The art of presentation......BlueMoon Wednesday

Hey there loves....happy Wednesday and February to you! Can you believe it's already time for us to share February's kit with you....I sure can't! This beautiful Natural Living kit is a call to nature with luscious greens, golden yellows, rich browns and soothing shades of cream. You'll discover lots of your favorites made their way to this kit like Tattered Angels and Prima, 7 gypsies and Basic Grey.....just to name a few.....

So shall I share a few details about my creation.....

I love creating special little homes for treasured gifts.....from gift bags to boxes they elevate the presentation of even the humblist of gifts.....and this week I was inspired to alter a box that's been begging to be all dressed up with beautiful embellies and paper. I reached right for this 7 gypsies page, the greenish/aqua Prima flower, and the Webster's ribbon in the kit.........

...also a bit of tulle and ribbon from my stash, a vintage doilie, a trinket pin with a few pearls......some swirling 1/2 pearls from my Hugs and Kisses kit (yes still got tons of it left:).....a lovely cameo....which by the way you if you're looking for cameos you'll find a wonderful selection here......all layered atop the lid for a soft and feminine feel......

....inside the box you'll discover a coordinating card created with more of my favs.....Webster's Pages, more of the ribbon from the kit and a vintage button........

....and for the finishing touches the edges of the lid were also finished with beautiful lace.....

....and the inside of the box is covered with matching paper and ribbon.....a simple box......transformed into a gorgeous home for a lovely gift or perhaps a few keepsakes.....

Well that's all for now my friends.....I hope this week's creation inspired you to grab a plain ol' box and give it a little love......and why not do it with the Natural Living kit!

Thank you so much for visiting....and especially for taking the time to leave a comment....each one means the world to me:)

Vintage beauty.....BlueMoon Challenge

Greetings friends…hope your Wednesday is off to a great start! So is it just me or is January flying by…..I’m just counting the days until Spring arrives….oh to see a Dandelion peek through the hard, cold grounds would be a lovely sight….

So are you enjoying our first challenge week so far? I personally am loving the idea of a week-long creative journey where each day a DT member is sharing her take on blending a bit of vintage flair, an old photo and Basic Grey doilies….a combination that I must admit intimidated me at first…but I’m never one to pass up a good challenge….so after some brainstorming here’s what a I came up with….

…..this vintage photo of a beautiful woman has been residing in my collection for some time and this challenge seemed to beckon for her to take center stage in my latest inspiration.....to alter a distressed frame….one in need of a bit of love and attention…..
.....first on the agenda was to create a beautiful mat worthy of surrounding her lovely face….one that would include a border created with this Basic Grey doily…..perfect for stranding satin ribbon through the precut slits….certainly beats trying to use my hand punch to create a similar look where I’d have to measure just right….place the punch just right….then hope it all works....love that!

….a layer of pattern paper over the border adds a bit of the feminine and shabby touch that I just can’t resist….

….for the finishing touches…….vintage lace surrounds the frame to tone down the straight lines….while bits and pieces from the Prima 12 inch flower sprig that comes in the Hugs and Kisses kit made their way too…..the two butterflies were layered for a bit more dimension and topped off with a vintage button…...and its “flight” created by stranding micro beads through craft wire adds some fun texture…....

….the flowers from the Prima sprig were layered with a bit of vintage sheet music, pearls, and micro beads…then finished with the leaves and curly “cues”….also from the same Prima flower sprig….and lastly a trinket pin adds a touch of elegance….

....and here's a sample of her gracing a wall....a simple yet elegant touch to any room.......

Alright my friends....now it's your turn to grab your doilies and old photos and create a vintage inspired creation too! The winner will get $40 to spend at the BlueMoon store and believe me you WANT this! Can't wait to see what you come up with:)

Now before you go....don't forget to checkout the BlueMoon blog where you can enter to win an autographed Tim Holtz die.....you can't pass up this once in a lifetime chance!

Inside and out....

