Graphic 45 French Country Cards

Hello!  This Tuesday I am sharing with you some cards I made from the Graphic 45 French Country paper line.  I just can't seem to get enough of this beautifully, printed paper!

I used two sheets of the same sheet of cut a parts - one for the front of the cards and the other for the insides.  I had so much fun mixing and matching, finding different ways to embellish, deciding upon which of the other papers in the line to use for the backgrounds and edgings...to put it mildly, I had a creative good time making these cards!  (I may have to go back and make some more!)

I hope you enjoy looking at them half as much as I enjoyed creating them.  Graphic 45 is a wonderful paper line that makes it easy and fun to create cards and so many other beautiful items.  Brace yourself, they have three new lines coming out shortly, and I am hoping to be able to share some creations made with those lines as well.

Thanks for checking in - I appreciate your company!

Have a great week and create something that makes you happy!

Fondly,

Sharon

Canvas Project Finished

Hi Friends -  You may remember the poem I posted for a canvas project I began working on. click here.

Well, I got around to finishing it and wanted to share the end product with you!  I took a few more pictures than I usually do, just to show you more of the details on this one.  I brought the stick back with me from Washington DC (yes, really) and that was the finishing touch!

First I Mod Podged a sheet of the 12x12 paper to a canvas.  Then I fussy cut out of  a second sheet the three bird houses, the roses in the corner, and the hexagon shapes on the paper.  I pop-dotted them onto the sheet on the canvas and added some pearl accents and some Prima flowers.  I then printed off the poem on velum and adhered it to the sheet.  I used Tim Holtz's bird cage die and bird, hung some crystals from the bird house, and glued my stick down. 

I die cut the birds out of an old hymnal book and colored them with a Tim Holtz broken china colored ink pad.  A small black pearl gives the bird an eye.

I had a lot of fun making this canvas, and because it is for me, I didn't stress like I usually do when giving it for a gift.  I really love this poem and am glad I will have this for myself.

I am pretty happy with it - and am glad it is finally completed.  Hope you feel it was worth the wait.  (I'm sure many of you forgot about it...come on...you can be honest!)

Thanks for letting me share my canvas and taking an interest in my creations - it really means a lot to me. 

I hope you had a great 4th of July and celebrated in a way that made you happy :)

Until next Tuesday -

Fondly,

Sharon



 

Stitching Through Hoops

Happy Tuesday!

Had an urge to do a craft that I haven't done in quite some time - embroidery!  I got the idea from someone I am following on Instagram a while ago and decided to tweak what they did and come up with my own version.

Embroidery was one of the first crafts my mom ever taught me.  I remember embroidering on pillowcases and having so much fun picking out the different color floss.  Of course, the first ones I did were not very good, but they helped me learn the basic skills and I could always tear out the stitches and start over.

For this project I found a great remnant at the fabric store that is a wide, uneven weave.  I purchased a wooden hoop and glued the fabric to both sides - one at a time - after pulling the fabric taut and letting it dry.  I then trimmed the excess fabric off close to the hoop.  I purchased some brightly colored buttons and after placing them how I wanted, I put a tiny piece of scrapbook double sided adhesive underneath them, to help hold them in place.  I attached them with natural jute twine and then made strings coming from them so that they would look like the balloons that I meant them to.

After that was done, I thought of a message I wanted to say.  I used a very fine sharpie and lightly wrote on the fabric.  Taking a complimenting DMC floss, in my case, pink, I separated it into three strands (it comes in six).  I stitched and followed my letters as best as I could and tried not to be too particular about it.  This project was supposed to be about having fun - not about perfection.

The finishing touch was to take a whole piece of pink floss and tie a bow around the balloon strings.

For a quick, easy project, I think it turned out pretty well.  My daughter is quite fond of it so I am giving it to her.  It makes me happy that she likes it so much - and I hope she takes the messages to heart.  I think they are words we could all use to remember.

Let your dreams take flight and let your heart soar!

Fondly,

Sharon

Graphic 45 French Country Canvas

Happy Tuesday!

