Pink Room Ponderings

Journals N' Stuff

2012-02-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

So, it came down to the doing instead of the looking. The creating, the mess, the lost sleep, the paper everywhere. Torn between the clean surface and no visual clutter and the need (no, the compulsion) to cover that surface with creative flotsam & jetsam. And many days that's what appears on my craft table. I find things and stuff and bits that catch my eye. "I can use that", "that's pretty" or "I'll eat one more chocolate because I need the foil for my project!"
The drawers are full and I pull out the little pieces and touch them and fold them, or smooth them-like we did as children with the foil on the big Easter eggs. Carefully pushing the wrinkles out to the edge. Smooth.
When I was growing up in the UK, we saved all the finds in a scrapbook: not the carefully planned and color colo rcordinated scrapbooks of today but construction paper books, big and ready for little hands to Sellotape(Scotch Tape) the treasures in. Chunky, bulgy pages. Today it's called a Smash Book. The same thing, just a new "go-round". Or is it a Junque Journal? Either way, anything goes. I have been inspired by Jennibellie, love her use of materials and her tutorials are great. She inspires and the rest of us follow! So...here is what I have been working on. A journal that will evolve.
I began by gathering card stock from my stash. Nice and heavy and lovely pictures. Some will remain as backgrounds, some will be covered, painted, collaged etc.

I scored and folded. Added some water color paper to create signatures. Added greeting cards that I could not part with. And poked holes (carefully)

to bind.

I don't have a binding maching so have 3 hole punched the hand bound signatures. They will all fit on loose leaf rings and my thought is that I can add more as I wish.

Jennibellie loves to add dangles and beads to her journals and you will notice these when you watch (and listen) to her tutorials. Tactile. So..... I added a few trinkets of my own.

and then, I was on the internet again (!) and found this tutorial and just had to make some of these too!

Hope you like what you see and perhaps it has given you ideas to create your own junque journal or scrapbook or smash book. I'll show you how the pages evolve.

Christmas in...August?

2011-08-01T20:38:00.001-04:00

Yep! Another swap, this time at Maryjanes Farmgirl Forum, August one on one ornament swap. I just finished mine and will be mailing it to Beth, hope she likes it. I have not made one of these in close to 20 years but I still have the Leisure Arts pamphlet with the directions. So, here goes....Victorian Kissing Ball Ornament.

1) Cut out approx (60) 3 1/2" squares. Fold in half/iron

2) Fold into triangles/iron

3) Start pinning around styrofoam ball using sequin pins.

4) Stop when you get halfway

5) Do the same on the opposite side of the ball until both sides meet.

6) Cover the open edge with ribbon (I useda strip of one of the fabrics)

7) And your ornament is ready.

ATC's, Apples & Shrinky Dink

2011-07-24T17:57:00.000-04:00

I'm participating in an ATC sawp on Splitcoast .Even though we rae in the middle of a July heatwave, we are thinking ahead to Fall and the Apple harvest. Here is my finished ATC.

The little apple "charm" on the right is made from Shrinky Dink. Remember that from the 70's! Well, it's back and so much fun to use. Check out the before & after size on the apples. The stamped images are SU Tart & Tangy stamp set. I colored with SU markers being careful not to touch the colored image as it does rub off easily. I hole punched (remember, the hole will shrink too) and then cut out the shapes. Just a minute in the oven and lots of cute little charms.

Crafty Catch up

2011-07-16T06:50:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share some lovely yo-yo flowers that my sister sent me. How pretty are these? She repurposes all kinds of fabric (old curtains, lace tablecloth) when she makes these yo-yo flowers which are 3 or 4 inches across. They are embelished with trims and buttons and attached to dowels as "stalks"
Can you imagine these all clustered in a big Mason jar?

Eat, Pray, Create.

2011-05-30T07:15:00.001-04:00

Loved the book and it's so interesting to hear from the author herself on this subject. Did you read the book? What was your favorite country?

My first attempt at bookbinding

2011-05-25T21:24:00.000-04:00

After watching oodles of tutorials I finally created my first hand bound art journal. I purchased a spiral bound watercolor pad and of course, there it sat. For weeks. And then I realized that it was just the wrong size and shape for me. It didn't make me want to fill it's pages. So....I cut the wire spiral binding and took apart the book. I scored and folded the pages in half and grouped them into "bundles" of 4 to create the signatures. I then distressed the edges of the pages and punched holes along the folds. The back of the original book was nice heavy card stock so that, cut in half, became the front & back. The "spine" is actually a piece of black felt that was then glued to the inside front & back covers after I hand bound it and the signatures. This worked well, flexible enough to be a spine but had some body to it also. The covers have a thin layer of batting and some of my favorite fabric. And so we have it-my first hand crafted art journal.

