White Christmas ....

I've heard that there wasn't any snow back home so thought I would send some 'white' north.  This is the Southern most tip of the United States in Key West at the end of Duvall Street.  We ate breakfast this morning in the restaurant behind the beach chairs.  Life is good here.  The frozen margaritas are spectacular, the sunsets beyond compare and Jimmy Buffet is no where to be found.  There are also a gazillion people in a town made to hold a few thousand.  There is very little parking for cars so when you find a parking spot it's similar to winning the lottery.  Somehow it wasn't the sleepy palm covered town I envisioned.  I don't know where I get my preconceptions but the one I had does not match the reality of being here.  There aren't many beaches here to lounge on, we couldn't find any wildlife that wasn't drinking and every picture would have a person in it.  So, we've visited, we've eaten decent food (I had yellowfin for dinner last night and it was superb), we've had a few frozen drinks and we're heading north in the morning.  Back to the Everglades where we belong.  Strange that we should come here, we like wide open spaces, lots of wildlife, small crowds and no traffic.  If you like fishing and water sports, this is the place to come.  If you like peace and quiet, stay far far away.



A Christmas Request....

While we're all getting ready for the holidays, our neighbors are spending their time at the hospital with a grandson.  He's a cancer patient running out of options and his grandmother is requesting Christmas cards for him. 

This was her message to our community Facebook page:

Cindy Chouinard Payne Update on Joshua Ryan Pilger: Today is Friday, 12/16/11. The doctors called Josh's dad and I out of his room tonight to talk. They stated the cancer is not responding to chemotherapy and it is growing. We were given two options. One: we could take him home or Two: We can try a different type of chemotherapy that will hit him hard and hopefully kill it this time. It will be very dangerous as it will knock everything out of him and time will tell if this works. I stated that I want to fight but it is Josh's decision on if he is up for this. We went in the room and the doctors told Josh exactly what he was up against. Without any hesitation, he responded that we were going to fight. THANK YOU GOD FOR GIVING ME SUCH A STRONG SON! I am asking everyone to please pray with everything you have to let him win this battle. We are going to start the new chemotherapy on Sunday morning. And take a minute out of your schedules to send him a Christmas card to let him know that you are praying for him. I want him to know that all of you are behind him in this battle. Thank you! Josh's Mom OSF Children's Hospital, St. Jude, Josh Pilger, Room 406, Peoria, IL 61637

Josh is 17 and a senior at IVC high school in Chillicothe, IL.  He likes the Bears.  If you could find a minute to drop Josh a Christmas card, his parents and grandparents would be thrilled as I know Josh will be.  If you send me a .jpg of your card and your e-mail address, I will post your card on my blog and after the first of the year, send you some "thank you" digital images that I will create just for this request and will be available only to those who send cards.

OSF Children's Hospital, St. Jude
Josh Pilger, Room 406
Peoria, IL 61637

As you open presents on Christmas Day, take a moment to say a prayer for Josh and his family.  Thank you so much.

501 jeans commercial...

Musings:  Have you ever had a commercial that just made you go, "huh?"  The 501 Jeans commercials used to do that for me.  I'd watch the commercial not having any idea what it was about until they ended it with "501 Jeans" and I'd go ?????????  There is a commercial playing on a local station currently that really confuses me.  I'm a huge Judge Judy fan - never miss her.  The local station that plays Judge Judy in our area also runs a commercial that starts, "If you love Judge Judy, you'll love the free checking options of Mid Illini Credit Union."  Say what?  It's hard to even laugh at that or am I missing something? 

My first collage...

You can probably tell from my card - I don't do collages.  With all the fuss about Tim Holtz and all the Tim Holtz products I have, I thought it was about time I tried one.  Lots of stuff going on here.  I have the embossed heart lock and key.  Two butterflies that have been distressed, embossed and covered with UTEE.  There's an embossed, distressed pocket watch and a button.  The background paper is wonderful, I find it very odd that although Michaels is always out of stuff I want, they do have a great line of paper.  The image has Pine Needles Distress Ink on the edges.  The brass heart is an old charm I had and the butterfly is an earring I lost the mate to.  Not my best effort but I'll get better, I promise.

Paper: Recollections Love Letters, Kraft; Stamp: Saturated Canary Gothica; Spellbinder Labels 8, Fancy Butterflies, Timeless Heritage; Cuttlebug Clockworks Embossing Folder; Distress Ink Pine Needles; Copics: [Skin E000, E51, E93, B63][Clothes BG93, BG96, BG72, BG75, BG78, E43, E44][Hair E51, E50, E53]
Musings:  Have you ever had a commercial that just made you go, "huh?"  The 501 Jeans commercials used to do that for me.  I'd watch the commercial not having any idea what it was about until they ended it with "501 Jeans" and I'd go ?????????  There is a commercial playing on a local station currently that really confuses me.  I'm a huge Judge Judy fan - never miss her.  The local station that plays Judge Judy in our area also runs a commercial that starts, "If you love Judge Judy, you'll love the free checking options of Mid Illini Credit Union."  Say what?  It's hard to even laugh at that or am I missing something?

