Hello From Oregon

February Cricut Class

2012-02-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

I think Plantin Schoolbook is the best and most versatile cartridge. On top of really exploring more of this cartridge, I am going to share what I have discovered after all this time.

What is it? It's the Fit to Length key. It is so my new favorite key to use. I can't wait to try it with other cartridges that have borders.

On a Roll...

2012-01-22T14:53:00.001-08:00

I am on a roll...so much coming up. I have been creating projects for not only for my classes at Roseburg Book and Stationery

but I am also trying out projects for the class I will be teaching at Scrapbook Fun Fest in May at http://www.sevenfeathers.com/. Check out all these links for more about them & all the events coming up!

Back to projects. The one on the left is actually a reject for SFF. I love it, but it would take too long & I want everyone to complete two scrapbook pages & one card. I did come up with a card I really like because it looks like it takes a long time, but it is very quick & easy.

The clock is from Spellbinders Clockworks Cut & Emboss and the Wings were cut from Pink Journey @ 3". I first drew them with the Cricut pens and cut them out. I am obsessing with the pens.

More projects later this week. Can you believe so many posts? I really want more follwers, so when I reach 150 I have a box of Blog Candy including a Stickle Station that holds 12 Stickles ready for you to use. So if you are a follower...tell your friends to sign-up as a follower.

Christmas Card Challenge

2012-01-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

Here is my January's Christmas Card challenge entries...It is fun & by the end of the challenge you will have 66 Christmas cards finished and ready to send. Check out http://suescricutandcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-christmas-card-challenge-january.html

Snuggle Up!

2012-01-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

Never let it be said rain & snow isn't great weather...of course if you do not have to go out in to it.

Staying in is good for the creating side... Here is January's class projects.

The CD/DVD Holder was a project I got from Splitcoaststampers. It is my take on the petal card using Elegant Edges and the Cricut pens.

The treat box inspired from Capadia Designs (check out her blog). She created a Bunny Treat box with the Design Studio, but most of my Cricut students do not have the Design Studio which I love, love, love! Of course we created the heart's paper using Alcohol Ink by Ranger. I am using AI in all my classes. Have you tried the refillable AI pen? More next time.

A New Year & a New Design Team

2012-01-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

Please read carefully:
From today until January 8th we will accept applications for the Lime Light Charitable Design Team. Members of this team donate their time & talent for such great causes as the Ronald McDonald House, raising money for children's playgrounds, the Houston Holocaust Museum Butterfly Project, breast cancer awareness, Humane Society Animal Shelters, children's schools...and we're just getting started.

If you are a reliable individual who would like to use his or her crafting skills to help and bring light to others, we would LOVE to see you apply for this team. In addition to the crafting team member duties, we will take part in challenges on the blog that will be required by team members.

Requirements for applicants:

Twelve month commitment--one project is done bimonthly (December is not-so-secret-Santa, and our annual Lime Light Blog Hop in December/January).
Active blog that is kept current with at least 2 to 3 posts per month showing other Design Team projects, personal projects, etc.
Contribute to ideas on our private site/messageboard--ideas for future tasks, ideas on what to create as well as how to create, etc.
Follow team guidelines as posted on the private site. When you are given access, you will need to be familiar with posting protocols (they are easy), and other information specific to the Lime Light Team. You are more than welcome to ask questions and our Training Director will keep you informed of any new procedures, if any.
Prompt communication-this is a must. We make commitments to these charities, and it's important to be able to communicate what is expected when, and any restrictions there might be. A good deal of the time it's just communicating that you understand & are working on the task at hand. Communication is done by email & on the private site, and occasionally by telephone when necessary or desired.

Email pictures of four of your crafting creations to: imaginablecreations@yahoo.com. Pictures should include at least one card (with envelope) and one altered item.

Include your blog address in the email. We'll also have a "trash-to-treasure" section on our private site so that we can swap craft items we're not using with other team members; you'll just need to take pics of and/or list your "trash-to-treasure" items.

This hasn't been very active, but it is available to members. Your first task will begin February 1, 2012; so those who make the team need to have their blog updated & bio written by that date.

You will be required to send in a picture of yourself for the public site as well as an updated bio (for continuing members). If you find you cannot keep your commitments to the team, we will then offer the spot to someone who will be able to fill the commitments. This is a change since our last DT call. We will work around illnesses and unavoidable things, but failure to communicate and failure to participate in projects is unacceptable since (as mentioned above) these charities depend on our promised donations to continue their important work. Even if you don't want to apply, we'd sure appreciate your posting the above information on your blog.

We want the best people to represent the team to these charities, and we hope you'll help us out. As you can see, #6 is the information that applicants need to be concerned with immediately if they wish to apply. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, we truly appreciate it. We look forward to receiving your application!

-------------WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR BUSINESSES TO SPONSOR THE TEAM. ALSO, IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS THAT CAN DONATE PRODUCT TO THE TEAM, WE WOULD BE GRATEFUL. PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO imaginablecreations@yahoo.com IF YOU ARE ABLE TO HELP OUT. --Posted By Susan Vilar to Lime Light Design Team-Private Site at 1/01/2012 12:00:00 AM

Merry Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

Today I pick up the pies, tomorrow we celebrate with dear friends and their family. Christmas this year it is just the two of us.

Currently I am planning January classes. Have you used the Cricut pens to draw some of the intricate design cuts? I did using the Elegant Edges cartridge and the results came out better than I thought. Some of the cuts are hard to cut if they are too detailed but by drawing them and then cutting the rest you get a better smaller frame. I tried the frames at 3" and the border at 1". Worked out!

Big Weekend!!!

2011-11-30T17:44:00.001-08:00

This weekend is the Douglas County Fairground Christmas Fair, Fri. - Sun. We have participated for the past 6 or 7 years except for last year. We really did think the house would be sold by now, Nooooooooo.

Anyway, we are doing it again and I have been going through things and repurposing and decorating, and inventing.

I bought some pretty tea cups at an auction and I added a chocolate scented candle that looks like truffles in a chocolate cup, some Lindor Truffles, & a tea bag. I wrapped them up, added a bow and VOILA!

I actually forgot to put the tea bag inside the cup before I wrapped them. So I made a card holder from the Paisley Cricut cartridge & added a peppermint & snowflake cut out from Very Merry Tags Cricut cartridge.

I will take more photos as we finish setting out everything. Today we put up the booth. I made another banner sign using Storybook lettering. Turned out very cute!

Finally today, there is a rumor about another Blog Hop soon. Stay tuned for deets.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:26:00.001-08:00

I'll say it again...Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Today is My Birthday!

2011-11-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's my day all day, in fact I usually milk it for at least a couple weeks if not a month. Whoo Hoo for me!

BTW - that's Kilo saying "Happy Birthday Mommy".

Best Time of Year

2011-11-13T18:57:00.000-08:00

We have one craft show under our belt and another 3 day Christmas fair in 3 weeks! The photo is of our booth. I loved making our sign with the Cricut. The letters are from the Storybook cartridge. I used Doodlecharms for the border at the top for the oak leaves I cut on 3 different colors.

I am doing a Christmas banner for the next fair. Will post as soon as it is finished.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T14:28:00.001-07:00

I just had a Stampin Up Workshop with Krista and not only did she do a project, but so did I. I love the candy cups from Stampin Up and incorporated it into the card. Cute huh?

The Cricut pumpkin is from Happy Hauntings. It is the pumpkin @ 4". Using a 1 3/4" Stampin Up circle punch perfectly made the hole for the cup to go through.

I have more cards from all my classes this month (October) I will post throughout the week. Next I have to design cards for all my December classes.

Blog Candy Anyone?

2011-10-05T17:43:00.001-07:00

OK, even though I am not including any photos of projects this time around, it is not because I haven't been creative. See, I am trying to get ahead of my classes for the next two months because I have two, count 'em two, craft fairs and 9 classes in Oct. - Dec. Hopefully, yet no stress to think about there, the house sells. Whew!

I am also going through - AGAIN! - all my craft supplies to sell or give away. I am making a little box for Blog Candy if I get 150 followers. I have gone down a few in the past few month, but I only need 13 so if you are a follower and know someone get them onboard.