By His Grace

2011-03-20T09:22:00.008-04:00

Just wanted to share about an awesome event I attended this weekend at Elim Gospel Church in Lima, NY
It was this year's spring conference presented by byGrace Ministries. What a blessing of teaching, fellowship & worship. Please do check out the byGrace web-site to see what Sherrie and the team have in store and sign up to receive their e-mail updates-you won't be dissapointed. I have attended several of her events and am always impressed with how well organized they are and how relevant the teaching is.
Many of you know that I love to see women together, whether it be crafting, going to conferences, whatever. I believe that the comunity of women is what binds our cultures and societies together. Isn't it awesome that we are able to take time out of our lives to spend time in the Word and to be encouraged by one another. So many times this weekend I heard.."yes, that's exactly what i was thinking" or "I'm so glad we talked about this". What a blessing we can be to each other! This weekend's theme was "Revive" and how we all, women, church, nation & world need to be revived. How we need the very breath of life so that we can be resusitated! Ezekiel 37:1-11 was Sherrie's inroduction to our weekend.
My bones were dry when I arrived, but not when I left!

I have been praying on some issues over the last few weeks, some are new, some long standing, but the Lord gave me a scripture that I have taken to heart. I would like to share it with you.
Jeremiah 17: 7-8
7 But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.
8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it's roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes: it's leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
There will be times of drought, of dry bones, but if we stay close to the source of life, can draw from that and continue to florish. I think the optimal word here is IF.

Dolly Make Over

2011-03-06T15:54:00.003-05:00

I'm still making the Comfort Dolls but have been trying different styles of body, dress & hair. Here is new one that I just finished. Her dress is actually closed at the bottom and lightly stuffed. I'm think about adding a little Lavender to these. Also, her hair was trimmed and "styled" although once in a while I imagine I will create one of my original "wild girls" These dolls do not have legs which to be honest makes them much easier to stuff/turn and I believe are finshed better. The original ones had a slit cut in the back to turn them right side out and once stuffed you would sew up the slit but it looked like they'd had major back surgery.! And perhaps I will add a little buton where her dress gathers at the front.
Hope you like her.

Crafty Update (lots to talk about!)

2011-03-04T16:58:00.010-05:00

Lots of things to share with you! I have been busy.
I particpated in 3 swaps over the winter. I try not to over schedule the swaps and typically do not sign up for one until the previous one is done and mailed out.
Here is a picture of some of the Scripture rolodex cards that I received. These are fun to make because of their size and I invested in the "address card" die from Stampin' Up. Made it much easier.
These are pictures of the altered dominos that I made into pins for another swap. These took me about 2 months to make and although I love altered dominoes, they were a real challenge. Not sure if I will do that one again!

Back at the end of November I participated in an Advent Journaling challenge. Each day we had an advent devotional and "thoughts to ponder" I was able to keep up with the devotional but am still embellishing the pages! I created my journal using manila folders. The devotional/study is on the left page and then my notes, prayers etc are on the right page that is embellished.

Here is the Advent cover

My latest (and greatest!) craze is Junque Journals. Google that one and tell me you can't get addicted! Crunchy, chunky, touchy, feely journals. This one is made from a composition notebook and what fun these are. I have used junk mail, envelopes, postcards, gift wrap, candy wrappers (not mine of course!) Water color crayons, stamps, stickers, you name it.

And I made a "trinket" out of found items.
And here is my first piece of mail art. No reason why mail has to be boring.....

This piece has a tea bag holder, calendar page, old sheet music, stickers,and a Suzi Blu stamp.

Hm, let's see..... Oh, books read this year so far:

Girl With The Dragon Tattoo-Steig Larrson very good story, just a bit "gritty"
Tried to read the second one but found it again too rough.

Shadows on the Coast Of Maine. Lea Wait. Easy mystery with an "antique hunting" theme

Labyrinth-Kate Mosse. Interesting twist on the Grail theme.

Fall Of Giants-Ken Follett. His first book in a trilogy. Cannot wait for books 2 & 3!

The Help-Kathryn Stockett- Gotta read it! Couldn't put it down!

So, now you know why you haven't seen me in a while!
Happy Crafting!

Patchwork Purse

2010-10-30T15:23:00.003-04:00

Just finished a patchwork purse, It is quite big so more like an over size purse/tote. I pieced the front & back and used a pattern for the construction. The special button came with me from the UK last year and I finally found a use for it!

Art Journaling

2010-10-30T08:13:00.004-04:00

As if there are not enough ways to create, I have now stumbled upon the world of Art Journals & Junque Journals.Don't go there unless you want to see the most amazing expressions of art in all it's forms & of journaling! Trust me, just Google it, YouTube it, get comfortable and enjoy.
Here is my very first Art Journal page. (Using materials that I already had on hand no less!)
This is a very different act of creating, not as structured as my sewing or my crochet & knitting and a new process for me.
If I don't draw or paint ("realistically") am I still an artist?
Absolutely!
There are many types of books you can use as your journal. I'm using a composition note-book. I found that idea when looking at Junque Journals. Large sketchbooks seem to be the fave but i like the sturdiness of the comp. so am good with that for my first book. I've gone through and gesso's many pages prior to creating a page, other pages have scrapbook papers adhered to them. This adds some weight to the pages. This particular page has a cut up Manila folder with a tab on it.That is the base. (Oh, and that "doodle thingy" in the middle? That's a Zentangle.(Google that one too!) Another page has a paper bag on it. No idea how that one will evolve but I have no doubt that inspiration will hit! (probably at 2 in the morning!)

