What a wonderful relaxing week!

We have had a wonderful, restful, enjoyable Holiday week!!! I needed a small break to enjoy the kids, do a little crocheting for my parents blanket that I gave them for Christmas, and some crafting! This layout was made with a bunch of odds and ends that had ended up on my desk, they were a great combination of some of my favorite colors, textures, and patterns, so I thought that I would do a layout about myself...

Wacky, I know!

I used my Claudine Hellmuth Studio line "blank canvas" white paint to adhere the butterfllies and little title strips. Distress paint to paint the bird, and those little pom-pom strips are jsut so cute they make me happy just seeing them!

Anyway, if you have a minute, go into your stash and pull out the things that make you smile, and then make a quick layout about it, you will be glad you did!

Have a very safe Happy New Year!!!

B-

Long post with lots of pics!!!

I finally got all of the pictures taken and edited so I could share how to do that gift box! My helper, Chloe wasn't feeling well, so she wasn't able to take pictures after a few minutes, it is such a bummer to not feel well this time of year...

So please be patient with the non-action shot pictures, I would have to do a step and then take a picture and so on!
There are quite a few steps, but honestly, it goes really fast once you get the stuff together to get going!

Things you will need:
Studio line gel medium in glossy
Smidge of blue acrylic paint
Blank canvas acrylic paint
Sky blue acrylic paint
Studio brushes
craft sheet
Baby wipes
Heat tool
Versamark
Adirondack Denim
Distress faded jeans
Embossing powder in cobalt
Embossing powder in white

Tim Holtz scissors
chipboard
clear tape
paper trimmer
Scor-Pal
Xyron Cheetah
Tombo multi adhesive
Bazzill cross-hatch in white 8.5 x 11 (two sheets)
Joyeux Noel stamp set from Cornish Heritage Farms





To get started on making the masterboard, use a brush to apply the glossy gel medium to some of the snowflake stamps. Heat set if you want to get right on to the next step.
Use a brush to remove some of each of the acrylic paint from each of the color tubs. (rinse between each tub)
Thinning the paint with plenty of water in your brush, pick up a little from each of the colors and start applying to the paper with large sweeping motions, don't be afraid to saturate the paper, it helps the paint move on the paper, also, don't "scrub" the paper peels and pills if you apply to much motion and pressure.
Before things start drying, use a baby wipe to remove the paint from the top of the glossy snowflakes. Then use the baby wipe to apply The Adirondack Denim ink lightly.
Use heat tool to speed up the drying process, or set aside to dry.

When it is dry, stamp a few different snowflakes with the Distress ink in Faded Jeans, sprinkle with the Cobalt embossing powder and heat until melted.

Using the Versamark, stamp the sentiment and different snowflake to create another layer of depth sprinkle the white embossing powder all over. Then heat until everything is melted.

Master board done!

On to the gift box now!

Cut a 3 x 3 window out of the middle.

Score two inches from each edge the widest way.

Trim every 1/2 inch along both score lines.

Trim a clear acetate sheet piece to 3.5"

x 3.5"

Tape down and then zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine. Zig-zag stitch just above the scored edge for decorative purposes.

Apply Tombo multi-adhesive along one edge. Let set for a few minutes.

Use Xyron Cheetah to apply adhesive on the trimmed edges.

I used a can of hair spray, but use what you have, and wrap the edge with no adhesive around until you get to the edge that has the adhesive. Press down on the edge to get a good seal.

Splay the edges out before you try to remove whatever you had wrapped. It will stick to the tabs if you don't (learned that one the hard way, LOL!)

Use the Tim Holtz scissors to trim two circles out of the chipbaord, one for each end.

Alternating tabs that are opposite of each other, fold them down to the chipboard circle, until all are folded over forming the bottom of the package.

Fill with your intended goodies, things like malt balls, mini candy bars, gourmet popcorn, and of course cookies all are easy treats that look fun through the window!!!

A fun addition would be to use white Staz-on to stamp on the acetate as well!
For the matching card, trim the second piece of cardstock to 3.5" tall by 7" wide, score down the middle at 3.5" and fold. Apply the 3" piece to the center of the card base, and stitch around with a zig-zag stitch. Add your embellishments, a note inside, and then share with someone special!

I love this idea, the ideas are limitless, and it is really fun!!!

Thanks for visiting, and Merry Christmas!!!

B-

Quick Gift wrap challenge!!!

I know I promised instructions for the gift box set, and they are coming!!! (just not right now...)

The challenge for the Cornish Heritage Farms challenge chicks today was a way to do quick gift wrap! And since we all have last minute gifts, this seemed like a great challenge to get in on!!

