What is quality time together really?

No I mean really.  Is quality time with each other seriously equal for both?

The longer I’m in one half of a pair, the more I realize that ‘quality’ time might not necessarily be spending time that both find equally enjoyable…

But rather taking turns [...]]]>

What is quality time together really?

No I mean really.  Is quality time with each other seriously equal for both?

The longer I’m in one half of a pair, the more I realize that ‘quality’ time might not necessarily be spending time that both find equally enjoyable…

But rather taking turns spending time letting the other just be.

And just being there with them of course,

Laughing or crying, venting or being silly.

Helping make up the small moments and the memories that make life worthwhile.

My quality time this week was getting listened to about work when I vented, watching the Food Network together over Chinese takeout, and laughing together as we talked about how excited we were for our upcoming vacation.

His quality time was most likely me also listening about his work, going to Comic Con together while he browsed the aisles, and playing a part of his team in Marvel Ultimate Alliance for Playstation 3.

Yes we both can enjoy all those things.

But what makes it the most enjoyable, is being a part of what makes the other feel so great.

That, has got to be true ‘quality’ time.

Hope you have had a wonderful weekend.  I’ve had a fantastic quality filled one. 

P.S. Here’s what this clock looked like before it was altered:

Mod Podge and I spent some SERIOUS quality time together getting this thing decent enough to hang in the scrap / comic room.

We’re so much closer now…

Person:  Human, individual… (according to the dictionary)

Favorite Person: One that you love and trust with all your heart.  The one that makes you laugh even when times are crazy.  The one who squeezes your hand for no reason, just to say they are there.  (according to me).

Place:  [...]]]>

Person:  Human, individual… (according to the dictionary)

Favorite Person: One that you love and trust with all your heart.  The one that makes you laugh even when times are crazy.  The one who squeezes your hand for no reason, just to say they are there.  (according to me).

Place:  A particular region, or environment… (according to the dictionary)

Favorite Place:  Where your heart instantly feels at home, your dreams are free to blossom, and you feel warm, safe, and grounded… (according to me).

Thing: Whatever may be possessed or owned… (according to the dictionary):

Favorite Thing:  That which you do not necessarily own, but that encompasses your being in such a way that you simply could not imagine life without it… (according to me, that is).

Sometimes we should define ourselves and that which surrounds us a little more with the heart, rather than with the head, don’t you think?

I hope you have had a wonderful weekend, and see you soon.

You’re one of my favorites just for being here,

Hello there.  How was your weekend?  Mine was wonderful – it seemed to drag on which is just the kind of weekend I like.  The kind that somehow seems longer than 48 hours.

Of course it helped that I [...]]]> The best way to get something done is to begin.  ~Author Unknown

Hello there.  How was your weekend?  Mine was wonderful – it seemed to drag on which is just the kind of weekend I like.  The kind that somehow seems longer than 48 hours.

Of course it helped that I did absolutely nothing.

Nada.

Lazy-bones.

But, I’ve got a super-busy week coming up so felt it was justified.

Today though I woke up to the most wonderful surprise.  Alan who had heard me complaining my new little craft corner wasn’t working out as well as I had hoped was rearranging the whole thing.  Basically just turning the desk around so I had easier access to my supplies… but in the room we have that takes as much skill as a Rubix Cube.  I’m loving it.  In fact I’ve pulled out several projects that I’ve started and not yet finished so I can dig in the moment the mood strikes.  Here’s a sneak peek until they are complete:

The altered type tray is coming along:

I’ve got all the slots filled and am now in the process of painting and gluing.  Then the best part, embellishing.  I’m enjoying taking my time with this because I want it to hang on our wall for years to come.

And now for something completely different:

I’ve mentioned I’m a geeky girl right? Or maybe just being surrounded by comics while I create now is taking effect. This little guy is made of clay, and I’m working on some Super Friends to go with.

Here’s a glimpse of a canvas project I’ve got going:

It’s one of a series of 3 and I’ve got 2 completed.  I am loving the way these are turning out and am so excited to share once they are done.  Lots of bling and Mod Podge being used.

Here’s a mini-album I’ve got in the works:

Lots of Jenni Bowlin goodness mixed in there.  And I’m absolutely loving the colors.

I’ve got big plans for these:

So CUTE right??  I’ve had them since Blogher 2009.  They were given to me by the adorable ladies of Mabel’s Labels.

Seriously nicest ladies ever.  And they carry the cutest stuff that makes this Virgo swoon.

And finally I’ve got an altered lantern that’s been sitting on my desk for awhile too:

It’s painted, I have a vision… I just need to finish it up.