Fall Catch Up

2010-10-19T05:58:00.014-04:00

Nope, didn't fall off the face of the earth, busy making a mess in the Pink Room! (AKA Creative mayhem!) So, here are a just a few pix to show you what's been goin' on. (Oh, and this is just a fraction)

Finally finished an afghan for The Linus Project-took me ages because I seem to get distracted by other projects-imagine that.

Quickie weekend project, book bag for a friend. So much prettier than a zip-loc don't you think!

Sweet book written by my friend Chris. Knowing the author added something special to this read for me. It can be found HERE

Altered tags for the Comfort Dolls using tea dyed paper. (Below)

Look what a difference a couple of hours drowning in tea will do for you!

ROLODEX SWAP at Splitcoast. These are the ones I sent, can't wait to get the swapper's back!

Playing with dolls (paper that is)

2010-06-22T06:11:00.005-04:00

I recently completed a paper doll swap on Splitcoast. A new craft for me and although I enjoyed it, not sure if I will do another paper doll swap. Here is one of four that I made. I used the same template for all four, just changed the colors and embellishments.What I did find interesting was the wide variety of dolls, each crafter interpreted the "product" very differently.

Here are the dolls I received. The one one the left is actually a little tin that slides open...very clever.

Springfest 2010 Stampin' Extravaganza! (Lots of pix)

2010-05-09T15:39:00.045-04:00

On May 1st my friend Kim & I attended the 3rd annual WNY Springfest event in Amherst organized through SplitCoast Stampers. What an awesome day. We signed up waaay back in February and spent the next couple of months putting all our projects together. As this was my first event I was very conservative with how many swaps I signed up for and am glad I did that. It would have been easy to over-extend and then not enjoy the projects and that just defeats the whole purpose. But....next year I think will be a different story.
It was mandatory that you sign up for a showbox project: design a card that you could make it 10-15 minutes. Compile 20 kits to make that card (that you can bring in a showbox) At the event you sit at a table with 9 other's. You each describe the card and then we make them all. We did this in the morning and afternoon, so you get to make 20 different cards which was fun. Here are the shoebox cards that I made. (The first picture is the card I designed)

I signed up for just 1 swap, a 3D one as the group number was smaller. Here are pictures of the items that I came home with. The last few pictures are of the project that I made. I didn't think just one of these magnets would be enought so I made 4 for everyone. (Total made-40 sheesh!)

And just a few more pictures for good measure.

This is the name tag I created for the event.

Kim, I know I said I wouldn't do this, but next year I'm going to sign up to do recipe swap, ATC swap and NVR card front. I figure if I start now, I should be done just in time.

Paper Dolls

2010-04-26T19:55:00.004-04:00

Amongst all the other things I'm doing, I just signed up for a Paper Doll swap on SplitCoast. This is fun! I'm going to be making 4 dolls but here is the first just so you an take a peak. She stands about 10 inches tall and yes, she is articulated and her dress is removable. I'm pleased with my first attempt.

Unmounting rubber stamps.

2010-04-10T06:30:00.010-04:00

If you are a stamper then you know this is a hot topic on the forums right now, especially since SU introduced unmounted stamps and DVD storage cases. I do not have a huge collection of wood mounted stamps but enough to know that they take up a lot of precious room. Soooo, after much research, I took the plunge. There are a few different techniques out there but this is what I have done and so far I am happy with the results. I hope this will inspire you to take the plunge! (I know, a video would be cool but I'm not technically quite there yet.!)
1) Set your wood mounted block wood side down in the microwave and micro on high for 10 seconds.
2) Quickly peel off the stamp and foam together. (A thin metal spatuala works well for this)
3) Peel off the clear image sticker & ahere to the (still sticky) foam.
4) Trim the clear sticker around the foam

5) Apply a thin coat of Aileens Tack It Over & Over to the image & let it dry for 30 minutes.

6) Stamp it once on the back of your hand and you are ready to store the stamp in one of the new SU DVD case and to use on your acrylic block. You will most likely want to use a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig as the SU rubber is not clear. I made case inserts using Publisher. The one on the left is from SU and the one on the right is one I created (with a little help from a stampin' friend:))

Takes up much less room on the shelf....TA-Da!

Miss me?

2010-03-14T11:06:00.011-04:00

I know, winter is not over yet but psychologically, once March is here, doesn't it feel like spring must be near?
Just a quick update on what's bin' happening in the Pink Room. I made a few scrap busting cards to send to troops overseas. Found some info on the web where you can make cards and send to troops that they can use since there are not too many Hallmark stores close to a front-line. I left the cards blank inside so that the service person could use them for whatever they needed. This was a fun project and a great way to use up all the scraps I keep. here's a link if you're interested. http://www.operationwritehome.org/

Let's see, what else have I been up to? Oh, re-doing the Pink Room. Cleaning out the stuff that really is just taking up valuable real estate. Since I spend my stamping and scrapping standing up, I have (hubby did) adjusted my table. Found this easy idea on Splitcoast Stampers and look at the difference. It is awesome and so much more comfortable than bending over the table. Here is the before picture
And here is the after.

And yes, I now have more hidden storage height underneath also which was an added bonus.