I have a roll of kraft color drop paper that painters use, got it from HOme Dept very inexpensively. I use this for those really last minute things that need a quick papering!

I stamped on it with the Pin Dot Scrapblock to make a background in White Staz-on, and then used "Joyful Winter Wishes"to stamp the snowman and the snowflakes, and the sentiment is from "Christmas Kritters" .

A Marvy scallop punch for the tag (out of the stamped wrapping paper to cut down on time!) and some pretty ribbon and you are done!! Very cute and super fast!!!

Other girls sharing some sweet ideas for this challenge are:

Julia -Kristine -Lesley -Kim -Carole -Jen

Have fun!!!

B-

I love that Claudine stuff!!!!

It has been so fun, for the last couple of days, playing with the Studio Line that Claudine created!!!

This little gift set was the product of trying a few things, and just letting the layers take shape.

First I stamped the sleigh and "Dashing through the snow" sentiment onto Bazzill crosshatch cardstock with the gloss multi-medium and heat set it. Then I washed the green paint over the top of the cardstock and then with a baby wipe, cleaned the paint off of the stamped areas so they could show up better. Then I used the baby wipe to apply light layers of Peeled paint Distress ink and Adirondack Stream ink, then heat set it. I stamped the snowflakes from the "Warm Winter Wishes" set by Kim Hughes with Versamark and embossed them with Glacier White embossing powder. The December stamp of the month (Spruce branch) was then stamped with the Versamark and had the white embossing powder heat set over that. Another layer of Versamark, and then Evergreen embossing powder over the top of that and heat set as well, and I was done!

Tomorrow, a tutorial on how to make the "gift box" !!! I loved doing the engineering on figuring out how to make this! Can't wait to share it too! But it will be easier to share with pics, and I will need some sunlight to make that happen!

And those cookies are from the Paper Crafts Gourmet cookbook! We added one cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough, and one tablespoon of peppermint oil and two crushed peppermint candy canes to the frosting! DELISH!!! We love this book, so I am not giving out the rest of the recipe, you will have to go get the book, or tell a loved one that you need it for a holiday gift, it is so FAB!!!

B-

1 Picture = 100 words

I have been playing with my Claudine products, and having a LOT of fun trying new things, I will have something to share tomorrow, it just got done too late this evening to share pictures of!

But, there is something else that I wanted to share, it is one of the layouts from my Hall of Fame entry the year I received an Honorable Mention. I haven't shared very many of these layouts because I didn't want to be judged by the masses as to whether I had been worthy or not to receive this honor. But one of my layouts was about a topic that is near and dear to my heart, and this is a good time to share a more private moment that means a lot to me. I craft, a lot, because I like to make things that are from my heart, and when I give them, I like to think that I am giving a small piece of myself with these types of gifts. This is a trait that I learned as a child from my parents, they were people who did things for people that meant something. Simple, meaningful things that could be treasures. This is a trait that I am working on with my children, and it is really hard at times. Ours is a society of instant gratification and indulgence. With the changes in our economic cycle, I would like to challenge everyone to make something simple but meaningful for those people who are important in their lives. Not an extravagent project, but a card, ornament, or other little item that will become a treasure and not forgotten in the coming months.

For our neighbors, we spent time as a family making cookies and the small containers to deliver them in. This was a wonderful experience, and gave us time together to enjoy each others company, a gift that the kids gave to me! I feel very blessed that we had this opportunity, and know that it is what I will remember years down the road!

Anyway, I know that I am preaching to the choir as so many who visit are already crafters, but please take time to slow down and enjoy the people who are the blessings in your life!

B-

Happy Birthday and Happy Mail!

I received some seriously happy mail this week! When the darling, fabulously talented Claudine Hellmuth release a line of products with Ranger, I was over the moon excited! Claudine is so clever, she created an acrylic paint line that makes cross-crafting super easy!! And to make things even more fabulous, she developed a sticky back canvas, brilliant!!! Her brushes are wonderful, and I can't wait to use the gel mediums that come in matte and glossy, they are the perfect adhesive for these products! All of this wonderful product is so fantastic to use with my gorgeous Cornish Heritage Farms stamps, let the crazy fun begin!

And what makes this little post even more fun is that it is Miss Claudine's birthday today! Stop by her blog and leave a comment, she is doing a give-a-way to celebrate!!! I have to say that she is one of the most genuine people I have ever met, and she is also super funny and gorgeous to boot! All of that in one tiny body, totally unfair, LOL!

As soon as I get something new made with my goodies, I will be sure to share.

