tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29280272769299373032024-03-13T11:08:45.747-04:00Tah Dah!Getting creative with paper, stamps, and inkTrish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.comBlogger476125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-58935860709893091762014-02-12T14:40:00.000-05:002014-04-18T16:08:34.538-04:00Simple Valentine's wall decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBRaoLZCC-2TWJby7twFsoqlQsD6LF1qKOMSCSwe6gQ4uIO7otz6nEQAYB3iL9Us6eK3_iEv7QJVSTy0zT6DqqG58psVq6yvokKtPQt6zQLjrtg8UpaUWMH3XQmKRbPuM8ABV-3I1HA0z/s1600/IMG_3224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBRaoLZCC-2TWJby7twFsoqlQsD6LF1qKOMSCSwe6gQ4uIO7otz6nEQAYB3iL9Us6eK3_iEv7QJVSTy0zT6DqqG58psVq6yvokKtPQt6zQLjrtg8UpaUWMH3XQmKRbPuM8ABV-3I1HA0z/s1600/IMG_3224.JPG" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
My parents came to visit after Christmas... since it was already January, instead of crafting something for the tree, we had a little lovey-dovey fun!<br />
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I pulled out a couple old 6x6 pads of paper that featured pinks and reds, and we played with scissors while watching <i>The Sound of Music</i>. A very fun afternoon activity!<br />
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This twine "clothesline" hangs by our kitchen table, and I used it to display the kids' art projects when they were younger... now that they're in 3rd and 5th grade I don't get quite as many coming home from school, so it's kind of turned into the seasonal decor area. It's a fun (and inexpensive!) way to get the kids involved in decorating for the various holidays.Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-27167169313015331082014-01-05T15:34:00.005-05:002014-01-05T15:34:50.668-05:00New craft toy :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was happy dancing at Christmas -- I got a Silhouette Cameo!!!!! I know I haven't posted much here lately, but hope that 2014 finds me back in the creative happy place. </div>
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These past couple years have been tough with a cross-country relo, challenges in my husband's job, and well, just maintaining our home life! I implemented some major changes to my diet in September, and that's really helped increase my energy level, so hopefully will soon be back playing with paper. We are also planning to do some home projects in the next 3 months which will mean a *fabulous* creative space for the kids & I to share.</div>
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Looking forward to the coming year...</div>
<br />Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-18712583659129923722013-07-11T11:09:00.001-04:002013-07-11T11:09:32.272-04:00Scrapbooking!So here I am again, this time with a few scrapbook pages.<br />
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I have not done this in <i>years</i>. Some background: I have scrapbooks from 2 different missions trips I took back in high school, and 1 from college. This was before "scrapbooking" existed as its own industry, and I just glued down ticket stubs, photos, etc and scribbled down my thoughts/memories. I love those books. After I got married (back in 1996) I became aware of what was happening in the markeplace with "real" scrapbooking, and purchased an acid-free white album and a bunch of cheesy stickers/papers to document our special day. When I look at that book now, I cringe. Don't get me wrong - I'm thankful that it exists, but it's absolutely not my style, and it seems stiff and silly. I have 2 other scrapbooks from our early married life, but they're a bit more playful. I kind of gave up on scrapbooking after a couple years (even before we had kids) simply because I wasn't enjoying it. It felt like yet another item on my To Do list, and rather than enjoying the pictures, I was thinking of the hours and supplies I needed to complete pages. NOT good. Recently, I completed 2 digital scrapbooks with Shutterfly, and I was thrilled with the results. Will definitely be making more of those.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdNm3QOxWRnAV9y-ob3M0cvvwdU9e6lOBLob9kTHaIcficoyhg0mbYysuLIpcur76paM321UPvHtXFQMV87uhxqM6LB5OmDxHyOUrs-id6Z9Sa3YxOg-CwE2ypp3uCgzU5H7XkEsc9hz5/s1600/IMG_1400-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdNm3QOxWRnAV9y-ob3M0cvvwdU9e6lOBLob9kTHaIcficoyhg0mbYysuLIpcur76paM321UPvHtXFQMV87uhxqM6LB5OmDxHyOUrs-id6Z9Sa3YxOg-CwE2ypp3uCgzU5H7XkEsc9hz5/s320/IMG_1400-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
BUT our family went to Disneyworld over Spring Break back in March. And I decided I wanted to do an "old school" album with scissors and glue. I wanted to do document this fabulous trip with my own 2 hands (and literally leave fingerprints on photos, LOL).<br />
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I've made a few paper-loving friends here in Texas, and attended a scrapbooking retreat a few years ago - but stamped and made cards the whole time. I went again 2 weeks ago, but this time I scrapped. I uploaded my hundreds of pictures and ordered prints (then was sweating it out, hoping they'd arrive before I left!), then gathered all my goodies and drove three hours with a friend. We left on Friday morning and came back on Sunday afternoon. Bliss.<br />