Finish a card inside and out......a perfectly timed challenge by one of my favorite sites....Moxi Fab World! Though I've enjoyed exploring where my creativity has taken me I've been itchin' to go back to where it all began for me and create a card with all its fixin'.....so combined with an inspiration photo shared by one of my favorite artist Melissa Phillips this became the perfect recipe to get my crafty juices flowing.....

(click on photos to enlarge)

....of course I reached for my favs like K & Co paper and Webster's too....my vintage lace and Bec's pearls...along with a few vintage buttons.....
....for a bit of an unexpected surprise the front features a lovely window....

....while inside you'll find a bit more vintage lace....and layers of more pretty paper....

....and a lovely pocket....also the home to a removable card........

....fits snuggly in the pocket....and offering a perfectly discreet place for a heartfelt message.....

....and of course its home....a handmade envelope.....it too created with the same love and embellies that are on the card.....

....the finishing touch.....a button and pink floss to open without a tear....the perfect way to treasure it forever.....

....and now my friends I leave you with a sneak peek of my next creation for BlueMoon. This week the design team is hosting a week long challenge. Though this challenge is like none other where you'll wake up to a new creation every day.....each one featuring a vintage inspired creation using Basic Grey doilies....

....a newly inspired creation for me.....and hopefully one that will inspire you too:) Have a wonderful week!

The power of love (for Haiti)...BlueMoon Wednesday

Hello there friends….how’s it going? Here we’ve been blessed with a few mild and sunny days which is just what I needed to boost up my ‘winter blue’d’ spirit:) Can you believe I’ve still got a few more creations from my Hugs and Kisses kit to share with you! Yes indeed, I’m still discovering new and exciting ways to create with every little bit….and today’s creations are all about love….

First up are two deliciously sweet treat bags created with my little sidekick Sophia….the perfect project to include a kiddo who’s been itching to get her curious little hands in this kit, lol.

With a little guidance from me she built these two petite Valentine bags for her two cousins who recently moved a far distance and they only get to see each other on holidays....

....for this project I knew to reach for a Pink Paislee scrapbook page from the kit.....they were perfect little squares ready to cut along the edges.....not too complicated for a 7 year old....so on we went to first create small boxes out of regular cardstock then adhered the labels on the front and back....check out her little hands at work....so cute how she wanted everything just right....

....once the labels were attached we created handles by simply cutting strips of more cardstock with scalloped edge scissors then adding clear Pink Paislee borderlines....love how they finish the look and so very easy to do too!

....the last touches were a Pink Paislee Bella brad with the words I love you cut from one of the other labels and hanging like little charms.....and on the other bag a Making Memories pebble sticker over the letter O....lovely little touches....and all included in the kit!

......finally a bit of shredded paper and a few chocolate treats.....

....by the way.....this project was super quick.....fun.....and easy......and best of all it was extra special time spent with my girl.....gotta luv it!

Now on to my second project….

I must tell you that I’m feeling incredibly grateful for my life right about now…..I have a warm home, clean water, and food to eat…... so many of the little things that I take for granted every day…..and last week’s tragedy in Haiti puts it all in perspective for me. Though I can’t send a great deal of money I felt the desire to contribute in some way. So this card will be donated to Etsy's Hearts for Haiti charity where 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the relief efforts. Although not required, they would love for the contributions to feature hearts…..how fitting that Hugs and Kisses had plenty for me to easily include a few in my creation….

My contribution is this handmade card and matching handmade envelope created using bits and pieces from the kit….like the remnants left from the Pink Paislee gingham paper, the chipboard hearts, the Fleur-de-lis stamp and the adorable “Be Mine” charm….all combined with some members of my own stash…..like the trinket pin from BlueMoon and vintage buttons and lace from my collection…..

…..inside you'll find I've continued the heart theme.....and created a pocket for a small removal note tag....my favorite way to share a heartfelt message....

