Penny Candy

Cards for the Troops

2009-10-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

Some friends and I are supporting our Troops stationed overseas through a card drive. You can find the details Here.

And a friend of mine, Dawn creates awesome digi-stamps which she makes available on her blog, for FREE!

It was a perfect match to use Dawn's stamp on my cards for the Troops. These cards are being sent to the soldiers for Veterans Day, as a way to show my appreciation for their efforts and sacrifices.

Some cards for the "gals."

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And some for the "guys."

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Isn't this "boot monster" stamp just the cutest? Check out Dawn's blog for other adorable digi-stamps. She's so clever, that girl!

Cards for Soldiers

2009-09-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

In these trying times we probably all ask ourselves just what we can do to make life easier for someone else. And maybe easier or more rewarding for ourselves. Making cards to send to the deployed troops is one very simple, inexpensive way. Those soldiers, men and women, far away from their homes and families, in a foreign land, can really use our thoughts. And our cards. It is truly amazing to hear from the units about how much receiving our cards can lift their spirits. And also hearing from the recipients here at home of our handmade works of art. The connection between us, the service men and women, and their families is almost palpable.

If you have a few minutes in which to make some cards, please do so. Visit Cards for Soldiers to find our how you can get your cards into the waiting and very grateful hands of our deployed service men and women, and they in turn can get our cards into the hands of their worried and caring friends and families. It will warm your heart. Really, it will!

Grunge paper flowers

2009-08-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

I think I'm in love! After watching Wendy Vecchi make flowers with her stamps, Tim Holtz's Grungepaper (Idea-ology) and distress inks, I had to make some. I love the way they turned out. Did you know that you can curl the grungepaper with your fingers and it will stay curled? Awesome! These flowers are for a swap, but you know I had to make extra for myself!

How did I make them? First, I stamped the flower parts on grungepaper using Wendy's stamps and black ink. Once they were dry, I cut them out using Tim's Tonic scissors.

Then I inked them with Ranger Distress Ink. Here's a tip from Wendy: don't tap your ink applicator on the distress pad. Rub it around instead. You get more ink and it's easier on the hand than tap,tap,tap. And she's right!

After inking the flower pieces (both sides) I stamped them with background images in black (both sides, again).

I ran the small brown flowers and large green leaves through my new Epic embossing machine with a small dot embossing folder. YES, you can emboss the grungepaper. It works great!!

I used a brad in the center to hold the layers together. The little leaves are attached with Tim's Tiny Attacher.

Prism cardstock, quality and variety

2009-08-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

Prism cardstock has to be one of my most favorites to work with. The weight is just perfect - heavy enough to support a complex layout yet light enough to layer on that layout without creating excess bulk. Crisp enough to take light or heavy embossing. Plus the texture....yummy! There are several different lines of Prism: Prismatics (the basic line), Seaside (like mulberry paper only heavier), metallics, exclusives....and the list goes on. The most recent addition, Simply Smooth, is simply to die for if you're a stamper. It takes the best image I have ever seen!

I created this birthday card using only Prism cardstock. You see, you really do not need patterned paper to create a classic and classy card. The only embellishments are a strip of ribbon, a brass finding from Vintaj and a colored cupcake stamp. Who would not like to receive this card...raise your hand. Aha, I thought so!

Products: Prism Prismatics (white, frosted teal), Seaside (Pier), Simply Smooth (white); Brass finding (Vintaj); cupcake stamp (unknown), Markers (Sakura Glaze), Glitter (Ranger, Distress Stickles, rock candy), Embossing folder (CuttleBug), Die cuts (Spellbinders nestabilities, small labels).

Thanks for stopping by!

eCraft cutting system

2009-08-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

Everyone wants to know if there was a "WOW" or "gotta have" item at CHA and I have to say YES! The new cutting system from Craftwell really blew me away.

It will cut paper, cardstock, thin metal (like the sheets from TenSecondStudio), Tim Holtz's grungepaper, Claudine Hellmuth's sticky back canvas, thin chipboard. They are talking about adding a longer blade so that it will cut the heavier chipboard.

Unlike other electronic cutting systems (Cricut, Wishblade, Pazzles), the eCraft does NOT require a sticky mat. It can cut anything up to 12 inches wide, with unlimited length. That's right -- unlimited! If you can come up with paper 48" long, it will cut it or any other length, without limit.

The blades are easily replaced and cost only $1 each. The basic machine will operate with SD cards which will retail for under $30. However, for less than $100 you will be able to purchase software to connect the machine to your computer. Then you'll be able to create from the internet, using PNG files. Got a wealth of digital files on your computer? You'll be able to use them to create paper die cuts and alphas for your paper crafting projects.

How much is the machine, you ask? Just $199.00. Yep, you read that right. And when will it be available? It's scheduled for release at Winter CHA in January, 2010. So start saving your pennies, 'cause you're definately gonna want this! I can't decide between the magenta and the sage color. What do you think?

I think she read my blog

2009-07-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

I think Cleo must have read my blog, because she's moved from my desk to the top of the refrigerator. This afternoon, she almost fell off. That will teach her to sleep in high places!

Doesn't she know......

2009-07-20T15:09:00.001-07:00

I have work to do?????

Cleo is very happy now that she's come to live with me in San Diego. She is especially happy to spend her days and nights lazing around on my desk. Of course, it's hard for me to get any work done and now there are cat hairs on all my projects. But it is nice to have a cat purring next to me again. I missed her.