Okay, in-put needed on marker storage. Lots of chit chat on the forums regarding storing your markers, whether they be SU or Copics. I'm undecided and have quite a lot of choices. What do you think?

Decisons! Decisions! What would you do?

Happy (almost) Spring!

Taking some time..

2009-12-05T07:07:00.002-05:00

I will be away from the blog for a while; taking some time to enjoy a quiet winter.

Feel free to leave me comments, as I do get e-mail notification.

What's with the chickens!

2009-10-14T19:32:00.010-04:00

Is it me or are there more chicken keepers out there? And what is the correct name for a chicken keeper/tender/protector? Strangest thing but I'm discovering chickens in the most unlikely places.

I spend a lot of time on Maryjane's Farmgirl Forum and of course there are lots of Farmgirls who keep chickens so I'm used to reading about chickens there. And many of my favorite blogs contain a little "chook" somewhere in the mix.

Yesterday I dropped off some clothing alterations and the lady had chickens and gifted me a dozen free range eggs in lovely colors. I have never seen a pale green egg that wasn't dyed! I stop by to visit my friend Bonnie and yep, she has chickens all busy scratching around and digging up grubs. Oh and then my friend Karen calls me the other day and we're just catching up and chatting and I'm "listening between the lines" and yep...she has chickens too!
I would love to have chickens but can only imagine the hard work taking care of poultry of which I know nothing about, but it must be very satisfing to discover eggs nestled in straw just waiting for you. So much more "homey" than grabbing a styrofoam tray off the grocery store shelf and I bet free range eggs from happy chickens taste better than "those other's"
But for now, I will just enjoy the random meetings of chickens & chooks in blogland and just around the corner

Pretty Crochet Find

2009-09-14T06:20:00.003-04:00

Look at what I found for a quarter at the rummage sale! Isn't this pretty. It's a pot-holder and when I found it, it looked as if it had been used for it's intended purpose. But, with the magic of a few days soaking in Oxy-Clean (I love that stuff!) it came out clean and bright.
If you use Oxy Clean, I have found that the first soak is for maybe a couple of days, then dump out the discolored water and fill again with fresh and then again rinse after a couple more days. I have found this works every time.
I would love to figure out the pattern for this (I'll keep you posted)

Thr Fruits of my labor

2009-09-03T19:30:00.003-04:00

Okay, Suzy Homemaker I am not when it comes to cooking etc but I have really wanted to learn how to can and preserve food. I love to see pictures of people's canning, all those lovely jars lined up. So, my friend Carla showed me Peaches and then I did Tomatoes also this week. The first night's attempt at the toms was a bit disastrous to say the least but I was not to be deterred and managed to get six quarts made up. I think I'm getting the hang of it.
Hm, what next? Maybe Apple pie filling or even Blueberry pie filling......

An English garden on a rainy day.

2009-08-28T16:09:00.006-04:00

On the day I arrived in the UK I went to Knightshayes Court in Somerset. What a beautiful place and even more so I think on a rainy day. The house will be for another trip but I did have the opportunity to visit the walled kitchen garden which was fabulous. You go through the archway in the wall and enter into approx 1 acre of rows of vegetables, fruit trees and herb gardens. It was like stepping back into medieval times and was lovely to look all the plants and appreciate the hard work that goes into these gardens. These are just a few pictures I thought to share with you. Enjoy.

Dishes! Dishes! Who will do the dishes!!

2009-08-28T15:56:00.007-04:00

Well, with the number of dishcloths I have right now, I guess it might be me. I'm in a swap on Maryjanes Farmgirl forum and am still making the cloths as gifts. I recently came back from the UK and it's really amazing how many rows one can do while crossing the Atlantic especially if you are diverted to Allentown PA to sit in the rain and re-fuel. Hey, seemed like a good time to whip out the knitting needles (wooden of course) and start a few rows. So, these are just a few new ones.

Faux Cable

Furrows

Flag

Cabbage Patch (Multi)

Basket Weave

2009-07-22T06:42:00.004-04:00

Lord, I pray that through life's trials that I do not turn away, but turn to you. I pray that I do not look away, but look to you.
Thank-you Lord for your promise to never leave or forsake us.

Makes you smile.

2009-06-27T06:32:00.003-04:00

Sewing old into new

2009-06-21T10:48:00.025-04:00

This morning I had some quality sewing machine time. I have had an idea for a while to use this little vinatge piece I found at a rummage sale for a quarter. I thought it would be nice to match it up with some of the trims I have in my stash.

After selecting the pieces, I pinned them in place. I have decided to make a pillow, but to have the ends open and slip a pretty pillow insert inside that you will be able to see. The top and bottom will be closed.

After pinning, I sewed the strips into place, turning the edges on the sides as you will be able to see that part.Next I attached some lace to use as ties for the sides.

I used a pretty pink gingham to make the pillow insert.

Slipped it in and tied the lace at either and and ta-da. A nice little vintage pillow for "someone special accross the pond"

May Comfort Dolls

2009-05-29T17:29:00.006-04:00

All the little ladies are happy with their new hair and are all bagged and ready to go to their new homes.