Hugs and Kisses....

Well, I'm finished with my Christmas shopping.  The stockings are all hung by the chimney with care.  We're having Christmas on the 18th for many reasons.  So many places to go, people being pulled in so many different directions.  And, we are going to Florida over the holiday, so any time we can get all of the people we love in the same room at the same time, it's Christmas.  My hubs will make out like a bandit this year.  I kept my ears open and bought all the things he mentioned, plus a few he didn't even know existed.  I think he'll be a happy camper this year.  Santa loves him.  My oldest grandson finally has an apartment so we got him 'grown up' stuff.  He likes to cook so we got him presents to promote that talent.  We also give money - the gift that keeps on giving.  Always appreciated, always the right size and color, not always the right amount. 

The weather has been up and down since the 1st of December - up to 60, down to 18.  We actually had a toadstool come up the 2nd of December.  Weird weather.  I would love to see about two inches of freshly fallen snow and all roads cleaned off by 11:00 a.m. on the 18th.  I'm fixing a big pot of chili so we can concentrate on prezzies.  I already have one of mine - the new Keurig coffee pot.  I'm still deciding if I like it.  I'm not crazy about the coffee my hubs bought for it - we like a relatively light coffee and these are pretty strong.  Also, it only fills 3/4s of the smallest cup we own.  Why drink two or three cups when one will do, right?  Maybe I should have asked for the Mr. Coffee Latte machine.  That sounds more up our alley.

Hugs and Kisses....

Well, I'm finished with my Christmas shopping.  The stockings are all hung by the chimney with care.  We're having Christmas on the 18th for many reasons.  So many places to go, people being pulled in so many different directions.  And, we are going to Florida over the holiday, so any time we can get all of the people we love in the same room at the same time, it's Christmas.  My hubs will make out like a bandit this year.  I kept my ears open and bought all the things he mentioned, plus a few he didn't even know existed.  I think he'll be a happy camper this year.  Santa loves him.  My oldest grandson finally has an apartment so we got him 'grown up' stuff.  He likes to cook so we got him presents to promote that talent.  We also give money - the gift that keeps on giving.  Always appreciated, always the right size and color, not always the right amount. 

The weather has been up and down since the 1st of December - up to 60, down to 18.  We actually had a toadstool come up the 2nd of December.  Weird weather.  I would love to see about two inches of freshly fallen snow and all roads cleaned off by 11:00 a.m. on the 18th.  I'm fixing a big pot of chili so we can concentrate on prezzies.  I already have one of mine - the new Keurig coffee pot.  I'm still deciding if I like it.  I'm not crazy about the coffee my hubs bought for it - we like a relatively light coffee and these are pretty strong.  Also, it only fills 3/4s of the smallest cup we own.  Why drink two or three cups when one will do, right?  Maybe I should have asked for the Mr. Coffee Latte machine.  That sounds more up our alley.

So, here's my next Saturated Canary image.  Can't seem to get away from them.  I'm still working on my pleats, I'm just not practicing enough.



Paper: Basic Grey Out of Print, DCWV Latte Matstack, Recollections; Stamps: Saturated Canary Queen of Hearts; Cuttlebug Plum Blossom Embossing Folder, 3D Crystal Lacquer, PrismaColor Pencils, Spica Clear, Pink, Baby Blue; Martha Stewart Heart, Leaf Punch; Pebbles Inc. Chalk; Copics: [Skin E000, E51, E93, B91][Clothes R81, R83, R85, B91, B95, B93, E41, E40][Stick YR24,][Hair E50, E51, E53]

January Birthday Sentiment and Calendar

Hopefully these are posted early enough for you to use them for your January birthday cards.  I very much enjoy making these for you and would love to see what you do with them.

Download January Calendar

Download January Birthday Sentiment

Snippet 18: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by.  Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too.  After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction."

Fess up time....

I'm going to share something with you that not even my best friend knows about me.  David Tutera's "My Fair Wedding" always makes me cry.  I adore the way he makes the bride feel as if there is nothing more important on her wedding day than her.  He certainly knows how to make a woman feel special.  I wish there were more of him in the world.

Snippet 17: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"A good wife always knows her place."

Fess up time....

I'm going to share something with you that not even my best friend knows about me.  David Tutera's "My Fair Wedding" always makes me cry.  I adore the way he makes the bride feel as if there is nothing more important on her wedding day than her.  He certainly knows how to make a woman feel special.  I wish there were more of him in the world.

And speaking of special women, here's another image from Saturated Canary.  I can't get enough of them.  These little girls just speak to me and who can resist that face?