…..the results….a petite and simple card with touches of femininity, elegance and shab…..all of my favs:)…..and though you can’t see it….the entire card sparkles beautifully with a layer of Glimmer Mist…..one of the best crafty inventions eva....and lucky for you BlueMoon has a great selection to chose from......just click here....

…..and of course none of my cards are complete without its companion….a matching handmade envelope continuing the theme of hearts.....

….a beautiful “sleeve” embellished with crochet ribbon and a couple more hearts to top it off…..

….and it easily slides right off keeping the envelope in perfection condition as a keepsake…..

While my donation is just one humble gift I hope with all of our efforts there will be a day when we will see the rebuild of Haiti and it's people. For now I wish you a good night my friends.....but be sure to visit back next week when the DT will be hosting a fun challenge.....we’d love for all of you to join in the fun!

~ Creatilicious Challenge 6 ~

Oh sweet Friday….thank goodness you’ve arrived! I’ve been a busy girl this week with two design team posts in one week, a record for me! I believe my body has decided it’s had enough…lol. So tonight’s plan is quite simple….veg out with my sweet girl….watch a silly movie that won’t require much thinking…..perhaps squeeze in a bit of blog hopping on the lap-top….oh and a glass (or two:) of wine….white or red.....decisions, decisions…..

So are you ready for this month’s Creatilicious challenge…..it’s a good one! Create anything your heart desires…..just don’t use stamped images….though sentiments are ok….

Today I’d love to share a new creation for me….a tussie mussie…..don’t you just love the name! You’ve probably seen a few versions on your blog-hopping travels…they are so very lovely that I just had to give it a try….My version is ultra feminine with a bit of a Victorian and shabby flair…..created with some of my favorites like K & Co paper…..vintage lace…..a few baubles and buttons stranded along the edge….and a bit of ruffled ribbon….

….to pretty it up a teensy bit more I created two whimsical hearts made of fabrics, vintage lace and ribbon…..and for a dash of sweetness a lock and key from Bec’s Store hang from a heart pin courtesy of BlueMoon….and the tiny fabric heart is perfectly simple with just one tiny pearl…..also from Bec’s Store…..all charming little touches for a special Valentine….or just because…..

….the final touches…. a crocheted doily to cradle a few treats or a small gift……..

…and a distressed scroll with a bit of tied ribbon....tucked inside and ready for a few words of love…..

Well friends that’s all I have for ya’ today! I wish you a very pleasant weekend….chat with you soon…

Take your time....BlueMoon Wednesday

Hi everyone how are you today….hope you’re having a fabulous week so far! I personally am having loads of fun creating with this month’s Hugs and Kisses kit…..it is seriously one of the prettiest ensembles you could ever desire. I find myself discovering new ways to create with all of the delicious bits and pieces….

Today’s creation was inspired by this Webster’s Page which is included in the kit… and happens to be one of my very favorite pages in the Post Cards from Paris line. In fact there were already a few of these pages in my collection from a previous BlueMoon purchase. They are by far the most romantic, dreamiest, and elegant pages around....needless to say discovering it among this month’s kit was a sweet treat!

Half of the page is all I needed to create this petite gift bag…..the perfect home for a gift card or perhaps a tiny trinket. The front is embellished with beautiful ribbon and rub on's from BlueMoon and buttons and crepe paper from my collection..…

......I luv the dangling tag.....it seems to have been destined to join this creation.....how else can you explain that in my search for these two words "take your" I discovered them on the Making Memories Vintage Ads page in the kit! I simply tore them, distressed them and added them to pretty ribbon.....while a Tim Holtz arrow points to the word "time"....a subtle and lovely way to say "Take your time". The extra Webster's Pages I already had came in hand to add a bit of dimension by cutting the butterflies, leaves, and cage....then popping them with 3d glue dots.....a lovely touch......

......the remants of the Pink Paislee gingham paper from my previous post also made their way to this creation.....joining the Webster's Pages with accordion style ends....and trimming the top of the bag and card....just the right amount of shabby added to a very elegant image.....

