Stampgram's Studio

Have a Blessed Christmas

2011-12-18T18:31:00.001-07:00

As Christmas quickly approaches our hearts turn to the "Reason for the Season" our Savior Jesus Christ. I would like to share this little video with all my friends here. It is a beautiful reminder of what Christmas really means. Enjoy.

Silhouette Cameo Giveaway!

2011-12-09T22:20:00.006-07:00

I am dying to have one of these new die cut machines. It cuts with the precision of the Silhouette SD but will cut a true 12x12! Winning this would be so fun!

To enter just go to the mygrafico website and leave a comment on the contest post telling them that I sent you!

http://www.partyblog.mygrafico.com/silhouette_giveaway/

DECEMBER’S MONTHLY GIVEAWAY:

NEW SILHOUETTE CAMEO MACHINE

PRIZE PACKAGE

www.partyblog.mygrafico.com

Silhouette Cameo machine giveaway.

Win a new Silhouette Cameo machine

The 6th Annual Original Printables Holiday Countdown

2011-12-01T16:43:00.001-07:00

The 6th Annual Original Printables Holiday Countdown

The GIVEAWAY over at Lisa Volrath's TenTwoStudio starts today! You can download some darling Christmas images for FREE! Go check it out.

I survived Digital Scrapbooking Day!

2011-11-06T17:49:00.001-07:00

Even though it snowed...can it really be winter already?...and I spent most of the day being quite ill with a stomach bug, I still managed to make two scrapbook pages this weekend. Here it the latest one.

The other one is down a couple of posts.

Check out this awesome giveaway!

2011-11-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Lynn over at Trash to Treasure Art is having a Blog-aversary. To celebrate she is giving away some awesome gifts. You don't want to miss the chance to win this so run on over and leave a comment. (Or don't if you want to increase my chances. LOL) Here is a peek at just one of the wonderful things she is giving away.

What is SVGcuts?

2011-11-05T18:49:00.003-06:00

Have you wondered what SVGcuts is...and why I love them? This little video will show you some of their awesomeness.

MM Speed Scrap

2011-11-04T21:08:00.001-06:00

Tonight I did my first speed scrap with My Memories Scrapbooking Software. Here is the page I came up with.

Grandkids playing on the Wall Drug dinosaur. It has been there a long time - I remember climbing on this when I was a kid.

Spiders Hate Orange!

2011-10-02T21:07:00.000-06:00

Update: Whoo Hoo...This little witch just won the Trader Treasure Award! What a fun surprise. Thanks!

Spiders Hate Orange!

Here is my submission for this week's challenge on the PaperTraders Art Blog. It was fun to do, and although it is a Halloween theme, note there is no orange, because ...Spiders do not like orange! ...or so Cathy says. lol

Digital Scrapbooking

2011-09-24T23:23:00.001-06:00

Tonight I made a scrapbook page featuring my youngest brother Ronnie who has passed away. He would have been 61 in November. I have just been thinking about him and missing him so I thought this would be a good day to make a page for him. I hope you like it. It features two of my favorite pictures of Ronnie...one with Hal and I...and the one with him holding a puppy. What a sweet little kid he was. And he grew up to be a sweet man too!

A Little Art

2011-09-12T23:02:00.000-06:00

I have been planning to post this for a while but have just been busy. First is a spread I did in my friend Karen's Traveling Art Journal. She wanted black, white, and a little color and since she is giving it to her teenage granddaughter she wanted it to be kind of an advice book for her. I love President Gordon B. Hinckley's Bs so I chose that for my theme. I think I might have to get a new copy of his book to send along for her granddaughter when the swap is over. The large bee is from SVGs by Bee . The small bees are from SVGshop.com . I made the word cutting files myself. You can't see it very well in the scan but the pages, words, and the bee wings have lots of gold glittery goodness on them. I used "Gleams" acrylic paints for that. Love that stuff!

My pages for Karen's Journal
(Click pictures for a larger view)

Second are the pages I made for Amy's Traveling Journal. Her theme was things with wings. I made a torn paper background from old book pages and sprayed it with walnut ink, then wiped it off and when dry sanded it to make it old looking. Then I collaged a lot of different elements onto the pages to illustrate the theme. A lot of the pictures came from a couple of children's books I got at a garage sale for practically nothing because the covers and some pages are missing and others are torn. I rescued them the trash and have enjoyed using the illustrations in artwork. I really like how these pages turned out.

For Amy's Wings Journal

Pat's Little Journal's theme was to use a Photo. I made a page using one of my favorite pictures of my folks. It was taken just a couple of months before Mom passed away - and Dad had just smooched her in public and made her blush. After 62 years of marriage I think that is just about the sweetest thing ever.

Pat's Photo Journal

Next we have two of the little houses I made for Cathy's Door Swap. The screen doors open and there is a retro (50s) scene inside with the women saying clever (albeit possibly rude) things. I didn't scan the doors open as I didn't want the ladies who were to receive them to know what was coming. But the swap is over now so I can tell. In the first one the mother says, " That's right, Sweetheart, goals and dreams are Satan's way of distracting you from making dinner."

Two of the houses I made for Cathy's Open Door Swap

In the second the housewife is cooking and it says "Another day in Paradise". I just thought they were so cute. I made four for the swap but only scanned the two as the outside was the same on all of them. It is hard to see in the scan but the house is embossed (bricks) and it and the doors are sanded to make it look old. The screen doors, trees and awnings were cut with my Silhouette....I made the awning and door files myself....and the screen is sandwiched between two cutouts so they look real when opened too.

I hope you enjoy seeing some of the things I have been doing.
~Connie

God Bless America

2011-09-11T10:53:00.000-06:00

This is a repost of a friend's Facebook entry for today. (Thanks Ernest)
"A thought. 9/11 took place 8 months after this man took office, after more than a decade of many attacks, many warnings...but this man just shouldered the burden. Not one word of blame passed his lips. And when the machinery he set in motion brought down the figurehead after he was gone, he never asked for credit. Read his stirring words."

Lest We Forget...

by "Can We Just Say It?" The Daniel Crocker Free Page on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 7:36a

...that a speech has a purpose, and that is to speak to and for us all; and should be delivered not to exalt the speaker, but those who hear it.

President George W. Bush at the National Cathedral, Washington, DC, September 14, 2001

We are here in the middle hour of our grief. So many have suffered so great a loss, and today we express our nation's sorrow.

We come before God to pray for the missing and the dead, and for those who loved them.

On Tuesday, our country was attacked with deliberate and massive cruelty. We have seen the images of fire and ashes and bent steel.

Now come the names, the list of casualties we are only beginning. They are the names of men and women who began their day at a desk or in an airport, busy with life. They are the names of people who faced death and in their last moments called home to say, be brave and I love you.

They are the names of passengers who defied their murderers and prevented the murder of others on the ground. They are the names of men and women who wore the uniform of the United States and died at their posts.

They are the names of rescuers -- the ones whom death found running up the stairs and into the fires to help others. We will read all these names. We will linger over them and learn their stories, and many Americans will weep.

To the children and parents and spouses and families and friends of the lost, we offer the deepest sympathy of the nation. And I assure you, you are not alone.

Just three days removed from these events, Americans do not yet have the distance of history, but our responsibility to history is already clear: to answer these attacks and rid the world of evil.

War has been waged against us by stealth and deceit and murder.

This nation is peaceful, but fierce when stirred to anger. This conflict was begun on the timing and terms of others; it will end in a way and at an hour of our choosing.

Our purpose as a nation is firm, yet our wounds as a people are recent and unhealed and lead us to pray. In many of our prayers this week, there's a searching and an honesty. At St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, on Tuesday, a woman said, "I pray to God to give us a sign that he's still here."

Others have prayed for the same, searching hospital to hospital, carrying pictures of those still missing.

God's signs are not always the ones we look for. We learn in tragedy that his purposes are not always our own, yet the prayers of private suffering, whether in our homes or in this great cathedral are known and heard and understood.

There are prayers that help us last through the day or endure the night. There are prayers of friends and strangers that give us strength for the journey, and there are prayers that yield our will to a will greater than our own.

This world He created is of moral design. Grief and tragedy and hatred are only for a time. Goodness, remembrance and love have no end, and the Lord of life holds all who die and all who mourn.

It is said that adversity introduces us to ourselves.
This is true of a nation as well. In this trial, we have been reminded and the world has seen that our fellow Americans are generous and kind, resourceful and brave.

We see our national character in rescuers working past exhaustion, in long lines of blood donors, in thousands of citizens who have asked to work and serve in any way possible. And we have seen our national character in eloquent acts of sacrifice. Inside the World Trade Center, one man who could have saved himself stayed until the end and at the side of his quadriplegic friend. A beloved priest died giving the last rites to a firefighter. Two office workers, finding a disabled stranger, carried her down 68 floors to safety.

A group of men drove through the night from Dallas to Washington to bring skin grafts for burned victims. In these acts and many others, Americans showed a deep commitment to one another and in an abiding love for our country.

Today, we feel what Franklin Roosevelt called, "the warm courage of national unity." This is a unity of every faith and every background. This has joined together political parties and both houses of Congress. It is evident in services of prayer and candlelight vigils and American flags, which are displayed in pride and waved in defiance. Our unity is a kinship of grief and a steadfast resolve to prevail against our enemies. And this unity against terror is now extending across the world.

America is a nation full of good fortune, with so much to be grateful for, but we are not spared from suffering. In every generation, the world has produced enemies of human freedom. They have attacked America because we are freedom's home and defender, and the commitment of our fathers is now the calling of our time.

On this national day of prayer and remembrance, we ask almighty God to watch over our nation and grant us patience and resolve in all that is to come. We pray that He will comfort and console those who now walk in sorrow. We thank Him for each life we now must mourn, and the promise of a life to come.

As we've been assured, neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities, nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth can separate us from God's love.

May He bless the souls of the departed. May He comfort our own. And may He always guide our country.

God bless America.

..."The time has passed when we can passively enjoy the freedoms and bounties that America has provided. 9/11 was a punctuated tragedy to bring home the message that good is under attack. From both without and within our gates. God gave us these freedoms and blessings, whether we maintain them or not is determined by if we remember Him and honor His will." ~EB

Have You Forgotten?

2011-09-11T09:48:00.000-06:00

9-1-1
Lest we Forget...
Ten years ago our beloved America was attacked as never before. As we think back to that day, of where we were, of how we felt, of the shock and pain we felt for our country and for those who lost their lives we are reminded that we must never forget. We must be strong for one another and to protect our country from without and within. I remember the words of our President George W. Bush as he addressed the citizens of this great nation. His remarks moved me then, and they still move me today. Whatever your political persuasion, how can you not be moved by the compassion and conviction in his words:

Great harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom -- the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time -- now depends on us. Our nation, this generation will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage.

We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail...

Peace and freedom will prevail.

....I will not forget this wound to our country or those who inflicted it. I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people. The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain. Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them.

~George W. Bush September 2001

Halloween Giveaway

2011-09-09T14:32:00.002-06:00

Win $100 worth of supplies from TheTwinery to make your own Halloween Treat Bags!
http://www.thetwineryblog.com/2011/09/halloween-treat-bags-giveaway.html

They are in Halloween mode over at the Twinery! Check out these adorable Halloween treat bags that they created using their awesome twine, muslin bags and Martha Stewart Craft Paints. You'll love them and they are easy to make. AND.... they are having a giveaway where you can WIN everything you need to make them!!

My First Scrapbook Layout

2011-09-07T20:42:00.000-06:00

My 6 year old granddaughter helped me make this page. It is my first digital scrapbook page.

Our princess picked all the paper and elements for it. I did the lettering and photo sizing. We did pretty good don't you think?