Paper:  Basic Grey 'Out of Print', Recollections; Stamps: Studio G, Saturated Canary 'Alice' digital stamp; Spellbinder Label 4; Spica: Silver, Orange; Pebbles Inc. Chalk; Papertrey dies; Copics:  E000, E00, E93, BV01, G21, RV34, Y35, B95, E51, E50, C1, C3, E04, Y0000, Y00, Y02

Snippet 17: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"A good wife always knows her place."

Master of the house...

Snippet 16: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity.  Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness.  You have no right to question him."

Hot chocolate for all....

I've managed to combine two of my favorite companies in one card - Kraftin' Kimmie for the snowman (isn't she just delicious?) and Make It Crafty for the background.  I've often expressed my love for digital images and MIC is just the place to get them.  Zoe has released an entire line of winter backgrounds that you can find here.  Mix and match, lots of choices.  I do believe I have every digital image on her site.  And I'm a big fan of the Moonlight Whispers stamps from Kraftin' Kimmie but the snowmen in the new release are too cute.  How lucky was I to find brads that matched my paper?  Looking at this card, I think before I mail it, I will add a little blue chalk on the top of the image, it seems too white for me, even for Christmas.  I plan to give this card to our wonderful post lady.

Paper:  Stash, Cricut; Stamps: Hot off the Press, Kraftin Kimmie, Make It Crafty; Brads: Bo Bunny; Stardust Stickles; Copics:  B01, B02, G24, R81, R83, BV04, BV02, BV01, R22, R24, E35, E34, R11, N0, Y18, Y19, YR61, R17

Snippet 16: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity.  Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness.  You have no right to question him."

It's beginning to feel like Christmas....

After a really glorious fall, cold weather has come to Central Illinois.  The sky is gray, the wind is from the north and cuts right through you.  I have to admit, I wasn't ready although we've finished the outdoor chores.  We've scooped the leaves out of the pond, put our tropical pond plants in a tub in the bay window, brought in 2 of our 3 rain barrels (the 3rd stays up to replenish our indoor plant's water on those warm days that melt the ice in our black barrel), covered the furniture in the gazebo, raked most of the leaves and burned them, cleaned out the gutters, emptied and turned over the bird baths, dug up and stored next year's canna bulbs, moved the bird feeders from the south side of the yard to the north side where I can see them when I craft, cleaned out all the birdhouses for winter use, purchased straw for mulch for next year (there seems to be a shortage of straw in March when we need it), put the heated bird bath by the front window where the cat can enjoy the show, brought in all the outdoor plants that will winter in the bay window, filled up 40 gallons of water from the rain barrels to store in the garage (we thaw as necessary), cleaned out the garage and moved the cars in, and stocked up on bird feed.  Whew!  We're actually ready for a rest now.

Snippet 15: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.  Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice."

It's beginning to feel like Christmas....

After a really glorious fall, cold weather has come to Central Illinois.  The sky is gray, the wind is from the north and cuts right through you.  I have to admit, I wasn't ready although we've finished the outdoor chores.  We've scooped the leaves out of the pond, put our tropical pond plants in a tub in the bay window, brought in 2 of our 3 rain barrels (the 3rd stays up to replenish our indoor plant's water on those warm days that melt the ice in our black barrel), covered the furniture in the gazebo, raked most of the leaves and burned them, cleaned out the gutters, emptied and turned over the bird baths, dug up and stored next year's canna bulbs, moved the bird feeders from the south side of the yard to the north side where I can see them when I craft, cleaned out all the birdhouses for winter use, purchased straw for mulch for next year (there seems to be a shortage of straw in March when we need it), put the heated bird bath by the front window where the cat can enjoy the show, brought in all the outdoor plants that will winter in the bay window, filled up 40 gallons of water from the rain barrels to store in the garage (we thaw as necessary), cleaned out the garage and moved the cars in, and stocked up on bird feed.  Whew!  We're actually ready for a rest now.

On to my card.  I've been working on Christmas cards for a week now.  I mass produce about thirty of them, simple designs and easy to finish.  But I have about twelve recipients that I send special cards to.  This is one.  If you've kept up with my blog, you will see that I'm not big on mixed papers.  I don't know why, I guess I just don't have the eye for it like my buddy Sheri.  I've found if I keep to the same pad, some designer has already done the matching for me.  This card was created using My Mind's Eye paper.  Each printed pattern came from the same Sweet Dreams Holiday Avenue pad.  I also don't use flowers much, but I'm crazy about this new Spellbinder Layered Poinsettia die.  It contains 4 layers of flower petals and one leaf die.  I filled the inside of the flower with a little Glossy Accents and a bunch of teeny tiny yellow gems shaped like ovals.

Paper:  My Mind's Eye Sweet Dreams Holiday Avenue; Stamps: Magnolia Edwin on Christmas Eve, Whimsy Holiday Ticket Sentiments; Cricut Elegant Edges Cartridge; Spellbinder Layered Poinsettia Die set; Copics: [skin E00, E000, E51, E11, E93][Hair Y11, Y19][Clothes R89, R39, R37][Package E11, E13, E15][Apples R24, R27, YG07][Mittens W00, W1][Basket E35, E37][Shoes E57, E55, E59][Shadow N0, N1]

Snippet 15: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.  Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice."

