Sunshine Lollipops & Butterflies...

Moo Card Art

2012-01-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

Visiting other Bloggers is a fun way to make friends with shared interests. It's also fun to link up with these friends and participate together in creative challenges.
The most wonderful thing about linking up with blogging friends is that these friends can live, not only in your neighborhood, city or state, they can also live in any country around the world.
While visiting one of my friends, Birgit in Germany, she had participated in a fun Moo Card Challenge and I was inspired.
I had to take a few minutes recess from the weekend chores and activities to participate and create an Asian Moo Card and participate in the challenge.
It gave me the opportunity to not only link up with my wonderful friend, it also gave me the opportunity to put some color in my day and I was able to use some materials that I have been holding on to, to UIU!
What's a Moo Card? It's a piece of art created on a little card sized 2.8 x 7 centimeters, or approximately 1.1 x 2.8 inches. These little cards that I made today were created with a playful spirit! I hope you like them.

Pink Saturday for the Arts

2012-01-27T22:52:00.000-08:00

It's wonderful to participate in Beverly's Pink Saturday. Participating has given me tremendous joy as I travel from blog to blog making new friends and sharing the lovely pink things in life. Pink Saturday is an event that I look forward to every week and searching for the pink in my life has become a wonderful treasure hunt!

This weekend is a creative and performing arts weekend. I have the extreme fortune of being a season ticket holder for The Arizona Opera, and this month's performance is Madame Butterfly. This is such a moving story about a women whose family lost their wealth and has the opportunity to marry an American. However, he does not take the marriage seriously and leaves Butterfly to go off to sea. After an absence of 3 years he returns to Japan, accompanied by his new American wife and she is all to happy to raise the son of her husband and Butterfly as her own. Butterfly is crushed by this, however she is willing to make the sacrifice because she is a devoted and loving a wife to this American man. This is really too much for Butterfly to bear and as she watches her son leaving with his father she becomes so overwhelmed with grief that she stabs herself and dies.
There were not many dry eyes in the house at the end of this performance as it was so incredibly beautiful. The sets were stunning in their simplicity and the kimono's were gorgeous. The audience was riveted to the stage and everyone stayed in their seats until the very end! What a wonderful performance this was.....Bravo.

A beautiful array of Pink Madama Butterfly goods. These Japanese objects are so delicate and feminine. It would be fun to decorate a room with such lovely things, it would make visitors feel so happy and peaceful. Thank you for visiting this wonderful Pink Saturday...... Please go to visit Beverly at: "How Sweet The Sound" for some more fabulous and fun "Pink"!
Thank you for visiting today and please share a comment with me while you are here.
Happy Pink Saturday!

Gung Hay Fat Choy

2012-01-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

May fortunes of the Dragon year bring you an abundance of happiness and prosperity!

Living The Past

2012-01-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

Making little books has been a hobby of mine for several years, as you may have seen in past posts. I have created tiny books bound by a single staple, small books bound by notebook rings and even a few novelty books which I bound by thread and ribbon.
Tonight I cut some paper and saddle stitched these booklets for my Girl Scout Troop. I gathered some paper from my stash in my effort to "Use It Up"! The project that we are working on is "Living The Past" To accomplish this project the girls will create a female character from the past and create a journal over a week in the life of this fictional character. These books will become the journal for these characters. I promised the girls I would create a fictional female character as well and work on this project along side with them. It is a very exciting project as we discover the bounties and privileges of being a women in today's world as opposed to the past.

After we complete the journals we will be creating a paper doll of our characters to bring these girls to life. We will be crafting the paper dolls from the wonderful templates created by Kimberly Crick . If you are interested in joining us in this journey in the past you can download the paper dolls here.
If you would like a journal to embellish for your created character, please leave me a comment and I will make one send one out to you. It will be exciting to see what female character you might create. I look forward to feature the completed projects on a future post!

Pink Silhouette Saturday

2012-01-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Pink Saturday! It's a wonderful day to be pink!
Today I celebrate Pink Saturday with Beverly at "How Sweet The Sound" and all Pink Saturday participants by sharing Silhouettes!
A dictionary definition describes a silhouette as:n.

A drawing consisting of the outline of something, especially a human profile, filled in with a solid color.
An outline that appears dark against a light background Well, what do you think....does this ATC fulfill the silhouette requirements?

This is the collection of Silhouette ATC's that I have created for the ATC swap that I participate in once a month with several wonderful women. We meet at the local Barnes and Nobles bookstore where we sip coffee and swap art!. This group is so fun and loving, it's a pleasure to get out and meet up.
The challenge this month is to "Frame It", so I have created a silhouette card with the sweetest B Line Silhouette Stamps and framed it with some very feminine embellishments, lace and of course the smallest amount of Stickles to add some sparkle!

To Pink up today's Silhouette celebration I have found some fun Pink Silhouette's to share!

The most famous female silhouette of all, Barbie!

Such a beautiful butterfly! It reminds us that Spring is just around the corner!

And this elegant and sophisticated silhouette that can be clicked on and applied to the computer as wallpaper.
Thank you for visiting me today, as I celebrate Pink Saturday, I have enjoyed your visit and would love to read your comments! Please head over to Beverly's Blog where there is so much more Pink Saturday celebration to enjoy!

Super Saturday!

2012-01-06T22:12:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st Pink Saturday!
What a wonderful week this has been.
The weather has been so beautiful here in Arizona, the air has been warm and the sky so blue . This is an environment that truly fills the heart with inspiration!

This week, I participated in a large Girl Scout event, the cookie kick-off.
Yes, those remarkable girl scouts will be parading through streets searching for all the cookie lovers in their neighborhoods!
Earlier in the week I created the t-shirt bag as the sample so each girl could see what they were to make.
There were nine sewing machines set up and they were running non stop for over 2 hours! For most of the girls this was their first experience with a sewing machine.
This event was so much fun. It's thrilling to be with the girls and feel the appreciation they give you.

Emma one of the girl scouts at this event brought her latest creation to share.
Emma modeling her latest creation:
"The Lacy Jacket"
Emma is featured here in the photographs,wearing the lacy jacket she constructed herself from some lovely lace fabric. She has made the pattern and made one for herself, and an identical one for her grandmother in black. She assures me it is that it is not difficult to make and all you need is a piece of fabric and a few measurements. Emma used a spool to cut the arm holes and she measured the length of her arms and used an old sweater as a pattern to cut out her sleeves.
The finished jacket looks so classic and stunning and it can be styled into several different looks.

Emma wearing the jacket in the original classic style.

Emma wearing her jacket with the corner draped over one shoulder.

Emma and Donny looking gorgeous in their stunning Lacy Jackets.
I want to thank Emma for letting me share her beautiful creation for this Pink Saturday post. For more luscious pink, please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound!
Thank you for visiting.......
"Be Happy" and create something Pink!

In With The New

2012-01-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

Creating art is so much fun and can be very rewarding.
However, looking at a blank sheet of paper can be quite stressful until you are given a challenge for inspiration.
For several years I have looked forward to The Created Byhand Tuesday Challenges and would participate when time allowed.
This is the final Created by hand Tuesday challenge, so I had to dive into the stash and create something special. It began with some layered die shapes in solid colors and prints. After inking these pieces and layering them on the card, out came the stamps and the collage sheets. Several of these pieces were glued on to the ATC and embellished with Stickles. Color was added with pencils and a little ribbon with the tiniest bows finished the card.
I shall miss the Created Byhand Tuesday Challenges, however, I am sure Quitfire will have something new and inspiring to take us into the future.

Going Green

2012-01-02T21:30:00.001-08:00

It seems that the buzzword for the new year is sustainability.
We have been talking about it in Girl Scouts for awhile now.
A few years ago the troop set out on the "Get Moving Journey", while on this journey we explored different types of energy and we touched on the subject of sustainability. We also began to think about recycling and giving new life to used objects or re-purposing. The girls decided that they wanted to learn to sew, so a simple project was planned. We headed for our closets to get our old T-shirts so we could remake them into tote bags! This is a wonderful project for the first time sewer, as it only requires one seam! (To make: 1. cut off the sleeves just before the seams 2. using a paper plate as a guide cut a half circle at the neck 3. turn inside out 4. sew the bottom seam with a reinforced stitch 5. turn)
This is such a great project for the girls, so we will be doing it on Friday Night at our Neighborhood Girl Scout Event!
For all of you who know me really well, I am a really girly girl, so of course I had to cut an extra strip from the bottom to create a bow on one of the handles!

If you want to create some fabulous fashions from used clothing there are several books which can give you a great start:

So clean out the closet, grab your sewing machine and get the girls together and "Resew"!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

Here's to making 2012 the best year in history!
I hope you join me in striving to fill each day with rewarding experiences to enrich the relationships within our communities, our families and among our friends.
My wish for you is to have an abundance of creative moments infused with love, joy and prosperity not only for the next twelve months, but forever.
Happy New Year!