Recently,  my mom redid her kitchen...yeah, I disliked not being able to help her with all the 'fun' stuff.  I love painting, re-doing things, picking out new decor items, but with her in Wisconsin and me in California, it just didn't work out.  So, I did what I could and I made her some things!

Here is a canvas from the Graphic 45 French Country paper line, which I absolutely adore! (I think she will, too)  It has some of her colors in it and she has some big, tall walls to fill. 

I really love 'fussy cutting' - I think one's first taste of this time consuming, OCD task comes from your childhood, if you were a paper doll fan.  Let's face it - who ever thought those up was really looking to keep a kid busy and quiet for quite some time...and get them well on their way to perfectionism at a young age.  (Not that I've thought about it...)   (I did love cutting those paper dolls and each book/set had it's own shoebox.  Yep, problems.  But I did learn to 'fussy cut!!)

I love layering the paper pieces, distressing them, edging the canvas with matching trim, etc.  I brought out some of the colors with Spica pens, which I love using for a little extra pop of color.  Some are layered twice and some three times.

 Excited to get this out to my mom and see if she likes it as much as I hope she does.

Thanks for letting me share my creation with you - thanks so much, Friends!

Fondly,

Sharon

Tuesday Tid Bits

Hi Everyone!

Sadly, I do not have anything to report from the creative front.  I feel like I am currently stuck amongst a sea of unfinished projects...and not just craft ones.  Between appointments and making lists to make sure none of the end of the school year events get missed, I feel pretty fragmented.

Beth comes home this Friday for a couple of weeks before leaving for Washington DC for her internship position for the summer.  We will have clothes shopping and lots of other errands to get her ready - how exciting for her!

I do have some movie review information for you.  I know the critics have been pretty hard on The Great Gatsby, and even though I loved the book and couldn't wait for the movie, I was hesitant to go see it.  Well, last week I couldn't wait any longer and I went - and I loved it! If you haven't seen it I highly recommend it. It was very well done, they did a great job explaining it, the actors were amazing, I just can't say enough positive things about it. Yes, it is a sad, heartbreaking story - but it is timeless. The twins just finished reading it in school and I am so hoping they want to go see it because I would love to go again!


Speaking of the twins - they had their junior prom this past weekend.  Eric and Ellen both went and they had a great time.  Pardon the proud mom moment - here are pictures of them dressed up and ready to go! (Thank you for letting me share them with you!)







You know, I was thinking, and even when one isn't actually creating and might be struggling to get through the day sometimes, you often find yourself drawing on inspiration - be it quotes, readings, or past experiences that you might have learned from.  Sometimes people provide you with the inspiration you need to pick yourself up and keep going.  Maybe it's the flowers you pass while driving out of your subdivision - you never know where or when you are going to find something or someone who makes that bright spot in your    day, or life, that keeps you going.

I wish you a week filled with inspiration of only the very best.

Fondly.

Sharon

Tuesday Update

Hello Friends!

I wanted to check in with you, although I do not have a specific project to show you or to post on, and just let you know what I have been up to.  I have been keeping busy - the kind of busy that I don't really have anything to show for yet - but things will be coming together soon.

As you read yesterday, my/our good friend Mandy graduated from college this past weekend, and I have a couple of gifts almost finished for her. I am so proud of her!  What an accomplishment and what an inspiration! Yay, Mandy!  I should know myself by now - projects in my head take way longer for my hands to complete!  I will be sure to post pictures after I give them to her.

The other event that I have been spending time on is the end of the year banquet for the high school's robotic's team.  They usually have pizza in a room at the school, but this year we decided to do it up right and have it at the country club.  The students are so excited! They have to dress up - girls in dresses or nice pants and tops and the guys in a shirt and tie.  I worked out the room, set up, helped with the awards and other little items with the teacher and after meeting with her today at lunch, will be typing up the program.  I want to make it look nice - put some of the team's color ribbon through the top - and put one at each place setting.  Again - no photo to post at this time - but will share later.
We all will be attending as Eric was the VP this past year, Ellen was in charge of marketing, and Bruce helps as a mentor for the electrical/building of the robot and I am mentor for marketing. 