Actually I think I’ll go continue working on that one right now.

So… big week!  It’s time for CHA, and yes indeedy I’ll be there reporting for Craft Critique.  Be sure to check in there often for lots of updates (LOTS) and I’ll be sure to post some pictures here too.

I will try not to squeal too much while writing I swear.

Thanks for stopping by today sweet friends, and see you very soon!

Always a work in progress,

Hi there all!  How’s your weekend going?

Today since it has been awhile since I’ve been on a regular blogging schedule, I thought I’d post a round up of some of my favorite reviews I’ve done recently for Craft Critique.  I [...]]]> Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.  ~Author Unknown

Hi there all!  How’s your weekend going?

Today since it has been awhile since I’ve been on a regular blogging schedule, I thought I’d post a round up of some of my favorite reviews I’ve done recently for Craft Critique.  I love testing out products for them. I’ve found so many keepers and it’s so great to stretch my creative muscles looking for new uses and tests I can perform.  In case you haven’t noticed, you can always check the column over on the left for a listing of reviews I’ve done, but I highly recommend you peruse over there as well for all sorts of great info.  All the reporters are so darn talented!

So without further ado, here’s a few highlights  to catch up on ( Also a note, whenever I post about a review or even a specific product here on my blog you’ll see a little “disclosure” link at the end to let you know if I was reimbursed at all (or not) for sharing my opinion, that’s a rule as of December 1, 2009 for all blogs by the FTC).

Donna Downey’s Products <– Click for the review

(Disclosure)

I was sent a lovely canvas camera bag, Unity Stamps, and fun Prima embellishments to play with.  It was so easy to be creative with these.  Here’s a glimpse of what I made:

I had heard of Unity Stamps before but never tried them out… I loved them!

Digital Scrapbook Artist 2 <– Click for Review

(Disclosure)

This program is just so much fun.  It’s Digital Scrapbooking software that works in many ways like Photoshop Elements, but is geared towards scrapbookers and how we think.  It’s also about half the cost of PSE!  Here’s a layout I put together:

And a Hybrid card (both these projects use DSA 2 elements as well, available at Daisytrail.com):

The PanDigital Photo Scanner <– Click for Review

(Disclosure)

An amazing tool you’re going to want to put on your holiday list.  Click the link to see a photo of me in a dress and tube socks with Winnie the Pooh.   (really)

Wet Looks Embossing Markers By Marvy Uchida <– Click for Review

(Disclosure)

I ran across these in Michael’s one day and knew I had to try them.  They work!  I love them!  Exclamation point!

The little birdy stamp on the card above is colored and embossed – it’s a little hard to see… check out my review for a better shot.

And finally… I finally tried, loved, and have become obsessed with a product that I had heard about but never tried.

*Angels Singing*

Un-Du Adhesive Remover <– Click for Review

(Disclosure)

I actually did a comparison review between Un-Du and Duck Adhesive Remover to see just how good this stuff was.  And I’m hear to tell you, yes, it does rock.  Rock it does.  All. Night. Long.

Does anyone remember this sticker from, Oh… circa 2002?

I’m pretty sure it was K & Company… at any rate, it was stuck to a layout I’ve always wanted to re-do.  With Un-Du I was not only able to remove it, but it’s completely reusable.  As sticky as the day I first peeled off the backing and stuck it smack on an ORIGINAL photo.  Gads!  I know!  But the photo’s OK too!  Know why?  Un-Du is photo safe!

*Hallelujah Chorus!*

Oh heck here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=usfiAsWR4qU

And THAT’s how I feel about that.

Stay tuned for more on reviews in the near future, I’m getting my hot little hands on some awesome stuff!

And we shall craft forever and ehhhhh-ver,

XOX.

What says Summer to you?  Is it when the mercury rises?  When school’s out?

Boy sometimes I miss that last [...]]]> We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.  ~Alfred E. Newman

What says Summer to you?  Is it when the mercury rises?  When school’s out?

Boy sometimes I miss that last day of school feeling!

(But not that “crap I have gym class first period this semester”… that was never a good feeling for us girls who cherished our big perfectly placed hair.)

One of my absolute favorite ways to welcome warm weather is with a tall glass of lemonade, and if you’ve never made your own… I’m here to tell you that you are missing out!  It’s so easy to do and so rewarding.  Not to mention so much better for you than that fakey stuff in the store (sugar and all… but everything is ok in moderation right?).  Today I thought I’d share a quick and easy recipe for Raspberry Lemonade, but with the basics you can play with the recipe to make any kind of fruity mix you like.