Holiday at Who-ville

2011-12-31T18:14:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all my friends and family.
I hope that this holiday season was extremely joyous for you!
As part of the tradition here, I was fortunate to attend The Grand Canyon Baha'i Conference at the Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.
It was wonderful to see and visit many friends and family members
and make many new friends,
listen to fascinating talks and listen to amazing musical entertainment.
One of the major attractions for the holiday season at this resort every year is the Holiday Gingerbread Village on display in the lobby.
This year the pastry chefs were inspired to make a cookie version of Who-ville.
It was outstanding and as seen here, the children found it hard to keep their hands off the various cookies and candies that were within reach for their taking!

The top photograph was taken by my sister and it was hilarious taking her to see the cookie creation for the fist time, as it had been signed by this visitor who thought the cookie crumble should be a guestbook...

......however, she did not notice the autograph until it had been pointed out to her!

This house was so beautiful and big!
It was fascinating to see the train circle not only around this ornate building,
but the entire festive fantasy village!

Santa ready to visit all the children who live in the shoe!

A wonderful house complete with decorated trees!

And of course "The Cat In The Hat"!
If you look closely you can see the hand on the left side of the picture,
it's holding on to yummy candy canes for good girls and boys!

Thank you for visiting my blog today and through out the past year. I hope to have many wonderful adventures in the upcoming year that I can share with you! For more wonderful holiday cheer please visit Beverly for this wonderful holiday Pink Saturday!
Happy New Year!

Holiday Art

2011-12-04T01:53:00.000-08:00

Trading art is so much fun that it's very difficult to turn down a swap, especially if it's a fun challenge with players whose art is wonderful!
When the call for a holiday tag swap was announced, I new I had to participate. The requirements were to alter six manila tags each with at least one Artchix image in a holiday theme! How fun it was to create these tags.
Images from 3 college sheets were used all from the Artchix holiday collection. They are so much fun to use- the images are so colorful!
To begin I selected the images that were needed for the six different tags. I used a variety. Girl's, Santa and and postage, all quite vintage looking. The images were then mixed with various holiday papers, some stamped images, a little coloring with markers, a little glitter and glue~voila the tags are completed.

For more fun holiday posts visit Beverly's Pink Saturday, where there is a mix of pink and holiday posts that are so delightful!
Please leave a comment about your holiday artistic creations, I would love to read them!

So Grateful

2011-11-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful time of year, a time when we spend time reflecting on what we are grateful and thankful for. These ATC's, created for a live swap held every month, are a brief, although important expression of the tremendous bounties in my life~ Faith, Family and Friends. There is so much to be grateful and thankful for an ATC could not hold it all.
On this special day to celebrate all that we have to be thankful for, I share with you a special quotation from The Bab:
"I give Thee thanks for all Thy goodly gifts and I render Thee thanksgiving for all Thy bounties." The Bab
May all my friends and family be united in loving thoughts as they give thanks for all the wonderful bounties we enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Halloween Swapping

2011-10-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

The month has passed us by so quickly.

It seems just a short time ago we were planning the Spooky Halloween activities,
tonight we celebrate!

I put on my costume and took my little poochon "Trick or Treating"

He loves to see all the children and get scared with their costumes!

The treat I received was the terrific haunted houses from the Artchix sister group.....and here they are:

Have a Haunting Halloween!

Ghosts, Goblins and Witches Delight

2011-10-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

It's the witching hour and it's an exciting time to be part of the crafting community as most of us roll up our sleeves and enjoy creating spooky Halloween projects.

I am no exception, I always adore a Halloween swap.

This year I joined the Artchix sister group Haunted House swap. It is such a pleasure swapping with this wonderful and talented group of artists. Pictured below are the houses that were sent to the hostess for swapping. Artchix Halloween and paper doll collage sheets were used for the images, along with an old page a day calendar. I recycled tag from scratch pads for the houses and purchased some wonderful vintage crepe paper from my friend Jennifer at Mystic Paper in Downtown Mesa, AZ. The frilly crepe added the finishing touch along with the inked edges and the black stickles on the chimney's which added a little texture and dimension.

Jack'o'lanterns

Hocus Pocus

Pumpkin Pie

The littlest pumpkin

Sweet Pumpkin

Beheaded

Magic 8 Ball

Beyond the Shadow

Ghost

Enchanted

Sweet Appple

Head Games

For more Halloween trick or treats visit Beverly's Pink Saturday, at How Sweet The Sound. There you will meet some wonderful bloggers who share their terrific ideas for this splendid autumn.

Happy Saturday!

Soul Saturday & Sunday

2011-10-16T11:23:00.001-07:00

Having a little more time on the weekend is a wonderful thing, so grateful for Saturday & Sunday! These are two days that we may be able to pause for a little devotion, prayer and reflection. Today I was thrilled to see two friends on the Oprah Show Super Soul Sunday.

Devon and Golriz share a little Peace on a Los Angeles Street.

The question is where do you find peace?
Please leave a comment on your thoughts......I would love to read them.

Find more wonderful things and pink on Beverly's Blog. The weekends are so much richer when you share a little Pink Saturday!

Have a wonderful day!

New Challenges

2011-09-24T22:01:00.001-07:00

Creating is so much more fun when you have the opportunity to post the finished project to share with everyone! I am so thrilled to have created a new atc...and the inspiration was the pink card with the cat! Starting with bright color and black and white, I thought I would love to see a card with more simple shapes. The bright colors would create a great finished ATC, so I used this fabulous turquoise paper with the gold circles wrapped in white spots. The addition of a little texture by adding crepe paper and white gel pen and with a little ribbon for the collar and there is such a sweet card.
For more lovely Pink Saturday, head over to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.

Crafting with Purpose

2011-09-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since my last post. I have a few issues remaining with the computer, one being the scanner-printer and the fact that the graphics card does not process the photos I send to my mail to post as .jpg files, which makes it extremely difficult to download pictures of my projects.
This is the reason for the dark photo of my latest apron project! The tea towel used is a wonderful shade of yellow with the prettiest paisley's in pink, blue and red. I choose the ruffles and trim for this apron to be light blue polka dots (can't resist dots) and pink baby gingham. The finishing touch for this apron is the pink ric-rak.
This pattern is so easy and the aprons look so pretty on!
Please leave a comment if you would like to make this apron with your email address and I will send the instruction sheet to you.

Computer Meltdown

2011-07-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, this was me several weeks ago. I am so happy to be up and running now. There are still a few glitches and programs that need to be installed, however I am able to spend countless hours in front of the computer blog hopping! Oh what a happy day!
Before the crash I purchased a flash drive to download all the wonderful PDF template and patterns that I collected from the talented blogs that I follow, but I never opened it. The result is that I lost most of my wonderful template for paper crafts.
It will now be used when ever a print file is created, so I will have the option to print from the computer or the copy shop.

If this has happened to you, please share a comment, I would love to read your story!
For some Pink, please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound!

Make Mine Pink

2011-06-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

It's so amazing to me when it's time to turn off the computer on my work desk and lock up on Friday afternoon to go home for the weekend. The week passes by so very quickly, I have a hard time keeping up. There are so many things I would love to accomplish, but never seem to have enough time to get to those things.
I have been away from my home computer for the last couple of weeks and haven't been able to post for the past couple of Saturdays, so I will be sending out the Sewing package to Trish and catching up with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound and sharing a bit of Pink Saturday.I have made Pink Saturday a part of my weekend and enjoy ready so many pink posts, they always sweeten the weekend. I have met so many wonderful bloggers and look forward to seeing and sharing so many beautiful things every weekend!

This week, like last week I headed over to Mystic Paper after work. I love Jennifer's Vintage Scrapbooking Shop. She has so many wonderful things in the store, I always have something to add to my "have to create" list whenever I pay her a visit.

Last week she was so generous to let my girl scout troop meet in her new "Studio 32", so the sewing machines were set up with the ironing board and the girls made pillowcase bags to participate in the pillowcase project. In the three hours that we were there we made one dozen pillowcase bags made from the most fun printed fabrics!

Tonight, I went in to see what new things were happening there and I saw the most fun vintage inspired pin cushions, I had to share them for ink Saturday!! They are so pretty and Jennifer will be hosting a class to make these lovely beauties on July 9th! See the class schedule or give the store a call if you would like to sign up!

There are so many more cute projects displayed at Mystic Paper. If you happen to be in or near Mesa, you must plan a visit, especially if it's the 2nd Friday night of the month...when the entire street is open late and everyone is out for the night. It's a fun event and there is always a live ATC swap to participate in.... June's theme is......Sewing! So if you're in the mood to whip stitch some cards...come and join us!

Happy Pink Saturday!

Craft something beautiful!

Walking in Pink

2011-05-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

Life has been extremely busy during the past few weeks, however I didn't want any more time to pass without posting for this weeks Pink Saturday! Life here in Mesa, Arizona can get too warm to go outside for an extended length of time, so while the temperature is not too high, I seize the opportunity to go outdoors. Last night was no exception. It was the 2nd Friday on Main and the theme of the evening was Rock! We traded Rock themed ATC's at Mystic Paper....