Happy World Card Making Day

2011-10-01T14:59:00.001-07:00

Here's a couple for you!!!

Fall Time is Fun Time

2011-09-27T12:20:00.001-07:00

I LOVE Fall. I love the colors, the leaves changing, the holidays, and getting ready for all the craft fairs I will be participating in soon.

Above is the October Cricut project we will be doing in class. The dates are, Sat., Oct. 15 & Tues., Oct 18 at Roseburg Book and Stationery in Roseburg 10 am - 12-ish pm. The cost is $10 and I have a few seats left in both days. After they are filled I take Waiting List names.

I am also putting together a class using the Paper Lace cartridge for my class in Eugene. I never used it before so I am also learning as I am prepping the class. Can't wait. More to come.

I'm here to tell...

2011-09-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

Whoa - have I been a bad blogger!!! Really no excuses but I have been creating so I will be sharing a little here and a little there.

Our current project for the Lime Light DT has been Cards for Soldiers. I just sent off my cards and I want to share a few of them with you all.

Douglas County Fair

2011-08-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

This is my first year I did not work at the Douglas County Fair as the person in charge of Crafts & Floral. Do I miss it? Yes, until I start thinking of all the problems and I am so glad I decided not to work. However, I did enter a few things. I baked a Sour Cream Cake, Peanut Butter Cookies, Beer Bread & Oatmeal Carmelitas.

I don't know if I won yet, but DH did win 4 1st place, 8 second place & 3 third place ribbons in Land Products. This is the produce he picked right before he entered it. We know we won 1 1st for his pickled beets, a 2nd and 3rd for our canned tuna. Whoo hoo. I am going to try to go to the fair and see how we faired (sorry) in the Photography and Floral entries.

Blog Candy from Blog Sister

2011-07-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

Please check out bigislandlady.blogspot.com/2011/07/joannes-blog-candy.html for her Lime Light request and blog candy you can win.

In Lime Light, we are putting together cards for soldiers in Afghanistan. The more cards the better. As one soldier said, "There are no stores we can go to buy cards to send home." This is a great way to show them we support and love them for every thing they do.

Go USA

Finally...Summer

2011-07-28T19:18:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is finally here...Summer and going camping and going to the river and pitching sticks for Kilo to fetch.

I have read so many books. Really you have got to check out Earlene Fowler's Benni Harper series of books. I have them all and I am waiting for the latest to go to paperback.

July's #2 card

2011-07-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

I finally am able to post! Yeah! Hope you like this card too!

I have been trying...

2011-07-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

I really have been trying to post more, but for some reason this Blogspot hasn't let me post. Hope this works.

Everything Old is New Again...

2011-07-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

How many times do I say this? A lot!!! They say that trends go in 7 yr. cycles and it is about 7 yrs. since Quilling was big and now it is big again. Wouldn't you know that I sold all my quilling papers and tools in my Craft Sale last Summer. It's OK...I bought some new tools and I have paper and a kick #$^ paper cutter.

This month's Cricut class is "Christmas in July with the Cricut - Quilling". Catchy little title eh?

I did the background paper with Alcohol Ink and made the "snowflake" cut with Accent Essentials. The paper I cut at 1/8" so it wouldn't be too thick in an envelope.

The other fun technique is first stamping with Versamark different snowflakes. Sprinkle with clear embossing powder and of course, emboss. Add the AI. When it is thoroughly dry, place a piece of typing paper over the inked design and iron. The Versamark will melt into the typing paper and leave the snowflakes white against the AI background. I love the effect!

The angel quilled design came from a book, 50 Nifty Quilled Cards by Alli Bartkowski. This is a book I recently purchased and among all the quilling books I have this one has so many cute quilled shapes and cards. The angel is on p.95. Check it out.

Finally...

2011-06-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

It has finally come!!! What? I am so glad you asked...SUMMER or at least a few days of hotter weather. Now, I normally do not like hot weather, but I am so willing to make an exception this year since we have had an overabundant amount of wet and cold weather. I know, it is OREGON, and I do love this place, BUT can anyone say TOO MUCH?!

Another finally...our laptop finally bit the dust. Bye bye old friend. We went and purchased a new laptop yesterday and promptly found quite a few of our programs are not compatible to the Windows 7. I ordered a new Design Studio from Amazon for $19 which actually isn't bad. I can not be without a Design Studio.

Every month I will purchase another program to add to the lost programs. I did do something smart however. The old laptop was making weird sounds last week so I though I better back up once more the recent photos and files. Whew!!! Dodged a bullet on that. BTW found and bought a great new Flash Drive for saving photos. It is called Picture Keeper. I bought the Flash Drive that holds 4,000 photos. It also has saved my digital papers and embellishments I have bought.

To Blog or Not to Blog...

2011-06-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

I love to read others blogs and get bummed if they skip a day or two or three. Now I don't know if people are really reading my blog...I think there are a few...and maybe more would if I blogged more.

So my Summer resolution is to blog more and that will make me create more. I still am waiting for 150 followers. When I hit that mark I have some blog candy to give away. Want some?

Busy, Busy

2011-06-07T14:34:00.001-07:00

This month is full of classes and I am having so much fun. I love creating and here is a peek at this month's class project using the Accent Essentials cartridge. I love this cartridge because of all the shapes it has and the many ways you can use them. How about a mini-album?

I love the Spirelli Medallion technique I learned over at: www.capadiadesign.com/search/label/P%20-%20Spirelli

She has the most amazing ideas!!! Check out her blog.

I decided to take off the bow closure and it looks a lot better. I will take another photo with it off. More later...

Is it June already?

2011-06-02T21:24:00.001-07:00

I have a great excuse fro not being around...Scrapbook Fun Fest has pretty much taken over our life for a month. All of us have been taking care of all the little details and we did an amazing job. Whoo Hoo to Janice & Gary of Roseburg Book and Stationery, Karen, and of course my wonderful husband Rod.

I have included a few photos of the event and our booth. We had 216 croppers and I still have to figure out how many Walk and Shoppers, but all our vendors want to come back so they must have done as good as we did in our little booth. Did I mention Rod is the King of our Bargain Bin?
He was filling it up constantly throughout the day.

Seven Feathers Casino Resort has the greatest group of people you can imagine. Anything and everything we needed they were there to help and get it for us. We couldn't have done the event without them.

I am now taking online classes to be certified with SDU (Scrapbook Design University) through EK Success so I can teach Scrapbook classes at Michael's here in Roseburg. More later...

Fun, Fun, Fun

2011-05-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

I went to wordle.net and put in my blog address and it took random words from my blog and made a word cloud. Try it. So cool!!!

It's May Already???!!!

2011-05-01T17:14:00.001-07:00

I just realized I haven't blogged for a whole month! Where has the month gone? I taught 5 classes last month and all the prep that went with it. A lot of work, but I love it and it is fun! When it stops being fun I quit. I really don't see that happening soon.

The card on the left is the project we completed after we explored Doodlecharms. The seahorse was cut with the Cricut using Shrink Art. I cut the seahorse at 4", shrunk it in the oven at 275 degrees and then colored it with Alcohol Inks. Cool huh?

If you look at the sandcastle on the card, I actually used sand to fill in the cut.

I took a couple of pieces of Tacky Red Line Tape by Provo and covered the sandcastle opening from the back. I sprinkled sand over the tape and my sandcastle was actually made of sand. I removed the tape from the back and then glued the blue cut piece to another tan cut piece. I love how it turned out.

Classes #4 and #5

2011-03-31T21:54:00.000-07:00

This is our 4th class and it is SOLD OUT!!! How cool is that!!!??? Kim is going to have 9 kits for sale on our website scrapbookfunfest.com

Kits are $14 and when they gone, well, they are gone.

Kim is Close To My Heart rep.

This is Class # 5 which is my class. I have a few seats left and will also make a few extra kits for sale.

We will complete one of these in class and everyone receives enough product to make a second one and with the leftovers, everyone will be able to make a few cards

Again, you can sign-up for the classes at our website or at Roseburg Book and Stationery in Roseburg, OR.

Class # 3 at Scrapbook Fun Fest

2011-03-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

Another Super Cute class. Naomi does such amazing classes!

