Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Kissing Ball

Sorry I have been MIA, but with the holiday...life has just been crazy.  Did you know that we put up 4 trees?  Yep, I am a bit obsessive.  Not totally tho!  Phil keeps me in check, and even refused to let me put up a 5th tree this year in the office.  Scrooge.  hee hee

As I am sure you know that when you step under the mistletoe you are inviting a kiss; but did you ever wonder where the tradition came from?  Like many of our current traditions, this one comes from the middle ages, but was updated during the reign of Queen Victoria.  I found a detailed story here if you are interested, but here is an excerpt....


People would take a potato or apple and tie a pretty ribbon around it as a hanger.  Then they would stick sprigs of evergreen, holly and sweet herbs into the potato or apple until it bristled with them.
The herbs in the sweet ball took on the highly romanticized symbolism common to the Victorian area. Simon and Garfunkel weren't the only ones singing about "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme".   Each of those herbs plus dozens and dozens more flowers, herbs and plants spoke a unique and private symbolic language to Victorians.  The choice of herbs, flowers and boughs could state love, affection, charity, piety and more.
I decided to create my own version of a kissing ball using some beautiful flowersDistress Inks, and Glimmer Mist from the Your Memories Here store; a bit of seam binding and a styrofoam ball. 
I used Festive Berries from the LE Winter Distress Inks to color each flower from the Prima Wildflowers Pillar. (a handful of flowers was all I needed.)
 And then spritzed them with a bit of Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist to give them some sparkle and shine.
 I cut a few holly leaves with my Sizzix....
And inked them with the other two colors of Distress Ink that were in the kit, Evergreen Bough and Iced Spruce.  (hint, a quick fold down the middle, run the fold directly over the pad, and you get a nice vein)
I attached the flowers to the ball using my Helmar 450.

To finish off my project I ran a bit of seam binding across the Evergreen Bough,  and added a Prima Rose.  A few Prima pearls in the center of each flower and my kissing ball was ready to hang.

I hope I have inspired you to create a little holiday magic in your home this season.

Hugs.

Nancy

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Ruby Wednesday

Hi everyone!  Hope you here in the US are enjoying the day before Thanksgiving!  I know I am.

I recently received from Your Memories Here some gorgeous, fun products from the new Prima line, Ruby Violet.   You know, when the package arrived I couldn't wait to dive right in!

 There are so many gorgeous flowers.  So fun, so funky.
The necklace kits can be assembled in any way you choose, but for those who are new to making jewelry, there are photos of finished projects you can just copy.
One of my favorite things tho is that you don't need jump rings, pliers and other jewelry making tools.
I used just a bit of Helmar's Scrap Dots to hold everything together.  But I would imagine the Gemstone glue would work just as well or better.

I had so much fun making these pieces that I think I may pick up a few more kits for my nieces for Christmas.  They are only $8.00 in the Your Memories Here store, but this weekend there is a Black Friday sale and everything is 30% off with the code TURKEY.

Happy Wednesday.

Hugs.

Nancy

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

It's Tuesday

I can't believe it is already the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  I haven't even made it to the grocery yet, and here I am thinking about cutting a Christmas Tree?  eeek!!!

Before I do tho, I wanted to share with you a canvas I made for Ainsley's room.  Ainsley has been loving the She Art girls I have made and really wanted one for her newly redecorated room.  So, she picked a very large canvas and gave me some direction and said for me to make one.  Who knew such a large canvas would be so difficult?

 She wanted bird houses, and birds..... so at least I had something to fill the space.  hee hee  I am not sure I just love the background.  Definitely need to work on creating depth and dimension in my painted spaces.
 Now, those paper filled spaces....that part I love.  hee hee....give me some patterns and I am off.
 And I can junk up the simplest patterns with a few stamps and rub ons....no problem.
 How about a few flowers in the clouds?  A few more in her hair?  oh.....and maybe a bit of sparkle?
And I adore creating their clothes.  So fun.

Well, I do need to pop over to the grocery and buy a turkey before they are all gone.

Hugs.

Nancy

Monday, November 21, 2011

Time Flies

You know that old saying....Time flies when you are having fun.  I am not sure how much fun I have been having, but I can't believe I haven't had a chance to sit down and blog in almost a week.  sigh

I do have projects in the works tho!  Lovely things to share.  Let's start with a couple of layouts.....

