IT'S #170 at WOYWW

Hi everyone...so glad to be back in the swing of things and post to the 170th WOYWW.  Oh, Julia at the
STAMPING GROUND  has created a Monster...well over 100 creative, snoopy people love to participate in her adventure of visiting others Work Spaces.  Hop on over and she has all the details for you to become involved.

I have still been cleaning, donating and organizing my WHOLE house...at one point today you could not even get to my work area.I moved the 3 maple colored chest around the corner. Things I don't use too much stored in there.

 This little table is what I have left to do in the AM...this is an area close to my sewing machine and where I work on fabric and lace projects. I will have some photos later this week of some items I've finished for my "Crafty Affair" in a few weeks....Have a few snowmen where I used the springs as the base.

Oh and my area for Paper items....my ATC swaps, seasonal cards and fun projects with paper. Mostly Halloween today, and believe me..this was stacked 3 feet high earlier today...and unavailable for  the past 2 wks.

My garage is full of items to be painted a "Shabby White", but we have had high humidity so that is on hold.
My storage area is almost cleaned out!!!! Yippee...you see I have a "Secret Desire" unknown to my DH.
I want a simple bathroom in part of this area...so I had to make space...Have talked with our plumber and he's ready  anytime I can make the space... now to wine and dine my DH  to get the OKAY..

I got on this cleaning out kick the day we started to clean out my parents home.  WOW..it wasn't just them saving and stacking!!  I too had the same mess.  SO 2 hrs there a day and 3hrs or more at home sorting!!!
Feels good.  AND they are now loving the Assisted Living!!! so Life is Good.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week.  

RETURNING FOR WOYWW #168

Good Morning fellow WOYWW followers...have been away enjoying summer visits and I've missed you. Grandchildren here one week and had computer fallouts.. and I departed the next week and had no internet connections. Six of us classmates thru grade school enjoyed 3/4 days together, visiting, laughing and sharing some fun. Spent one day at the Iowa State Fair, only to be able to have a surprise visit from  President Obama.  And me and one of the friends were right up front for pictures and hand shakes.

WOYWW is a gathering of people around the world to share your workspace and creative juices. MS Julia
at the STAMPING GROUND has provide a spot for us to do just that. You can pop over to her blog and get the skinny on how to participate.

Some of this week I have been painting, our humidity is gone and the lovely days have finally allowed me to be outside.

 This Old Shabby Carpenters Bench, no doubt will be a step stool for me and a resting place for one of the cats.  They seem to find cozy places to sleep.

 This collection has been in the garage and DH is losing patience with "Stuff" all over..The old door panels need to be sanded and will no doubt be the Shabby white if the weather holds out, The little bird cage and other step stool will hopefully be painted today.  The frame and chicken wire will be a posting board if my wrist will work...another thing on the agenda to take care of.

The top of the garage bar...a finished old sewing box with missing parts, a drawer for a piece on the floor and a few tomatoes my DH brought in for our BLT's today.

I've got a lot of my "Crafty Affair" things grouped together but not yet priced and have lots more ideas to put together. But time is an issue.

Hoping you all have a wonderful week, enjoy the WOYWW visits and thanks so much for stopping by.

What Fun

Hi everyone...So glad to be back, I was on a little blogging break...had grandchildren visiting one week, and this week shared time with 5 classmates for 3 days in Des Moines, reminiscing, sleeping late, eating light, lounging around, laughing and sharing so many great things. Thanks to Jolene for a wonderful stay in her lovely Shabby Chic home with a back yard next to a walking trail, wonderful  trees, a creek, several deer and a great variety of unusual birds.
Why would be want to leave? Shopping no way..we loved it there. But we did attend the Iowa State Fair on a cool lovely day only to be surprised by a visit from President Obama!!!! And we were right up close and center!!! Trying to get pictures I took transferred to my computer. Wishing I had more of the wonderful Greek food. And so thankful all of us have remained friends since grade school.

Tonight I have been catching up on my blogging fun.  I came across a very fun post at  Kandee Willow.  She has a giveaway of an adorable homemade tote she has created. Isn't is just Shabby fun?

Plus she is including

  one ticket for the Early Bird entrance, on September 13th to the Junk Bonanza
in Shakoppe, Mn.  Make sure you stop over, peep about her unique blog and have a chance at winning.

I have made reservations for 3 of us to attend this event as part of another few days of rest and relaxation.
Can't wait.

Thanks for stopping by, hoping to get back in the swing of things and add a few more fun adventures. Have a wonderful weekend.