2:30 - 3:30 pm 6" x 6" Mini Album with Naomi White $12

This book would be great to make to remember that special day or trip, and also make a the perfect gift! This is just a sample of the design. The papers and stickers will change.

Class # 2 at Scrapbook Fun Fest

2011-03-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

The photos above really do not do justice to how beautiful the project is and the materials she is using for the class from 1 - 2pm at Scrapbook Fun Fest.

If you are in the area Memorial Day weekend class tickets are online (scrapbookfunfest.com)

4" x 4" Acrylic Cover Chipboard Brag Book with Tammy Weir $12

With this project learn how to make flowers using a couple of paper folding techniques, along with the Martha Stewart Scoring Board, and Zutter Binding system. Each student will receive a kit that will include everything needed to complete the project.

Hello March...

2011-03-09T15:44:00.000-08:00

If you are in Oregon and have nothing to do Memorial Day weekend, I suggest a Stay-cation at Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville, OR, Exit 99. Scrapbook Fun fest is shaping up to be our biggest and best.

Go to scrapbookfunfest.com and check out all the info. We just included the classes offered during the day and they are filling up fast!

I will feature different classes offered at Scrapbook Fun Fest this week.

The photo above is a sneak peek at the class Melanie is teaching from 11:30 - 12:30am.

"Repurposing Vintage Treasures" "Learn how to see ordinary items in a new way and give a fresh purpose to old treasures. Turn fabric, buttons, and paper into amazing new creations - cards, scrapbook pages, and jewelry. Class kit will include: 1 blank greeting card & envelope PLUS vintage buttons, vintage fabric, and vintage map butterfly cutouts to make a your own card & a fabulous one of a kind button ring." Cost is $12

Melanie has an Etsy store where she sells repurposed vintage clothing. Check it out at:

vixendesigner.etsy.com

Goodbye February...

2011-02-27T22:03:00.001-08:00

OK, Just a few more days and this month will finally be gone with all its freezing cold and yes, SNOW! I just want better weather so people will get interested in buying houses...like...OURS!

March will be busy with more classes and Scrapbook Fun Fest is getting closer.

Peeks for next week's class at a fundraiser for the Oakland Playschool:

Out of Hiberation...

2011-02-10T20:00:00.001-08:00

I have been doing some creating and working on classes. I love how the class for Scrapbook Fun Fest has come together. Everyone will receive enough product to make 2 Card Box Holders and still have enough left over to make a card or two.

Just checking in...

2011-01-27T01:07:00.000-08:00

I have been sick for the past week and I am just starting to feel like I can do something creative. Today I started planning out my next two months of classes. I also decided to do a class at Scrapbook Fun Fest and ordered the paper for it.

Well, I lost two more followers, so now I need 12 followers and I can give away the Blog Candy that is burning a hole in its mail packaging.

I am planning another Blog Hop for the Limelighters soon. Maybe a...no, I won't tell you quite yet. Still in the planning stages.

Off to take more Nyquil and sleep. Sleep has been good.

Class peek and Our New Blog

2011-01-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

Here are a few peeks at the Birthday Reminder Mini Album we are doing in class this week. After I finish up on Tuesday I am going to put the kits up for sale on Etsy. The gals who were at class on Saturday really liked the project.

On to other Dewey news:

Since we hope our house sells this year and we can start on our adventure of RVing across the US. I started another blog our friends and select family can follow read and follow us. It is seetheus.blogspot.com

For now I am updating once a week, but as we really get started on our travels I will update more. However, I won't really tell anyone where we are until we are on the road and then I will tell where we have been.

Still waiting for another, now, 10 followers so I can give away some Blog Candy. Won't you be my follower?

The Nattys

2011-01-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to Seven Feathers Casino Resort and watched the Oregon Ducks play in the Nattys. It was an amazing game, right up to the last second and Auburn won, but that's the way the cookie crumbles. Even though the Ducks lost, I can't say it enough, it has to be the bestest football game I ever saw.

There was food and anything you wanted to drink (non-alcoholic) with the admission ticket and lots of give-aways. 5 huge TV screens. I screamed and cheered so much I lost my voice.

Friends gave us a free room for the night so we didn't have to drive home in the freezing fog. Thanks guys.

Now I have a ton of class prep to do for this Saturday and Tuesday next week. Here is a peek at the cover of our project. More on it later.

BTW - All my prizes for the Blog Hop were sent off - so to those of you receiving them, please let me know if they got there AOK. I hope you all like them.

Blog Hop Winners

2011-01-06T16:59:00.000-08:00

Blog Hop winners of my mini-albums - Melissa, Shelly, Ashley, Lisa, & Nanette they will be in the mail to you all tomorrow, Friday. Thanks to everyone who participated. It was fun and I can't wait until our next one.

New Year, New Beginnings

2011-01-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

I am really having a hard time trying to give-away Blog Candy. Who Knew?! I lost another follower so now I need (Edited) 9 new followers before I give-away a lot of goodness.

As you all know we are totally down-sizing everything so we can sell the house and buy an RV and hit the road for a couple of years. So I have lots of stuff I would rather give to my loyal followers rather than anyone else.

Yesterday I went through all my school boxes. Whew, talk about memories. I was ruthless and I am sending a lot of my books to my sister who is currently teaching pre-school and my nieces who both have degrees and teaching credentials in Special Ed. They took after their aunt. I am so proud of them!

I have been working of a couple of big projects. As soon as they are finished I will be sharing and putting kits up for sale on Etsy. Also my DH has been building some great stuff for crafting enthusiasts. They will be on sale on Etsy also by the end of the week. Can't wait to share.

Planning for the New Year...

2010-12-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

Edited: I am back down to needing 7 more followers. I didn't know people un-followed you. Learn something new everyday.

Winners from Blog Hop coming very soon.

I added to my blog list one of my favorite blogs that is a non-paper designing content. It is about this lovely young lady who lives in St. Louis who is mega-talented designer, reinventor of anything vintage or otherwise. She just opened her new business called Red Velvet. Anyway you really need to visit and read about her journey.

Now why am I talking about her? I am glad you asked...She has presented a New Year's challenge, and I have taken her challenge. It is called PROJECT RESTYLE. Go to this URL and read all about it: abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/project-restyle.html

I hope you take the challenge and have fun with it too. We are trying to purge and downsize and not buy anything new to add to what we are getting rid of. The purpose of all we are doing is to get it out not bring it in. This is the ticket to get new without getting new.

Also, I am 7 followers from my Blog Candy giveaway.

Merry Christmas to all...

2010-12-23T18:30:00.001-08:00

Just one more project until I take a little craft and blog break. I made 20 of these "Sour Cream" containers filled with candy for everyone where MIL lives. The paper was cut at 6"x6" so I could fit bigger wrapped candy inside. You can't have too much candy for Christmas.

I only need 6 more followers and I will choose 2 winners of my Blog candy.

Until next week...Merry Christmas to All.

Boo Hoo, Blog Over...but I have Blog Candy!

2010-12-20T18:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and left comments and signed up to be a follower.

I am excited, so excited that when I hit 150 followers (7 more to go) I have a couple more of the Gingerbread mini-albums I want to give away. Yep, my first Blog candy. So tell your peeps to sign-up to be my peep and I will choose two peeps for my first giveaway.

Blog Hop Extended - Whoo Hoo

2010-12-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

Just found out our Blog Hop has been extended to Sunday at mignight eastern.

Just check out my original Blog entry below, become a follower and leave a comment. Thanks for making this Blog Hop the best ever!

Welcome Blog Hoppers!!!

2010-12-16T20:20:00.000-08:00

Before I share my Cricut creation let me introduce myself. My name is Terry and I live in Oregon with my DH and our Lab, Kilo and our sweet cat - Poodums. I currently teach Cricut classes at our LSS in town every month.

I joined The Lime Lighters last year and it has been an honor and fun to make and give back in some small way. Making cards to send to the troops in Iraq and Afghanastan probably was my favorite. Our cards enabled the troops to send to their loved ones cards of love and Best Wishes.

I started my blog a short time before I joined the team. I love computer and gadget anything, so combining blogging and sharing what I do with the Cricut and Design Studio has been fun.