Jennifer's Beatles Card

Charlotte's GreenDay Card

My Survivor Card

A little later in the evening............

I ran into the Ghost Busters.

And the sweetest Lolita, cute bow on the waist of the skirt . Oh, I do so love the frilly lace.

If you look at this little Lolita she's wearing those cute Pink shoes!

There is always a little magic in those Friday nights, like Cinderella, I'm sad when It's time to go...but I must hurry before my coach turns into a pumpkin!

As life has been so busy for me the past week, I am going to extend the sewing package for another week, so please read on and post a comment if you would like to receive the extra loot bag from the Singer Sewing Party!

Please visit Beverly at "How Sweet the Sound" for more delightful Pink Saturday!

Mother's Day Sewing Party

2011-05-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day, and Happy Mother's Day to Mother's everywhere. It has been a fabulous Mother's Day weekend for me as I was one of the 815 Singer Sewing Party hostesses across the nation this weekend. I am so fortunate to have been chosen and thrilled to have my friend's be among the 9,635 participates of the is extraordinary event!

It has been an exciting event. Singer provided a Style Confidence sewing machine to each of the hostesses with an orientation class one week ago.

Another party hostess at the orientation class with the sewing teacher!

Along with the sewing machine to sew the party project, there was a loot bag for each of the guests filled with sewing favors!

Patterns, threads, measuring information, fabric, and coupons!

It was so enjoyable and great fun!

Each of the guests took turns sewing the party project which was provided by Singer and they so much fun to make!

I have one more set of patterns that I would love to giveaway, if you would like to receive them, please leave a comment and I will select a winner at random on May 15.

It's Pretty with Pink!

2011-04-30T18:42:00.001-07:00

I have been having so much fun this Pink Saturday with an orientation class for the sewing machine Singer is has provided for the sewing party next week. It was so much fun taking this class with two other sewing party winners. We made the party project while we became familiar with the Singer Confidence Stylist sewing machine. It's a nice machine for the beginner or fashion sewer. Speaking of fashion, it's been fun sewing my first apron from the book "How to Make Aprons" published by Bramcoast Publications.

It was made from a square tablecloth because I thought it might be fun to wear a matching apron to complete the theme of the table! The pattern did not have ruffles, so I thought I would add at one neckline and on the pockets. Making the pattern was not as difficult as I had thought, so I know I will be making many more of the apron styles that are featured in this book. The pattern that I used is titled "pattern for the mature figure! I just liked it for the style, not the name!

This is the apron laying down....

And hanging up layered over clothes.

More vintage style aprons....

This cute apron is from Couture Cupcakes, vintage aprons that you can purchase if you desire a vintage inspired apron and don't want to sew!

For more super sweet pink posts visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound, featuring Aunt Snow of Doves Today! Have a fabulous Pink Saturday!

Bunnie Hop

2011-04-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

It's a Pink Sweet Saturday!

For this wonderful weekend I have planned to set a beautiful table adorned with Bunnies and Pink! A week ago I was sorting through a box of fabric and found a couple of sets of table clothes with bunnies and thought that it would be fun to make something from one and the other would be used for a creative project of some sort. After some thought I decided to make an apron, complete with Pink trim and ruffles.

So today I will be busy making a pattern from the book by Bramcoast Publishing: How to make Aprons, a fabulous book filled with a plethora of patterns for aprons for every need! I have selected a very cute apron designed for a more mature figure. The design is super cute and it's a great design to add some ruffles and lace.

It should be a really cute ensemble. To add to the table I found a wonderful download at style guide for Sweet Bunnie place cards. The download includes invitations to match, do have a look I am sure you will agree that they are so much fun! It will be a really sweet event with a pretty table to present a wonderful meal with a matching apron to wear while serving it!

For more sweet pink please visit Beverly at How Sweet The Sound, and meet Cindy Lew, she's fabulous and always has A great pink Saturday Post!!
Have a super Pink Saturday!

It's a treat to get pink!

2011-04-15T23:36:00.000-07:00

In spring or at any time, it's always wonderful to receive a gift...even better when it's pink!

This week I was so fortunate to receive a very special gift from Natalea of Kandeland. She has a very special person with a very special bog!This gorgeous candle decorated in vintage style arrived in the mail yesterday, it was wonderful to open the package so carefully wrapped in the most pretty pink shred, so gorgeous!

Several years ago in spring my mother , who was well know for her creative greeting cards, as well as her generous gifts presented me with this gift, a musical tea cup. The sweet pink flowers both on and in the cup always make me smile as I listen to the lovely tune it plays.

Gifts of love are so special. It's always fun to get small items that are just fun. My husband surprises me occasionally with toys to play with. My kitty from outer space was a gift I received before we were married.

During spring, a few years ago, I saw a Vespa scooter that was Pink with Hello Kitty paint job, I had to have it because it so cute! Well, I got the scooter and the helmet, not the Hello Kitty Pink, however, but a beautiful pearl Vespa with a matching helmet.

The color is so fashionable and they are fun to wear and ride in the spring!

For more spring pink treats visit the fantastic Beverly at How Sweet The Sound to surround yourself in Pink all day!

Fabulous Art

2011-04-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

The past several months I have become a follower on many blogs admiring the pieces of art or projects that my friends, these blogger's create. One friend whose art I love and admire is, Paulette of Art Dust. She is a fabulous fiber and fiber mixed media artist. The art that she creates and posts on her website is gorgeous. Paulette also has a monthly drawing to win one of her creations. I have been so fortunate to be the winner of last months gift of art, Frida.

She is so very beautiful. When I saw this doll posted on Paulette's blog I instantly fell in love with her. So I left a comment, alas, I wasn't picked. What was truly a wonderful is that Paulette sent me a message that I had won the doll, I was very excited and happy. When I received the doll, Paulette had enclosed a little note explaining to me that my friend, Birgit at Swapping Howdies, who is also an exceptionally wonderful artist and person, entered the drawing, won and had Paulette give it to me!

The Frida doll is so beautiful. The details of this doll are amazing and the colors used are so wonderfully brilliant. She has found a new home in my favorite doll cabinet.

To see more beautiful art projects please visit Paulette and leave her a comment, your eyes will be delighted with her beautiful pieces of art.

Sweet Pink

2011-04-09T00:42:00.001-07:00

Happy Sweet Pink Saturday!

It's such a pleasure to start the day with Pink Saturday posts, the Pink Saturday Links found on Beverly's, How Sweet The Sound are entertaining and insightful!

I love getting to know the participants of this blog party and I look forward to visiting different Pink Saturday blogs every week, for sweet stories, sweet eats and and super sweet crafts. Last week Jacqueline, at Purple Chocolate Home posted a wonderful and delicious recipe for Chocolate Bread with Pink sugar! If you didn't get the chance to visit her blog, I recommend it, you will be delighted!

Last month I was very fortunate to be able to travel to San Francisco for a trip to visit my sister and surprise my daughter, Gabrielle. It was so fun! Gabrielle and I spent an afternoon at Japantown. It's one my favorite places, as you might have read on an earlier post. While we were there, I was thrilled to meet these two charming and sweet Lolita's walking in the courtyard! I, of course had to have a picture with these two cuties!

Lolita fashion is so fun. It's a very feminine look with lots of bows and ribbons and Pink!

This outfit is a creation by Angelic Pretty. There are so many darling ribbon bows and ruffles on this dress! The pink shoes are a must with this frilly dress.

Another cute Lolita outfit to dress up in!

If you are thinking of an event to have to wear these pretty pink frocks, think no more. The perfect place to go dressed so sweet is.......................................................................................

The Ice Cream Parlor!

Amy Moss has posted the sweetest DIY Ice Cream Parlor ideas and has downloads and links to host a sensational Ice Cream Extravaganza...all in Pink! If you go for a visit, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Now before you leave, the winner of the "The Funky Flower Charm" offered last week is my wonderful sewing friend, Staci! She has a fun blog to visit, it features fabulous photographs of her amazing fabric and sewing projects called A Vintage Fairytale.

I hope you have had a sweet pink visit today, I'm sure glad you came by!

Hot Pink

2011-04-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

Wow it's Pink Saturday already and it's Hot!!

This week I made some charms for a charm swap, funky flowers. Pink shades are so much fun to work with, so this gorgeous hot pink is used on the front and on the back!

A charm tutorial was featured in a spring craft magazine and thought I would give it a try for this spring swap. Some flower die cuts were used for the display base and tied with the pink and silver ribbon. I hope that the others enjoy receiving these hot pinks along with their other flowers! I have made an extra charm, if you would like to receive it, please leave a comment and I will draw the winner and announce it next week on Pink Saturday!

For some more Pink fun, please visit Beverly at How Sweet The Sound !

Have a fun Hot Pink Day!

