More Fabulous Inspiration.....

at Scrap-Friendzy this month.  What a marvelous month so far - all the Girlz on the Design Team have some great scrappy ideas, techniques, motivation and tutorials! 

I had Technique Tuesday this week - and the technique was FIBER (no, not THAT kind of fiber ;) , you know fiber - ribbon, raffia, tulle, fabric, yarn, string, floss, tulle, all those wonderful little additions we can add to our pages.  I love fibers - on top of scrapbooking & cardmaking, my mom and I both knit, so needless to say we have a TON of left over fibers!!

This is the page I did for my new niece's album over the weekend (I still have to get that fabulous photo to put on the page, but things have been a bit crazy this week).  Lots of fun fibers - yarn, ribbon, tulle & floss!  Everything used was from my stash!! 

Papers are Basic Grey & Bazzill (I've had these forever and this was a perfect project to use them on!!)

Cricut - Plantin Schoolbook, Ashlyn's Alphabet & Calligraphy

Fiskar Punch

Buttons, ribbon, yarn, Tulle, pearl string, flat back pearls and sticker letters in "Girl" all from my stash

Here's a bit of a close up so you can see the flowers that were hand made with yarn (fun fur in the knitting world) and ribbon. The flower on the right is made from ribbon and even has some tulle on it.

I absolutely love how girly this turned out.  Heck, we could even hang it in Natalie's room - these colors are the colors of her room.

I almost forgot to tell you too - join us over at Scrap-Friendzy, complete this Technique Tuesday project or use this technique on any of the challenges for this week by the end of February, and you'll be put in a drawing for a RAK!    Go quickly - this month is a short month and you only have 9 more days!!

Happy Friday!!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Someone's having a Birthday....

We have two special friends in our family that are celebrating birthdays this week - Mrs M, who is like a grandma to me and her wonderful daughter-in-law Cindy, who is so kind.  They are two very special people to our family and we're so happy to be able to CELEBRATE with them!  They'll BOTH be blowin' out the candles on Wednesday.  And because Mrs. M is one of my mom's crafty dear friends, I couldn't just go out and buy a card (she's seen my work and I've actually made several of my word albums for her to give as gifts).  :)  These two cards gave me a perfect reason to use some of my Basic Grey paper that I've had for what seems like forever, with no place to use it! 

Papers - Basic Grey Sultry Collection; Cardstcok from Stash (Bazzill)

From the stash - Ribbon, Primas & brads

Nesties for Happy Birthday frames

Studio G Happy Birthday Stamps

Luckily I created these over the weekend.  My dad's been in the hospital since Tuesday, so we've been back and forth between the hospital, our house and my folks house.  We're headed back up today to talk with the doctors and hopefully get additional information and a concrete treatment plan, so we continue to pray for my dad.  We're hoping after a small surgery tomorrow to insert a feeding tube, he'll be able to go home on Saturday.  I'm teaching my mom the MCP Technique, while sitting at the hospital, so we'll have a crazy amount of images for cards I'm sure once all this has passed.

Happy Craftin' Today - and Happy Survivor Thursday!

Min

Sugar Rush - YOU BET!

Can I tell you just how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Basic Grey Sugar Rush line?!

This is a card I made for my hubby for Valentine's Day.  Now how can you NOT love that Sugar Rush paper?!  I've officially used up all the Sugar Rush paper I've picked up.

 Paper - Basig Grey Sugar Rush Collection

Image - Changito (can't find the specific name, it's not even listed on the Stampendous site)  I picked it up at Archivers the in January when we had our girls get together lunch.

Technique:  Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Miscellaneous:  Buttons from my button box, Glitter (and yes, I do have it on my face :), Embroidery Floss (white) and Pop dots for popped up hearts and image

Thanks for stopping by today!  Wishing you a happy Valentines Day!
Happy Craftin' with lots of love!
Min

Yes Ma'am, more Sugar Rush

and just a few more Valentine's Day Cards!  I delivered Colin's cards for his special people today and while I didn't get to see Colin because he was at school, I did get to see his cute little baby sister.  ADORABLE!!  She she was even smiling when we were talking about her big brother.

And speaking of her big brother, here's Colin's Valentines Day card - yep, we're on a roll with the purple Dino-dragons (I just had too much fun coloring these little guys!).

Image - Dragon from Doodle Dragon Designs

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Paper - PP - BG Sugar Rush, Bazzill Orange & Purple

Miscellaneous - Green Ink & Studio G XO stamp

And then another special card for another great kid in our lives -

What girl doesn't love a little bling?!

