A Studio in My Basement

Something simple

2018-02-09T13:24:00.000-06:00

I was thinking today about how often I tend to overcomplicate things and miss opportunities to create something simple and fun. You know, I always want to be an "artiste." Most of my cards and little books that I've posted on my blog have not been so much artistic--more clean and simple. But when I give them as gifts, no one seems to mind that so much. The more artistic things that I've recently posted here have been from years past, and I admit, it's fun to take the stamped elements and create a real work of art when I have the luxury of time (ha.) But it's also fun just to make a simple, thoughtful handcrafted gift, without agonizing so much about the art of it all. That's the beauty of stamping. Here's something I made a while back that is in the "clean and simple" category, and makes a really sweet gift. It's a little brag book (or journal, or whatever.) All it is, really, is a bunch of 8 1/2 x 11 pieces of white cardstock that I cut in half to make 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 pages. I made a little corrugated edge for this one, but you don't have to really. I just stamped a cover in bright ink colors (I heat embossed the red car in the center. Love the glossy raised look to heat embossing. I try to do it in a well ventilated area though, now that I'm more savvy to the toxic aspects of it.) I hand lettered the name (but if you don't know calligraphy, just stamp it with some little alphabet stamps), or use a marker and some cute hand lettering.) Punch a couple of holes in the sides of the cover pieces, add some pages (stamp or decorate those however you like.) Then tie it up with some twine, ribbon, or binder rings. Moms and grandmas love them. Cute baby shower gift too.

Ahhh

2009-07-09T09:17:00.017-05:00

I'm still mourning our return from the beach (would have stayed there forever if I could.) Here's one of my favorite shots from the week. It was taken with my little point and shoot (as were many photos of the trip), so the quality is not so great, but the light was so beautiful, and this photo makes me happy just to look at it. Hope you enjoy it too.

I'm sorry...

2009-07-06T16:58:00.008-05:00

I've been away for a few days. I've been here...

That's the view from our balcony during our vacation last week on the gulf coast of Alabama (Orange Beach/Gulf Shores.) Not too hard to take at all! It was absolutely wonderful. My question is, with places as beautiful as this, why do I live so far away from them??? Anyway, I haven't worked on any projects (other than relaxing!), so I thought I would show you a picture of another project that I did several years ago--a collage card. I chalked a background and stamped on it, then tore it and inked the edges. The pressed flower is a real one, and the photo (copy of the photo actually) is a really old one of my grandmother (who passed away in 1985 at the age of 92. She attended the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, and I wish I had asked her more about that when I had the chance.) I have a bunch of stamps, little charms, doilies, etc. in drawers for this type of project, so I am going to make some more of these collage cards. In my earlier stamping days, I would always make my own backgrounds (instead of relying on printed papers. Lately I've been getting back to that old school stamping style and enjoying it. Plus, I have all of these products sitting idle in my "studio" basement that are begging to be used.) This card actually won a contest (sponsored by Buffalo Stampede, a stamp company that I think no longer exists.) They had some gorgeous unmounted stamps. (Yes, back then I had time for things like entering contests.)

Finally, here's a fun photo from vacation that cracks me up---my two comedians. Hope it makes you smile. (And are you all remembering my challenge to stop and smell the flowers? That's kind of what I was doing last week (although instead of flowers, it was sea air!)

Wishing you...

2009-06-23T14:26:00.007-05:00

Here's a card that can have just about any greeting inside. Today, the inside of this card would read, "Wishing you a day inside with air conditioning." It's 99 degrees here today. (And, I am INSIDE.) You can put just about any greeting inside though. It's a simple card--I just dry embossed the background with an embossing folder and chalked over the design (I used a Q-tip!) I punched a scalloped oval, stamped the Wishing you... on it, and attached it with a foam dot so it sits up a bit. (I inked the little scallops a little first.) Added a few little blingy gems and adhered it all to a pink card. Really simple, but nice I think. (This isn't the best photo, but you can still click it to see the detail if you like.)

Now, here's a shot of my little niece, taken at her "dance party" birthday last Saturday. Isn't she precious? (I officially have the most adorable nieces of all time--several of them.) She even had her own outdoor dance floor, with balloons galore. Her name for the day was "DJ Cozy." Thanks for the great day Cozy!

