rush's art and other curiosities

ribbon carousel

2012-01-28T10:40:00.000-05:00

the ribbon carousel is a relatively new product on the market. it helps with organizing ribbons. here it is:

get more information here: http://ribboncarousel.com/

note to selves

2012-01-28T08:29:00.000-05:00

give-away: http://writesnapscrap.blogspot.com/2012/01/little-yellow-bicycle-mini-album-and.html?showComment=1327757163409#c6092422132444342409 ends 2/3

happy new year!

2012-01-01T02:22:00.002-05:00

it's been fun!

this year, i hope to make something more than cards. lately, i have been thinking about playing with solder and microscope slides. time to clear the table of card-making supplies!

holiday tag

2011-12-08T04:30:00.001-05:00

i made this tag for entry into graphic 45 and paper crafts connection. it was difficult taking a picture today so an explanation is in order: notice at the top of the tag there are 3 ab snowflakes and along the right side is "season's greetings" stamped on vellum with staz-on olive.

the shabby tea room challenge: "winter picnic" - due 12/4

2011-11-29T20:36:00.001-05:00

the inspiration

the challenge calls to use cream, white, neutrals, silver and glitter.

the interpretation

crepe paper medallion, clear crystal bling, silver star studs, kraft "dream", music paper and trims.

the CLASSroom: color challenge - due 11/30

2011-11-28T12:19:00.000-05:00

this is the color swatch:

and here is my card:

moxi fab world challenge: pay it forward - due 12/12

2011-11-23T18:10:00.000-05:00

join the fun at: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/11/365-cards-week-pay-it-forward-challenge.html

moxi fab world challenge: hobbies - due 12/12

2011-11-23T18:07:00.000-05:00

i used a film strip stamp and some dimensional letter tiles.

play along at: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/11/365-cards-week-celebrating-hobbies.html

moxi fab world challenge: random fun - due 12/12

2011-11-21T23:36:00.000-05:00

join in the fun: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/11/365-cards-week-random-fun-challenge.html

moxi fab world challenge: hobbies - due 12/12

2011-11-21T23:33:00.000-05:00

play along: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/11/365-cards-week-celebrating-hobbies.html

moxi fab world challenge: national girlfriend's day - due 12/12

2011-11-21T15:28:00.002-05:00

the card is really off white. there is a cut-out where the medallion is part of the inside of the card, too. a paper flower is in the center. notice that "sweet friend" is on the bottom right. this paper is "butterfly collection" actually won on this blog!

play along: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/11/365-cards-week-celebrating.html

moxi fab world challenge: medallions - due 12/05

2011-11-21T15:17:00.000-05:00

join in the challenge: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/11/championing-award-medallions-challenge.html

moxi fab world challenge: national dog day - due 12/12

2011-11-21T15:12:00.001-05:00

need i say more?

join in the challenge: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/11/365-cards-week-celebrating.html

moxie fab world tuesday trigger due 10/30

2011-10-26T12:53:00.002-04:00

the inspiration

the interpretation

the square of this card is woven from paper that had been randomly sprayed with tattered angel mists. the leaves were punched from the same paper. this paper was originally a backdrop for another project and never intended for this one. i pulled it out of the trash! this card is sparkly, but i think that it has been lost in the scanning process.

play here: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/10/tuesday-trigger-autumn-woods.htmllay

i have been working on some cards!

2011-10-25T01:49:00.002-04:00

these first four cards show that using parts of webster's pages work well.

i used heartwarming vintage with crafty secrets image sheet elements on each card. the last one is particulary my favorite.

moxie fab world: tuesday trigger - delightfully random - due 10/2

2011-09-29T18:57:00.000-04:00

play along: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/09/tuesday-trigger-delightfully-random.html

the trigger

my take on the challenge: an atc

moxie fab world: tuesday trigger - delightfully random - due 10/2

2011-09-20T15:06:00.001-04:00

play along: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/09/tuesday-trigger-delightfully-random.html

my take on the challenge:

we are planning to move somewhere...

2011-07-10T23:27:00.001-04:00

so we are packing...

we don't know where we are going, but we know we are going.

my partner, katie, has been teaching at brunswick community college in supply, nc. she is fairly certain that she can return for the fall semester. she taught there spring semester and was off for the summer. while she was teaching, she was renting a room from some folks, and she doesn't want to do that again. she would rather we all be together...her, me, all of the cats and our stuffs.

on the other hand, she has sent out about 50 applications to other colleges and universities. she has had a few interviews, but no offers. there are a few more left to respond. she will continue to apply and hope for the best. if no offer is forth-coming, we will go to brunswick where katie can continue to teach and gain experience.

no matter what, we will be moving. katie may need to spend some time with her "foster family" again until we can find a suitable living arrangement. we will find a place as soon as possible and go...where ever.