A background tutorial with CorelDRAW .....

The minute I saw Edwin on Christmas Eve I was struck with the notion that he looks like he's walking out of a scene.  So, that's what I did with him.  The background is from Make It Crafty (don't you just love Zoe's backgrounds?) and, of course, Edwin is from Magnolia.  This particular paper is from Bo Bunny and I matched Edwin's clothes to it.  For full ingredients, see the end of this post.  This tutorial is how I created the background under my design paper so it matches perfectly to my circle.

Step 1:  Open your CorelDRAW and start a new file.  I like my cards to fit a 5" x 5" envelope so I usually make them about 4.50" x 4.50".  My base would be 4.75" x 4.75".

Step 2:  Add a circle to your new file.  This circle was 4" x 4".



Step 3:  Add a square around the perimeter of your file.  You will use this to cut out the background.

Step 4:  Insert your images into your circle.  Don't worry about any overlap outside the circle, it won't show.



Step 5:  Save this file in CorelDRAW for future use in your template.  Export this file as a .jpg or a .png.

Step 6:  Import your .jpg or .png file into the program you use to print.  I use Microsoft Word.  It should import the same size you created it. 

Step 7:  Print one copy out on printer paper.  This will be your template.  Cut out the square and then cut the circle on the line using an exacto blade.  Cut out a square of your design paper the same size as your file (mine was 4.50" x 4.50").  Use the paper template on top and attach with repositionable tape.  This template will fit the Spellbinder's Classic Circle Large Die set, use the largest die (3.75" x 3.75").  It will totally fit inside the circle you cut out of the template.  This will create a hole about an 1/8" smaller than your background circle covering the edges.  Run this through your Grand Calibur or Cuttlebug.  Your design paper should now fit perfectly over your circle background.  Save your paper template to use again.  You can emboss your design paper but remember, your paper shrinks after it's been embossed so you will have to trim the outside of your background square.  Your circle should still match very well.

Paper: Bo Bunny; Stamps: Make It Crafty Mistletoe Archway digital stamp; Magnolia Edwin on Christmas Eve; Distress Ink Vintage Photo; Martha Stewart Carrara Marble Glitter; Spellbinder Classic Circles Large; Pebbles Inc. Chalk; Liquid Pearls White Opal; Copics: [Skin E000, E00, E11, R20][Hair Y19, Y04][Coat, hat R89, R39, R37][Pants R37, R35, R24][Mittens E53, E50, E51][Shoes E57, E31, E55, E53][Apples R24, R27, R35, YG05][Basket E37, E34, E33][Package E13, E11, E15, YR24, E21][Archway R22, R37, C3, C5, YG17, R89, R39, R37]

Snippet 14: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Make him comfortable.  Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom.  Have a cool or warm drink ready for him."

Cheers comes to CSI...

I really didn't think that Ted Danson was going to work on CSI Las Vegas.  I was a big fan of cheers but never watched Becker except for the occasional commercial.  I wasn't a Ted Danson fan; I could take him or leave him.  I watched Cheers because I loved the chemistry the staff had.  Sometimes it just works that way.  Like Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.  Separately, I'm not crazy about either of them, but Pretty Woman has become one of my 10 all time favorite films.  If I were trapped on a desert island with electricity it would be one of the films I would take with me.  The scene that always comes to mind in Pretty Woman is the startled laugh she gives when he snaps the jewelery case shut after showing her the necklace he borrowed for her to wear to the opera.  Anyway, back to Ted Danson.  He's been a refreshing change from Laurence Fishburne.  His character is lighter, more whimsical and with a wonderfully dry sense of humor.

Snippet 13: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night.  Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day."

Cheers comes to CSI

I really didn't think that Ted Danson was going to work on CSI Las Vegas.  I was a big fan of cheers but never watched Becker except for the occasional commercial.  I wasn't a Ted Danson fan; I could take him or leave him.  I watched Cheers because I loved the chemistry the staff had.  Sometimes it just works that way.  Like Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.  Separately, I'm not crazy about either of them, but Pretty Woman has become one of my 10 all time favorite films.  If I were trapped on a desert island with electricity it would be one of the films I would take with me.  The scene that always comes to mind in Pretty Woman is the startled laugh she gives when he snaps the jewelery case shut after showing her the necklace he borrowed for her to wear to the opera.  Anyway, back to Ted Danson.  He's been a refreshing change from Laurence Fishburne.  His character is lighter, more whimsical and with a wonderfully dry sense of humor. 