Gingerbread House Mini Album Recipe:

Cartridges - Stretch Your Imagination, Christmas Noel, George

Design Studio

Paper - Paper Accents & DCWV

Embellishments - Michael's, Stickles, flocking (Stampin' Up)

This mini album and a few more I have made are part of the prizes we are giving out tonight!

Don't forget to sign-up to be a follower, leave a comment and you are entered to win.

Next, you are off to visit Peg - pegscraftingcorner.blogspot.com

Blog Hop Around with the Lime Light

2010-12-14T18:11:00.000-08:00

As you can see by the title, the Lime Light Charitable Design Team (of which I am a card-carrying member) is having a blog hop this Friday at 8PM. We want you to get to know us and what we do as a team, so we are having a blog hop so that you can visit the various team members' sites. We also have a couple of the top Cricut bloggers on the net -- Everyday Cricut and Pink Cricut, that will be stops along the way. The team came together a few years ago because of our love of Cricut, and we wanted to give you a couple of bonus's as these sites are top notch when it comes to Cricut creative inspiration.
At 8 PM CST on Friday, we'll be posting the instructions on how you get from blog to blog and what you need to do when you get to each blog (COME TO THE LIME LIGHT BLOG FIRST FOR INSTRUCTIONS). All simple stuff. Now, here's the fun part. We'll be giving away some very nifty prizes, including a grand prize stash worth over $150. And because I can't wait, I'm giving you a peek at the prizes. So sit down, take a look at the goodies, and then join us Friday at 8 CST for a fun time!

The Lime Light

2010-12-13T21:22:00.000-08:00

We have new members! Go to Gracie -- http://everythingcricut.blogspot.com/ for the list of all our members.

Join all of us for our blog hop on Friday Dec. 17th at 8 PM Central. It's a chance to get to know the new members and we'll be giving away some very nice prizes.

New Favorite Card

2010-12-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

I love making cards to send with a gift of some kind inside. Here's my new updated version of a card I did last year. Much better.

Recipe:

Cricut cartridges - Christmas Cheer & Winter Woodland

Paper - Paper Accents

Punch - Stampin Up Ticket Punch

Stickles - Gold

Stamps - Stampin Up & my own invention

Ribbon - Brown Organza from Ben Franklin

Other - Alpine Cider Mix from Dollar tree and metal tape

I got the idea for the packet of Apple Cider (and I make cards with Hot Cocoa mix) from The Pink Stamper last year.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

How was your Thanksgiving Day? We had a very quiet, yet fun day. I made the traditional turkey and dressing and it was amazing. Can't wait for leftovers.

Tonight - Auction night. It has become a regular fixture in our home. We rarely bid, since we are trying hard to downsize, but it is fun to see what things go for and what is up for sale.

Today is My Birthday!!!

2010-11-21T17:12:00.000-08:00

Oh, yeah! My day will definately turn into a week since we are going to celebrate together next Sunday at Seven Feathers Casino Resort with brunch. We will also do a little Ka-Ching too.

It was a wonderful birthday with brunch at a friend's house - totally spur of the moment and just wonderful food and company.

Tomorrow, since we are so full from brunch - I will have a birthday dinner of my choice - PIZZA! Nummmm.

My sister called and we talked for about a half hour and that was special too. So, Happy Birthday to me!

Technically my birthday is all of 6 minutes since I was born at 11:54 pm, that's why I stretch it into a week. LOL

Lime Light Design Team

2010-11-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

The Lime Light Design Team is looking for a few talented and dedicated new members.

"We are a design team with a unique purpose. We use our crafting skills to help and bring light to others. We have done much for many these past two years including making cards and bookmarks for our men and women in uniform, making journals for families whose children are in the Ronald McDonald house, making cards for baskets that help raise money for playground equipment, making butterflies for the Houston Holocaust Museum children's exhibit....and that's just the beginning. We continually seek ways to bring light to those in need."...Gracie P.

Go on over to our website and find out more and how to apply.

limelightscrappers.blogspot.com

Snowman Treat Card

2010-11-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of my all time favorite cards.

Cartridges: Doodlecharms (snowman, carrot nose, arms & shadow snowman), Paper Doll Dress-Up (hat), Joys of the Season (holly)

You can either use the Center Point feature or a 1 3/4" circle punch to cut the hole out for the Stampin' Up Treat Cup.

Punch the gold vellum (Paper Accents) oval with the Stampin' Up scallop oval punch.

Draw in the eyes, mouth and chalk the cheeks.

Fill with white jelly bellys (cupcake flavor) or tiny marshmallows. They sell little bags of these marshmellows at Oriental Trading. Great for Hot Chocolate.

"Frosty Kisses"

2010-10-24T16:15:00.001-07:00

Here is my new improved "Frosty Kisses" Hot Chocolate card.

I used Joys of the Season cartridge for the card. The "Frosty Kisses" is from Winter Woodland cartridge.

"...need a cup of Hot Chocolate" i printed on the computer and used the Stampin' Up oval scalloped punch. The border punch is from Martha Stewart's line.

Actually, originally I didn't have a border on it, but I smeared the ink on a couple of snowflakes so I had to do something. I rather like the border.

The small snowflake stamps came from a set and the snowflake in the middle of the cup was a Martha Stewart punch/stamp set I bought last year on sale.

The ribbon I bought on sale at Ben Franklin a long time ago. Add a few Stickles (silver) and you have a card with a gift.

The saying I printed for the back I found in a book of quotes by DCWV I bought years ago. "Quote Reference Book 1 and Book 2".

Creativity

2010-10-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

These are the two cards everyone will be making in my Alcohol Ink class next Wednesday at Roseburg Book and Stationery.

The "Merry Christmas" card uses metal tape found in any home improvement store. The "Poinsettia" card has been embellished with embossed transparency, alcohol inks and the Alcohol Ink pen, which by the way is my new favorite tool.

Everything old can be new again!

2010-10-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

OK, I admit it. I love to read other people's blogs especially when they share wonderful ideas. Lately, all my favorite Cricut Blogs are nothing but filled with fun-filled ideas using the New Cricut Imagine and/or all the new Cricut cartridges.

Now here is the rub. I don't know about you all, but I can't afford the Cricut Imagine (though I secretly lust for it all the time) and with all the new cartridges coming out constantly I really can't afford but a few cartridges a year.

I am sure there are a lot of peeps out there with the same conundrum as me. I wish my blog was so popular I received cartridges and machines for free, maybe someday I will find more time to become popular, but I want to see more done with oldie moldie cartridges which I think are pretty cool.

So you are probably asking, "What are you going to do about it?" Well I am teaching more classes and I pledge - Yes, a pledge to America - I will use all my 34 old and semi-new cartridges to move the creativity of the USA Cricuteers...and you all outside this little world of mine.

Let the creating begin!

Happy World Cardmaking Day

2010-10-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest favorite card. I used the Versamark transfer technique with Alcohol Inks.

Alcohol Inks - Black, Sunset Orange, Lemonade
Stamp - Pumpkins (Unknown), Trick or Treat - Stampin' Up
Cardstock - Black - Paper Accents
Vellum - Orange - Paper Accents
Inks - Versamark, Black Staz On
Clear Embossing Powder
Punch - Scallop Oval - Stampin' Up

The Butterfly Project...Revisited

2010-09-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Lime Light group's ongoing project is making butterflies for The Butterfly Project. If you have never heard of it you can go to:
http://www.hmh.org/ed_butterfly1.shtml

I made the two butterflies above using wire and beads. Now, I have a ton of beads and everything anyone could need to make project after project, but this is the first time I made something like this. I must say I really like the way they turned out and plan on doing some more.

I encourage anyone and everyone to get involved with the project and make some butterflies so the Holcaust Museum can meet their goal of 1,500,000 butterflies by 2013.
If you are a teacher, great project for the kids and they have lesson plans you can use in class.

Look what I got...

2010-09-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

I decided to treat myself to something amazing...

It holds my Cricut cartridges & books & keypads. I have 34 cartridges and it holds 36 so I need to buy two more to fill it. LOL

It is so amazing. Go to www.CricutCartridgeStorage.com and check it out.

Getting Closer...