ATC Exchange "AT THE BEACH"

The ATC group for the month of July, created "AT THE BEACH"  ATC cards. Thanks so much to Kimberly for being the hostess for this. She has a great blog spot  ArtJOYStuff with lots of her different creations and wonderful inspiration. Thanks Kimberly for the fun and the extra little "goodie packet"..

                                                 These are the 4 that I created and sent on.

 This one is from Amy Yengling...Thank You Amy,  great image and darling layout with the lace and seashell couldn't find an email to send off a BIG THANK YOU

 This one is from Karla Jackson...Thank You Karla,  adorable picture of the little girls enjoying the beach. fun glitz and glitter     couldn't find a blog or email to send off a BIG THANK YOU also

This one is from Amy Bauer....looks so relaxing, with the great Vintage images, fun shells and pretty pearl/lace design...email sent for a BIG THANK YOU.

Taking a break with this ATC exchange for August...at first I was oh heck..but now the month is 1/2 gone and I'm way behind...getting ready for a "Crafty Affair" end of Sept so have been super busy, with a huge variety of projects.

I also had the 3 grandchildren here this past week for some added fun and excitement

Bottom up Cael 9yrs, Camryn 7yrs, Cash 4yrs...they love spending time outside with grandpa, who really has them interested in many things. Four wheeler, feeding cow, looking for new kittens in the barn, helping in the garden, and getting rides on the farm tractors and this big combine. Going to our small town, to see how corn is unloaded at the elevator, ice cream at the local pub, candy from any other stop they make and riding in the little red truck!!! another story on that someday.  Priceless memories.
We went to Mr. Popper's Penquins, had huge cartons of popcorn, the park, McDonalds, great grandma's huge "Princess Castle" (their 3 story Victorian home).
Questions raised by Cash....why are your waffles square and not round like ours?  


Have to get some lunch    have a great weekend   I've yet to make 2 angelfood cakes for my mother's birthday party at the Assisted Living today.  So wish me luck..

It's #165 at WOYWW

Welcome, it's Wednesday already and time for Ms. Julia's What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday at the STAMPING GROUND. A fun adventure for meeting new people, their blogs and peeping about their workspace.

There are bits and pieces of Halloween and Christmas.

 I have enjoyed this week, being able to create and spend time at home. More hurried than I like but the "Crafty Affair" date has been set for end of Sept. instead of Oct. so have to keep on a schedule and
"GET ER DONE"....
I have way to many ideas, then this old mind and body can actually accomplish. Then the next thing is when I do get each project done to tag them with a price and pack away. My 2 big questions are: how to price each item,  and WHERE oh WHERE do I store all this extra stuff.?

These little Victorian designs are from Chenille stems, and some little cut out faces.  I've the gluing yet to do.

 Keeping  it short and simple today, I'm off to visit the 1st of the month billing office for my parents new living  arrangements. Hoping it will be a fun adventure.
Thanks for stopping by, have fun visiting WOYWW and have a great week.

WOYWW #164

Where oh Where does the time go?  It's a great day to enjoy being inside here in the US as it has been in the 100's with high humidity.  Stop over to Julia's blog the STAMPING GROUND to get all the details.
Each on wanting to peep about others workspaces joins in and has some fun inspiration,and  makes a few new friends

Quite clean for all that I have been doing.  An assortment of glue, as have been working with metal, wood and fabric. Projects for our October "crafty affair"...Themes of Halloween and Christimas. I have set up another table for painting, drilling and sanding. Will share with you when closer to our sell dates. Really no completed projects just yet.

Hope to make LOTS of visits this week, things have settled down a bit  and have been enjoying the quiet, and working with garden produce.  In fact my DH is getting sweet corn ready for the freezer. He loves to make a mess.  Lots of things have withered away with the NO RAIN thing, we pray each day that our field crops survive and within the week it will be lost if the rain doesn't come today as they are predicting.

Have a wonderful week, thanks for stopping by.

Hilight of my day....my son JUST CALLED me from Germany...they are slowly getting settled, their possessions won't arrive til Aut 17th  so living in provided housing, but found a permanent home.

Two Winning Draws and a BIG Thank You

With the hectic schedule I've had since June this is the first time I've had to photo and post a BIG THANK YOU to two great bloggers.  They had a give a way and I won. I just love both of these items and have had many compliments on them.

This adorable little pillow was created by Michelle at Something Special, her blog at the moment is featuring her studio for Where Bloggers Create 2012.  Oh what a fun studio she is displaying.  So stop over, you won't regret the time you spend visiting.