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I organized all the pictures (that process ate up a good portion of my Friday!) and managed to do the trip to Florida (we drove, and had a short visit with another family) and the first day and a half of our Disney experience. My style is very different now - the other ladies who are were at the retreat all favor the more traditional big layout style, and it was funny to see their reactions to my album: a funky mix of page sizes (predivided pages mixed with the occasional layout), and a simple color scheme (and no, I'm not matting the photos to accent my husband's shirt color). I still have a lot of work to do, but I'm so happy to say that I'm actually ENJOYING the process as well as loving the outcome. Here are a couple shots (I know it's not the best quality, but I'm trying to break free from the yoke of perfectionism, LOL)<br />
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<br />Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-49867972951472001812013-01-18T11:59:00.001-05:002013-01-18T12:16:11.144-05:00Simple Thank You card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a rough week - and this morning a friend showed up on my doorstep with flowers and medicine.<br />
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She was such a blessing, and I really wanted to make a card just to let her know how much her thoughtfulness meant to me.<br />
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This was a quickie: washi tape (and yes, I cut the heart out from tape, too) and a sentiment from Wordsworth. Added a bit of washi tape to the envelope for good measure, and it's on its way!Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-46911454548949934342013-01-12T16:08:00.000-05:002013-01-18T12:03:19.832-05:00Canvas BannerHow cow, I cannot believe how long it's been since I posted here! It's now 2013, and one of my goals for the year (you'll notice I did not call it a "resolution") is to do more crafty stuff. Our lives have been a bit chaotic in the past couple years, and my creative endeavors have sort of fallen to the wayside...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNqamaIN1nnH1qqQVHYqTkPVh6COFO3HDrDhg4-87_NiZ3nKOLcvmWFFrKcoXBkGc8YeINvGCu4MDn1hLcX7bfAMrRhjeIx4-TrJhv9YnHYJ1Q57M3ZUsO6SQBhPKGAVDMJlPQhNTj4Y3/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNqamaIN1nnH1qqQVHYqTkPVh6COFO3HDrDhg4-87_NiZ3nKOLcvmWFFrKcoXBkGc8YeINvGCu4MDn1hLcX7bfAMrRhjeIx4-TrJhv9YnHYJ1Q57M3ZUsO6SQBhPKGAVDMJlPQhNTj4Y3/s400/IMG_0988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Our daughter just turned 8, and we had a dance themed party for her. Most of the decorations were straight from the Dollar Store, but I did manage to make this 1 simple banner to welcome the guests (and then hang in her room). I purchased the banner "blank" from Hobby Lobby (Donna Downey product). I hit each pennant with different colors of glimmer mist in conjunction with masks from Heidi Swapp, Tim Holtz & Tattered Angels. I had so much fun playing with the colors and images! The letters are chipboard (also from HobLob) that I painted with black acrylic and then glued on.<br />
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So that's all for now - but I *WILL* be back to share more in the months ahead!Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-9461008773315214292011-10-04T16:40:00.002-04:002011-10-04T16:49:23.238-04:00Birthday Girl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9Y_ilf-0qOHU-9WcLuJkqATLlLDpI_sE7K9_noTwfulkJD-wDf6tZo-tENiESDtPzJi1d-yfjy4cwMWekvBPuCTXek0gPlIo79curIgplQoFCYoe15e-Nm16g4qqsT62rJfUcEiV3Iem/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 261px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659739758593353282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9Y_ilf-0qOHU-9WcLuJkqATLlLDpI_sE7K9_noTwfulkJD-wDf6tZo-tENiESDtPzJi1d-yfjy4cwMWekvBPuCTXek0gPlIo79curIgplQoFCYoe15e-Nm16g4qqsT62rJfUcEiV3Iem/s320/IMG_0380.JPG" /></a>Yes, I'm actually posting a <em>card</em> I made - felt so good to be working with this familiar canvas again :) This little cutie was created with the<a href="http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/2011/10/cps-238-part-1.html"> sketch over at CPS </a>in mind, although I admit I took a few liberties with it. I stamped the little girl and added a touch of color with prismacolor pencils, rounded the corners and inked the edges, then added the sentiment and mounted it over the three background strips. I love the happy colors, and it's even nice & flat for mailing. Beauteous! <br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Girl image: Cornish Heritage Farms, sentiment PaperTrey, and paper BasicGrey Junebug</span></div>Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-53016750710738082902011-10-02T10:29:00.005-04:002011-10-02T12:06:37.164-04:00Feeling Fallish...I know it's been months since I've posted anything... I've been busy with so many other things, and quite frankly just hadn't been feeling particularly crafty. In the past week or two, though, I'd been missing the East Coast autumn, and decided I really wanted to make something "leafy." Anyway, last Sunday when I was watching the Eagles game I grabbed a pair of scissors and a mostly untouched <a href="http://www.basicgrey.com/scrapbook/shop/collections/show/current/boxer">Boxer</a> pad and started cutting leaves - double thicknesses so I had 2 (mostly) matching shapes. I used some old brown variegated fiber (which I know has been around for at least 5 years) and then glued the leaves together with PVA bookbinding glue (chosen since it dries clear and remains flexible). I gave it about 10 minutes to dry - yes, I'm impatient - and then hung it around the kitchen entry. Thankfully I'd planned ahead and left the nails up from the Christmas garland ;) I love how it turned out, and I even used the scraps to make something else... will post about that later this week!