I do apologize for the wordy, boring post, but I did want to let you know that even though one gets busy with life crafting always seems to be a part of it, thank goodness.  It adds the little touches to events and helps makes those special gifts you can't find in the stores that express how you feel.

I hope my life always includes crafting and some good friends - two of my most favorite things.

Hope your week is happy.

Prayers to Oklahoma.

Fondly,

Sharon

A Hand Made Mother's Day

This Mother's Day my twins surprised me with my favorite things - hand made cards!

They asked my husband to take them to Michael's and they picked out their paper, letters, ribbon and flowers and spent some time working together at the kitchen table creating.  I left the house when they left for the store - but I so would have loved to have seen then working at the table and listening to their conversation.  They are 17 years old and are truly the best of friends.  It warms my heart to see the bond between them and hope they remain as close as they are forever.

When Mother's Day arrived I could tell they were anxious to give me their cards.  I was so deeply touched that they took the time to make the cards by hand! Their cards were beautiful and what they had written inside was even more special.

Here is Ellen's card:

This is the card Eric made:

I hope they know how much their cards meant to me and that I will keep and treasure them forever.  When I look at them and re-read the thoughtful words inside I will imagine them working at the kitchen table, together, and remember how blessed I was to have been given the gift of  having three wonderful people call me 'mom'.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Fondly,

Sharon

My Girls

I am so excited I get to see two of my girls (Sharon & Allison) who I have not seen in ahwhile...PLUS I get to work with Mandy!!!! It should be a fabulous day. :)

Here's to all my girls

We will be missing you Ashley


Til next week....

xoxo
Danni

Inspiration Comes Close To Home

I love reading blogs, websites and magazines for inspiration.  I enjoy reading other people's stories on their creative process and looking at their beautiful works of art and all the details and different supplies they used.  I also find it inspiring to hear how others have over come obstacles in their lives and have used that experience to go on to do things they never dreamed of.  Those stories and individuals touch my heart and I always end up feeling so happy and so proud of them for having such inner strength.

I happen to know someone who has such a story that brings me inspiration.  That person is my daughter, Beth.

I will briefly give details of the back story.  In middle school Beth excelled in math and science and saw herself going to college for engineering.  She missed a large amount of school her last year due to an extended illness that was never diagnosed and had a hard time keeping on track with her studies. On to high school.  At this point she was struggling with the math and science but was excelling in her back up favorites, history and English.  She became sick again in the spring of her junior year and ended up in and out of the hospital numerous times.  She had two major surgeries and developed a virus that affected her immune system.  She did not return to school that year.  She started school her senior year but did end up missing some of that year also.  Needless to say, her grades were not where she wanted them, she was unable to take as many SAT or ACT tests as she would have liked, and the list goes on.  She applied to numerous colleges and did have some to chose from.  She did not get in to her top choice, but with the help of a very understanding admissions advisor who called and spoke to me often, she got accepted into Oregon and was happy with that.  She must have known someone who had a similar situation, maybe herself?, but she got Beth off the wait list and accepted.  Funny thing, we were supposed to meet her when we went to orientation, but she had left to go to grad school. She never mentioned that.  That still makes me wonder....guardian angel?

During the summer Beth volunteered for someone who was running for congress in our district.  She really enjoyed it.  She hated to leave when it was time to go back to school and was happy when he won the seat.

Beth was happy at Oregon but knew that the University of Washington in Seattle had a better political science, philosophy and history department. Knowing that it isn't an easy school to get into she gave it her all and waited.  It was a great day when she heard that she had been accepted!  They also have a great pre-law program which is something she is very interested in.

She has almost completed her junior year.  The past two summers she has come home and worked.
Not this year. See, this girl had a plan.  When she was interning last summer she really hoped the person she was working for would win.  Why?  So she could possibly go to Washington DC and intern for him there.  She made good friends in the office where they were working and they remember her and how hard she worked.  Guess what, she got a call and she is going to Washington DC to intern for the summer!  Now that is what I call inspiring! Every time I think about it I get chills! I could not be any prouder of this kid! Talk about wanting something and planning and making it work so you get it!  I am so impressed! (Don't get me wrong, she's a normal, drive me crazy, yes we fight, clean up your room, don't use that tone on me, normal, young adult.  But when they do something like this you kinda gotta let yourself go crazy for a while, so thanks for bearing with me!).