This adorable tag, is full of inspiration and fun vintage textures. Created by Barbara Jean at
Treasures from the Heart. Just the perfect thing to give me some positive vibes the past few months.
Barbara has a fun blog, with so many wonderful Vintage treasure finds and lots of tutorials. It will be another stop to add some joy to your day.

Thanks so much Ladies...I love to visit your creative blogs and your designs have found a special place in our home.
Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your week.

WOYWW #163 Better Late Than Never

Running behind but didn't want to miss this week of WOYWW.  Julia at the Stamping Ground  has a weekly posting that so many creative bloggers follow...Stop over and get all the fun details.
My desk this week:

Some wonderful time with my hubby at an annual Barn Sale a few miles from here, held by an older couple who are slowly giving up some of their treasures.  A coin changer, xmas ornaments, old photos, linens, clothespins game board, comic and story books.
He needed a break also his 95 yr old dad is in the hospital with pneumonia and I lost a classmate to cancer and on a good note we  had visitors from Wisconsin.
I've been creating but can't show my little ATC's til next month..they'll be shipped off Friday and will share after they are presented to the participants.
Left at 7 AM to take mother for laser eye surgery and it turned out 100% effective. They are adjusting somewhat to the beautiful apt at the new Assisted Living.  Lovely new surroundings, 16 other people to enjoy activities, meals and entertainment with.
Thank you all for the kind words and wonderful support. It has been a LONG, HARD 60 days for my sisters and I.  But  I thank our Lord above for having 2 wonderful sisters, as we have shared this all the way.

Have a wonderful week, enjoy WOYWW and I hope to stop by late this pm or throughout the week

WOYWW #162

It's 4AM here and I've decided to stay up from a restless night and take a nap later. Why fight it?
Today over at Ms Julia's  STAMPING GROUND  a group of creative people have been enjoying a day together peeping about each others work spaces. She has all the details if you are new to this and let me warn you it is ADDITIVE!!!

                                         
I've moved my laptop to the left of my main workspace and removed all the Paint supplies to a new location.
I am not as quick on the laptop as my desktop but I love having it in my work area for reference and quick research. I've some CD's I've not used to much for creating  that I want to use and a NEW printer I yet need to set up, hopefully today  I also hope to get some PHOTOSHOP inspiration along the way.. I should be having LOTS of time to enjoy from here on out.

My dad should be arriving HOME from the nursing home stay, later today. He has refused Assisted Living arrangements for him and mom. It seems the pain patch has worked wonders and he will have some enjoyment doing lots of new things for himself. A long 36 days for my 2 sisters and I , but mother had a nice vacation to recuperate and now they can get back to their routine of living.

Have a wonderful week, thanks for stopping by. Again thanks to all of you for the support and wonderful comments. I hope to visit most all of you this week.

Plain and Simple for this WOYWW #161

It's #161 WOYWW over at Julia's blog the STAMPING GROUND, the day we share our creative spaces with people who enjoy peeping about other creative designers workspaces.

In between helping out my parents I find my most relaxing refuge at my desk or computer these days.
In the fall a few of us are planning hosting a day to sell our wares. Above are a few decorations in process either for Halloween or Christmas.

Today July 4th we in the United States have a holiday..The Birthday of America..every town will have a variety of celebrations. Parades, Softball, Volleyball competitions, Games for kids, Games for Adults(Bingo etc), Tractor Rides,  Flea Markets, Horseshoe tournaments,  People competing in distant running (early morning as our temps are humid and high 90's) Music, Food and Drink tents and ending in Fireworks. Many take this week for their vacations and head back home to Celebrate with families.  My sisters 2 kids and families are here from Virginia just arrived home from 2 years in Okinawa,  and California. Excited!!!

Thanks for stopping by, thanks for the many well wishes and truly enjoy your day no matter where you are.

Vintage Kids

I noticed at Sugar Creek Hollow there is a challenge #18 Vintage Kids.  I need some crafty time and thought this might get me motivated.

Mostly made from scraps I used the frame I saved from a diecut, some vintage lace, seam binding for the little bows. Distressed ink, the sentiment is a chipboard piece and the little image of the children walking the plank over the water has been in my "to use" file.

Brought back some childhood memories of things kids do to be daring and having some outside fun together.
Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful week ahead.

