GOTHIC ARCH CHALLENGE "Eggs"

Hummmm eggs??? Got to get my creative juices going for this one... lol... Gotta love Gothic Arches Challenge. They always seem to come up with a topic to stretch your creativity, and I love that.

I was able to try out my brand new die cut from Tim Holtz and used Picket Fence crackle paint to give it that aged look. The bird is also a part of the die cut and I watercolored this. The eggs are made out of large dew drops that were painted and then tinted with Pumice Stone Distressed Ink. The nest is made from some wonderful antique tinsel.

The background, I got a little literal and used egg shells and modge podged it to my arch. I really love the look.

And now to all the women out that they have made a difference in a childs life... "Happy Mothers Day"...

LOTS TO DO CHALLENGE "Alcohol Inks"

Over at "LOTS TO DO" the challenge this week was to use alcohol inks on a project.

Alcohol inks are probably one of my most favorite art medias to use. They are so versatile. I do alot of altering and use metal, acetate, etc. and ai's are just perfect for this. So of course they needed a special home to stay in. I purchased this inexpensive tin @ my local craft store and "inked" it up... I always get comments on this container. Hope you enjoyed :)

DRESS UP PROJECT...Jan, Feb, March & April

Still catching up on my "Dress Up Project 2010", I finished March and April dresses. I had already posted Jan & Feb dresses, but I will re-post them so all dresses are showing in the same post. Confused ??? yea, I know sorry....lol...
My March was in honor of St Patty's Day. The dress was simple with green polka dot chiffon and pocket, embellished with button used for broach
April's dress was a cute sun dress to welcome in spring time... . Little bloomers made from Websters lace ribbon, and butterfly's in flight were cut also from Websters paper.
Here is my January "New Years" dress which I discribed in an earlier post this week as well as February my Valentines dress...Check out "Dress Up Project 2010" for a fun monthly challenge. A little wimsy doesn't hurt anyone... :) Thnx for looking

GOTHIC ARCH CHALLENGE "Mini Arch on Tag"

This week in the "Gothic Arches Challenge" was to take your arch and add it to a tag. Here is my take on this challenge. . Taking time out of my busy schedule for creativity is a must for my sanity. Therefore my piece is called "Take Time to Create".

The arches were made on either side with my distinguished looking man popping up 3-d in the middle... A friend of mine said it looked like he was in a cuckoo clock which actually is good, means my theme was around "time". I have always loved clocks and so really enjoyed making this.

I base painted the foundation tag and arches with acrylic paint, then added "Mudd Puddles, a wonderful product that addes texture to your product. Very easy to use, like frosting a cake. The colors I used were Black Gold & Cookies and Cream. . Dripped alcohol ink "Stream" sporadically over the project for a pop of color. Added clocks of all sorts and beautiful colored fibers to finish off the tag. I really appreciate the different challenge blogs that are available out there on the internet. Sometimes you get a creative block and need inspiration. Gothic Arches blog is one of those that makes you want to "Take Time to Create"... thank you for looking....:)

Playing Dress Up

Something that helps my creative juices start to flow is a challenge and I saw this one earlier this year. Being the girly girl I am, and loving clothes I saw this challenge in January and knew it would be fun. I'm a little late in starting it due to my move and injury and well.... life. Dress Up 2010 is the challenge and you are to make a dress each month, you can also make a closet if you like and I liked (although I don't think it's going to be big enough ....lol surprise surprise ) So here are my first 2 entries as well as my closet ala trunk..

My January dress was of course a New Years dress coming equipped with a party hat. Dress made from black velvet paper and chiffon for sleeves and ruffle around the dress... Blinged it up a bit with gold and silver .

Febuary was a halter sweetheart dress in honor of Valentines Day. Bodice made from red felt with tutu made from red tule, added white ruffle and some little rhinestones because after all what is Valentines Day without diamonds. Now off to the trunk...

This was a fun project. Purchased a paper mache box @ Michaels Craft Store and decorated the inside of the box first. Added a little chain at the top for a hinge look. Punched holes in the sides of the box to add a dowl to hang the dresses. Ripped masking tape in pieces and applied all over the box to give it some texture. Used several different shades of brown acrylic paint with a little bit of black for depth and painted the entire outside of the box. I did a few coats (allowing drying time in between coats) until I got the color I was looking for. . Now to the fun part.... DETAILING.....I took a strong paper towel and rubbed across the paint to remove some to make it look like old worn out luggage. To give it some personality. Added little travel stamps and then modge podged the entire outside to give it a protective coating.