Tim and Wendy rock the house!

2009-07-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to go up to the Carson Rubber Stamp Show today. I try to make it there at least once a year, or more if I can. Tim Holtz usually demos with Stampers Anonymous (the distributor for his rubber stamps). This month, both he and Wendy Vecchi were not only demo-ing, but were doing make n' takes through-out the day. This was a first and WOW is all I can say!

In the morning, Tim was teaching a small Christmas pin/ornament that had soooo many doodads for such a small thing. The foundation was a 1" piece of memory glass with frame, both from Ranger. Inside the frame, we put a Memory Capsule (also from Ranger) with some glass glitter, patterned paper, a little printed word and a tiny acrylic star. We hung two tiny bells with a small bow (Thanks, KIM! You're the best bow-tie-er ever!). The top of the "house" features Tim's new metal corners from his Idea-ology line along with a trinket pin and jump ring. This cute little pin could be used as an ornament or pin; also the concept could be adapted for other holidays, Mother's/grandmother's photo pins and whatever..... Love it, Tim!!! For all of the Make n take's from the show, go visit Tim's blog

In the afternoon, Wendy Vecchi taught the most gorgeous flower pin created using Tim's Grungepaper and stamps from Wendy's newest stamp release. We cut out pieces, inked, stamped, and curled them and finally assembled the pieces to form this most beautiful flower! Be sure to visit Wendy's blog for more inspiration.

And speaking of Wendy's stamps....Oh My!!! Her new releases are gorgeous, as are their older siblings. Of course I shopped.... Wendy's stamps come on 6x12 storage sheets. These are 3-hole punched and Wendy also has a FAB-u-lous acrylic album set-up in which to store them. You can decorate the acrylic however you want. When I get mine done, I'll share it here.

The stamp sets also come with a full color sheet full of Wendy-style inspiration. I don't know where the girl gets her inspiration. She probably never sleeps.

Anyway, Carson was a total blast, made even better by two terrific make n' takes taught by two of the best teachers out there!

As Wendy says, "Make Art" to which Tim would add his sage advice, "Don't over-think it!"

2009-06-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

I love the look of the "inchies" that have become so popular and this technique featured on the Inchie Inkling blog really caught my eye. It's so easy, yet so dramatic when finished. Don't you think?

Here's the website:
http://ellenhutson.typepad.com/inchie_inklings/2009/05/divine-inchies-by-cindy-lyles-draft.html

WOW

2009-05-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite songs combined into one, and one of my new fav arrangers!

Perfect Distress

2009-05-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

On his Blog, Tim Holtz has posted an instructional video for an awesome technique partnering Distress Inks and Perfect Pearls. He calls it "Perfect Distress." It is an amazing technique, which I had the chance to try out over the past few days, creating tags for a small "words of wisdom" book for my niece who is graduating from High School.

Here are the tags with the distress ink (wrinkle free distress technique) and the perfect pearls.

And here you can see the shiny perfect pearls.

And finally, my completed tags. I made 24 different ATC-sized tags. Lots of work, but I love, love, love the outcome!

Love this. Thanks a bunch Tim for this great technique!!

New windows!

2009-05-23T19:56:00.001-07:00

Yay, new windows. It's a great time to replace old windows, with the IRS tax credit for this year. Here are some photos of my newly replaced windows.

This is the picture window in the living room. I was happy that they were able to replicate the six small panels at the top, as this is an architectural feature of the era of my house.

Here are the new kitchen windows. These were jalousie windows which are very drafty. Now I can raise and lower the bottom section with just one hand!

And the bathroom window. There are two of these. They also were jalousie windows and very drafty, especially in the bathroom where there is no heat!

All in all, I have 21 windows in this tiny house and all of them are being replaced. Hooray!!

And, every single one of my windows is spotless! It's terrific, really.

2009-05-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

I've got some more home improvement photos.

Here is a shot of the new front walk going from the house to the gate. The fence is partially painted, yay!

Matt and I have started to plant the cactus area. Here is a view from the walk to the side fence.

Here's a shot of my solar post lamps.

And the gate from the outside, painted with the side fence sections completed as well.

Updates to the yard

2009-05-06T11:45:00.001-07:00

Here is the gate for the fence, looking from the street. Love it!!

And here are some shots of the installation of the turf. First, the "before"

Then the "during"

Then the after, looking back toward the house

And looking toward the street. The dogs are so happy! And so am I, since they aren't tracking dirt in the house anymore!

A new home

2009-04-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

Here, for those interested, are some photos of my new house. Notice the walls are bare. I'm working on that!!

This is a view of the living room from the door into the kitchen across to the front door. Behind the recliner is a fireplace with glass door shelves on the right and a built-in desk on the left, all topped with a nice wide mantle with two small windows. The two wicker chairs under the front window are antiques from my great aunt's house. All the rest of the furniture came from the other house.

Here is a view of the other end of the living room from the front door to the kitchen - the far end should be a dining room, but I'm not having one. The little desk in the corner is also old - belonged to my uncle who wrote his name in the drawer in about 1936.

This is my bedroom from the door. Like how my spread matches the walls? Purely accidental, since I bought this set in Florida before I saw the wall colors. Maybe it's a sign??? The wicker chair in the corner still needs cushions, and is the third antique chair from my great aunt. The bed and night stand are from IKEA. Love that place. A tenant was kind enough to leave the air conditioner in the window...

