A Sweet Surprise

I collect things...to say the least. You name it I no doubt have it or have had it. But a few weeks back a wonderful blog I follow  Paper Wishes, designer  "Geri"  was showing us just little bits and pieces of lovely things for a few days. Keeping us in Suspense as to what she was up to. Then this turned into 4 precious little pieces to be given away in a drawing.  She had given them names and showed us the final projects.
Wow they were beautiful, homemade with love, little fabric pin cushions.  And guess what..I won one of these. I was excited as I have collected a few pin cushions. They are scattered about my house for handy usage every once in a while reminding me of someone or some special day.

But that day the excitement was not as much as it was when "Miss Pinky" arrived in the mail.
I just had tears in my eyes.  This was so adorable.
Geri mailed it to me and it is the most special little fabric creation.  The detail and colors are perfecto!!!  Isn't the little tag so cute too?  On the reverse side is a little pocket for threads etc, and Geri had stuck this little tag inside with a little note.
You can stop over to her blog and see all four. This one is "Miss Pinky", but her 3 friends are worth the trip to visit. And Geri always has a unique designed project to make a fun stop.

A few pictures of  some of my Pin Cushions, most were made by my Mother, or were my husbands' Mothers. So they are special. 

Was a good day to dust them all off before I put them back where they belong.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your week. They seem to fly by quite quickly.

My Special Brother Turns 50 ! ! ! ! ! WAHOO..

I have 2 sisters and 1 brother..me being the oldest....Steve was 2 when I graduated and left home. I lived and worked in Washington D.C.and later years Southern Iowa so did not get to spend my time with younger ones as they went thru high school.  Sometimes I feel cheated to have missed their activities.


My brother is an outdoors man..loves his animals, and truly loves to hunt in all seasons of the year all over the country (Bear, Elk, Deer, Prairie Dogs, Pheasants, Quail and I am sure I missed something) His latest adventures: Going to the Colorado Mountains and helping with Cattle Round Ups. He entertains us with Mule Wagon Rides  down some  horse riding trails close to his home,  usually a birthday we are celebrating or he comes home with his rig for our family summer reunions. Always a great time, lots of food and fun.

My Tag for his 50th is just about him;  His initials  S. C.       born  Feb 1961 

Tag was embossed with Cuttlebugs "with love" at the bottom, distressed with T.H. barn red, antique linen, dark mahogany, a red vinyl heart I cut with my Spellbinder die  and added some wooden hearts.  Feb 1961 on the side was stamped with some REALLY old letters I found at an auction, the twine is from my husbands straw bales , the S.C. his intials, Sarsaparilla paper and the Majestic ticket are from Tim Holtz's paper. The hat (just like his) is a sticker I put on a Spellbinders die.
The silver boot I have had a long time and the silver tag at the top has the # 50  from some cork I had here.

I did decorate the back, stamped Happy Birthday added a lace heart from a Martha Stewart punch and a glitzy bow.  I know he'll like it...he collects "OLD STUFF" just like me.
 Entered into the following Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp and Show   "Show a Tag"
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #90  " Not a Card"
Creatalicious Challenge #19 "For a Male, 3 Stars, & Brown"
Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge #70 "One for the Men"

 

This is a picture from winter last year. He participates in a Winter Festival at Lake Cornelia and gives rides in a snow sleigh he has.  Like I said he LOVES the OUTDOORS.. and I love him for what he is.


Thanks for stopping by. 

WOYWW

Good Morning...The Stamping Ground has the WOYWW posted for this week. So let the fun begin.
Never know what you might see,  thats the fun of it and lots of new people for comments etc. Stop one over Julia has another great idea pending for Anniversary time.

I spent part of my day yesterday cleaning, amazing how things get out of order and I am the only one to blame.

Need to make a trip to a BIG city and replenish. My tape runner is finished and so is my black/grey cardstock.  I want to visit an Archiver's, so with 50 degree weather coming here, I should be ok in making travel plans. It is a 2/3 hr drive either North or South.
Spent part of the day replenishing my Sympathy cards and have to finish up some on those.
We had 1 more lady in her late 90's pass on yesterday, that is 6 within 12 days. So hope the string of 3 at a time is done in our area for quite some time.

On last stop around the room, this is the wall with Robert Redford watching just a top of these punches..left of my desk.

Paper supply and in the 4 drawer storage is lace, fibers, unfinished projects and the projects yet to be entered into challenges. Below some containers of buttons, flowers, misc.

