And Another One Goes Down

Or at least off the list!  Woohoo!  It feels so good to be taking things off that "To Make" list I started the other day. 

Today, it was making these really fun home decor items.  And please don't hate me, but I cannot share them yet.  I'm giving them to my family this year for their Christmas gifts.  And since I do have some family members as readers, I just cannot bring myself to share them with you.  I will however share it before the holidays are over! 

I "borrowed" the idea from Diana, who "borrowed" the idea from Tiffany, I think?  I'm hoping I got the name right.  Sorry if I did not.  And, I have to tell you, it was so much easier to make than I thought it might be.  I completed five projects tonight in less than an hour.  And the best part, I was able to work on it at the kitchen table with the rest of the family there as well.  So, I wasn't holed up in my craft room working away.  It was nice.

And since I cannot share that project, I thought I would share some pieces of another holiday project I've been working on this month.



 Round and Round



The Face

I also have a website for my photography work and this year have vowed to create and present holiday themed images during December.  I have been having a really great time shooting and working on these images, and thought you might enjoy seeing what else I do with my time.  If you like what you see, visit my photosite and sign up for the daily photo email.

Well, this girl is going to bed to get some reading before it's lights out.  Feeling pretty tired from all the fun work today - and really, I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings - and how many more items I get to cross off that list!

Finally

So sorry I've been a little absent.  UGH!  I got the winter cold that has been going around here for a bit.  Funny thing is, I don't really go around people that much.  Or at least that is what I thought.  I mean I work at home.  And then my husband pointed out to me that I do go shopping on Black Friday, and went to a movie that same afternoon, and then to another movie the next day.  But, wait before the movie, we had dinner at Johnny Rockets - where it was pretty packed.  So, okay I guess I have been around people.  And really does it matter?  Not really, not at all.  All that matters is, I think it's been at least two hours since I felt the need to blow my nose.  PROGRESS!!!

So, I haven't felt up to working on very many of the projects that I do need to get done before Christmas.  Like my cards - that I still need to shoot a photo for, the presents that I am giving my family and a present that I am making for my son, to mention a few.  And that means, there should be lots to share over the next few weeks.  And then it's on to, or back to, however you would like to look at it, the projects that are not holiday related at all. 

In the meantime, enjoy this absolutely gorgeous card made by Becky Roberts.

BRRRRR!!!

Normally this cute little snowman is as close as you will get me to snow, or even cold weather.  And for me cold weather is anything below 80 degrees.  Well, today it was well below 80 degrees here.  What a windy and cold day.  So, if I have to endure the cold here, I might as well enjoy looking at this totally cute snowman.  Don't you think?

This card was created by Jamie S.  Thanks for sharing such a cutie with us!  Card is using the stamp set - A Cute Christmas and Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series Paper - all from Stampin' Up!

100 Years - Music Monday

So, I spent some time in my car this long weekend doing a bit of driving.  That is when I spend most of my time listening to music.  As much as I love music and am completely inspired by it, it's not on at home all that much.  My "day" job keeps my ears occupied and unable to listen to what I would like to.  And then when the family is home, the music just doesn't really get put on very often.  So, when I drive, it is on all the time.  It's like my little sanctuary on wheels.  I love it. 

While driving during this past weekend, a favorite song came on.  You know, I love those songs that just blow you away - that give you goosebumps.  And that can give you those goosebumps time and time again.  Well, this is one of those songs.  And, even better, it really makes you think.  And I love that.

This weeks Music Monday pick is 100 Years by Five for Fighting.  Enjoy.

And after you have listened to this weeks pic at the right under the Monday Music Pick of the Week section, enjoy this card created by my good friend Amy Smith.  I love the color combination - beautiful.  Thanks Amy for sharing this with me.

And here it is . . . A Little Joy

So, I'm hoping that you don't hate me too much for my little tease yesterday.  And hopefully it was well worth the wait for here is the finished project.