Here is the bathroom. Check out all the drawers! And the two windows. This house has SO MANY windows, lots of natural light. I love it!

This is the back hall/laundry area, that my dad and I worked on for the last two weeks. The door is new, the hot water heater is that silver box on the wall, and we tiled the floor. The new color is the brown you can see to the right of the hot water heater. I still have to paint the rest of the room. Thanks, Dad, for all your hard work, help and great advice!! You're the best.

This is the guest room/guest bed. Like how the spread matches the walls? That was pure luck, as this is a garage sale spread purchased by Ken before I even planned to move. I knew it would look great on this 3/4 size antique spool bed that used to be in my grandmother's guest room and that I spent many nights of my youth sleeping in when I visited her. The spread has ribbon-embroidered flowers and two embroidered pillow shams and matches the room perfectly! My palm tree embroidered valances were a great find, at Lowe's, of all places!

Here is the other side of the room - my "office/scrap desk." Kind of messy as I'm in the middle of a couple things. Like the two windows at the end? - I love the natural light I get!! There are two more windows just like those on the wall to the left of the bed.

This is the closet in the guest room. Some prior tenant installed a closet organizing system - and thanks to them, I have lots of space for all my scrap junk.

In this photo you can see into what was the original closet, where there is more storage space AND a small window for light. I'm still not completely unpacked and stuff is just stuffed on shelves for now. That's another rainy day project.

Here is the first of three views of the kitchen. The sink area with nice large, east-facing windows. The dishwasher, oven and stove are all new.

Here is a view from the back hall/laundry across to the door going into the living room.

This is a little built-in eating area, thus my reason for doing away with the dining room. The cushions came with, and I'll be recovering them to coordinate with the "mediteranean" look that I'm planning for the kitchen. Notice yet another window? I tiled the top of this table when I lived here in 1987. It's amazing that it's lasted through 15 years of tenants! I have a couple large Maxfield Parish prints that will hang in this area.

Thanks for looking!!!!

Mission San Juan Capistrano

2009-01-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, I met Matt half way to his school because he forgot some stuff when he went back. No surprise in that! We ate near the San Juan Capistrano mission, which I have never actually visited. I didn't have time to go inside ($9 entrance fee and I only had about 10 minutes to spend there), but it was a gorgeous day and I snapped a couple shots from the entry way.

This is the Mission where the swallows return each year. I'd love to be there to see that!

The Camino Real is the route that Father Serra took as he traveled from Mexico to San Francisco. It is marked with these Spanish style bells. The Missions are spaced along the route, about a day's travel apart.

And that's your California history lesson for today!

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-01-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

Boy do I love this blouse. Simply gorgeous and very s.e.x.y!

Winter sunset

2009-01-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

Our winter sunsets are some of the most beautiful we have, especially when the Santa Ana winds blow the polluted air out over the ocean, giving the sunset vibrant colors. Matt and I stopped on our way to San Marcos to snap this beauty.

Photos of the moon

2009-01-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

After seeing some fabulous moon shots by a friend, I decided to try my hand. I'm still having trouble with the exposure but I did get a couple fun shots tonight.

It was dark and I didn't have a flashlight, so I don't know what my exposure was on this, but I did get some of the "man in the moon" and the surrounding clouds in this shot.

And in this one, I fiddled a little in PSE to get the clouds just right.

I've been cardmaking

2009-01-10T16:03:00.001-08:00

I got out some of my older BasicGrey papers and created some Valentine's Day cards.

The first one is all sparkly and bling-y and uses some papers from the Perhaps collection, along with the QuicKutz Mademoiselle alpha, PK Glitz glitter, Prima crystals and flowers and ribbon from my stash.

The second card uses Black Tie with a red sheet from Mellow. I die cut a bunch of hearts and swirls (hearts from Sizzix and Cuttlebug and swirls from QuicKutz) and added some Stickles (Ranger) for some glitz.

Finally a fun and funky card using Color Me Silly. I just love these frogs!!

Oh, Christmas tree, project 365 day 4

2009-01-05T13:14:00.001-08:00

I took a long exposure photo of our tree before taking it down yesterday. I love the twinkling lights and the reflection in the window! Click the photo to see a larger picture with lots of twinkle.

Although you can't tell in this shot, we left the entire bottom half of the tree without decorations because of Cali - who is still chewing everything she can get her teeth on. Sure enough, she even chewed through one of the lights. I heard a yelp from that room, and when I went in there was a chewed light on the floor. Maybe that will teach her a lesson!!! Or not, LOL. Ken repaired the wire so the rest of the light string was working before we put the tree away for the year.

One Little Word

2009-01-04T19:57:00.000-08:00

I have finally settled on my one little word for 2009. I wanted something pro-active rather than passive and something that reflects a positive attitude. I have chosen EMBRACE. This will be a year of change, new beginnings, reflection, and opportunity for me, and I want to embrace them all! I think "embrace" has a positive meaning and hopefully it will help guide me through the journey that is waiting patiently on my horizon.

365 day 3

2009-01-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

A little late today, lots of things going on...not really. Just lazy!

Anyway, I'm putting away the Christmas decor, and the saddest thing to part with will be my desk top tree. It is about 18" tall and green metallic with green lights. It's beautiful. Part of me wants to keep it out and decorate it by the season...maybe I will. Anyway, here it is, in all its night-time glory.

This was taken with my Canon Digital Rebel XTi, ISO 100, f-stop at 22, exposure about 30 secs. Love the twinkle effect!