A Challenge--Make a photo card

2009-06-19T09:37:00.006-05:00

Well, a couple of challenges actually. See this sweet, adorable cat? (I'm just a tiny bit biased--she's mine.) She's taking time to smell the flowers. LET'S ALL DO THAT MORE OFTEN. Now, another challenge to myself this week is to create a card using this photo. I have been wanting to incorporate photos into my papercrafts for some time, apart from the obvious scrapbook layouts and mini books. Maybe stamp a border around the edges of the photo. (I hear Stazon ink works for this.) Or stamp the greeting directly onto it. Or maybe just layer it with some pretty papers. For this particular card, I will find some cardstock in my stash that coordinates with the colors in the photo (just as I would do for a scrapbook layout) and try to get inspired. My challenge to you is to find (or take) a photo that you love and create a card with it. Then send it to someone to bless you both!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T07:57:00.008-06:00

I hope you are all enjoying the season and staying peaceful and calm throughout all of the

hustle and bustle! I spent yesterday evening making some gifts and cards, but don't have photos of them to post YET. I'm going to get some photos of them today to show you. Here, though, are some photos to make you smile. My niece and nephew--I had so much fun photographing them under their tree last Saturday. (Note the candy bribes in their hands!) Aren't they sweet?

Enjoy the "little things" this Christmas season! I am! And I'm soaking up the biggest gift of all--God's amazing love for me and all of us. Wow, do I LOVE Christmas!

What a week....

2008-08-22T09:50:00.012-05:00

Phew, that's all I can say. What a week last week was. Both kids starting new schools---one high school freshman, one homeschooling high school senior/dually enrolled college student. Talk about stress. But you know what--- I'm so proud of my two teens. They are such wonderful people. I've been doing a lot of reflecting this week, especially today. Looking back, my childhood and school years were pretty smooth overall. Healthy, good student, had good friends. Life was easier then, I know (I am OLD, and things were simpler then--although it may not have felt that way at the time! Teen years are never really EASY.) But, relatively speaking, I never realized until recently, how pretty smooth things actually went for me. Maybe that wasn't such a good thing... "WHAT???" you say! I'll explain. Both of my kids have had serious, life altering illnesses within the past few years. They've started schools, left schools, homeschooled. They've not had the stamina to do the things most kids find pretty routine. All the while, they were looking fairly healthy, so that not even their friends or our extended family could truly understand what they were going through. There have been many other changes that have affected their lives over the last few years. But all of these trials and events have worked in their lives to impact their thoughts about faith, friendships, and life in general. They both realize the treasure of friendship, much more than I did at their ages. They appreciate the days they feel healthy and strong much more than I ever did. They realize how special people are---way more special than things could ever be. They are seeing how having experienced these trials in their life may help them help someone else in the future. And they have verbalized these thoughts to me. Their character and wisdom are way beyond what mine were at their ages. I'm NOT saying I'm glad they have suffered (naturally, I wish they had not had such a bumpy path!) While I have gotten teary more than once today at the difficult adjustments in their lives and at what a blur the last few years have been, I'm also embracing the changes, and thanking God for these two beautiful blessings He gave me to love and who have taught me so much. So on a much lighter note (!) here is another page addition to my Christmas scrapbook--my two teens at Christmas 14 years ago. I'm plugging away at this little book. I want to put it out on the coffee table at holiday time. (You can click the photo to make it bigger. Sorry it's not the greatest photo!)

Have you noticed....

2008-08-06T19:08:00.006-05:00

I seem to repeat projects? What can I say, when I like a project, I make variations. Here's another gratitude journal I made by altering a composition book. (There's another one a few posts back. The composition

books are cheap right now, so grab a few. Have a copy store cut them in half. Hey, make several--everyone can use a gratitude journal.) I used the same paper for my little wedding scrapbook (that I finally made after almost 20 YEARS of marriage.) I've been thinking, these would make nice little travel journals too. Now I just need to TRAVEL. I think it's time to plan a trip (but that's a topic for another day.) Hopefully I can manage at least a trip to the pool within the next week! Summer is ending WAY too fast.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-09T18:55:00.009-05:00

I apologize for not posting for a bit. As Mother's Day is this Sunday, I want to send a Happy Mother's Day greeting to all of you moms and remember and honor my sweet mom here too. We lost Mom 6 years ago, but the memory of the special person she was will always be with us. My mom was one of those people who touched people's hearts, even when she didn't know them well. She was a truly selfless person, full of love for everyone, always looking beyond any negativity in a person, to see the good in them. And she would be upset with me if I didn't give God the glory for that! She was full of faith and love, and I was fortunate to have a mom like her! (This is a photo of my mom with me on my wedding day, almost 20 years ago!)

The card is one of the first cards I made for my mom, years ago, when I had just started making cards. Neither the technique, nor the design are fantastic, but as you can see from this picture, she loved it (and the thought behind it) enough to frame it in a vintage frame and display it proudly. So, if you have a little bit of time, make your mom a pretty card. It won't matter if the design is simple or the craftmanship is not perfect--your mom will love and cherish it and the love inside it.

Journal it....