Baby P Makes Three...: My Memories Suite Review and Giveaway

2011-09-07T00:06:00.001-06:00

Baby P Makes Three...: My Memories Suite Review and Giveaway:
This is a great giveaway...for a great product so run right over there and sign up...you just might win a terrific software suite from My Memories to do your scrapbooking. I know I want to win it. My daughter has used it and she loves it. If I had this I bet I would actually get some scrapbooks done. Ya think?!! I have been wanting to try digital scrapbooking for a long time and I think this is the tool I need to get started. They also have some great digital kits too. Love them.
Posted by stampgram at 11:01 PM 0 comments

I WON!

2011-08-22T14:47:00.003-06:00

SVG Attic
My little Winter Lantern below won the Anything 3-D contest at SVG Attic! I am so excited to be chosen as I never win these kinds of things! This little lantern is so cute and fun to make. You can find the file in the SVG Attic store. Thanks for choosing me. It is so fun to win!

More Die Cutting

2011-08-06T09:22:00.002-06:00

I have been having fun with my Silhouette electronic cutter and made this wedding card this week.

Click on photo for larger view.

I used several files from SVGcuts - the step card from the Edisto Island set, flowers from Lunch with Mom, and freebies for the I do, doves, banner and flourishes. I created the chapel by combining the Edisto Island house and the church in the Christian Elements collection. The embossing on the chapel was done with my Cuttlebug before assembling. I love the depth created by layering and the addition of clear glitter. I hope you enjoy it.

Whisper Graphics giveaway.

2011-08-01T20:00:00.000-06:00

You could win some lovely twine - go here to check it out:
http://whiskergraphics.com/blog/2011/07/brown-bakers-twine-giveaway/

Christmas in July

2011-07-26T19:13:00.003-06:00

Playing with my Silhouette Electronic Cutter

I just had to take this outside and photograph it in the spruce tree.
I should have added some fake snow to make it more real! :-)

I have been playing with my cutter this week. I had a ball making this little Christmas Cottage Lantern from the Summer Lantern file from SVG ATTIC.

This winter version was my take on it. The snowflakes and icicles were created from some free clipart I found online. I just had to add lots of bling with glimmer mist, art glitter, and Rock Candy Distress Stickles to make it even more frosty. I only wish the camera could show all the sparkly goodness.

Photo taken indoors without flash

It has snowflake vellum in the window and glittery snowflakes on each side. A battery operated tea light makes the windows glow.

Photo taken in a darkened room with no flash.

Wouldn't these be fun centerpieces for a winter wedding or Christmas party?

Love this song!

2011-07-24T14:18:00.002-06:00

Thank you, Dear Book Fairy!

2011-07-11T12:22:00.002-06:00

To my surprise and delight I received a most wonderful book in the mail. I don't know who sent it but it came from Amazon.com. The book is Drawing Birds with Colored Pencils by Kaaren Poole.

It is a beautiful volume with lovely pictures of birds by the author. But more than that, it is very straightforward and informative in teaching you how to use your colored pencils to render lovely artworks of birds. Since birds are a favorite theme in my art, I am thrilled to receive this lovely book...and can hardly wait to get started drawing.

I don't know who sent this to me as there was no card included. I wish I knew so I could properly thank whomever it was. Since I do not, I decided that this might be the best way. Hopefully that special "book fairy" will see this post and know that I am so grateful and pleased with such a lovely gift.

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!

UPDATE: I received another book on drawing birds...this one "Drawing and Painting Birds" is even better than the first. Both of these books are really awesome. I am so grateful for having received them.

ANOTHER UPDATE: The book fairy has revealed herself. It is my dear friend Keron!! Apparently Amazon forgot to put the gift card in the order! Thank you, Keron, so very much. I am really enjoying the books and hopefully they will help me become a better artist! :-)

In the Garden - Brad Paisley

2011-07-10T22:51:00.001-06:00

This was one of my Grandma's favorite hymns. Tonight as I am thinking about my dear friends who just lost their son this song is bringing some comfort. I hope you enjoy it too.

Electronic Die Cut Machine Giveaway this Sunday!

2011-07-07T18:05:00.002-06:00

SVG Cuts is having a giveaway. Go check it out!!

Have you entered the Pazzles and Black Cat Lynx Giveaways yet? If not you need to get movin!! They're giving them away LIVE this Sunday!!!

I want to win one of these!!

Pazzles: http://www.svgcuts.com/blog/2011/07/05/pazzles-inspiration-giveaway-day-2/
Black Cat: http://www.svgcuts.com/blog/2011/06/29/black-cat-lynx-giveaway-day-1/

www.svgcuts.com

Awesome giveaway...Don't miss it.

2011-05-02T11:55:00.002-06:00

Cristina is having a Blog Celebration Giveway! You won't want to miss it! Awesome stuff to win and she has some great crafting ideas on her blog.
http://www.craftingwithcristina.com/p/blog-celebration-grand-prize.html

Encaustic Beeswax

2011-03-12T22:46:00.005-07:00

I recently spent a wonderful day with my favorite arting pal, Quincy. We worked on our ATCs for an upcoming Paper Traders' Encaustic Beeswax swap. It was a fun day and we were pleased with our results. Below are mine. And you can see Quincy's at Quincy's Place. While you are there be sure to take a peek at her lovely Fashionistas too.

Fashionistas

2011-03-12T15:37:00.002-07:00

These are from a Paper Traders' Swap hosted by Beckie. I used a scrapbook paper for the background - sanding then overstamping it and adding some stitches and glittery accents. The silhouette ladies were cut on my Silhouette SD die cutter then embellished with tissue and vintage papers to create their clothing.

OWOH Thank You Gift

2011-02-19T20:37:00.001-07:00

Here is a little Thank You offering for making this event so successful. It is a altered image that you can use in your art.

I have to thank my friend Marion for this angel picture. It was actually on a piece of old film she sent in packet of ephemera. It had turned orange and brittle with age and was scratched and pitted. I held it up to the light and could see that there was were images on it.

So I scanned it and began to play with it digitally. The more I played the better it got, and this beautiful angel emerged. Then, because it was not perfect - had lots of dings and scratches - I decided that I would give it a grungy border.

I think it turned out quite well and hope you will enjoy using it to make something pretty. I would love to see what you do with it if you will send me a link.

Thanks again for joining me in the OWOH event.

OWOH Winners!

2011-02-17T23:54:00.008-07:00

Comments are now closed for the One World One Heart giveaway. Thank you every one for visiting my blog and for the lovely comments. I have enjoyed this adventure and was able to visit each one of your blogs as well. It was a wonderful journey.

And now...drum roll please....

We have a winner...well, actually TWO!

First is #49 Toni of 3AM Designs

and

Secondly is #94 Barbara of Blossom's Bloomers

Thanks everyone for joining the fun! I have bookmarked a ton of blogs to revisit for a more in depth look. I hope you participate again next year when Lisa rolls out the new event!

Middle Ages Tech Support

2011-02-17T23:44:00.000-07:00

I saw this video on a friend's blog and just had to share it. Any of you that have ever had problems grasping new technologies will enjoy this peek back in time.

One World One Heart 2011

2011-02-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hello! Welcome to my little blog.
I hope you are enjoying your journey on the worldwide One World One Heart event. First, I want to thank Lisa Swifka, the organizer and hostess of this amazing event which brings bloggers together all across the world.

Now let me introduce myself. I am Stampgram (Connie in real life!) from the Wild & Wonderful state of Wyoming! I am a wife, mother, and doting grandmother of six. I am an active member of my church where I work in the Family History Center helping people trace their ancestors.

As a mixed media artist I am a lover of all things crafty. I am also a co-moderator for a Yahoo group of mixed media artists called Paper Traders. Much of the art found here is from my submissions for Paper Traders' Projects. I have participated in One World One Heart in the past and have had so much fun with this event, meeting so many wonderful people and finding some truly lovely blogs as well.

I hope you will take a moment to browse around my little blog while you are here. Please don't forget to leave a comment with a link to your blog and way to contact you if you want to enter my giveaway. Thanks, Connie

This drawing is open to all active bloggers worldwide! I am offering the following two books for the event. They will go to two different winners. First we have Wreaths 'round the year by Dawn Cusick and Rob Pulleyn. This is a lovely book that has dozens of designs for making your own wreaths for just about any season or occasion.

Next we have In the Kitchen with Rosie, Oprah's Favorite Recipes. This recipe book is chock full of good foods to prepare for those you love from the soup clear to the dessert.

If you have a preference please indicate that in your entry. When I draw the names for the winners on February 17th the first person will get their preference. Thanks for entering my drawing, and be sure to include a link to your blog and a way for me to contact you.

And when you are done here hop over to the Paper Traders Art Blog and register for an awesome giveaway there too!

An Award - For Me?

2011-02-06T17:44:00.003-07:00

I was nominated for this award!

I was nominated by Quincy at Quincy's Art for the Stylish Blogger Award. This is so exciting, especially since she is my lovely granddaughter.

Thanks for the honor, Quincy!

As part of being nominated, there are some conditions involved:

That you thank and link back to the blog that nominated you.
Share seven things about yourself.
Award other recently discovered bloggers
Contact said bloggers and tell them about the award!

So, now, seven things about me.

1. I am a doting grandmother. I love my kids but grandkids are the best!

2. I love paperarts and all things crafty.

3. My favorite movies are Ladyhawke, the Princess Bride, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Calendar Girls.

4. My favorite books are mysteries. Crime solver stories are my faves.

5. I love to go on vacation by myself to my daughter Beckie's because I can just sleep, read, and play with art....so relaxing.

6. I lost my mother 7 years ago and there is hardly a day that goes by that I don't miss her.

7. I love to play games, especially Catan, even though I never win.

Now on to the awards. Here are some blogs that I love:

1. Number one goes to Keron at The Colourguru because she inspires me and lifts me and makes me want to stretch myself.

2. Number two goes to my daughter Beckie at ArtBeckons. Who is an inspired artist in her own right and because she knows that I am human, flawed, and imperfect - but she loves me anyway.

3. Number three goes to Hermine at Hermine's Place Because she is an awesome artist and such a giving caring person.

4. And number four goes to Colette at Tea Rose whose art is poignant and expressive and "speaks" to me.

One World One Heart 2011

2011-01-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

One World One Heart is a worldwide event for bloggers only. It gives all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met from all over the world. In the past 4 years this event has grown to over 1,000 participants with lasting friendships formed along the way. It's like a gigantic open house allowing you to travel without ever leaving your home… going from blog to blog (in various countries), seeing the wonder each one has created, and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs. As a bonus, each blogger participant will offer up a door prize just for dropping by, saying hello, and seeing their world. It’s really that easy. The fifth (and final) One World One Heart will begin on January 30 and will run until February 17, 2011. If you're interested in participating, click HERE for all the information.
I encourage you to join in the fun!

Paper Traders Now Has A Blog!

2011-01-16T14:19:00.001-07:00

http://papertraders-art.blogspot.com/search/label/Home

If you have visited me here for a while you know that I belong to Paper Traders - an online artists' community. Our group has been in existance for over five years and I have been a member from the beginning.

About three years ago, Keron Lee (a dear friend and talented artist from Australia), my daughter Beckie Holso, and I became the moderators for this group. Even though it is a lot of work, the rewards of making friends and sharing art with so many talented people have more than made up for it. In the fall Keron found that life was requiring more of her time than usual and decided it was time to give up the moderator position. We were thrilled when Cathy Calamas graciously accepted to take her place at the helm with us.

For some time we have been wanting to have a more public face for our group. Recently we created a group blog here on blogspot to provide a place to show others what our Paper Traders group is all about, and to inspire them along the way. Our group blog will feature galleries of member's artwork, helps and tutorials, and from time to time free downloads for you to use in your own artwork.