When it Rains, It Pours

Just a little break, I am trying to refrain from an all out breakdown!!!!  My son Josh and wife Julianna are building a new home.  Like she stated   "AM the roof is on  PM the roof is off"

A storm came through Cedar Rapids last night and this is part of the result. Their new home...
But they have a great attitude...no one was hurt and it is fixable. The home they sold and are still living in was not hit...just lots of trees in the area down.

I just took it pretty hard, as the stress I have with medical issues with Mom & Dad have been hard. And I guess it just took this to get me back to normal...A good cry always makes things better.
Monday will be a busy day...lots of decisions to be made and that will help some of the burden we are dealing with.

Thanks for stopping by,  Have a wonderful weekend...Taking a break from hospital visits today and with the humidity out...it will be Crafting time I hope.  

WOYWW #160

It's #160 at Julia's What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday...at the STAMPING GROUND,  New to this well hop on over, Julia  gives good details and over 100 people participate in visiting fun and creative work spaces.  It is ADDICTIVE

 Above is a newly created lace/trim area in my sewing area next to the entrance of my creative workdesk.
Little jars have buttons sorted by color, a few small bottles, I hope to decorate

My workdesk this week.  I was able to spend Monday evening working on these little houses. 1st step is gluing together, they were from a Melissa Frances kit.  Hoping to sparkle them up soon. Our forecast is for 4/5 days of high temps into the 90/100 range so it won't be this week.  I'm staying where it is cool!!!

Thanks so much to all of you who have been so kind to leave such comforting comments. I truly hope to visit each one this week even if it takes until next Tuesday...Dad was taken to ER again Tuesday AM and is spending 1 or 2 days there dealing with this compression fracture and dehydration.

Have a wonderful week, Happy WOYWW to all of you  if you've extra time I've a post 2 previous on a cute Western boot.

A 65th Anniversary...

My brother in laws parents are celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary.

I used a border punch for the one edge, an embossing folder, a paper lace doily, the #'s 65, on the reverse I added sentiments and a heart.   It's a Legacy alright...my mom and dad were married 67 yrs June 20th and I forgot a card, mom was in the hospital and Dad got her some pretty fresh flowers and was hoping she'd make it home that night.  She did so I guess they were both happy to be together once again.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week. Enjoying some time to rearrange and create.

HITCHED & CELEBRATING

Our young neighbors, were married sometime ago and are now hosting their reception.  We received an adorable invite with their picture enjoying their favorite pastime, spending time with their horses.  So the Celebration is a good ol' fashion, knee-slappin, boot stompin, good time, at the fairgrounds. "Drinks, Food, a DJ, Stagecoach rides, and Casual Attire.  I can hardly wait.

I made them a card fancied after a Western theme.  A small card in the shape of a boot, embossed with 2 embossing folders. Best Wishes inside.  The envelope I made, added 2 die cut hearts with
"Congratulations     Jason & Ivy         so I added some green Ivy and a Metal Boot with a twine bow and a Metal Heart.

Hoping you have had a wonderful weekend...It's Monday and the party's over!!! Stagecoach rides, awesome food and weather. It was a wonderful night to spend with lots of friends and forget the past week.

Thanks for stopping by, working on a 65th Anniversary card, and an Aunt's 100th Birthday card, plus it is a beautiful day outside, so going for a bike ride.  Enjoy and have a wonderful week ahead.

It's #159 at WOYWW

Oh it's here so fast once again  the  STAMPING GROUND  What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday?
Stop over to Julia's fun spot and get the skinny on all of us peeping crafters.

Hectic week so not a lot of creating, some rearranging between hospital trips,

 This is left of my desk took the wooden shelf from my main desk area (it was filled with wooden rubber stamps) and added my Martha Stewart punches to this table..I boxed up the stamps hoping to find a new solution for them, I really don't use them as much as I should.

This is my main desk, and where the wooden shelf sat I added my laptop and a new printer.  My batteries went dead so will have to show the next phase next week.

About this time my son and family are in flight 7hrs to make their new home in Germany for 3 years. We had a wonderful weekend and ended with a picnic in the park on Sunday our Father's Day.
My dad ended up in the ER room at 3 am and today I spent with Mother in ER. both with compression fractures.  In the morning we will attend the funeral of our friend who struggled with cancer and also a homecare gal will start helping my father in law so we can avoid the nursing home scene.
 And hopefully things will return to normal

I am exhausted, but have a great photo of  Summer Rose  (9 mos) with her mother Helen

 Sky Lynn (2yrs)with her dad ready to leave for their big trip

Thanks to all of you for your good wishes last week and thanks for stopping by this week. I really enjoy all your comments, and I will try to get in a lot more visits this week.