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2UMWKM1gKWmAbQvTwl9AXuosVAscFL_RLa_1Py-9DsXSTd-NAKyE72Goya99wAUOxb2ZArXqZn3fPzf8WdILO6YoV3BIOVQ5Nc-3MS-otmJ94wC5tbCsSykQk1exUqUF9IGr2FHe6lnC/s1600/IMG_0373.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 249px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658907724799297282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2UMWKM1gKWmAbQvTwl9AXuosVAscFL_RLa_1Py-9DsXSTd-NAKyE72Goya99wAUOxb2ZArXqZn3fPzf8WdILO6YoV3BIOVQ5Nc-3MS-otmJ94wC5tbCsSykQk1exUqUF9IGr2FHe6lnC/s320/IMG_0373.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9yUFZcxzwb2qh8hpGnPq11pYrnXJXDljxmlnr58i1a2ceU8qt_pbxTM8_SkZi1F23pjh5NyaxMnyhqimX53SvqlB3SwnlebnmTh5Mk5HgFqJ6UVlpjsuf9iVho7mTEAGTWnaQUA61LRX/s1600/IMG_0374.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 186px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658907726170595458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9yUFZcxzwb2qh8hpGnPq11pYrnXJXDljxmlnr58i1a2ceU8qt_pbxTM8_SkZi1F23pjh5NyaxMnyhqimX53SvqlB3SwnlebnmTh5Mk5HgFqJ6UVlpjsuf9iVho7mTEAGTWnaQUA61LRX/s320/IMG_0374.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYE5v4ft4qAt6PqTaVwKb9W0GRNlMmNFz8o96fiYHA70JzyGYHoj6aXXa-x-UKzb_4zbgpBEa9JKzMavaF8DQ3Ylj4prJUxrJGg8Upt7Vx4QUaxU9WDbhMxPVGTBYNDCBdMakNehJtVYc/s1600/IMG_0356.JPG"></a></div>Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-68003215166895032812011-06-21T08:36:00.005-04:002011-06-21T08:51:59.927-04:00Clay Fun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugBGg0JmxD0szKQeQYFw7KPAspaQJ_1ic4Ws4ptIazIDSHZeWKbKeWYvdndu576quxgxPqZ6L6a4OTgXLoQEUI07XcyubiM1m3rOHhCcBkB_EVsGYkIX6MPvKc3oUjhTj2pvJ0nAy4HoW/s1600/clay+animals.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620651218613884738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugBGg0JmxD0szKQeQYFw7KPAspaQJ_1ic4Ws4ptIazIDSHZeWKbKeWYvdndu576quxgxPqZ6L6a4OTgXLoQEUI07XcyubiM1m3rOHhCcBkB_EVsGYkIX6MPvKc3oUjhTj2pvJ0nAy4HoW/s320/clay+animals.JPG" /></a>Polymer clay - something I was very familiar with due to my religious watching of the Carol Duvall show (I still have the VHS tape that was always loaded and ready in case I sensed that a good paper project was coming up :) - but I had never actually used it.<br /><br /><div>Well, our daughter saw these cute little animals in an issue of her <a href="http://www.americangirl.com/fun/index.php?section=activities">American Girl magazine</a>, and even big brother wanted to make one. They suggested using air dry clay, but I was afraid that they wouldn't hold up too well, so yesterday while running errands we procured a package of assorted color sculpey. And then, of course, the kids wanted to start making their animals before I'd even left the parking lot of the store - I convinced them to wait the ridiculously long time until after lunch...</div><br /><div>I must say, they turned out amazingly well. The kids made all the shapes themselves (the bodies have a ball of aluminum foil inside) and I helped with fine tuning, attaching, etc. The pig is our daughter's, our son made the cat, and the dog and panda were made for some friends. They were hanging out with their long-lost Little Pet Shop cousins yesterday afternoon, and happily survived the rigorous hands-on attention. I predict more sculpey fun in our future!</div>Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-3209769385153026912011-06-16T14:04:00.005-04:002011-06-17T09:02:32.970-04:00Love Makes. Love Gives.I try to keep this more as my "crafty creations" blog, but obviously I share a lot of myself through these little endeavors. As I was going through my Google Reader line-up this morning, <a href="http://livinglearningandlovingsimply.blogspot.com/2011/06/love-makes.html">this post </a>caught my attention.<br /><br />Genesis 1:1 is one of my favorite verses: "In the beginning God created..." simply because it reminds me that the enjoyment I get from making stuff is a tiny (and very imperfect) reflection of God's character. He created our whole world just by speaking - except for man, when God reached down and actually took dirt and formed Himself. Talk about a play dough masterpiece!!<br /><br />Anyway, it also reminded me that many times I have a hard time letting go of my little creations... After a project is completed, I want to keep it to myself rather than passing it along. But the creation is an expression of my very heart, and it needs to be shared.<br /><br />Even when I'm not sure if it will be "properly" appreciated. But that's what love is. Giving without strings attached. Letting go without expectations. What a gift to give.Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-56028743681964521662011-05-23T12:20:00.006-04:002011-05-24T09:00:39.331-04:00Striped Polka Dot Baby Card<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCmaCJ77P3r49JN0-LAwpvTTFWc77491eoqJyYT2iUkZq2-f9qQAz6bYoo9mM4VzCc_twFdnbO-VBG6W2G3Xa-2ZFIqoc-UGmQRbMxNr62Kvkve6BBCi_UNwpo2M5yMiyZstMB7OMXfRu/s1600/baby+dots.