Alcohol inked grundge board hinges and key hole for the outside... Using, gold, copper and silver mixitives, they provide a antiquey (is that a word) look. Added leather belts to complete the trunk and waa laa...
... Now I just need to do my March and April dress and I will be caught up. On my blog I have listed some of my very favorite challenge blogs that I participate in. Check some of them out. They really do help you step out of your box and do something a little different. Allows you to try out new techniques that you can use in your scrapbooking or card making and helps get that inspiration going... Happy crafting :)

THE MAKING OF SOMETHING BIG

Hi bloggers... I know.... I've been gone for a bit, but for good reason. I recently moved and if you have ever moved before than you know how much work is involved. A pile to throw away, a pile to give away, a pile to storeaway, and a pile to keep and find a place for it. Well the move took a longer than I hoped for and in the midst of all that I had a little mis-hap with my foot, I fractured it.
So on goes the cast and a mild case of depression came over me....There are a few very important things in my life and that would be my family, home, independence and my art and crafts. Well whenever you move this is going to effect the family in just the adjusting to the new living conditions. Everyone was a good sport and we all got through that by the grace of God. The home, well, that is getting organized little by little, not at my pace of course...but like my sister keeps reminding me, "in God's time" (thank you Shawn for your encouragment). Due to my accident my independence has also been put to the test. Unable to drive, get up and just "do it"... everything is such an effort, and then getting past the whole feeling like you are imposing on people thing. I am still dealing with that. BUT

the one thing that has always helped in getting me through stressful times is being able to get my hands dirty with my scrapbooking, art or hobbies. And that pretty much came to a halt because of the inconvience of being injured and all. As you can see, boxes and boxes of "my beautiful mess" that needs to find a home so I can continue functioning in this world (hahaha). Well this week, my sister and I went out and purchased homes for all our beauties. New cabinets and containers, and little by little things WILL get put in their place and we can once again CREATE and then her and I both will be easier to live with...lol..

Stay tuned for big things to come from this garage.....can't wait for this journey :)

CHA SUPERSHOW proves to be "supershow"

This weekend was the first CHA supershow opened to the public. So Friday when the doors opened I hit the floor running @ the Anaheim Convention Center. So many great and fun make & takes, at unbelievable prices . What a fun opportunity to learn to use different media's and techniques. I dabbled in batiking (used melted wax to form my picture and then colored it in with watercolors) so much fun, did some decoupaging with a new product I had never tried before, Decopatch. The papers are imported from France, specifically for the art of decoupage and are simply beautiful. Sat for probably an hour or more and made a wonderful bangle bracelet with this very interesting artist that explained the entire history of henna tattoos, and then turned us on to this amazing product called Inka Gold which I am sure you will be seeing on some of my altered projects or layouts very soon. A new product that I had been wanting to get is Mudd Puddles, it is a product that is applied with a spatula and then when dried it actually looks like sand. Comes in tons of wonderful colors. Just something new to get my hands dirty ( I mean sandy) with. And well...... what would an Expo be without me buying some more paper. So the paper of my choice this weekend was G45 new lines of Le Romantique, On the Boardwalk, and The Proper Gentleman.... There isn't much you have to do with these papers, they are beautiful, timeless, and a piece of art in it's self. Can't wait to use them.

Miss you !!!

Well I know it's already Jan 7th and I haven't posted since the New Years. Started a new job this week and you probably know from my previous post, and well, it's kicking my butt... hahaha... no really... my butt cheeks hurt. UP & DOWN, UP & DOWN on the ladders all day long, walking from one side of the building to the other. Butttttttt I love it. Having so much fun working in a place that I enjoy shopping in so very much. All day long being given the freedom to just create "and getting paid for it". WOW could I ask for anything more. Going to keep this post short tonight as I have already taken Tylenol PM and the drugs are kicking in. Tomorrow I'm going to posts some pics of displays that I have finished in the store. Until then.... yawn, nighty night.

New Beginnings

For 35 years GTE/VERIZON has been my security blanket. Kept a roof over my head, food on the table & paid my doctor bills. I spent more time there than I did at home. Provided me my main source of friendships, was patient with this girl that had no college education but kept me as an employee anyways. Taught me just about everything I know right now about a computer. Through 35 years, I saw the company change in soooo many ways, as I did also. Thank you GTE/VERIZON for being there for me.

But it's a new day, a new year. God has asked me to take His hand and enter into a new chapter of my life. Extremley blessed to be given an opportunity to continue working those brain cells of mine. In this tough economy, when jobs are so scarce, the Lord opened this amazing door for me to semi-retire and enjoy the atmosphere of one of my most favorite places to spend $$$$.
"Tai Pan Trading". 2010 looks to be a very exciting year.

My sister and partner in crime, Shawn and I also have plans up our sleeves that have been a long time coming. You'll want to keep and eye out for what is happening with the "G" sisters.

I pray as another year has been granted to us.... Move forward, learn from the past, but don't live in it. Trust in God, life is precious.

Feliz Navidad... Flan recipe

Only 3 more days til Christmas... trying out some new recipes. Our family does the whole tamales, enchiladas, rice, beans, thingy for Christmas. Along with all the cookies, fudge and this year I thought I would make FLAN. Shout out to fellow scrapbooker Bonnie for this marvelous recipe, so very easy and delicious. I tried it out on my friends at work and it was hit.





Try it, you'll like it.....

3/4 cup sugar, place in pan on medium heat till sugar is melted...(do not stir). Sugar will turn a golden brown. Move the pan around to make sure all the sugar has melted, then QUICKLY pour into flan pan or 8x8 pan (which is what I used). Set aside.