So, now that it up and running, I hope you will stop by the Paper Traders Art Blog for a look - and a little inspiration too.

Christmas Art

2010-12-20T12:12:00.002-07:00

First is an ornament I made for Milliande's Witchel Ornament Swap. It is made of chipboard and the picture in the center of the foiled frame is coated with Diamond Glaze.

These ATCs were for a Paper Traders 12 Days of Christmas Ornament Swap. I had Day 2, hence the two doves.

Postage Stamp Swap

2010-12-08T11:51:00.006-07:00

I made these little birdie ATCs for a Paper Traders swap that required a postage stamp on it somewhere.

Things to be thankful for

2010-11-07T14:39:00.004-07:00

As we approach the holiday season, I have seen a number of my friends posting things that they are thankful for. As Pres. Thomas S. Monson said, we should have "an attitude of gratitude". I want to say that I have been truly blessed. The list is long, but here are a few of the things for which I am grateful:

stalwart parents who loved me and taught me to be a caring person.
a devoted husband who is always there for me, and spoils me a lot.
onderful children who have grown into fine adults of which I am so proud.
fantastic grandchildren who are too smart and talented and beautiful for words.
really awesome brothers who have always loved me and watched over me through the years.
living in the USA where we are free to live according to the dictates of our hearts.
those men and women who serve us so faithfully.
And...most of all for a Saviour who gave all that we might return to our Heavenly Father when our time here is over.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T08:01:00.000-06:00

I have been so lax in keeping up my blog lately....I guess that is what "blogging without obligation" is all about though. right? I have been doing a little art and thought I might share some with you.

Creepy Cottages
Here we have some more little houses, but in a Halloween genre. This was another swap I hosted on Paper Traders. Each of us made little "haunted houses" to swap. I had so much fun making these little creepy houses that I also made some to give away. All of them are layered to make them dimensional although that is hard to see in the pictures.

Bobbin Book Pages
This was another Paper Traders Swap. We made little book pages from cardboard embroidery bobbins. I painted mine with Making Memories paint, then added T!m Holtz printed masking tape, pictures, and rub-on words; then rubbed them with distress ink. They turned out pretty cute!

My art for Keron's Swaps

2010-10-01T08:40:00.007-06:00

Little Houses
My friend Keron hosted two swaps recently on our Paper Traders Yahoo group. The first was a little house swap. I love little houses and this was so fun to do. My favorite"arting pal" Quincy and I got together one extended weekend and made ours. The houses turned out so cute and "playing" with Quincy was the best part.

Here are mine:

And here are Quincy's:

Even though we both used pieces from the same set of chipboard houses from Maya Road, our choices of materials made them unique. Aren't they sweet? We think so!

Swapping Silliness
The second swap Keron hosted was Swapping Silliness based loosely around 'the da vinci COD' by Chris Riddell. We were to make ATCs featuring movie titles changing them to make them silly. It was great fun, although challenging to come up with ideas. Here are my creations.

Swap Art - Asian Triptych & White on White

2010-09-15T08:14:00.003-06:00

Asian Triptych
I participated in two Paper Traders Swaps lately. The first is my contribution to the Asian Triptych exchange. The first image shows my card closed along with the envelope for it.

The second image is of the inside. The little girls pop up when you open it so it becomes 3-dimensional and will stand by itself.
White on White
Next we have some ATCs I made for the White on White swap I hosted. The single one is an ATC I made some time ago featuring my granddaughters when they were little girls (they are young ladies now!) I posted it as an example of how using various shades and textures can give dimension to a monochromatic art piece.
Below are the ones I made for the swap. They all feature layers of patterned organza over white flower petals (hard to see in the scan), embellished with ribbon, pearl buttons, beads, lacy motifs, baby photos and clear word stickers.

Do You Remember?

2010-09-11T19:30:00.000-06:00

9-1-1
Lest we Forget...

Nine years ago our president addressed the citizens of this great nation. His remarks moved me then, and they still move me today. Whatever your political persuasion, how can you not be moved by the compassion and conviction in his words:

Great harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom -- the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time -- now depends on us. Our nation, this generation will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage.

We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail...

Peace and freedom will prevail.

~George W. Bush September 2001

Togetherness

2010-09-02T08:03:00.002-06:00

43 Years!
How can it possibly be forty three years! It seems like only yesterday we were just kids "playing house"! But, it is true, we've been married 43 years today! It has been a fun ride so far and I hope we make as far as Mom and Dad did...they were married 62 years and they still loved each other dearly! I know Dad still misses her sorely.

But now that we are becoming the older generation, it doesn't seem quite right. I don't think of myself as OLD except when I stop to consider my age; although since my health problems last year I know I have really slowed down, just don't have the stamina I used to. Age is one of those things that just creeps up on you when you are busy living your life, I guess. You do realize that you are getting old when your children pass into middle age though! And I now have two over 40.

I remember growing up I thought my parents and aunts and uncles were so old...looking back I realize that they were only in their 30s and 40s when I was a kid! That can't be old, I have kids those ages. All of this brings me to this point...We NEED to enjoy life as it goes along because time waits for no one.

We get so stressed about doing things that don't really count and no one remembers a moment after it is done. Not that we don't have to take care of the necessities, but we also need to stop and "smell the roses". Put the laundry off for a day and go play with the grandkids, take time to have lunch with a friend, take a few minutes to visit a shut-in, call your parents or grandparents on the phone, pause as you meet a friend and give them a hug instead of just a wave across the parking lot. These are the things that put the life in living, and they are the things that will matter when you are old and all you have left are your memories.

When I was young, I never remember people being so negative as they are now. I don't think all this negativity is good for us. For one thing when we only see the negative in things we don't recognize the blessing we have received; and we forget to be grateful. That is important, we must be grateful for what we have. Our attitudes affect our lives more than anything else and being ungrateful is a big part of that, otherwise selfishness creeps in. My mother always said, "Be thankful for what you have, there are children starving in China." Of course we always wondered how come we couldn't just send that hated food to them instead of having to eat it, but there is some truth in there somewhere.

Our parents had just been though a war, they had lived through the depression, they were poor according to today's standards... but they were grateful to be alive. And they were happy, genuinely happy. Even though they worked many more hours than most people do now, they always found time to have fun. They often had friends in to play games or just to "visit", they made time to do things with their kids, siblings, parents and neighbors. And when they worked they did it with a happy heart because they knew the value of a job well done.

I think our priorities have gotten a bit skewed, we think we need more things, but really what we need is better relationships, with our neighbors, with our families and most especially with our God. We need to know that just by the fact that we are sons and daughters of God, that we have value. Who we are matters, what we have doesn't. When our kids were teenagers they thought they "needed" the right things to fit in...that certain brand of shirt, those special sneakers, etc. Are we not guilty of that too when we think we must have a bigger tv or a new car, a better house?

My parents raised six kids in a tiny one bedroom, one bath house with a full basement. Being the only girl, when I got big enough to need my own room, I got the bedroom and Dad made a master bedroom and a "boys" room downstairs for my five brothers. It was more like a barracks...two sets of bunks plus other beds, but it served the purpose and the boys shared it with the hired men too. Whenever company came, the kids slept on the floor so the company could have the beds. No one ever considered that we needed a bigger house, it kept us warm, we had enough to eat, and everyone else was in the same situation it seemed.

In this time of economic trial, I think it might help us all to step back and consider if we really need more things, or do we just want them. Will they bring happiness or just more stress as we try to figure out how to pay for them. We need to recapture the attitude our parents had of being happy just to be alive. To have sons and brothers home from the war. To honor the memory of those lost by being diligent, and patriotic, and cheerful. They had hard times but they didn't dwell on them, they looked forward to a better future and worked to try to build that for their children. Can we do any less? Do we not have a responsibility to pass that same legacy to our own grandchildren?

As I get "older" family becomes more and more precious to me, and things less and less. I wish I had caught that vision when I was younger and stressing over so many needless things. I hope our legacy to our children might be one of setting priorities and putting the people in your lives first, because you never know how long you will have them, and because time waits for no one...and because this is probably the best lesson I have learned in the last 43 years!

A Little Art

2010-07-11T16:28:00.009-06:00

It has been so long since I posted any artwork that I thought maybe I should catch up a little...so here goes...

First is the set of charms that I made for a Paper Traders swap. They were to reflect the colors in a box of 16 crayons and were presented in the little box that I made using an image of a vintage box of Crayolas. The charms were made of tiny photos embedded between two layers of natural mica.
Here are some fabric ATCs that I made for a swap on Paper Traders. They are pieced with different fabrics to make the backgrounds, then embellished with pearls, fibers, and glitter.
This is the tip-in journal spread that I did for my friend Marion. Her theme was School Days.
Finally we have a shrine I made for our Paper Traders group's Anniversary Project. The theme was "the number 4" as we have had our little art group for over 4 years now! This little shrine features a mini-matchbox set behind the opening showing off the four little girls. The main background is some spray webbing paper that I made up myself. A lot of German scrap and a couple of word charms complete the assemblage.

Journey down Memory Lane

2010-06-26T09:25:00.014-06:00

Do you ever have days when it is all you can do to keep from being maudlin? I have been that way lately. It has been rainy here…showers every afternoon, overcast, just plain gloomy….which is not normal for Wyoming, let me tell you. Anyway, this kind of weather makes me pensive and turns my thoughts inward, which lately turns them to losses. I have been missing my brother. I miss his laughter, and his smile. I miss his “orneriness”, the practical jokes, the one-liners. I miss the love, the total acceptance of people just as they are, the good with the bad. Some days I just want to pick up the phone and give him a call for no other reason than to hear that smile in his voice at the other end. We never talked on the phone a lot, but whenever we did it made my whole day. He just had a way of making you feel good just by his presence. How I miss that.

Recently I found this old picture of Ronnie and I sitting in the yard with some baby bunnies. He was about 12 at the time.
What memories it brings back of all the fun adventures we had as kids playing in the yard, and on that big elm tree in the background. It always had a couple of rope swings on it...and the little ladder so you could get up to the first crotch to begin climbing. I have no idea how many times we fell out of that tree...but I do know there were some bad bumps and bruises, a few broken limbs (ours, not the tree's), and at least one concussion. Nowadays parents would probably not let kids play with such abandon, but oh what fun we had. And what memories it brings back of growing up in the country.

I was visiting with a friend just this week and we were talking about how different it is now then when we were kids, and how much our grandkids have missed out on. Growing up in the country is just a whole other way of life. We used to have so much more time to play, to use our imaginations, and to experience things. Even though we always had chores - gathering eggs, bringing in the milk cows, milking, feeding livestock, etc. - it seems like we still had plenty of time to just be kids. Now people seem to fill their children's lives with so many organized activities that there is none left for just enjoying life. I think this is a mistake. Children grow up so fast...too fast it seems. I wish all kids could have the kind of growing up years we were blessed with. No TV, no video games, no computers - but more homemade fun than you could imagine.

In South Dakota Magazine this month there was a picture of a little kid playing in the sand. It went on to say that studies show that children who play outside are healthier, more creative and do better in school. I believe this. Fresh air and nature just brings out the kid in all of us, and I think it fosters imagination, adventure and an enthusiasm for life that cannot be found cooped up indoors.

Living in the country your best friends were your siblings. You had to get along or you would have no one to play with! Of course we had our disagreements, but we always got over it and moved on. There was too much good in our lives to dwell on petty things so we learned to compromise and share. How much richer our lives are because of that.