So, yes, I am basking in the inspiration my daughter has brought into my life.  I am excited for the adventure that lies ahead of her.  She will be doing administrative/office duties, attending briefings and meetings and giving tours of the Capital. She is going to get a job working around her rotations - Ford Theatre would be her first choice. What an experience!  I am so happy and so proud of  her!  I am hoping we can go visit while she is there and see all there!

Thank you, Beth, for all the inspiration you bring to my life!

Fondly,

Sharon/Mom

We Take A Short Break From The Canvas Project...

As I continued working on my canvas project, changing my mind numerous times on how to build up the canvas, searching for needed supplies to complete the decided upon plan and selecting a font for the poem to be printed in, an occasion arose where I needed a card. Now, I have boxes of cards that I could have gone through and selected an appropriate one, but that would just not do.  This person falls in the category of special that a card should be created for her specifically in mind.  And to be honest, I was more than happy to take a short break from the canvas and create a card that I knew would be fancier and more meaningful than the ones I had already made up.

I am so in love with The French Country line from Graphic 45.  I love the colors and the sheets that have the smaller rectangles that you can cut and use for card fronts.  I used paper from this line for the background of the card, the checked strip at the bottom of the card that I edge punched, and I cut out the square that has the girl in the garden.  Isn't that image beautiful?!  I used Spica pens on the red flowers, the white flowers, the gold bushes and the writing, postmark and swirls at the top of the image.  I love using those pens - they add so much.  I mounted the photo on a piece of bundled sage colored Core'dinations Distress cardstock, which I embossed with a Stampin' Up folder, and lightly sanded.

Before I adhered everything in its place I ironed some Maya Road pleated satin trim and placed it under the checkered piece so it would show through the edge cut.

It seems like more and more people carry their card decorating over onto the inside of the card.  I don't always, and when I do, it tends to be just a little something.  In this inside I placed vertically another piece of checkered edged paper, a square and a postage stamp from the paper line.  I then chose a SRM sticker from their Happy Birthday sticker sheet for the final touch - and my card is ready to be sent.

I love making cards - it is such a small way to let someone know you are thinking of them and hopefully bring a smile to their face and some warmth to their heart.

Now, back to the canvas project.....

Fondly,

Sharon

A Poem From A Forthcoming Project

Happy Tuesday!  So, I have found a bit of my creativity.  It has decided to make its reappearance in very limited doses, but I am not complaining.  It is coming back in a very interesting way.

I was walking around my favorite, local scrapbooking store and came across a sheet of paper I had always liked and never bought.  The paper made me think of some wood embellishments I had that would go perfectly.  My mind then went to a favorite poem, that when posted on the paper, and the paper mounted on a canvas, would make for a project that I could keep for myself and love.

So today I am going to share with you that poem, as it might not be readable when the project is completed.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
By Maya Angelou

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his winds are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
bur longed for still
and is tune is heard
on the distant hillfor the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a cages bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.


I know that poems are interpreted differently by each person, and I know parts of this sound quite dark.  I am hoping you see and feel the hope I feel when I read this and how sometimes it takes things being not quite perfect in life to help one realize their gifts and talents. (that uplifting thought brought to you courtesy of my wonderful therapist whom I spent one and one half hours with this morning....)

I'll keep working on the canvas and share next Tuesday.

Fondly,

Sharon

You Can't Force Creativity

It is Tuesday and that means it is my day to share some creativeness with you.  Don't get me wrong, I love being part of this blog - it is truly one of the highlights of my life, I just don't have any thing I created to share with you.

Maybe you can relate.  When things aren't going right, people are bringing you down, tension and/or stress are high, creativity seems to take a hike.  All those things just do not breed creativity, and no matter what you do, you just cannot force it.  The creative mind does not work that way. (at least mine doesn't.)