1 cup whole milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 whole eggs
3 egg yokes
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond

Mix all these ingredients gently. Make sure your sugar mixture is cool, then pour your egg mixture ontop. Set the pan in another roasting pan and add hot water around the sides of your flan mixture. Bake in preheated oven 350 degrees for 1 hour or until firm.

When ready to serve, run a knife along the rim of the pan and invert the flan onto your serving dish and enjoy....
Feliz Navidad-Prospero Ano y Felicidad

Jingle all the way from our house to yours...

Mr & Mrs Claus were a bit tuckered out tonight for family photos, But they hung in there the best they could. What great sports they are. Wishing you a joyous Christmas season from our house to yours.

Have a Sweet Christmas

This weekend marks the beginning of my Christmas cookies and candy making for the holiday. I have been collecting for weeks different sprinkles and recipes. Always wanting to try something new, but usually going back to the old favorites. I did come across a new one though that I just think I'm going to have to try. I saw this on Elizabeth Hicks blog. It is white chocolate bark, with crushed peppermint sticks and oreo cookies. It looked real easy and fun to make. Here are her directions.

Peppermint Cookie Crunch Bark

1 lb. white chocolate melts
1/2 cup of peppermint crunch
1/2 cup of crushed oreos
Directions: Put white chocolate melts in a Pyrex dish and melt for 30 seconds and then mix. Continue to melt in 15 seconds increments until chocolate is smooth. Add crushed oreos and peppermint crunch and mix thoroughly. Lay out on waxed paper and spread out evenly to a 1/4 in thick layer. Let dry and harden for 45 minutes. Break up into pieces and eat till you get sick! It also tastes really yummy melted in some hot chocolate!

Thank you Liz for this really neat recipe... Gonna try it this weekend

SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL... STM CHALLENGE #112

This weeks challenge at Scrapping the Music was creating a layout for the song "Something Beautiful". The first chorus really spoke to me because recently my life took a new direction. After 30 years of marriage, I am starting over again. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to have a new beginning. G45 Communique paper seemed to fit also, as it's time for something beautiful. TFL...xoxo

Abundant Blessings

Got these pumpkins at Michaels Craft Store and wanted to do something a little different with them. Very simple... so many different things you could do with these. This is going on my Thanksgiving table this year. From our house to yours... Wishing you all "Abundant Blessings"

Family, Friends, Freedom

Thankful November 13th... Bloggers... please take a moment and enjoy this short video. We truly are a blessed nation. This is a beautiful tribute to Thanksgiving, and a reminder of what we have so much to be thankful for. Family, Friends, Freedom

Sweet Gifts

Thankful November 12...Bought some fabulous jams from an old retired friend... Boy she would love it if she knew that's what I referred to her as...lol... I should say lucky, old, retired, friend. Lucky as she is at home doing what she loves. Cooking, crafts, gardening... otherwise known as "The Good Life"... Every year I try to pick up some of her wonderful jams to give as Christmas presents, wrapped together with some french bread (that I happen to make with my bread maker). This makes for a simple but heartfelt gift. Remember this Christmas to try to keep it simple. It's not the price of the gift, but the love that is put into the gift giving that counts. And by the way... the best gift ever was the fact that Jesus was born, "We love because he loved us first. " P.S. Blanca... thank you for the yummies :)

Nov 11, Thankful... Thank you to all who have served and are now serving to protect our family, friends, and country. God Bless you !

Beautifully imperfect

Thankful... Nov 9th...I received this video on an email this morning, it was precious. What a wonderful reminder of the how perfect imperfection is in our life... Please turn off my volume at the bottom of my blog to enjoy this film.

Thankful on Nov 6th

I recently visited this wonderful art store in South Pasadena called Zinnia which is where these pictures came from. This quaint art store is packed full of doodads and knickknacks useful to mixed media artists and paper crafters .
When I walked in I truly got goose bumps. The colors, the textures, the oddities, all waiting to be painted, glued, made into something wonderfully creative. I am so thankful for the gift of creativity. It allows me to expand myself to places I normally might not go. It beckons the imperfection in myself. Some of my oops have become my most favorite things. A calmness takes over my spirit that I can't really explain. That creativity can be from painting, crafting, or even writing this blog. Creativity allows me to surrender myself, it's priceless. As a child, I could color for hours and it brought such joy to me. I still to this day try to keep that in mind, making sure that whatever I am doing it brings a smile to my face.... not the end product necessarily but the journey.
To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. Joseph Chilton Pearce

Thankful for my J.O.B.

Thankful on Nov 5th.....I am fortunate to not have 1 job but 2... there are soooo many people that are currently out of work. My first job I have worked at for 34 years and can't ask for a better company. Pays well, has good benefits, and not too much stress. Worked here before I was married, before I had a child, before many things in my life. Working for a large corporation, I've seen the company go through many changes. And one thing I have come to realize is that enjoy and appreciate TODAY.... In 6 months from now, I will be looking back on today and it will be considered "the good old days". My second job, if you want to call it that, is at my local scrapping store, and I am very fortunate to be able to work there. There I can be creative, there I can meet with other friends that enjoy the same hobby as I do. So today..... I am thankful for my jobs.