My tabletop Joy display.

I initially planned on making it all red, black and vanilla.  But once I got started, I really liked the idea of sticking with just black and vanilla with some sparkle added in.  A little bit of ribbon, glitter, silver and pearls.  All the things any crafting girl needs to have on hand.

 I love all the textures here.  From the chunky glitter to the embossed card stock (from the Big Shot - lovin' it!) to the ribbon.

And for the O I just felt like a lot of circles were in order.  The ribbon slide and the 3 black brads were just the perfect items to add on here.

And the Y was a little trickier so I decided on a "dot" at the end, made out of paper flower, button and some pearls for the center of that flower.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my Joy project as much as I enjoyed making it.  Happy crafting everyone!

Don't tell Santa but . . .

I'm feeling a little naughty.  This is a family show, so let's not go there, but I am going to be teasing you a little.  Or, I guess I should say I am going to be giving you a tease in just a moment. 

But first, a little bit about my week so far . . .

After my super busy end of the week last week, which kept me very busy over Halloween weekend and still on Monday (something that does not make this Halloween crazy girl all to excited - to be super busy during that time).  I am so happy to say that things seem to have settled down - like totally.  Of course I did just jinx myself.  But it would seem that I have gotten a pretty good handle on my new work load for my "day" job and have actually had an opportunity to get some other, more fun projects going.  Some have just been started, some are in the thinking stages and some are actually completed.  And I am very pleased with the outcome of the completed one. 

You know, there is nothing more satisfying than feeling like you have accomplished something during the day.  And still have energy left over for some reading before your eyes are just begging you to go to sleep!  And what is even better is that I accomplished several things that I enjoy doing.  I have completed all work for my "day" job in a very timely manner - yeah!  I worked on some photos for the week, processing and have even booked a family portrait session with two other inquiries on the table - double yeah!  And I crafted a fun Christmas project that I really look forward to displaying in my house - triple yeah!

And so now for the tease . . . I am going to share the Christmas project . . . well sort of . . .

Do you remember me talking about going shopping and to lunch with my friend Diana?  Well, she is such a wonderful crafter and very inspiring.  I love checking out her projects and seeing what she is up to.  (And love sharing caramel apple pies that almost set off the smoke alarms at the restaurant.)  We went to a local craft store.  Dare I say where?  Sure why not.  We went to Michael's.  She was looking for a specific frame for a project she was going to be working on - and I will be making a little bit later too (so check back for that beauty!)  Anyway while there, we saw these totally cute place card holders.  You know for putting on your table to let people know where to sit?  Well, c'mon, I live the in the Southwest, we don't get that formal here.  So, we decided on another use for these totally cute decorative items.  And that is where the tease comes in.  I'm going to show you what I used to create mine . . . and then tomorrow you will get to see the finished product.  I know, I'm totally mean, but you still love me anyway don't you?



A closeup look at one of three place card holders



The set as they came right out of the box.

Does this inspire you?

So, I started pulling out embellishment items that I would like to possibly use on this project.  Most of them did not get used, but that does not mean they did not help to inspire me.  Any guesses as to which products got used and which ones did not?  I'm not telling.  But, be sure to check back tomorrow and see the finished project for yourself.  See you then . . . for I am off to read for a bit before I go to sleep!

Another Holiday Card to Get You Inspired

Another wonderful card from Amy.  I love the change from "traditional" Christmas colors.  I love the pop of red with the black, gray and white.  Really puts your focus on those ice skaters.

It's Never Too Early

It's Never Too Early to start planning for your Christmas Cards.  And so I thought today I would share a totally cute card that I got to make at my friend Amy's house.  So simple and yet really cute!  Thanks for the great idea - and for letting me stamp it at your house.

Be sure to mark down November 11 and 13 for my upcoming Christmas Card Class.  We will be making projects using the Deck the Hall Designer Paper in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Can't wait to see you there!