So, I am sharing with you my lesson that sometimes you just need to sit back and wait.  Wait for things to get to the point where creativity creeps back in.  Although things might not be all the way better, creativity can help deal with life's problems and give your mind an escape from the stress - if even for a little while.  And that will make you feel alive and well once again.

Until Next Tuesday -

Fondly,

Sharon

Viewing A Creative Masterpiece

When Les Miserables came out in the theater, I wanted to see it so badly, I went to see it during the day while the kids were in school.

I had never seen the play, but I had heard how wonderful a story it was.  I was so anxious to see it and watching it I completely got lost in the story and the amazing sets and scenery, not to mention the beautiful, heartfelt music and words. I enjoyed all the actors and thought their singing was amazing. (yes, even Russell Crowe.)

When it was released on DVD I made sure to purchase it, as I was excited to watch it with my kids and hear what they thought and felt.  I think it is important to expose your kids to art and creative venues outside what they would choose to view for themselves.  We have watched musicals before, but none similar to the story and events that take place in Les Miserables.

Both my son and daughter really enjoyed the movie.  My son really liked it and was glued to the movie the entire time it was on.  I was so happy he appreciated the film and we talked about it for quite a while after it was done.  Having the opportunity to share this with him meant alot to me and I feel he came away from it appreciating the film on many levels.

My daughter was home from school sick yesterday and she asked if we could watch it together.  She, too, enjoyed it very much.  We had a much different conversation afterwards regarding the story and the characters involved.  She fell in love with the music and downloaded my CD as soon as the movie was done.
It was clear the movie had an impact on her as she kept coming up with questions and expressing her thoughts on events that took place.  She thanked me for letting us watch it together, and I told her the pleasure was all mine.

After my son came home from school I was surprised to hear them talking about the movie and sharing their thoughts and how they felt during different scenes in the film.  It made me feel so good that they, too, liked the movie and appreciated the talent of the actors who played the parts and sang the story.  I am even more glad that we were able to share this amazing movie together and be able to talk about it and gain different view points from each other.

I do believe that in order to be creative you need to be able to appreciate creativity in many different forms.  They might not be your favorite, but opening yourself up to what it took to make it, what the person was thinking, and just admiring the effort and talent that it took to create helps to make us well-rounded and more aware of the beauty that surrounds us each and every day.

The next time you are needing a break from creating, sit back and enjoy the creativity of others.  Think about it afterwards, talk about it with others, take time to really appreciate all the effort and talent that was involved.  It will touch your soul, open your heart, and make you happy that we live in a time where we are free to express our creative selves in so many ways.

Until next Tuesday -

Fondly,

Sharon    

List For Creativeness

Happy Tuesday!

Through out my life I have loved lists - I love reading them and my life runs smoother when I make them.  I have purchased books of lists made for many situations and reading them I always end up learning something new.  Lists can be made for fun, to help one remember special times that happened, or to keep one on track and help their productivity. (with these lists I find crossing off an item when it is completed makes me feel good!) Then there are lists that I keep and read for when I need inspiration and guidance.

I first came across this list on Facebook and I immediately printed it off.  '33 Ways To Stay Creative', now I want to keep this list!  I have no idea who wrote it or when, but I love the variety of activities it contains. 

33 Ways To Stay Creative

1. Make Lists
2. Carry A Notebook Everywhere
3. Try Free Writing
4. Get Away From The Computer
5. Be Otherworldly
6. Quit Beating Yourself Up
7. Take Breaks
8. Sing In The Shower
9. Drink Coffee/Tea
10. Know Your Roots
11. Listen To New Music
12. Be Open
13. Surround Yourself With Creative People
14. Get Feedback
15. Collaborate
16. Don't Give Up
17. Practice, Practice, Practice
18. Allow Yourself To Make Mistakes
19. Go Somewhere New
20. Watch Foreign Films
21. Counts Your Blessings
22. Get Lots Of Rest
23. Take Risks
24. Break The Rules
25. Do More Of What Makes You Happy
26. Don't Force It
27. Read A Page Of The Dictionary
28. Create A Framework
29. Stop Trying To Be Someone Else's Perfect
30. Got An Idea? Write It Down
31. Clean Your Workspace
32. Have Fun
33. Finish Something

Pretty neat list, huh? 