We never had a lot of material things growing up, but we had enough to eat and clothes to wear, although usually hand-me-downs. That was probably from necessity but we wouldn't have known the difference because everyone else did the same. It seemed that all the parents followed the old creeds of "waste not, want not" and "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without". If your pants were too short or your shoes were too tight, there were probably some that fit in the box of your brothers' outgrown things. Being the only girl I often got "new" things passed down from my cousin. It was like Christmas whenever my aunt sent a box!

One thing I remember about growing up was sharing. Do kids learn to share nowadays? We had one bike for SIX kids....you took turns going for a ride and when we got a little bigger we got to ride on Mom's old bike so then we had two! I remember we had a big box of Lincoln logs which we loved to build with. Sometimes you had to use a lot of little ones to build your walls so your brother would have enough long ones to make his house too....again, we shared. One Christmas Dad build us a big toy barn and lots of little farm buildings. There was a open shed, a chicken house, pig barn and even a little outhouse just like our big one. We would set up the farm just like ours and play for hours, and we rarely fought over who got what.

I think I was very fortunate in that my parents encouraged my brothers to play with me too. Of course, I was always up for playing their games but they would also play house with me and even dress up in girl's clothes so we could have a family. (Hal always made such a cute daughter!)
Sometimes we had a doll for the baby, but often as not we dressed the cats in doll clothes and pushed them around in the buggy. It was always a wild race when the cats tired of the game and ran off dressed in their finery....then we had to chase them down to get the clothes off.

Another thing I remember growing up was mean livestock. Before we had Angus cattle we ran Herefords. And, I remember we had some very mean bulls. You could not be in the barnyard when they came through or they would take after you. Mom had always told us to stay away from them but of course we thought we were pretty brave. One time I stood just watching them come by when one of them noticed me and began pawing and snorting and moving in my direction. I was chicken and went flying to the house as fast as I could go. I ran into the yard, and slammed the gate. As I ran along the inside of the fence that old bull just slammed that fence and pickets went flying. Needless to say, I very quickly went into the house where I was safe. I never told anyone that I was the cause of that old bull breaking the fence, but I sure learned that a picket fence is no match for an angry bull!

I also remember mean pigs, especially sows with piglets. You do NOT want to get into a pen with a mean sow as she will eat you! No lie! Once my brother Howie fell into a pen with a sow. He has the scars to this day. He could have been killed if my parents had not been close by to rescue him.

Horses can be ornery too. We had one who liked to dump us off all the time. His name was "Tagger". I think it was actually Tiger but us kids called him Tagger. We always rode bareback and he could twitch his back in such a way that his hide moved and you would fall off every time if you didn't have a hold on his mane. He loved to dump you off, then he would put his head down so you could crawl up his neck to get back on...only to dump you off again if you weren't paying attention. It was like a game to him but it sure made you mad if you were the one getting dumped! He was a pretty big horse and it was a long way down.

Another horse we had was named "Dolly". She was really a kids' horse - gentle as the day is long. She loved little kids and would walk so slowly so they wouldn't fall off. But if you were older she like to bite you. She never bit hard, but if you were bent over she liked to nip you in the behind. Sometime you might feel her breath and turn around just before she got her nip in. She would close her eyes and look totally innocent until you turned around again, then she might just nip you anyway. She didn't do it all the time, just when she was in a "playful" mood, so it would be quite a surprise when all of a sudden you got a bite on the butt!

When I was little I was afraid of the chickens. It was my job to gather the eggs and the chickens must have known I was scared because they always chased me. Even though he was younger I got Ronnie to go with me. He would wave his arms and yell to scare off the biddy hens and the rooster so I could gather the eggs without getting pecked. If you were alone some of them would sneak up on you while your back was turned and attack you. It was was not fun, and it HURT too!

Ronnie was always good to go with me to take out the trash if it was after dark too. (I seemed to sucker him into helping me a lot!) We had coyotes around and they would howl something fierce. It was quite a ways to the "ditch" where we dumped our trash for burning and at night it was very dark. Often there were coyotes just across the gully from the trash dump and they were so scary to us little kids. We would carry the trash together, one on each side of the can...almost like holding hands for security. Then we would dump it quick and RUN! as fast as our legs could carry us back to the house. Taking out the trash at night was not for the faint of heart. We learned young that there was always safety in numbers.

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T13:17:00.003-06:00

I had a good Mother's Day. At church after the services, we had a soup and salad luncheon provided by the men. We sat with Bethany's family and had fun with the grandkids.

Dan and Melissa gave me a lovely book of daily devotional readings for Mothers. Bethany gave me a box frame and a lovely vintage doorplate which I had been wanting for the cover of an art journal. Beckie is gifting me when I get to her home this coming weekend, and Sieg gave me what I wanted ... money for my trip to Colorado next week plus he took me for a lovely drive up to Yellowstone Park after church on Sunday. When we got home I found this beautiful arrangement of flowers on my table from Letha's family. Gee, I am feeling pretty spoiled.

A Mother's Day Story - Adventures with Autumn

2010-05-09T20:40:00.003-06:00

Our four year old granddaughter Autumn has always been small for her age and seemed younger than she actually is, probably due to being a preemie. But this year she has just blossomed and just about every time she opens her mouth she makes me smile.

A couple of weeks ago I was tending her and she very seriously said, "Gramma, do you have any tulips?" I said that I didn't. "Gramma, do you have ANY flowers?" Again I answered that I did not and that it was too early for flowers yet as it is too cold outside. Then she said, "But, Gramma, I really NEED to pick some flowers for my mommy for Mother's Day." (They had been discussing it at Preschool I guess.)

I had been hoping the weather would warm up and we might have lilacs or the May tree might be blooming by now, but of course not. The weather has been unseasonably cold with lows in the 20's and highs only in the 40's for most of the last two weeks. Thus no flowers to pick at Gramma's house.

So on Friday, Autumn and I went to Walmart to look at flowers. We had to check out EVERYTHING...all the cut flowers, all the bedding plants, all the flowering plants for Mother's Day. Such a hard decision for a little one to make. Finally after traipsing from the garden department through the whole store and back twice, she settled on a miniature rose bush in bloom. Then as we were going to the register she says, "I think I should go look at the flowers in the garden again."
"Did you change your mind?"
"No, I think I should get TWO!"

Well, I nipped that in the bud. lol (My budget could only handle one.) So we get the rose, pay for it, and head to the car.
"Gramma, did you know I gave Mommy some flowers this day?"
"No. Did Pa help you buy them?"
"No! I grew them at school. They are on the kitchen window 'cuz there is sun there. Flowers need sun."

We get in the car, buckle up and start for home.
"Gramma? When is Mother's Day anyway?"
"It is the day after tomorrow."

A pause, a sigh and then she says, "WELL! Those flowers better get to growin'!"

The rest of the story
Today when I told Bethany about this conversation, she informed me that the "flowers" are marigolds in two tiny Dixie cups. One has two tiny leaves and the other is just a shoot with the seed still stuck on the top! I think Autumn was right. "Those flowers better get to growin'!"

In Memorium

2010-04-25T14:58:00.013-06:00

My wonderful youngest brother passed away unexpectedly yesterday morning from a massive coronary event. Ronnie was one of the sweetest, kindest people you could ever know. Mom used to say "He is one of those people who would give you the shirt off his back" and that was so true. Ronnie was always one of the best since he was just the smallest little kid. Always happy, always smiling and always a friend to everyone he knew. As far as I know he never had an enemy. If you were you wouldn't be for long as he would soon make you his friend.
Since Mom's passing six years ago, Ronnie and his wife Thesa have been so good to Dad. Living right there in town he has checked on Dad every day and done for him the things that those of us who live far away can't - just by being there, lending an ear, or a helping hand, or just taking a few minutes to play a game of rummy. I know this has meant all the world to Dad, and it has to me too. Thank you Ronnie for being a loving brother and a caring son.

Ron was a wonderful husband and father as well. His family were all-important to him. Rarely did you see him without one or more grandchildren along. They loved being with him and he with them. When his children or grandchildren did something praiseworthy you could just see his whole being light up. They were blessed to have him in their lives.
As children all of us six were close but Ronnie was one who would be happy to play "your" game, let you go first, share a treat, whatever he could do so everyone would have fun. We had so much fun as kids running around the ranch playing "cops and robbers", "cowboys and Indians", or other such games as we roamed the hillsides around the home place. Often we played hide and seek (sometimes that would take hours as we never wanted to come in). One time we never could find Ronnie. He was about 5 at the time. After a while we became worried and told Mom he wouldn't come in even though we yelled that he could come in "free". Mom was worried sick. She always feared that one of us would fall in the big dam and drown. So the search was on.

Car horns were honked (that was always the signal that you were to come to the house RIGHT NOW!), all the kids, parents and ranch hands were enlisted to search. The search went on for a couple of hours to no avail. We were all frantic by then. As it got toward evening and the day cooled off we finally heard him yelling and crying. He had crawled into the grain bin of the combine to hide and had fallen asleep on the warm grain. But when it got cooler he woke up and realized that he could not get out. After a good chastening for playing around machinery, there were certainly a lot of hugs and kisses given by all, and most especially by our mother. Our baby brother was safely home.

Our hearts are heavy now. Our sweet little brother is gone from us. We will miss him all our days, but I am sure he is being hugged and kissed by our dear mother as she welcomes him safely home once again. Ronnie we love you, we will miss you, you will be in our hearts always.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Thesa, the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ronnie will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

The Obituary:

James Ronald Ireland

age 59 of Kadoka, South Dakota , died April 24, 2010, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.
James Ronald Ireland was born November 9, 1950, at the old Kadoka Hospital, the son of F.H. “Shorty” and Betty N. (Mansfield) Ireland. He grew up on a ranch southwest of Belvidere, attending grade school at the Buffalo School and grades 7-12 at Kadoka, graduating from Kadoka High School in 1969. 4-H was a big part of his growing up years. After graduation, he attended one year of college at Black Hills State.

Ron married his high school sweetheart, Thesa Wolfe, on June 10, 1970, in Kadoka, and to this union were born four children, Holly, Naomi, Callie, and Terry. The couple worked on ranches in the badlands, Mission, Robbs Flatt, and Valentine, Nebraska, before returning to ranch in the badlands, raising quality Angus cattle and Quarter horses.

Ron was a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association, and American Angus Association, a Mason for 33 years, a member of the Easter Star for 32 years, and also belonged to the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, Jackson County Bootstraps, R-Calf, Lions Club, and the Kadoka Presbyterian Church.

Ronnie was a longtime participant and supporter of high school rodeo, competing as a rough-stock rider at the National Finals High School Rodeo in 1969. Later, he was a clown and bullfighter for local high school rodeos. He boxed Golden Gloves for 4 years in his teens, placing regionally.

He was well-known in eight states as an experienced freeze brander and AI man, and always ready to give the neighbors a helping hand. Ronnie loved trail riding and long with his family, has hosted riders in the badlands for 20 years, entertaining riders from almost every state in the union.

He will be sorely missed by all and is survived by his wife Thesa Ireland of Kadoka; three daughters Holly Clements of Murdo, Naomi Dobson and her husband Matthew of Sioux Falls, and Callie Rhead and her husband Tim of Canton, South Dakota; one son Terry Ireland and his wife Kacey of Kadoka; twelve grandchildren Henry Ireland, Earl, Christena, Audra (Harold) and Geona Clements, Dylan Westman, Tyler, Trace, and Tallon Dobson, Marcus Ireland, and Keandra and Veronica Rhead; two great-great-grandchildren Adilyn Ireland and Jason Moran; his father F.H. “Shorty” Ireland of Kadoka; four brothers Jerry Ireland and his wife Pam of Miami, Oklahoma, Howard Ireland and his wife Cathy of Belvidere, Kenny Ireland and his wife Lyndy of Philip, and Harold “Hal” Ireland and his wife Edith of Piedmont; one sister Connie Holso and her husband Sieg of Cody, Wyoming; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother Betty Nell Ireland on May 31, 2004.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, and one hour preceding the services on Thursday.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 29, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Pastor Gary McCubbin and Pastor Gus Craven officiating.
Interment, with Masonic Rites, will be at the Kadoka Cemetery.
A memorial is established.