So Many Things to Have Fun With

Where to begin?  I mean there are so many things to have fun with.  I am loving the Rhinestone Jewels.  They are so fun to apply, beautiful to look at and just all around fun.

And you may remember that I recently was able to get the Big Shot.  Love it!  There is just something about putting plain old card stock in it and then by simply turning a handle you have an embossed piece of card stock.  Too fun.  Even my husband was having a great time running the card stock through it.  You should have seen his grin with the first try.  So, here is a pretty good look at a piece of card stock after it has been Big Shotted!

So, I totally "borrowed" this card from a wonderful friend and even more amazing stamper - Diana.  I borrowed the basic idea and changed it up just a little - some different paper, ribbon and adding some fun embellishments.  Too fun.  Thanks Diana for always providing such fun inspiration!  (And when are we going to that Mexican restaurant you've been talking about?)

I thought I would end my entry with this cute little bow.  All tied up nice and pretty.  Hope you had a wonderful Wednesday.

The End of the Bits & Pieces

After sitting on my desk overnight, I was finally able to assemble the final project.  This will, most likely be a project in the upcoming Deck The Halls Christmas Class.  I borrowed the idea from my Stampin' Success.  This is a magazine that I receive monthly from Stampin' Up!  It's full of great ideas.  I saw this card, loved the idea of the bow and so I tweaked it a little by changing the colors and the stamped greeting and such.

 All those bits & pieces that were sitting on my desk, went together to make this totally cute bow.  Now, in the sample, they said that they sewed it together.  Well, I don't sew.  My mother is the amazing seamstress.  And that is something that I never grew to love as she did.  Sorry mom.  So, instead I glued it all together.

Loving the Pearls!  How fun are those to look at?  And my distressing kit came in very handy to get an aged look on this little tag.

Well, I am gonna call it an early night.  I decided today was the day to tackle some ironing.  I called my mom - needed to chat with her  about a school event coming up.  I got to my ironing while catching up with her.  I hope she doesn't mind that I multitask like that.  I do not like ironing.  I would rather do just about anything.  I love doing laundry - weird I know.  But ironing no thank you!

Anyway, that ironing had been needing done for quite sometime now.  I think it took me over an hour.  That's right an hour of standing and ironing.  Pretty boring and pretty tiring.  But, on the bright side, I do feel as though I just gained almost a new wardrobe!  Between my newly ironed items and the great deals we got at Old Navy today, I cannot complain!

Bits & Pieces

I had so much fun coming up with my Halloween class projects that I am already very excited to start planning my next class in November.  It's going to be on November 4th or 6th.  We will be making some great Christmas projects.  Here's a little sneak peek of one of the projects I was working on today.

Doesn't that just get you all kinds of excited?  I'm sure you are thinking that maybe just maybe I have finally done it.  I have lost my mind.  So, have another look at more bits & pieces from the upcoming project.

Deosn't that just clear it right up?  I know I"m sorry I wish I had one completed for you to look at, but alas you will have to wait until tomorrow.

I will tell you this though.  I have fallen in love with the Deck The Halls Designer Series Paper.  It's gorgeous.  And that is what we will be using in the class.  Every single project will come from that pack of paper.  How fun is that?  All nicely coordinating and such.

Deck the Halls Designer Paper in the Holiday Mini Catalog

Pursuit of Happiness

There are many things that get me really excited about getting creative.  I love to look at things.  I mean really, really look at things.  One of my brothers has accused me of seeing the world as if through a camera lens.  And he's right.  I do, do that.  When I am driving around I look at things as if I were taking a photo of it, mentally trying to remember where I am so that maybe someday I can come back and capture it properly.

I also love to listen.  There is very little in this world that can move me as much as music does.  We have had a wonderful love affair for as long as I can remember.  Some of my earliest memories are of listening to my brothers records and 8 track tapes.  Being around 5 years old, riding in the back of my brother's Chevy Nova and singing all the words to Moody Blues or The Who.  Music has always moved me. 