This is a lovely Comfort Doll that was sent to me by Noel who donates her gorgeous creations to the Comfort Doll project. I had sent Noel a note, just to let her know how sweet her dolls are and the next thing you know, I have one of my very own.

Cafe Chat May 16 2009

2009-05-16T16:01:00.041-04:00

If Fear or Finances (or any other stumbling block) were not a problem, is there something you have always wanted to do or try that you have not done?
Do you think eventually you will do the thing you mentioned above? Explain your answer.

I would love to have a women's fellowship center. Somewhere that women from all walks of life could come for fellowship, encouragement, perhaps life classes like cooking, needle arts, gardening and bible studies. I feel that women in today's society are pulled in so many directions and this would be a place of grounding.
Is this too big a dream? I guess not, as I have had it for some time. Maybe God has laid this on my heart and let it settle for a while. I have taken the first step and am teaching Creative Workshops at a women's shelter. Perhaps this is the first step...

Just click HERE to join the chat

Thrifting finds

2009-05-16T15:19:00.011-04:00

In my usual blogging fashion I am playing catch up and no doubt breaking every blogging rule by mixing topics. Eh, whatever....It's either now or never!
So, 'tis the rummage sale season. I am so thrilled that so many of the churches start their sales at 8 instead of 9. That way I can sneak in before work on Fridays!So much fun. so little time but boy, I have been finding some great buys. Found tons of stuff for the Creative Workshops, I probably won't have to go to Joann's in quite some time! Fabrics, yarn, scrap-booking supplies and a candle making kit that was only a dollar! Oh, and check out this great big jar for my buttons! I wonder how mnay buttons it will hold? It is about 10-12 inches tall. (And it was also only a dollar!)
I don't usually look for purses, I am a one purse suits all kinda gal but this vintage Margaret Smith caught my eye. It appears to be unused and again, a buck. Isn't it pretty? This will go with the bird one that I have had for years.

While not rummaging, and not traveleing to Fl to take Adam back for the summer (sob) I am still putting together more Comfort Dolls. It's a bit like an assembly line as I will spend one evning making dresses, another evening making bodies and then hair.
Here are some "parts & pieces"

Oh, here is a picture of the decoupage candle jar that we made at the first Creative Workshop. The picture does not do it justice but all of the jars were very pretty and look lovely with a candle in them. I bought some battery candles from the dollar store that work great for these and of course are much safer than a real candle. Next workshop we will be making fabric covered photo albums. (I will post a picture later)

Pink blog candy

2009-04-30T20:26:00.008-04:00

Oh boy, I spend so much time looking at so many lovely blogs. This one is very pretty and full of stamping inspiration. But mostly it's lots of yummy pink!
(Oh, and there's a give-away too!)

http://craftsbykim.blogspot.com/

Why I was late for work...

2009-04-17T16:27:00.002-04:00

2009-04-10T19:02:00.000-04:00

Words Of Comfort

2009-04-08T06:23:00.004-04:00

Still busy putting together the Comfort Dolls. Thought I would share the tag that goes with each one. (This was on the Comfort Doll website)If you click on the Comfort Doll link to the right, you will see so many lovely dolls that are created by loving hands all over the world.

"I am a comfort doll. I was made especially for you by a woman's heart and hands who cares. When you need strength or just a smile, hold me and feel the love I send. Like me, you are unique, worthy, beautiful, and deserve all good things in life. You have the strength within yourself to be extraordinary. Find the strength and shine! Comfort Dolls.......Creating with our hands, Giving with our hearts"

Sew on and sew forth

2009-03-29T16:19:00.017-04:00

I love to spend time at the sewing machine and have just finished a new apron. Isn't this fabric pretty! I made the apron to wear at my first Creative Workshop that I will be teaching at a local women's shelter.

I have also been making little Comfort Dolls too. I have a widget on the right side of my blog, if you click on it you will learn about Comfort Dolls. These I am making by hand, except the hair. As much as I enjoy my sewing machine, sewing small things by hand is very restful and sure beats eating in front of the TV! Here are the first two of many dolls I hope to make.

My Dream House

2009-03-14T15:51:00.002-04:00

Button Frame

2009-02-08T14:22:00.003-05:00

Ever wonder what to do with all those buttons? Here's a simple idea. Inexpensive picture frame, lots of glue sticks and a little patience.

Santa Matilde

2009-01-31T17:16:00.012-05:00

This is my traveling angel. I made her for a dear friend who lives across the pond. The base is a small clip-board and I embelished it with papers, ribbon, buttons & lace. She took me about two weeks. I would lay all the pieces out and then go back to her every now & again and move pieces around until I was happy with the final design. (Now I know why I keep even the little scraps!)

Amazingly, I posted three times today! Please check out the other two posts below!

glitter-graphics.com

All this for $10!

2009-01-31T16:57:00.005-05:00

Went to the church thrift shoppe this morning. Needed a little retail therapy! Came home with about 50 doll making magazines, many with patterns, a box of assorted craft supplies, another nice little tin and.....a George Foreman grill (that was only $2!)

I have been thinking about getting a GF grill but really didn't want to spend the money but how can I beat $2! The craft supplies were all jumbled up in a box but I could see the potential and found lots of stuff I can use.

glitter-graphics.com

Another Angel!