2010-09-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

This is the project we are completing in my September Cricut class. This is a non-Cricut month and I will have all the templates you need. I found the box on one of the blogs I follow and I wish I could remember which one so I could give them credit. We will be using some of the new EK Success punches introduced at CHA this Summer. The paper is Dream Street.

The photos I used inside the box were from the first Camp Planet Hope I went to and took tons of photos. As soon as the class is over I will send it to Kelly.

Next week we are putting the house up for sale and the quest begins. Our Craft Sale last week was amazing and now I am figuring out what will happen with the rest. Some to auction, some to donations, some to Craig's list and some to EBay.

I am planning another sale at the end of September for the rest of my craft room I really have decided not to pack & take with us on the road. Unfortunately a 29 ft. 5th wheel has very limited space. :-(

A week later...

2010-08-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Since last Friday I have taught 4 - 2 hour classes, and an all day class. next month I have scheduled the same amount of classes. So fun!

Here are some photos of the class projects we have completed this month in the Alcohol Ink Techniques class. No one guessed the technique, heck no one commented, heck I don't know if anyone is even reading this blog, but let's pretend there are tons of people out there reading my musings.

The technique: canned air & Alcohol Ink. This was a Tim Holtz video "How To". Love it. One thing that is cool, it really doesn't pop or look good until you add the stamped images or in the case of my cards & tag, the Cricut cuts.

I am trying to find cuts that mimic stamping with Staz-On. The new Oct. 31 Seasonal cartridge is my new favorite. The cuts are intricate and do look like I stamped them rather than cut them. I also love the intricate cuts in Home Decor. The cuts in my "Forever" card are from that cartridge.

Next month I am calling my Alcohol Ink Technique classes - "Uncovering a Masterpiece". I have so many ideas going through my head, so I know I will be completing the samples real soon. Stay tuned all you tons of peeps out there voraciously reading my blog. I know you get a little disappointed when you log on and it has been eons since I last posted, but isn't it worth it when I do blog away? LOL Blog you soon...

Happy Friday the 13th...

2010-08-13T19:06:00.001-07:00

Here is a cute Halloween card we will be making in my Saturday Alcohol Ink Technique class.

Can you guess the technique?

Getting Back to Normal...

2010-08-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

...or whatever that is! It has been a looooooooong 10 days, but I survived another Douglas County Fair. This year I was again in charge of the Crafts in the Exhibit Building and Floral Building. We were down about 50 entries in Crafts but up about 100 entries in the Floral.
I decided this is my last year. I love the fair but working it stopped being fun. I love my boss and she is incredible, but I am brunt out and ready to just enjoy Summer without this interruption. I can now enter stuff in crafts so I will start making things for next year.
My DH entered in Land Products form the garden. He just went out the day of entry and picked and picked and won 8 first place, 4 second place and 3 third place ribbons. He also won 1 first, 2 seconds and 1 third in the scrapbook division. He beat out some mighty fine, talented ladies in this area. He also entered our pickles, Apple Butter, Apple Pie filling, Tuna, etc and won quite a few 1st, 2nd & 3rd place ribbons too. He got a special award for his bread & butter pickles. BTW, he earned $77 from his winning all those ribbons. We are celebrating by going to Seven feathers Seafood Buffet this week!!!
Now I am getting ready to teach my Cricut classes (3) and Technique classes (2) this month.

Here's a peak at the Cricut class.

I am showing everyone how to emboss with the Cricut and use the Cricut pens. Above is a photo of my sample board.

Capadia's blog had a really cute Christmas card using an embossing folder that is sold out everywhere I checked. I did find a similar tree on my Christmas cartridge. We will complete that card in class. As soon as I make the sample this week I will post it. It is so cute.

Moving Sale

2010-07-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

OK, who's idea was it to have a Moving Sale this weekend? Oh yeah, Me. Friday it was steady, Saturday, not so much, but we did sell enough to pay for the new floors in the living and dining rooms and hallway so I guess it was OK. LOL

That's Kilo in the middle of the photo. He wanted everyone who came to the sale to play ball with him. Most did. He had a great time too.

Funny thing, everything I didn't want to sell sold. See that canopy in the background - SOLD! DH also sold lawn furniture we could use when we have people over to BBQ. I have begged him not to sell too much or we won't have anything to sit on until the house sells. We have two more weeks to spruce it up and then it is on the market. Whoo Hoo. Keep you fingers crossed. Want to buy a house?

80 to 100...degrees that is!

2010-07-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

We wanted it and it is finally here. What is it? Hot weather. At least I am not working at the fair this year. It was torture last year working in the Exhibit building without air conditioning in 100+ heat. Yikes!

We are packing and purging...the 2P's. We decided to put the house up for sale and sell everything we can not get in a 10' x 10' storage shed and a 30 ft. 5th wheel. Do you know how cathartic and yet releasing it is? Should have done it years ago.

Anyway I am having a huge , I mean HUGE Craft sale in August. If you want to get on my email list for dates and some of what I am selling just leave you email in the comment section.

Back to painting, purging and packing...Now we are the 3 Ps'.

Summer is finally here...I think!

2010-07-01T11:46:00.001-07:00

I bought this for $1 at Michael's and really like it, but it was small.

My version. I created this using the Design Studio, George, Home Accents along with paper from Dream Street and Grungepaper. It will fit cards and envelopes(A2) and would be great for gift giving.

Here they are side by side. Both are 6" wide, but you can see the differences. The Grungepaper is so flexible and easy to shape. I added magnets to keep the lid shut.

This project is my Cricut class at Roseburg Book and Stationery in July. You can sign-up for the class at the store. This month you do not need to have a Cricut to do the class. I decided to have a non-Cricut cutting class every other month. You still will learn what you can cut with your Cricut for the project, but I will have all the parts cut for everyone.

The Butterfly Project

2010-06-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

The Lime Light group's project for June and July is making butterflies for The Butterfly Project. If you have never heard of it you can go to:

http://www.hmh.org/ed_butterfly1.shtml

I went outside my comfort zone and made the two butterflies above using wire and beads. Now, I have a ton of beads and everything anyone could need to make project after project, but this is the first time I made something like this. I must say I really like the way they turned out and plan on doing some more.

I encourage anyone and everyone to get involved with the project and make some butterflies so the Holcaust Museum can meet their goal of 1,500,000 butterflies by 2013.

If you are a teacher, great project for the kids and they have lesson plans you can use in class.

Alcohol Inks

2010-06-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

I added new classes and have been working on samples and I am pleased as punch how they turned out.

New Class

2010-06-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have added new classes for June at Roseburg Book and Stationery in Roseburg. It is an ongoing class and every month you will learn two new techniques and make samples to put in your Technique book along with two cards using those same techniques.

Thanks to Krista who is my Stampin' Up demonstrator and who I take classes from every month, for this idea. She teaches us two techniques every month and I am on my second Technique book with her. Check out her blog. There is a link on the right hand side of my blog and if you can, sign-up for one of her classes. They are amazing!!! Why do you think I teach classes? To go to her classes, of course!

The first set of techniques I am teaching is using Alcohol inks. Love them! For the next five months I will be teaching 10 techniques plus the first class everyone will make the books. You can email me to add your name to the list or sign-up at Roseburg Book and Stationery in Roseburg.

Scrapbook Fun Fest

2010-06-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

I think I am finally catching up. Last Saturday's event at Seven feathers Casino Resort was beyond all of our expectations. I haven't finished working the numbers yet, but this was definitely our biggest show yet. We were a little leery about numbers on the Memorial Day weekend, but in the end we all believe it probably worked to our benefit.

Here are a few pictures from the day.

Most of the photos I took came out blurry, but I hope you can get the idea. On the whole, looking at our comment cards, most everyone was pleased and had a great time. There were quite a few that stayed until the end.

Seven Feather's staff was amazing. Anything anyone needed or if there was something that had to be fixed they were right on it. The food was not only good but very reasonably priced.

Back to unpacking and organizing to start my next big project. I will have more on it, but for now I will tell you it has to do with making butterflies for an incredible project.

I know, I know...

2010-05-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time in between postings, but honestly, I have been very busy.

I can't believe it is less than two weeks before Scrapbook Fun Fest and so much to do. I have always left things untill the end because I work so well under pressure. Guess what? Pressure time.

I do want to share a layout I just completed and sent off. More about it later.