Image - Dragon from Doodle Dragon Designs

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Paper - PP - BG Sugar Rush, Bazzill Pink, Orange & Purple

Letters - Pink Paislee

Miscellaneous - Prima flowers, Bling, Felt Flowers, Fiskars Border Punches

Thanks so much for stoppin by today.  Not sure about you, but if you're a Survivor watcher, you know the new season started tonight.  Already thinkin' we're going to like this season!

Happy Almost Friday & Happy Craftin'!

Min

A little Dino-Love for Valentines Day

I'm not sure about you girlz, but when I saw the Basic Grey Sugar Rush collection, I absolutely fell in love with it.  And even better, it was perfect for Colin's Valentine's Cards for his special people.

I thought this was perfect for Colin because he LOVES purple and Dinosaurs.

Image - Dustin Pike

Paper - Basic Grey, Sugar Rush; Cardstock - Lt. Blue, Orange & Purple

Technique - MCPT

Cricut - Circle & Heart (Plantin Schoolbook)

Miscellaneous - Stickles, DMC floss & Computer Sentiment - Scrap Baby Font

The heart actually spins - first one I've done like this.

The card actually says - Dino-Dragons are Purple, their hearts are shiny Blue, Happy Valentines Day from Colin & Natalie to You!

And I thought I'd also share the excitement we had last week - on Thursday afternoon we got a call that my friend Amy was indeed in labor, so off we went to get my nephew Colin from school.  So, at 7:30 we got a call that Colin's precious baby sister Natalie had arrived (and much smaller than expected - only 7 pounds, 15 ounces.

So, Friday night after work, Glen and I took Colin up to the hospital to see his baby sister.  So we've had a few chances for baby lovin and it's GREAT!  Just something about a new baby.

Not the greatest photo (we were trying to get an excited little boy to try & post for the camera).

And here's one of just her - isn't she precious?

So, that's the excitement in our lives lately.

Today we're getting snow - the first big storm of the winter here in Michigan - we're supposed to get 6-10" by the time all is said and done....I know, nothing compared to the snow those of you in the New England area have got or are getting.

Glad I'm having a snow day tomorrow - while it looks nice, it's not my favorite thing to drive in (so I'll spend the day in my studio!)

Happy Craftin'! 

Min

Love & Smooches!

Happy 1/2 way to Friday!  I didn't get to post my projects showcasing the February kit yesterday, but wanted to share just how cute they all turned out.  My favorite until I get my new little nieces photo on the layout, is this adorable little 'purse'.  Our niece is she's scheduled to arrive Saturday or Sunday (induction is on Saturday am).  We're all doing the Pink Baby Girl Dance!!

Imagine black & white photo on 5x7 mat of sweet, cuddly, squishy, adorable newborn niece

Adorable, huh?  If you're intrested in this super cute kit, check out Scrap-Friendzy and get your scrappy yumminess before they're gone!!  You can check out a slide show of the fabby stuff the design team put together too!

I wanted to say another quick thank you to everyone who has commented and offered support and prayers.  You don't know how grateful we are for those things.  Unfortunately we didn't get any additional news at today's appointment - dad needs to have a PET scan next, which is scheduled for the 18th and then another consult on the 24th.  We just continue to pray - God has a plan.

Hope you're having a fabulous day - and able to get some crafty stuff done.  I'm off to work on some little tags for the chocolate pretzel my nephew will give to family and friends once his baby sister is born.  We'll be painting more on Saturday when he comes to stay with us on Saturday.

Happy Craftin'!

Min

I have A Talented Friend......

Well, I actually have a few, but my Sister at Heart Shelly is the talented friend I'm talking about today.  I've really enjoyed using digi-stamps and images lately and low and behold my 'sis' started creating some "Shelly Originals" as we call them in our house.

I thought I'd share one of the first she sent me to tinker with.  A Cardinal on a fence.  LOVE IT!!  And because we have 6 weeks of winter left (or more depending on what part of the world you live in.....), I thought this was a perfect image to send off to a family friend.  Isn't it cute?

Image - Shelly's Image (Thanks for sharin' sis!)

Sentiment - Let it Snow - Studio G Stamps

Paper - Brown & Green CS from stash

Technique:  Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Miscellaneous - Twine, Red Brads & Diamond Stickles

This is just one of several images she has available.  You can check out her blog where she has a few of her creations posted here.  If you're intrested in purchasing any of her designs (she's creating new stuff every day), you can e-mail her at shelly@shellysimages.com until her store is up and running.