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609947428585915298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCmaCJ77P3r49JN0-LAwpvTTFWc77491eoqJyYT2iUkZq2-f9qQAz6bYoo9mM4VzCc_twFdnbO-VBG6W2G3Xa-2ZFIqoc-UGmQRbMxNr62Kvkve6BBCi_UNwpo2M5yMiyZstMB7OMXfRu/s320/baby+dots.JPG" /></a>I really wanted to play along with this week's <a href="http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/2011/05/one-layer-wednesday-54-baby-cakes.html">One-Layer challenge</a>, which was to create a baby card inspired by one of <a href="http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2011/05/sunday-sweets-for-mom.html">these cakes</a>. I was drawn to the striped diaper bag cake (10th photo down the page) and I have this new <a href="http://www.heroarts.com/products/productInfo.cfm?ItemNo=CL519&subCat=E03">Hero Arts set</a>, which happens to have a striped polka dot. How serendipitous! I originally was going for multi-colored dots, but the result was pretty abysmal. Actually, there was nothing pretty about it. I ended up just using the different colors in different dots, although there are a couple striped ones in the mix. I'm still not thrilled with the finished product, but I'd already spent waaaaay too long working on this "simple" card -- and I really need to get it mailed off to our friends who've announced they're expecting another little bundle o' joy! The sentiment is from <a href="http://shopverve.com/vv-08-036.html">Verve</a> - love the versatility of this set.<br /><br />Would anyone care to offer any design insights? Are the dots too close together? Are the pastel colors just too washed out? Any and all thoughts are appreciated!Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-28698499841768774102011-05-11T10:48:00.000-04:002011-05-11T10:48:00.283-04:00Be Yourself<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZdJQIUaOBQfSJnjyW9RmLtsJUhcM0-CauA7P9hYkRN_svp9vo3WTok9kLghnLXI8JJBHO9OFPqwJ1GWaxcBa8qtM6tW9QmFYAk4lhQ9c6cwZ6QbaWrTrlvhtg5ltPPSyvQP6e4Mas-T3/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603615129945950242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZdJQIUaOBQfSJnjyW9RmLtsJUhcM0-CauA7P9hYkRN_svp9vo3WTok9kLghnLXI8JJBHO9OFPqwJ1GWaxcBa8qtM6tW9QmFYAk4lhQ9c6cwZ6QbaWrTrlvhtg5ltPPSyvQP6e4Mas-T3/s320/IMG_0190.JPG" /></a>Simple card to share today - the lovely lady is from an Inkadinkadoo inchie set, and the sentiment is Hero Arts.<br /><br />White cardstock, two ink colors, layered onto a card base. Sometimes nothing more is needed...Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-42757394917442671102011-05-09T13:47:00.001-04:002011-05-09T13:47:00.883-04:00My help comes from the Lord...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT92-CAU5Mxns6Eoqb81lfzZnK6ihas1-I4dioZoSmZkhMW3j8Txq6G_MfuKPTHnRrTcgv7oYGtDwTtuF-1Y8BKQUzIsMLCBPs30N9N4MTg_at-Af7fRG9htESVzD0erkJWt3lyCoZrJ_d/s1600/IMG_0194.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603616022425919986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT92-CAU5Mxns6Eoqb81lfzZnK6ihas1-I4dioZoSmZkhMW3j8Txq6G_MfuKPTHnRrTcgv7oYGtDwTtuF-1Y8BKQUzIsMLCBPs30N9N4MTg_at-Af7fRG9htESVzD0erkJWt3lyCoZrJ_d/s320/IMG_0194.JPG" /></a>I can't imagine that each of us hasn't been touched in some way between all the economic issues and the natural disasters sweeping the globe. We know a number of families who've experienced different degress of loss, and I sometimes struggle with what to say. I want to *do* something, but obviously I can't just sweep in and make everything better... I made this card to send to a friend who is going through some difficulties, but I found myself encouraged as well. No matter what is going on, HE is still in control, and HE will provide what we need.<br /><br />Mountaing image: Cornish Heritage Farms, Sentiment: Wordsworth, Patterned Paper: 7gypsiesTrish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-19905186437389444412011-05-07T10:02:00.000-04:002011-05-07T10:02:00.978-04:00Tape Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCyt2AW6WYMGS3Dc2z3JsjEi4xxpgZIZbDS5E093eNmNb53mIpyPSpAqNdEhyphenhyphenD3a0r10VEAoBmKQqdm1_NtBr56LcjcBdxCIvffzRcCfggYVDw3QunjZ3fjsi3LE5fl0szq-Z1XmPc2tO/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603618882062485394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCyt2AW6WYMGS3Dc2z3JsjEi4xxpgZIZbDS5E093eNmNb53mIpyPSpAqNdEhyphenhyphenD3a0r10VEAoBmKQqdm1_NtBr56LcjcBdxCIvffzRcCfggYVDw3QunjZ3fjsi3LE5fl0szq-Z1XmPc2tO/s320/IMG_0196.JPG" /></a>Yes, I'm definitely digging tape. This was the stuff* that got it all started (translation: putting in <a href="http://trish-d.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-stuff.html">this order</a>) but I realized I had never shared these 2 cards that I cranked out in about 15 minutes. I just stamped the sentiment (both from Hero Arts), layered on a bit of tape, added a flower to 1, and then rounded the corners for a finishing touch.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*I'm pretty sure I bought these as a set at HobLob last fall, but I can't remember the manufacturer or any other info. Sorry!</span>Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-87233174172501512742011-05-06T09:45:00.006-04:002011-05-06T14:37:07.381-04:00Teacher Appreciation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBGrW36_LjX9cl7o-182l0N0lEx09fflQs0FNdbWAhD0U-9D5g1DYJa1U6FgfKEP7teHlj92F27zhtp0t7E5ARFaznNXzxPDKrJBhe3q2kRs0eARpXb_8l-b_Jm6gd5Bv9xPZ2WuGeBdw/s1600/teacher+gifts.