Recent Projects

I've been working on a few things here and there. Some with a purpose, others not so much. Recently, all of my design teams came to an abrupt end. So, I've started applying for some new teams. This is one of the layouts that I made to showcase "Creativity."

For this layout, I used several things from the August Swirlydoos kit. The background and diecut paper and journaling sticker is from Creative Imaginations. The cardboard alphas ("create") are jillibean. To make the diecut paper stand out a little more, I applied gesso and Grammie Berrie Shimmerz paint around the border. I added masking tape here and there to look like I "tacked up" the diecut. I added some paper scraps in the top-right with a typed message "Create something new every day. No one can do it for you."

Here's a closeup of the journaling, which I also typed. I used old ledger paper to fill in the "void" and a few pattern tissue flowers.

Next up is a layout I did with a photo from my parents' wedding, using more Creative Imaginations paper from the Swirlydooes August kit. I simply cut out the photo frame on the paper and mounted the photo under the paper. Then I layered on flowers and butterflies, including one beautiful Prima sparkler and one I made using a Martha Stewart stamp and Glimmer Mist.

I added stick-on pearls and vintage buttons here and there for an elegant look. Here's a closeup of those flowers.

And finally, I just found out that a friend is having a baby! She and her husband live in Philly, so I don't get to them often. I'm sending her a little card to let her know I'm thinking of her.

I hope I get more time to create soon. My work schedule this month is pretty hectic. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a new design team - they really keep me motivated because I have to create for deadlines.

The Bees Knees

It seems like every other project that I see in a Somerset magazine uses beeswax. Since I'm always wanting to learn new techniques, I thought I'd dive in and give it a try. I bought a chunk of white beeswax at Michael's (in the candle/soap making aisle). I didn't want to buy a wax melter just to try this technique - it was bad enough that I had to buy a chunk of wax big enough to cover every project I've ever done. I still have a couple of those wax tart burners (with the lightbulb in the bottom and the little pot to melt the wax on top), so I thought I'd try that to melt the beeswax.

The hardest part was getting the old hardened wax tart out of it, but then I cleaned it thoroughly and broke off a chunk of the beeswax. It took about 30 minutes or so to get it melted.

I took a little box and covered it with vintage paper, lace, flowers, a jewelry piece. Then I dipped a paintbrush into the melted wax and started covering the box. I made a little tag to embellish the box and covered this, too.

I think with a little more practice, I'll get the hang of what materials the wax looks best on. Now I want to work on some little trinkets to put inside the box.

Ribbon Bookmarks

About a year and a half ago, I found Andrea Singarella's blog. It was love at first site. Her art is so soft and beautiful. The first project I saw was her velvet ribbon bookmarks with vintage baubles. (Check it out here.) Since I am a hoarder collector of vintage bits and bobs, I wanted some ribbon bookmarks for myself. I scoured the local bead stores for the ribbon clamps, but found only one package of two. So, I made a pretty little bookmark.

I was shopping at JoAnn's on Saturday, and found a few packages of the ribbon clamps on sale, so I bought what they had. Now I can make more! My MIL has a birthday this week, so I made a beaded cross for her and turned it into a bookmark.

I'm so happy that I was able to get my hands on these ribbon clamps. I didn't want the hassle of ordering them online and trying to figure out what size ribbon they would fit. Another toy I bought this weekend is a hot fix rhinestone setter. I'm hoping to embellish jewelry, fabric, and glass with it. Stay tuned!

A Little Appreciation

Today is my monthly post for Midnight Oil Scrapbook Designs. Please head over there and leave me some love! I made this little hanging using one of the Perfectly Shaped chipboard pages for the background. I painted it with a few colors of acrylic paint and then layered on a piece of the flower Intricacy that I spritzed with Glimmer Mist.

I layered on some flowers and made the title with some alphas in my stash. The butterfly is a Martha Stewart stamp that I put on some Glimmer Misted paper and cut out.

I made this for our office assistant who always makes sure I have everything I need for my meetings. So many people rely on her, and I know she must feel under-paid, over-worked, and under-appreciated. I hope this can brighten her day a little.

Beach Memories

I did a little scrappy shopping and bought supplies to make a beach themed layout. The scalloped edge paper and the "Relax" sticker are both from Anna Griffin. I loved the soft colors of this collection.

I matted the photo from our trip to Kauai on a piece of burlap, and layered the sticker on a fabric scrap background. Then I added beachy embellishments - a scrap of tulle, seashell, pearls, and rhinestones.

What a Weekend!

I had a busy weekend, but it sure was a lot of fun! On Saturday, I drove down to Waco to visit my friend Connie and then take a scrapping class with Jenni Bowlin! We each created a Beach Memories Vintage Mini Book. Here are pics of my book.

We started with one of Jenni's mini books and put a vintage postcard on the cover. She had this one with flamingos and I had to use it. That pink is so beautiful!

Here are a couple of the inside pages. I need to add some photos and touches of pink inside to match the flamingos.

Here I am with Jenni. She is so incredibly nice and friendly. It was like talking with one of your girlfriends who you have a lot in common with.

Then, I had to rest up for Sunday night - for Michael Buble! We saw him when he came to Fort Worth last time, and he did not disappoint last night. Here's the cutie pie serenading us.

We had a wonderful time, and also enjoyed his opening act - Naturally 7 - a talented group of guys who "sing" all their instruments. It was very cool and unique. Now I need to get some rest!