Sewing Cruise

2011-03-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

I was in desperate need of a get away, a sewing get away, that is. All packed up and ready to enjoy the experience, I was ready to get on board and sail the seas for this exciting Bernina experience.

I picked the cruise, that my friend Sue and I were to embark, taking us to the many technique locales to experience some cool new techniques to use with our sewing and crafting projects. Our Cruise director was very cordial navigating all those on board through the ports of techniques such as: wild geese quilting block, Texture Magic and the fabulous Accuquilt, insuring that each passenger received their handouts and and patterns, if not partaking of a tasty treat or two! After the completion of the cruise we all received a balloon to pop to reveal a fun little gift from Bernina Southwest to take home with us!

What did I get? I took home the skills and materials to begin several super cute projects, both for myself and my wonderful Girl Scouts.

Happy Sailing!

Life Is Pink

2011-03-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful Day and along with the blue sky and the bright sun, there is a hint of Pink!

Sweet Peas from a coworkers garden adorn my work desk!

A view of the rear entrance of the shops along Main Street from the parking lot reveals this killer shark in his pink T and sun glasses!

There is so much beige and green in this desert area that it can be difficult to see any other color.

If you look carefully wonderful bursts of color, even pink, can be found hiding in the most unusual places!

Thank you for taking the time to visit this wonderful Pink Saturday! To indulge in more Pink this Saturday, please visit Beverly, the wonderful hostess, at "How Sweet The Sound", this weeks plethora of Pink is so very delightfu!

Have a beautiful Pink Day!

Altered Barbie

2011-03-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

I was in my favorite paper arts store a few weeks ago, explaining how I didn't have the time to participate in this season's Altered Barbie swap. However, before I left the store Jennifer somehow convinced me that I could indeed make an altered Barbie and she gladly donated some of the materials she had left over from her "alteration"!

That evening I rushed home ready to begin the project!

Step One: Clean the Barbie components!

Step Two: Assemble Barbie on the newly constructed stands.(These were made from heavy washers purchased from Home Depot super glued together and spray painted black)

Step Three: Construct the tops: These would be the lampshade. (Instructions for this step found on this clever miniature website.

Step Four: Attach the tops of figure add some lace.

Step Five: Stand back and giggle!

For more delightful Altered Barbie's you can visit Mystic Paper in Downtown Mesa, Arizona or you can take a virtual tour at Mystic Paper The current swap has not be posted yet. However, I know it is only a matter of time!

Want to play?

The next collection is due May 26th!
Come join us!

Springtime

2011-03-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Today is a new day.......... spring has arrived!

The earth is in motion and growth: the mountains, hills and prairies are green and pleasant: bounty is overflowing: mercy is universal: rain is descending from the clouds of compassion: the brilliant sun is shining: the full moon adorneth the ethereal horizon: the great ocean-tide is flooding every little stream; gifts and favors follow one upon the other: and a refreshing breeze is blowing, wafting the fragrant perfume of the blossoms...........

Today is also the day we award the winner of the 200th blog post! Can you hear the drum roll as the random number generator selects the winning person.
And the winner is:

It's thrilling to be giving away this fabulous collection of Asian goodies along with the Penzy Arizona spice and cookbook to this lucky winner who posted the 4th comment ~and it is Melissa!

I would like to thank every came for a visit and took the time to post a comment, I really enjoyed reading them and plan to comment on your blogs soon!

I wish all of you a many happy and joyous days this spring !

A Celebration

2011-03-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

It has been exciting to travel the Internet and meet so many bloggers last month! I spent many hours, like many of you, reading so many wonderful blogs and making new acquaintances. I found that the event left little time for creativity and household chores(o.k. so I really didn't mind about that).

Life was so hectic that I didn't have time to post a new entry before my wonderful trip to San Francisco.
I had intended to post a new entry while I was there, however time just rushed by and I found that I was on board the airplane returning to Phoenix before I had a chance.
While I was away I signed in to begin a post...and I discovered that it was my 200th post!

To celebrate this event I have some goodies selected during my trip to share with you!

San Francisco is a great place to find your creative muse. There are so many exhibits, galleries and parks to explore which are all visual delights!
I was very happy that my daughter was with me for our visit to Chinatown. As my daughter and I walked up and down the streets full of grocery items she remarked how it reminded her of her trip to China.

We had so much fun, we went to many little shops to look at all the clothes, jewelry, and housewares. I had to pick up a few things to create art with, it was hard to resist all the treasures available, so I picked up some playing cards, tiny coin bracelets and red coin envelopes, if you look at the photo I have selected some of these treasures to share.

For lunch we left the orient and took a trip to what's known as little Italy for the Bay Area specialty.... Gilroy Garlic!
We ate at The Stinking Rose for a full garlic fare, including the ice cream which is served for dessert. We consumed part of the 3,000 pounds of garlic this restaurant serves monthly. It was delicious.

It was back to exploring after this great lunch, and while in town Gabrielle had to experience Japantown with their unique shops. So we jumped in the car and drove up and down the streets until we arrived at our destination.
There are so many shops with so many fun and interesting items to look at. However I wanted to go to my favorites to pick up some Japanese products I don't like to be without! The Kinokuniya Stationary and Gift Store is a must. They have some wonderful blank books, journals, planners as well as cards, postcards and washi papers. They have pencils and pens and gel pens with so many choices colors. And they have a cute area with lots of little items which are all cute! The reviews for this store are fun to read, too!
After spending a small fortune we headed to the Kinokuniya Bookstore. The Japanese have such interesting books. I have fallen in love with many of their books, magazines and their manga. I left this store with one craft book, complete with patterns, of course its all in Japanese! Then I introduced Gabrielle to the Daiso. It's a Japanese style dollar like store with all kinds of merchandise. I picked up, among several things, these little containers made to store cigarettes, they are the perfect size to store a collection of ATC's!

When we were ready to go home, we purchased a treat to share from Cafe Hana, which looked as gorgeous as it was delicious! What a fabulous day!

We spent the next two days outdoors at the Golden Gate Park. It is a great place with many attractions such as the Bison Paddock, the Tulip Garden with a large windmill, The Botanical Gardens, with plants from all over the world and the most beautiful Japanese Tea Garden.

Before we left to go back to the airport, we went to Menlo Park to look at some shops! There was a great shop with handbags and gift items. I purchased the most stunning umbrella with the Eiffel Tower printed on it and with it, a lovely sheet of handmade paper to share by Midori, it's so pretty, I could not resist!

Our final stop was the Penzy's Spice Shop. It's a great place to shop for any spices that you may need , as they are the finest! The shop is wonderful, if you haven't been and there is one in your area, you must go, I highly recommend it- you won't be disappointed! I am so thrilled that one of the goodies is a jar of Arizona Dreaming spice and the cookbook, so you can whip up the most delicious dishes.

Please take the time to leave a comment with your contact information or better, become a follower, so I can contact you if you are the winner of the San Francisco 200th Post.

Among your "goodies will be: I jar of Arizona Dreaming Spice with cookbook, ATC container, Midori Eiffel Tower paper, Chinese coin envelope, Strand of Chinese coins, Japanese glue, Japanese printed tape, Chinese playing cards, Japanese postcards, and some Asian newspaper and the Stanford Course Description Catalog (Love to use this for altered paper or for recycled text). A winner will be chosen at random on March 20th.

I love to read your comments!

Pink is so hot!

2011-03-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

It's difficult to believe that it's Saturday already, so grab a chair and start hopping, blog hopping that is. This big pink chair is actually one of the sculptures which are located all along main street. Which is in the downtown Mesa area. This is a beautiful time of year to walk through the downtown area and enjoy the many sculptures and grab something to eat from the several restaurants that are there as well!

If you love pink and want to enjoy more, head over to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound and have some pink fun!

It's Pink Saturday

2011-03-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful Saturday.

The kind of day to stop and enjoy life, to smell the pink roses.

A day to revel in the pink which surrounds you.

For more pink....and green, please visit How Sweet The Sound!

Have a wonderful pink and green day!

Happy Pink Saturday

2011-03-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

I'm a Barbie girl and I think that pink is a fabulous color. As a make up artist I find that pink is a great pick me up and is oh so flattering to use on most women, so when I saw Beverly's Pink Saturday at How Sweet The Sound, I just had to join!

While I was in the town of Menlo Park California, I saw this wonderful pink all around, so I snapped a couple of photo's to share on this my first Pink Saturday!

What a great Pink Shop Sign!

A giant size gumball machine with yummy pink gumballs!

How about a great reading chair for a modern bedroom!

Some fun stuffies and the sweet princess on the pea!

Fun party hats for an Easter Celebration!

What beautiful flowers lining the street!

Thank you coming to visit my pink parade today, I wonder what pink things will cross my path next week!

A Wonderful Trip

2011-02-17T23:01:00.001-08:00

I had a wonderful time travelling through the Internet to meet so many fabulous bloggers! I look forward to many more hours of visiting all of you to enjoy your brilliant artwork and creativity.