God is NOT dead, neither has He ceased to do miracles.

2010-03-17T09:41:00.008-06:00

"Praise God from who all blessings flow.

Praise Him all creatures here below."

(The following is an excerpt from an article in Meridian Magazine today. It is just too good not to share. Please go to the link above to read the whole story including excerpts from Sara's blog entries made while keeping vigil over her child and not knowing what the outcome might be. It is well worth the reading.)

Six weeks ago, 17-month old Bronson Staker was pronounced dead in a Utah hospital. He had drowned, when his mother Sara Staker was distracted briefly and left the room to attend to something, and returned to a nightmare--finding him face up and limp in the bathtub.

“It was horrible. It was the most helpless feeling I’ve ever had in my life,” Sara told TODAY’s Lester Holt Friday in New York. “There was no question in my mind that he was gone. He was white, his lips were blue. His eyes were rolled back.”

He had neither pulse nor breath. She tried CPR on him while she waited for the EMS team, but she couldn’t revive him—and then on the frantic ride to the hospital—neither could they.

At the hospital, Bronson was pronounced DOA—dead on arrival.

Yet last week, a completely normal and healthy Bronson played and chattered on his father Matthew’s lap as the couple was interviewed on national television for the Today show.

The reporters had to call it what it was—a miracle. (See a video clip of the story here)

Here is the video the Stakers made to document Bronson’s Miracle:

Catching Up....a bit

2010-03-15T09:35:00.007-06:00

It has been so long since I have put up any new art here...life just gets in the way sometimes it seems. I have been working on some things since last I posted though and will try to eventually get what I can up; but for now I will put up the newest projects.Here we have the magnets that I made for Beckie's Four Season's Puzzle Swap on our Paper Trader's group. They were fun to do. I used artist's paste for the texture then when that was dry I watercolored them to give the swirled colors. Next I coated them with crystal lacquer and added the charms and micro-beads to the wet lacquer so they would be embedded. Add a beaded charm and they turned out pretty cute, I think. lol

Next we have my Gothic Arches for the Renaissance Women Swap I hosted on Paper Traders. It was a six for six swap but Beckie, Letha and I often try to do one for each other as well when we all participate and swap amongst ourselves too so I made extras for them and myself as well.

I used my new Silhouette Digital Cutter Machine to cut the arch overlay (which I designed myself!) . That worked great and so much nicer than trying to cut them with an X-acto knife! The arches were cut from heavy watercolor paper, then layered with a textured paper on which I used charcoal to create the shadowing effect (which does not show up very well in the scans but looks great in real life). The images are all from artwork by Italian Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli which I cut by hand and layered on the arches. Then I layered on the scroll labels and arch overlays. Finally I added crystal jewels to them to give sparkle and shine. (Thanks Laurie for the blue jewels!) I didn't scan the backs but they too are finished with a picture of Botticelli and a brief story about him and his art, done in the same style as the fronts.These are the charms that I made to go with my pages. I actually made two more but forgot to scan them before giving them away. They were fun to do.

One World One Heart

2010-03-15T08:35:00.004-06:00

I did not do a giveaway in the One World One Heart event this year. I really had intended to and had an artpiece to give but I wanted to mat and frame it, and I was ill and just couldn't get it done. I was only able to visit less than 100 of the more than a thousand blogs that participated so was so surprised to have won something....but I DID! I won the lovely Vintage Ephemeral Package from Laurie at Indulge Your Shelf.The pictures are from Laurie's blog and don't show all the wonderful goodies that were in the package but give you a good idea. I love "old stuff" so this was a wonderful prize for me....And it came at the perfect time as I was working on my Gothic Arches and was able to use the blue crystal jewels on them, and inspired me to get out some other colored jewels that I had been "saving" and use them too. That was just what I needed to give them sparkle and life. THANK YOU, LAURIE!

Lorri's Awesome Art

2010-01-22T08:35:00.003-07:00

My friend Lorri has been creating some awesome art this week. A great way to work through life's difficulties...with such dramatic results. And, she is giving some of these lovely things away so check it out at her Blog

2009-12-21T08:44:00.008-07:00

My son Dan sent a file of a number that our grandson Chance played in at their Christmas Concert, he is on the flute. It is "What Child is This" and is an arrangement the students put together. Just click the link to open it in your Windows music player.

Chance's Christmas Concert Song

A Thought for Today on Gift Giving

2009-12-19T07:33:00.007-07:00

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY:
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
From The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball

"Christmastime is a glorious time of happy friendliness and unselfish sacrifice; a time of increased hospitality, devotion, and love; a time of the subduing of selfish impulses; a time of renewing friendships, cementing loosening ties, and the swelling of the heart. It transcends the individual, the family, the community, the nation; it approaches the universal, crosses borders, and touches many nations of the earth. . . .

"Though we make an effort to follow the pattern of gift giving, sometimes our program becomes an exchange---gift given for gift expected. Never did the Savior give in expectation. I know of no case in his life in which there was an exchange. He was always the giver, seldom the recipient. . . . His gifts were of such a nature that the recipient could hardly exchange or return the value. His gifts were rare ones: eyes to the blind, ears to the deaf, and legs to the lame; cleanliness to the unclean, wholeness to the infirm, and breath to the lifeless.

"His gifts were opportunity to the downtrodden, freedom to the oppressed, light in the darkness, forgiveness to the repentant, hope to the despairing. His friends gave him shelter, food, and love. He gave them of himself, his love, his service, his life. The wise men brought him gold and frankincense. He gave them and all their fellow mortals resurrection, salvation, and eternal life. We should strive to give as he gave. To give of oneself is a holy gift"

THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

2009-12-18T09:52:00.009-07:00

My Sister-in-law Thesa sent me this...too cute so I had to share it. Sure reminds me of my kids (4 in five years) when they were little.

THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time)for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if He would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide.

God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son.
The next year God blessed us with another son.
The following year, He blessed us with yet another son.
The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.
My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old.

I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."

I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him.
I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks.
I tried to be understanding...when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.
When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess.
In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.

While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close - I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God.
I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God , and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too.
Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."

My proudest moment came during the Children's Christmas Pageant.
My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine.

My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes."

My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes, Silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes." A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived.

My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."

The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes.
"For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur."
"My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us

If you believe in God and in Jesus Christ His Son,
share this to all on your buddy list.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!
~ Joe Stewart

Christmas Giveaway

2009-12-17T10:10:00.001-07:00

I want to win this Cricut bundle from SVGCUTS so if you don't enter I will have a better chance, of course if you do win, then you have to invite me over to play...there is that fair? LOL

Just go enter, it is easy.

Christmas Giveaway – $439.99 Value (No Purchase Necessary!)|SVGCuts.com
http://svgcuts.com/blog/?p=4324

One lucky winner will receive a Cricut Personal Electronic Cutting Machine, a copy of Sure Cuts A Lot for Windows and a $50 SVGCuts.com Gift Certificate!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

In all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season sometimes we forget to stop and think about the "reason for the season". Today I saw this sweet little video that made me stop and embrace not only the Spirit of Christmas, but also the Spirit of Christ. I hope you enjoy it too.

Christmas Countdown Coming Dec 1st

2009-11-23T09:55:00.002-07:00

How great is this! Lisa over at Ten Two Studios is having another countdown...where you can download a free sheet of images each day from December 1st through Christmas. What a great gift. I love her stuff and in the past have used some of the countdown images in my work.

So mark your calendars for December 1st and don't forget to go to this site http://countdown.tentwostudios.com every day to get your free goodies. Merry Christmas to you and me!

What I have been doing lately

2009-11-16T09:29:00.004-07:00

I have been spending a good bit of time lately working on Christmas projects which I cannot reveal right now. LOL

I also crocheted around some pillowcases for my sister-in-law Lyndy. She and my brother have the Triangle Ranch B&B and, of course, use vintage style linens in their guest rooms.

More Journal Pages

2009-10-26T10:33:00.009-06:00

Here are some journal pages I have made recently for friends. These are some of my first attempts at watercolor...

....and colored pencil art.

Catching Up

2009-10-26T09:33:00.006-06:00

I have been lax about uploading things to my blog, so thought I would try to catch up a little this morning. This first set of ATCs are the ones I made for Beckie's Map Swap on Paper Traders. I like the effect of the painted tulips over the portions of a map of the Netherlands.
Next we have some Halloween Moos, also made for a Paper Traders swap hosted by Beckie. These tiny cards are only 1-1/8" x 2-3/4". It is quite a challenge to come up with a design to fit such a tiny space, but so fun too.
Here are some domino pendants I made for a Paper Traders swap some time ago. These are fun to make and give.

More play with Alcohol Ink ...and some journal pages

2009-10-25T08:46:00.003-06:00

I love making backgrounds with alcohol inks...it is amazing the different effects you can get. These pages were made for a friend on the Paper Traders yahoo group. Her theme is Water so I made alcohol ink backgrounds that gave the feel of water then added images and wording to express the role of water in our area. I hope she likes them.
Below are the pages I made for a friend's Windows & Doors Journal. We were to choose a quote about windows or doors that we liked and make pages to illustrate it. All of the squares on the right page are embossed to give texture. I liked how it come out.

Playing with Alcohol Ink

2009-09-21T11:34:00.006-06:00

Barb and Bevlea have been doing some tutorials on their 2cre8art blog and I just had to try this alcohol ink one...easy enough for even me. teehee. Anyway, I am thrilled with the results. I did about 10 sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 glossy paper so I will have lots for journal pages and then cut the remainders into ATC backgrounds. Here are some ATCs I made using transparencies for the images over the alcohol backgrounds. Fun and easy to do.

Torn Paper ATCs

2009-08-26T08:40:00.011-06:00

I made these ATCs for my Emotive Faces swap on Paper Traders. They are really quite easy to do:

I printed the faces on five different pieces of scrapbook paper. If you print 3 on each paper you could get up to 15 ATCs if they tear perfectly, but when you start assembling you will find that you may have a few strips that didn't tear quite right so always print more faces than you need; then you can just toss the bad strips.

After printing I stapled the sheets together along the margins so they wouldn't shift around as much when I tore; then I ripped them crosswise into strips, trying to hold the sheets tightly together so the layers would be as close to the same as possible. Then, removing the staples, I placed them on the table in order of how I tore them.

To assemble, pick up one from each set in different patterns and glue (I used Gel Medium) them down to a sheet of cardstock. Once you have them all re-assembled, rub with ink to distress, then give the whole thing a thin coat of gel medium. When dry trim up and stamp edges with flourish stamps; add a flower or other embellishment to finish. ENJOY!

(NOTE: I am thinking that the next time I do these I will stitch the five sheets of paper together before tearing...just snipping through the thread at the edge before I tear....this might keep them better aligned. It if works better I will post here again to let you know.)

Zen-Doodles

2009-08-26T07:59:00.020-06:00

Here are some Zen-Doodle ATCs that I made.
I think I am addicted! I have always doodled on things - you should see what I have done to phone book covers while waiting on hold! LOL I just didn't know until recently that it was a true artform.
Rick and Maria have made Zentangles not only popular but into an actual business. They have lots of examples and helps on their Z ENTANGLE site. Since I make up a lot of my own patterns as well as trying what they offer, I have chosen to call mine Zen-Doodles...which to me describes what I do....DOODLE!