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603599028145381266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBGrW36_LjX9cl7o-182l0N0lEx09fflQs0FNdbWAhD0U-9D5g1DYJa1U6FgfKEP7teHlj92F27zhtp0t7E5ARFaznNXzxPDKrJBhe3q2kRs0eARpXb_8l-b_Jm6gd5Bv9xPZ2WuGeBdw/s320/teacher+gifts.JPG" /></a>Yes, it's teacher appreciation week... and the kids and I worked together to create a few little gifties for their teachers. The thing laying in front is a bookmark (more general info if you're interested<a href="http://jewelrymaking.about.com/od/wirework/ss/121204.htm"> here</a>) - I got all the supplies from Hobby Lobby, and I used an acrylic key charm, along with a note saying, "You've been key in ___'s education." Yes, I do love me some bad puns ;) You can see more of that love at work with the eraser - I just wrapped some nice scrapbook paper around it, and added a printed label: "Make no mistake, we appreciate all you do!"<br /><br />We also made little covered post-it note pads and embellished some pens with tiny punched flowers and glossy accents; I presented them in a clear glass mug (from the Dollar store) with a few marbles in it, basically making for a funky pen jar/somewhat floralish display. They're all inexpensive, fun, and went together pretty quickly - perfection!Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-52358114414396229252011-04-27T08:14:00.000-04:002011-04-27T08:33:21.162-04:00Mailing Challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaOmllo6wnZDUNW0A_Eozs0rfeCjRJArsHD15LV-KAI220DqwDy6JpmRNeY73L7tHEr5UKEg8nHZEkGLgylzyKlB_Hd9WWMp2s_C9xigBPyKCbTotG-AzjgX2ZHwX5WQTxppkoqV18CD7/s1600/sunshine+flower.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 246px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599939881974293794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaOmllo6wnZDUNW0A_Eozs0rfeCjRJArsHD15LV-KAI220DqwDy6JpmRNeY73L7tHEr5UKEg8nHZEkGLgylzyKlB_Hd9WWMp2s_C9xigBPyKCbTotG-AzjgX2ZHwX5WQTxppkoqV18CD7/s320/sunshine+flower.JPG" /></a>Seeing as how I had everything out, I decided to go ahead and make another card (hooray!) and play along with Lisa's <a href="http://sideoatsandscribbles.wumple.com/2011/04/25/make-it-mail-it-tag-youre-it/">Make it + Mail it challenge</a>. I just love the idea of her challenge, and have been wanting to make a little something for my hubby's grandma, so pulled a good ol' standard manila tag out of the stash and went to work... The sentiment is from smARTworks, and I went super simple with everything. The background paper (with FLOCKED dots!) is from Kaisercraft, and I layered on washi tape and a flower. Beauteous!<br /><br />Now off to the mailbox.Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-14624887773771070452011-04-26T12:43:00.005-04:002011-04-26T12:54:09.101-04:00Trusting...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGEsOzXzBalOKeVtrWUQAny7Ce8LtKwxv1rsAhml1-jyCS5CrK_rMfpLz88MPS6AutEFeZ-kFYvuNFFiPbEM7zbudVyPwzYgg4uSp3YHbCaW4Ohe3ayZgbOZtc-OFbXa15XPwOeezet1X/s1600/Trust.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 262px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599934336057286050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGEsOzXzBalOKeVtrWUQAny7Ce8LtKwxv1rsAhml1-jyCS5CrK_rMfpLz88MPS6AutEFeZ-kFYvuNFFiPbEM7zbudVyPwzYgg4uSp3YHbCaW4Ohe3ayZgbOZtc-OFbXa15XPwOeezet1X/s320/Trust.JPG" /></a> Another month, another project. Wow, this is getting to be a bad habit. Still here, still wanting to play with paper, but many different demands on my time...<br /><br />I wanted to make something, and started looking around at sketches - is it just me, or are many of them ridiculously detailed?! Anyway, I stumbled onto one over at <a href="http://getsketchy.blogspot.com/2011/04/gs-84.html">Get Sketchy </a>and thought that the little strip would be a great excuse to play with my washi tape. I used the Devoted set (Ippity by Unity), which has a rather country-cutesy feel to it, but I do love the verse, and obviously the heart fit with the sketch! The peachish paper and the heart (yes, it's faintly patterned) are from the BasicGrey Capella pad, and I punched the corners of the panel, then inked it all up with pearlescent beige. The swirly background was created with a little template from my stash and bronze glimmer mist. I finished it off with <a href="http://www.happytape.bigcartel.com/product/sale-colorful-thin-grids-available-individually">this tape</a>, and there are a couple small pearls right above it.<br /><br />Ah, it feels good to get creative again...Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-25529309027960979042011-03-13T14:35:00.000-04:002011-03-13T14:35:00.384-04:00New stuff!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFnx_yk0l2ZgwebeaKRJJ-hZRrxozX2Mu8S_s8MK3Ic7aCElU6NmMNFKgqibdxG2AAx12wXDzWD26a1vp-t_UydH0yrjB_tE1wav9-qer8diDcq83AAykY5kAX3g_TJEMvNCW3Y_qhJvZ/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583604660826145890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFnx_yk0l2ZgwebeaKRJJ-hZRrxozX2Mu8S_s8MK3Ic7aCElU6NmMNFKgqibdxG2AAx12wXDzWD26a1vp-t_UydH0yrjB_tE1wav9-qer8diDcq83AAykY5kAX3g_TJEMvNCW3Y_qhJvZ/s320/IMG_0102.JPG" /></a>I'm still working on determining what supplies I truly love and are worth keeping around. As part of that process, I had decided I wouldn't buy anything new until I finished going through my stash. It's been months since I purchased anything crafty, which is a <em>major</em> deal for me.