I thank everyone who came for a visit and left a comment for me. I enjoyed reading your comments and hope that you will visit me again.

Most of all I would like to congratulate PEA of Canada, who won my door prize.

I want to express my appreciation to Lisa for coordinating and hosting this years One World One Heart Event!

2011 One World One Heart

2011-02-17T16:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome, Friends!

I am so thrilled to be participating in this year's event...and so happy to have friends come for a visit to see my current projects, swaps and other adventures! I became familiar with this event last year, however I did not participate. I am so happy to be able to participate this year. I thank Lisa for bring the world of bloggers closer together and organizing such a great event.

I love art in every form and love to create- it can be with paper, fabric or yarn or any medium that inspires me! I love treasure hunting at thrift stores with friends on Saturdays to bring home something that will turn out to be something other then what it is! And I adore vintage.

So please leave a comment and let me know a little about you!

I have selected some of my favorite things as a door prize, so please leave a comment and on February 17th I will select a winner!

The first prize is a hand knitted scarf constructed in an eyelash yarn, you can even choose the color....black, black/brown or plum! Rose is shown wearing the black one:

If you find yourself in a creative rut~ perhaps chewing on some of life's big questions might bring you out of it.....for this I have a copy of SoulPancake.....

I have this sweet pair of pink heart earrings have been created for a swap they are so cute to wear. And then the fabulous stash of collage materials that includes papers, images, laces, and embellishments!

All you need do is leave a comment at the end of this post and I will pick a winner on the 17th February!

Thanks for coming by...............

My Purple Heart

2011-02-15T17:27:00.000-08:00

When I opened an email and found that I was invited to participate in a shades of purple inchie swap, I raced to sign up! There wasn't a lot of time to create, but I managed to collage a handful of inches all dressed up in purples! I can't tell you how thrilled I was to open my purple decorated envelope and pulled out this stunning fabric heart collage ! Inside, beautifully arranged were the most precious inchies.

The hostess of this swap made this wonderful display for all the participants!

Thank you, Susan!

Sweet Treat's for Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T19:43:00.000-08:00

Valentine's day is one special day of the year. It is devoted to love! This year my vintage candy box is filled with sweet treats from a "Sweet Swap".

I open my box and we have a "Sweethurts" selection.

Following is a fun little cupcake with a wee little cherry on top!

This next sweet has a very sophisticated flavor!

This treat is a vintage little sweetheart which hid a box of conversation heart!

And the last sweet in the box is a vintage valentine!

I hope your Valentine's Day is filled with love and sweet treats!

The J Collection

2011-01-29T22:39:00.001-08:00

What a fun collection of cards I did receive for January's "J" Swap. It's so exciting to look at the cards when you just receive them. It's fun to make them and even more fun to take them home and add them to the gallery. I always enjoy looking at the cards I have collected over the years!

J is for.........

2011-01-27T16:54:00.000-08:00

It's always difficult for me to create an ATC when there really is no theme or the theme is very broad. This month the theme for the Mystic Paper swap is: J is for....... After thinking about this for a few minutes and all the possibilities to create with the letter J, I thought It would be a perfect time to use my new Stampin D'mour stamps. So out came this little vintage cutie(she has the sweetest face, doesn't she?), stamped in green, then layered with a piece of vintage sheet music, a matching patterned paper and a vintage button, from mom's big button jar, and voila!

Charming

2011-01-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

When a call for a charm swap sounded, I could not resist the invitation to participate in a Heart Swap to celebrate Valentine's Day. After some thought on what I should and could create, I embellished little wooden hearts with paint, glitter, ribbons and a flower to look like a miniature box of chocolates. These are the finished heart charms that had been mailed to the swap host:
When the swaps arrived back to me in the brown bubble envelope, I was excited when I pulled out this cute little pouch with it's adorable hearts.

It was so much fun to unwrap the sweet little charms and admire what all the participnts made!

So very charming!

Visual Journal

2011-01-17T17:48:00.001-08:00

Strathmore has a Visual Journal online workshop series that had begun January 1. Each week the lesson offered adds to a journal page that you create throughout the workshop from materials gathered from a previously created journal...This is the page I am working on after week one.
It will be exciting to see the transformation to this page from week to week.

Preventing The Winter Blues

2011-01-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

While the air has a chill and the family and friends were in town, crafting has taken a shift!......... Knitting!
Knitting is so sociable-it can be done anywhere and everywhere. The essential equipment needed are a pair of needles, a bodkin and the yarn. One to a dozen rows can be completed in a short span of time, so before long a project can be completed. There are such wonderful yarns available, too. Scarves, sweaters, purses and pillow covers are some of the fun items that can be created.
During the winter is a great time to whip up a scarf or two. Rose is wearing an extra long scarf created in black eyelash yarn created for our "Venti" sister. This is one of my favorites to create, as it knits up fast, takes two balls of yarn and is a straight garter stitch. Cast on twenty two stitches on a size 6.5mm set of needles (bamboo are my favorites) and knit to the desired length.
While knitting this scarf a request was made to create scarf made with purple yarn. Here it is so far:

This scarf is not very wide, it's being created with a pair of 4.5 mm needle in a k1b p1b rib stitch which will provide a little more warmth for the wearer. The fringe should give it a fun and sporty and youthful look. The intention is to finish the scarf by attaching tassels with a crocheted short chain ...we shall see!

Holiday Cheer

2010-12-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

The Desert Ridge Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona was decked out this month in Holiday Cheer. Beautiful Flowers and trees were displayed throughout the lobby..... but that wasn't all.... Every year the resort constructs the most extraordinary gingerbread village which is placed in the center of the lobby for all to enjoy.
The theme this year, as you can see in the picture is: Wonkaland.

I could not resist to share a few pictures of the delicious structures that make up the village.

Who is in the pipe?

The shapes and colors used look so delicious.

No village is complete without a railway system.

This house was made out of the shiniest hard candy.

Yummy!

A Christmas Story

2010-12-24T17:50:00.000-08:00

For the past few years I have had great intentions to get out my art supplies and make cards for all the relatives and friends to send our love and best wishes, however, it seems like time has escaped me and I had to pick up a box or two at the store again this year and, I fell in love with this card. It is, of course, from the film "A Christmas Story" I just think that film is so sweet. It reminds me of my childhood in Chicago. It makes me laugh at the many quirky things that kids and parents do, just like the recess scene pictured on the front of the card! I know that I am not the only one who enjoys this movie, as I received an ATC card inspired from this movie awhile back. Whenever I look at it, it always puts a smile on my face!

I wish you all A Merry Christmas!

So Cute

2010-12-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

Snow is fun to be in as a child and adults, however it may hinder plans made to travel. I have been watching the news and marvel that it has delayed travelers in the East and throughout Europe. In my early twenties when I went to visit my friends in England during winter break, I too, had to reorganize my trip due to being trapped under snow.

Now that I live in Arizona, I look at the snow with fond memories, and when I want to see it, I jump in the car and head for the hills! It really is enjoyable to go to up in the Mountains and spend some time in the snow playing and building snowmen.

This adorable snowman was sent to me by my friend Lisa, it's so cute and festive. I love his little top hat and his rosy cheeks. Sooo Cute!

Christmas Carols

2010-12-21T20:11:00.000-08:00

Mystic paper has some great papers to create the sweetest vintage projects. It's so much fun to browse the shelves to find new items to add to the "creative stash". I could not resist this charming paper when I saw it among the vintage Christmas display. It reminded me when I was young and my family celebrated Christmas with the whole family, aunts and uncles and all of my cousins. There are the three boys Richard, Raymond and Robert in little choir robes singing their hearts out! I had to buy this paper and make a quick last minute card to send to those three men to share this sweet memory.

Paper : dasyd's, melissafrances, smartpaper
Punch : martha stewart
Ribbon : offray
Purchased : red rhinestones
Ink : distress - vintage photo, old paper

O Christmas Tree

2010-12-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

Participating in swaps is exciting and fun!
Just in time to add to the holiday decor is the holiday INchies.
This arrived at the house yesterday!
It was such a joy to open.
When you send the INchies to the hostess of swaps in this group,
the INchies are returned in a most spectacular display.

The hostess Marylin displayed the INchies on a cute little Christmas trees.
They are most spectacular when lined up like a little forest!

Shabby Comfort

2010-12-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

Last week I had begun a quick quilt project..... pictured is the pieces of the quilt after sewing the pieces together. I really enjoyed selecting the fabric for this quilt, it's from the Life's a Hoot line of fabric.

There are seven different patterns used to make this quilt, six for the front and a soft coordinating flannel for the back. Purchased were three yards for the front, half yard cuts in six different patterns and three yards for the back.

Each of the prints were cut into three forty inch long and five and one half wide strips and for the back eighteen strips of the same measurements as the front.

Then one of each of the front strips and six of the back strips need to be cut in half and sewn to the matching full strip making twelve of the front and twelve of the back.

