Out Of My Corner

Earlier this month I ventured away from my corner of the world and visited New York City and the Caribbean.  So many photos to scrapbook now!  Here are some of the highlights...

 

 

 

Lady Liberty shining beautifully even on a cloudy, cold day.  I was in awe of her.

 

This was the ship I sailed aboard.  The Norwegian Gem.

 

Having a balcony stateroom meant every evening offered a beautiful sunset.

 

Christopher Columbus Square in Oldtown San Juan.

 

My husband and I spent a beautiful afternoon enjoying St. Maarten.

 

One of the highlights of any cruise for me is the "Chocoholic Buffet" and this ship did not disappoint.  The display's were beautiful and the desserts were amazing.

 

Cannot wait to finish up my current project so I can get to scrapping this trip.

Hot and Cold - A Birthday Card

The challenge on Wednesday at 365 Cards was hot and cold.  As I went out the day today this has been on my mind as I needed to make a card for a friends upcoming birthday.  This friend is a man and this always seems to stump me.  Making a card for a man.  Girls...easy.  Women...easy.  Boys...easy.  Men...not so easy.

I wanted the card to be festive and happy but not foofy.  Here is what I came up with using the hot and cold challenge.

 

I chose a blue that was slightly turquoise and a red that was a bit more orange so it wouldn't take on a 4 of July feel. 

 

The colors carried through on the inside too.

 

 

Busy craft day

I had an appointment with a client today that was postponed and I have taken advantage of the time today.  At present I am addressing cards.  Okay not presently, presently as I am typing this blog entry but you know what I mean. :)

Here are last couple cards and yes you guessed it challenges helped me on the way.  I used the sketch  at 365 Cards as a jumping point for this card that I made using all scraps.  Scrap paper and scrap ribbon!

 

This card used the leftovers from the toile challenge card and some left over card stock in the Vineyard from CTMH.

 

I used Tsukineko Sheer Shimmer Mist in Frost and Sparkle on the white part of the snowflake which you can see in the close up.

 

This last card for the year is this one using the opposites challenge at 365 Cards.  I chose red and green as you can probably tell from the card.  The layout allowed me to use more scraps from other cards I have made this year. 

 

The papers used in this are from Pebbles Inc., DCWV and The Girl Paperie. The tag is MME from the 12 Days of Christmas line.

 

 

And I was asked the other day if I was a neat scrapper or a messy one.  I think like most I am messy.  The following photo was taken while in the middle of the last card.  Judge for yourself. :)

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Matt Wertz - Snow Globe

It is that time of year...Christmas Music Time!

This song by singer Matt Wertz is a favorite contemporary Christmas song of mine.  Hope you enjoy it too.

Toile Card

Christmas cards are really coming along.  Which makes me SO happy.  I hope to mail them all out on Wednesday.  And since the family decided to take a trip together instead of exchange gifts, mailing out those cards will me Christmas prep will be done! 

Last night I jumped into another challenge to get another card done.  This one was to use Toile on the card.  I have been hoarding just the perfect paper for several years and knew it would be perfect for this challenge.  Yay!  Pretty certain last night as I was "yaying" to myself at my scrap-desk my husband was wondering about my sanity. ;)

Here is the card I made with that awesome paper from Bo Bunny and using the inspiration of Challenge 283 over at 365 Cards Blog.

 

The patterned paper is called Homespun Holiday Toile.  Card stock is Vineyard from CTMH.  As is the ink I used on the edges and the ribbon.  I let the toile take center stage and used it twice.  The bottom layer of the is embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder called D'vine Swirl and then sanded.  The pine cone embellishment is from K & Company.

You can see the embossing better in this picture.

Love Challenges

When I get stuck on how to design a layout or a card I look to challenges.  I find at times by limiting what can be used, or having to use a certain item, inspires creativity.  One of my favorite challenge blogs is 365 Cards.  I love it because of the whole concept...new challenges each day. 

Recently the challenge was to combine scallops and stripes.  Here is what I came up with using that challenge.

 

That ornament in the middle was cut on my new cricut.  Which I am completely in love with and has me asking why in the world I waited so dang long to get one.  The paper is from last years Christmas collection from MME called "12 day of Christmas".