I've added a little something that I hope you will enjoy.  Today is Music Monday.  In the top right side of the blog, there is now a link to a YouTube video.  Really, I just want you to check out the song.  This particular song gives me goosebumps.  And, it will only be on the site until I decide to share another song.

The song for today is Pursuit of Happiness by Nuno.  He's from a band that was pretty popular in the early 90's called Extreme.  (They did a little song that some of you may remember called More Than Words.)  Anyway, check out the song.  I think the best one to listen to is the top choice there, with a picture of four guys.  So, let me know what you think.

Last Friday I was able to go stamp at my friend Marlene's home for a class. We made four really fun cards.  Well, I don't have those cards ready to post yet.  Instead, I'm going to share another of Marlene's cards with you.  First of all, here's a close-up of the card.  I love this paper, from the Holiday Mini Catalog - it already has the glitter on it!  How great is that?

Marlene & I stop for a picture moment during class.

Her full card.  Too cute.

Stamp Set:  A Cute Christmas (Winter Mini Catalog)

Ink:  Basic Black

Paper:  Garden Green, Real Red, Whisper White, Candy Cane Christmas DSP

I still have a little photo work to do before going to bed, and my eyes are getting a little droopy.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Monday and will see you tomorrow!

An Unplugged Weekend

And getting reconnected.  Sorry I didn't get a chance to post anything over the weekend, but honestly, I hardly had my computer on at all during the past three days.  It was great to spend time doing other things that do not require a computer, a keyboard, the Internet . . . but I did miss posting.

First, I spent Friday at home with a sick child.  And, ooops!, we did play a computer game for about an hour in the afternoon.  After that, we watched cartoons and rested.  In the evening, I had the opportunity to visit with some friends at a stamping class that I attended.  It was great fun to reconnect and to meet new friend - and to stamp at the same time.

Then on Saturday was my Christmas Card class, and it was almost a full house!  Love it!  I had a great time sharing and visiting with those that attended.  And this time I did remember to take some pictures of the class. 

Sunday was family day.  We spent the afternoon just hanging out, catching up on some favorite TV shows and even watched the movie Prince of Persia, which I enjoyed very much. 

And now, here I sit winding down the weekend and knowing that tomorrow it is back to business as usual.  That's okay.  You have to have the work days and the busy times to help you realize just how nice it is to just veg out on the couch every once in awhile.

Now, I owe you some pictures.  And don't worry they are coming.  Pictures from this weekend and to show you the beautiful cards that I got to make at Marlene's house on Friday night.  But first, there is still one more card that you have not gotten to see yet that we made in my Christmas Card class yesterday.  So, here it goes...

I love this totally cute little Santa.  Isn't he just adorable?  This is my very first stamp set using the clear blocks.  LOVE THEM!  They are easy to put together and easy to use.  I can see a very bright future for me and clear stamps.  OH, and did you notice the Glimmer Brad?  I may have mentioned this before, but I just love them!  Gorgeous!

Stamp Set:  Holiday Hoopla, Curly Cute
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Jolly Holiday Designer Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Regals brads, Glimmer brads, Rhinestone Jewels

And finally, here are all the cards that we made in class on Saturday.  Aren't they fun?

Well, I can hardly keep my eyes open.  I'm even going to hit the sack before getting any reading in today.  Just too tired.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  See you tomorrow!

Let's Keep This Short & Sweet

I'm gonna start off with a bang:

And then I'm gonna finish pretty quickly.  It is definitely Wednesday.  Halfway through the week - and I am feeling it.  Lots to do to get ready for my class on Saturday, along with all the other stuff life is bringing my way.  Been a pretty steady week and I am tired and ready for some sleep.  So, instead of rambling on and on, I will show you another card that is a possible choice for my class on Saturday.  I really like this card.  I have fallen completely in love with these new Glimmer Brads from the Holiday Mini.  If you haven't gotten them yet - you must!  They are beautiful!  Since I already gave you a sneak peek, here's the rest of the card.  Enjoy!