Ingredients:

Basic Recipe

• Fresh lemons, enough to yield about 1/2 a cup of juice
• 1/2 cup of white sugar (plus more to taste)
• Water

The little extra

• 1/2 pint of fresh raspberries (think about trying strawberries or blueberries too, yum!)

Steps:

1.  First juice the lemons.  I happen to own an Omega Vert Juicer , which has quickly become my absolute FAVorite appliance.  Seriously it is wonderful.  More on it in future posts I’m sure.

I peel the lemons:

And then just plop them in.  Juice comes out one side and the pulp on the other:

This gives me a little over 1/2 cup of juice which is what this recipe calls for.  You may need to juice another lemon or two to get half a cup if doing it by hand.  (Don’t cheat and use bottled stuff!)

2.  Next prepare the 1/2 pint raspberries either by juicing them… or if you don’t have a juicer (hey I didn’t until a short month ago), you can put them in a blender with a little water and blend until mixable.  Remember raspberries have seeds, and this way will be a little pulpy, so if you wish strain the blended mixture into a measuring cup to take those bits out.

3.  Now add at least 4 cups water to a pitcher, and add the berry and lemon juice:

4.  And finally, add the 1/2 cup sugar, and stir until dissolved:

(Mmmmmmmmm, sugar waterfall)

1/2 cup of sugar and lemon juice will give you a nice tart base to work with.  You can always add more sugar or water to your taste.

And hey, what’s a fancy fun Summer drink without an equally fancy fun bendy straw?  I mean really?

To make the straw above all you need:

• Double-sided patterned paper or cardstock (good use for scraps!)
• A flower or scallop punch
• Bendy straws
• Large hole punch
• The end of a paint brush handle

Steps:

1.  Start by punching out 2 flowers or scallops and punch a hole through the center of each.  If you use a scallop punch like I did, cut petals by trimming with scissors towards the hole, but not all the way of course, and then slightly bend each “petal” up and down for dimension:

2.  Next placing one flower on top of the other, insert the straw through the holes.  The hole will be slightly too small to do this easily, but that’s what keeps the flowers on the straw.  At the top of the straw closest the bendy portion, carefully fold the straw in half so that it fits through your punched holes:

And then slide the flowers down to the top of the bend:

3.  If the part of the straw you bent in half doesn’t spring back to shape easily, simply use a paintbrush handle to bring it’s shape back:

And there you have it!

Now who wouldn’t smile when you served them a frosty glass of lemonade with one of these cuties. 

Vodka optional.

Unless it’s Saturday night at my house, and then it’s pretty much a prerequisite.

Thanks for stopping by today, and see you soon!

Hello there friends! How is your weekend going? We had quite a bit of snow yesterday but it’s all melted and [...]]]> It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens

Hello there friends! How is your weekend going? We had quite a bit of snow yesterday but it’s all melted and the sun is shining. It’s like we were given just one more quick taste of Winter before could finally breathe easy knowing that Spring is truly on the way.  (YES! and YAY!)

The changing of the seasons always ignites something in me to create.  It’s like my inner artist is ready to shake off the cobwebs of hibernation and wake up to all those projects I’ve been dreaming of doing for the past several months but just haven’t had time too, either due to the holidays, or focusing on resolutions (trying to anyway), or just plain old recuperating from lack of sunlight.  Do you get that way too?  Is it time to finally stop with the cards and gifts and make a little something just for you?

Awhile ago I shared that I found an old type tray during a stop at an antique store in Wisconsin, and it has been sitting in my craft space just waiting for me to do something with it.  Until recently it had been holding my sparse collection of rubber stamps, however it’s time that it became what I envisioned when I squealed with glee and practically ran with it to the check out counter.  (I did squeal… ask Alan… sometimes he worries about me).  It’s much more than a weekend project but I thought I’d share some progress pictures of what I’ve accomplished this weekend.

It’s a project filled with photos of Alan and I over the years, I’ve had so much fun browsing my hard drive and remembering when and where the photos were taken:

I’ve carefully measured each little niche and used Photoshop to make the cropping of each photo a little easier:

Lots of fun memories… lots of hairstyles… lots of photos of Alan in his Transformer’s jersey tee (I told you we were geeky right?).

I’ve chosen my papers for the project… Cosmo Cricket’s Everafter set will go just wonderfully, and the colors will fit in well with the area in our home I’m thinking of hanging it (er, having Alan hang it, I’m not allowed to use power tools without supervision… it’s a safety thing… for our walls)

And I’ve gathered a little pile of findings to add too:

Now the fun part of putting it all together!  I can’t wait until I get to share the finished piece with you.  As soon as I click ‘publish’ I’m diving right in.