Since actually trying to do some patterns and make some ATCs with this process I have found that I am hooked. What a great way to pass the time while sitting in waiting rooms, "watching" TV, or just resting. A great stress reliever as well.
If you have not tried this yet, give it a whirl. Just cut some sturdy paper into a small size, such as 3x3 inches or ATC size. I like to use scraps of watercolor or dry media paper as it is firm enough to hold in your hand while doodling, but even index cards will do in a pinch.

Now take a pencil and draw a free-form doodle to make your base....just some loops work great to start with...make the lines overlap so you can create areas for your patterns. Using a Micron or other permanent ultra-fine pen start filling in the openings in your doodle with patterns, go over the outlines, and add any little extra embellishing lines that you desire. You can't do it wrong so just keep going until you are pleased with the result! Now wasn't that fun!
If you are tentative about drawing your first doodle, you can rubberstamp an image for your base and then embellish it like I did with these bunny ATCs.

I'm B-a-a-a-ck!

2009-08-26T07:45:00.007-06:00

I know you all probably thought that I had dropped off the face of the earth, but "Nope" I am still around. It has just been one thing after another it seems. When last we "talked" it was shortly after I had returned from Colorado Springs from visiting my daughter Beckie. At that time we decided that since we were going to have a family reunion on July 4th that we should get in gear and put all of my mother's recipes into a book and have it ready for the reunion.

No one else offered to help type so Beckie and I took it on. WHOA, what a job. Over 500 recipes, all handwritten on very old, very greasy, very tattered cards with odd abbreviations, and faded handwriting. I know some of these are over 50 years old. And, because she knew how to cook, my mother often wrote things in an abbreviated manner, so there was a lot of "deciphering" to do also. That fell to me as I at least had made most of these things over the years, but poor Beckie was at a loss trying to figure out some of them.

It was pretty much a full time (as in 24/7) job to get it typed, proofread, formatted, proofed again, and submitted to the publisher by May 15th so we could have it back for the reunion. We just barely made it but the cookbook turned out lovely, the whole family loved it, and all the extra copies were sold within a week! Yay! Success!

During this process, I had been having some odd health symptoms...not anything specific, but just this odd discomfort in my side, down low, and occasionally actual pain. Thinking perhaps I had a urinary tract infection, since I was also having to make frequent trips to the bathroom, even at night, I went in for a checkup. No infection...but there was something there. Scheduled for an ultrasound at the end of the week. Yep, there is a mass. Now an appointment in Billings, MT with a specialist the next Wednesday. More tests, more ultrasounds, not good news. I had a LARGE (football-sized) cyst. It was attached to the left ovary but the pain I was feeling was on the right side. Due to the size of the cyst it was pushing the right ovary up against my right kidney and pinching everything there. It was also grown into the fallopian tube and the weight of it was pressing on my bladder. Surgery was scheduled for the following Monday.

That went well, no cancer! And home in three days. Doing well, following the doctors orders, no lifting, bending, stretching, straining, or stooping. Sit only in a reclined position due to the huge incision; but feeling ok and thinking "I can do this, it will just be for a couple of weeks then I can start getting back to normal." I think I am doing well...then I go to have my staples removed. Due to it being over a hundred miles to Billings the surgeon had said to go to my primary physician to have him remove them. He gets about 3/4 of them out and the incision just unzips! Wide open! Phone call to the surgeon, a fast trip to Billings....he removes the rest of the staples and and the whole thing is now open. And, it is a huge lateral incision (almost 9 inches long) from my navel down, about 3 inches deep, and gaping open about 3-1/2 inches wide. Not pretty.

I am informed that it must heal from the inside out. Enter wound nurses, wound packing three times a day, flat on my back...no sitting as it makes the wound gape more and undoes the healing. So, that is how I spent my summer. Lying in my recliner most of the day or in bed with pillows under my knees the rest of the time. It got really boring after about the first couple of hours! And I missed the reunion!

But I am so grateful for many things. First for wonderful daughters who gave of themselves so unselfishly to care for me. They learned to do my dressings so we wouldn't have to hire a nurse to come every day, did my housework and showed me so much love. I am also grateful for good medical staff who gave me great care, for a dear husband who is not only super supportive but who is also an excellent cook! ... and for a body that did a great job of healing, because the medical people all said it would take a minimum of 3-4 months, but here I am, less than 3 months and as of today IT IS CLOSED!

I still have to take it easy for a few more weeks, and it will take some time to regain my strength as I have not been able to do anything for so long, but I am healing well, my doctor is very pleased with my progress. I feel good, and I am able to finally sit at the computer and type! :-) I really missed that.

I want to thank everyone who supported me in my recovery, for your prayers, good wishes, cards, letters, and email....my girls were so good to keep me informed of all that because I couldn't sit up to use the computer. I keep telling my hubby, "See, I do need a laptop!" LOL Your love and concern mean more than I can ever express. I know it helped me heal more quickly. THANKS!

Yours Affectionally

2009-05-22T15:03:00.001-06:00

Here are the pages I made for Jenene's in the Paper Trader's journal round-robin. The theme was "Yours Affectionally" so I used pictures of my parents when they were courting, and a copy of an old letter from my dad to my mom.

More Crackled Birds

2009-05-06T14:56:00.000-06:00

Here are two more crackled Bird ATCs that I made. I am glad I scanned them because they have all been traded. Enjoy!

I've been tagged!

2009-04-28T07:41:00.006-06:00

It seems Beckie thinks I need to be more diligent about posting. LOL Anyway, she has tagged me and the rules say:

You've been tagged! The rules are:
1. go to your documents/pictures.
2. go to your 5th file.
3. go to your 5th picture.
4. blog about it.
5. tag 5 people.
This is my 5th picture in my 5th file. It is an ATC I made a while back for my Paper Traders Yahoo group's monthly Winner Take All drawing. I really like this ATC because of the techniques I used. First I did the torn paper technique that Bevlea shared on her blog, but I used printed tissue papers as well as the text to give a bit more visual texture. Next I added the bird and other elements. Finally I crackled the surface and rubbed on ink to color the cracks. It turned out like I envisioned it... and you all know how rarely that happens! .... so I was very pleased with it! Of course, having a bird on it also makes it a favorite project too!

We have a very talented grandson!

2009-04-16T08:15:00.004-06:00

Our grandson Chancey is a fine young man in addition to being quite the musician. He plays several instruments as well as having a phenomenal voice. Sundance High School is a tiny school compared to most of the other schools they were competing against, so this was quite an accomplishment. We are very proud grandparents!

Click on the clipping to enlarge it.

Easter Thoughts

2009-04-12T12:44:00.004-06:00

More projects....

2009-04-10T09:11:00.004-06:00

Here are the pages I did for PT Susan's "How Great Thou Art Journal". This journal is about what is great about you...what is your motivation, you inspiration, etc.

click on image to enlarge

I chose "Giving" as my theme because I have been thinking about my mom and missing her a lot lately. My mother was the best example of giving; she was always doing for other people ...usually without being asked...and many times without being thanked either. Yet she continued to love unconditionally and to give from her heart. She taught me so much about being a giving person and this has shaped my life. I am blessed that I could have her for so many years; but... I do so miss you, Mom.

I started this spread at Beckie's but finished it up after I got home...it just was not coming together...then I remembered that I had these cute little kid images I had saved from a calendar, and they were just perfect!

Granddaughters make us proud...

2009-04-10T08:42:00.000-06:00

In February our granddaughters Quincy and Abby were both in Science Fair. Quincy won locally and got to go to State while I was in Colorado.

Click on photo to enlarge

Then recently they were both in Math Counts and Quincy again went to State. (And Abby was an alternate.) Their group didn't win at State, but they had a great time and learned lots. We are proud of both of the girls for their accomplishments.

Being Productive - Journal Pages

2009-04-06T14:02:00.013-06:00

While in Colorado I had a productive time doing art as well as all the other fun stuff I mentioned before. Let me share a few of the things I worked on while visiting Beckie. I had several projects for members of my Paper Traders Group to do so I was able get them done.

Here are my Tip-In pages for Susan's Gypsy journal. She is a big fan of Stevie Nicks so that was the perfect picture to choose for a "gypsy" girl. Beckie gave me all of T!m Holtz's masks (well, not the minis, cuz they weren't out yet) for my birthday while I was there, so I used them on both of these next two projects. LOVE THEM! So Fun! I love the quote on this page, it speaks to the "gypsy heart" in all of us.And...here is the spread I did in PT Teri's Journal. Her theme is "Ask The White Rabbit"...and we could make up our own story line. I liked how the rabbit and Alice having similar thoughts about each other....how cool is that!
The partial page in the middle flips and has a window that you can look through to see Alice.
Did you see the parts of the main pages at the end of the smaller partial page?The tea tag clipped next to Alice was provided by Teri for signing in. She put different tags on each page for the artists.

Click on images to see details.

Oooh, it has been too long!

2009-03-15T10:22:00.006-06:00

I have been so lax in keeping up my blog. But for good reason....
For my birthday my dear hubby gave me a plane ticket to Colorado Springs to spend some quality time with my daughter Beckie. We had so much fun just talking and playing, and talking, and shopping, and talking and eating, and talking and talking! We really do have fun ...even if we aren't doing anything really...just spending time together.

My flight down to Colorado was ridiculous!
First, you know that we all have to be to the airport early, but since our airport is so little they are through with everyone within a few minutes, then you wait....and wait....and wait...like for an hour and a half. Finally some time AFTER we were supposed to take off they tell us that our flight will be delayed because (get this) the flight crew is sleeping! Seems they got in late the night before and since they don't have anyone else to cover for them (due to such a small airport) and since they have to sleep a certain number of hours, we have to wait while they sleep. Now, I don't see why they couldn't have told us that when we checked in? There is a lovely restaurant where we could have had a nice breakfast while waiting instead of going through the security gate (And since we had to be there to check in by 6 AM I had not eaten) ...but now we were stuck in there with no refreshments, and no bathroom, just twiddling our thumbs and waiting. Sheeeezzzhh Sometimes the reasoning behind things just like this just amaze me.

But...this was just the beginning...
Once the crew was on the plane (over an hour later) we had to go for de-icing due to the cold weather. I don't know why that couldn't have been happening while the crew was getting ready, but apparently it was not to be.

Finally we were in the air! YAY! It was kind of a rough flight because of the weather and lots of wind and snow, but otherwise uneventful, unless you count me spilling my soda because the plane bumped just as I set it down and over it went. Just a little spill...a few napkins (OK a lot of napkins!) and all was good as new. Because of the wind at our tail we made good time and were approaching Denver well ahead of my connecting flight. Great! I think, because I had a layover and would still make my flight to Colorado Springs. The flight attendant said that they were holding our flights for an extra 20 minutes so we should be fine.

Then we land... and we sit, and sit, and sit on the tarmack... because there are no available gates for us to deboard. For half an hour we sit and wait. Finally we get a gate (it is no further than to the end of my driveway from where we are sitting in the plane) and they pull the plane up about half that distance so we can all disembark onto the tarmack and traipse up to the door of the airport between two ropes to keep us going where we are supposed to go. Now, I do not know why couldn't they have just put the ropes out to the plane in the first place rather than making us sit? No one knows, I am sure.

I bet you know what happened next, don'tcha? Yep, I missed my connecting flight. So, I had to do a bit more waiting in the Denver Airport before I was able to finally get on to my destination. Fortunately I had called Beckie so she knew I was going to be late and she wasn't just sitting around the airport there waiting for me all this time. What should have been a quick 3 hours turned into most of the day, but once I was there it was all worth it! I had a BLAST and much needed R & R.