I have been taking great joys these days in using older supplies.  Here I have more Scenic Route Paper, which I mixed with some brand new Prima leaves, an older Prima flower and a Maya Road rosette.   The layout is simple, but I was happy with it.  You wouldn't believe how much chipboard I have stashed away, just waiting to be used.  Funny the way we forget about these things once they are packed up.  This is based on a sketch from Sketchy Thursdays.
Some photos from Skagway, Alaska.  We saw some beautiful scenery and were extremely grateful for the extra layers that were provided for us on the excursion.

And the Halloween photos just keep coming.....Here is Ainsley and a few friends at a Halloween party just a month or so ago.  The girls all had a great time and their costumes were so fun.  I swear tho....I am never going to finish scrapping Halloween.  hee hee  Lots of fun, older, Imaginesce papers here....with a few of the coordinating embellishments.  And you know I could resist throwing in a bit of Prima, a flower and some bling.  hee hee
I also added in a bit of twine from The Twinery.  I am just loving playing with twine these days.
Well, I have tons of things to do...so for now....

Hugs.

Nancy

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Cricut Addiction?

OK, I may not have an addiction...shoot, there are people who own hundreds of cartridges...I own, maybe 50.    That isn't at all an addiction, is it?  That said, what it is is a big ole pile of boxes that hold those cartridges which I don't have room for in my scrappy space.

So, I took the plunge and purchased a storage system for my supplies.  While I love my new Scrap n Tote, it left me with a huge pile of empty boxes...and you know I like to be green. (or in this case, pink)  hee hee

So....

With a little help from the Prima grab bag I received from Your Memories Here, I transformed my Cricut storage box into this cute little treasure.
More of my A4 paper pad, beautiful Prima blooms, gorgeous bling, leaves, an adorable resin birdhouse and the cutest little birds nest.  I even used a button on the side of my box to help open it.
I misted my seam binding with Glimmer Mist in Sugar Maple and Suede and tied it in a huge bow.

I think I will use this box to house an art journal (that I have yet to make...hee hee).  I am taking the She Art 2 workshop and am thinking I may need to practice these faces, so a little mini just for them????

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Another Day

Hey bloggers!  It is a lovely Tuesday here and although I am still battling with the children to complete their tasks, I thought I would drop in and share a project I completed for tomorrow's Ideas for Scrapbookers post.

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, we decided to have a post of scrappy goodies we are thankful for.  Mine...Scrapbook.com.  Over the years the website has offered me a lot of inspiration, great products, scrappy opportunities (including my spot on IFS); but most of all it has given me the chance to meet many wonderful people and travel throughout the country to meet them.  I count some of the friends I have made on the site some of my best.

Rusty Pickle papers, American Crafts large alphabet, Jenni Bowlin tiny types, Blue Moon florals, Prima bling and button, Websters Pages journaling tag, The Twinery twine, Unknown lace.
I used a sketch from Pencil Lines to complete this layout, and bunches of older products, many from companies that are no longer around.  The paper is from Rusty Pickle and the flowers are from Blue Moon.  I added in an older Prima bling bird as well.  Super fun.
I have another fun project for you tomorrow, so be sure and stop by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Another Canvas

Well, I finished the three week She Art class.  So, so much fun!  And just in time being that She Art 2 starts this week!
I made this canvas for a friend of mine who went back to school to become a nurse later in life and is really enjoying it. Since starting this class I knew I wanted to make a nurse, and I knew I wanted her to be in a more vintage style uniform.  Something about making a girl in scrubs just didn't do it for me. hee hee
Not sure I really love the way the hospital came out, but....oh well.  I love the canvas anyway. 
And, I am having a great time using all the rub ons I have been hoarding forever.  I don't love using them on my scrapbook pages as they never seem to go on quite right, but on my canvases...no worries.  And my scrap paper that is overflowing...it to has a new life.  There is no way I could ever paint all the details.  hee hee

Well, now that this project is done, Ainsley has conscripted me into making art for her room.  She wants birds and girls.  We purchased some huge canvases to do them on.  eeek!  All that white is a bit unnerving.  I guess I should get to work.

Hope you are having a productive day.

Hugs.

Nancy

Saturday, November 12, 2011

More Sunshine....

please!  I love living in California, most of the time.  But when the rainy season starts.....  I guess it could be worse.  We could have snow!  lol

Well, while I dream of warmer weather I thought I would scrapbook another photo of those warmer beach days.  This time Ainsley.