365 Day 2

2009-01-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

Every year, Matt gives me a beautiful crystal figurine for Christmas, and this year was no exception. This daffodil stands on a 9" tall silver stem with a single, sweeping leaf and is just stunning!

Don't faint

2009-01-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

Yeah, sit down and breathe! I am actually posting on my blog. I am hoping that this will become a regular activity. Since this will be a year of great change for me, I have decided to jump into the 365 Project, starting today. I'm not sure I'll post a photo a day, but maybe a photo collage once a week.

And what better way to begin the year, than with how I begin each day - with the good ole Cuppa Joe! Flavored coffee from Gevalia, with French Vanilla creamer and a packet of Splenda. The best part of waking up is coffee in my cup!

Meet Cali

2008-04-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

Cali was waiting patiently for a cookie this morning when I snapped this shot. So...any guesses on breed? The prior owner says boxer and rottweiler. I can see the rottweiler markings, but I just don't see any boxer in there.

Welcome, Cali !

2008-04-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems like we have a new addition to our family.

Cali has been running away from her home to come over to ours and visit for about a month now. I guess we have not done a very good job of discouraging her. She loves to play with Lily and Matt loves to play with her, so her visits have been lots of fun for her. Yesterday we found out that her owner has to move and cannot take Cali with her. Matt begged me to ask if we could have her, and in a moment of weakness, I did.

She'll arrive sometime today with her pillow and all her wordly possessions. She's a Rottweiler/Boxer mix, about 9 months old. She's cute and lovable, but a little spitfire, full of energy. I'm sure it will take a few weeks to get her settled in and familiar with our rules. Plus, I'll have to crate train her to keep her out of trouble while she outgrows this high energy, chewing stage. Wish us luck!!

Bloom with Bleach

2008-04-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

A friend issues weekly challenge words on her blog, O Scrappy Day and we have the opportunity to interpret it as we choose. I'm way behind, and my new goal is to "keep up and catch up."

Here is my interpretation of this week's word -- Bloom.

The technique on this cards uses household bleach to lighten certain areas of the stamped image. If you'd like to learn this technique, check into the Techniques forum at 123-Scrap.com in the next few days.

RAK it Forward

2008-04-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

My friend Catherine has posted a Pay-It-Forward RAK on her blog. And so here's my RAK.

In the post below, there are some yummy cupcakes that I've made myself. They're crocheted and hand-beaded. They're stuffed with some beans for stability and fiber fill at the top. You can use them as a paper weight, a pin cushion or just a fun decoration. I'll RAK you two, with the frosting colors of your choice. How to get them? Post a comment here, with a link to your Blog and your RAK. Let's keep the blog-RAK alive and well!!!

Cupcakes, anyone?

2008-04-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

My friend Cindy has turned in her scrapbooking badge for knitting and crochet. A recent project of hers got me searching the net for amigurumi (creating small animals and objects with yarn) and I fell in love with cupcakes. So, I had to make some. And of course, I could not stop at just one, so I made a half dozen.

Care for a cupcake?

A word a week, a card a week

2008-02-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine has issued a challenge to complete a card, ATC, or something, with a new word each week. I'm on board, although a little behind.

Here is my entry for "blue."

The ocean has such a pull for me, I cannot imagine living anywhere that I could not easily get to the ocean. I just love to watch it, you know? This photo was taken recently when we were having some record high waves. They just kept coming, one after the other. There's something so reassuring about that - no matter what happens the waves keep on rolling! Byron had it right when he said "roll on."

Men at Work

2007-12-26T07:29:00.001-08:00

My brother and dad have been working on the enlargement of my dad's bathroom. Here they are, prepping some of the roof rafters.

And the kids are having great fun driving around in dad's golf cart!

I made necklaces for Jean's granddaughters and Kayla. And it was amazing that they matched EXACTLY the clothes the girls were wearing. It was as if they had selected the outfits on purpose - of course without knowing even that they were getting anything. How unbelievable is that???

Jean has a cute little vignette in the entry hall. She found a "workman" Santa with a toolbelt and all the tools. Too cute!!

And lastly, Tammy's Cinnabon roll recipe makes divine rolls!! I ended up making them for all the golfers in dad's group. Ready by 9 am so I was up at 4 am making the dough! I'm such a good daughter.....

My New Ride

2007-12-20T13:02:00.001-08:00

My grandmother was kind to me in her will so I bought myself a present from her. Very indulgent, but I sure do love it!!

2007-12-19T22:36:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind on my photo a day, and I'll fall far behind on uploading (although I hope to be taking a ton) once I get to Florida. But here are a couple, one for yesterday - my tree at night with the twinkle effect on the lights.

And our sunset tonight. Pretty nice, huh?? Shhhhh, Don't tell Pioneer Woman, but I can take a mean sunset photo, too!!

2007-12-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

I've been having fun making some new ornaments. This is a pretty cool technique where you decorate a piece of transparency, then roll it up and pop it into the clear ornament. It unrolls itself and looks awesome! Everything except the rub-on is on the inside!!!

Holiday Hats

2007-12-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

Matt and Lily enjoying a little holiday spirit while we were decorating the tree. Lily looks less than happy. Well, I guess Matt does too. Couple of bah-humbugs I think!!

Well, "Ho ho ho to them," I say!!!!