I've got a neat little beachy scene that is printed and ready for some coloring that I absolutely love.  Hopefully I have a chance to do some coloring tonight or maybe tomorrow while we're waiting for dad's appointments.  In anycase, I'll get that one posted as soon as I get the chance.  It makes me want to stick my toes in the sand on some tropical beach with my hubby!! 

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope you're having a great Tuesday!  Don't forget to stop over and show my sis some love!!  :)

I'm hoping to post all the projects from the February kit tonight or tomorrow - I love they way they turned out and thought I'd share.

Happy Craftin'!

Min

You can get one of your own!

And TRUST me, you'll love it!!  Today the February Kit at Scrap-Friendzy goes on sale and just look at the amazing yummy goodies that are in this kit!  Don't delay though, these kitz are just FLYIN' out of the store!

Your papers include:  2 each of Pink Paislee{Cupid}(double-sided),  Bullseye, Hearts Bloom, Bow & Arrow, Love Potion, Postcards, 1 sheet Dreamstreet Papers {Carma), ZaZa Zing (Brown zebra)(double-sided), 1 each of Die Cute Papers: Eternal Love (Pink Paislee), Cream Doily (Narritives by Karen Russell).

Alphas include: Pink Paislee Whimsies - Bubble Gum

Embellishments are so fabulously amazing!! - 1-Pink Paislee Canvas Tag (random), 2-Pink Paislee Punchouts (random), 4-Pink Paislee Brads, 1-Scrap-Friendzy Brad Buddie, 1-Embossed Tim Holtz Grunge Board(4x5), 1-Paper Lace Doily, 1-Wooden Heart, 6-Buttons (random), 5-Flora Doodles (random),

3-Scrap-Friendzy DieCut Hearts, 1-Scrap-Friendzy Handmade Lollipop Flower, 1-strip Bazzill Pink Rhinestones (small & med), 1-Scrap-Friendzy Edges

And Ribbon & Trim - Hang onto your knickers girlz it's all here - (1ft of each), Lrg Brown Ric-Rac,

Med Pink Ric-Rac, Small Red Ric-Rac, Green Tulle, Brown/Pink Dots, Brown/Cream Satin, "Togetherness" Word Ribbon, White Lace, Pink Ruffle Ribbon with Tulle

And now that I've provided a list for you, take a look at some of the photos.  And if you want to give yourself even MORE of a reason to pick up this kit, head over to Scrap-Friendzy and check out all the wonderful projects the Design Team has created under Kit Projectz.

Can you say YUMM-O?!

Sneaky Peeky

What a fabulous kit Amy has put together over at Scrap-Friendzy for February - Absolutely Lovin' it! 

I thought I'd share a few of the sneaky peeks of the projects that I created this weekend.  This kit goes on sale tomorrow and is $28 + $7 for shipping.  For the amazing papers, embellies and YUMMY stuff you get in this kit, it's a steal!  Don't miss out getting your hands on this gorgeous kit!  The Girlz will all be sharing their projects tomorrow, so be sure to stop by and check out the great projects!

And on top of the kit reveal & sale tomorrow, the new design team will also be announced..... so be sure to check in and see who the new Girlfriendz design team will include.

Thanks so much for stopping by tonight.  I hope you had a lovely weekend. 

Off to figure out what we're going to have for dinner.

Happy Craftin'!

Min

A Perfect Day

Today was a busy and cold day.  I had a class that I'd planned to teach at the scrapbook store today.  We were surprised to get a call from Amy & Andy this morning that the baby might be on the way.  We're Colin's 'handlers' when his momma and daddy go to have baby sister.  So, off we went to pick up Colin and wait for baby labor news.  We had so much fun - we painted some chocolate molds, played hide & seek, made some neat Cuttlebug cards Colin style, and even had Mickey D's for lunch. 

Turns out it was a false alarm, no baby sister yet.  We're VERY excited for her to arrive - she is definitely waiting for Aunt Susan and Uncle Kris to get home from vacation. 

So, this weekend (Tomorrow actually) wraps up the month of January - Sketch A-Thon at Scrap-Friendzy.  We've had an amazing month - Everyone has been SO productive - the gallery is bursting at the seams with amazing layouts and cards.

Today was the last of the sketches I was posting - today the sketch we used was one that I created - a little quickie, but I love the way the layout turned out.  We've had this great sunset photo printed out and in my studio since before Christmas.  Today was the perfect day to scrap it (it only made it up to 20* today - it was downright bone chilling cold this morning.  Even our 'kids' (2 cats) thought it was cold - which is why they ended up in bed with us this morning.