Hope everyone's holiday preparations are not making them too crazy, we are trying to slow down and enjoy here! We have been on a cookie making spree for our neighbors the last few days, a recipe from the Paper Crafts Gourment book! I will be sure to share our little twist on one of the recipes and pictures of the "presentation" so much fun, and delish, the neighbors are either going to love us for making and sharing such yummy treats, or hate us for tempting them off of their diets!!!

Happy creating!!!
B-

edited to add...
Ellen Hutson's shop carries the full line of these products, and has exceptional customer service!!!

Do Overs

Do overs...

I use that saying all the time. Sometimes you just need another chance to get it right. It is wonderful when life does give you that chance, and when it comes, it should be taken!

So many times in tennis I want another chance at a ball, but with that, it never comes back, ever. With stamping and scrapping, it is the kind of hobby that gives you as many chances as you have time for to get it the way you want it. But with relationships, sometimes those opportunitites come, and sometimes they don't.

When Chloe had the opportunity to regain a friend after a tumultuous relationship in Jr. High, I was so proud of her for taking it! They had both said and done things that had been hurtful, but both decided that they would like to give each other another chance, and that is wonderful!

I am so proud of Chloe, how she is so kind and generous with her heart. I am trying to learn from her, and treasure her example!

Anyway, I had a chance to make a layout about this event in her life, it will remind her later down the road about what a wonderful person she is.

B-

Sorry to have been so long between posts!

I always feel like I have such a boring and uneventful life, and then I realize it isn't boring or uneventful, just lots and lots of little things that are hard to capture! Like for instance, Some weeks my husband will be gone out of town for 2 or 3 days for work, that leaves me as a single parent! For getting each of my teenage kids to each of their different schools, I will drive an average of 65 miles a day. That doesn't include any of the errands or appointments that I might have or that are outside of their school hours. Doing my job as the Marketing Director for Cornish Heritage Farms is a 3 day a week gig that I love, and it uses a good chunk of those hours that are not being used by the kids. I also have the responsibility of running the "Be Creative" blog for Cornish Heritage Farms! When I am not enjoying any of those activities, my other hobby of tennis that I use for exercise, friendship and mental well being uses a couple of hours a few mornings a week, good times!!! Add all the other little life incidentals, and well, it gets darn hectic around here, LOL!

So while I am often too hard on myself, it does make me feel better when I step back a little and look at all of the things I have the opportunity to participate in, and all of the blessings that come from the time I spend doing these activities, and I remember that my life isn't boring and I am definitely getting plenty done! I think I could make a list that is a couple hundred items long of all that I have to be grateful for in a few hours if I didn't get writer's cramp first!

Thanks to all of you who join me here at my little bloggy and share these little bits of my life with me, I appreciate all of you so much!!!

So with that, on to more interesting items!!!

A huge sale starts tomorrow at Cornish Heritage Farms!!! HUGE!!!
I am excited about this one, because the more you spend the more you save! Of course I have my favorite lines, but I am in constant wonder with the art that we release, each one gives me the gimmees! Gimmee the new Scrapblocks, amazing! Gimmee the new Backgrounder, so cool! Gimmee the latest Saturday Evening Post, are you kidding me, that bunny is sooooo cute (even if Christmas is just around the corner!) Gimmee ALL of Kim's stuff, I could be lost for hours in the fun and whimsy of her art! Gimmee GM because my dad and all the other dudes in my life can get behind that all day long!!!
Seriously, where does it end? It doesn't! Can I just brag for one second on this fantastic company? The art that is scheduled for release in the next year is delicious!!! We have it all! Brag over...

I am a lucky girl, and while my job requires me to make tough decisions, and being a parent forces me to be the bad guy, I am lucky to have these responsibilites, they don't make me boring (my life is very eventful, LOL!), and I wouldn't trade them for anything!!!

B-

p.s. the card isn't stamped, but it is snowing so hard today, and I just wanted to share a different kind of snow card! KI lace paper and a pink Alexx Kesh flower, just for pretty's sake!

Llama fuzz goodness!

This project was in the Nov/Dec issue of Papercrafts this year. The card is a simple one to make, and it really reminds me of the "reason for the season".

I used the scratched grid backgrounder on CHF smooth cream cardstock in Antique Linen and Aged Paper Distress inks by Ranger. The blue cardstock mat is Bo-Bunny. The blue ink is Night Sky by Versamagic and the star was done using Tsukineko's glue pad and 7 Gypsies gold foil. (let that glue set a few minutes before applying the foil!) The sentiment is from the "Joyeux Noel" set, and the image is called "Three Wise Men" . I did take a couple of minutes to fussy cut the wise men out and then mount them on foam squares to get extra dimension, totally worth it!!!

