"ELM" A Wonderful Children's Book

I had a delightful surprise in my mail today.  My cousin in Minnesota has a very creative son, who mailed me a copy of his new children's book.  Oh, I was so impressed.

The colors are astoundingly beautiful. Adorable characters: ELM the Tortoise, Darby and Dilly the Loons,
Slip and Slide the Otters, Mother Grouse, Oswald the Osprey, Father Eagle, and Baby Ash.

       A great story about a Tortoise

         Written and Illustrated by Simon Weber

      I love this illustration of the Loons

These are available for purchase through  Simon Weber  on Facebook, or I can help you with any questions.

I always love it when people pursue a dream AND follow through with the reality.  Simon's creativity, artistry, and imagination are so fun and uplifting.  CONGRATULATIONS SIMON, and I hear a 2nd one is in the process.

Thanks for stopping by, and remember you never out grow loving BOOKS, and enjoying what they bring to so many people.

The Kraft Journal Challenge 157

I  have made a few Valentines for family after I was so inspired by the Design Team over at
The Kraft Journal . And I just had to enter into their challenge "Here's My Heart"

I again used the Kraft card, added a background heart paper of various colors, a sparkly tulle, a doily heart, some pretty pink lace with little clusters of danity flowers.  I loved the little girl image, she reminds me of my little growing up too fast granddaughter, and a few little red hearts .I also tattered the edges and distressed them a bit.

The Kraft Journal  also has the Kraft Outlet that has a great variety of  Krafty needs.

Thanks for stopping by, keep warm and think thoughts of spring !

Challenge 157 - Here's My Heart !

I haven't entered any challenges lately, but a few caught my eye with the Valentine theme.  I had to create a few for family and the challenges sometimes motivate me in many ways.

The Kraft Journal  has one Challenge 157  "Here's My Heart"  now how sweet can that be.  Their Design Team had so many pretty inspiration pieces, I had to give it a go.

I used a Kraft card, added the crafty twine ribbon and a twine bow, the cute little monkey papers and created some various size hearts, with a tiny little clothes pin, and "SoulMate" verbage.  I'm thinking my grandson will think this is a "Happy Valentine"   as it states inside with a few $ bills attached.

So treat yourself to some fun, hop on over and see the fun inspiration and their product line.

Kraft Outlet is a leading online vendor for
Brown Kraft Labels, Kraft Paper, Cardstock
and so much more. Whether you are wanting
to make greeting cards, scrapbooking layouts,
business cards, hang tags, bag toppers,
product or address & shipping labels our
specialty papers & labels will help you achieve
the look you are after. We specialize in unique
products that will give an old time worn look.

Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely week, and stay warm. 

"TRUE LOVE" ATC's ARRIVED

My sweet postal gal delivered some special mail today.  My husband laughed, "You've been having SPECIAL mail for 2 weeks"... My reply, "Well it's winter, I don't have a place close to get my craft supplies, magazines etc, and it's frankly easier to order on line and get it delivered...and there's more to come!!" With the winter we've been having I hardly go out.

But the SPECIAL mail is from a wonderful host, Kimberly, who hosts some fun Swaps. Here are the ATC's I received for our "TRUE LOVE" exchange.

 I took individual photos but they did not turn out...will try with another camera when I get some new batteries. (Delivered!).  The ATC on the left is from Kimberly at ArtJoyStuff. She has a lovely blog too.It's almost as though she has daily posts on some very wonderful projects.  I just love it. Frozen Charlotte's are hard to come by and it will look so nice in my Pink area. Thank You Kimberly.

The Top Right is from Michele at Nook and Cranny and this is another fun blogspot. Her precious little ATC has the cutest little image topped with a stamped crown, a pretty crochet doily on the side, frilly pink bow, some red hearts and a key to his heart. Thank You Michele.