.....speaking of card....I created a little companion for the gift bag....it's the perfect place to write a sweet message full of hope and encouragement for a special loved one.....lucky for me I had the matching page from the 6X6 pad ready to be all dolled up.....

.....and I can't forget to mention the beautiful gold trimmed ribbon....also from Webster's Pages and though not in the kit you can buy them by the yard.....or why not treat yourself to the entire set....

.....a handle made of crepe paper along with vintage sheet music in place of tissue paper add the finishing touch......

....and here's a peek of the back of the bag.....finished with a few stamped butterflies in flight...

Well friends....that's it for today.....I hope my creation brought a smile to your face and a bit of inspiration. Have a wonderful day! See you next Wednesday......

'Scents' and Sensibility....BlueMoon Wednesday

Hi friends….come on in and make yourself at home. Today I’d love to share a few creations made with some bits and pieces from BlueMoon’s January Kit-Hugs and Kisses.....and I must tell you it is incredibly dreamy!

Today’s trio was inspired by two things….the charming Pink Paislee canvas tags in the kit and the lovely fragrances you’d find in scented bath salts….a perfect combination to create a sophisticated little pin cushion in its matching box…..a sweet sachet to dangle from a dresser or door knob.....and a vintage inspired “love potion”….the perfect cocktail to sooth the aches of a broken heart….each creation with scented lovelies nestled inside and ready to tantalize the senses….

(the canvas tags before their transformation)

First up is the pin cushion….though not your ordinary pin cushion….this one is very chic and feminine….filled with a blend of fluffy batting and scented bath salts….offering the dreamy feel of a billowy pillow…..embellished with vintage ribbons and buttons….and for a dash of color and fun a bit of the pink pom-pom trim from the kit…..

…..then came the heart pins dancing atop the pin cushion….oh how I love these whimsy little characters….dipped in glitter and adorned with pearls and lace…..so sweet and romantic…..

…and finally its home….a handmade box made from the matching Pink Paislee pattern paper….embellished with a bit more vintage lace and pom-pom trim…....and filled with bits of vintage sheet music….

...the lid lightly embellished with a couple of chip board hearts....covered with my favorites....glitter and fabric....ribbon and gems....and subtly saying....luv u.....

...and for the finishing touch....a built in pocket on the inside lid.....the perfect home to a charming little note card....

Next we have a love potion...the perfect remedy for that girl who is heart-sick.... and sadly we've all been there, right? This potion is different though.....she will reach for a flask filled with soothing bath salts....embellished with ultra feminine touches....a lid adorned with pearls, Sworovski crystals, and a cameo....and its body covered in the loveliest of vintage lace and ribbon...more pearls and a pair of soft white flowers......all beautifully surrounding the canvas tag with the perfect phrase....Love Potion No. 9 cures a broken heart......

....and I mustn't forget this potion needs a companion....so a vintage sugar spoon is now the dispenser of this tonic.....embellished with a bit more vintage lace and a small tag for the perfect little note with good wishes.....

Last but not least....a sachet filled with more fluffy batting and bath salts....embellished with ribbon and buttons....pearls and lace.......

......a bit of the same Pink Paislee pattern paper folded effortlessly for an informal touch.......

......and an arrow pointing toward two more chip board hearts......perfectly nestled within each other.....

Well my friends......if you made it this far I thank you, lol....this was a LONG post but I just love to share the tiny details.....can't help it:) I hope my little creations have inspired you to look at crafting goodies in a different light and perhaps discover what you can create when a few of your own pieces join together with the beauties found at BlueMoon.....see you next Wednesday!

My 1st BlueMoon Post with a sneak peek....

Good morning friends! Just a quick post this morning before I head off to work....over at the BlueMoon blog you'll get to read a quick bio about me (yikes) and get a sneak peek at my 1st creations as a new DT member. So if you have a free moment I'd love for you to pop on over and say HI!

