My Other Pages

To make it easier to read about our trip to Ireland, I have made a page that is just for that. There is a tab above for Ireland Trip 2014 or click on the Home tab to read my other posts. I have also created a new page for My Weight Loss Journey if you are interested in that, click on the tab above.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose Project

Hello crafty friends! 

Recently there was a contest on the Glue Arts blog, it was to recycle, reuse and repurpose some items into a project.  I would like to share my submission with you today.  I didn't win the contest, but I had a great time making my projects.  I had to use Glue Arts products in my submission, but keep in mind that you can use which ever products you like.  To be honest, I wouldn't use the Glue Glider Max again.  I borrowed it from a friend (thanks Jen T!) for this project and I found it very difficult to use.  I would use my ATG Gun in the future.

Supplies needed:

pockets cut off old jeans
Glue Glider Max
Glue Glider Pro
Crop a Dile
scrap fabric
scrap card stock
Pearl accents
ribbon
silk flowers and leaves
charms
crystal accents
butterfly applique
old bracelet
glitter glue
Say it With Studs (hearts)
Say it With Crystals (flourish)

These are the supplies I used for the 2 projects I am showing. Any type of embellishment may be used. These just happened to be what I had on hand.

These are the two projects I made. They can be used for many different purposes. When my daughter was young I made one of these as a “locker pocket” and put magnets on the back so she could put it inside her locker door at school. She kept small things like pencils, pens, erasers etc. in it. The one with the strap can be used as a little purse, or it can be hung on a door, like in the picture to put notes into it for your child. Hang it on your child's bedroom door and leave little love notes in it, or maybe hang it somewhere it is sure to be seen and use it for outgoing mail. Keep the extra keys in it, or extra change, or maybe you sunglasses, so you know where they are. The one with out the handle can be used to put a small gift in as a gift bag, put magnets on it to go onto the fridge to hold coupons, or take out menus. There are a lot of uses for these adorable pockets.

Your first step is to find some old jeans and cut the pockets off the back. I use two matching pockets, although you could use one and back it with another fabric.

Next use the Glue Glider Max to apply adhesive to the back of the pocket right along the stitching . Fold over the extra fabric right along the edge of the pocket. Cut off any unwanted fabric. Do this with the other matching pocket.

Now you will apply adhesive to the back of the pocket, line up the 2 matching pockets back to back and press them together. You will now have a “double” pocket. You can decorate both sides, but I have only decorated one on mine.

Now you can embellish you pocket. For this first one, I used some scrap fabric to make flowers. I cut the fabric into long narrow strips, about 1” wide. I cut a piece of scrap card stock into a circle, using my Glue Glider Pro, I covered one side of the circle with adhesive. Starting in the middle of the circle, I began to attach the fabric as seen in this tutorial, I made 3 of these fabric flowers in different sizes and added some pearl accents to the centers of the flowers. I used Glue Glider Pro to adhere silk leaves to the back of the flower and then to adhere the flowers to the pocket. I embellished the pocket further with some “Say It With Studs” (Prima) hearts and a butterfly applique. You can embellish in any way you like, a little, a lot, girly, boyish, whatever you like.

Next use the Crop a Dile to make holes in the fabric between the 2 pockets. Narrow strips of fabric are again used, to make a strap for the pockets. Use the Glue Glider Pro on the back of the fabric and then folded the fabric onto the adhesive and trim off any extra threads. Then simply fed the ends of the strap through the holes and tie a knot at the end. You could also use ribbon as a strap.

The 2nd project was constructed the same way, but was embellished differently. I used all items that I had on hand in my stash.

First I took a red crystal bracelet that my daughter didn’t want any longer and I cut it, this I adhered to the pocket with liquid adhesive. I then used my Glue Glider Pro to adhere the flowers and a bow that I had made. The flourish and the small flower are “Say it With Crystals” (Prima) I found the butterfly and heart charms in my stash and adhered them with liquid adhesive.
I decided that I didn’t want a strap on this pocket project, but I can easily add one at a later date if I choose. I had a lot of fun making these and think they would make great gifts for the little girls in my life.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you have enjoyed these projects and tutorial.  If you would like to leave a comment that would be great, if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section or e-mail me (address is in right column) and I will get back to you asap.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Prizes, prizes, prizes!