I was in Colorado most of three weeks. Beckie had to go to work most days, but she did get to take off a few for us to spend together playing...and of course there were the weekends and evenings. The weather was so warm (in the 70s most days!) it was like summer when I was there. I know that Colorado is hurting for moisture, but it was nice that Mother Nature gave us nice weather for my vacation....especially since it was below zero here when I left, and also when I came home.

Now it is good to be home again...my dear hubby missed me a lot he said! :-) ...but there is so much to catch up on around here. Ah, vacations are so great, but then you pay for it with having to really get down to business when it is over!LOL

One World One Heart - Winners Announced!

2009-02-12T02:16:00.006-07:00

The OWOH giveaway is closed and I have used the Random Generator to choose my winners. There are SEVEN winners in all! Are you one of them? To see the list CLICK here.

Thanks to everyone who participated. This was a great adventure and I have gotten to see so many lovely blogs....many of which I know I will continue to frequent. This is a wonderful event...thanks to Lisa for thinking of it.

“The Great International Stash-Busting Giveaway" is over

2009-02-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

And the winner is........

Deborah of BabasFarmLife

Congratulations on winning my stash!

And Thank You to EVERYONE who played, for coming over to visit my blog, and for entering my drawing. This was so fun! I have gotten to see all of your lovely blogs and the wonderfully creative things that you are doing. There is so much talent out there.
Thanks again. ~Connie

“The Great International Stash-Busting Giveaway”

2009-02-03T14:41:00.013-07:00

I am joining “The Great International Stash-Busting Giveaway”. On February 4th, 2009 crafters all over the world will be giving away items from their personal stashes. My gift will be a collection of paper and fabric supplies plus some embellishments. This will be a fun collection of supplies that are great for quilters, papercrafters, and mixed media artists.First we have a collection of Christmas cottons perfect for getting a headstart on projects for decorating or gifts.
Next we have a collection of ribbons, trims, buttons and beads perfect for embellishing your projects.Finally we have a selection of acid free scrapbook papers. Even if you are not a scrapbooker these are great for mixed media, cardmaking and other paper crafts.

Please leave a comment on this post to enter and I will email you on February 5th, 2009 if you are the winner.

Here is the long list of all the lovely blogs that are participating. You will want to go check out their giveaways too.

Comments Closed...Winner has been emailed.

Queen & Co. Giveaway

2009-01-31T16:08:00.001-07:00

Queen & Co have some great new stuff just released at CHA...and they are giving some away. Go check it out! Totally awesome new products to make you drool.

Awesome Altered Book Discovery

2009-01-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today in checking out some of the One World One Heart blogs I happened upon one of the participants (Bleubeard and Elizabeth) other sites...and the most wonderful Asian altered book. If you like this kind of thing as much as I do you will want to spend some time checking it out...she has posted tons of pages and they are wonderful! See it here http://alteredbooklover-asianbeauty.blogspot.com/

One World - One Heart

2009-01-26T06:51:00.006-07:00

UPDATE: The OWOH giveaway is closed
...And the Winners are...

#59 Christine, #10 Tina, #91 PawsN2stamp, #126 Fannie, #175 Janet, #133 Elizabeth, and #193 Banna.
If you are a winner please email me back as soon as possible as preferences on the paper assortments are on a first come-first served basis. Thanks!
And thanks to everyone for playing.

I am jumping on the "g ypsy caravan" and joining the One World-One Heart blog giveaway event.

Lisa "oceandreamer" Swifka created this event in 2007. The original idea behind this giveaway event was to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way. This is more than wanting to win something.......that is only the means.......in the end it's about finding kindred spirits. This is an INTERNATIONAL event with participants from all over the world. It transcends geographical location, socio economics, political affiliation, religious beliefs......it's a coming together like the giant community we are on this planet... generating a closer community between humans through blogging.

I have had so much fun blog hopping with this that I decided to join the fun...late as it is.

What am I giving? Three winners will each have a chance to win one of these great hard cover books from my personal library. All of the books are in new or nearly new condition. I will be adding a few little surprises with each book as well.

1. WINNER - #59 Christine Glorious Christmas Crafts. This one had tons of things to make for the holidays....toys, gifts, decorating, etc. There are lots of techniques offered from sewing, wood crafts, paper crafts, knitting, etc.2. WINNER - #10 Tina Blue Ribbon Baazar Crafts. This has lots of fun things to make for Baazars, Craft Fairs, or just as gifts. Many of these projects are quick and easy to do.3. WINNER - #91 PawsN2stamp Quilt Designs in Cross-Stitch by the Vanessa-Ann Collection. It has beautiful patterns for samplers, linens, stockings, dolls, etc.
How to win....It is easy AND you DO NOT have to have a blog to enter.
Just add ONE comment to this post before Feb 11 at midnight EST. (You can leave as many comments as you wish on my other posts). Be sure to link to your blog - or - if you don't have a blog, leave your email address in the post so I can contact you if you win. You will have 24 hours to respond after I contact you to claim your prize, then I will draw for a second-chance winner, so be sure you leave a valid email addy.

If I get more than 100 comments I will add more items to my giveaway.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Since I am nearly to 100 entrants, I thought I had better add my next two giveaways. These are scrapbooking assortments. All of these items are unused scrapbook supplies that I pulled from my stash for you.

Each of these two assortments contain:

18 sheets of scrapbook paper
1 set (3 sheets) of scrapbook letter diecuts
1 set of diecut frames
8 diecut tags
1 set of diecut circles (see inset for view of diecut items)

4. WINNER - # PAPER ASSORTMENT #1 - this one also includes a Jolee's by You & a handmade sticker
5. WINNER - #175 Janet PAPER ASSORTMENT #2 - this one also contains 2 sets of MM wire & bead alphabetsThis brings the number of prizes in my contest to five, so I will have at least 5 winners on February 11th. I hope one of them is YOU! If I get to 150 comments, I WILL add even MORE!

ANOTHER UPDATE:
Since I am nearing 150 comments I am adding two more prizes. If I pass 250 I will add even more prizes. These paper collections are like those above including all the items on the list plus one bonus each. I have not punched out the tags and such as I felt it would be easier to mail them in a sheet.

6. WINNER - # PAPER ASSORTMENT #3 - this one also contains a large sheet of Americana stickers 7. WINNER - #126 Fannie PAPER ASSORTMENT #4 - this one also contains 2 sheets of Christmas stickers
Visit this link to see a list of participants for 2009 One World One Heart 2009 Participants

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED - Check back later for winners.

Echoes of White Journal Page

2009-01-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

I have been working on more journal pages. These are for Letha's Monochromatic Me journal...we were to choose a palette of one basic color to build on. I chose white as I know she loves white on white art. I hope she likes it.

Giveaway - Surprise Prize

2009-01-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

Lorri from Scrappindipity is having a contest. You can read about it on her blog here http://www.auslorri.blogspot.com

It is a most generous gift! She is giving away over $100 (au retail) in supplies from her paper art store...what it is will be a surprise. This is all in honor of her birthday on February 5th. What a great way to celebrate, Lorri! I hope I win! :-)

Eye Candy

2009-01-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

I just discovered MB Shaw's blog the Common Denominator...fun place! Check it out here. http://mbshaw.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-world-one-heart.html

I am in LOVE

2009-01-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, Oh, Oh, I am so in love! I just happened to stop by T!M Holtz's site and he has a sneak peek of his new stamps. Some of them are to die for. And he is giving some away! Did I tell you, I LOVE them. My B-Day is in one week...do you think, is it possible, could I maybe....sure I could. If only he would draw my name! (sigh)

I gotta go tell dh what I want for my Birthday! Oh, but how will I choose...and can I wait until they are actually available for sale. It is all so hard. Why do you do this to me T!M, Why, Why, Why?

Check it out here: T!M Holtz site

New Art

2009-01-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

I finished two sets of pages today for journal swaps that I am in. The first is done with hand drawn pictures that I did myself and watercolored. The poem is my own as well. I hope my friend likes them.
The second ones are on hand-textured paper....I painted it with cement paint which has grit in it and makes a lovely stucco texture. Then I sponged on color and metallic gold highlights before adding the collage elements and quotes. The recipient likes birds so I think she will like this too.

You have TWO

2009-01-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

Recently my niece Nicki mentioned how hard it is when people who don't know that Jenn has passed away ask how many children she has. Of course, she has TWO. I never think of her and Wes only having James. Just because Jenn is with the Lord does not mean she is not part of their family, now and always.

In tribute to Jenn I am posting this poem by Wordsworth. I loved it as a child and still do. It was in the book of poetry I have had since I was a very young child just learning to read. I hope it touches your heart as it always has mine.

We are Seven
by William Wordsworth

A simple child, dear brother Jim,
That lightly draws its breath,
And feels its life in every limb,
What should it know of death?

I met a little cottage girl,
She was eight years old, she said;
Her hair was thick with many a curl
That cluster'd round her head.

She had a rustic, woodland air,
And she was wildly clad;
Her eyes were fair, and very fair,
--Her beauty made me glad.

"Sisters and brothers, little maid,
How many may you be?"
"How many? seven in all," she said,
And wondering looked at me.

"And where are they, I pray you tell?"
She answered, "Seven are we,
And two of us at Conway dwell,
And two are gone to sea."

"Two of us in the church-yard lie,
My sister and my brother,
And in the church-yard cottage, I
Dwell near them with my mother."

"You say that two at Conway dwell,
And two are gone to sea,
Yet you are seven; I pray you tell
Sweet Maid, how this may be?"

Then did the little Maid reply,
"Seven boys and girls are we;
Two of us in the church-yard lie,
Beneath the church-yard tree."

"You run about, my little maid,
Your limbs they are alive;
If two are in the church-yard laid,
Then ye are only five."

"Their graves are green, they may be seen,"
The little Maid replied,
"Twelve steps or more from my mother's door,
And they are side by side."

"My stockings there I often knit,
My 'kerchief there I hem;
And there upon the ground I sit--
I sit and sing to them."

"And often after sunset, Sir,
When it is light and fair,
I take my little porringer,
And eat my supper there."

"The first that died was little Jane;
In bed she moaning lay,
Till God released her of her pain,
And then she went away."

"So in the church-yard she was laid,
And all the summer dry,
Together round her grave we played,
My brother John and I."

"And when the ground was white with snow,
And I could run and slide,
My brother John was forced to go,
And he lies by her side."

"How many are you then," said I,
"If they two are in Heaven?"
The little Maiden did reply,
"O Master! we are seven."

"But they are dead, those two are dead!
Their spirits are in heaven!"
'Twas throwing words away; for still
The little Maid would have her will,
And said, "Nay, we are seven!"

Chrysti is doing it again.

2009-01-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

29 more days of giving! Chrysti is starting her giving again. Along with some super giveaways, you will also enjoy reading her comments, interviews, and insight on life. She is so awesome, so fun, so generous, .... so jump over to her blog and join the fun....what do you have to lose!??

He's a Trucker!

2009-01-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

When the girls gave Sieg the puppy for Christmas Mark was calling him "Trucker". We since have named him "Bailey" well, actually he is "Beetle Bailey"), but his official name will be "Panda-monium's Jei Bai Li", meaning Black and White Beetle because he is cute as a bug! This week Sieg said maybe we should have named him Trucker after all because he sure likes playing with "his" truck! Enjoy the pics.

Christmas Surprise

2008-12-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

For Christmas our granddaughters Quincy and Abby gave grandpa Sieg a registered Shih Tzu puppy. He doesn't have a name yet, but he is awfully cute. We took some pictures but they are on Quincy's new camera so I will have to post them later.

29 Days of Giving

2008-12-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

Chrysti of Art By Chrysti is Celebrating with 29 Days of Giveways. You can find all the details here:
http://chrysti.wordpress.com/2008/12/02/29-days-of-giveaways-for-you/

What a great idea. I have been trying to reorganize my art stuff...when I am done, I think I would like to do this too...and invite some friends to contribute to it. So, be on the lookout for a similar even here in the spring...and in the meantime, check our Chrysti's blog to win some awesome stuff.