My card today features Cherry Pip from Lili of the Valley.  I think she's lighter and more whimsical but don't really know about her sense of humor.  This is another practice with my pencils.  When my husband asked how I managed to find paper that perfectly matched my coloring, I told him I was just that talented.  But really, I found the paper first and set it next to my image so I could match my colors to it.  I'm just starting to get the hang of shadows with pencils but I'm still struggling with the hair, especially hair that has lots of open space.  I'm learning how to color on the sides of my points instead of on the points themselves.  Every image I color makes me more comfortable with the pencils.  Next up is to add pencils to my copic coloring.

Paper:  DCWV Nana's Kids; Stamp:  Sugar Nellie Cherry Pip; Prima Flowers; Martha Stewart Rose Leaf Punch; Magnolia Crystals; Spellbinder Labels 21; Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencils

Snippet 13: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night.  Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day."

Markers vs. Pencils

I've got Copic markers and Memento markers and I love using them.  I'm no expert, but sometimes I get lucky.  There's definitely a learning curve and lots of teachers to help you with it.  If you check YouTube, there are hundreds of tutorials.  There are groups committed to help you with your questions.  By the same token, the same can be said of pencils.  There are many pencils on the market, I have both Prismacolor and Faber-Castell Polychromos.  You can use markers and pencils together but coloring with one is not like coloring with the other.  I find I can't hold pencils like I hold markers.  And while I can color very very lightly with pencils, I have a heavier hand with markers.  The thing I like best about pencils is you can color without bleed-through so if you want to do a plain and simple colored card without layers, pencils are king.  I can also color tiny images with pencils and can't do the same with Copics.  One other great selling point for pencils is the ease in which you erase your mistakes.  That's not happening with markers. This is one of my Christmas cards for 2011.  I used Hallmark Card Studio to print the cards using Mo Manning's digital image and adding "Happy Holidays" under it.  Hallmark Card Studio allows you to quickly create a card the size of the card you want to use, layout a digital image, add a sentiment and print it out for coloring.  This is a very simple card.  I couldn't color it with Copics because it's a single layer and I didn't want the ink to show through on the inside, so I used the pencils.  I'm still learning how to color with them but every day I get a little more comfortable.  I'm just afraid when I move back to my Copics I will have forgotten everything I know about them.  And then there's using both together - a whole new learning curve.  Which do you prefer - markers or pencils.....and why?

Paper:  Stash; Stamp:  Mo Manning digital NP employee num 5533; Viva Glitter Liner; Great Impressions Sparkling Ice Glitter; Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils, Hallmark Card Studio

Snippet 12: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Don't greet him with complaints and problems."

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours....

I have so many things to be thankful for.  Everyone is relatively healthy.  We have a roof over our heads and food to eat and our home is warm.  My daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren love us.  We have a little extra to share with those less fortunate.  We have time to spend on our hobbies and for travel.  I love my husband to distraction and I hope he feels the same way about me.  Life is good.  I hope it's equally good where you are.

The never-ending grocery list....

Getting ready for the holidays?  How many grocery runs have you made for Thanksgiving dinner?  I've done two and have another list to be filled before Thursday.  I don't know how it happens.  We made a huge grocery/Christmas present run on Sunday.  Cart filled to overflowing.  I created my menu for Thursday, broke it down into ingredients, added some Christmas presents to be purchased at that store and off we went.  Hard to find:  French fried onions and Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes.  The potatoes were sold out in one location in the store but found in another.  And I couldn't figure out what category French Fried Onions were in but hubs found it in a center aisle.  So, we get home and we're unloading and guess what?  I find out the beans we got for the Green Bean Casserole were not french style - add those to the new list.  I glanced at the stuffing package as I group ingredients on the counter and discovered - it needs celery.  Add celery to the new list.  My family likes cupcakes - eggs?  Only two - add those to the new list.  Left over containers?  I'm out of gallon zip lock bags - add to the list.  I really believe someone is going through my cabinets while we're shopping and stealing my ingredients.  I'm absolutely convinced that come Thursday morning, there will be even more things missing from my meal and another trip to the grocery store that shouldn't even be open but will be. 

Which leads me to another rant...  I know some of you are crazy about getting up at o'dark-thirty to shop at stores that open early on Friday morning but coming from the perspective of a parent with a child who rarely gets to spend Thanksgiving with us, I think it stinks.  Three years ago her store decided to open Thanksgiving evening.  No doubt people who shop there are ecstatic.  But she only gets to spend a few hours with us on Thanksgiving because they work late on Wednesday to stock shelves and works Thanksgiving night late only to be at work again at 5:00am on Black Friday.  I know she'd rather sleep on Thanksgiving but she comes to our house because it's one of the few times in the year we can get everyone in the same place at the same time.  Families have become so complicated.  If you have a divorced parent that's remarried, there's a whole host of people vying for attention - in-laws and ex-laws and step-laws.  This isn't Father Knows Best anymore.

Snippet 11: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Your goal:  Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquillity (sic) where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit."

The never-ending grocery list....