2008-04-15T08:49:00.006-05:00

I have always loved to journal. Every now and then I pull out a little journal I kept when my kids were small, and I think our whole family gets almost more enjoyment from that than from looking at photos. Hearing the funny things they said or the conversations that were held between them as tiny siblings never fails to make us laugh. It always brings back, vividly, a moment in time. (Young parents, take note!! Write those things down!) Somehow I have gotten away from it, but I have a new resolve to put my thoughts to paper--especially my gratitude. "Count your blessings" ---I am constantly saying that to my kids---it's time I did it more often myself. I have even been thanking God for the trials in my life, because of the good things they have done for my faith. To make this little altered book, I had a composition notebook cut in half at our copy center down the street. (When "back to school" time is here, stock up on these notebooks, to make gifts.) I covered it with some heavy paper (cardstock weight actually) from TAC. Then I embellished it with ribbon, punches, stamping..... Have fun with it!

Flip Flop Book

2008-04-09T20:21:00.025-05:00

Yes, this is a real pair of flip flops! (Little girl size!) I made this little accordian book for a friend's daughter. (There is an even cuter one, made with felt flip flops, up at the TAC website (a blog called "savvy projects for people on the go") , made by TAC's founder and CEO, Mischelle Smith. Hers will hold more photos and is much less bulky than mine! You can see hers here http://tinyurl.com/6gz3lw (There are some other fun projects there also.) We both used the same paper collection for our books. It really lends itself to summery projects like these. (It's called Tutti Frutti and is a heavyweight 12x12 paper.) (As always, you can click on these photos to make them bigger.) Now I'm looking all around, trying to decide what else I can make a little book out of!

Happy Wednesday!

2008-04-02T07:46:00.020-05:00

Here's a little flower to brighten your day! My sweet niece---I love how her little curls pop out from the headband! No matter what is going on in life, I just have to smile at sweet pictures like this. (Those of you who know me well, know that I am a little bit photography obsessed.) I'm sure she is seeing spots from all of the flashes. (And, no, I didn't plan for her binky to match her headband!)

Now here's a card I made for another sweet niece, who is in college. I haven't had tons of time for complex designs, but I like the simplicity and colors of this card and the bling! Click the picture to see the details.(Hang in there, Natalie! We're proud of you!)

God's goodness...

2008-02-22T08:24:00.001-06:00

Here's a card I made for a recent swap. (Thank you for hosting it Brenda!) I especially love the wording on the front. I had fun sponging with an oval template that I made with my Coluzzle . I was reminded of this technique recently when I was visiting another blog---(blogger, please remind me who you are, so I can give you credit!), and it is a technique I used in my earlier stamping days. I've been enjoying some of those earlier techniques (I am even thinking about making some "shaving cream paper" again!) Whaaaat? Ok, some of you know what I am talking about. Fun and soothing to the frazzled soul! But the wording on this card is even more soothing! Click the picture for a larger view.

Fold and Stamp!

2008-02-17T14:43:00.001-06:00

Well, if you all are as busy as I have been lately, you will appreciate this simple but pretty card. (I have been a bad, absent blogger! ) (I plan to set time aside this week to do more of these---maybe a few "thinking of you" cards.) It really doesn't take long to make a little card that will bless someone!

Speaking of being blessed, here's a photo of the beautiful flowers my sweet hubby brought me on my birthday (nine days ago!) I have enjoyed them so much, and now so can you.

Christmas Album Page

2008-01-06T11:50:00.006-06:00

Well, the Christmas season is officially over, but I'm having so much fun working on the little Christmas album I started months ago, using pictures from Christmases past. Oh, memories!! (That's what scrapbooking is all about, right?) (It's an 8x8 Linen album from The Angel Company.) Here's a VERY simple page. I just wove a few strips of the paper to make a simple border. (I love simple---I want the focus to be on the photo--plus I don't have time for elaborate.) I hand lettered the name, but it could have been even more easily done with the alphabet stickers that come with the paper collection. Try this border idea!

Thankful...

2007-11-23T11:42:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I had a beautiful day with family (happy birthday Natalie and thank you, Peggy, for the incredible food!) and so much fun playing with our 5 month old niece, Cossette. I think I am more thankful this year than I have ever been, and I am appreciating all of the blessings in my life more than ever before. Our tradition for today is to put up the Christmas tree and decorations--- one of the most fun days of the year.

I made the pink card, above, for Cossette's dedication day (but she just received it yesterday!) I used the Blessed With stamp set from The Angel Company and some little faux jewels I picked up in the scrapbooking department of a local store. They are so nice for "bling" on all of my "girly" projects.