Anyway, enough blah blah blah from me.  Here's a little Aruban warmth - my hubby took this photo on our last evening in Aruba in 2008 when we went to celebrate our 5th Wedding Anniversary. 

Makes you want to get your toes in the sand and feel the salty air on your face, don't it??

This was definitely one of our PERFECT DAYS!

Paper - Cardstock - Coredinations.  Paradise & Sunset Cruise 'cards' from paper from my stash, striped paper - Daisy Bucket, tan cardstock from my stash

Cricut - Life's a Beach - Sanddollars & Title

Cuttlebug - Bamboo & D'vine Swirl embossing folders

Miscellaneous - Starfish, Fish & Shell Brads from my stash, Scrap Swirl font - computer generated for Journaling

I hope this warms you up a bit - it sure does me thinking about the 10 days we spent in Aruba. 

I hope you're having a productive weekend!  Hoping to have a few more projects to share with you tomorrow.  I'm working on a fabulous kit that Scrap-Friendzy is offering beginning on Monday.  Be sure to stop by and check out some of the sneaky picks!  What a lovely kit!

I also want to say thank you to everyone for your prayers for my dad.  We continue to pray - his appointment with the oncologist is scheduled for Wednesday morning.  Hopefully at that time we'll get a bit more infomation and a plan of action.  I think once we have something like that, we'll all feel a bit better.  So thank you all again - prayers are a powerful thing and for those, we are so thankful.

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Gettin' Ready for Happy Heart Day!

I thought I'd share a few quick cards I did for Valentine's Day.  I still have several more to make, but this is the start - I did my hubby's first, but can't show you that until Valentines Day (I don't want him to stop by and have the surprise ruined!)  ;o)

The Love 14 'stamp' is one of the Cuttlebug embossing folders/die combos that I've had in my drawer and what better reason to use it than 'Heart' Day. :o)

Everything that was used is from my stash - paper, cardstock, embossing folders, ribbon, dimensionals and ink.  And of course, I can't for the life of me remember what font I used on the front.  DOH!

Hope you're having a happy craftin' kind of day!

Min

The Ducks are Back!

Sorry I've been absent - This past week has been kind of a blur for our family.  My dad was diagnosed last week with Esophageal Cancer, so we've been playing the waiting game - waiting to hear from the oncologist, waiting for next steps, waiting for next tests and researching until we're all cross-eyed to find out all we can about this disease.  We are optimisitc that they have found it in the early stages and he will make a full recovery.  We are thankful too to be very close to the University of Michigan Hospital and many doctors that are highly touted in this field.

So, I thought I'd make a funny little card to include in his care package, if nothing else at least he'll get a little chuckle, right?

Image - High Hopes Stamped Image (duck)

Papers - Coredinations cardstock & Little Yellow Bicycle (I think)

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Sentiment & ? marks - Computer Generated using Snap ITC

Thanks for stopping by today and if you have a chance and wouldn't mind saying a prayer for my dad, it would be much appreciated.

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Cutie Kid Talk!

Wow, what a week.  Been kind of one of those crazy ones.  Yesterday my hubby and I spent the day taking down all our Christmas decorations (yep, we still had ALL our Christmas stuff up - and heck, we were even turning on the tree and Christmas village every night to enjoy).  It never seems like there's enough time to enjoy Christmas decorations.  So after yesterday, the house is put back together, everything looks naked.  :o(

This morning, I was up at 6:45.  Hoping to go back to sleep for a little bit, but no such luck.  So, I spent the morning working on this little beauty.  For some reason we're in the football mode right now - must be something to do with all the football playoffs.

My nephew Colin always gives us a ton of things to grin about.  The think I love about little kids, is that when they're learing to talk, they always say things so cute.  We're Michigan fans, and Colin's momma Amy is a Michigan State Spartan Grad......maybe you can see where this is going......one college football Saturday the Raz family was over and Uncle Glen thought I'd be fun to see if Colin could say "Go Blue".  After a little practice, we got "DOH BOO".  Hence this layout.

The layout sketch was from Pagemaps.  You can check out the sketch over at Scrap-Friendzy in the Sketch A-Thon forum.  All supplies are from my scrappy stash - I'm trying to use as much of what I have up so I have a reason to splurge after the Winter CHA - have you seen some of the fabulous stuff they're coming out with?!  Can't WAIT!!

Hope you're having a great Scrappy Saturday.