Have a great day......and if we don't chat again.....HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My latest vintage finds.....

Hi there friends! I hope you all enjoyed a peaceful Christmas with your loved ones....I had a wonderful time with family and I hope to share some photos of our gatherings....but today I'd love for you to come in and visit with me as I share a few of my latest vintage finds.....
.....a silver goblet with a wonderful patina.....and now the home to a few pearly baubles......a pair of salt and pepper shakers that will be filled with my favorite glitter.....

....a chippy porcelain bowl with the loveliest handpainted roses now sits pretty on my desk cradling the latest members of my vintage lace, doilies, and ribbon collection.....and two bottles the perfect size for scented bath salts or other delicious lovelies.....

......now I bid you good night...I'm off to ponder a bit about whose hands may have held these beauties....what homes they may have adorned. Thanks for visiting.....have a wonderful week!

Remember the reason for the season.....

Hi friends...just a quick post this evening to wish you all a very blessed, safe and Merry Christmas....and don't forget while rushing through your last minute holiday details do take a moment and remember the reason for the season.....Christ's birthday:)

~ Creatilicious Challenge 5 ~

Something old, something new…..something torn, something blue…..a familiar saying we all know well is this month’s Creatilicious Challenge!

Don’t fret though my friends…..for it doesn’t have to be a wedding themed creation…..in fact there will be no wedding bells found on mine….….the Christmas Spirit is still swirling about my home and a shabby inspired advent calendar made its way into my imagination and onto today’s creation…..
….I discovered this advent calendar on clearance last year….and while for some it would have been perfect just the way it was….for me it was a bit “serious” for a home with a sweet 7 year old girl and her mama who loves all things shabby, sparkly, and feminine. I saw “good bones” though and that’s all you need to stir a creative soul…..

….my version is a winter wonderland of sweet feminine touches that began with a canvas made with a bit of old shabby paint….applied effortlessly for a distressed, worn feel….

Then came the layers of all my favorite crafting goodies dancing along my fingers and on to 25 doors…all the while sounds of Christmas music filled my craft room walls and floors….

…..vintage buttons and ribbon….glitter and baubles….Webster’s Pages and K & Co too…..Melissa Frances beauties and a bit of Martha Stewart….just to name a few…..

….a gathering place for a few things new…some things old….bits of blue…..and smidges torn too….

Have a very Merry Christmas!

P.S. This little creation has been entered in a few challenges: Mox Fab World's Trigger Tuesday, Sophisticated Cat -Anything Christmas, The Pink Elephant -Winter or Christmas, OCC Anything Christmas, Paper Cutz -Snow or snowflakes, Simon Says-Let it Snow

A new chapter begins.....

Hi friends! A quick post tonight....

Just wanted to share some fabulous news.....I am one of the new DT members of BlueMoon Scrapbooking! Woohoo! I love, love, love this on-line store....it has the most beautiful selection of crafting goodies and the nicest people you'll ever want to do business with! Did I tell you when I made my first purchase Scott called me personally to thank me....who does that!

Hope you'll join me along the newest chapter in my creative journey.....

Gift of love and a great cause.....UPDATE

Happy weekend friends! Just a quick update to this post.....here's the link that will take you straight to the CSPT and Friends Charity Auction. This year's auction is for Autism Speaks and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to this worthy cause. So if your in search for a charity to support this holiday season please consider this one.....you'll not only feel great about helping others but you could win a beautiful Christmas Survival Kit that is sure to please!

Hello friends….hope you are happy and well today. I am delighted to report that my eye is mending quite well and soon this four-eyed girl will once again be wearing contact lenses…yay! I thank you all so much for your good wishes…it means a lot.