The little "faux keychain" above was for my beautiful niece in college, Natalie. (I called it this because I I don't think it would actually hold up well in a purse! More suitable to hang in her room!) Yes, this is a chipboard coaster again! I'm using these for everything I make lately. I used the soon to be retired stamp set, You-nique (I have used this constantly) and the versatile Tag Tidbits set, which seems to have a saying for every occasion there is. I punched a hole with the Crop-a-dile and placed the keyring through it. I also used circle punches to frame out the saying. And, of course, some faux rhinestone bling!

Well, I'm off to decorate!

Please leave a comment so I know you were here!

Tumbled Tile Coaster

2007-11-06T09:22:00.001-06:00

This is a very simple project that makes a much appreciated gift. (I made a set of these to give as a hostess gift to my sister on Thanksgiving. Shhh) Take a tumbled tile (very inexpensive at Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) and stamp with Stazon ink. (After stamping, many people recommend that you heat set the ink by placing the coaster in a 350 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes.) I used colored Stazon ink, but you could use black Stazon, and then color in the image with a permanent marker such as a Sharpie or Fabrico. Heat set again in the oven, as above, after coloring. I like the simplicity of just the colored Stazon for these leaves. This is the Luscious Leaves set, from The Angel Company, which is being retired and is available until Dec. 28. Add some felt or a cork coaster to the bottom of the tile to finish it off. (Tie a set of these up with some pretty ribbon, and it makes a very nice gift.)

Businge has a Sponsor!!

2007-10-26T15:08:00.000-05:00

Just had to post the good news!! Someone has decided to sponsor Businge! Thank you so very much!! Thanks also to those who prayed! I can't begin to say how happy I am that I don't have to send that packet back to Compassion without a sponsor for Businge! Yea! (Those of you who are still considering sponsorship--visit www.compassion.com . Many kids still need sponsors!)

Coaster calendar magnet

2007-10-15T21:10:00.001-05:00

Here's a really quick project! I covered a 4x4 chipboard coaster with a piece of heavy paper stock (cardstock weight), stamped a verse with Burnt Sienna Palette Ink, added a calendar, some ribbon for embellishment, and a magnet on the back. Voila! A pretty magnet that took very little time. Can you tell I am really enjoying making projects with these little coasters?

Will You Sponsor Businge?

2007-10-15T20:34:00.001-05:00

This is Businge, who lives in Uganda. As a sponsor with Compassion International, (a WONDERFUL Christian child sponsorship organization), I have volunteered to help find Businge a sponsor by October 26. Will you be able to help him? I personally know the blessings that come with sponsoring a child and would love to tell you more about it. It is a blessing and a joy that I can't even describe. Children receive Christian training, schooling to help them break the poverty cycle, food and supplemental nutrition, and a wonderful sponsor (you?) who will write to them, care about and pray for them. I would love to tell you about some of the incredible letters I have received through our sponsorship. I do NOT want to send his packet back without a sponsor (which I will have to do by Oct.26 if I don't find him one.) He is waiting and hoping. Sponsorship is just $32.00 a month, and they do SO much with this small amount. Please consider it. Email me if you would like more info, and please pray for Businge! Thanks!!

Started my Christmas scrapbook

2007-08-27T09:52:00.000-05:00

I finally started this little 8x8 Christmas scrapbook Friday evening. (Thanks Peggy, Marilee,Celia, Julia, and Sarah for joining me for a fun evening!) I used the Merry Wishes paper collection from The Angel Company. (It's 12x12 cardstock that I cut up into strips, rectangles, etc. so it really stretches.)The letter stickers come with the paper, so this page came together in a few minutes, and everything coordinates. I like using an 8x8 scrapbook for a theme book like this---I'm planning on two page spreads for each year--a page with one or two special photos, and a page for journaling some special things about that season. Starting this now, I should have it ready to set out for the holidays. Stay tuned for more pages....

Too cute not to post....

2007-08-23T12:25:00.000-05:00

I saw this cutie online today, and hope to brighten your day the way he brightened mine. I'm preparing for my Stamp and Scrap night tomorrow night, and I haven't put any projects here in the last few days. So enjoy this little one, and I'll be posting some projects in a couple of days!

I'm Blogging!

2007-08-12T15:56:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm finally blogging! So glad to be here too, after many false starts and ups and downs (son in background snickering at low tech mom.) Persistent I am. I'm having a good organizing weekend, getting my "papercraft studio" (my space in the basement!) in order. Here's a little chipboard coaster book I created for my niece who just turned one. I love the bright colors of the Bella Flor papers and how easy it was to personalize the cover (the alphabet stickers come with the paper.) Now I'm thinking.....I need to make a "boy" book for my nephew who just turned 3---maybe an alphabet book that he can play with (I will definitely have to Mod Podge (seal and protect) the pages!)