The strips are ready to be sewn together, placing a front strip to a back strip wrong sides together and sewn to the next strip in the order that you would like them to lay. When the strips are all sewn and the quilt is one piece, it needs to be sewn all the way around the outside two times.

Once the pieces are sewn together and the outside sewn, the seams are ready for clipping. Clip all the seams at quarter of an inch intervals. Be sure that the no seams are clipped. The quilt needs to be washed about tree times to fray the clipped edges.

When completed, the quilt will look like this:

Max absolutely loves it. It is so soft, comfortable and warm! It was so much fun to make!

Charming

2010-12-06T13:31:00.000-08:00

Back in the fall, I participated in a charm swap. It was the first time I participated in a swap of this kind. I have been reading blogs and looking at all kinds of clever charms crafters are creating and I have become challenged to create some kind of charm to swap.
With the basic collage supplies, text background, images, chipboard 1" circles, diamond glaze, tiny rhinestones, beads, jewelry pins and jump rings..... a small paper charm is created.

This is the result of my efforts.

The little charms were sent off to the swap hostess and the return was so much fun to receive. It was so much fun getting so many different little treasures back!

Shabby Seams

2010-12-01T20:55:00.000-08:00

It's always exciting to have additions to the family. This fall it seems that there have been quite a few baby boys born into the family! Not only do I have a grandson, my little cousin gave birth to a set of twin boys! I am so excited about the boys, I have to take up a little sewing and knitting for these little ones! This will be my first project! A quick quilt. The fabrics are just wonderful. The prints are from The Hoot Collection, they are the cutest little Owl prints with the colors, green, orange and brown and a little aqua thrown in. Keep an eye out for the finished product, I know I will be posting it for all to see!

Swap Fever

2010-11-26T12:35:00.000-08:00

I'm back!
I have been away for awhile....I was suffering from a case of art cards and crafts fever, well not actually, but I have been recovering from an illness that prevented me from participating in swaps and trades for a while.

This is the last live swap that I was able to participate in! Pictured here are all the wonderful swapping friends, who design and make such delightful and fun ATC's that are fun to collect!

The theme on the street that night was Steam Punk!!! My favorite !!! The trade was great, there were so many participates and so many cards. These cards are a wonderful addition to my collection, I know they will always be some of my favorites!

Winner

2010-09-25T23:26:00.000-07:00

Amidst all the rushing around for the past month, I was lucky enough to win this informative little collage book. I entered to win on a blog that I found on the craft gossip site. It was fun getting it in the mail this week. My favorite part of the book is the back section , which has a fun mix of background and collage papers.

Speaking of paper, it was the Bazzill Paper Warehouse sale this weekend. I really didn't need to go, as I need to complete my project line up. However, after thinking about it for about an hour I drove over to Chandler to see what was left. The deals that I picked up today were the little coverall 6 x 6 books that were $1.50 each. There were coin folders for .25 each, so I picked up a few. Also a great buy, spools if nice ribbon, 15 yards for $1.50. There were a couple of items that were there on Friday , but were sold out. I did buy a couple of kits that were available from the Creative Escape. And finally I bought several packages of inch size chipboard circles and squares to use for swaps. It's fun to go to these sales, they are truly like going on a treasure hunt.

Round Robin Fun

2010-09-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

It's time to grab the books and start to play.

The Round Robin Altered Book Swap is about to begin.

A group of fabulous artists have signed up to play.

Each one has selected a theme for her book and we get a few weeks to create a spread according to the selected theme.

I have had this book for quite sometime and thought it would make an excellent carpet bag...... is there a better theme for it then "Steampunk"?

I was inspired by the Gail Carriger Books - Soulless, Changeless and the new book Blameless. They are marvelous~full of Intrigue, Vampire's and Werewolves and of course love and dysfunctional relationships. They take place in London and are full of Steampunk!

Fabulous read!

Chamber of Wonder

2010-08-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

Quite awhile ago, the Inchies group, put out a challenge to do a another "Inchie swap". I love to create these petite collages. They are challenging and they are so much fun to make.

This challenge was to create an inchie to represent something that would be found in a "Cabinet of Curiosities" A Cabinet of Curiosities, was an encyclopedic collection in Renaissance Europe of types objects whose categorical boundaries had yet to be discovered.

Saturday, I received an envelope with this package inside it.

I was excited to open and see what was created for each individual participant this "Wunderkammer" inchie swap!

This is what was inside the paper. My own Cabinet of Curiosities!

Deborah made this wonderful books to house these little eclectic gems of wonder. She listed each artist as an architect, a creator, designer, a pioneer, etc. This was such a fun swap and the presentation is fabulous!

Ready for The New Arrival

2010-08-28T13:43:00.001-07:00

In anticipation for the little boy that will be arriving soon, our first grandson, I made his mother a little book so that the parents can document their experiences as new parents. I selected some neutral solid papers and some matching printed baby papers and put them together for a little book to add photo's and memories.

The pages were cut to two different sizes to create a little interest. The book has no theme, a preference of the father.

A great 12 x 12 sheet was found and cut up to add to the book, which will help with the documentation of Doctor visits and different experiences that these new parents will have.

The book is big enough to chronicle the nine months of preparation as well as the first precious days of this little boys life.
I am so excited for Breeanna and Eric to fill the pages with their memories and photos of this special time of their lives!

Grosgrain: SILHOUETTE MACHINE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-08-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

Grosgrain: SILHOUETTE MACHINE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

A Creative Life

2010-08-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

Bring creativity to the for front of your life with this nifty machine.
I discovered this machine on the Craft Gossip Blog. If you haven't discovered that blog, it is worth a visit. There are all kinds of crafts projects posted on a daily basis. If you are looking for a project, you will be sure to find something here.
I followed a link to the Grosgrain Blog and read about this amazing machine. There are a few more days to enter to win one of these fabulous cutters! Let me know what you think of the projects created by this digital cutting machine!

Art Day

2010-08-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

This has been a great Saturday for art. The swap group was very fun......We swapped the ATC's from the Paris Stationary, pictured on a previous post. They are just beautiful. They are bright and shiny! This challenge was great fun.

Next month's challenge is even more fun. We were given a small stamp set of our choice and some paper to create our ATC's. This challenge is fabulous because stamping is so much fun! The creating has already. The paper began as two 12 x 12 sheets- and it's already cut down to ATC size!

After the live swap, it was off to Mystic Paper, where Trish of Vintage Bliss , had a class to create a mini scrap book from these darling 7 Gypsy booklets with pictures printed 6 up on the Selphy, it was so fun and there were such wonderful women at the class! Thank you Trish!

Print This

2010-08-17T20:05:00.001-07:00

Paper Arts are a wonderful thing! I recently received this little printer as a gift from my husband, Don. He has seen it demoed a few times at Mystic Paper where my long time friend, Trish was showing what it can do. As I love creating mini books, I can now print off all kinds of pictures right from my memory card, anywhere I am. It is very easy to use and it creates the most beautiful, long lasting prints right before your eyes! Trish will be featuring this printer again, if you get the chance....come for a look, but don't forget your memory card!

Dog Days of Summer

2010-08-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

It was doggy Night in Mesa on Friday Night. There were dogs of all sizes and they were walking their people up and down the street to the beat of the live bands. It was a hot night, but we had a good time. Mystic paper participates in the 2nd Friday Nights on Main, by hosting a live ATC swap. There were only three of us swapping during the event and what fun cards!

Thursday Night Art

2010-08-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the 2nd Friday on Main Street Live ATC swap at Mystic Paper.
I thought I would create a cute card to swap with the currant theme "Raining Cats and Dogs" The dog in the ATC is a poodle , however Max looks very similar he being a Bichon Frise. Max sometimes joins me on these Friday Night Romps. He enjoys it! It's been so hot the last couple of months so we haven't really stayed very long!
It being a cat and dog night, I will bring Max along! I just have to get back to the table to add the additional elements to the cards....So please join me at the next post to see the completed card or create some cards and come out and join us!

Rolodex Swap

2010-08-11T22:59:00.001-07:00

It seems likes its been ages since the last Rolodex swap. However it's only been one short month! This month the theme was fabric and I had every intention of doing some decorative stitching and I was quite looking forward to it. However life got in the way and before long the project was due. So I got our the stamps and some ink pads and did some painting with alcohol inks on fabric. To finish the card glitter and a ribbon on a safety pin were added. I really am anxious to explore more stamping and coloring on fabric, the Eiffel Tower Barbie was the start of it!
I think this design would look gorgeous with some stitching added to it, perhaps to add a little texture to the hair and then some metallic thread throughout the background for more color. The possibilities are endless....and isn't this what is what makes art fun and magical!

Live Swap Challenge

2010-08-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

After a brief break of several weeks, the Saturday morning live swap group that I participate in has met up again. It was delightful to see everyone who attended with their latest creations ready to swap.
I love a live swap,(yes I usually always attend the Second Friday on Main Street Live ATC Swap, also)I am a big fan of collaborative projects! Working in a group is such a rich experience. The results are usually more rewarding, as well as being a lot of fun!
This past meeting we were given a challenge to create this month's ATC with this beautiful collection of Paris papers. The images on the papers are gorgeous and there are a lot of elements to use, I envisage a fabulous creation of a gilded vintage collage! It will be a beautiful collection of cards after the swap!