In the spirit of the holiday season I’d love to share a sweet little Christmas pocket created especially for an Ebay charity raising money for Autism Speaks…..a cause close to my heart as my nephew suffers from Aspergers Syndrome (a form of Autism). I learned of this event while chatting with my friend Carolyn and I jumped at the chance to contribute a little something to this worthy event happening November 27th…...this is what I know so far.....the charity is hosted by Carolyn and a group of amazing Ebay artists under the name CSPT....bidders will be vying for a "Christmas Survival Kit" which will include beautiful handmade crafts like cards, tags, gift card holders, gift bags, and more.....everything you need to add a little extra love with a gift.....

......my contribution is this charming little pocket that offers a lovely way to share a ‘gift of love’. Perhaps it’s the perfect home to give a special trinket that’s been passed from generation to generation, or a gift card accompanied by a few tasty sweets….…or maybe its role shall be to adorn a quaint nook filled with holiday scented potpourri and a few cinnamon sticks….all lovely ways to share in the Christmas spirit…..

…a few of my favorites came together yet again to create this delicious little number….to start 6X6 Webster’s Pages from BlueMoon Scrapbooking .....the perfect size to adhere just along the edges without having to cut even a smidge of the enchanting scenes….love that! This dreamy page started with a bit of bare space in the center….beckoning to be embellished with a background of Royal Birds in flight courtesy of Layers of Color and rub-on’s with the classic words from one of our childhood favorites.....'Twas The Night Before Christmas…...

….to tie it all together some vintage lace from Angela Harris’ Etsy store.....sheer and satin ribbon from my stash.....a few new and vintage buttons.....for a bit of whimsy dangling “charms” made of felt, ribbon, buttons and designer paper....and finally.....vintage sheet music in place of tissue paper for an unexpected touch…..

Well my friends it's time to leave you and greet my fluffy pillow and flannel sheets....but before I go I don't want you to forget.....tomorrow is the BIG reveal of 9 new stamp sets at Layers of Color....you don't want to miss the party! I'll also be posting my creation for this month's Creatilicious challenge tomorrow night which will include a mini give-a-way....hope to see you then....

P.S. I'll post a link to the Autism Speaks Ebay auction as soon as I get more information.

I'm still here......

Hello all! Have you missed me….I’ve sure missed you! I escaped for an extended holiday with family…but I’m back and can’t wait to get right to catching up with all of you……

I hope you don’t mind a few photos of our trip instead of a creation….I promise though I’ll try to post a lovely little something very soon…..

This was mine and Sophia’s first visit to Washington DC and I must tell you walking along historic sites like the White House, the Smithsonian….and even the paths that joined them offered an energy and magical feeling that enveloped our every step…..

We arrived just in time to watch as they welcomed the Christmas tree that will adorn the White House.....so exciting!

A statue of George Washington at the Smithsonian was incredibly amazing to see in person....it was gigantic yet somehow delicate in it's white marble form.....

We walked along the halls displaying the most amazing types of transportation from our past.......and so beautifully displayed too!

One of my favorite visits was through the gorgeous hallways of the Mayflower Marriott which happens to be where my b-i-l works as a chef. It is a historic hotel that has catered to many, many dignitaries from past and present....including Nancy Reagan who made preparations for Ronald Reagan's funeral in a room just down the hall in this photo.....so much history surrounding the walls of this beautiful hotel.........gives me chills.....

I hope your Thanksgiving holiday was brimming with blessings and happiness as well......thanks so much for taking a stroll along my short but memorable trip....have a wonderful week!

My favorite Christmas memory and give-a-way winner.....

Happy weekend friends! This morning the sun is shining brightly through my windows and after some gloomy days and darker nights it's an extra sweet treat! Thank you so much to all of you who took the time to share your fondest memories from your Christmas past.....I enjoyed taking a stroll through a bit of your lives....and now I'd love to return the favor by sharing one of my favorite memories with you.....
These photos are of one my most treasured Christmas "moments".....Sophia preparing milk and cookies for Santa in her Christmas Eve dress....just looking at her innocent and believing eyes melts my heart completely.....

.....there was talk of where to place the milk...shall it be on the plate....or next to the plate.....would he like chocolate chip cookies or prefer sugar cookies instead......hmmm....so much to ponder for a child who believes so deeply.....