This last month or so has been a very lucky one for me as far as prizes on blogs and such.  Today I received 3 packages in the mail.  All of them prizes that I had won on the internet. 
The first one is this stamp set.  When I first saw this set from
Mark's Finest Papers  I really didn't think it was something that I would be interested in.  Then I participated in their design team blog hop and saw some of the most amazing projects made with these stamps.  I fell in love with it.  Alas, I didn't win it.  BUT then the next week, my blogger friend, Roxie, had it as blog candy on her blog and what do you know?  I won it!  I was so excited.  Thank you Roxie!  I'm going to love 'playing' with this set.  Hop over to Paper Scaper and see Roxie's wonderful creations.  You will be sure to be inspired!

Then I won this amazing prize below.  These were a prize on Scrap Time which is another fabulous blog.  Christine does wonderful videos featuring product, projects and techniques.  Wonderful and informative!
Before CHA Winter (Craft and Hobby Association) Christine drew the name of a follower to win a box of goodies from the CHA show in January.  Lucky for me, that person didn't claim their prize, because when she drew again, she drew my name. 
I would encourage you to check out her blog, she has an amazing variety of products and techniques to show us.




Can you believe all the cool stuff she sent me?  Can't wait to get creating with some of these things!

The 3rd prize came from the Robert's Crafts blog  where I won a couple electric candle warmers like the ones below.  Every Friday they have a Freebie Friday where you can enter to win a prize, I entered, I won. 
So keep your eyes on my blog for some projects that I make with these wonderful supplies and tools that I won.  I will make them while I enjoy the fragrance from one of my candle warmers.

Thanks for stopping by today to share in my excitement.  Now go hop on over to those blogs.  You never know what you may learn, be inspired to create or who knows you may be the next winner!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Sign for My Happy Place

Hello friends!

My Happy Place is where I got to do my scrapbooking.  It's not just a place in my mind, it is a real place and if you live anywhere near me you should check it out.  We have a wonderful creative time there.

So let me tell you my story about this sign. 
There is a restroom down the hall for us to use.  Always been there and always just us crafty people using it. 

Another group is using a room down the hall from our space and there are *gasp* men in the group who sometimes need to use the restroom.

Now there is a separate urinal in there in a nice little stall, a nice curtain that pulls shut for privacy and everything.

But apparently the men in this group find it necessary to use the toilet and of course, leave the seat up.  Our fearless leader, Jen, talked to them and asked them to please put the seat down. 
Alas, they do not care to do so.  Thus this sign!
The image is "One of Those Days" (#10709) from QKR Stampede.  When I saw that image I had to have it, but haven't had a chance to use it before.  I think this was a wonderful use for it!

What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by today!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

You are my Sunshine

Hello friends!  Today's post is a card for the QKR Stampede Design Team Blog Hop. 
If you have just happened onto the hop on my blog, it would be a great idea to start at the beginning.  Go to the QKR Blog where you will find links to all the participating blogs.  If you get lost along the way or a link doesn't work, just hop back there and get back on track.

If you came from Monika's blog you are on the right track.

This months theme is "Space ~ Sun, Moon and Stars"

I chose Patchwork Sun (#6104)  from QKR Stampede.  This was one of the first images I chose from QKR and I love it.   Along with it I have used My Sunshine (#9302)
A while ago a friend turned me on to the idea of stamping on dryer sheets.  For this card I used an unused dryer sheet and I love the effect.  The ink and the water color crayons worked great on this surface.  It gives the card a soft fabric look.

I added a bit of stitching in the corners of the card.  I used a large needle and embroidery floss to stitch through holes I had pierced with a paper piercer.

Here are a couple tips about hand sewing on cards:
Use a scrap piece of plastic canvas as a guide to pierce your holes.  No measuring  needed, just put your punch the holes through the canvas.  Makes things much easier.

When threading the needle, us a floss threader.  These are meant to be used to thread dental floss through braces, but I'll tell ya they are wonderful for threading needles, putting yarn or string etc. through buttons and so much more.  No one eyed aiming and frustration any more.  Floss threaders are inexpensive and can be bought in any of the stores that carry dental products such as tooth paste.

Thank you for stopping by today and participating in the blog hop.
Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts, then it's time to hop on to Kristine's blog and see what wonderful projects she has to inspire you.

Until next time, Happy Crafting

Sunshiney Card

Hello friends!  Today is my QKR Stampede Blog day and I have this Sunshiney Card to show you.  Is that even a word?  Not sure, but you get the idea.
I made this card using 2 stamps from QKR Stampede,  Patchwork Sun (#6104)and My Sunshine (#9302)
I saw this style of card quite a while ago and thought I would give it a try.
The 'envelope' part of the card was made with a 12x12" piece of white paper.  The blue is patterned paper from my scrap stash.
I stamped the Patchwork Sun onto white card stock and colored it with Pan Pastels and adhered with foam tape.