Stamp Club

2010-08-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

I meet up with a group of women once a month for a fun night that I fondly refer to as "a cut and color"- however it's a night that we get together to learn some fun stamping and card making techniques.
The "Thanks Tin" was one of this months projects. It was so quick and simple to make. How fun would it be to create a tin to match a collection of ATC's for a live swap?
The supplies needed are: one tin, solid background paper, printed paper, a sentiment, three circles for the roses and one pointed flower cut into pieces, a little ink and some glue.
The result....A beautiful presentation for a gift card or a special gift!

Having Fun

2010-07-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here they are! The finished Barbies....and Ken. Now they are Lady Gaga, Tim Holtz, I Love Paris,and the Pierrot. They were so much fun to plan and create.
Jennifer has the complete collection on display at Mystic Paper
If you happen to be in Mesa, go in and see them, there is some great dolls on display. My favorites in the collection are: The album cover Barbie, she is sure to bring a smile on your face! Jennifer created a great Frida, her sandals are fabulous. ( I didn't get to add shoes...have you ever noticed the shoes are either always missing or there is only one?) I love Kevyn's dolls they are out of this world!
It's funny, as a girl I never played with Barbies.....as an adult, I have grown to love Barbie. I have fallen in love with her through the many artists who created signature Barbies.
Do you want to play? The next swap will be in the fall, the details will be posted at Mystic Paper.

Current Events

2010-07-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

It's really hot here in the valley. Not only is the thermostat rising, but Barbie , that little "hottie"Pin Up doll, manufactured by Mattel for girls of all ages to adore and dress has been the hottest topic at Mystic Paper in Downtown Mesa. It has been several weeks since Jennifer posted the Altered Barbie Swap and the shop has been filling up with long legged looks of all kinds! The Barbies will be featured in a display beginning on Saturday, July 24, so if you are in the area... stop and take a look. Jennifer is offering a sneak peek as well on the store blog too.
A few weeks ago I began the creative process when I saw the photo of this famous magazine cover:

I just had to create a Barbie of her. She was the my first one! I have to admit, I did use a few more bubbles!
My second barbie is not really a Barbie at all.... It's a Ken, my inspiration.....well let's just say he's that well known craft icon that we all know and love. Yes, you guessed it, I got my inspiration here.
The last two Barbies are not famous people, they were inspired from fun and fantasy. You can see a glimpse of one in the photo on the store post! If you see her, let me know what you think!
If you haven't altered a Barbie...try it, not only is it fun, it's addictive!

Swapping Is Hot

2010-07-10T21:12:00.001-07:00

The heat isn't the only thing sizzling out here this summer, the live ATC swaps here in town have been really hot too. It has been a busy summer running around town to participate in the Live Swaps Events and it's also a lot of fun to see everyone around their trip and vacation schedules to share a little art. The themes have been perfect for summertime creativity! There has been Music, Summertime Fun, Gypsy, Ocean and Stamp themes! If your staying in town, come out and join us. Next weeks card theme is "Travel to a Another Land!

Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue

2010-07-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

The heat's up here in town and
this weekend there's a great line up for holiday
entertainment to enjoy for all.
But that's not all...
Those gorgeous pin up girl ATC's created for the
Red, White and Blue Pin Up swap have made

their way back to the wonderful participants!

Each participant received a star with a small

accordion book to hold their lovely beauties!

Let's open the book to see the fabulous ATC's created

to celebrate gorgeous women and this glorious nation!

I want thank everyone for participating in this wonderful swap!

The art is so much fun! Pictured from the top are cards designed by the fabulous: Melissa, Jennifer, Dawn, Charlotte and mine. Have a wonderful holiday, I hope that everyone enjoys the festivities in the towns and cities they live in and women who live in this wonderful nation contemplate on the fortunes of feedom to be the bombshells that they were born to be!

Anything Goes

2010-06-11T22:22:00.001-07:00

It was Friday Night on Main here in Mesa and also the night of the live ATC Swap!

The Theme this month was Anything Goes, the Cole Porter Musical.

The heat must have been too much, as the group was really small, however the art is really great!

This is the mini collection that I have in my gallery.

Very vintage cards, a sweet collection!

Red,White and Blue Fever

2010-06-07T22:37:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holiday's. I missed it very much while I lived in England. Since then, I have always enjoyed the wonderful BBQ's with friends and family members. The fireworks at night have also been a highlight for years.
This year I would like to celebrate with art, and I hope to share the holiday with all my art friends with a Patriotic Pin Up Girl, ATC swap. Swap 3 Cards for 3 or 5 for 5. The cards should be all Red, White and Blue and add your favorite Pin up girl with a 4th of July greeting.
Leave a comment to let me know if you would like to join, I would like to have the cards returned for the holiday!

Sunny Days

2010-05-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

It's a rare day here in Arizona, that the sun doesn't shine. Sunnier Days is not really on a wish list here. I can honestly say I love living here and don't very often wish for much. However, I had wished to participate in this fun art swap, Sunnier Days Post Cards and my wish came true. The previous post shows the post cards that I created for the two talented artist who created these fun cards! The art that came by way of Mail, did bring Sunnier Days and a lot of happiness. The artist who created these pieces Cindy McMath (Here Comes the Sun) and Lyn Avedikian (Arty Pants). The cards are bright and cheerful. A big thank you for such gorgeous work.

Live Trades

2010-05-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

What a trading whirlwind this weekend has been.......The art swappers in this town had been busy creating the most fabulous art!
A group of the Art Chixies have also been busy getting their art in the mail, too. The art challenge
for this particular swap was postcards with the theme of Sunnier Days. So...... I treated myself to work on 80# Classic Crest to produce these colorful collages which are actually postcards. They have both been created with dye ink markers, distress inks, which are so wonderful to work with, they seem float onto the Classic Crest paper. Several images from Artchix Studio were then added, afterward hand lettering was added to finish the designs. They were really fun and addictive to make! If you have never created a postcard collage. Give it a try, it is so much fun!

Art Challenges

2010-05-07T18:45:00.001-07:00

I just adore an art challenge. Helga at Artchix is always inspiring and hosting challenges that are just too much fun to resist. This challenge was altered clothespins! I have wanted to make an altered clothespin for so long, I had all the materials at my fingertips.

Several weeks ago I had purchased a package of clip style clothespins at the dollar store, and the other day happened to see a box of Animal Crackers with a designer packaging for the Year of the Tiger...it was just the right colors (Helga's favorite...Pink & Green.... so I snatched it up and took it home cut it apart and began to cut, glue, paint and glitter. It was such a blast...I made another one. I took the materials to the girl scout meeting so the girls could have an opportunity to create one! If you try one you will have to create more....they are very addicting!

I Love Animals

2010-04-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to find my way to the computer for days, as I have been overwhelmed by deadlines for altered book round robins and swap deadlines. However, I had received some fun art in the mail recently and I am thrilled to share it.

The Artchix Swaps are always so much fun. The "I Love Animals" cards that have been sent to me are the greatest additions to my ATC gallery. The collages are so colorful I am always so amazed with the detail and embellishment on these sweet little cards! Helga's new art papers featured in this swap are just delightful to work with and they bring some wonderful color to the cards! It's always so fun to see the new collage sheets that Helga puts together from these swaps, you can find them on http://www.artchixstudio.com/shop/digitalcatalog/ , along with a lot more fun and playful art! Do check it out!

Target Swap

2010-04-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Target Artist Trading Cards have arrived! (ATC's 2.5 x 3.5 works of art which are traded with wonderfully talented artists throughout the world.) This fun collection had participation from across the United States and also Australia. It was so much fun to host this swap! The criteria of this ATC swap was to use a target as part of the art work. This is such a wonderful little gallery!

I would like to thank all the wonderful talented artists for taking the time to play in this swap and I am delighted to share their art!

Fairies in the Future

2010-03-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

There were so many great costumes this week end at the Con. In fact, as you can see in the last post, Vic is wearing the costume for his next project, Vampire Night.
I had the pleasure to have met the Blue fairy in this photo, it was at the first Comi Con that I attended. In fact, I attended her panel where she taught the method she uses to create these gorgeous wings. Yes, her fairy gowns are breathtaking-as is all of her costumes.
Today, at the Girl Scout meeting we learned to take measurements so we can sew from a pattern. These stunning costumes can be created after lots of practice and thoughtful preparation. They almost look like they are in a dream!

A creative Fanime weekend!