Back to PRESSURE!!!!!!!

National Scrapbook Day and Me...

2010-05-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

I had a great National Scapbook Day at Roseburg Book and Stationery. I was with a wonderful group of women teaching them Tim Holtz's Grungepaper Roses. If you haven't seen these roses, go to his blog and look under the "12 Tags of Christmas" - 2009. The 12th day he constructed the roses for a tag. They are gorgeous! All the ladies roses looked so different, yet all were amazingly beautiful!

As soon as I add the photos to the canvas I made in another class (this time I was the student) at Roseburg Book and Stationery, I will post a photo.

Creating Again...

2010-04-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

My mojo is back and I am up and creating again. It has been a busy month. We spent two weeks purging and getting ready for the All County Yard Sale at the fairgrounds. We did amazing! We found and bought a travel trailer so we are gradually putting in shape and we are selling the tent trailer and that has to be emptied and cleaned. Whew! ... AND I have finished creating May's Cricut Class.

What are you doing in May's Cricut class? I am glad you asked...I am calling it "How to Design Your Own." I love using the Design Studio to make my own templates for projects I teach. Not everyone has the Design Studio, but you can make your own by cutting out different shapes and then taping them together to make a template to use. Using cheap cardstock, the class will make a couple of templates to make unusual cards.

The card at the top of the post is made from scraps of paper left over from the projects we will be doing.

My Annie

2010-04-04T17:11:00.001-07:00

Last night my Annie died. She was with us for over 17 years and up until yesterday was healthy. It was quick & we were able to say good bye and hold her one last time.

She was her Daddy's girl and my Love Bug. She will be missed so much.

Good bye Sweet Annie Girl.

April 1st is only April 1st...

2010-04-01T13:16:00.001-07:00

I have always disliked "April Fool's Day". Why? I have no idea. Maybe it is because a lot of April Fool jokes are not very nice. So call me a stick in the mud but I would rather not participate.

Anyway...I have been creating more samples for my Chipboard class I want to share...and that's no joke!

I used the Mini Monogram Cricut cartridge to make this mini-album out of chipboard. It actually is a tag, but I used it for an album. I cut the pages the same as the covers, however, I cut off one end. The "T" is cut from the same cartridge out of chipboard and then I embossed it with white embossing powder. The blue border the letter is setting on was also the tag cut from blue. I cut it down and glued it across the front & another for the back.

My St. Patrick's Day Project

2010-03-17T21:14:00.003-07:00

I really wish you can see the colors...but believe me there is green on the lid & roses and it is pure coincidence that I did this Mother's Day project for a class in May with green and black paper on St. Patrick's Day.

I am so loving to make these Grunge Paper Roses. I colored these roses with 2 different green re-inkers and Perfect Pearls and water mixed in a Ranger mini mister with a touch of copper again. I tipped the rose & box edges with black ink.

The roses are made from 3 - 6 petal flowers. Using the Cricut's Design Studio I welded 2 - 6 petal flowers from the Plantin' Schoolhouse cartridge to make each petal wide enough. I am able to cut 25 flowers on one sheet of 12"x12"Grunge Paper. They are cutting out like "butter" with the Cricut.

I will be teaching this class May 1 at Roseburg Book and Stationery at 10 am. I only doing this class once. You can choose either a rectangle (approx. 3" x 3 1/2") or square (approx. 3"x3") box.

New Project

2010-03-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

Edited: I saw that DCRU was having a challenge this week using paper flowers. So I thought why not show off this Tim Holtz designed Grunge paper rose I actually can do. his directions were great. Check them out at his website. Go to the 12 Tags of Christmas - 2009. The directions are featured on the 12th day.

I have been in creative mood this week.

The project on the left is a sample I did for Roseburg Book and Staiotnery. The tag on the right is my Make and Take I will be doing at Scrapbook Fun Fest in May.

Last December Tim Holtz did the 12 Tags of Christmas and Day 12 was with Grunge Paper Roses. Well, I have had this Grunge Paper for forever and when I saw these roses I loved them. So I finally got around to making them and I love the way they turned out. I wish the photos could really show the colors better, but they all have a copper sheen.

In like a Lion...

2010-03-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

Even though we have had a lot of rain, everything is blooming big time. My header photo is from our garden. DH is taking before and after photos this year of our garden for the Garden Journal I made for him.

The photo is of a workshop submission I made. However, I wasn't picked to do the workshop, but that's OK, I tweaked it for my class offering at Scrapbook Fun Fest in May. All the different embellishments were found at Lowe's. Yep, I love walking through stores for inspiration & believe it or not home improvement stores are great.

Wait until you see the ATC cards I am creating for the Lime Light this month! Loving them!

Lots going on this month...painting the entire inside of the house, classes to teach, classes to take and most important of all...our 25th Wedding Anniversary. It has been an incredible 25 years and I can't wait to see what the next 25 years brings.

DH is making me a mocha as we speak. How lucky am I!

Planning Ahead

2010-02-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

A lot has happened in one week. We were going to sell our Cricut-made products in a new store opening up in town, but the deal breaker for us was the class opportunities. We were going to be charged $25 to teach one class and in this economy and knowing how much people are willing to pay for classes it just wasn't realistic. I'm sure it will be a great store, but teaching classes while selling our products was the draw. Oh well, I still have a place I really love to teach at so I really am OK. Here are some samples of what my next Cricut classes in March will feature:

The Disney Tink and wand were part of a swap I was in and I did the little girl & owl. I wanted to show examples of layering with the cartridges. Classes are Tuesday, Mar. 16 & Sat., Mar. 20 both at 10 am for $6. You can sign-up at Roseburg Book and Stationery.

Speaking of classes I finished the class sample for Scrapbook Fun Fest. I am calling it "Suitable for Framing" .

Rod is making frames for everyone who takes the class. It is included in the price of the class. The finished project measures 8" x 8". Cost is $15. All our classes for Scrapbook Fun Fest will be on the website for tickets sales the first week in March.

I Bad

2010-02-15T13:45:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it has been so long since my last blog. I think we have been sympathizing with everyone who has been snowbound and snowbound ourselves without the snow. LOL

I did make a few things for Valentine's Day for Rod's Mom and her friends she eats with...filled with CANDY!

Since only his Mom and another lady showed up for lunch they got two boxes full of candy each. They definitely did not complain.

I also have been teaching Cricut Basic 101 classes and taking more of Krista's great classes.

We are getting things ready to move our handmade products into a new "craft boutique" which is opening in town. There will be a little bit of everything. Better than a craft mall, just short of a gallery. We start moving things in this weekend. It will be nice to have our creations out there year-round for purchasing instead of bringing it only out for shows.

I think I am going to add gift boxes and bags to my line for the new store. I had so much fun making the candy boxes for Valentine's Day. Quick & simple!

New Cricut Class

2010-02-01T14:36:00.001-08:00

I have scheduled a new class at Roseburg Book and Stationery on Thursday, Feb. 11, 10 am - $8 and Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 am - $8. The project orientated class is "How to Cut Chipboard"

The finished project measures 5 1/2" and includes everything you need to make one shape book, either one of the samples or one of your choice.

Sneak Peek

2010-01-26T15:20:00.000-08:00

I have been a busy little Cricuteer. I have taught 2 Cricut Basics 101 classes and they were amazing women! I love it when I teach them something about their machines that they didn't have a clue it could do and they get soooooooooooo excited!

Besides teaching classes, I have been creating a submission. I don't want to say what it is for yet but I will give you a sneak peek:

Seriously, this is probably one of my favorite creations I have made in a long time. Keep your fingers crossed and I will reveal all in a couple of weeks.

Sticking to it...So far!

2010-01-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

Remember when I hinted about a Wii? Well I don't know if I mentioned it, but, I did get a Wii for my birthday. YEAH!

Next, I hinted for a Wii Fit for Christmas. Hinting worked. Wii Fit is mine, however it took me about 2 weeks to take it out of the box.

So Rod and I are Wii fitting it. It does a Body test and really accurately weighs you and gives you your BMI and your fitness age.

There is no way I will post any of that info now, but needless to say it was a wake-up call for me and Rod.

It is so hard to diet and exercise alone at least for me, but Rod is committed and now we are going down the Fitness trail.