<br /><div></div><br /><div>But my resolve wavered... and these goodies from <a href="http://www.happytape.bigcartel.com/">happytape</a> arrived yesterday. I cannot wait to play!</div>Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-80594021206800623442011-03-06T22:26:00.004-05:002011-03-06T22:44:32.265-05:00All about Attitude<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMDgt18B_WU04jNX73jB-iruRKb1cRSTn6KbU9X6qDtg6nY2SU2mGyPEp9O9TGdJgjpEohURvJS4E8T4cyjgopMfKOFguG-JE3Q3DOG_uVQIAxByr513vkbxWBImM3XaQEqsfrQxzjgvL/s1600/attitude.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581175685257167730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMDgt18B_WU04jNX73jB-iruRKb1cRSTn6KbU9X6qDtg6nY2SU2mGyPEp9O9TGdJgjpEohURvJS4E8T4cyjgopMfKOFguG-JE3Q3DOG_uVQIAxByr513vkbxWBImM3XaQEqsfrQxzjgvL/s320/attitude.JPG" /></a>It's been awhile since I've joined in the Salt challenge, and when I was catching up on some blog reading this weekend I saw the latest theme: <a href="http://saltfaithchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/03/attitude.html">attitude</a>.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Ouch.</div><br /><div></div><div>Let's just say that I've <em>really</em> been struggling in this area lately... I'm finding myself frustrated, judgmental, apathetic, and showing other ugly 'tudes all too often. And I can't change this on my own. But God doesn't ask me to! My patient Father - who provides endurance and encouragement - will <em>give</em> me the proper attitude. I just have to ask. And be willing to let go of all the junk that I'm clinging to.<em> </em></div><div><em></em></div><div><br />My little project is nothing fancy. I hand wrote Romans 15:5 on some BasicGrey Kioshi paper, and then doodled a bit with a fine black pen. I went around the edges with gesso, spritzed it with some pink glimmer mist, then matted it on black before pasting it into my journal. I chose the floral print to remind myself of the organic relationship - if I'm not in Him, I'm dying. I have to stay on the vine if I'm going to reflect even a glimmer of His magnificence.</div>Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-38269482027453294172011-02-03T10:14:00.007-05:002011-02-03T10:33:34.591-05:00Double Mojo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj922BpxrbIzAJvpRDhubjonSu_LVLpgvzN8uplAVXgRE4A-iVOGq5LyNqWkekBzeVYLLkA_Q-gL_3dXLDcwFKee-3sXrSTEz60OKd4PVO6ylV9fvAUyQ6w9WcnHDYgICw9ii4p66NG0cnn/s1600/mojo176+vday.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 311px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569484265535122082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj922BpxrbIzAJvpRDhubjonSu_LVLpgvzN8uplAVXgRE4A-iVOGq5LyNqWkekBzeVYLLkA_Q-gL_3dXLDcwFKee-3sXrSTEz60OKd4PVO6ylV9fvAUyQ6w9WcnHDYgICw9ii4p66NG0cnn/s320/mojo176+vday.JPG" /></a>I really liked this week's <a href="http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2011/01/mojo-monday-176.html">Mojo sketch</a>, and thought it would be great for a Valentine's card. I decided to go with a 5x5 card base, and pulled out the Daisy D's Maybe Baby Valentine pad, which has a very cute, retro vibe. I trimmed out the little kissing booth heart from one of the pages, and then chose some of the lighter colored patterns to finish it off, including some pink to make a paper ruffle. I edged the heart with rock candy distress stickles for a bit of shine, and then stamped the little sentiment (from BasicGrey). Super cute if I do say so myself!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AL-6YMQilH7okt8G-gp9X19lQLNJ0JItaLWej0UBVT4yG5yIHtDRqb5Pw4P6Xdr1QigGZNdqG3Vnwo5Swon56lHwNNfmBaea6SwlVAx3oV7LdCnoWrjLy0klgOQhPDTZ6SFrGQZfoIwB/s1600/mojo176+bday.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 313px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569484175648496210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AL-6YMQilH7okt8G-gp9X19lQLNJ0JItaLWej0UBVT4yG5yIHtDRqb5Pw4P6Xdr1QigGZNdqG3Vnwo5Swon56lHwNNfmBaea6SwlVAx3oV7LdCnoWrjLy0klgOQhPDTZ6SFrGQZfoIwB/s320/mojo176+bday.JPG" /></a>Since I already had everything out, I decided to make a second card for a friend who has a birthday coming up. The same basic routine for this card - this time the stamp is from Inkadinkado, and I used buttons to accentuate the curve. A little hint: if you want to use buttons, get them all laid out to make sure they fit before you start gluing them down :)<br /><br />Hope you're all staying warm! It's even below freezing down here in semi-tropical South Texas, and my kiddos are home from school today, so I'm off to play games with them. Sounds perfect to me!!Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-63091209882599002742011-01-30T22:33:00.003-05:002011-01-30T22:44:10.219-05:00I stamped, I stamped!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSHXUJkUOH3GlFgQu1sbAu4FlomB7z40YwZ-9sWSW_P4tYNIFj7RrQfSCtMHwoxo6_I0TknYPDlqik1e-dLZ5qG8xcqUhAefSfSbcuUXBvTGzpn_2H85xbPEUceWojFZt2_TGQ5TTEFD3/s1600/little+flower.