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Some Days......

Wow, can you believe we've made it to Thursday already?!  I'm so looking forward to a long weekend.  Truth be told, ALL of our Christmas decorations are still up - tree, lights, village, wreaths, EVERYTHING.  So, this weekend, since we're supposed to see 40* and a little sunshine, we're going to try and get the outside lights taken down during the day and then move inside and 'De-Christmas' the house (that's a word in the K-ski house).  In the meantime, over the last week or so, we've accumulated about 8" of snow, and when I was going through some shared stamped images, I came across this one - way too funny in my mind and thought I'd whip up a little Hang in There card.

I used a Pagemaps sketch that Cheryl posted as part of  January's Sketch-A-Thon at Scrap-Friendzy.

The sentiment inside reads - "Some Days You Just Can't DUCK Quick Enough!  Hang In There"

Image - Not sure where it originated from, but LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Papers:  Coredinations lime green, white & navy cardstock and printed paper from another old Christmas stack

Miscellaneous - Prima BLING snowballs, sheer ribbon, computer generated sentiment (LD Artsy - picked up from Scrapnfonts)

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a little time here with me today.  This weekend we're switching to Valentines Day projects - I have the honor of helping with a few of Colin's Valentines Days cards this year because he's getting a new baby sister right around Valentines Day.  I'm also working on a 10 Things I Love About You album that I'll be teaching a class for the beginning of Febuary at Live Laugh Love Scrap in Oxford.  I hope to have some photos of that little baby this weekend!

Have a great day - keep warm and Happy Craftin'!

Min

New Year Productivity!

So, I thought I'd share a few cards that I created over the weekend.  These cards were created using Sketch #11 for the Scrap-Friendzy Sketch-A-Thon.  It was a sketch I created to use. 

These two cards are the last of the Christmas themed Thank You Cards.  I LOVE how the Pointsettia card turned out and the Penguin for my nephew turned out pretty cute too if I do say so myself.

Cricut - Joys of the Season - 2 pointsettia layers in red with leaves trimmed off.  One layer in green

Paper - From OLD OLD OLD Christmas stack

Miscellsneous:  Thanks - Studio G Stamp, Button from my stash, Ribbon from my stash, Chestnut Roan Ink

Image - Cute Penguin from Doodle Dragon Studios

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil

Same OLD OLD OLD Christmas Paper Stack

Cuttlebug - Candy Cane Stripe Embossing Folder (Thank you Jean!!)

Miscellaneous - Merry Christmas - Studio G Stamp, Colorbox Charcol Ink and Ribbon from my stash

These two below are movin' us into spring - can I tell you just HOW ready for spring I am??

Yesterday my commute was 5 1/2 hours to and from work - took me 3 1/2 hours to GET to work and another 2 to get home.  Yep, ready for the snow to go away and the flowers to start bloomin'!

.

Paper - Scenic Route - I think (more old paper from my stash)

Miscellaneous - Thanks - Studio G Stamps, Prima Flowers & Miscellaneous Flowers from my stash (tryin to make room for all the gorgeous Prima stuff that's coming out at Winter CHA!!!!), Brads & Ribbon from my stash as well as flat backed pink pearls (LOVE THESE)!

So, that's the creativity I was able to muster up lately. 

If you haven't had a chance to check out the Sketch-A-Thon at Scrap-Friendzy, please stop by and join us.  You won't be sorry.  There is so much fabulous inspiration not only from the sketches, but also the fabulous projects the Girlz are creating!

Hope you're having a great day!  Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing part of your day with me!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

It's all about the Football!

So, this year we celebrated Christmas with my girlfriends Susan & Amy and my favorite nephew Colin.  He was playing in an indoor soccer league, but when I asked Amy what he could use for Christmas (other than the super cute Blue & Purple little people slippers and neat personalized pillowcases), she said a football.  My hubby was happy to get the little guy a football, hoping maybe he can play with Andy, Colin's dad, Colin and Uncle Glen (maybe Uncle Kris too), even though the rule in our house is unless you've got a multi-million dollar contract, you shouldn't be playin' football (I remember the months with his broken leg, blood clots, therapy, hospital stays, etc.).  Anyway, we got Colin a football.  And like they say, if it ain't in the scrapbook, it didn't happen.  It was so cute, he was so excited about the football.  And I love the chocolate on his face from dessert.  I can't wait until the spring when the little man can get out and toss around the pig skin.  That'll be some fun scrapbook pages!