This wood cabinet holds a lot of my Martha punches, more things for the sewing machine, which I want to start using. I love the stitching on some cards. So thats that for today.
Thanks for stopping by, always enjoy your visits.  Sunshine your way

A Surprise--- A Thing of Beauty Award

Thanks to my blogging friend Glenda at MagPie's Corner for sending me this award. Glenda is a stop I make each day, especially on Wednesday to see her WOYWW..she is so neat and tidy and I just want to see a mess like mine once in a while, but it's never there.  We have been blogging about the same amount of time, and no doubt the same "Retirement Age" and her work is a class act in itself.
So "THANKS GLENDA"  I feel honored to receive it. 

This was originated by Gracenotes for Today so stop by and see more information.

Here are the Rules of Award Acceptance:

Right-click on the award and save it to your desktop for use when you add it to your blog.
Choose FIVE (5) worthy recipients and list them. Next to their blog name, give ONE reason why you think their blog is special. What catches your eye about them? What do you love?

On your blog page, list 5 things about yourself. Include at least one thing you enjoy about your craft.

I have many blogsposts I truly enjoy becasue of the inspiration, humor or the good feelings I get while visiting.  But these 5 came to mind as I usually visit each morning to get my MOJO running and SPIRITS up.  I've never met any of them in person, just loved their blogs since I started card making. 

Becca at Amazing Paper Grace  A natural given talent for spreading her wings and sharing her beautiful creativity.

Melis at LilyBean's Paperie  She has a glitter and sparkle that radiates her special talent. She makes you feel like you are on a magical trip with color and design.

Sherry at Walkin on the Bad Side Here there is humor and enjoyment of life. Her creations and designs are beyond cards.

Geri at Paper Wishes A bit of adventure and clever little posts. She has variety with her fabric and paper designs and some beautiful flower creativity.

Linda at The Funkie Junkie She has a Vintage-Shabby Chic style I love. Always something new and adorable and keeps extra busy posting Challenge updates.

All of these gals keep life interesting, love their families, and have a heart that feels good and they don't mind sharing it with us.

Now some things about me.

1. My adorable husband and I live in the Peace and Quiet of Rural Iowa.
2. I have 2 wonderful sons, and 4 adorable grandchildren.
3. Recently Retired and no desire to re-enter the working world.
4. I am active in our church, community and enjoy volunteering. Love garage sales, auctions and junk shops. It's the Thrill of the Find.
5. I have always loved crafting and the card making has given me so much enjoyment and peace of mind, wish I would have started it sooner. Meeting new people and new techniques has been most fun. All this because I purchased a card on Ebay.

Thanks for stopping by and may your days be filled with fun and adventure and a lot of Sunshine.

Claudia's Candy

At Pretty Pressings  Claudia is offering some awesome Candy and you can hop on over and enter to win.

She wants to share a little love with those who visit her blogspot and she has picked some of her favorite products. Looks good huh? I would love to have some of those pro markers.
and thanks Claudia for the nice comments you give along the way.

So hop on over and give her some love this Day.

A Little Shabby Valentine

A Little Shabby Valentine, made for someone special on my list.

I tattered and distressed the cardboard packing that already had folds from its previous usefulness. I layered a heart shaped wire with a red button on top of a Spellbinders Gold Glitter Heart, added a Silver Glitter Heart with a Red sparkle heart.  Some torn edged sparkle red paper surronded by lace and a sequined heart. Some torn shear paper has LOVE stamped in red with a heart shape pin and some silver cord and a cute little vintage girl (from my Crafty Secrets purchase) a simple red bow, and a silver heart charm at the top.

It can stand alone as it has a fold for support

                                                                      The Inside

Challenges Entered
Crafty Cardmakers Challenge #39  "Hearts"
The Stamp Man Challenge #16      "Hearts"
Winter Wonderland  "To the One I Love"
Crazy 4 Challenges    "Hearts"
If the Shoe Fits FF#6 "Hearts, Glitter, Lace"
City Crafter Challenge Week #43 "All that Glitters" Silver and Gold
Ooh La La Challenge #73  "For Someone Special"
The Kraft Journal Challenge #5 "Love Theme"
Gingersnap Creations GC90 Spice supply Challenge "Charms"
Just Add Ink 55 "Just Add Love"
Stempin' for the Weekend "St. Valentines Day"
Stamp Something "Something for your Valentine"
Our Creative Corner "Cut it Out"
Creatalicious Challenge #18 "Ribbon and Love Theme"
Ink on My Fingers Sunday Stampers Week #141 "Love"

I might add that ALL of these Challenge Spots have some really great Inspiration to share with you. The Design Teams truly do some unique posting.

I really loved doing this. I love the Tattered and Shabbyness and of course Hearts are my favorite.
Hope you have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping by my blogspot, I hope you are somewhat inspired and enjoy what you see.