 

Another challenge that really had me scratching my head was the Pick-a-Pattern challenge from Thursday.  I thought easy-peasy until I went through my stash to find that I own no paisley paper or  paisley embellishments.  What is a gal to do?   Well she is to dig through her stamp collection and hope she'll find one in there.  Lo and behold I did!!! 

 

Here is what I did with that paisley stamp.

 

The paisley stamp is part of a CTMH set called Adorable.  The "Merry Christmas..." stamp is Studio G.  The red paper is from DCWV and the stamp is on kraft cardstock then embossed with Judi Kins embossing powder in White Diamond.

 

Crafty

On the crafty front I haven't been doing too terribly much of late.  I am doing some super simple Thanksgiving Day cards that will go out in the mail next month.  Here is a pic of one.

I have started planning Christmas cards as well.  Hoping to have all the supplies needed before the holidays are upon us and I would rather not battle the crowds shopping for just the right this or that. 

I have been enjoying the autumn however.  Around every bend in the road it seems there is wonderful fall foliage and mountains freshly dusted with snow.  I can't seem to get enough of the crisp autumn air or the sights of the season. 

 

The maples are golden yellow and just seem to glow in the sunshine.

 

And the ornamental maples are turning red.

 

The submarines have been on the move lately as well and I must confess when one is going by I am glued to the window.  It just amazing to watch and realize how large they truly are in comparison to the rest of the marine traffic.

 

I also have managed to check an item off my to do list.  I unpacked my grandmother's china, washed it and now have it on display where it can be enjoyed each day (and make me smile!). 

 

Neglected

The title says it all.  Neglected.  My poor, poor neglected blog.  You see I have been so very busy this summer that it is a good week around here when I get the laundry done! :) Sights have been seen.  Work completed.  Friends and family visited.  Fall is here now, and being enjoyed, but here is the summer in review.

 

 

 

Many beautiful sunests have been enjoyed.

 

 

Saw Ryan Star in concert...again!  I think this was the fourth time.

 

I took the train across the US to Minnesota.

 

 



 

Oh, it was so good to be home again in Minnesota.  This is a picture from a side trip to Gooseberry Falls State Park.

 

 

 

My God-daughter was baptized.

 

 

Enjoyed a beautiful day out at my in-laws lake home

 

Headed to California for the Heirloom Exposition in Santa Rosa.  While there I enjoyed this amazing desert (frozen hazelnut mousse) at Cucina Paradiso in Petaluma with my Aunt and Uncle.

 

 

 

The Expo was full of wonderful displays and lots of information about Heirloom seeds, growing organically,  GMO's.

The tower of pumpkins, squash, and melons from The Great Pumpkin Patch was the centerpiece.  

 

Back home we headed west to a family reunion in Forks.  The weather was incredible as was the time with family.

 

 

 

 Mixed with all the good this summer was some sad.  We lost Rom, our 14 year old Rottie mix.  My husband and I adopted him while we were dating, so Rom had been with us virtually as long as we have known each other.  His passing has left a huge hole in our home and hearts. Though losing him was terribly difficult, we do both feel blessed to have had our big boy so very long.



Spring Perfection

Today was perfect.  Truly!  The sun was warm,  the air had that lovely fresh spring feel to it and you could see forever. 

Okay, not forever but you could see for at least about twenty miles or so whether it was up into the mountains or across the water to British Columbia.

It was so clear today not only could buildings be seen through binoculars but also windows in those buildings.  I don't know that I've ever seen the visibility so good. 

Watching the M.V. Coho return from Victoria this afternoon it looked more like she was crossing a lake than the Straits.  Such a smooth windless day.

Rachel Platten - 1,000 Ships

I had the pleasure of seeing Rachel Platten live last month and meeting her after her set.  She is a sweetheart!  The song of hers getting airplay has been 1,000 Ships and the CD version is alright however when you hear the acoustic version it is simply wonderful.  You get to enjoy her voice and hear her talent on the piano as well.  When an artist can wow you stripped down that is when you know they really have talent.  She's got it in spades!

Enjoy! 

Oh and if you like this you can get the acoustic version on Noisetrade.  Her CD, Be Here, has some wonderful songs on it as well.