Getting ready for the holidays?  How many grocery runs have you made for Thanksgiving dinner?  I've done two and have another list to be filled before Thursday.  I don't know how it happens.  We made a huge grocery/Christmas present run on Sunday.  Cart filled to overflowing.  I created my menu for Thursday, broke it down into ingredients, added some Christmas presents to be purchased at that store and off we went.  Hard to find:  French fried onions and Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes.  The potatoes were sold out in one location in the store but found in another.  And I couldn't figure out what category French Fried Onions were in but hubs found it in a center aisle.  So, we get home and we're unloading and guess what?  I find out the beans we got for the Green Bean Casserole were not french style - add those to the new list.  I glanced at the stuffing package as I group ingredients on the counter and discovered - it needs celery.  Add celery to the new list.  My family likes cupcakes - eggs?  Only two - add those to the new list.  Left over containers?  I'm out of gallon zip lock bags - add to the list.  I really believe someone is going through my cabinets while we're shopping and stealing my ingredients.  I'm absolutely convinced that come Thursday morning, there will be even more things missing from my meal and another trip to the grocery store that shouldn't even be open but will be. 

Which leads me to another rant...  I know some of you are crazy about getting up at o'dark-thirty to shop at stores that open early on Friday morning but coming from the perspective of a parent with a child who rarely gets to spend Thanksgiving with us, I think it stinks.  Three years ago her store decided to open Thanksgiving evening.  No doubt people who shop there are ecstatic.  But she only gets to spend a few hours with us on Thanksgiving because they work late on Wednesday to stock shelves and works Thanksgiving night late only to be at work again at 5:00am on Black Friday.  I know she'd rather sleep on Thanksgiving but she comes to our house because it's one of the few times in the year we can get everyone in the same place at the same time.  Families have become so complicated.  If you have a divorced parent that's remarried, there's a whole host of people vying for attention - in-laws and ex-laws and step-laws.  This isn't Father Knows Best anymore.

This card was a first for me, I've never colored on Kraft paper before and the Faber-Castell polychromos are brand new to me also.  After seeing June Nelson's wonderful creations on kraft paper, I knew I wanted to learn to color like she does.  Check back in five or ten years, I may be getting close to her talent.

Paper:  Kraft, Recollections Regent Street; Stamps: Make It Crafty Annabelle, Hero Arts Flourish; McGill Floriano Paper Blossoms Punch; Distress Ink Evergreen Bough; Faber-Castell Polychromos:  [Skin: Brown Ochre, Dark Flesh, Light Ultramarine][Hair: Light Cadmium Yellow, Dark Cadmium Yellow, Dark Chrome yellow][Frame: Cold Grey IV][Dress: Light Green, Grass Green, Leaf Green, Permanent Green, Pine Green, Light Yellow Glaze, Cadmium Yellow Lemon][Shadow: Cold Grey IV]

Snippet 11: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Your goal:  Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquillity (sic) where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit."

All the best people were born in December....

Here's the December sentiments and calendars.  I would love to see what you do with them.

 Download December Circle Sentiment

 Download December Calendar

Download December Christmas Calendar

Snippet 10: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Make the evening his.  Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you.  Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax."

Oh, you are soooo interesting...

Snippet 9: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Listen to him.  You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time.  Let him talk first -- remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours."

You're invited.....

My very good friend and bestest customer ordered some invitations from me a few days ago.  She's a tremendously busy lady juggling a high level management job along with children, a house and husband.  She never has enough hours in the day under normal circumstances.  This order was needed quickly due to a change in circumstances, allowing her to have a holiday open house she thought she was not going to be able to have.  My first design had the red card by itself with the gold poinsettia embossed on it.  I actually had all the cards printed inside and embossed on the outside the same day she ordered them.  The next morning I took another look at them and went, "blech".  So, I cut the white cardstock (Beckett Radiance) and cut apart all the red ones.  I used this tutorial to cut out the outline of the white poinsettias (I needed 35 of them), I used my Thing-a-Ma-Jig to stamp the poinsettia on the outline in gold ink and then embossed it.  The white poinsettia was popped up on foam dots.  "You're Invited" was stamped in gold and embossed in the lower right hand corner.  When I was finished with the first one I knew I had a home run.  These were substantial, festive and elegant.  This embossing powder really captures detail, feels wonderful to the touch and the shine is awesome.

Beckett Radiance Cardstock, Ranger Industries Super Fine Detail Gold Embossing Powder, Inkadinkado Poinsettia Stamp, Cricut Expression, Make the Cut.

Snippet 9: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Listen to him.  You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time.  Let him talk first -- remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours."

The Good Wife...

Is anyone addicted to "The Good Wife" but me? I was really unhappy when they moved it to Sunday. Now I never know what time it's on. The TV Guide says 8:00pm but whenever the sports game of the week runs over, all the shows after it are thrown out of wack. If you're like me, in bed early and recording the prime time shows, it can be a disaster. Luckily, last week I ran up to double check the time on the recorder and saw that Survivor was running late. So, instead of setting the VCR to go on and off at a certain time, I just hit the record button and let the machine record until it runs out of tape. Then I can fast forward until I find the show I really want. It's wonderful to see so many great roles on TV for strong women.  And The Good Wife is filled with great women.