Little Yellow Bicycle papers, border sticker.  MAMBI stitched title, Prima flowers and butterfly.

It is so funny looking back and seeing how long Ainsley's hair was.  And it is already getting longer.  Who knew?  Anyway, I used lots of Little Yellow Bicycle for this one with a sketch from Creative Scrappers.  I have been hitting those sketch challenge blogs hard I guess.  Hee hee
I used a bit of glimmer mist on the yellow flower to make it a little brighter.  I love that I can change the colors of my flowers so easily with that spray.

Well, off to get something done.

Hugs.

Nancy

Friday, November 11, 2011

It's Cold...

And it's rainy.  But I had this adorable photo of Mackenzie that I had been wanting to scrap, so....

I love the beach, and I thought these gorgeous Webster's Pages papers would work perfectly with this photo of Mackenzie digging in the sand.  
Webster's Pages Seaside Retreat papers, trims.  Prima flowers and bling
I used another sketch from Sketchabilities for this one.  Lots of yummy papers and trims, mixed with a few Prima flowers and bling.  What could be more cheerful than that.  hee hee
I sure do wish today was a beach day. Sigh

Thanks for dropping by.

Hugs.

Nancy


Thursday, November 10, 2011

America's Next Top Chef?

This semester I have been working with Brighton and Mackenzie on a Food and Nutrition class in our school.  Brighton enjoys eating, so this is a natural extension for him.  And of course, he really likes eating well.  No chicken nuggets and hot dogs for my boy.  No, he likes pork chops with green peppercorn sauce.  So, he learned to make it.  hee hee.  He also made glazed carrots, cajun roasted potatoes and a salad (part of the nutrition part, planning a balanced meal).  hee hee.  He doesn't love the knife work, but he is getting much better at it.
Basic Grey Boxer Collection, Prima Lace. 
I used quite a few items from my Basic Grey Boxer collection. Papers, rub ons, chipboard and buttons all were busted out for this somewhat masculine page.  The design is based on a sketch from Sketchablitlies.  I had tons of fun with this one.  Lots of yummy projects I had totally forgotten about.

Thanks for dropping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Dress Up

Good morning bloggers!  Hope everyone is having a great day.  I am here with a quick and simple project for all the girls in your life.  With the holidays rapidly approaching I was thinking my girls could use some dressy headbands.  We had a few of the thin, small,  plastic headbands lying around the house that no one wears so I went to work.  All I needed was my trusty glue, a bit of ribbon (not quite a yard), and a gorgeous flower.
I began by placing a small dollop of Helmar 450 on the inside edge of the headband, then began to wrap the ribbon around the headband, securing with more glue at the top and then again at the end.
 I added a gorgeous Prima flower in a coordinating color with more of my glue.
Finally I added a quick little blow underneath the flower. 

So quick and easy, and Ainsley just loves it!  I can see her wearing it with the black dress she selected for Christmas.  I think I will make one for my sweet little niece as well.  Maybe in pink?  or maybe a whole collection using these?


Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Once Upon a Time....

I was on a roll.  I had bunches of scrapbook projects done, I was blogging most every day....and then...low and behold....life came up and smacked me around a bit.  lol

Seriously tho, sorry I have been MIA, but things have been a bit crazy.  Both girls decided they wanted room makeovers, which is understandable I guess since Mackenzie has had those fairies on her wall since she was 3. hee hee  So, before we get the new carpets installed upstairs (week after Thanksgiving), we decided we should paint.  Ugggghhhh, I don't really mind the actual painting part, it is the packing and moving everything out of the rooms.  sigh.  And those girls are pack rats!  Well, both rooms are now painted so it is time for the excuses to end.

Tomorrow on Ideas for Scrapbookers our Designer Showcase is metal.  Be sure and sneak over there and see everyone's gorgeous projects.  Here is mine.  I used a metal key from Prima as well as some older photo turns.
Glitz Designs Lady Grace collection, Prima lace, key, flowers, alpha, leaves, Tattered Angels glimmer mist in Sugar Maple and Candlelight, unknown photo turns.  
This is the view from our veranda on the Alaskan Cruise we went on in August.  Lovely.  What a beautiful end to an incredibly wonderful day.  I used a sketch from Pencil lines for this project.  Beautiful Glitz papers with bits of Prima lace and flowers were perfect for this photo.  And I had been wanting to use this paper forever.  I used a bit of Glimmer Mist on the larger flower to change the color a bit.  It didn't come out quite like I had expected, but, oh well.

