Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Shiny, happy people laughing...meet me in the crowd...people, people...throw your love around...

Hey y'all, happy Tuesday! I have a surprise for you today...some crafty stuff! I've been playing along with the Dare to Get Dirty 2012 challenges over on Splitcoast and having a great time! I've completed 2 cards (of the *ahem* 21 challenges that have been posted), but I sure had fun! 

Here's my card for Lydia's Challenge:
I used an old Cuttlebug alphabet die set (Red Tag Alpha I think it's called?) Then I covered the letters with Glossy Accents and dipped 'em in coarse crystal glitter. Here's a closeup:
Polka dots, scallops, and glitter. Makes me happy!
 
The next card I made was for Stacy's Challenge, and I LOVE how it turned out:
I paired stamps from Back in the Saddle from Waltzingmouse Stamps with papers from the Wanted collection by Cosmo Cricket. A match made in heaven! I stamped the sentiment first in Black Stazon on Kraft cardstock. Then I stamped the horse and rider image in Versamark on top. Here's a closer look:
I had a little helper who decided that my OTT-Lite was a perfect warmer and a great spot to nap, so I thought I'd show you. *grin*
 
Thanks for stopping by...hope to have some more good stuff for you to see soon! Have a fabulous day!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

This pair of wings worn and rusted from too many years by my side...they can carry me, swear to be sturdy and strong but see, turning them on still means goodbye...

Hi guys :) I was inspired by this post on one of my new favorite blogs. Bookmark it...you'll need a few hours and some Kleenex once you read through it. But it's good stuff.

So I realized the other day that I hadn't posted here since June 1st. That's a long time, even for me. I've gone back and forth trying to decide what and how much to share with you. Let's start and just see what happens. I'm scared to be transparent, but feel like sharing might help someone else. Off I go.
Four sets of hands and one set of paws moved into this house 7 years ago. Three sets of hands moved out in March. Our first house, the house I built with my best friend. We fought day and night over paint colors and carpet samples. Now it's someone else's home.
 Father's Day came, and I ran across this picture of Josh holding Cole when he was born. It made me remember just how much I miss this man. I tried to fast forward the grieving process. It didn't work.
These guys are growing up too fast. I find strength in their love every day. Inside me is the unrelenting urge to make the most of the years they are here with me.
 I've dealt with clinical depression for over 14 years. It's an opponent I have battled and beaten before. You'd think it would get easier every time. But you'd be wrong.
 I worked out, I sure did. But I've found cleaning and decluttering my apartment much more therapeutic. I've lost count, but I'm sure we are upwards of 10 bags donated and 10 bags trashed by now. And lots more to go.
 I enjoy apartment living. There's always someone around to hang out, chat with at the pool, or watch fireworks with from the balcony. No yard to mow, and no backyard to clean up. It's nice not worrying about fixing the garbage disposal or a drippy faucet.
I've been painting my nails. And painting. And painting. Got a nail stamping kit...combining my love of beauty and crafting. Totally fun.
 And then I painted some more...it makes me feel pretty. Everything's better with bling.
I'm learning to GET OUTSIDE. Soak up the Vitamin D. Reach out to people around me, and ask for help. It is easier to move an object that is already in motion.

I'm still decluttering my life, my relationships, my heart, and my apartment. One bit at a time, and celebrating each victory. I have not crafted in over a month, and I miss it. At this point I have so much STUFF that I'm totally overwhelmed. So I'm paring down in a major way to make room for only the things I LOVE to create with. I'm looking forward to a new, fresh start, and I hope you'll hang around for it. And Lord knows I'm a sucker for a DARE. *wink*

Friday, June 1, 2012

So we'll set the world on fire, we can burn brighter than the sun....tonight...

Hey y'all, Happy Friday! Today I'm bringing you another fun designer "mash-up" brought to you by:







The Twinery, of course, has fabulous baker's twine, and Epiphany Crafts brings a super cool line of tools and accessories to allow crafters to create their own custom epoxy shapes and acrylic buttons. How fun is that?

This week they are giving away this fabulous prize package (over $65 retail value).