And I hope you are having a great week.  See you tomorrow!

I Believe That Drama...

Is so self-destructive.  And I don't mean going to the movies and watching a drama genre show.  I mean the Drama that some people just cannot seem to help but create in their lives.  What is that all about?

So, today started out just as any other normal day in our house.  We all got up at pretty much the normal time.  We ate breakfast, we brushed teeth, we verified that everything was in the backpack and ready to go.  And then, we remembered that it was picture day.  Oops.  The shirt that Ryan wanted to wear really could use a little ironing.  Guess I should have done that yesterday.  Well, needless to say, that started a small domino effect with the end result being that Ryan was about 10 minutes late for school.

Really not a big deal.  He's never late.  I think in seven years of attending school, I have only had to sign him in late one other time.  He hardly ever misses. 

Now, this could have been a major meltdown.  I mean really it could have.   And had it been a few years back, it probably would have been.  I've never been a morning person.  So, my emotions - and temper - are a little quicker in the morning.  And really who on earth does that benefit?  Absolutely no one. 

So,  few years ago, I decided to take better charge of myself.  For you see, you cannot change the things that happen around you, you can only change how you react to them.

I had a Child Development teacher in college talk about emotions.  And this has stuck with me for all of these years.  He explained to his totally packed 300+ students classroom that emotions are pure.  They are genuine.  They are not wrong or right.  They are just what they are.  What makes them wrong or right is how you react to them. 

Hmm, let that one sink in for a moment.

Emotions are not wrong or right.  Wow.  It is so very true. 

Back to this morning.  It could have been handled with some yelling and getting all worked up and frustrated with the fact that we were running late.  But what would that have accomplished, except to get us all off to a terrible start.  Instead we just did the best we could with what we had to work with.  And we both started our day off on the right foot.

And so I say - Drama - Who needs it?  Not me, that's for sure.

Now, I can't leave you with all that and not share a card now can I?  This is a Christmas card that I made while trying to get the creativity flowing for my upcoming class.  It is still in the running and may be made in the class.  I'm just not completely sure yet.  I received the order I was waiting for and will work on two project ideas.  Then will decide which of the final two cards will be included in the class.  Let me know what you think.

Stamp Set:  Loads of Love
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Real Red, Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Pearls, Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Colored Pencils

Glitter, glitter everywhere - stamping and nails - such fun

And, speaking of glitter and things that sparkle . . . here is a card that has plenty of shine.  But first, a teaser:

I redo my nails at least once a week. And sometimes two or three times. It just depends. You see, I am really hard on a manicure, so it's a good thing that I do them myself. I couldn't afford it otherwise. And sometimes I get just plain bored with the color that I have on at the moment. At this particular moment, I am wearing a beautiful silver sparkly color. I'm not sure what it's called. It's from OPI and was a part of their Christmas Collection. They are the cutest little bottles of polish. And at the time I thought they were just perfect for trying out some new colors. All the colors were glittery, and it included red, silver and purple. Now, I could not possibly be expected to turn down a purple shade, could I?  I really do wish that I had bought full size bottles, but oh well what can you do. 

Since I was wearing glittery silver on my nails, I guess I felt inspired to add some glitter to a card that was sitting on my desk.  It is the glitter that I showed you yesterday.  Fun, fun stuff.  On this card I attached it with Sticky Strip.  Man oh man do I love me some Sticky Strip!!!

But, before I get ahead of myself . . . first here are what my nails look like currently.  I'm pretty sure they will get changed sometime this weekend.

Please don't be too critical of my polishing job.  I love this color.  Mostly because it looks like it should be rough to the touch like glitter is.  But it isn't.  It's smooth, smooth smooth!  Love it!!!!