Spring Inspiration-Winter Thaw--It is Really just a Dream

The Challenge at Welcome to Flourishes  is

Winter Thaw Challenge, how appropriate, it is totally what we need in Iowa. Nothing prettier than the little Crouses peeping thru the snow. The Challenge is to be inspired by this photo.

I used the Cuttlebug Embossing Folder on the card. A Spellbinders Mega Scalloped Oval, topped with an Embossed Mega Oval, Fancy Tags on top and bottom. I used Copics and Sakura Glaze Pens.
I cut out the Iris, added ribbon and sparkles.  I am hoping for a melt down so these precious spring flowers can start to bloom.

A few other Challenges that this might qualify for are:
Simon Says Stamp and Show  Embossing
Sweet Stampin Challenge        Spring Flowers
Phindy's Place Challenge #41  Embossing

Thanks for stopping by.  All 4 of the Challenge Blogs have some great inspiration by the Design Teams.  So hop on over, you'll enjoy what you see.

I thought our temps were pretty bad yesterday, well today it is a MINUS 15, but sounds like we are lucky in not also having snow that some have been pounded with.

A Little Bit Lovely

There are 3 Inspirational Pictures below and all 3 are just divine. They just speak to your heart.
So Enjoy and drop by for a visit to see all the Lovely's.

The Shabby Tea Room  Week #48  create a card or project using HEARTS and any additional inspiration from the photo -- colors of pink, green, brown and neutral, doilies, polka dots, flowers, lace, ribbons

                                                                  Looks Luscious


The Play Date Cafe Challenge #68

     Truly the Lovely Shabby Chic

Curtain Call Color Challenge ACT #68

                                                            Soft and Sweet Color


For my card I used the background stripe in browns, greens and pink from Fancy Pants Designs "Sweet Pea" , A Spellbinders Nestie, topped with a Pink Doily, Green Fibers, Tim Holtz Rosette Die, and his Pink Polka Dot Papers, a Sentiment, more lace, sparkle hearts, and stick pin heart with beads from my stash.

  

Of course these Challenges have some great inspiration from their Design Team, so hop on over and pick up a few new ideas and Enjoy.  Thanks for stopping by.

WOYWW---Short on time

Cannot believe it is Wednesday already.  Totally was not prepared for this. Had to leave quickly yesterday and never went back down to finish anything.  But that's how life is.

This is to the left of my work tables. Ohhhhhhhhh that picture of Robert Redford has been with me since the 70's...one cool dude..sometimes my inspiration!!! !!! !!!

Today this was the most organized area. Off to the very left edge I have a small cork board that I have cut out Spellbinders Dies tacked to so I can remember what I have and helps in putting a card together size, shape, etc.              sometimes.  Next week I will continue on down the line.

BUT this is the MESS today:

The little wire heart baskets are holding cut out flowers, different textures, ready to get their color. Oh and my most favorite "Somerset Studio"  ...Picked up several of their EVER SO AWESOME  CHUCK FULL OF IDEAS PUBLICATIONS....while visiting my son in Atlanta. He always takes me to Barnes and Nobel Book Store, as I can spend hours there.
I use to page thru Receipe Books, now we eat out...so they are on the back shelf and I have started to page thru hobby magazines.  I enjoy  the variety from "Somerset"  so much.

If you want more Snoop..head over to The Stamping Ground , there are a lot of great little places to visit. Who knows, you just might find something to help you with your desk organization. Julia has people from "THE WORLD OVER"...participate.
Well  I am off to another funeral...we have had 5 people pass on in 10 days most all are in their 90's, so a lot of family members have been returning home for a few days. So there is some good fellowship and memories being shared.
Thanks for stopping by...enjoy your day.  We have sunshine and below zero temps AGAIN.

Small and Delicate

My tag for Joans Gardens Tag #7 is small and quite feminine. In a hurry today, have doctor appts for my dad and 2 funerals this week. Have to get a better stock of Sympathy Cards to have on hand.

I used Fiskars Corner Rounder, DCWV Luxury Stack Paper, Offray's Accent Rose, Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage "Little Blessings"  Sentiment, some fiber and rhinestones. Have serveral birthdays coming up so can tuck it nicely with a little gift.
Thanks for stopping by.  If you are in an area where it is warm, look out and send some heat our way. It is frightfully cold. Like way below Zero.  Roads have been icy with the snow blowing all around.   I truly hate to go out.

Color Trends Challange

Embellish Magazine Challenge  Challenge: Use the Colors below with Hearts

Love this display of Color and Inspiration

My card today was clean and simple. I loved the papers and did not want to cover the design with layers so used two of the stems and added Felt Valentine Flowers. For the Pink Scalloped Hearts I used my Spellbinders die for the 2 Red, I free hand cut them and added a bow. Can easily be mailed.