2007-12-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

Every year, the Torrance Police Departmenet sends Santa and his sleigh through all the neighborhoods. They stop in the middle of each block so the children can go out, sit on Santa's lap, tell him their Christmas wishes and get a candy cane. Matt enjoyed this for many years. Although it's not "cool" anymore and this year I could not even get him to come outside, I still love to go out, listen to the loudspeaker music and remember years gone by. And of course, take a picture!!

Six pack abs

2007-12-07T13:06:00.001-08:00

The young squirrels were running around the tree this morning, playing, chasing each other, and eating. This one is hanging from one branch to reach the fruit on a branch below. I just missed his face, but this is a cute belly shot!

Who says a tree has to be green??

2007-12-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

People must have thought I was crazy when I stopped my car and jumped out to get a shot of these trees at the local tree stand. The minute I saw the pink one, I thought of my friend Pam and had to get a photo. This one's for you, Pam!!!

The Power of the Ocean

2007-12-05T11:34:00.000-08:00

We're having an amazing confluence of weather systems here which is producing record high surf. Although not as tall as in Northern California where they're reaching 50 feet, our waves are still pretty impressive. I had to drive to the beach this morning and, along with all the other camera nuts, snap some photos.

For the doubters among you, this is all you can see of the lifeguard boat when it's between swells. No, it's not a submarine <^_^>

Today's picture

2007-12-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

A few friends have inspired me to participate in their Picture A Day challenge for December. I hope it will help me remember to take my camera along with me when I leave the house. Today's photo was taken right on my patio. We have some nesting squirrels with young-uns in our tall palm tree. Right next to it is a mock apple tree full of fruit - a perfect spot for hungry little squirrels. Here, Mama Squirrel was telling me in no uncertain terms that I was venturing much too close to their lunch room.

Distress Inspiration

2007-12-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

I have really been enjoying the inspiration that Tim Holtz has put on his blog. I created this altered CD using some of the techniques he demonstrated. I can't wait for the next 10 days of inspiration!

More acrylic fun

2007-11-30T14:03:00.001-08:00

I finished up another acrylic album today, this one's for a class I'll be teaching in January. This is a ready-made album - much less work :) The theme for this one is Things I Love. Paper is the new Loveland collection from Scenic Route along with their Black Labels rub-on transfers, hearts are Heidi Swapp. Rubber stamps are from the new Inque Boutique collection. Printed transparencies are the Vintage Patchwork sheet from Hambly. Very fun products to work with!!!

Ear plugs and goggles

2007-11-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

My ears are ringing! The sandblasters are outside and is it LOUD! All the windows are covered in black tar paper and it's like living in a cave!

I just have to remind myself that we'll have a nice pretty house in the end.

Warm Thanksgiving wishes to everyone from all of us here in our "naked" house!

A really fun new project

2007-11-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a very fun new project - an acrylic album made by myself from "scratch." I purchased acrylic sheets from the local hardware store and cut them to size. I also incorporated clear transparency sheets and some very beautiful Hambly transparencies. If you'd like instructions for this project, you can check out the Scrap Rally section of 123-scrap.

http://123-scrap.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=8963

Here's the finished album. I love how you can see little peeks of all the pages behind.

And the cover by itself. Mostly clear so the first page shows through.

This is the first page.

Here you can see that I used a half-sheet transparency on the right.

The acrylic pages with transparencies really show the multi-layers.

The page on the right is a Hambly transparency.

I used a lot of stamps and rub-ons on each page.

The last two pages.

I can't wait to make more of these albums!! TFL!

Carving the modern way

2007-11-01T17:15:00.001-07:00

Gone are the days of hand carving - enter the saber saw. Oh my gosh - what a difference a little electricity makes!!! Cutting out the large areas and taking off the top were a breeze! Matt is bah humbug about pumpkin carving these days, not cool, not cool. So, I had fun all by myself and created this monster masterpiece. Not my most detailed work of art, but it was fun.

Lost in a Dream

2007-10-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

I often have some very vivid dreams, but I cannot usually remember them minutes after awakening. Last night, however, I had one of the weirdest, and, at the risk of putting myself "out there," I thought I'd share it with my 3 blog readers. Now, promise.....no laughing and do NOT send the men from the funny farm, where life is beautiful all the time - I promise I won't be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats!!

So, the scene takes place in a large house with lots of sliding glass doors to the outside. The outside varies - wooded setting, neighborhood with other houses, water surrounding it. The house doesn't change, just the outsides. I'm inside, in the kitchen I think, and there are lots of animals outside - huge alligators, a kangaroo, and others which I can't identify (maybe dinosaurs). I have my camera (of course) and am trying to take photos out the sliding glass door without letting any animals in. The surrounding water changes into neighborhood houses, and there is a man on a neighboring roof. Suddenly, a very large (bigger than the man) alligator shows up on the roof, darts toward the man and then past him, jumps to another roof where there is another alligator. They fight and wrestle, alligator style.

Back to me in the house. I'm trying to take a photo of a kangaroo, which I cannot for the life of me focus on. Suddenly a huge alligator makes his way through the door. I am not afraid (I actually was not afraid through-out the entire dream). I realize that what the alligator really wants is the little wrapper from a piece of orange-flavored trident gum (which DS chews, IRL). I wave the paper at him, toss it out the door and he charges outside after it.