The insert is white card stock cut to size with some blue Memento ink applied to the edges. 
Thank you for stopping by today.  Be sure to come back tomorrow (3/18) for the
You won't want to miss the inspiration from our design team.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Sneakers

Hi all you people out there in bloggerland! 
When I saw Sneakers (#12706) in the QKR Stampede store, I loved it right away.  Maybe it was that it reminds me of my son and his not so small feet, I don't know, but I loved this image and had to have it.

I had to pair it with this argyle paper from TaDa Creative Studio, as Jaryd loves argyle.  I know the argyle is running sideways, but does it really make a difference?  I like it anyway, LOL!
The houndstooth is the other side of this wonderful TaDa patterned paper.

I saw this style of card somewhere on the net and thought it was pretty neat and wanted to try it out. I think it turned out pretty nice. The over all size of the closed card is 4" x 4" and it opens diagonally.



Inside there is a pocket that holds a little note card where any sentiment can be added. This pocket is also a great place to put a gift card or some cash for the recipient.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Why not hop on over to QKR Stampede and see what images you have to have?
Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this style of card.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Blog award. Thanks Roxie!

I had a nice surprise from my blogger friend and fellow QKR design team member, Roxie.  She honored me with the "Stylish Blogger Award"  I have the award posted at the right side bar of my blog, as I have received this one before and given to others also.
Part of what I need to do is to post 8 things about myself on my blog, so here goes.  Hopefully, I won't post any of the same things I posted before.
1.  I was an RN in my 'former life' but I haven't worked in nursing for over 25 years.
2.  When I was much younger, I always wanted to be a redhead, and now I am.
3.  I have been friends with my one sister in law for over 50 years and with another for over 40 yrs.  Pretty long time for someone as young as I am, eh?
4.  When I was a kid, I used to tell the other kids that my Dad killed Hitler.  After all he was my hero and what better thing for a hero to have done.
5.  I hate fresh tomatoes, but not as much as I hate tripe.
6.  My favorite foreign country is Ireland.
7.  The coolest thing I've ever done on a vacation is fly over Tuscany in a hot air balloon.
8.  I took about 10 yrs. of baton lessons as a kid, and I was pretty darn good at it too, if I must say so myself.  Maybe some day I'll share a picture of my adorable self here on my blog in one of my costumes.  Wouldn't that be a hoot!

So there you go, a little bit about me for you.  I know I've shared some strange things here, but heck I'm a strange kind of person.  LOL!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Girl with Balloon

Girl with Balloon (#4901) is an adorable stamp from QKR Stampede.  I thought she would be perfect on this woven heart that I made.
I started by cutting strips of different papers, some patterned and some solid colors.  I then laid out several strips horizontally and used more strips to weave through them vertically.  I use ATG Tape to adhere the whole thing to a piece of scrap card stock.  I made a heart template and traced it onto the back of the woven piece and cut it out, then adhered it to purple card stock and cut around it.
I stamped the Girl with Balloon onto white card stock and colored her with colored pencils. I used my Cuttlebug and a Nestabilities die to cut the oval shape. 
 I inked the edge of the oval and used foam tape to adhere the oval to the heart and the heart to the card base.

To finish off the card, I added some Prima flowers and added pearl accents in the flowers and the opposite corner.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Why not take a hop over to QKR Stampede and see this image and so many other wonderful images.  You never know what you might find there that you need!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Another blast from the past.

Hello craft lovers!
While looking through old digital pictures the other night, I came across a lot of pictures of ceramic pieces that I had painted.  These bring back some wonderful memories.  I do miss painting!  Maybe I'll get back into it one day.
When I was working at Different Strokes, a paint your own pottery studio, I did a lot of custom orders.  I remember the first time Toby asked me about doing a custom order.  A customer had called to ask if something could be painted for her and Toby said to her "Probably, Kristie can paint anything!  Let me ask her  and I'll get back to you."  I couldn't believe it when he told me this!  But he had confidence in me and from then on, I did all the custom orders that came in.  Some of the pieces I'm showing you were custom orders and some are pieces that I painted for myself or as gifts.  I hope you enjoy them.
This platter was a custom order for a wedding.  There are markers that you can purchase to write on ceramic pieces that have been glazed and fired, then you 'bake' them in your home oven.  This couple was having their guests sign the platter to have for a keepsake.  It matched their invitations and theme.
This piece is actually a platter which I painted and drilled holes through.  The woman that ordered it wanted it for their winter place in Bermuda or somewhere equally as tropical.  She was going to have someone attach it right to the front of Poolside Villa #5.  She wanted tropical flowers and bright colors and that's what I gave her.  She loved the end results.  I wish the picture showed the detail and shading in the flowers better.