Okay on to the card.  I do believe this card will be made in my Christmas Card class next Saturday.  If you are in the area, and would like to come you better get yourself signed up.  It will be a fun one.

Here's the info if you need it again:

Christmas Cards Here We Come!

Saturday September 18, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
RSVP by Thursday September 16.

Join me for a Christmas Card Class!
We will be making 4 wonderful Christmas cards. Stamp Sets include Big on Christmas, Holiday Hoopla and Curly Cute to name a few. We will also be using these accessories Jolly Holly Designer Series Paper, Jewels, Glitter Brads and much more.

Sign up early, with payment to secure your spot.
Bring a friend and you take the class for only $10!!!

Email me for more info or to sign up - mlharper@qwestoffice.net

And, if you missed it, I already shared one card from the class. It was posted on Tuesday September 7, 2010. Titled - September Stamp Class - a break from Halloween cards.

Now these are the only kind of snowflakes that I like.  That's why I live in the desert.  I know I'm a wimp, but it's true.  I do not like the cold temperatures.  I lived in them for over half of my life and now that I'm the grown-up, I get to say no more!

And here it is, the full card.  Lots of embossing shine, and glitter shine and some fun ribbon.

Thanks for checking in with me.  I'm getting a little tired and will be turning in soon.  But first, to get some reading in.  It's getting really good in Return of the Jedi.  That's my favorite movie of them all and so far the book is too.  Although, I only just began chapter three.

September Stamp Class - a break from Halloween Cards

Christmas Cards Here We Come!

Saturday September 18, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
RSVP by Thursday September 16.

Join me for a Christmas Card Class!
We will be making 4 wonderful Christmas cards.  Stamp Sets include Big on Christmas, Holiday Hoopla and Curly Cute to name a few.  We will also be using these accessories Jolly Holly Designer Series Paper, Jewels, Glitter Brads and much more.

Sign up early, with payment to secure your spot.
Bring a friend and you take the class for only $10!!!

Here is one of the projects we will be making in class.  This card includes some watercoloring and glitter.  You will learn about shadowing to bring your watercolor projects to life!

Stamp Set:  Big on Christmas

Ink:  Basic Black

Paper:  Basic Black, Brushed Silver, Watercolor

Accessories:  Black Brads, Aquapainter Painter, 2-way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

Joy

I am attending a stamp event tomorrow.  Meeting up with some really fun stamping friends and making each other's cards.  I'm very excited to be going.  And so, today was spent creating the Halloween card that they will be making from me.  I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do.  So, I sat and down and just started stamping random stuff on random cardstock.  And then all the sudden it just kinda started piecing together.  It was pretty fun to work on.  I was able to get them all completed and ready to go while the rest of my family was outside tending to some yard work. 

I can't wait to show the card to you, but will wait until tomorrow since I want it to be a surprise for the ladies tomorrow night.  So, be sure to check back tomorrow for a look at what I came up with.

In the meantime, since I was digging around in my stamp stuff for items to use on the card, I came across this framed piece that I made a few years back as family gifts for Christmas.  You know, it's never too early to start getting ready for some Christmas stamping.  As a matter of fact, I have already started on my Christmas shopping.  Gotta hit the sales whenever they come about!

Season's Greetings?

It's never too early to have the Christmas spirit right?  And it's definitely never too early to get a head start on your Christmas cards. 

I kinda got off track a little on my health challenge over the weekend.  Nothing terrible, just wasn't being as good about getting my exercise in.  Well, Monday I started over again.  I did get a good walk in on Monday and Wednesday.  Tuesday was a bit of an off day again.  Lots of work that needed to get done and I just wasn't feeling my best.  So I took a nap instead.  And let me tell you I felt tons better afterward.  I have been watching the amount of food I'm eating and still feel pretty good about the whole challenge.

Today's card is from my day of stamping at Amy's house.  It was so sweet of her to share her wonderful projects with us. 

Stamp Set:  Many Merry Messages
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday Designer Paper