2009-01-31T16:49:00.004-05:00

I've been busy crocheting again! Just participated in a crochet-a-long on MaryJane's Farm. We all made this sweet little angel afghan. I learned how to crochet following a chart which is new to me but I enjoyed it and this was a good project to learn on.
Here is the link to the pattern if you would like it.
http://www.countrywomanmagazine.com/2009/DJ09/afghan-craft.asp?RefURL=&KeyCode=&tdate=&PMCode=&OrgURL=

glitter-graphics.com

Tea Bag Party Favor

2009-01-10T15:52:00.017-05:00

Here is a very simple but sweet party favor. It is not my original idea. I was at a pre-Christmas luncheon and these were the favors. I have taken a lot of pictures but I am hoping they will give you the basic idea.

6" doily, I found these in the new Wilton cake decorating section at Walmart.

Fold in half

Create this little extra fold, do not go past the center. (This creates a "pocket")

Now fold across the middle the other way.

Add some glue along the pocket fold, all the way to the outer edge.

See how it "plumps" it up.

Now you will embelish. I used very inexpensive silk flowers.

The glue dots worked quite well here.

Add the flower and ribbon. (what a pain to tie that little bow!)

And here is your tea-bag party favor.

glitter-graphics.com

Whimsy Jar Swap

2008-12-11T06:22:00.007-05:00

I love swaps! Especially whimsy jar swaps! This is the second one I have participated on the MaryJane's Farm forum but the first that I facilitated as the swap "mom"
This is the jar that was created for me by Dana in GA. All my favorite things just bursting out of the jar! She packed the jar with tea, Lindt chocolate (oh boy) lovely pieces of crochet, buttons, and lots of cute bits for scrapping. How could I note share this with you. (Except the chocolate-sorry) I forgot to take a picture of the jar I sent her, it was very vintage looking and I really had fun finding all her favorite things! I made a label for the out-side of it by scanning a 1960's sewing pattern and trimmed the jar with ric-rack (love that stuff)

glitter-gr aphics.c om

Thrifting & Crafting

2008-11-15T13:52:00.014-05:00

Hello there! Hope you didn't think I had fallen off the face of the earth! Thought it was about time I posted although you will notice that I have been doing "maintenance'"on my blog ;ie some nice sparkly seasonal pix and holiday music. On the topic of the music, I am always looking for new tunes to check out, so tell me what your favorites are and maybe I can add them to the blog music.

Okay, of course I have several UFO's on the go at once and I am resolved to the fact that when you are a crafter that is just the way it will be!

Still working on making yo-yo's, that's one of those sit in front of the TV crafts that doesn't tax the brain too much! Here are just a few of them. I made some & some were sent to me as part of a Farmgirl swap. There are a few really tiny ones in there about the size of a nickel. I might sew them onto holiday towels, glue onto baskets, make into pillows or perhaps just display in jars.

Today I did a quick little craft, an altered clip-board. I enjoy these as it's a great way to use up the scraps left from other projects. This will be for one of the ladies at the Women's Aglow group.It's nice to send someone home with a surprise. I hope she likes it.

This little child's rocking chair has been patiently waiting for me since I picked it up for $5 at the flea market. Finally finished the new cushion and back for it. After the winter (when we are not usinf the fireplace) I will sit it next to the fireplace.

Let's see, oh, a quick visit to the rummage sale this morning. Just a few gift basket trims and also discovered a sweet little doll. I think she does have a funny expression on her face but I love the colors she is wearing and orange pom-poms on her toes!

And last but not least an English bone china cup & saucer. (one can never have too many of those)

I hope you have enjoyed looking at the pictures and I promise to be back soon!

Angie

It's a Give-away!

2008-10-20T06:11:00.004-04:00

Hey, found a cute give-away for you to enter! Check out http://muckbootsnaprons.blogspot.com/2008/10/bloggy-giveaways.html

Dalyn has a really sweet blog and yummy stuff to give to one lucky winner!

Did ya miss me?

2008-10-19T14:56:00.005-04:00

So, it seems, like everyone else who starts a blog, my plan had been to post every day! Oh ,you know, thoughts on world events, pictures of all the projects I've completed, recipes I tried and added to the successful list. Books I have read. But alas, I was so busy doing these things I have not had time to write about them!

If you visit my blog on a regular basis though, you will note that my blog list continues to get longer as I discover sooo many other creative souls out there. Also, my playlist expands for the same reason.My ideas list grows, as does the books to read list and so on and so forth. But, just to let you know, I'm still here and still pondering in my pink room.

I don't imagine that I am the only person who struggles to find balance between reading about crafting, reading etc, and actually doing it. Some appear to do it better than others, I'm not one of them but I can live with that!

Yes, I could spend more time in the morning composing witty repartee and uploading amazing photos or I could have my quiet time with the Lord. Yes, I could burn the late night candle and do the same or get the sleep I need. I always joke about not enough hours in the day but I'm not so sure that that is the answer. How we use the hours we have is what is important.

So, if you have stopped by, thank-you. Enjoy the music, enjoy the other blogs and as soon as I have something stupendous to share.....I promise you will be the first to know!