The Bottom Right is from Peggy at My Affairs with Art & Daily Life, Peggy has some great posts on her blog also.  Just love the red trim that adorns the outside and the 2 cute hearts in the background are just romantic "True Love" images.  They are hard to see but there are 7 tiny loopy flowers scattered about and a tiny gold metal heart.  Thank You Peggy.

 A Special Tag, Kimberly included (she's sweet that way) with fun to use embellishments. Kimberly always has the cutest Vintage Images & STUFF.....She has a really proper name for her blog ! Thanks for the extra fun Kimberly.

This little red envelope wrapped in red tinsel is from Michele, has the fun padded hearts, some sparkly hearts and 3 precious images all to use on future designs. Thanks to you Michele.

The ATC's I sent to be part of this swap can be seen on this post:    LittleTreasures 

Thanks for stopping by, I always enjoy your comments. Wishing you a wonderful, sunny, warm weekend. I'll be watching the 2 Iowa College basketball games today Big 10 and Big 12.  Mass for his mother tonight and hopefully supper with his sisters. (weather could be a factor). Then tomorrow the big game. I love football. I prefer to stay home and WATCH the SUPERBOWL, then be in crowds, visiting, eating, drinking and partying. !!!  Just one day I like to have some peace and quiet.  Guess it's my football tradition...

A LITTLE FUN FOR ANOTHER BLIZZARD DAY

Being the animal lover that I am, I loved this YouTube Video and the Cute Song






What better to do on another Blizzardy Day ?   Thanks for stopping by, may your day
be filled with Sunshine and Flowers.

"TRUE LOVE" ATC SWAP

Oh the lovely Kimberly at ArtJoyStuff organized another of her lovely swaps. This one was for Valentine's Day. And I can't wait until the mail lady delivers my grouping.  I am like a lttle kid in a candy store, when I receive my ATC's.  Have never been disappointed in any I've received.

I created my ATC's from this old photo album.REPURPOSING !~.the paper on top of the ATC was the inside cover, I removed the spring binding and ran a red organza ribbon through the holes on the left side.  Added a prim heart and layered up a flower.

 I noticed I must have took the photos before I added the little red banner on the heart saying True Love.

At least I did the photo's......I made two unusal birthday cards this week and in my hurry scurry way forgot to photograph them before I sent them off.

 Reverse side gives the ATC info "True Love" etc.

Thanks for stopping by.

#243 WOYWW

It's almost Wednesday, that means Ms Julia at STAMPING GROUND has the day set aside for anyone to share their workspace.  She's got the info on her blog and it's something fun and interesting.

My desk is all about hearts, click on the picture if you want a closer view:

 I've tidyed up a bit, have yet to make family Valentines, but got most others delivered to a fun little shop.
The 3 little decorated match boxes were an ebay purchase. I've tried and never won a bid on previous ones. But so happy I got the Valentine grouping this time.

This little table was moved to the left of my desk in my reorganizing.....and so handy to have my scor-pal, etc so close. The little green chest contains items for making the ATC'S  swaps (Artist Trading Cards) I enjoy participating in.  Will post them in a day or two. The theme "True Love"..

Weather update:  we should be above ZERO today..will seem like SPRING.   Sunday most roads were closed and No school on Monday.  Winds 50mph or more, snow, and -20  not considering wind chill. It's been an unusual winter.

Have fun visiting WOYWW this week, and thanks for stopping by.

UPLIFTING my SPIRIT

Somedays, it's music that gets me "UPLIFTED"     I enjoy Josh Groban





Hope your day has been good.  We will be above zero tomorrow and it will seem like spring. Maybe that will help too.

WOYWW #242

For me An EARLY morning Welcome.

Oh it's Wednesday already and Julia has many who participate in What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday
She has all the details here:  STAMPING GROUND

I spent the best part of 3 days once again redoing my crafty space. I moved the big table here to the opposite side of the room.  Topped it with the big old bench that took up too much space by our bar and tv. I thing it makes a nice added space for "STUFF"...of which was mostly on the floor or crammed someplace.