....so much in fact that her sweet blue eyes became heavy and sleepiness would soon win the battle....

.....wait just a bit longer she said....just a bit longer......

And now to the most important news of the day:) The winner of the mini give-a-way is......Janet! Congratulations Janet I hope you enjoy my small but heartfelt gift. Please email me your address and I'll get the package out to you! Now I'm off to enjoy a bit of the beautiful weekend....hope you'll do the same.......

~ Creatilicious Challenge 4 & Mini Give-A-Way ~

Hello friends....are you enjoying your weekend so far....I hope you are. On my side of the globe the night’s sky and chilly air are arriving earlier each day….while the morning rise greets us with lawns kissed by the morning’s frost and leaves swirling about our feet….a sure sign that cozy fires, warm blankets, holiday scented candles and Christmas music will soon fill my humble home.....
...this month's Creatilicious Challenge to create a little something for Christmas with a lots of sparkle and snowflakes seems to have arrived at just the right moment for me....for I am never ready for the hustle and bustle that accompanies the holiday season. Each year I find myself rushing through it all…the shopping….the baking….the wrapping….and in the end making resolutions that next year I will make certain to be better organized….more prepared….and most importantly spend more time reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas…..

...this month's creation is especially made for one of my very best friends Elaine whose birthday is just around Christmas....this little gift bag will be the home to a special gift...though I must admit I don't know yet what it will be:)

.....to create this lovely gift bag I began with 6X6 pages from my Webster's Pages collection courtesy of BlueMoon Scrapbooking....and as you know by now I am uterly in LOVE with them. You must get your hands on them...even if just a few pages.....they are dreamy....beautiful....elegant....and enchanting....

...these beautiful pages were joined together with acordian style ends to allow a bit of room for a few scented pine cones or to close just as a tiny purse would.....either way a romantic yet shabby presentation.....

...for a bit of a primitive, natural feel I created a handle made of twigs joined with craft wire and kissed with a touch of glitter.....while the front is adorned with liquid pearls, Stickles glitter, Tattered Angels chipboard, ribbon and buttons....all of my favorites......

...and speaking of favorites......I would LOVE to share a few favorites from my collection with you.... a few bits of ribbon, Tattered Angels chipboard and Glimmer Glass, vintage sheet music and buttons, a few pages from my Webster's Pages collection, a 'raw' K & Co tag chipboard...and finally a Christmas CD to spark your holiday spirit.....my humble Christmas gift from me to you......all you have to do is leave a comment sharing your favorite Christmas memory......I will chose a random winner on November 20th.......have a wonderful rest of of the weekend friends!

A gift for Jaimie and a treasured note......

Today I had the chance to take Sophia to school....usually hubby's task as I am normally heading off to work. I treasure these rare mornings when we can chat a few extra minutes on our drive....though today's drive was different.....after dropping her off I reached for my wallet and discovered this note underneath.....

Her words: "Thank you for your love, you 'tace' care of me, you have "leed" me to goodness in the world and you are 'sow' fun".....can you imagine my heart as I read this....I cried then and as I write this I cry yet again.....she wrote these words to me....her mom......Jaimie will never ever have the chance to slip a love note to her mom and it breaks my heart......

......though I planned to create a card for Jaimie instead I'm sending her a journal....in hopes that it will be a place where she can share her thoughts…her heartaches….her wishes and dreams…..that it will offer a bit of comfort…..and perhaps a venue where she can chat with her mom….even if just for a moment….

I am a true believer in fate....the sort of fate planned by GOD....and in my heart I believe this journal is part of his plan.....you may remember some time ago I shared a story about my good friend Anne sending me a box of beautiful gifts….this special box included two journals with the loveliest images of fairies sprinkled about the pages. So beautiful in fact that I could not bear to write in them nor part with them….so I stored them in a special place….unaware of what was to come…. In an instant it has become clear….one of the journals was destined to be Jaimie's and I was merely its keeper for a little while….