Ta-Da!

2008-09-20T07:57:00.004-04:00

Okay, now I can show you the re-usable grocery bag that I made for the Farmgirl swap. This went to Corinne in Kuwait and she has just received it. I originally bought the fabric to make an apron but it probably would have been too busy for my 5 foot frame. I love the way it came out and I know it will hold a lot. I used a re-usable grocery bag that I already owned as the pattern. What else is nice is that all I had to purchase to complete this project was the binding!

Fall Giveawy!

2008-09-18T06:05:00.008-04:00

Just thought I would let you know that Kay over at http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com/ is having a fall giveaway! You can win some of her scrumptious soaps! Head on over and enter! And yes, fall is just around the corner. Cooler mornings, cooler nights nd beautiful sunny days!This is soooo my favorite time of year.

Thrifting 9-13-08

2008-09-14T13:56:00.024-04:00

This time of year, since the weather is co-operating, what better way to spend a few hours than rummaging and thrifting! I came home with one or two nice things, including another cute little tin. This one was all dusty and appeared to have been over-looked for a very long tine. Soooo, I bought it home, cleaned it up and put it up above the kitchen cabinets with the last one and a few others that I already had. This one is marked West Germany on the bottom.
Last week I picked up these wooden doll parts. I have been keeping my eyes open for wooden spools, so these caught my eye. The bag of heads are actually labeled as package tie-ons. The bags of body parts I am planning on turning into cute little pink ladies. I am looking forward to using up all those little pieces of fabric and trim that you just cannot throw away! Yes, I will post pix when the girls are done!

Oh, I just re-did a really neat cigar box. I am please with this one, it is not my usual sytle, I tend to go a bit over-board with my re-do's but I tried to keep this one simple. This cigar box is quite big and the wood is rough so I knew that I did not want to paint it. So, all I did was clean off the old cigar label and place a new 'label' in it's place and then just add two pieces of paper from my stash. Now it is a very handy spice box for the kitchen! Not bad!

Thrifting

2008-09-06T14:41:00.024-04:00

So, went thrifting today and found a few fun bits. I picked up these vintage doily patterns for pennies! I think I paid the same price they were way back when! I cannot imagine that I will try them all but perhaps one or two and these patterns never go out of style.

I also found this interesting little box. I assume it is for jewelry and perhaps is made of Bakelite? I just thought it was a bit unusual.

This little tin is marked from England and for a quarter, well, how could I pass it up. (I know, another dust collector.)

Crafty friends

2008-09-06T07:16:00.011-04:00

These are some beautiful gifts I received from new friends Mary & Kristin in Florida. Aren't they just lovely! Check out the cheese box! Yes, the base is a round cheese box and Mary made this beautiful top for it. If you look real close, you will see all the pieces that went into making this. I was so thrilled to add it to my collection of special hand-crafted keepsakes ! Now, not only does Mary make these boxes and is a painter but also a jewelry maker! Kristin is following in Mom's footsteps and creates very pretty pieces, she has a real eye for color and design. Look at this lovely jewelry that also came home with me!

(Oh...and imagine this!!! The jewelry is pink!)

Hugs to Mary & Kristin.

Crafting in the Pink Room

2008-09-06T06:09:00.012-04:00

Well, I have not posted in a while because I have been busy with lots of crafting and thought I would share with you what I have been up to. I just finished a re-usable grocery bag for Corinne for a MaryJanes Farmgirl swap. Here is the bag that I received from Kelly who made one for me. Isn't it sweet, and so much nicer than the ugly ones you get at the gorcery store! I will post a picture later of the one I made as I don't want spoil Corrinne's surprise!

Let's see, what else...well, I did find this cute little table for $5 at a yard sale a couple of weekends ago. I am debating what to do with it. My instinct is always to decorate or embelish but I don't want to over-do this one.

As you can see, someone has already begun the process of stripping it to re-finish I imagine.

I'm not sure if I should just finish the job. Any ideas?

Oh, and of course, I am alsways busy making dish-cloths! I know, I hear you groan! How many more dish-cloths does the world need? Well, I enjoy making them, small, portable and inexpensive to make. When we drove down to FL to take my son back to school it sure helped the miles go by! Here are just a few that I have made recently, some as part of a KAL (Knit-Along) on MaryJanes Farmgirl forum)

Good for a giggle

2008-08-31T06:57:00.002-04:00

Okay, solved the mystery of the crunching sound and thought I would share this so that any of you bloggers who like to add all the 'extras' don;t have this happen to you.

I assumed the the sound was linked to my playlist. Boy, I spent hours trying to diagnose the sound. E-mailed every techi I know and probably some I don't! Anyhoo....finally deleted the playlist but next time i was on my blog, there it was again! Wellll.....ummmm. when you 'adopt' one of those cute little animals to add as a widget, well, they have to eat right! yes, and they crunch very loudly!!! So.......if you decide to 'adopt' a widget pet, it might make some noises that you least expect. Needless to say, Lambkins is toast (or should I say Lamb Chops)

Why the Pink Room?