Recent Treasures

I got to do a lot of junking in the last few weeks. My parents love visiting the town squares that are near us, so I took them to a few and got my hands on some goodies! Here is just a sampling of what I've purchased.

Vintage fabric (actually a pair of old 1960's drapes), hat full of old flowers, hymnal, glove box (to hold my old flowers), pin cushion, gumball prizes, hankies, and rabbit show prize ribbons. The doll suitcase was too adorable to pass up. I'll use it for storage in my craft room.

Old crafting supplies!! This box has sequins, glitter, beads, trims, and old jewelry. AND - it was marked down to $4.95. I snatched it up as soon as I walked in the door.

Pictoral flashcards. And a better look at the old drapes. I can't decide if I should hang them in my craft room or cut them up and make purses out of them.

Old children's books - including a few school books.

Beautiful vintage cards.

And a bag FULL of old trim scraps. Some of these trims are so old and delicate. I can't wait to use them!

I bought the trim from a garage sale of one of my favorite antique dealers. I bought several other things from her, including a black wire bird cage that will be on display as soon as I get some time to clean it. It even has a silver tray lining the bottom - ready for creating an assemblage inside.

Birthday Boy and Birthday Girl

Today is our nephew Jason's 3rd Birthday. I didn't get to post for his sister Angela's birthday because we were at their birthday party that day. So, here are pics from the festive celebration - to celebrate both Jason and Angela's birthdays.

Paris Swaps

A couple of weeks ago, I shared the Paris Petite Inspiration Boxes that I created for the Speckled Egg's swap. Here are the stunningly gorgeous boxes I received in return.

First I received Jessica's box. It was full of lovely finds that I can use in my projects. Here is the box. She covered it French text and lace, then tied that scrumptious satin ribbon to hold a tiny bouquet of white flowers. The white and cream palette is so beautiful. And check out that tag! Ooh la la.

And here is what Jessica packed inside for me. Lace, ribbons, buttons, paper, tags, and other bits and bobs.

Next is Valarie's box. First of all, Valarie has been dealing with some intense family medical issues, so I am amazed that she could even concentrate to create anything, let alone this masterpiece. You can't tell in the picture, but the paper that covers the box has platinum glitter highlighting it to match the adorable glittered Eiffel Tower that tops the box. The crepe paper ruffel is darling!

And when I pull that crystal knob, take a look at the goodies inside. Stamped fabric ribbon, tags, flowers, old tatting. It's all so lovely!

I must admit, the only thing I've removed from the boxes is that framed print. (It's displayed with other miniatures in my living room.) I want to keep the boxes just the way they are for as long as I can. I know it's silly, but these ladies put so much time and effort into their boxes and I get a little thrill each time I open them and peek inside.

Due to many requests, I am working on additional Paris boxes that I hope to get in the shop soon.

San Antonio Missions

The other day, I shared a sampling of photos from my parents' visit. We spent a day with them in San Antonio, touring the old Spanish missions. The architecture is just stunning. I took so many photos of each (there are five). Here are just a few of my favorite pics.

Mission Concepcion:

Mission San Jose:

Mission San Juan:

Mission Espada:

Mission San Antonio (The Alamo):

What I've Been Up To

My parents visited us for about 10 days, which were jam-packed with activities. Here's just a small sampling of what we did.

Lots of shopping. We traveled to several nearby towns to check out the antique shops and great lunches.

Lots of eating. For lunch. For dinner. On the road.

We checked out a nearby Dinosaur Park, where you can see actual dinosaur footprints in the river bed. Here's my dad crossing the river after getting photos of the prints. Mom chose to sit this one out.

We rented a little cottage for the holiday weekend in Fredericksburg. This led to more shopping and more eating.

We went to see 1.5 million bats emerge at dusk from an abandoned rail tunel. (The wave of black dots across the sky are some of the bats.) This event did not lead to more shopping and eating.

We checked out the tourist traps.

And spent a day in San Antonio. I took so many pictures of the beautiful old Spanish missions. I'll do a separate post of those pics.

We also spent a day in Oklahoma. Shopping...

Site seeing...

And playing...

We had such a wonderful time. It was so hard to say goodbye. Luckily, we'll be visiting them in a couple of months.

Change Is Good

My friend Julie has a beautiful quote in her signature: Without change, there'd be no butterflies.

This quote was the inspiration for this tag. I was playing with my watermark ink, a butterfly stamp, and Glimmer Mists when I made this tag. The background is a piece of white cardstock that I stamped butterflies on using watermark ink. Then I sprayed it with a couple shades of Glimmer Mist. I didn't think the butterflies showed up very well because the mist was a little too dark. So, I used this as the background. Since it didn't completely cover the mailing tag, I used a scrap of paper in a complementary pattern at the top.  I used another butterfly stamp on another piece of misted paper, this time stamping with ordinary black ink. I cut out the butterfly and adhered it to the tag.

I embellished with a couple of Prima flowers, a button, and a scrap of tulle. I typed the quote on my old typewriter and adhered it to fill in the blanks on the tag. To cover the "seam" of the two papers meeting, I used a coordinating piece of vintage trim.

Thanks, Julie, for the inspiration!

Pretty in Pink Cuff Bracelet

Now that my friend Kellie has received her cuff bracelet, I can share photos. We did a girly-themed swap, and here is what I made for her.

I layered pink velvet ribbon with vintage lace for the base. Then I layered on vintage buttons, rhinestone jewelry, beads, sequins, trim, and flowers made from old fabric and pearls.

The closure is a loop of sparkly pink trim and a big pink sparkler button.