This is also Sketch #9 for the Scrap-Friendzy Sketch-A-Thon that will be posted on Saturday.  The sketch was courtsey of Julie Bonner, you can check out her great scrappy blog here.  She does some AMAZING work.  You can check out the actual sketch on Scrap-Friendzy on Saturday morning - it'll be in the Sketch-A-Thon forum under Sketch #9.

Kaiser Scrapbook printed papers - Rough & Tough paper line (Thank you Michelle)

Heidi Swapp Large Brads

Football textured paper, Off-white, Black and Navy Blue cardstock

Mini-aphabet, Twine, CK Urban font on round badge

Here's a few up close photos too -

We're dealing with 6" of snow that arrived last night and early this morning.

WOO HOO!  I'll be sure to take a photo - it is pretty but not very pretty driving home in. 

Thanks again as always for stopping by.  I always enjoy hearing from everyone.  I hope you're all having a wonderful new year so far - hard to believe we're 8 days into 2010.

Happy Craftin'!

Min

What's up on YOUR End?

Thought I'd share this quickie card I created - I'm trying to use up some of my scraps, so you'll probably see a few cards made out of this paper in the near future........

I thougth this image from High Hopes Stamps was just too funny - Ever have one of these days where the world looks better standing on your head?!

The inside of the the card says "What's Up On YOUR End?"  Seemed to be a bit better for the person it's going to than "What the Duck?!"  Maybe we'll save that sentiment for another day.  ;o)

Magic Colored Pencil Technique was used to color the duck.

Hope you're having a great day 5 of the new year!  If you haven't had a chance yet to get over to Scrap-Friendzy, RUN!  We're havin' a blast over there with all the great inspiring sketches.  You'll be amazed AND inspired!!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year - with nothing but GREAT things to come in 2010!

Why not get your scrappy mojo off to a great start this New Year.   Join us for the Super Sketch-A-Thon at Scrap Friendzy - a sketch a day for the entire month of January to get your creativity movin' in the New Year!  We'll have great layout and card sketches to inspire you and even contests to win!

Join us at Scrap-Friendzy, we'd love to have you!!

Happy Craftin' in 2010!!

Min

Welcome to the After Christmas Edition....

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  I know we had three days of celebrating Christmas with our families this year.  Lots of LATE nights/EARLY mornings - I'm not sure which it is when you go to bed at 3 AM.  It was wonderful spending time with our families.

This year I think I mentioned, everyone was getting felted slippers for Christmas - it's a joke between my dad and I every year (we have a few jokes - including $10, but that's a story for another day!).  Every year about September, my dad has worn holes in the bottoms of his wool slippers, regardless of how thick I make the soles.  Sure I could get suede bottoms to sew on these slippers, but a new pair of slippers every year is our joke.  :o)  Anyway, I ended up making 25 pair of slippers (yep, 50 slippers total). 

This is Glen's Uncle Stash showing off his new head mitten, er, slippers.

This year in addition to the big people's slippers, I wanted to find a pattern for the little people in our family - the kids.  And amazingly enough, I DID find a pattern, and it's nearly identical to the big peoples pattern but knits up A LOT FASTER!!!

I had to show you just how cute these little peoples slippers turn out.

This is Gizmo helping me knit the slippers up - - -

And these are the slippers BEFORE they're felted. 

When Colin gets his slippers on Saturday, Amy will felt them to fit him perfectly.

They are just WAY TO CUTE, aren't they?

Well, hopefully tomorrow I'll have a chance to get back into my studio and do some creating - I spent yesterday cleaning up after Hurricane Min that went thru my studio at Christmas.  I was amazed at some of the items I unearthed!! :o)

We're gearing up over at Scrap-Friendzy for the Super Sketch A-Thon that begins on New Years Day!

Make sure you take a few minutes to stop by & be inspired!

I hope you're getting some crafty time now that the holiday craziness has lessened.

Happy Craftin'!

Min

A Family Tradition

When we were growing up, I remember my mom always making nut rolls at Christmas.  She'd make three.  Half would go home with my grandpa and grandma - they were my grandpa's FAVORITE treat.  The other half my mom would keep and we'd have on Christmas Eve after Church service.

My grandpa has been gone for 13 years this past August and it's been that long since we've had his favorite nut rolls.  So, this year I decided to bring back the family tradition, but to include my in-laws into the tradition.