I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did, and that there is something new on there for you to try to help you stay creative.

Until Next Tuesday -

Fondly,
Sharon

A Whole Lotta Drama!

Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending a Drama Competition with the high school students!

My son, Eric, has been working with the drama department since he began high school.  The first two years he worked in the booth on the lighting.  This year he decided to take the drama class to help him become more outgoing and to add something different to his academic load.  He has enjoyed the class and for the spring musical he was the stage manager! It was a great experience for him and I am so proud of him for getting involved with the art of theater. (I wanted to give some background as to how I became to be involved with this amazing group.)

We met at the school early Friday morning - the two teachers (who are sisters), their mom, three mom drivers and twenty-plus students.  In my van I had my son and five other boys.  We had a great drive up to Fullerton College, where the event was being held.

The school's courtyard was sectioned off in squares and labeled for each of the schools.  The courtyard was completely filled - I couldn't fathom a guess the number of schools or people that were there.  We set up our pop-ups, table, blankets and props and got prepared for the days events.

We had students that would be competing in the categories of improv teams, one person monologues, two person scenes and the tech olympics. They had been practicing memorizing lines, choosing costumes and props, learning knots and wiring procedures for tech, and working on possible choice ideas for improv.  The kids were nervous - this was our school's first year attending this event - so the unknown factor was an added stress.

After a great kick-off event the students were off to perform in their events.  They would be performing their same material each of the two days, and I did my best to try and see all the performances and events during both days.

Now, I had seen these kids in action before, in the fall play, improv shows, and the spring musicals, but I was unprepared for what I was going to be watching them do here.  The level of talent, from not only our school's actors but other schools as well, was amazing, to say the least.  To memorize four to five minutes of material and have it sound like your own, along with emotions, facial expressions, and body language - I found myself in amazement with each performance I attended!  I was so impressed and proud of each and every student. The improv teams did an awesome job of quick thinking, keeping the situation story line flowing, and getting the crowd laughing.  To not know what you were going to be asked to perform or what characteristic you would be portraying and then to have five people pull together and present a scene off the top of their heads is truly amazing to see!  All of this was done in front of judges who were rating each performance.

After they performed again on Saturday, performances were chosen for finals.  These acts would be competing against just a couple others for the top selection.  We were all disappointed that no one was chosen for finals, but our tech team did earn a first place medal for one of their activities.  Everyone sat and talked about how good of an experience it had been just being there and performing and plans were made to come back and compete next year.  They did receive the judges sheets so they could get feedback and read their comments.

There was time for fun and making new friends until the closing ceremonies, and the kids made the best of it.  It was fun watching them having a good time without the nerves that they experienced during the performing parts of the days.




These two days were totally out of my comfort zone.  I had no idea what to expect and I was quite nervous.  I rarely, if ever, leave to go out of town with just one of my kids, and staying over night was something new for me. This was the first time I had ever had a hotel room to myself! (It felt cool - unfortunately, I was too tired to really enjoy it for too long...) It was nice being with some adults and getting to know them better.  I really enjoyed talking to the kids one on one and learning more about them.  I loved getting to see them perform and being able to watch how talented they are was such a gift.  I am still amazed at what I was able to experience.  I am sure that I will never forget how inspiring their performances were and the special gift those two days were.

I had an amazing time and I am looking forward to going again next year!

As they say in the theater - 'Break a Leg'!

Fondly,
Sharon

Make Some Fast, Fun & Easy Cards

When crafting, I often take on projects that require alot of time - so much time that I am late for the occasion I am giving it for! (you know who you are, and I apologize.)  There are some  scrapbook paper companies that make great papers that can be used to make fast and easy cards that require minimal supplies.  You can add embelishments to them if you like, or keep them sweet and simple - it is totally up to you.

For these cards I used paper from Echo Park - their Sisters line - and just a few sheets at that.

All the smaller squares came from one sheet -
there were actually 12 different ones to choose
from!  One I put on a solid pink Bazzil cardstock
 to give it a border.  I used three of the printed
sheets from the same line for the backgrounds
and mounted them on white cardstock.  I then
used some Prima flowers, green seam binding
ribbon, Recollections adhesive rhinestones,
some Stickles for glittery accents, and twine by
The Twinery from SRM.