I had a little set back this week but quickly got back on when Rod weighed in and was shocked to the point he is on the "let's eat healthier" mantra with me. YEAH!

I have NEVER been a exercise person...EVER! This Wii Fit eases you in to it and I am actually liking it. Who knew.

Now on to creative things...

DCRU Challenge 21 - Leftovers

2010-01-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

I not only had paper leftover from
Christmas, but there were a few tags leftover too.

A friend of mine is living in Florida.
They are having some unseasonably COLD weather. What better way to make her warm a little bit? Hot chocolate will hit the spot.

On the back of the tag I wrote with a silver pen:

"It may be cold outside, but here is something to keep you warm."

RECIPE:

Metallic paper - Hot Off the Press
Ranger Stickles - Silver
Versamark
Snowflake punch - Marth Stewart
Vellum - snowflake on cup
Snowflake stamps - unknown
Cardstock - Paper Accents
Ribbon - white with silver snowflakes - Michael's
Cricut Cartridge - Joys of the Season, Merry Tags, George and Basic Shapes
Design Studio

DT Entry - Challenge 20 Color Inspiration

2010-01-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

This card was so much fun to make. The challenge was to make a project using the colors from the Die Cuts R Us Banner.

THE RECIPE:

DCWV Spring paper & card,

SU "Flight of the Butterfly

SU Rose Red stamp pad

Ranger Seafoam White embossing powder

rhinestones from Studio 18

sentiment from Studio G

Swiss Dot embossing Cuttlebug folder.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

I hope each and every one of you had a joyous Christmas and Happy New Year. Ours was peaceful and drama free.

I have found a new stamp line I am loving. Here is a couple of examples of what you can do with Michael Strong's Cloisonne stamps. I went to Michael Strong's web page and he has more of these types of stamps. Not only are they versatile, the stamps are very reasonably priced! Can't wait to get them and play.These two images are actually two of the cards I am making for the Lime Light's task this month. We all are making our cards for the Teen Drop-in Center at Casa de Belen to sell.

This is the same stamp, but by cutting and arranging you get a different look. The lamp isn't the only look you can get by cutting different shapes out of the stamped image on the left. See how many shapes you can find to make if you cut up the vase on the left.

More sharing...

2009-12-16T15:11:00.001-08:00

These are two of my favorite ornaments I have painted to sell. They are up in my Etsy store right now.

Sharing My Creations

2009-12-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

I want to share a few more of the things I made and sold at the craft fair last weekend. I have a few left of the gourd painted snowmen (my absolute favorites) & the tabletop fireplaces. If you look at the photo on my Header you will see a finished fireplace with our names and the names of our 2 dogs - Annie & Kilo, and our cat - Poodums. Cute huh? Rod made them & I painted them all up. I love the way they turned out also.

The snowmen above are gourds my DH grew in the garden in 2008. It takes a year for the gourds to dry. Then they have to be scrubbed real good and then they are ready to use. I painted them, fashioned the little hat out of fleece I found at Joann's & the scarfs were hand knitted by me. Yes, I even knit. As soon as I verify my new Paypal account I will be posting items in my Etsy Shop.

More later!

Douglas County Fairgrounds Christmas Craft Fair

2009-12-07T19:47:00.001-08:00

BEFORE /AFTER

BEFORE/AFTER

Days 2 - 8

2009-11-30T17:43:00.000-08:00

Days 2 - 8 were set-up days. Getting all of us started and some great digital downloads. Now, I know there is no way I can do every day in Dec., but I am going to try to take a photo or two a day of the journey and holiday fun in Dec. Some days will definitely more fun than others, like when we go cut down our Christmas tree.

So that being said, I know it has been awhile since I have blogged. Well in two days we are setting up for our largest Christmas Craft Fair this year at Douglas County Fairgrounds. We have two corner booths in the Community Building. Love that building.

I will post photos of our booth as we set it up and after it is set up. Lots of new things this year especially made with the Cricut. I hope to take photos tomorrow and I will post...I promise.

Thanksgiving was so fun just with Rod and Me. We cooked a 16 pound turkey which we will actually finish up tonight. We also had dressing, cranberry sauce, green beans, olives, rolls, lots of gravy & pumpkin pie. I also tried my hand at making yams from scratch & they turned out pretty good.

Rod asked if it was worth all the trouble cooking just for two if us and I have to say it was more than worth it.

Day 1 - Family Holiday Values and Goals

2009-11-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to enroll in Jessica Sprague's Free "Holidays in Hand - 2009" class online.

Day 1 assignment was to reflect in a journal or on your blog about what matters the most and to describe your family's values.

Since this holiday season finds my immediate family back in the "drama" mode with only a few of us talking to each other and being threatened with not showing up for Christmas there will be "no presence, no presents" I really don't have any hope let alone family values & goals for that side of the family.

So I turn to my other family or should I say my REAL family - my wonderful husband & friends (even though that other family say I only have 1 friend).

Jessica gave us some words to think about like:

peace
family
tradition
togetherness
friends
warmth
welcome
magic
glow
spirit
rest
laughter
friendship
food
sweets
stockings
lights
ornaments
gratitude
sharing
sparkle
merry
quiet
wonder
giving
savoring
appreciating
connecting
reflecting
memorable
joyful

OK so which of these words really matter to me? Savoring, appreciating, giving, friendship (Oh, I forgot I only have one friend LOL), laughter, togetherness.

Now I have to make some goals based on those words:

1. I want to savor the holidays this year by appreciating all my friendships & my DH.
2. I want people that I like to be around and like being around me to sit down and laugh (even if it is at me) and to just be together.
3. I want the holidays to be simple but holidayish. You know simple decorations on a tree we will go into the mountains to cut down, playing lots of Christmas music, saying MERRY CHRISTMAS" to everyone I meet.
4. I want to savor the moment with friends and DH.
5. I want togetherness and share the moment with friends, my DH & others.

Now I have to make goals based on my values:

GOALS:
1. Cookie Exchange with friends.
2. Homemade gifts for friends made just for them with them in mind.
3. Buy gifts for 8 kids from the Salvation Army tree as I do every year because those kids need it more than my 8 nieces and nephews.
4. Annual dinner with friends with lots of laughter, good food and kinship.
5. Getting more involved with Christmasy stuff with my DH. I will help decorate the tree. I will wrap more packages. I will watch more Christmas movies. I will not be a Bah Humbug. I really am never a true Bah Humbug, but I really want to savor the moment more than I usually do.
6. I want to make and encourage more people to make Christmas cards for our Vets in the VA Hospital so they will know people do care about them...a LOT!

PS If anyone cares - a Wii would be pretty cool too!

More Creations

2009-11-13T18:29:00.001-08:00

These 3 things I call Favors/Ornaments. The plastic cups are from Stampin Up. You fill them with goodies. I bought packages of Halloween candy to fill the cups. Since we are not a licenced kitchen in Oregon we can't prefill the cups to sell. The individual packages of candy are perfect to be included with the favor/ornament and the buyer can fill them before giving them away.

I have designed a Gingerbread man with a hole in his middle to be filled with candy. The Stickles are drying now, but when I finish the sample I will post.

The Cricut cartridges I used for the turkey was Mini Monograms. The Snowman is Doodlecharms, Stretch Your Imagination, Mini Monograms & Paper Doll Dress Up, and the Ornament used Mini Monograms & Joys of the Season. They were all designed using the Design Studio. I am having so much fun playing & designing.

Wait until you see the Gingerbread House Christmas Album I designed.

Sharing

2009-11-06T18:45:00.000-08:00

I have been BUSY! The BPW (Business Professional Women's Craft Fair starts tomorrow and I have been designing and making new stuff.

It's funny, I have been doing craft fairs since 1992 & I love coming up with new stuff every year.

So without further ado I will start with one of my new faves. It was inspired by a card The Pink Stamper had done ( www.mypinkstamper.com/2008/10/episode-67-apple-cider-slider.html) and I took it from there:

1. Stamp (Stampin Up) on SU white cardstock. Matted on Clove cardstock (Paper Accents)

2. Leaf wreath printed on acetate and attached with red brads. The wreath is clip art from Print Shop 21.

3. I made mine a card on the slider card.

I have lots more to share over the next couple days. The Hot Cocoa slider card I made using the Cricut's Winter Wonderland cartridge and the Design Studio is my absolute favorite!