I made this plate for my niece's baby shower.  We all signed it at the shower with the markers that I wrote about above.

Know that baby shower above?  I made this plate for the baby from that shower, my great niece Sami.  Eric, her dad, is pretty partial to Curious George, so I made this for her, or him as the case may be.

The couple that managed Different Strokes, for a while before it closed, asked me to make this plate.  Toby said his mom was 'famous' for her deviled eggs and he asked me to design and make a plate that they could take back to Arizona with them.  This is what I made for her.  If you look closely you can see that there are several silly little chicks coming out of eggs where the eggs are to sit.  They don't show very well, but I'm telling ya, they were cute.  Wonder if she still has that plate!

This is a spoon rest that I made for myself.  I love it!  I also made a little cup and saucer set that match it which sit on the buffet in my diningroom.
Remember Eric, my nephew who loves Curious George?  I knew he also loved the Muppets, so I asked him who was his favorite, weeeelllll, he wouldn't give me a straight answer.  If you know Eric, you will understand.  He told me several different characters.  I was planning to make a set of dishes for Sami with Eric's favorite character on them.  I ended up making a much bigger set than I planned.  Animal was one of the favorites.  I also made Gonzo, Rolf, Fozzie Bear, Statler and Waldorf and Beaker.  I think that covers all the favorites, at least the ones I painted. LOL!

This is a set that I made for myself.  The little dish sits right down into the top of that center space.  I love this and really have to remember to use it more often.

I made this set for my great niece, Alexandrea, for her 3rd birthday.  She loves princesses, so I painted these for her.  Her sister has a set of dishes with the Little Mermaid on them and her cousin has a set with Tinkerbell.  I do have some pictures of the Ariel ones somewhere, but unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the Tink ones and they turned out so cute. 

Both the ceramic shops that I worked for closed before I got the chance to paint sets for the other greats, but maybe someday I will get that chance.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you have enjoyed this little blast from my crafting past.  If you have a paint your own pottery studio near you, go give it a try.  There are so many fun things you can do with ceramics.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Etsy Shop

Hi all you blogger friends!

Today I made a decision to give Etsy a try again.  I have put a couple items in my shop which you can find here.  I have also put my Etsy address at the right side of my blog.

I plan to list more things for sale, so if you are interested, please stop over there and see what I have every now and then.  If not, that's okay too.


If there is anything that you see on my blog that you are interested in purchasing, please feel free to ask.  I will let you know what the price is, without any obligation to purchase.  I'm always open to questions. I have added my e-mail address to the right sidebar also.

Here are a couple pictures to peak your interest.  Now hop on over to my shop and see the rest of it.
Thanks for stopping by.  If you have any questions let me know.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Blast from the past!

Tonight I was going through a lot of old digital pictures and found some things I had forgotten about.  This card was one of the first cards I made back in July 2007.  I had gone to visit my friend Mary in Toledo for the first time and attended Krop for Kids 2007. Mary extended her hospitality to Kelsie and me and I made this card to thank her.
The charm on the front of the card is a little angel. Perfect for Mary as she loves and collects angels.

Once the "belly band" is off and it was opened once, this was inside.

Opened all the way and there was this sentiment.
Pretty simple card actually, but I don't think it was bad for a first card. Especially since I didn't have a clue what I was doing and I came up with the design myself.
Maybe I need to look at making some more cards in this style, I really like it.

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you have enjoyed this card and may try something like it yourself.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Triangle Trifold card

I follow quite a few blogs, but there are certain ones that I check daily and one of those is "Fresh & Fun" where Beate has some of the best ideas and tutorials on the web.  Recently, she posted a tutorial for this type of card and today I decided to try it out.  You may also know her from Splitcoast Stampers 
On Monday I posted about having an invitation order cancelled and that I have several colored images that are the same.  I used one of those colored images for this card.  This is Bouquet (#16220) from QKR Stampede.
This card measures 4" x 4" when it is closed, when opened it is 12" x 4"

Here is a view of the card part way open so you can see how it 'works' I love that it is different than the average card.
I left the inside with no sentiment, so it can be used for any occasion.
All the papers were from my stash, you know how bad I am with knowing what companies I get particular papers from.

If you are interested in learning how to make this type of card, hop on over to Beate's blog and watch her tutorial.  While you are there, check out her other posts!  She really is quite wonderful.

Also take a hop over to QKR Stampede and see all the wonderful stamps, both rubber and digi, that they have to offer.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this card.  Personally, I really love it.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!