 These cards are made with paper from the Brothers line by Echo Park.  Again, the fronts were all cut out of the same sheet and some framed by Bazzil cardstock.  I only used two of the other sheets for the backgrounds, as I really loved a certain one!  I cut out some stars from one of the backs to add to one of the cards and embellished with twine from The Twinery by SRM, a Maya Road button, some stickles and some faux stitching done with a white pen. 



These cards were so fun to make and the ways
to dress them up are endless!  Now they are ready for you to write or stamp on the front or even use word stickers. (SRM clear stickers would work perfectly, and they have them for all occasions.)  You could make a set to give as a gift or to keep on hand for when you need a card at a moment's notice.  Making cards does not have to be a big process or require alot of supplies.  Look for paper lines that have a sheet of cut outs and get some printed matching sheets and you are good to go!  I feel there is nothing like getting a card in the mail - and getting one that is handmade is truely a greeting from the heart.
                                                                                                      
Happy Card Making!

Fondly,
Sharon

 



The Timeless Fleece Tied Blanket



My kids say nothing keeps them warmer than their fleece tied blankets my sister gave them for Christmas one year.  They are for sure their favorite blankets to relax and snuggle up in.  My daughter, Beth, is attending college in Seattle, Washington, and living in her sorority's house. She has been complaining how cold her room is, so I got on line and ordered her school's fleece to make her a blanket for school.  The instructions are easily found through Google and the blankets are fast, fun and easy to make.  I will briefly give you the steps, but for more thorough instructions go to eHow.com.

  After cutting off the salveges of your fleece pieces (rough and information printed ends along the sides) and evening off the tops and bottoms, place your two pieces of fleece on top of each other, right sides out.  Cut a 4 inch x 4 inch square out of the corners of your fabrics. I started at the top  and cut through both of the pieces of fabric at the same time, making sure the ends meet up with each other. 





Next you need to cut your fringe for tying at every 1 inch.  I placed a ruler to help guide me for the length.  Again, cut through both the front and the back of your fabric. When you have that end of the blanket fringe completely cut this is what it will look like.  The two corners cut out and strips 1 inch apart.  You are now ready to tie!  I first go through and double knot every other set of ties. Tight knots are best. Then I go back and tie the rest.  If things are looking a bit tight and bunched up, just grab the ends of the blanket and stretch it out. Fleece does have some stretch to it and just needs a little pull to help it lie flat.

 

When you have finished tying that end go on to the opposite end. Cut out the corners, cut your fringe/ties and begin double knotting!  Next you will cut your fringe on each side (one length at a time) and double knot.  Your corners have already been cut out.  This type of blanket with this fabric is very forgiving. Do not worry if you have cut lines that are off - nobody will ever know!

Before you know it your blanket will be finished and you are ready to give the gift of warmth to someone you love!

 

Make a tie blanket for someone - they will love it!

 

Until next Tuesday -

 

Sharon

 

A Bit Old School or I Love School Supplies

 

 

I have a confession to make, I love school supplies.  I have always loved them. The night before school started I would rearrange my school box endlessly, just dreaming of what I would be writting and creating that year.  My notebooks would all have a black, shiny, carefully pressed dymo label on them with my name.  Ah, a fresh, new notebook - oh, the opportunities those blank pages held! Well, not much has changed. I still enjoy crayons, colored pencils and pens, and my love for new notebooks is as strong as ever.

 

I like to keep separate notebooks for special things and enjoy decorating them with scrapbooking supplies.  I found some great spirals at Staples that had great thick, kraft covers and a kraft folder with a pocket on both sides in front of the book right before the paper began. I embelished the front cover with a precut and sewn fabric bird, some paper, stickers, washi tape, a paper doily and some thickers. I also had some paper that worked perfectly on the inside cover and I dressed up the pocket as well.