Snippet 8: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him."

Chicks rule....

Is anyone addicted to "The Good Wife" but me? I was really unhappy when they moved it to Sunday. Now I never know what time it's on. The TV Guide says 8:00pm but whenever the sports game of the week runs over, all the shows after it are thrown out of wack. If you're like me, in bed early and recording the prime time shows, it can be a disaster. Luckily, last week I ran up to double check the time on the recorder and saw that Survivor was running late. So, instead of setting the VCR to go on and off at a certain time, I just hit the record button and let the machine record until it runs out of tape. Then I can fast forward until I find the show I really want. It's wonderful to see so many great roles on TV for strong women.  And The Good Wife is filled with great women.

And speaking of women, I recently discovered Saturated Canary digital images.  Wow!  Something about a big eyed girl just stops me cold.  I've really enjoyed coloring this little sweetheart.

Paper:  DCWV Rustic Stack; Stamps: Saturated Canary digital Naveah, TPC Studio; Spellbinder Mega Ovals Large, Marianne die; Distress Ink Black Soot; Recollections Glitter Dots; Copics: [Skin R20, E51, E000][Eye G05, B0000][Lips RV10][Dress YR04, YR02, YR000, YR00, YR01, YR82][Hair E41, E42, E43]

Snippet 8: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him."

Happy, happy, joy, joy...

Snippet 7: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Be happy to see him."

My deepest sympathy:

I am crazy about the Sugar Nellie digital stamps.  I'm on pins and needles each release day until I can see them.  I think this last release was the best yet and of course, I bought them all.  This is the first one I've colored.  This card was for a friend who recently lost her father.  He was a gardener so I used a flower background and she is known for wearing hats so this little girl was perfect (she also is very fond of the Sugar Nellie line).  I hope she knows that I'm thinking about her and her family and I'm here if she needs something.

Paper:  DCWV The Garden Party; Stamps: Sugar Nellie Victoria Full Head Digital Stamp, GinaK "Comfort and Peace"; Spellbinder Eyelet Circles; Copics: [Skin E0000, E000, R20][Hair Y0000, Y00][Hat YG00, YR00, YR01, YR02, YR00][Eye B52][Lips R81][Shirt YG07, YG01 Covered with 0][Jacket B000][Hairbow YG11][Shadow N0] Lemon Stickles

Snippet 7: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Be happy to see him."

Clutter...

Snippet: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Clear away the clutter.  Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives."

Asian influence...

I am so happy that my Make the Cut still works with my Cricut and ecstatic about MTC's partnership with Lettering Delights.  I catch sets on sale for pennies and love the way they cut.  The set I used here is Landmarks and it's perfect with all the nationality Tildas.  There's the Sydney Opera House for Aussie Tilda, the Eiffel Tower for Parisian Tilda, the Taj Mahal for Indian Tilda.  I can't wait to use them all.  I cut the arch out twice, once in black and once in purple and offset them for a shadow effect.  Then I rubbed a little metallic old gold on the purple.  I didn't add a lot of embellishments because the Washi paper was so gorgeous, I didn't want to cover it up.  The arch was popped up on foam dots; Tilda was popped up on the arch.  The gold glitter dots are from Recollections at Michaels.

Paper: Washi, Stash; Stamps: Magnolia Japanese Tilda; Lettering Delights, Make the Cut, Cricut; Metallic Rub-on Old Gold; Recollections Glitter Dots; Gold Spica; Stardust Stickles; Copics: [skin E000, E00, R20][Hair C7, C9, C1, C3][Kimona YR24, YR23, Y15, R24, R27, R37][Flowers V25, V17, V20, G24]

Snippet: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Clear away the clutter.  Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives."

Classy shoe for a classy lady!

We have a friend who is having some medical issues.  His wife has kept us up to date with treatment and I talked to him yesterday, his spirits are up and I have faith that he will beat this.  I made this card for his wife.  If you knew her, you'd know how perfect this shoe is for her.  The blue alligator print has a shine that you can't see in this photo.  I found the file for the shoe on the MTC library.  It was in two layers so I copied the bottom layer, reversed it, welded the two shoes together and cut out the shaped card.  Then I cut out the DTCW Gone Wild paper for the overlay.  She might even have this shoe.  The inside says "Please remember to take care of yourself, too."

Snippet: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Prepare the children.  Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes.  They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.  Minimise (sic) all noise.  At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum.  Try to encourage the children to be quiet."

Devil Woman let go of me, leave me alone, I want to go home....