I like to crochet mindless projects, you probably knew that already, LOL! I got a huge box of llama yarn back in September that I had bought from my darling friend Dawn Lusk! Laurel instantly claimed it as her own, and has begged, prodded and harassed me into crocheting her a huge blanket and then a scarf too!
I love these projects, it gives me the chance to sit and unwind with kids and enjoy their company in the evenings and weekends, either watching tv or just hanging out. It is to the point that I can actually crochet that same wonderfully repetitive stitch over and over and over without needing to look. Thus I can "work" and not feel guilty about just sitting around on my "assets"!

;o)

I had a chance to take pictures of one of my tennis buddies cute family this afternoon! (Thanks Terra, Jeremy and Crew!!!) They were so cooperative, and even sweet Crew who will be one this Friday worked out in the cold for a bit without complaint! We got some great shots, and I can't wait to see her holiday cards!!!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand (if you are still with me, you have the patience of a saint!) I got a haircut and color today. I feel much more prepared for the winter now. I like it, it is a little darker and shorter, my hair lightens up naturally really fast and grows too fast, so this will give it a little depth and dimension, and that is a good thing!

Okie, dokie! enough of the blah, blah, blah for now!

Thanks for putting up with me ;o)

B-

White Wash

One of the things that I LOVE about this time of year is the snow!!! We get out as a family and romp hard! Last year the boys and I had a huge snowball fight that had started with snow"base"ball and then quickly deteriorated into what we call "white washing". Making a layout about this moment in time is something that I know that I am going to cherish forever! A simple layout with the focus on the white and the pictures lets this story come to life! This is the type of holiday project that I think every scrapper should take the time to create. It won't take long, and it will last forever!!!

B-

I forgot to tell you...

That today was the Rummage Bin release day, and this is extra exciting for me because I actually designed the collage stamp that was released, so FUN!

"Wonder is Best When Shared" was inspired by the trip I took to the "Farm" last June. I was able to capture some wonderful pictures of Daniel and Hannah while they were out adventuring in the surroundings of their home and farm! Later at home while editing, I saw this image, the sentiment instantly came to my head, for really what is it to wonder about anything if you have no one to share your thoughts with? The opportunity to share my vision is one that I did not expect, so that makes it even more exciting for me!

The card is made by stamping Versamagic "Night Sky" onto CHF smooth cardstock. Trim a scalloped edge on the top and bottom of the image and then mount on Twilight Dark Prism cardstock. The flower is by Heidi Swapp and the buttons are from Autumn Leaves.

I will share some Holiday creations in the next post ;)

B-

Holiday Preparations

How are you coming on your holiday preparations?

I have to admit that I am struggling to find my holiday spirit a little bit, so I thought that by sharing a few of the projects that I have made through out the year for publications and other stuff, it might help me find some fresh inspiration.

This card was used for Paper Crafts World Card Making Day that was celebrated a couple of months ago. Hindsight being 20/20 I should have made my all my cards then, but I didn't think I would be so pooped out right now, LOL! So I think my goal for next year will be to make my Christmas cards on WCMD. That way I still have plenty of juice in my coconut, and then will be able to send them out at the first of December. Sounds like a good plan for now...

I will have some projects to share tomorrow, so stop by if you get a chance.

Happy Holiday creating!

B-

Chloe is a sweet 16 today!!!

She is growing so fast!!!!

What a beautiful, kind and intelligent young lady, I thank Heavenly Father every day for sending her to our family!!!

Happy birthday Miss Chloe!

LOVE!

B-

Thanksgiving leftovers!

We were so blessed to have our family fill our home on Thanksgiving! We had the 20 pound turkey spreading delicious smells through the house by 9:00 in the morning, and it just got better from there. The sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy just added to the layers of heavenly smells pouring through the house by the time we were ready to eat. Roxanne, her darling boys and husband and my mom and dad were able to join us. It was an absolutely delightful day spent catching up with each other and watching the kids play!

It has been a wonderful and relaxing weekend as well! Kim and I spent Saturday visiting the two Heartland shops. Kim did a make-n-take that was adorable and had all the shoppers ooohing and aaahing! After that we had a chance to sit down and scrap with Roxanne and Julie for a few hours, so fun!!!

How was your holiday weekend?

B-

The Drama of the Nonfat Dry Milk...

Not to be confused
with the
"Stories of the
Sweetened
Condensed Milk"

or
"Tales of the
Evaporated
Milk".
(I will save those for another telling...)
No this little ditty is of the same genre, mystery, but this one is a serial (not to be confused as a cereal!) because it is continued every year on Thanksgiving day.