Thank goodness I just stocked up on Mod Podge and Glue Dots… and M&M’s.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and shaking off those winter cobwebs too.  Are you working on anything in particular?  If so I’m sending you mojo vibes and encouragement to keep at it.  Remember sometimes just starting a project will get those creative juices flowing.   No one says you have to finish it right away (but chances are once you start you’ll keep going ).

Have a wonderfully creative day.

That’s love in many languages.

To those who might not remember, my [...]]]> Hi All!  Sorry I’m a little late in posting this project this week… we have had no sun and I was finally able to photograph it today.  I’m so happy with the way it turned out, what’cha think?

That’s love in many languages.

To those who might not remember, my goal was to re-create my own version of this canvas from Pottery Barn:

Which right now is on sale for $24.99… but we can make one and customize however we see fit for much cheaper!  Here’s all you need:

• Blank canvas in which-ever size you like.  Of course the bigger the canvas, the higher the cost of the total project.  Mine is about 20″ X 16″ and was on sale for $7.99.  Remember to shop the sales!
• Spray paint in any color you like, yep, spray paint.  It makes covering the canvas easy, quick, and provides a uniform coat.  I used Krylon, bought at Walmart for about $1.99.
• You do need a Cricut for this, or any die cut machine with lots of alpha options.  But a baby bug is just fine, you don’t need the larger expression.
• White Cardstock (or any other color you like)
• Mod Podge

Then you are all set to make your own in just a few simple steps!

1. Coat the canvas with spray paint… outside of course.  (and use ample drop cloths underneath… Alan has still not mentioned the maroon outline on the driveway… perhaps he has not noticed?…)  I used two coats, and let it dry at least overnight.
2. Pick your word!  Or use many.   If you wish to translate it to many languages go here to Google translate, type it in, and behold the gold mine of options.  (No I will never remember all of those on the canvas either, but it’s the effect that counts ).
3. Using your Cricut (or other die-cut machine), cut out your words on the white cardstock.  Use as many different fonts, styles, etc that you like.
4. Attach to the canvas with Mod Podge, using a detail paint brush if needed for the smaller letters.

That’s it!

This project did take me awhile to complete, but I came back to it a few words at a time so it wouldn’t become overwhelming.  And I really am happy with it and am thinking of a few in other colors to make a matching set.

Hope you’re having a great weekend and getting creative.  We are relaxing today before a long-awaited vacation full of gorgeous fall scenery, road-trip fun, and amazing theatre.  I can’t wait to share when we get back.

Thanks for stopping by today, and see you soon!

Just a quick post [...]]]> Hello there friends!  How’s the week treating you?  Well I hope, though the weather may be turning colder where you are too (to those of you to whom that means you’re pulling your jackets out because it’s down to 70 degrees… I expect an invitation and plane ticket in February…).

Just a quick post today to share that my latest review at Craft Critique is up, which includes a mish-mosh of projects and products I received from Sakura.  I had a great time playing with them, but I think this little guy is my favorite:

To create I used:

• A tin pail
• Sakura Permapaque Markers in black, red, and green. (received for the review)
• Sparkle Mod Podge
• Stickles
• Spare ribbon / string type stuff (it sparkled)
• Mini black boa (no I didn’t just have it lying around)
• Sparkle Black Felt
• Two Popsicle sticks (for the ears)

To make:

1. Draw the eyes and nose first with the red and green markers.  These come with a dual tip, fine on one end and chisel on the other, so they are easy to add detail with.
2. “Paint” the pail with the chisel end of the black Permapaque marker.  Mine took 2 coats (it dries quickly, so this took about 20 minutes in front of the TV)
3. Once dry, coat the pail with a layer of Sparkle Mod Podge (or glossy or matte if my cat is too “Vegas” for your taste).  Use this sticky glue opportunity to attach the whiskers.
4. Use the glitter and / or Stickles to add detail to the mouth and eyes if desired.
5. Attach the black boa to the top and the bottom of the pail using adhesive dots.  Michael’s has  mini black boa’s right now in their Halloween collection, I believe it was around $2.00.  
6. To make the ears, cut two triangles from a piece of felt, and attach them to the ends of two popsicle sticks.  When your pail is full of treats, stick the sticks right down in them to make the ears stand up.
7. Eat said treats so that the ears fall over, and you need to go buy more chocolate.

Thanks for stopping by today friends, and thank you so much for stopping by Craft Critique today too.  I had great success with some of their products and not so much with others, but can’t wait to continue to experiment and learn more.  I’d love to hear from you there!  

Have a great day!