All you have to do is leave a comment on each blog along the hop. You can find a complete list from the entire week on The Twinery Blog. You won't want to miss all the creative projects!
Blog comments close on Sunday, June 3rd at 11:59pm (EDT) and the winners will be announced on The Twinery's blog and the Epiphany Crafts blog on Monday, June 4th.

When I started playing with the embellishments from Epiphany, I knew exactly what I wanted to make: a twine bookmark! I created the charm embellishment using some pretty patterned paper, and then threaded the twine through the loops. I braided lengths of Caribbean, Honeydew, and Cappuccino twine together to form the bookmark, and then secured the end with a glass bead.

I created a little pocket card so I could give this as a gift, punching out small half-circles to hold the bookmark onto the insert. 
Here's a photo of the full card:


This was a simple project, and certainly something that could be reproduced easily for quick and easy gifts. I love that you can customize the charm to fit your project or recipient!

Thanks so much for stopping by today...I'm so glad you did!
Here's today's list of participating blogs: (don't forget to leave some love along the way!)
Epiphany Crafts
The Twinery
Katarina Damm-Blomberg
Amanda Jones
Julie Ranae
Gina Lideros
Shannan Teubner  <--You are here!

Have a fabulous weekend, and Happy June!




Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Look at the skies, they have stars in their eyes...on this lovely bella notte...



Hi y'all! Happy Wednesday! This week The Twinery is teaming up with Bella Blvd to bring you some fabulous inspiration. Boy, do I have a fun project to show you!


Using papers, stickers, and embellishments from the Sunshine & Happiness collection from Bella Blvd (in addition to some basic cardstock and glitter), I created six 3x3 folded tags and a box to store them in. The twine colors I used are: Charcoal, Caribbean, Lemondrop, Pink Sorbet, & Maraschino. There's a fabulous tutorial here for the box. Here's a more detailed shot of the top:


And here are all six tags. You can click on the photo to enlarge it and see the details.


I love tying these little 3x3 "cards" to gift bags, and love the fun look that the twine adds to everything. Now I have a great stash! These were so fun to make in the small size, I think I'll go make six more.

So, you know that The Twinery loves prizes! This week we're giving away THREE Original Sampler Packs to THREE winners!


All you have to do is leave a comment on each of this week's posts on The Twinery blog, as well as the two featured designers' blogs each day. Easy, right? And you have until 11:59 EDT on Sun May 20th, so what are you waiting for?! Winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 22nd on The Twinery blog.

You'll also want to check out Bella Blvd Studio Blog...not only are their designers amazingly talented, but a I hear they're giving away some prizes as well.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by...have a fabulous day!




Friday, May 11, 2012

You needn't look too far...stealing through the night's uncertainties...love is where they are...

Happy Friday, y'all! Thanks for all the love you left for me last weekend...I'm so thankful for your support. Today The Twinery and DeNami Design are teaming up to bring you some fabulous inspiration, and of course some awesome prizes!


If you arrived here via Paulina Nakamura's blog, then you're right where you need to be! If you stumbled upon the hop in progress, make sure you start at the beginning at The Twinery Blog. There you'll find the complete list of designers in addition to details about how to win some goodies from The Twinery AND DeNami!

Here's my card using Lemondrop & Lilac Baker's Twine along with the Spring Garden 1 Set and Thinking of You sentiment from DeNami Design (links at the end of my post). 


I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sentiments from DeNami, not to mention their whimsical artwork. Paired with the bright, happy baker's twine and papers, this makes for a perfect card to brighten someone's day! Here's a closeup:


I colored the border images with Copic markers and cut out the scalloped edge by hand. The little circle under the button is also part of the set...so cute! I love how this card turned out, and the layout is perfect for scraps. Just might have to use it again!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, and if you're new around here, please come back sometime! Your next stop along the way is Wendy Elliot. Make sure you leave some love on your way through the hop for a chance to win some goodies!


To be eligible for prizes, all you have to do is leave some love on each participating blog on the hop. Deadline to leave comments is 11:59pm, EDT, Saturday, May 12th.  Winners will be announced on The Twinery Blog on Sunday, May 13th.

Have a fabulous day!