I know it's a little late for Halloween but I had to share.  I was really pleased with the way this card turned out.  The frame is from the Happy Hauntings Cricut Cartridge.  I stamped the spider web on the purple paper to create a background.  The paper inside the frame is a lovely Echo Park paper.  There are several frames on this cartridge that I want to try.  I wonder how I can use them without making a Halloween card?  Since I've reorganized my craft room, I'm using my Cricut more.  Now it's close to my computer and the cartridges.  I do wish I had a little more room for the mats but all in all, I'm pleased with the room's layout for the first time.

Paper: Echo Park, Stash; Stamps: Magnolia Devil Tilda, Cornish Heritage Farms Spider Web; Cricut Cartridge: Happy Hauntings; Distress Ink Black Soot; Glossy Accents; Ruby Slippers Stickles; Copics: [Skin E000, E01, R20][Hair E07, E09, E19][Clothes R39, R37, R35, R24][Wings N4, N1]

Snippet: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc. and then run a dustcloth over the tables."

Tired of cutting out images? A lazy woman's tutorial....

Have you ever had a great design for a Christmas card but you were intimidated about cutting out a gazillion images to put on it? I have to make about fifty cards every year and I've avoided card designs that called for me to cut out my stamped image. So....if you have a scanner, a stamp placement tool and your Make the Cut software works with a cutter (I have a Cricut), here's your answer:

1.  Stamp your image on white card stock and scan it.  Save the scanned image on your computer.

2.  Open your Make the Cut software.

3.  Import and Pixel Trace your image.

4.  Tweak your image until the outline of your stamp is completely filled in.  You aren't worried about the inside, just the outline.  When you are happy with it, click on Import at the bottom of the window.

5.  DO NOT INCREASE OR DECREASE THE SIZE OF YOUR IMAGE AT ANY POINT.

6.  Break apart your image.  You will want to keep the outline and remove everything inside.  Sometimes it is easier to delete a portion of the inside to make sure you are grabbing just the outline and move it to one side. 

7. Delete all the pieces on the left and move the solid image to the left.

7.  This is what your screen should look like now.  Don't be concerned with the white spaces in the image.

8.  Select your image and click on the shadow icon.  I left the shadow width at the default, but you can change that setting if you wish and make your shadow wider.  Click on accept.

9.  Move your original image to the right.  Break apart the image on the left (the shadow) if there are any bits left in it.  Again, do not increase or decrease the size of your image.  You can now delete the image on your right, you won't need it again.  If there were bits on the shadow image, you can move the entire image to the right and delete what is left.

10.  After deleting any pieces you are left with just the shadow.  On this particular image - Tucked in Tilda - I can arrange ten shadows on an 8.5 x 11" sheet of Neenah Smooth paper.

11.  I copied my original shadow and pasted in place.  Create as many shadows as you like being careful not to change the size.  

12.  After cutting and removing the excess paper, this is what you are left with.

13.  Place a small piece of repositionable tape on your work surface and adhere your first shadow to it (this keeps the image from moving while you stamp it).

14.  Stamp your image on the acrylic plate of your stamp positioning tool.  I use a Stamp-a-ma-jig but there are many on the market.  Position your acrylic plate over your shadow until an equal amount of blank space is all around your image.  At this point ink up your stamp.  It's easiest for me to have the inked stamp in my right hand (I am right-handed), clamp the positioner with my left hand and use a finger on my right hand to move the acrylic plate to the right and stamp my image.

I used the 'extreme' speed setting on my Make the Cut, but I cut them twice to ensure a clean cut.  As you make these files, name them with the stamp name and save them for the future.  After you've done this a couple of times, it will only take you minutes to create the Make the Cut file.  I will still have to color these, but I won't have to cut them out individually and believe me, that not only saves time, but your hands.  If you have any questions, please leave me a comment with your e-mail address and I'll answer if I can.

Edited 11/4/11:  I discovered by manipulating the same stamped image, I could extract just the stocking and cut multiples of it out in designer paper.

Girls Rock

In keeping with the "The Good Wife's Guide" I offer this card. Does everyone agree we are no longer living in a June Cleaver world? There have been lots of changes since Father Knows Best and most of them are good changes - and, as the commercial said "you've come a long way, baby".

This image is from Kenny K's Glam Gang - I have all of these images.  They make great 'girl' cards for tweens through adults.  This one especially could be used in October as a breast cancer card.  I think she's fabulous and one of my favorite images of all time.

Paper: Making Memories "Cheeky", Kraft Cardstock; Stamp: Kenny K; Dies: Spellbinder Classic Circle Large, Marianne Die; Crochet Pattern:  Bluebirdflats #1; Ecru Crochet Thread; Glossy Accents; Belly Button Flower: Stash; Spica: Baby Blue, Clear, Gold; Copics: [Skin E000, E00, E11, R20][Clothes YR01, YR02, YR00][Gloves YR14, E99][Shoes B93, B95, B91, N4, N3, C0, C00][Hair R85, R83, R81][Eye G82]

Snippet: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him.  His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it."