 And these 2 tables were moved over to where the big old heavy table was.  Mostly for lighting purposes and so I could better access the punches on this wall. My short legs and arms could never reach across the big table to use these with out standing on an insecure little stool.   Much better arrangement.

I also sorted items to make space for some lace and fabric and will donate it next trip to our thrift shop.

It's been a hectic week already, bad weather  (-Temps, wind, snow and blizzard conditions) I did venture out to deliver my cards to our little antique shop earlier today. A slow safe drive on some icy roads.
 Then started on some kids cards. It's been a while since I stamped and colored images. But I need more cards that are mailable. And thanks to Glenda for some tips on ink, that won't bleed while using Copics and ideas on paper stock. Any one have a recipe for patience?

Here's hoping things are well your way, and that our lost sunshine is visiting your area. Have a fun week and thanks for stopping by.

One Pair Of Hands By Elvis Presley (LOST SONG)

 I came across this beautiful song by Elvis. Sometimes we have to stop and realize how much we take for granted. It's a cold snowy day here and I am thankful for being inside my nice warm home.

Blessing to you and yours.

WOWW #241

Happy Day to You,   gosh didn't realize I haven't posted anything since last week.
But each Wednesday so many of us enjoy posting to Julia's blog the STAMPING GROUND so we can browse about each others desks and activities.  Hop on over, Julia has all the details.

 These are side by side, I usually work at the top one, but for this past week, it has been equal time at both.
I just don't know how I can create such a mess in such a short time. I should've taken a picture of the floor!!
Lots of stuff there too.

Trying to get Valentines done to take to a shop and also birthday cards on the bottom desk.  With our 50mph winds it is nice to be inside and downstairs for the peace and quiet. Temps are in the 20's and we have no snow so it's not so bad.  And I spent some time putting away most of Christmas and organizing the storage area.  My husband will be so happy !!

We have a funeral on Thursday, and Visitation tonight, for a man who has been my hubby's landlord on part of the farmland he has  farmed for many years.  He has been in a nursing home with different problems, but his death was not expected.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy WOYWW

WOYWW #240

Hello dear blogging friends,

Here it is Wednesday again, the day we share What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday. Julia at the STAMPING GROUND  has all the fun information if you are new to the energizing day.

My desk shows signs of Valentine creativity. Have an ATC swap to be mailed by the 18th so thought I better put it in 1st gear and get started.  Plus many cards, tags and little mailable gifts for the grandkids, for this day also.

Iowa is having a heat wave forcast for the rest of the week. Was 24 today and seemed like summer. We had one night of a MINUS 47 with the wind chill, schools were cancelled and most everything was closed on Monday.  We were very fortunate to have missed the snow, the 4 inches of fluffy, blew away with the horrible winds. So I think we are back to a normal winter.   Just way to long of time yet to pass on by.

Short and sweet, it's late Tuesday PM, as Wednesday is a full schedule of things to do via the car. Thanks for stopping by, enjoy WOYWW visits and enjoy some creative time.

WOYWW #239 and A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Welcome friends.   It's almost 2014 and I wonder just where did 2013 go?  Thanking Julia over at the
STAMPING GROUND for a Year of Wednesday FUN.  Making of new friends, sharing new ideas and feeling at ease with presenting a messy desk each Wednesday on WOYWW.  Stop over to Julia's she has all the details.

I started packing away Christmas crafting supplies and organizing it in a chest of drawers rather than totes. Then I survived the storage room ordeal and found some Valentine items. Hoping to get a head start on that this year.

For those of you who are not followers of my blog, I did a Youtube post on a wonderful video by Sissel signing "Auld Lang Syne"   the nature theme and the verbiage throughout the video are wonderful.
Hope you take a peek and enjoy it.

Thanks for stopping by, wishing you and yours
 "A HAPPY, HEALTHY, and HEART LOVING NEW YEAR"

Auld Lang Syne by Sissel (Live) Happy New Year

USHERING OUT 2013 and WELCOMING IN 2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014 TO YOU AND YOURS



This video has beautiful words, wonderful video, and some very awesome music ENJOY

FOOD for THOUGHT

Good Morning to YOU....as our year comes to an end, we all need a reminder once in a while. I saw this on Facebook and liked it.  