Flash to the living room, where I am now complaining to DS that the roll-up privacy screens are all tattered and do not keep the animals from looking in. He begins to tell me how he'll fix them and the shredded screen door when ANOTHER alligator shows up in the living room (I have no idea where he came from). As I am opening the screen door so I can toss out the tasty gum wrapper, he grabs my hand with his mouth (no pain, no blood). I manage to distract him, toss out the paper, and out he goes.

Then Lily wakes me up, asking to go out.

Now, how weird is that for a dream?

I GOT IT!!!!

2007-10-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

OMG!!! I got a photo for Halloween!!! For years, Matt has refused to dress up for Halloween, but his best friend convinced him to go to a costume party. It was so fun watching them pose for my camera, willingly for a change!! Now I have to go looking for a digi kit so I can scrap it.

2007-09-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it's here.....the last "first day" of school, at least until college. I can't believe how fast these 12 years have gone by!

2007-09-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to work with the new Citrus Kick Collection from SEI this week, for a guest DT assignment. I really love these papers - the designs AND the colors! I can't post in online galleries yet, so here are a couple layouts, in case you'd like a sneak peek!

I used PhotoBlast's Focus Select on the small pic. above, and their Black and White conversion on the photo below. I have to say, PB makes fine-tuning your photos or achieving a special effect or color super easy!

Sunrise, sunset

2007-08-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

I'm always inspired by a great sunset or sunrise. I snapped this one on my last night at my dad's place. The pinks in contrast with the blue are just amazing to me. How can the sun make the sky look like this. (Well, if DS were reading he'd say "Mom, it's just pollution.) Well, bah humbug to him! I think it's amazing.

2007-08-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while since I've updated here, and my few readers may wonder where I've been. Busy with life. Some good, some bad.

Yesterday was about the scariest day I've spent in a while. It started at 5 AM when Matt woke me up by hollering "Something's burning in my room!" It was his surge protector. Ken ran out and flipped the main breaker so we could unplug it. Here is what it looks like now:

Fortunately everything plugged in to it still works OK. When Ken turned the power back on, the lights were still flickering and things were popping so Ken turned off the power again and we unplugged all the surge protectors.

Well, except this one

Which I forgot was attached to the TV. Matt had walked into the Family Room and he started hollering "Something's on fire!" Flames were shooting out from all the outlet openings. Ken turned off the power again, and the fire went out. But Matt had already dialed 911 and the fire dept. sent a crew out to check things out and make sure we were safe. They told us to definately call the electric company and that they also would call them, so that they would come out on Sunday. They actually do respond pretty fast when you tell them that you had flames coming out of your surge protector!!

This is what the table looks like that the surge protector was resting on.

The most scary part for me is that if this had happened two days sooner or two days later, no one would have been home when this happened. That table would have caught on fire and our house would have burned. Who knows how badly. We do have an alarm system and the fire department would have automatically been called when the hard-wired smoke detector went off, but who knows what damage and if the animals would have survived. I still shake when I think about it.

So....we had been having low voltage and power surges for about 10 days. My first call in to the Electric company resulted in this.....a new power service (for about $2500)

Because the power company could not find anything wrong with their lines and said that if it was their lines other people would have called in. They did find evidence of arcing in OUR electric panel - and they said that was the problem.

Yesterday's incident happened AFTER the new service was installed, so obviously the problem was not OURS. But after 4 hours on Sunday, the technician still could not find a problem. Just as he was leaving, he got another call - from one of my neighbors who reported a power surge.

An AHA moment - it was the transformer. Nevermind that Ken had already told them that when he was out turning off OUR power, he heard popping coming from THAT transformer (this was before the guy spent 3 hours trying to figure out the problem).

So now this is what we have down the line

a brand new transformer and peace of mind for me (nevermind that I spent $2500 on a new electric service for NOTHING). But that is for another story ... to follow after I submit a claim to the Electric company to get reimbursed for it!

Sunsets

2007-06-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

I am so inspired by sunsets and sunrises. What is it with that? I cannot get enough of them and have been known to go out of my way to watch a good one in progress. Here is a photo I took at Big Bear - the orange in contrast with the dark of the mountain in the distance and the blue sky just amazes me. Isn't mother nature amazing?

Frame by Nancy Comelab.

Baby, it's STILL cold outside

2007-01-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

We are really in the grip of Old Man Winter, who apparently got bored bothering people in the northern tier states, and has moved in to Southern California. Snow in Malibu yesterday, and FROST on the rooftops this morning, right here in Torrance!

It is cold, cold, cold

2007-01-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

I know a lot of people are having colder weather, but her in SoCal it's not supposed to be 44 degrees when you get up in the morning! I mean, BRRRRRRRR!!!!!! We need to send this cold air back where it came from and bring on the sunshine!

I think we're all official now for CHA. Andrea and Pam both have their plane tickets. They're flying separately, though. Money and schedules just didn't work out for them to travel together. And I got the CHA tickets so we're all good to go. Three weeks from today, woohoo!

I finally finished up my second layout for the ADSR. This was a tough one, using only one element per designer. But it's done, and I like it!!!

You can see the credits
here

Be it Resolved

2007-01-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

Every New Year I struggle with the idea of making "resolutions." It seems like everyone starts fresh and it lasts about a month. Then, good-bye resolutions. I'm guilty. Putting something on my "resolutions list" is like giving it the kiss of death. But each year we are encouraged by family, friends and the media to Resolve.