2008-08-24T13:38:00.011-04:00

Yes, there really is a pink room! When we moved into our house, we aquired more sq footage than in our previous home. I was able to have my very own crafting space! What a treat! Over the past 6 years it has evolved into a crafting/reading/sewing/knitting/scrapping and so much more room! I did not intentionally set out to have a pink room but it sort of just happened along the way. (and the abundance of pink keeps the guys out!) I know that I am blessed to have this space and love to spend time here. I am always keeping my eyes open for pink 'stuff' and as you can see, the pink is threatening to burst out of it's seams!

These are just a few pictures of my stuff! When/if the room gets cleaned up (LOL!) I will take some 'room' shots for you.

(When I left England over 20 years ago, I came with just one suitcase. Perhaps I am 're-stocking'!)

Angels among us?

2008-08-24T13:29:00.008-04:00

So, when I'm not in the pink room making a huge mess (ie; being creative!)I love to go to yard sales and the flea market. Not by any plan, but these pretty ladies keep popping up and I feel obliged to bring them home with me! I'm not a collector of angels but they are so cute! The tall one in the pink room is actually a plastic bag holder given to me by a co-worker. I was having a hard time reaching under her dress (gown?) for plastic so decided to just hang her 'empty'

Agghh! Playlist boo-boo.

2008-08-23T10:45:00.003-04:00

Sorry to anyone on my blog right now. I'm having 'technical difficulties' with my playlist and am hopeing to hear back from a teckie soon! That aweful crunching noise is not me in the potato chip bag I promise!

Trash To Treasure

2008-08-11T20:09:00.007-04:00

So, I wanted to share with you another before and after. (I love these!) I enjoy finding 'stuff' and turning it into something pretty again! This is a train case that I found at the flea market for $3! How could I resist! It was a bit musty so I placed a couple of rather over-powering votives in there and kept it shut for a while(unlit candles of course!) I decoupaged torn paper all over using Modge Podge, boy that stuff is awesome! Then I lined the inside, and also used some Stampin' Up rub-ons on the mirror. Don't you think this makes a nice sewing box?

(Please be patient as I am still working on my photo editing skills!)

In The Garden

2008-08-07T21:32:00.014-04:00

This year I bought myself an inexpensive digital camera and have so enjoyed taking pictures. I have found that when you view life through the camera lense, it takes on a whole new look.

My garden this year got away from me. It's time to divide the perennials so that they can bloom again. I was becoming a bit despondent that it all looked so 'blousy' and then I went out and started taking pictures. Looking at the whole back-yard is overwhelming but when viewed through a camera, I could see there is still hope!

These "Lamb's Ears" were taking over and I was ready to rip them all out. But...they seem to have a place too!

Almost Friday

2008-08-07T06:15:00.002-04:00

Good morning! Ah, the original "I'm going to post daily" goal has most obviously flown out the window but not from lack of trying I might add! I am gradually learning all the tricks of the trade so hope you will bare (bear?) with me.
This week I received my summer swap box from the Maryjanes farm swap. So much fun! We had to create 10 'summer' themed items, mail to the swap mom and we received a box back of 10 different summer items. Here is a picture of my outgoing and incoming boxes!
I really enjoy swaps but try to only participate in one at a time unless the deadlines are far apart. it is very easy to sign up all over the place and then realize that you do work full time and only have 24 hrs in the day (some of which are designated for sleeping!)
I am looking forward to the weekend, my goal is to post here, post on other's sites and add my favorite blog list here.
(We'll see....)

Almost Friday!

2008-08-07T05:58:00.001-04:00

This week I received my summer swap box from the Maryjanes farm swap. So much fun! We had to create 10 'summer' themed items, mail to the swap mom and we received a box back of 10 different summer items. Here is a picture of my outgoing and incoming boxes!

I really enjoy swaps but try to only participate in one at a time unless the deadlines are far apart. it is very easy to sign up all over the place and then realize that you do work full time and only have 24 hrs in the day (some of which are designated for sleeping!)

I am looking forward to the weekend, my goal is to post here, post on other's sites and add my favorite blog list here.

(We'll see....)

Monday, Monday...

2008-08-04T06:31:00.000-04:00

Good morning to my Pink Room friends. What is it about Mondays? Why do we dread them? Don't you think that Monday sets the tone for the rest of the week? I am going to try and treat Monday as an opportunity. As a beginning that I design. (Hmmm, we'll see how long that lasts!)

Before I went to bed last night I found this scripture. So simple and yet it spoke to me.

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight"

Proverbs 3:6

If I begin to acknowledge him on Monday morning and view the rest of the week through Him, can I look forward to a straight path! It looks that way!

Have a blessed Monday my friends!

(See the little Bee in the middle of the flower? His path is straight...straight to where the pollen is)

To Start at the very beginning...

2008-08-03T10:10:00.002-04:00

Welcome to my first blog. My hopes are that you will enjoy visiting me here, spend some time with me and leave encouraged and inspired! I have no doubt that the blog will evolve as I become more proficient in posting and adding all the fun do-dads along the way!

I would greatly appreciate your input and suggestions!

I am a crafter, so felt it appropritate that I show you what I have been working on this weekend. Scrap crafts are the best and this is my recipe swap book. What do you think?