Be sure and stop back tomorrow as I for sure have another project ready to share.

Hugs.

Nancy

Friday, November 4, 2011

Happy Friday

Hey bloggers!  Sorry I was missing yesterday, tons going on around here and just never found the time to sit down and share.

Another busy weekend around here.  We are going to paint and redecorate Mackenzie's room and she is swimming 2 events at a meet, trying to get her JO times (junior olympic).  I am playing Bunco tonight, Phil and I have a wine dinner Saturday night, and we have been invited to a wine and cheese party for the swim team.  Throw in the usual housework, laundry, chores...goodness....my head is swimming.

Anywho....I will find some time this weekend to scrap if means no sleep.  hee hee

Before I do tho, how about a fun layout of Phil?  Phil is so funny.  He doesn't like slimy things...like goo, gunk, gel...you know...the kinds of stuff the children love squishing through their fingers.  He can't stand wiggle teeth, or anyone in his personal space.  So...you know the children love to taunt him.   Here is Mackenzie doing so.

Pink Paislee patterned papers and die cuts, Making Memories florals, Prima felt and alphas,  Maya Road trinket pins, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists
I used some super fun "Mistables from Pink Paislee with my Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists.  I added in some of the Daily Junque papers as well as a few older embellishments;  Making Memories florals, Prima Alphas and felt, and a few of those stick pins I warned you about.  hee hee  I just love the look on their faces.

Well, back to work and school.

Hugs.

Nancy

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Bad Mommy?

A few weeks ago, Ainsley had a friend over for a sleepover.  In the morning, the two decided they needed a spa day.  First up on the schedule?  Facials....avocado facials.  So the two smeared avocado all over their faces.  What did I do?  Complain?  Yell? Grab a bag of chips?  Nope, I grabbed my camera and shot these photos.  What is better than two tweens with green goo all over their faces.  hee hee

I used more of my gorgeous Prima A4 papers (I think this pack is going to last me forever) and lots of other yummy goodies from the Prima Grab Bag I got from Your Memories Here.  As you can tell, I distressed the heck out of the papers with my Distressing Tool and some Tim Holtz Distress Ink.   I based the design on Pencil Lines sketch 251.
I have been having a ton of fun with the new Canvas Resists.  A little Glimmer Mist and I can match them to my project perfectly, and they have a bit of sparkle.  Oh, and see that yummy Alencon Lace! It is definitely another favorite of mine!  I also snuck in a small Prima button as well as a Jillybean stick pin.  I found my stash of stick pins and let me say....um....you may be seeing quite a few of them in the upcoming weeks as I seem to have amassed quite the collection.  lol
And look at those yummy Prima flowers and the new Prima butterfly (and of course a few more canvas resist pieces).  Love!!!  I managed to add a few more pins from my collection, this time from Maya Road.

Kristina still has a few small grab bags available in the store, as well as some of the new Ruby Violet grab bags which should be in soon so hurry over and check them out!

Well, back to work!

Hugs.

Nancy

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Happy November 1.....

and thus begins the death march into the holidays!  lol  I am feeling a bit overwhelmed today, not from a sugar coma, I managed not to partake in any candy binging last night, but from the fact I just updated my calendar and can see all too quickly how rapidly the holidays are upon us!  eeek!

Anyway....enough of the negative.  How about a fun layout of my cute puppy, Holly!  Oh, and Ainsley is in this one too. hee hee  Tomorrow we are having an animal showcase over on Ideas for Scrapbookers and since I haven't done anything of Holly lately....


I used a sketch from Creative Scrappers, some ancient Rusty Pickle papers I had been hoarding, and my Cricut Paper Pups cartridge.  Holly is a total hot mess here.  Needless to say, after taking these photos I booked her a trip to the groomer.  Originally, when we adopted Holly from the breeder, Phil was convinced he was going to do the grooming.  Holly, being a Cairn Terrier, requires plucking and stripping (pulling her coat out, don't worry, it doesn't hurt).  Groomers won't usually do that as it is seriously time consuming.  Well, after almost five years, he has given in and she now gets trimmed.  oh well.

Thanks for dropping by.

Hugs.

Nancy