Craft Show Mode

2009-10-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, one show down, two to go! Scrapbook Fun Fest was amazing! Fun time was had by all. We have presold 75 tickets to our next event in May, 2010 at Seven Feathers in Canyonville, OR. I can't believe I didn't take any photos. I always take photos. I bad.

Less than three weeks to the Roseburg Business & Professional Women's 48th Annual Craft Show at Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg, OR. I love this fair. This is my 8th year.

I started making some new things to sell this year. As soon as I finish the details I will post these new products.

I couldn't resist posting this photo of my cat, Poodums. Not only does she love paper, and I can show you a lot of paper with little cat teeth marks, but she loves to be near DH & me when we are on the computer. I think she wants to learn, don't you?

New Cards

2009-10-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

This week is crazy! Scrapbook Fun Fest is Saturday and I have been a bad girl & let a lot of everything that has to be completed until the last minute. BUT, it is getting finished!

I do want to share a couple of cards I did at Roseburg Book & Stationery on World Card Making Day.

New Projects

2009-10-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy lately that we decided to take a quick trip to the coast. Rod is now trying to catch crab for dinner.

Here is my next class at Roseburg Book & Stationery, Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 10 am. Let me first tell you the story behind this mini album.

I LOVE MINI-ALBUMS! Can I say it any louder. Since I bought my first Bind-It All I have not bought one scrapbook album. I make & bind my own. Why? I am so glad you asked. The reason is because you can make them any size and as thick as you want. Also, if you know me I LOVE to use unconventional things to make mini-albums or even on scrapbook pages. Napkins are by far my favorite things to use for the covers of my mini-albums. So when Roseburg Book and Stationery brought in a new line of napkins the first thing I saw was a new mini-album.

The napkin is shaped exactly as it looks. Kind of like a little shirt. It is a very heavy two-ply napkin that can stand-up in place. Does it not scream mini-album? I think the hardest part of working with napkins is taking the plys apart, but you can only work with one-ply or it will fall apart when you decoupage.

I have also been making cards like crazy. Cards for Soldiers which will all go to our National Guard Unit from Roseburg stationed in Iraq is taking on a life of its own. So many people, from the Lime Light group I design for and local cardmakers, I will be really surprised if I send out less than 70 pounds of cards .

Scrapbook Fun Fest is in 10 days & is shaping up to be one of our best. That is until May 31. We are partnering with Seven Feathers Casino in Douglas County & their convention center is where our biggest Scrapbook Fun Fest will be held. We are still putting it on, it's just changing venues. We loved the fairgrounds, but in May we can't take a chance with weather. One year it was so cold we had to turn on the heat and last May it was so hot we couldn't bring enough fans in to cool everyone off. There was no air conditioning. It is so sad to leave DCFG because they have been so good to us.

I will be posting more soon about all the details for the May 31, 2010 Scrapbook Fun Fest!

Mini-Album with Envelope

2009-09-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am teaching this class at Roseburg Book & Stationery. I love how it turned out.

Disneyland Autograph Pages

2009-09-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

These two 8" x 8" pages were for a swap on the Cricut Messageboard.

Everyone is making autograph pages. Now from experience, Chip & Dale always wanted to sign their own page so that's what I did.

The copper tabs you see pull up and there is a mat for your photo with each of the boys.

I can't wait to see everyone's pages!

New Contest

2009-09-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

I checked out Capadia's Blog and found out about this contest. from Cricut. I am entering (see below) and here's how you can enter too.

"According to the rules you must copy the bold text below and answer the questions on your blog and then send a link to your post via email to info@todaysmama.com with "Cricut Meme" in the subject line. If you win you can choose a Cricut Machine or all four of the newly released cartridges - what a great prize. You have to copy all of the text below and answer the questions - so here goes!!"

"This is contest entry for those crazy folks at TodaysMama and Cricut. Be sure to check out Cricut's cool new cartridges and the chance at $30,000 in travel for you and your friends at the Great Gypsy Escape site!"

Cut and paste these questions to your blog:
Great Escape Meme
1. If you could escape to anywhere in the world where would it be?
2. What song do you play when you are by yourself in the car?
3. If you had a night to yourself, and money was no object, what would you do?
4. What is your guilty pleasure?
5. What is the farthest place you have traveled away from your home?
6. Last book that you couldn't put down?
7. When you want to escape into another time, what movie do you watch?
8. What is your favorite local escape?
9. How do you escape on a budget?
10.Best food you've ever had while on vacation.

NOW ME:

Great Escape Meme
1. If you could escape to anywhere in the world where would it be?
ALASKA
2. What song do you play when you are by yourself in the car?
"DON'T STOP BELIEVIN'" JOURNEY
3. If you had a night to yourself, and money was no object, what would you do?
GET A FULL SPA TREATMENT
4. What is your guilty pleasure?
FROZEN SNICKERS
5. What is the farthest place you have traveled away from your home?
WASHINGTON DC
6. Last book that you couldn't put down?
TRIAL BY JURY by JA JANCE
7. When you want to escape into another time, what movie do you watch?
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
8. What is your favorite local escape?
FLORENCE, OR
9. How do you escape on a budget?
CAMP
10. Best food you've ever had while on vacation.
SEAFOOD BUFFET

How much fun!

Cricut Finds

2009-09-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

This is a "quilt card. The shape was cut using the Big Shotz Sizzex diecut. I don't have the Big Sizzex, but I do have a Cricut.

I try to buy cartridges that are multi-useful. Accent Essentials has this shape as a frame. You need the Design Studio to size the shape. If you click on the line inside the shape, right click & click on "Hide Contour" you can cut the same shape using Cricut & the Design Studio.

Pretty slick huh?

Another Favorite...

2009-08-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

The technique I used to make this card was shaving cream & reinkers. This was another of Krista's classes. Now I have done this technique for years, mostly with kids. I have them make the covers of Fold Out Albums. I have always taken the shaving cream off with paper towels. Lots and lots and lots of paper towels. Well, in class I learned a new easy way to take off the shaving cream...with a metal pancake turner. Who knew? No more paper towels for me.

Lime Light Cards for Troops

2009-08-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I uploaded 5 out of 20 cards that I have made for the Cards for Troops as a member of the Lime Light. (Green button on right)

The card above is my latest favorite technique I learned at Krista Thomas Technique class. In fact I have an entire book full of great techniques she has taught - 22 in all.

Here's how we did it: RUBBER CEMENT RESIST -Drizzle rubber cement over glossy cardstock in a crazy pattern or a decidedly thunk out pattern. (Like that? Thunk?) Anyway let the rubber cement dry then ink the brayer and quickly brayer over the cardstock. Let the ink on the cardstock dry. It won't really dry on the rubber cement, so blot & wipe the wet ink off the rubber cement before you rub it off the cardstock. The effect is so cool.

Check out Krista's blog (button on the right). Her classes are great & I learn so much every time I go. Sometimes the techniques she uses I have used in the past, but even those I get new tips to make the techniques even better.

What I have been doing this week...

2009-08-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

It doesn't look like much, BUT I blanched & skinned 12 pounds of Roma tomatoes to make 6 pint jars of Marinara sauce. So worth it.

The other jars are pickles, pickled jalapeno pepper, & the fresh tuna we brought back from the coast. That had to be done in the pressure cooker.

Add this to the 15 jars of pickles & the season has just begun. Next I am freezing our corn OFF the cob.

I also finished & uploaded the Scrapbook Fun Fest website this week. It's getting easier, & I redid the class page to show all classes on one page. The photos of all the projects are on the next page. I am pretty happy with how it turned out. Check it out. Just click on Scrapbook Fun Fest button on the right.

Off to the claim for today & tonight. Keep your fingers crossed we find a lot of gold!

Slowly getting back into creating projects other than cards. I decided to do the House of Mouse class at Scrapbook Fun Fest in Oct. I have two more sample to make.

PS - Went to see "Time Travelers Wife" yesterday. It was good, and a lot of naked bottom shots, but I am still contemplating if it is a must see. However the butt shots are really nice!