The treasured recipe for delicious dinner rolls is found in its special book, the ingredients carefully prepared and measured. And just as the yeast is being prepared to start its journey to bring life to the rolls that are integral to every family get together, it is discovered that one critical ingredient has yet to be found and measured...

That elusive nonfat dry milk! Where does it go to hide? We all know that no one will actually make it into a glass of milk to drink, and no other recipe we prepare uses it. Yet every Thanksgiving when it is time to prepare this favorite roll recipe, the nonfat dry milk is no where to be found. And every year an emergency trip to the market has to be made in spite of all those long lists and other trips previously made. How lucky we are this year to finally have a teen age son who was willing to run out and acquire this essential item with enthusiasm (and the reward of one bottle of Dr. Pepper). Quite honestly when I noticed and then mentioned to Dave that we would have to make that special trip, we both sighed heavily and rolled our eyes, "not again" was the thought that we both shared. How many times does this scenario have to be played before we can figure out how to prepare for this event completely? That my friends is the mystery, I am hoping that the telling of this drama will place it more completely in my conscience so that it does not have to bear repeating, but unfortunately, I know myself a little too well. Alas, it is my belief that we will yet again have an installment in this unfortunate series, and that it will be just as amusing as this year's episode was.

In spite of all that transpired, the rolls were delicious, and the homemade blackberry jam was thrilled to have such a spectacular ride into the gullets of my guests.

;)

B-

Oh my goodness!!!

Such a week since getting home, so much to catch up on!

We have been very busy with work at Cornish Heritage Farms too, loads of amazing art coming down the road, it just keeps getting better!

I wish I could have gotten a better picture of this project, but it is from the Thomas Kinkade Christmas pack! This paper is so pretty, and it makes cardmmaking a snap. This card was inspired by my wishing for it to snow more very soon. It has been unseasonably warm for the last couple of weeks, and I am ready for winter!!!

I loved hearing what you all have for your holiday meals! Dave and I have finalized our menu, and I am hungry already thinking about it.

Cheese and cracker plate
Fresh veggie plate
Fresh turkey
Spring Mix salad with gorgonzola cheese, comice pears and toasted pecans with vinagrette
Fresh green bean casserole
Broccoli
Whipped maple syrup yams with cinnamon and pecans
Mashed potatoes
Homemade rolls
Blackberry/apple jam
Homemade Apple pie

I have been doing a bunch of prep for Thanksgiving so there is less to do on that day. I am so happy when I get to cook for everyone, so fun!!! I have a fresh twenty pound turkey in the fridge, I have made the blackberry/apple jam, the yams are boiled and will be whipped with maple syrup, sourcream and cinnamon, the pecans were toasted with maple syrup, garlic powder and cracked black pepper for my yummy salad, and my list for finishing the shopping tomorrow is made and will be done early so that I don't have to deal with last minute crowds!

I hope that all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you can eat yourselves silly as well!

B-

Good times in Vancouver

Thanks Christina for a great time!!!
A few of the pictures from our outing at Granville Island, a gorgeous Vancouver day!

Cool November morning

It is a beautiful morning here today! Much needed moisture has arrived and the mountains are covered, while the benches and valleys received a cool, cleansing few days of down pour.

With the rain comes the mud, and the doggy boys are on limited license when it comes to getting play time in the back yard. This weather gives me more creative juice, and I am trying my best to make little projects here and there. I really love my job doing as the Marketing Director for Cornish Heritage Farms, but it has decreased my creative time substantially!

I am so excited though because we have products coming out that are so amazing! Tomorrow we are having another Saturday Evening Post release that is going to be a classic.
I just need a few more minutes in every day, LOL! (who doesn't?)

I am getting the laundry finished up and organizing the things that I need to get into my bag for my trip tomorrow. I can't wait to get to Vancouver!
A little get away is going to do me a lot of good, and I hope to get home next week renewed and ready to take it all back on again!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and the menu is already in negotiations with the family members that will be attending! What are your favorite must have dishes?

See you in a few days, and don't have too much fun without me!

B-

Classic

I finally got to spend some time in my craft room last night, so very happy! I was able to make a card using one of the stamps that is releasing tomorrow...

GM 1955 classic Corvette!

I used some of the Rummage Bin sets to give it more of a collaged look, it gave it some depth and interest! I stamped on CHF "Scrapblock" paper with Tsukineko ultrafine in black and matted on black Prism Cardstock. The fun stripe is by SEI.

This was a fun card to make, and one that I know my Dad will love! (even with a bow, LOL!)

I am trying to get all my little duckies in a row so that getting on my way to Vancouver will be a piece of cake! So excited!

B-