…..it will make its way to her accompanied by a journaling pen....and especially with good wishes from me and my good friend Anne.....

To send Jaimie a card and learn a bit more about her story see below:

Cards are to be mailed to:

Mont Vernon Fire StationMain StreetMont Vernon, NH 03057

Here is a link to the town's website. Donations for the Cates family can be made online with PayPal (link provided on town website). The information for mailing donations is also on this site. http://town.mont-vernon.nh.us/index.php3

And here are links to some stories about the case.

http://wbztv.com/local/newhampshire/mother.murdered.mont.2.1230017.html

http://www.theunionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=%27Brave%2c+courageous%27+Jaimie+Cates+is+back+home&articleId=4eef9b77-677e-44c0-8140-d7792c2f39f5

Pockets of love....

Hello friends...another quick post...sadly I'm working with one good eye, sniff sniff.....a scratched cornea and eye infection have me reluctantly crafting in little bits through out the day....

Have I told you that I'm IN LOVE with the newest member of my stamp collection....Royal Birds from Layers of Color....it has me dreaming of so many lovely ways to create. For now I seem drawn to introducing them as subtle characters within my creations......so tranquil and elegant.....makes me feel so grateful to Laura for asking me to be a Guest Designer for LOC.....

Today's creation is the first among a few pocket inspired cards I hope to sprinkle along the way....a perfect home for a gift card.....or perhaps to tuck in a secret place where a loved one will discover it when least expected......I so love little surprises....and wouldn't this be the perfect way to say I love you.....I'm thinking of you....or just to say a simple hello.....

....a few of my other favorites among my stash also joined together to create this special card....Webster's Pages from one of my favorite shops...BlueMoon Scrapbooking....the dangling heart which you'll discover among Bizzy Bec's selection of the perfect little trinkets.....vintage ribbon from Angela Harris' store....a special lady who takes the time to raise money for those less fortunate...and a button from my vintage finds.....and for a bit of added fun I've entered my little creation in OCC's vintage inspired challenge.....

.....and now I'll leave you with a sneak peek at another creation I'm working on....

Have a wonderfully blessed weekend!

Guest Designer for LOC

Happy Halloween....

...from my fam to yours!

Treasure those you love.....

A sympathy card is one I wish to never ever have to create….none the less it must be done. So today I find myself sharing an unexpected card….made especially for a family member whose father recently passed….a man who although elderly and ill was her heart…her family….her ‘dad’…..

….in my search for some inspiration and to lessen a bit of the somberness of the theme I played along with the Moxie Fab World which is all about ruffles….

….perhaps because of the occasion I found myself inclined to add touches of black....though not a heavy, gloomy black….but an elegant, graceful black….and for a bit of a light-hearted touch a few soft colors, polka dot designer paper and lovely ribbon…....and while most of the card was created using some of my everyday stash some bits and pieces are from a few craft sites that are quickly climbing to the top of my favs….

…….. first the majestic birds you'll discover sprinkled about the card and envelope are from the Royal Birds stamp set courtesy of Layers of Colors..….and can I tell you they have the most elegant, regal, sophisticated stamps you’ll ever see….you don't want to miss the big reveal party featuring their autumn stamp selection on November 14-15th…..

…the vintage cream ribbon adorning the edges of the peach ruffled ribbon and the removable tag….along with the lovely velvet leaves and the pearls are from A Kiss on the Chic…a fabulous site with gorgeous kits that will make you drool......

....and lastly the black pom-pom ribbon along the edge comes from BlueMoon Scrapbooking….a site with not only one of the dreamiest selections of crafting goodies but also the kind of staff that takes the time to call you just to say “thank you” for your purchase…a rarity in this day and age…..

....now I must say good night for now....my eyes are heavy and tomorrow I'm off to work.....be sure to treasure your family while they're with you......have a good one!

Guest Designer for LOC