 

 

Here is another one I made for projects that I am working on and future creations that are still being planned out.  I glued on a precut and sewn fabric dress form, a strip of paper, washi tape, stickers, added two coordinating colors of bakers twine, a flower embellishment and thickers for the title.  Now it feels ready to fill! Yes, it would work just fine left plain - but now it inspires me and makes me feel happy just looking at it!  

 This began as one of the black and white composition note-

books.  I kept the black spine and covered the front, back and insides of each with Graphic 45 paper.  I then cut out the ink bottle, fountain pen and label from a coordinating sheet.  The typewriter punch out letters, also Graphic 45, worked great for my title.  I finished it off with twill tape ribbon to cover up where the paper met the black spine.  I have many poems inside as well as quotes I have come across and lines from books that I have wanted to remember.


Eventhough I am 'old school' I do love my laptop (not only because it's pink!) and am trying to learn how to master new things on it all the time. A big shout out goes to my teenage twins, Ellen & Eric for their help and patience with me! (Thanks, kids! I love you sooo much!)  So, yeah, you can  stick with things you've grown to love and keep up with the times and have fun doing both.  Each serves a purpose in my life and for that I am very happy.
Sharon



Valentine's Tags

Happy Tuesday before Valentine's Day!

I have always enjoyed watching my kids make and/or write out valentines for their classmates - the cute handwriting and picking out just the right candy to attach. Then having them come home from school with the valentine box they made and watching them go through the cards and enjoy the treats.

 As they get older this tradition comes to an end.  Sometimes clubs will sell a flower or candy that you can have delivered to that someone special or to your friends, but this often ends up with hurt feelings and making the day one that is not looked forward to.

Well, nobody tells moms that you have to stop making valentines and doing something sweet for your kids!  You can keep on doing whatever you want at home as long as it doesn't publicly embarrass them. 

This year I decided to make valentine tags, thinking maybe they will use them for bookmarks. (yeah, and then maybe not.)

I started out using Inkssentials craft tags and the Reminisce 2013 Valentine line of paper, including the sticker sheet that had so many cute items on it I had a hard time choosing!  The names were made with thickers for Dear lizzy, by American Crafts.  I embellished with some bakers twine, washi tape and tulle, and used the Signo white pigment ink pen for my note.

When the kids come home from school on Thursday I will have their tags on the table and a fresh pan of brownies waiting.  That way, no matter how their day went at school they can come home and be reminded that they will always have my love and that they will always be my little valentines!

Hope You have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Sharon

All About Me: Tuesday

Hi, It's Sharon, and I will be sharing with you on Tuesdays.  I am excited to be a part of this wonderful group-all who are very dear to me and who never fail to inspire me!

I have been blessed to be called 'Mom' to three great kids. My oldest, Beth, just turned 21 and is a junior at The University of Washington. The twins, Ellen and Eric, will be 17 next month and are juniors in high school.  I have totally enjoyed raising my kids and am very aware that they will all be gone to college soon.  My friendship with these girls and our love of crafting are going to help me through all the changes in my life that lie ahead.



 My interests and hobbies include papercrafts of all kinds. I enjoy rubber stamping and making cards, mini-books and more creations than I can list. I truely love scapbook paper! I will sit and stare at a sheet of Graphic 45 paper and dream of the possibilities... My love does not stop at paper and rubber stamps, it includes all things scrapbooking! I also enjoy crocheting, cross stitching, embroidery, sewing and other fabric crafts.  Other interests of mine are reading, photography, and writing stories and poetry.  Most of the things I make are given as gifts.                                                                                                                       

   

I love all things vintage and love going to antique stores and flea markets. I enjoy taking something old and making it into something new and unique. I am in love with vintage doilies, fabric and trims and lace. Honestly, I really like too many things and my perfect world would be where I could go without sleep two nights a week without suffering any effects.  I would craft and play and drink Tab all through the night!  Bliss this would truely be!

 When I said these girls inspire me I seriously meant it.  Sometimes I find
my crafting is starting to follow a pattern.  I love that we all have our own styles and it really helps me to think outside my crafting box.  I am treasuring this opportunity to learn and grow from this experience and I know my life will be greatly impacted in many ways.

See you next Tuesday!
Sharon