I've been thinking about this a lot the last couple days. Mostly because I *have* to make a resolutions page for the ADSR. I thought I might make a page about not making resolutions, sort of Andy Rooney style. But as I continued to think, I asked myself just why I can't keep those resolutions and I realized that it has a lot to do with how I live my life. Mostly, I react to things that happen, rather than causing them. So often what happens in my life is not of my choosing. And I don't have a plan for my day. I used to be very organized when I worked full time outside the home. But now, since the only person to whom I am accountable is me, I have abandoned the daily plan.

This year, I resolve to live a more deliberate life. So many things happen, many of which are out of my control. Many days, at the end of the day, I ask myself just what I accomplished, and many times the answer is a big, fat nothing. So, my plan is to have a plan, to have deliberate actions in my day and not be blown about by whatever wind happens to swish past me. I want to have more purpose and direction in my daily activities so that my days are not wasted just meandering.

How will I implement this? Good question. I'll have an answer soon, I promise!

And in honor of my new resolve, here is my first entry for the ADSR.

Kit - Cindy Simon's Each New Day; template, alpha slides and inked edges - Christine Smith; Brushes - Rhonna Farrer (Round n' Round), M. Fenwick (Stamped Antique hand), S Clingerman (So Swirly dream); Font - Century Gothic.

New Banner Credits

2007-01-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

My lovely new banner is made using Cindy Simon's Each New Day kit, available at NDISB. Font Artistamp Medium.

Banner Credits

2006-11-26T20:50:00.000-08:00

My banner is made using papers and embellishments from Robin Carlton and Christy Lyle's 365 - December kit available at Sweet Shoppe Designs; stitches and alphas are from Michelle Coleman's Merry Little Christmas kit. Paper tearing is from Digital Paper Tearing. Fun, fun, fun!!

I'm on a roll

2006-11-15T21:57:00.000-08:00

I had to get something done for Cindy. Her new kit is drop dead gorgeous - even if I don't have any digital snow pics to scrap. And I love, love, love her new frame template. You can get her stuff at NDISB. I wonder how many times I can get away with scrapping these Cape Cod photos???

Free to Play!!!

2006-11-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

Phew! I got all my paper assignments done, deadlines met, for at least a few days. So I can play!!!! I love to enhance my photos with actions. My two latest favs are Acid Wash and Color Pop from Photoblast. They make the colors in the pics so vivid. Love it! I've had this fun kit from Christine Smith for a while and just the right photo to scream summer fun - even though it isn't summer anymore. Well, it's 80 here today, so even though it's Nov. 15, it sure feels like summer.

This uses Christine Smith's Superstar kit. I also used her Rather Ragged Stitches (recolored), Freestyle Arrows, A Brush With Edge Brushes, and A Brush With Tea. Fonts are Black Jack and 2Peas A Beautiful Mess. And one of Pam's sketches from the Before the Holiday crop. Thanks, Pam! (My computer "hid" the template from me, because it came from someone else's computer - I had the hardest time figuring out what the heck happened to it!!)

I'm not sure I'm in love with the ink spatter on the photo, but hey, it's fun to try out new things and just play around, right? I was trying for a "water drops on the camera lens" effect. Did it work?

Here's a second layout for the day! Woohoo!

This one uses papers from Christine Smith's Completely Krafty Paperpack as well as bits from her Freestyle Flower Expressions and Freestyle Flowers II, Botanical Bling sets, A Few Office Doo-dads set, and her Inked and Sanded Overlay Set. Action on the photo: Sharp Shot with Color Pop, Photoblast. Fonts: Agency FB and 4990810. Sketch Template by Pam Bumbaca. Thanks Pam!!

Two in one day!!

2006-11-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Really hard to believe, huh? Well I did some digi scrapping today, and this is where I put those layouts!

This is a favorite photo of my dad, son and niece, taken a couple years ago. I hope to get some new pics when they're here for Christmas.

This uses Christine Smith's Warmly Yours kit, plus an inked overlay from Inked and Sanded, a flower from Freestyle Flower Expressions, and some elements from her Office Doodads kit.

I'm back

2006-11-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

My few readers will be shocked to see a second post in the same week! See, I told you I was going to try to be more regular.

Finally I can post this very fun layout I did using Christine Borgfeld's Fearless kit. I just love these papers. I used an acid wash action from Photoblast on the photos. Photos are from our Spring vacation in Florida. The sketch is from the new Layout Blueprints book.

Happy November!!

2006-11-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe it's November already. Where does the time go? And speaking of time, I hate that it's dark so early now. Not that I mind the light in the morning, but really I'm not up that early so it doesn't matter. But dark at dinner - that's the pits!!!!

I've been trying to improve my digi scrapping a little. I love the template craze. It makes creating a fabulous layout sooooo much easier. Here's one I just finished up, using a fun template from Jen Caputo and Shawna Clingerman's gorgeous Free Fall kit.

It's been a while

2006-05-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted here.

I've been busy with scrappy project deadlines.

Just finished up this fun one, using handstitching per the Freestyle challenge. Lots of fun!

Tim Holtz is the Best!

2006-04-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

What an awesome teacher. His projects are just so cool. He adds some great little touches that just take them over the top. We used all the new Distress Inks plus a lot of his Junkitz embellishment line to make a shipping-tag-size ruler book. I didn't finish - he didn't expect us to. But it's a great reference book for some cool techniques. Many I knew, but some were new to me.

This was the best part!

Ahhhhh, Spring

2006-04-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

I know it's spring when the irises bloom. They look so stately along the front of our yard. They herald the end of the rainy season and the promise of nothing but sunny days for the next few months. Can you say Hurray?