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 262px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568188157717396178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSHXUJkUOH3GlFgQu1sbAu4FlomB7z40YwZ-9sWSW_P4tYNIFj7RrQfSCtMHwoxo6_I0TknYPDlqik1e-dLZ5qG8xcqUhAefSfSbcuUXBvTGzpn_2H85xbPEUceWojFZt2_TGQ5TTEFD3/s320/little+flower.JPG" /></a>Yes, I'm thrilled to say that I managed to set aside some time this evening and play just a bit. Life continues to be filled with all sorts of craziness, and each time I think, "If I can just get through A, then I'll be able to get back to stamping." Of course, we're now up to approximately LL and the free time has yet to materialize ;)<br /><br />I still have a number of papercrafting blogs in my Google Reader, and this week's<a href="http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/2011/01/cps-203-part-1.html"> sketch over at CPS </a>caught my eye. I grabbed a little pad of vintage-y gorgeousness that has been calling out to me (Crate Paper 6x6 Restoration Collection pad), and played around. I trimmed the flower from one of the papers, and then hit it with some bronze glimmer mist to give it some sparkle. The sentiment is from Wordsworth, and I layered it all onto kraft cardstock and finished it off with some staples.<br /><br />Oh, yes. I definitely must do more of this soon!Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-87533893475193779132010-11-16T14:48:00.005-05:002011-03-13T12:44:09.059-04:00Simplifying<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidERQAbJ_shajmZc64cj1oqCpKZwyoT9Ojkz3lvw7ZuzKlQYq_2EdMI1fkkgi9RVT-1XXp6f6mWO8cmBA0cZ_qkiJeddEW5flm9GhqfMqfi-76CZglsW7K5OZBdUt24LJzn3WXJUjjYQEQ/s1600/little+blessings.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540237053195230706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidERQAbJ_shajmZc64cj1oqCpKZwyoT9Ojkz3lvw7ZuzKlQYq_2EdMI1fkkgi9RVT-1XXp6f6mWO8cmBA0cZ_qkiJeddEW5flm9GhqfMqfi-76CZglsW7K5OZBdUt24LJzn3WXJUjjYQEQ/s320/little+blessings.JPG" /></a>Simple & intentional are big buzzwords right now. Our society seems obsessed with excess - whether it's accessories on a side table, clothes in our closet, activities for our children... Anyway, I know there's been all sorts of online chatter about paring down and doing/owning only what you truly love.<br /><br />So where am I going with all that? Well, I find myself getting back to basics in many ways with my stamping. I have *SO* many inks, punches, embellishments, patterned papers that deciding what to actually use is a bit overwhelming. I'm on about round 34 of my supply purge (it's literally taken years to get to this point) - and if I don't love something, then it's gone. It doesn't matter if I saw tons of super-cute projects done with it, or if I spent too much on it - what DOES matter is whether it fits my style now and I'll actually use it. What a concept! I've also removed over half of the blogs from my reader. I cannot even tell you how much easier it is to avoid purchasing supplies when you are unaware they exist :) I can pretty much tell you that I'll love virtually anything from certain companies (Basic Grey for one!) but I'm working on putting a dent in all of the "old" stuff that I just had to have 3 years ago - then used 1/3 of a single sheet of paper before moving on to the latest & greatest.<br /><br />Now that I've gotten all that rambling out of the way, howzabout I talk about the card? ;) I had this 7gypsies printed gaffer tape mixed in with some ribbon, and honestly had forgotten about it. I liked the fall colors, and wanted to make some quick cards for a few family members. I added the little sentiment from Daisy Bucket, then the little flower (which I now wish I'd left off, but oh, well! All the recipients will still be delighted!Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-51020962382775933362010-11-12T11:57:00.003-05:002010-11-12T12:07:54.574-05:00Unusual Encouragement<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRsepxn3w4GPmDjBx-dlcTLrYiSSpk3ATh6EbBj1XjYEuFbkPCyAeGD274VypowyKdYQXotucErqB-VQtRkCYqqHyaqUQyQU48NQCbrPusm4QpVAOvXb9F_k2thU-c0qNrwxfD-v7vYbZ/s1600/suck+it+up.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 255px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538709148365172354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRsepxn3w4GPmDjBx-dlcTLrYiSSpk3ATh6EbBj1XjYEuFbkPCyAeGD274VypowyKdYQXotucErqB-VQtRkCYqqHyaqUQyQU48NQCbrPusm4QpVAOvXb9F_k2thU-c0qNrwxfD-v7vYbZ/s320/suck+it+up.JPG" /></a> I know - not exactly my normal scripture verse & flower card :) I've had this fun household set from <a href="http://www.cornishheritagefarms.com/intro.php">CHF</a> (bummer that they've shut down!) and wanted to play around with it for quite some time... I have a friend who's going through a rough time, and I know without a doubt that she'll get a huge laugh over this. You have to know your audience, right?!<br /><br />The card is pretty straightforward - I stamped the vacuum in blue, lightly colored it in with metallic pencils, and pieced the bag with some scrap paper I had on the desk. Added the sentiment, two square brads, and then rounded one corner just to add some interest.<br /><br />AND I'm happy to say that it's already been mailed off... I'm telling you, this sending thing is quite addictive, LOL.Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-18756498371228062612010-11-10T11:15:00.003-05:002010-11-10T11:26:53.501-05:00Simple Gratitude Journal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpE15-g_BHabQzmGBE3xMbZQeWDgTAXSJcnmaY9SjgpQRtm4nx6OeBXdGfpLb81d5FEmVh-ihovVXheqGxrIw1zOlaUFAiVO6YaDSEVJ6F-Bd3zrHQn91BxY9gXodzjxxuF0r994cG2Tj/s1600/journal.