Thanks for stopping by, has been a cold day here in Iowa..below zero and I am sooooooo ready for Spring.

A Happy Birthday Card

What a great day to be home..Temps here below zero...wind, drifting..Please Spring come early.
So glad I have blogging friends and a few challenges to work on.

My card today was made for Joans Gardens  Card Challenge #5 
 1. Use Coral/pink and Green for your colors
2. A Birthday Sentiment
3. Vintage Paper
4. Handmade or Punch flower
If you have time stop over to Joans Blog, there are some really beautiful cards that give a lot of inspirations. 

.

I made the flower from 1/2 of a zipper and added an old shank button center.
Spellbinders Pendant Die, Sizzix Die for the Happy Birthday sentiment. Layered some Vintage Paper and made this a quick and easy card.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the week.

Claudia's Candy

There is some great "Candy" being offered at Claudia's Pretty Pressings

She wants to share a little love with those who visit her blogspot and she has picked some of her favorite products.  Looks good huh?    I would love to have some of that seam binding...
and thanks Claudia for the nice comments you give along the way.
So hop on over and give her some love. I think she has had some really bad winter weather.

Hoping  you have lots of Sunshine.

A Tag

My tag today was made with Tim Holtzs' Tattered Floral Die,  my flower cut from an old book I purchased for a dime so I could cut it up, some Distressed ink and  an old Earing for the center, the Sizzix Flourish Die, and papers from Salsa Celebration PaperZ which I won from Eclectic Paperie, Martha Stewarts corner punch and a little fiber for the top.

I will enter into the following Challenges:
Joans Gardens  "Tag " for Tuesday
Creative Belli    #110  " Jewelry"
Just Us Girls    JUGS69  "Make a 3D Flower"

Thanks for stopping by, trying to quick post this the electric is flickering..high winds and I truly don't want to lose power...Enjoy your day.

COLOR COMBO SWEETNESS

My card today was made for a friend to give to his wife. He wanted something pink and feminine. I used Tim Holtz's Paper Rosette, my Paper Rounder, Luxury Paper Stack by DCWV and items from my Little Treasure's Chest of Valentine leftovers.

I will enter this into the following Challenges:

Moxie Fab World   "Tuesday Triggers" Sweets for the Sweet"

Isn't it a Lovely Color Combo

Paper Sundaes #54 "Valentine"                                                                                                                 

Flourishes  "Timeless Tuesday"  "Valentine"
Alota Rubber Stamps  #52  "Valentine, with Red, White, Pink"
Really Reasonable Ribbons   #17  "Colors, Pink, Red, White"
Simon Says Stamp Challenge  "Love is in the Air"
Wild Orchid Challenge  #16  "Love"

Thanks for stopping by. Have a whole list of projects to get done, so I can have the weekend free.
Weather's calmed a bit...Sunshine, wind and cold -09  so need to bundle up.

The Lady's Old Valentines

As promised here are a few more of the Auction Valentines I aquired.

The last one here has the red honeycomb fold outs...Most of these are from the early 40's and 50's
Can tell by the paper and printing.  I have a few more from the late 50's and 60's, but my camera batteries are done. 

Thanks for stopping by...enjoy your time.
I notice my signature is taking a break again....sure gets a lot of time off.

WOYWW--

And now it is WOYWW..Whats On Your Work desk Wednesday...stop over to Julia's
http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ and play along or just have fun Peeping at the other entries


Here it is February..just got all my calenders changed, I am so happy January is gone.  We are having terrible winds, blizzard conditions, and warnings of NO travel, most roads are closed. So far we have no ice. East and South of here have much more serious weather problems.
Great day to spend working on Card Projects: 

The 3 little wire heart boxes contain  cut out flowers from grunge paper, and odd papers I had around.  Hope to get them distressed, crackled, and put together later.

Last week I showed you my Spellbinders storage rack. This is north of my 2 desks. A really old 8ft wooden table that actually has legs that fold.  My area is about 14 ft Long by 12 ft Wide.
It use to be the spare bedroom. I moved that to the small space I had for my 1 small table and sewing machine. Kids are only here 1 night 3x a year. So when I started Card Making and retired I decided it was time I had my own space.
 I use this table for paper cutting and all the work that a Big Shot can do. And my little tiny Pink Cuttlebug. Of course my stereo system and all my Alan Jackson music..
The 5 storage containers hold ribbon, lace, much misc.  1 has my Christmas items, and 1 has misc other holiday things.  The big spellbinders storage rack sits right in reach of this table.

This wall is left of the cutting table and displays my collection of game boards. So only have one wall to show you, and that may be awhile!!!!!!!  Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have SUNSHINE and some great weather...