Beautiful Video

2008-12-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

I just found this lovely Christmas Video and wanted to share it Enjoy

The Original Printables Holiday Countdown!

2008-11-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

As a gift to those who have supported her mixed-media web sites, LisaVollrath.com, Ten Two Studios and Go Make Something, Lisa Vollrath has created a countdown to Christmas that reveals a new printable image sheet each day from December 1st through Christmas Day. Each day will bring a new a link to that day's surprise. You can find the downloads here. If you just can't wait until Christmas to get all of these wonderful images you can also purchase them from Ten Two Studios here. THANKS, Lisa! How generous you are!

Ahh, poetry!

2008-11-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

LK Ludwig has issued a challenge for today on her blog Poetic Words. This challenge, Day of Sharing Words is to post some poetry that moves you on your blog, and link it to hers so that others might share in it. So I am moving ahead with the challenge...and hoping it is only the first of many related to poetry... something that I love.

I am always awed by how the sentiments of a few words have the power to move one to joy or tears. Poetry has always pulled at my heartstrings and I have dabbled at it since I was a child. When I was just a little girl beginning to learn to read my teacher recognized my love of poetry and gave me a book that had become too tattered to keep on the school library shelves. It was "The Best Loved Poems of the American People." I still have that sad old book, even though I was given a new edition of it several years ago. It is an old friend that has seen me through many personal trials, triumphs, and heartaches. I can always find words there that speak to my soul. Next to the scriptures I think there is little else that has more more power to move one than poetry.

For this challenge I have chosen a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson. It seems fitting at this time of national turmoil that we remember what makes a strong nation is really dependant on the character of its citizens.

A Nation's Strength

by Ralph Waldo Emerson

What makes a nation's pillars high
And it's foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand
Go down in battle shock;
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,
Not on abiding rock.

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust
Of empires passed away;
The blood has turned their stones to rust,
Their glory to decay.

And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown
Has seemed to nations sweet;
But God has struck its luster down
In ashes at his feet.

Not gold but only men can make
A people great and strong;
Men who for truth and honor's sake
Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly...
They build a nation's pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.

You can find more of his poetry on Poets.org.

I've been tagged!

2008-11-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by my daughter Letha. I feel special! Now to see if I can do this right!

Here are the rules
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules.
3. Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about yourself.
4. Tag six other bloggers by linking to them.
5. Go to each person's blog and leave a comment that lets them know they've been tagged.

So, let's see what I can tell you about myself that is quirky but boring...hmmm...Letha seems to think that I have a lot of funny boring stuff to share, but I can't think of much. Maybe she just thinks I am odd and boring! LOL

1. I am a packrat. I hoard things that "might come in handy one day." I think I got this from my mom and passed it on to my girls. Yikes, not such a good idea there. I just like my art "stuff". I like to sort and organize it as much as "play" with it. I am a very tactile person, I like to touch. A friend said she just likes to fondle her quilting fabrics. I totally understand that concept.

2. I love babies - I love to touch their soft skin and they smell so heavenly - and are so much fun to cuddle. I especially love my grandbabies, even when they are no longer babies. My grandchildren are one of my greatest joys. I am definitely one of those grammas that just want to talk about their wonderful grandkids. To me this is exciting...I am sure others find it boring, especially if they want me to "shut up" so they can talk about their grandkids - who are not nearly as wonderful as MINE! LOL

3. Is this quirky? I have been married 41 years to my college sweetheart and we are still in love! He is a jewel!

4. When I love, I love deeply and it is so hard to let go. I lost my mom four years ago and there still is not a day that goes by that I don't grieve for her. I miss her so much. I love my children and am so glad we have good relationships, but I hope when I am gone that they will not grieve as much for me as I do for my mother...it is a hard thing to miss someone so much.

5. I love cocoanut cream pie (not a mis-spelling...this is how my mom spelled coconut)...the good kind that my mom used to make with a cooked cream filling and toasted cocoanut sprinkled meringue on top.

6. Contrary to Letha, I LOVE chocolate...dark sweet chocolate, dark bitter chocolate, creamy milk chocolate, chocolate raspberry truffles, pecan marnier chocolates, decadent chocolate covered candied fruit, homemade fudge, chocolate cake with chocolate icing, brownie delights, and of course, hot fudge sundaes (actually our Dairy Queen make an awesome one called Almond Chocolate Rock Treat - ice cream with hot fudge, toasted almonds and topped with dipping chocolate which hardens and holds it all together - and because I am friends with the owners, they always add a cherry to the top of mine) You name it...I LOVE CHOCOLATE...but it has to be quality chocolate...don't give me cheap waxy chocolate ...I want the REAL thing!

Enough about me. Here are my six friends that I am tagging:

Marion - Such talent, such fun, so quirky...that is how I see her blog ...a delight!

Wrick - Combining traditional and digital methods to create awesome art is his forte. Very cool!

Susan - Beautiful, evocative art that truly inspires.

Kim - Kim is such a talented artist...and decorator. I wish I could have her come do my house for the holidays!!! check out her flickr too.

Hermine - Fun, inspirational art. Thanks Hermine for the freebies, and also for the subtitles for us English speaking people!

Kelsey - I love Kelsey's art. And, those new beeswax pieces are so yummy!

Veterans Day Tribute

2008-11-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Today is Veterans Day....a day to honor those men and women who gave so much, and sometimes their all, so that we might live in this blessed land called America! Nothing can repay the debt we own them, but on this special day, I hope everyone will take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice given and what it means to you - and your posterity. Freedom is NOT free! It requires true patriots. It requires the best we have. It requires the heart and lives of those strong young men and women who love country and freedom more than self.

Below are a couple of videos that say it much better than I can.

Please say THANK YOU! to a vet.

My calendar page

2008-11-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

This is the floral montage I made for our Paper Traders 2009 calendar. I took the flower photos, and my friend Keron loaned me the photo of the twig. Then I "played" with them in Photoshop to create a watercolor look. The calendars are available from CafePress.

Message In A Bottle

2008-11-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

I received my first bottle!!!
Thank You! Linda Hartzig! Here is a scan of the fun things in my bottle. I have my own bottles ready to send to the next round of participants. This is such a fun project. I love surprises!

2008-09-27T20:28:00.001-06:00

Halloween Give-Away!
I am having a giveaway. It seems like everyone is giving away goodies lately, so I thought I would too. It all started today when I went to a new used items store...she has all kinds of kitschy stuff and collectibles. I found a box of old photos and they were so inexpensive that I had to have some. I made a collage sheet and have uploaded it here.

It is yours for FREE from now until October 31st! (Don't you think some of these would make great Halloween cards? heeheehee! ) Just click on the photo to enlarge to full size, then right click and save it to your hard drive. Enjoy!
Some interesting notes...
In the first photo of the mother and daughter, you wonder what the occasion is...the daughter looks quite nervous and trepidacious. In the second photo did you notice all the loose shingles ready to fall on the "nitwit's" head? Check out those ladies crossing the lake...does that look precarious or what? ...and...they are sitting on metal seats made from old raking machines. (I recognized them from machines that my dad had.)

2008-09-26T21:29:00.000-06:00

This one with a worthy cause in mind. Check it out by clicking here. Thanks.
Giveaway

Lest We Forget - September 11, 2001

2008-09-11T10:10:00.000-06:00

Today is the 7th Anniversary of that day of infamy. In memory of those who lost their lives, their families who still mourn their loss, and those whose hearts are still broken by this attack on our beloved homeland I join my tears with yours in our mutual losses. To those who rallied to rescue and serve the survivors, to those who work daily to preserve our security, and to those who are willing to fight for our freedom no matter where it takes them, or whatever the sacrifice, I say Thank You. In observance of this day of mourning I have posted here exerpts of our President's words to us in this time of deepest trial. ~Connie
PRESIDENT BUSH:
Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.

The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong.

A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.
America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. ~George W. Bush September 2001 I know there are struggles ahead, and dangers to face. But this country will define our times, not be defined by them. As long as the United States of America is determined and strong, this will not be an age of terror; this will be an age of liberty, here and across the world.

Great harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom -- the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time -- now depends on us. Our nation, this generation will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage.

We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail...

Peace and freedom will prevail.

~George W. Bush September 2001

Message In A Bottle

2008-09-03T17:15:00.000-06:00

Lisa at Go-Make-Something is hosting another Message in a Bottle Project. Basically, this project is about sending and receiving bottles—in this case, plastic bottle mailgrams. They’re easy to make, fun to send, and you can’t help but smile when you see one bobbing up in your mailbox. Clicking on the bottle will take you to Go-Make-Something where you can read about it and sign up...Be sure to leave your NAME and ADDRESS in the comments. It is moderated so your info will not show up in the posted message.

Stampgram's Studio

Have a Blessed Christmas

Silhouette Cameo Giveaway!

DECEMBER’S MONTHLY GIVEAWAY: NEW SILHOUETTE CAMEO MACHINE PRIZE PACKAGEwww.partyblog.mygrafico.comSilhouette Cameo machine giveaway. Win a new Silhouette Cameo machine

The 6th Annual Original Printables Holiday Countdown

The 6th Annual Original Printables Holiday Countdown

The GIVEAWAY over at Lisa Volrath's TenTwoStudio starts today! You can download some darling Christmas images for FREE! Go check it out.

I survived Digital Scrapbooking Day!

Check out this awesome giveaway!

What is SVGcuts?

MM Speed Scrap

Spiders Hate Orange!

Digital Scrapbooking

A Little Art

God Bless America

Lest We Forget...

Have You Forgotten?

Halloween Giveaway

My First Scrapbook Layout

Baby P Makes Three...: My Memories Suite Review and Giveaway

I WON!

More Die Cutting

Whisper Graphics giveaway.

Christmas in July

Love this song!

Thank you, Dear Book Fairy!

In the Garden - Brad Paisley

Electronic Die Cut Machine Giveaway this Sunday!

Awesome giveaway...Don't miss it.

Encaustic Beeswax

Fashionistas

OWOH Thank You Gift

OWOH Winners!

Middle Ages Tech Support

One World One Heart 2011

An Award - For Me?

One World One Heart 2011

Paper Traders Now Has A Blog!

Christmas Art

Postage Stamp Swap

Things to be thankful for

Happy Halloween

My art for Keron's Swaps

Swap Art - Asian Triptych & White on White

Do You Remember?

Togetherness

A Little Art

Journey down Memory Lane

Mother's Day

A Mother's Day Story - Adventures with Autumn

In Memorium

James Ronald Ireland

God is NOT dead, neither has He ceased to do miracles.

Catching Up....a bit

One World One Heart

Lorri's Awesome Art

A Thought for Today on Gift Giving

THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Christmas Giveaway

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Countdown Coming Dec 1st

What I have been doing lately

More Journal Pages

Catching Up

More play with Alcohol Ink ...and some journal pages

Playing with Alcohol Ink

Torn Paper ATCs

Zen-Doodles

I'm B-a-a-a-ck!

Yours Affectionally

More Crackled Birds

I've been tagged!

We have a very talented grandson!

Easter Thoughts

More projects....

Granddaughters make us proud...

Being Productive - Journal Pages

Oooh, it has been too long!

One World One Heart - Winners Announced!

“The Great International Stash-Busting Giveaway" is over

DECEMBER’S MONTHLY GIVEAWAY:

NEW SILHOUETTE CAMEO MACHINE

PRIZE PACKAGE

www.partyblog.mygrafico.com

Silhouette Cameo machine giveaway.

Win a new Silhouette Cameo machine