So, this was one of the beauties I baked up yesterday.  I had to smile.  My mom gave me the recipe that Aunt Irene had written out for her - it was the original recipe, splashed with ingredients after making the recipe for so many years.  I love getting recipes like this!  A recipe that has a story.  In reading through it, I actually had to do some research - anyone know what 2 cakes yeast are?!  Now, we cook quite a bit, we make bread on a pretty regular basis I make dozens of cookies throughout the year and we'd NEVER heard of 2 cakes yeast.  Well, thanks to my hubby and his quick bing.com skills, we learned that 2 cakes yeast are equilivent to 3 - 1/4 oz. yeast packets or 6 3/4 teaspoons of dry yeast. 

You learn something new every day, don't you?

Doesn't this look yummy?
If you've never had a nut roll before, it's a yeasty bread dough rolled like a jelly roll and the filling is a combination of ground walnuts, brown sugar, white sugar, honey, butter and milk (and no joke, that's about what the directions provided as far as ingredients for the filling - there were NO measurements).

My apologies for the not so attractive looking baking sheet.  Ever have one of those go to pans or baking sheets that you KNOW how everything will turn out that you cook on it, in it?  Well, that's my baking sheet.  My mom in law was kind enough to get me a few new sheets, but this one just seems to be the one everything gets baked on.
Well, this afternoon we'll be delivering the other two nut rolls to both my mom and dad and Glen's mom and dad when we get together for Christmas Eve Dinner.  I had to have a little sample (you know, quality control!), and they're not quite as good as what my mom made, but pretty darn close.  With a few years of practice, they just might be.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to my other blog readers that may not necessarily celebrate the Christmas Holiday!

Wishing you a time of enjoyment with your families and friends!

Min

2 Days until Christmas!

Can you believe it?!  I'm typing to you today with the 'knitting claw' hands.  I've been knitting felted slippers since we finished our Christmas cards (Actually since September).  By the time Christmas comes and goes, I will have knitted 25 pair of slippers.  Can you believe it?  That's a lot of WARM, TOASTY Piggies.  I was so excited a few weeks ago to find a pattern identical to the one I use for big kids (adults) 'foot mittens' as the Pearson kids calle them, but this pattern was for little kids.  And they are just way too cute!! 

Anyway, yesterday I got up early (weird body clock, can't let me sleep in while on vacation).  So, I headed to my studio to finish off these little beauties for a few of the little kids in our family.  They're the mini-glass blocks (about 5" square).  I have two more to do, but I'm still designing them for my nephew and his new baby sister arriving February 2010.  :) 

The boys blocks (The Tractor and the Football) both have Brown Grosegrain Ribbon wrapping the block (can't see 2 boys who like tractors and football wanting ANYTHING to do with BOWS!!!).  The girls blocks however, HAD to have bows!!!

All vinyl cuts were designed in Cricut DS and cut with the cricut.

Carts - George, Every Day Paper Dolls, Life's a Beach, Paper Dolls, Sports Mania and Zooballoo (I think that's it).

Ribbon - from my stash (usually either from Michaels or Joann)

Lights - string of 35 or string of 50 (Hobby Lobby or Target - Targets were cheaper for 50 than HL was for 35).

Vinyl - from my stash, originally purchased last winter when Lowes was getting rid of their wall pops

Glass Blocks - Mini's from Michaels, but I've also seen them at Joann and multiple sizes at Hobby Lobby.  I think Lowes carries the larger ones pre drilled around the holidays too for a lot less in cost than M's does.  Take your coupons if you're headed to the craft stores to purchase them........

So, that was yesterday's project before Christmas.  I have one more pair of slippers to finish and some nut rolls to make today, so wish me luck.  Hopefully I can get the rest of the gift wrapping done at some point today too.  Oh, and I've got a chipboard album I need to finish too.  Whew, guess I'd better get movin'!

Happy 2 Days Before Christmas!!

Happy Craftin' and Holiday Enjoyin'!

Hugs - Min

Hallelujah!!!

Hallelujah! (Insert Singing Angels HERE!!)  

Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Hallelujah! Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!

The Christmas Cards are DONE!!!

It was an absolute HEAVENLY moment today at lunch when I inserted 100 of these little babies into the mail slot at the post office!

I was doing the singing!!!

So, I guess I'll show you the Christmas cards we've been working on for the last three weeks - hopefully not too many folks who are actually getting one in the mail see them before they arrive in their mailboxes.

I really don't think the photo does the card justice.  They're so cute in person (and shakey shakey in person too with the glitter & microbeads in the globe!)

