, yea, definitely got my "I CAN DO THIS"mojo going.... and I do feel a little more limber now....wow, maybe I will be up to the beginner speed in a few months...I'll let you know...

I have to go the troops are getting restless, and aparently I should have had lunch ready by now...who knew....have a great day....


I am making a junk journal of my year and it will be fun to fill it with things I have done and extra stuff as I journey thru this year....

End of Holiday Season

Hello There,

I seem to be at the end of my holidays...last day before the "normal routine" starts...it's been a nice holiday break...I have managed to keep most of my peace this season...went to church yesterday and it was amazing and then went out to Olive Garden with Gary and Rebecca...really good....then went to HEB and got the grocery shopping done....

I have all of my inside decorations taken down, except my tree...it still stands with its lights on....I will probably take it down tomorrow when I take down the outside lights and garlands....it feels rather Grinchy inside now...it is amazing how all the little sparkly things make the house feel more crowded but yet quite cozy and inviting at the same time....Oh well, next year I will bring out the sparklys once again...I do love the holidays...

Gary has come thru his foot surgery very well, and is recovering at record speed I think....Rebecca has been holed up in her room for quite a few days this week...she only comes out for food and water...I think she's part Hermit...sometimes...just like her mom and dad....down time is soooo sweeeet and very, very necessary and healing for the soul....don't you think....

I have managed to clear out my scrapbooking room of all the Christmas debri that was left behind (boxes, ribbons, wrapping paper, etc.) it has all been put away...I have everything put away and I can see the floor and it's clean and I can easily get to my desk....Oh the JOY of an uncluttered room...and now... I only have to clean off my desk...which should only take me half a day or so, we shall see...

I've been watching alot of you tube video's on mini books and interactive pages....I am sooo ready to do some serious scrappin...I gave Rebecca her mini I've been working on for Christmas...it's really not finished...but I felt bad about making her wait longer...so I will sneak it out of her room when she is in school and continue to add to it....I don't think I really ever get done with my mini's...I have to make myself quit....they are just sooo adictive and satisfying to work on....I do love to open up a new package of paper, glue, and sparkles...it just makes my heart sing....

I hope you are having a wonderful start to your year....

I will be posting some pic's of Rebecca's mini soon...it's amazing....and she picked the papers....