2010-03-28T20:15:00.001-07:00

How great is this? Vic has a part in the upcoming production Vampire Night! I am so excited about it. I admit it. I love Japanese animation....And I love also the live action versions of the Mangas, also. I really did not plan to go to the convention in Tucson, however I jumped in the car on Saturday morning and spent the afternoon in the pictured tent attending Panels. I went by myself and saw tons of teenagers in gorgeous costumes.
I was also one of the last people to meet Crispin Freeman during his session, and he sang to me!
It was a great day! I can't wait for the next Con!

Lucky

2010-03-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

On this most beautiful St. Patrick's Day, I thought I would spend a little time sharing the luck with lots of freebies and free instructions for fun projects. (Especially if you have a few days off for spring break)
Find background papers and other images, they are always helpful if you get stuck for an picture for a card or an ATC.... like the one posted here at momsbreak.com.
For another really cute free dolly pattern, like the one posted at dolly donations, which you will love because it is sooooo cute, from the talented Jhoanna Monte fabric and softies designer.
If you love the trendy look of crocheted flowers for pins, barrettes or scrapbooking because they are so colorful and cute, find them at craftpalooza! These are super fun and very addicting, if you make one you will probably have to make a dozen because they are so darling!
How lucky are you top have a spring break and lots of free things to do to keep busy!

Mesa Live on Friday Night

2010-03-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

Alice is all the rage at the moment....and the Live swap at Mystic Paper for Mesa's Friday Night on Main is no exception.
I walked into Mystic Paper during lunch and Jennifer was smiling at me and telling me- "I had to come" so I raced home after work and created a set of cards so that I could swap.
Just over an hour later I returned to the shop with half a dozen Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum cards, and have now added to my Alice collection.
And speaking of a trade, the Target Swap is due on March 21st and I am so thrilled with the cards all the talented artists are sending in. I know that all will be happy with what the postman delivers to their mailboxes!

Americana Art in Mesa

2010-03-05T16:29:00.000-08:00

I was out and about during lunch the other day and was completely awestruck at the installation of the new art on Main Street. The statue has very realistic detail and is identical to the painting, except the background is missing! Along with the American Gothic couple, is a larger than life suitcase!
The statue is only on loan, previously on display in Chicago, perhaps on a journey across The United States.
If you have the time, take an afternoon to view it and the entire statue collection featured in the downtown area.
You can download an informational guide for the Statue collection on the DMA website, which is packed with details about the art! It's always a great day to take an art walk!

SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS

2010-02-27T18:25:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to be a Girl Scout, because on Thursday it was Girl Scout night at Gammage Theatre. On the Playbill was the Broadway production of "Mary Poppins"! A fabulous time was had by all. Both the sets and the costumes transported the audience to No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane, London. Mary Poppins and Bert were mesmerizing as they floated across the stage and the theatre during the performance. It was a spectacular production which made for a magical night! Information for this wonderful production is on the Mary Poppins website.

Girl Scout Thinking Day

2010-02-22T18:40:00.000-08:00

Today Girl Scouts around the world observe this day, February 22, as Thinking Day. It is a day when activities and projects are carried out to honour Sister Girl Scouts in every country. Every year a theme is selected and projects are coordinated to further this theme. This years' theme is "together we can end extreme poverty and hunger". The girls in my troop are no exception, today they participated in a ceremony to receive their World Pin and to receive the Journey Project badge as well as the interest badges that they earned along the way. Congratulations girls! You can find the placement of your badges on the Girl Scout site. I am looking forward to see your sashes with your new badges in place!

KUNG- HSI FA TA'AI

2010-02-15T13:10:00.000-08:00

New Years are always fun to celebrate, Chinese New Year is no exception.
During this auspicious New Year of the Tiger, my wishes are great fortune for all. That you may be inspired by a wealth of creativity and brought great prosperity through art.
I want to thank Helga at Artchix for creating such a beautiful collage sheet and a challenge which inspired me to create this wall hanging. The challenge was to create three twinchies. I took the opportunity to take it a little farther and created this Asian beauty wall hanging! It was so much fun!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T18:45:00.001-08:00

Valentine's day is such a special day, a day to celebrate love.
It has been a celebration of love in my home even before I was born.
It was the wedding anniversary of my parents, and since the beginning of time my father was a confectioner and Valentine's day was always a very big day for celebrating with chocolate, too. I remember every year my father always remembered each of his family members with a wonderful box of chocolates.
This year I thought I would create a few cupcakes, to share the love with you! Please indulge, after all they're not fattening!

I Think You're Wonderful

2010-02-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Saturday's are for fun. This past Saturday was no exception. After spending the morning with the Girl Scouts of Chandler, I headed around the corner to the Chandler Arts Center for a fun interactive concert with Red Grammer.
If you are not familiar with Red, he is a musician who teaches children and their parents conflict resolution, love and peace among other topics through his songs. He has several recordings available at his web site.
Here he is last week with my comicon buddies at the concert last week in Redwood City, California. Below is a picture of Red and I at the Chandler Arts Center in Chandler , Arizona.
Watch him perform some songs in China, isn't he wonderful!

Inchie Maddness

2010-02-08T22:25:00.001-08:00

This week, Helga, on her very sweet Blog, My Artistic Life, challanged the Chixies to another Inchie Challenge......
This week the challenge was to limit yourself to only 3 main items to play with. And please make one of your items something you've recycled.
Well as it turned out I used a Stanford Course Description Catalog(the paper is sooo nice to work with), which was the recycled item, Artchix collage sheets and some words.
I really had fun putting these together. If you haven't created an inchie, I suggest that you try it. Please be careful they are very
addicting!

Inchies Galore

2010-01-31T16:06:00.001-08:00

What is an Inchie?
It's a 1 inch collage, of course!
This week Helga on her Blog at: myartisticlife challenged the Chixies to create 5 Inchies. One for each work day. Being inspired by the full moon, I participated in the Challenge. These little collages were created from images on the gorgeous collage sheets available at ArtChix. We are celebrating with Helga on the unveiling of the new website. It's really beautiful and sooooo Helga! Find it at: Artchixstudio.com

The Journey

2010-01-31T15:12:00.000-08:00

It 's so hard to believe that we have completed the first month of our journey into this year! The days pass so swiftly that we have to plan very carefully to insure that we can complete our artistic goals while fulfilling all the other tasks our extremely hectic lives. This collection of "Journey Themed" ATC's are a visual example of the many journeys life can offer.

On Target

2010-01-18T13:46:00.001-08:00

How creative can you get with the target?
I found this piece as I was sorting through the things that belonged to my mother. She loved target!
How about a swap!
There are so many fun things that can be created using the target as a background or a print, even adding a color!
What would you like to create with it?
Using the target, let's create ATC's for a 5/5 Swap.
The due date to me March 21st.
The first day of Spring!
I would love to hear from you!
Please join by leaving a comment with your email and so I can contact you!!

Elvis Has Left the Building

2010-01-15T16:13:00.001-08:00

However, not before leaving us some
great memories!
Although I did not attend the live swap, Jennifer was great and she swapped for me, and I took home this incredible loot!
There are some fun treasures among them~
if you look carefully there is a mini record peeking out of a record sleeve and there is a bouncing Elvis at the top in front of his Graceland gate!
All I can say is ,
Thank you very much!

Elvis Sighting

2010-01-07T17:39:00.001-08:00

There has been an Elvis sighting on Main Street in Mesa, Arizona. If you attend the Classic Car show on Main Street tomorrow, Friday Night ...You may see him too!

Mystic Paper, on Main Street in Mesa, is holding a live Elvis ATC swap to celebrate the sighting! The details are here: http://mysticpaperswapstrades.blogspot.com/
Rock a Hula , Baby!

Land, Sea & Snow

2010-01-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

While in California, I had the opportunity to play with my muse.

If you look carefully , you could see her! It was a great day at the Discovery Kingdom, until it began to rain!

Although it was raining, We had a blast watching the animal shows...

they inspire ideas for altered projects! I know I am going to get deep into sea creatures!

Not only were the animals great...playing at the snow park was tremendous fun!

Sledding races anyone?

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T20:49:00.006-08:00

Sending you Great Luck and Good Fortune for the New Year!

May your muse bring you unlimited of inspiration throughout this New Year!

It's a Beautiful Life

2009-12-26T22:35:00.000-08:00

Sending you all greetings of the season from the air ~ arriving in San Francisco. The city is so exciting and inviting from the air!
I am sure that the itinerary is packed with exciting adventures and new experiences.
Rose(my sister) and her family are such wonderful hosts, it's always a treat to be a guest in her home!
I am so thrilled to be able to live and share this wonderful life!

Scrap Book Party Winner

2009-12-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

I want to thank everyone who took the time to
comment for the party booty.
The drum roll has sounded.......
And the winner is Sasha.
The best of all party loot will be arriving on your doorstep!
Congratulations!
Now you need to create some great layouts!

Through The Looking Glass

2009-12-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

I do hope you enjoy this altered story told in collaborative style...

Thank you for your visit!

I thank the artists who participated in this collaborative art swap.

2009-12-19T19:40:00.000-08:00

By: Aiyana Warner

2009-12-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

by: Gigi