A must read....
Burned Biscuits - A lesson we all should learn.

When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!
All my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that ugly burned biscuit. He ate every bite of that thing...never made a face nor uttered a word about it!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said, "Honey, I love burned biscuits every now and then."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Mom put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides--a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!"
As I've grown older, I've thought about that many times. Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people.
I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today...that you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket--keep it in your own."
So, please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine.
And PLEASE pass this along to someone who has enriched your life--I just did!
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil--it has no point"

(Source unknown)

http://www.MidgetMomma.com

CHRISTMAS TIME with WOYWW #238

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU AND YOURS.

A large group of us on Wednesday get involved with sharing our workspace with others who follow Julia's WOYWW  Wednesday's post at the  STAMPING GROUND.  And for those of us die hards we're even doing it on Christmas Day.   (Really I'm scheduling it the night before).

The remains of a quick tag for my brother, who just called and is coming home for Christmas. Oh my mother will be so excited.  I did take time to organize all the Christmas items and find room for them in my creative space and actually brought out a few containers of my Valentine things.

But now it's off to our Children's Mass. Best Wishes to You and Yours this Holiday Season.

Our church's Nativity.

CHICKANIDDY CRAFTS A FUN NEW LINE OF DESIGNS

Welcome, I hope you are getting back to some normal part of life after the fun Christmas Holidays.

I always get excited to see new ideas in our world of Paper Crafting.  Stop over to CHICKANIDDY CRAFTS  to see the great blog posts of  Heidi's new line

 of  DATE NIGHT

and TWIRLY GIRLY

In both collections, she has awesome papers, stickers, embellishments and clear stamps.
Stop by and wish her well.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Thanks for stopping by,  and enjoy your day.

     WISHING A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS. 

    Jesus is the Reason for the Season

I came across this blog and just was overwhelmed by what was posted hope you enjoy

 http://wwwcastlescrownscottages.blogspot.com/    

Blessing to you and yours.

CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN ---- MISSING MY DAD

You think your strong, but memories, feelings, and missing ones you love always pop in your head and make you shed a tear.  Holidays this year will be a little tough without my dad being here.  I know he's in a better place. He lived a good life.  And I will always love him.  The song is sweet






Happy Holidays.

HOLIDAY FUN

Welcome !  Happy Sunday to You.

I came across a blog I have so much enjoyed.  Wanted to share her lovely post, with some beautiful photos.
http://wwwcastlescrownscottages.blogspot.com/

Not too many more days left until the special day.  Enjoy.

and too all my blogging friends enduring terrible destructive weather, a prayer is being said for your area.

IT'S WOYWW #237

Happy Wednesday to all of you.  So glad you stopped by. It's What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday over at Julia's STAMPING GROUND, snap a photo of your workspace, add it to her blog, and visit those who are participating.  She's all the details on her blog. It's fun and addictive.

My desk this week:  bits and pieces from the last of my homemade cards.

I took most of the cards I made to a Vintage Shop to sell, but I ran short doing my cards, so I had to make up a few more. Truthfully a few of these there would have been nice for her shop, kind of a theme for some men in our lives.

I've about wrapped up decorating, sending out cards, shopping, crocheting, wrapping gifts and locating recipes. I have two posts prior to this, showing Christmas trees  and  some Antique angels, so stop by if you are interested.

This past few days, I've been dealing with an achy breaky body. Taking HOT baths, using ice, heat and advil. Hoping it all is gone in time to have a Birthday date with my hubby tonight. Thursday pm we are invited to the Christmas dinner party at a near by casino and it is always a good time. They call it a FREE night, but really it never turns out that way.

Enjoy the WOYWW day, thanks for stopping by and have a fun weekend. I know lots of people who are having their family gatherings this weekend.