Tonight I head back down to Scrapbook Oasis for another class, with Tim Holtz this time. I know the class will be great! And, from prior experience I know to take a snack and something to drink. I'll share my project tomorrow!

Make it a great one!

Get a life!

2006-04-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Why do hackers do what they do? Why can't they just hack each other and leave the rest of us alone? It's very frustrating when they come into your site, make a mess, and leave without cleaning up after themselves.

Well, maybe some good will come of it. We have upgraded the messge board software and are now struggling with the gallery. Well, Pam is struggling. I'm just listening and trying to get her not to stress out too much.

The good side is, I got some scrapping done.

I love the way this turned out....the new Karen Foster papers are so soft and pretty.

I've discovered a new blog, for the new Autumn Leaves Freestyle book. I can't wait to get a copy of this. The layouts on this blog are such a tease.

It's the end of the world

2006-04-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

Not really, just the end of the road. Route 1, that is. In Florida.

Someday maybe I'll get to the other end, up in Maine.

It was so much fun to get to meet Jen, and hook up with Andrea in Palm Beach Gardens. Andrea had been up all night at a crop, but she showered (just for us) and looked great, as usual.

Today, it's back to the grind. Well, it has been since Tuesday, actually. But adjusting to the time change and just getting out of vacation mode has taken a couple days.

Tomorrow and Saturday are two huge snack bars for Track is Back. I know I'll be exhausted once they're over, but relieved because they are the last snack bars I have to run for this season. These are big, though. Between the two nights, about 1600 athletes and 3,000 spectators. That's a lot of pizza and nachos! Lots of stress worrying about how much food to buy because I don't want to run out, and I don't want any left over. This is always the time when I throw up my hands and ask, "Why did I volunteer for this job, anyway?"

Got some great news yesterday - Matt passed the California High School Exit Exam on the first try! I had no doubts but it sure is a relief to have that out of the way! Makes you wonder what the kids are learning though, if they can pass the requirements in 10th grade! I guess they have to set the bar low so even those who struggle can graduate.

Well, I'm off to write the snack bar shopping list.

Make it a great one!

How low can you go?

2006-04-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, in the continental US, that would be Key West, where you can find the southernmost point and a lot of tourists and odd people in general. Not that I think these two are odd.....nope, not at all! :)

But this guy....well let's just say a picture is worth 1,000 words!

Our trip to Key West was really fun and probably the highlight of our Florida vacation - if you subtract the 6+ hour drive each way. Being someone who gets car sick, I can tell you that 6 hours sitting in the back seat of a car is one of the most boring things to do. I can't read or do anything other than look out the window (or sleep, which was an option). So... ho hum.

But, the Keys are so beautiful. We had perfect weather - the humidity left just for me and the sun was shining. The sunset entertainers in Mallory Square are a hoot! It's like a three ring circus, without the rings.

Flame throwers, tight-rope-walking dogs, singers, knife throwers, and chickens just milling around for the fun of it.

For those of you who don't know....there are wild chickens in Key West. They live everywhere ---- roosters crowing outside your hotel room at 5 am, makes you think you've been transported to a farm! And now, most of the hens have babies scurrying around under their feet. So cute. Too bad there's talk of rounding them all up because of the bird flu scare. Such a shame.

I, who live a mere mile from the Pacific Ocean, was right up at the railing to take a pic of the famous Key West sunset. Really beautiful, and very different from our sunsets here. I loved that this flock of birds took off from the pier at just the right time.

Matt was thrilled that the beach just 5 blocks from our motel was the only 'nude' beach on Key West. I'm sure his eyes were wide and roving behind those Foster Grants. Hey, he's 16, so why not! He was lucky enough to spot a few brave babes.

The other days were spent at Dad's place in Pt. St. Lucie. We did get to the beach almost every day. The ocean was really mean on a couple of them. Rip tides, pests, and nasty surf.

But, on the last day, conditions were absolutely perfect. I just love the jewel tones of the warm Atlantic Ocean. So relaxing to look at. And swim in. Every time I visit, it makes me want to move there. Guess I need to go in August for a reality check.

Why can't it rain at night?

2006-04-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

It's raining. It's OK. We don't get much rain. And we probably need it. But when it doesn't rain a lot, even a little rain is bothersome. It would be great if it could just rain at night. Everyone would be happy.

Today's the day I get to drive to Scrapbook Oasis - a supposedly really nice, big LSS about an hour away. Used to be owned by the owner of Li'L Davis, but she sold it. Anyway, I'm taking a class from Elsie Flanagan and I'm really excited. I've become very fastinated by the doodle-style of scrapbooking which has become popular. Maybe I'll come home a doodler.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, there's always tomorrow

2006-03-31T10:13:00.000-08:00

My goals sit safely in tomorrow. That's where my promise to start walking is. And my promise to drink more water. And my promise to eat healthy foods. They've all been living in tomorrow. Or Monday. Or next week. But never in today. Today is always filled with busy. Tomorrow has not been my friend. I need to change that. I need to take the opportunities offered in today, to help me change my life. Wow, heavy, huh?

I need to walk. I need to drink water. I need to eat those 7 servings of fruits and veggies. I need at least to try. I think I'll make today my friend. I think I'll start today.

Penny Candy

2006-03-31T10:06:00.000-08:00

Penny Candy
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Maybe, occasionally, you'll find something of interest in my little musings.