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 265px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537955496973401042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpE15-g_BHabQzmGBE3xMbZQeWDgTAXSJcnmaY9SjgpQRtm4nx6OeBXdGfpLb81d5FEmVh-ihovVXheqGxrIw1zOlaUFAiVO6YaDSEVJ6F-Bd3zrHQn91BxY9gXodzjxxuF0r994cG2Tj/s320/journal.JPG" /></a> I've dabbled with "thankful lists" in the past, and decided to keep a gratitude journal for the month of November. I'm writing down 10 things each day - 5 in the morning and 5 in the evening - and yes, sometimes it's kind of hard to come up with something. It has definitely made me more aware of the blessings that fill my life, both big and small. I've been jotting things down in this comp journal, and finally got around to prettying it up last night.<br /><br />Nothing too fancy, but I like the final result. The paper was something I'd had in my stash for a long time; I loved the tin tile design, but it was too large for most of my projects... finally put it to good use! The letters are from a Tim Holtz grungeboard alpha pack, and I just colored them with Brilliance ink. I computer generated the verses, then just cut them apart and glued them down. <br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#330099;">Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330099;"><em>Give thanks to Him and praise His name</em> [Psalm 100:4]</span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#330099;"></span></em> </div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#330099;">I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness;</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330099;"><em>I will sing priases of the name of the Lord Most High</em> [Psalm 7:17]</span></div><br />Hoping you, too, can find 10 things to be thankful for today!Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-91664735471611672482010-11-02T15:21:00.003-04:002010-11-02T15:35:48.596-04:00Inspiration...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFIizHnoAKN63j0TNU3SyY5eqZrlK8hLVL7buDKt1SjTd70zcPQ0BdC4AtU4eTtJbaVaCXJajlQqlE5oV8K1C0vRMpeG8UJBbmGWIIFeUTFTwiFmEC24NBP-9SCQ3emU36IdT4i6BBCRx/s1600/Inspire+Me.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 263px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535034772620998850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFIizHnoAKN63j0TNU3SyY5eqZrlK8hLVL7buDKt1SjTd70zcPQ0BdC4AtU4eTtJbaVaCXJajlQqlE5oV8K1C0vRMpeG8UJBbmGWIIFeUTFTwiFmEC24NBP-9SCQ3emU36IdT4i6BBCRx/s320/Inspire+Me.JPG" /></a>Wow, long time no see! I truly didn't mean to drop out of the blogosphere<span style="color:#cc6600;"> <span style="font-size:85%;">(again!)</span></span> but life has been a bit crazy. I somehow managed to hurt my knee on vacation this summer, so that has slowed me down in a major way; I actually have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon later this week, and will probably be having surgery soon. I also had some issues with my heart(thankfully all is well!), and although both of our kids are now in school, the carefree days that I had envisioned have yet to materialize.<div></div><div><br />On a side note, I am working very hard to get healthier, and losing weight is a big part of that. I'm attending a <a href="http://www.firstplace4health.com/">First Place for Health </a>Bible study, and tracking food/activity with <a href="http://www.sparkpeople.com/">sparkpeople</a>. The leader of the study is wonderful, and has been such an encouragement to me, which is why I made her this card. Nothing fancy - some repeat stamping and a very simple layout (flower image is from Wordsworth, and sentiment is Hero Arts, patterned paper from 7gypsies) - but I wanted to let her know how much she is appreciated. Hmmm... that's one thing that drew me into stamping all those years ago, but somehow I got caught up more in making stuff than actually sending it out. Let me tell you, it's awfully nice to spread some hand-crafted love :)</div><div> </div><div><br />Anyway, I hope to be able to do more creative stuff in the months ahead, and will happily share as time allows!</div>Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928027276929937303.post-28097716607938022862010-08-17T09:49:00.004-04:002010-08-17T09:56:24.906-04:00Make your own happiness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUkZszHIZ1ANmj-5rMyfeqTmumrdevLn05mmsP_mgK-wMHB6tzBN9KfeZtWlHL74j7RM4N092ASGa2u6eG24Nn8qB93ucihlkbN7newByGpCr-1EEKqX9-kmh1JA7usR2CWwUFDzhwVcw/s1600/IMG_5587.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506376821234787170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUkZszHIZ1ANmj-5rMyfeqTmumrdevLn05mmsP_mgK-wMHB6tzBN9KfeZtWlHL74j7RM4N092ASGa2u6eG24Nn8qB93ucihlkbN7newByGpCr-1EEKqX9-kmh1JA7usR2CWwUFDzhwVcw/s320/IMG_5587.JPG" /></a>I just love this sentiment (from Hero Arts) - and I literally did just that when creating this card. I had fallen in love with the colors in Pink Paislee's<a href="http://pinkpaislee.com/home.php?cat=54"> Queen Bee </a>line and had ordered the 6x6 pad several months ago; I dusted off my circle punches and just started playing. I cut some random curves to use on the card front, then just glued everything down and trimmed edges as necessary. Quick and rather cute, if I do say so myself ;)Trish Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02390639758786087010noreply@blogger.com3