Image - Penny Black: Warm & Cold! Snowman

Techniques:  Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Cricut Cuts - George (circles for snow globe), Joys of the Season (snow globe)

Cuttlebug - Swiss Dots Embossing folder

Snowflake Paper - Digi-paper from Summertime Designs (Giving kit - Summertime Designs - She has awesome free digi-stuff - be sure to check out her blog!)

Other papers:  Bazzill Silver & White, Gold paper from JoAnns, Red & White Cardstock from my stash & Page protectors for the glass part of the snow globe (worked like a CHARM!!)
Miscellaneous - Stickles, Flat Back Red Bling for snowman buttons, MS Micro-beads in clear, MS Tinsel glitter (both MS products are the 'snow' inside the globe), Studio G 'Let It Snow' stamp and Dimensionals for 'snow' part of the globe.

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  I know how crazy everything is getting with only 7 days until Santa arrives.  Feeling stressed yet?! 

I'm so glad that tomorrow is my last day for the year so I can really work on getting everything for Christmas wrapped up.  I have Glass Blocks and Slippers calling my name.

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Viewable Productivity AT LAST!!!

Yikes, I've been a terrible blogger this month!!  Between Christmas Decorating, Cookie Exchanging, Chocolate Making, Christmas Card Making and Shopping, I'm so confused, I don't know if I found my rope or lost my horse! (my mom in law finds some of the funniest sayings!!) 
While the Christmas cards aren't quite finished (My mission is to get them in the mail THURSDAY!!!), and because we did the cookie exchange on Sunday and I made 20 dozen (Yes, 20 dozen) cookie Saturday, I don't have much to show for in way of productivity (except a counter FULL of cookies & home made to be packaged and given away!). :o)
I did however complete a project my mom had left at Thanksgiving.  My mom is super creative and talented, she doesn't scrapbook, but she sews and knits like nobody's business.  After all the projects she's seen me do with my trusty Cricut (I think I really need to give it a name), she sees stuff and thinks of what I can do with my Cricut to add to it.
Well, this project was just like that.  She found these fun signs at Tractor Supply and brought them to me for personalization.  They're these neat wooden signs with a 3-D fence, snowman and horse with acutal cloth clothing/saddle.  A great find!
Didn't they turn out cute?? (I did the 'The Kwiatkowskis and The Colbys' part, not the Merry Christmas or Let it Snow).

There were a few others I did, but because they're Christmas gifts, I'll keep those a secret. :o)

Cricut Carts - Storybook Cart & Lyrical Letters

Well, off to work on more Christmas Cards - we only have 1 more day to get them finished before they need to go into the mail!!!

As always, thank you so much for stopping by today!  If your life is anything like mine during the holidays (crazy CRAZY and C-R-A-Z-Y), I understand how time is a valuable commodity. 

I so happy you spent some of your valuable time with me!
Tis the Season to be Jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la! (yep, dusted off the piano music today).

Happy Craftin'!

Min

I'm A Winner!!

I remember growing up we learned, "It's not whether you win or lose but how you play the game." or "Everyone is a winner."  Well yesterday I found out I was a WINNER (I already know I'm a winner :o).....lol), but thanks to Kelly and her fabulous blog candy, I'm a winner!!

If you've never been to Kelly's blog, be prepared to be INSPIRED!  She makes some of the most fabulous cards!  I look forward to stopping by to see what's she's created each day.  She's been on a roll with Christmas cards for her Daughter-in-law, so if you need some Christmas Card inspiration, or just super cute card inspiration, check it out!

So, click on over to Kreative Korner by Kelly.

Thank you again Kelly for the great blog candy and wonderful daily inspiration!!! 

YOU ROCK!!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Cooking + Crafting + Gift Giving = Happiness

Since I met my husband, I found a love in cooking.  We both love to cook.  He makes some amazing food - for instance, this past Saturday when we had our Turkey Day After Dinner, he and his brother made the most FABULOUS beef tenderloin.  I usually like my beef medium well or well -  I'm not a big fan of pink, or red and mooing.  Well, I had my first medium tenderloin this weekend with a fabulous horseradish sauce he made.  Can you say YUMMO!?

When I was single, my family joked that my idea of cooking was 6 minutes on high (I could boil water and make the pasta in a bag!!)  Both my mom and mother in law are WONDERFUL cooks, so I've had two great ladies to learn from.  I LOVE recipe books, recipe magazines and some fabulous recipe sites I've found.

So imagine my elation when I found this website - it combines my love for cooking with gift giving and crafting.  Our Best Bites.  Can you say FABULOUS!!

If you have time, check it out!!

Happy Craftin'!

Min