Tuesday Trigger: Cosmopolitan Neopolitan due june 12th

2011-06-10T22:23:00.001-04:00

the interpretation three

playing at moxie fab world: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/06/tuesday-trigger-cosmopolitan-neopolitan.html

for interpretation number one and two, scroll down to the previous entries.

Tuesday Trigger: Cosmopolitan Neopolitan due june 12th

2011-06-10T04:06:00.006-04:00

the interpretation two

chocolate, vanilla and strawberry can be done in a larger print. i added the puff of vanilla in the form of a self-made taffeta flower.

playing at moxie fab world: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/06/tuesday-trigger-cosmopolitan-neopolitan.html

for interpretation number one, scroll down to the previous entry.

Tuesday Trigger: Cosmopolitan Neopolitan due june 12th

2011-06-08T00:05:00.004-04:00

the inspiration

the interpretation one

my inspiration was the color combination, the neopolitan being a treat (translated into a cup cake) and the lines of the ice cream.

playing at moxie fab world: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/06/tuesday-trigger-cosmopolitan-neopolitan.html

ally scraps: June SKETCH contest... with a twist. :)

2011-06-06T23:36:00.002-04:00

here is the sketch:

and here are the instructions:

make TWO cards. One using the sketch above as it is, a second one using the sketch mirror image, backwards or upside down... you decide. Finish your project and e-mail the image (less than 500 kb please) to us by Sunday, June 19th at midnight Eastern time.

to play, check out this link:

http://allyscrapsblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-sketch-contest-with-twist.html

interpretation one

(as it is)

interpretation two

(change it slightly)

The I'm sew excited! Challenge due 6/20

2011-06-03T21:35:00.001-04:00

join in the fun at moxie fab world: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/06/im-sew-excited-challenge.html

here's another:

these are atc's, and most of them suit the challenge.

The I'm sew excited! Challenge due 6/20

2011-06-03T21:29:00.000-04:00

join in the fun at moxie fab world: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/06/im-sew-excited-challenge.html

here's mine:

Tuesday Trigger: Classically Modern due sunday, june 5th

2011-05-31T23:58:00.002-04:00

playing with the people at moxi fab world

the inspiration

the interpretation

the flowers are colored with twinkling h2o's.

tuesday trigger: moxie fab due 5/17

2011-05-14T00:03:00.004-04:00

the inspiration

the interpretation

can't find it now...

i love the colors and stripes in the skirt. what i used here is american crafts "dear lizzy" collection.

pillow post

2011-05-04T23:29:00.000-04:00

i just finished a quilted pillow cover for a 16" pillow:

really reasonable ribbon flower tutorials

2011-05-02T09:03:00.002-04:00

more sewing to share

2011-05-01T01:16:00.000-04:00

this is a cell phone/mp3 player totes that measures about 4" by 5.25". when it is opened, there is a place for the electronic device and two other little pockets for identification, money, credit cards, etc. the handle measures about 34".

moxie fab world challenge: tissue paper magic due 5/9

2011-04-27T18:48:00.004-04:00

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/04/next-moxie-fab-world-challenge-tissue_21.html

i have also added this to the mother's day carnival on craft critique ( http://tinyurl.com/3q2swm9 ) join me and them for their give-away in celebration of mom!

Tuesday Trigger: A Polka Dotted Hullabaloo due 5/9

2011-04-27T15:39:00.002-04:00

the inspiration

the interpretation

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/04/tuesday-trigger-polka-dotted-hullabaloo.html

moxie fab world challenge: tissue paper magic due 5/9

2011-04-27T15:34:00.004-04:00

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/04/next-moxie-fab-world-challenge-tissue_21.html

more origami bags

2011-04-26T14:27:00.001-04:00

these are made from the same fabric collection.

challenges

2011-04-20T03:19:00.000-04:00

this is a second one for really reasonable ribbon: http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/2011/04/challenge-22-violets-lilacs-plums-oh-my.html due 4/29/11

challenges

2011-04-20T03:14:00.001-04:00

made for really reasonable ribbon: http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/2011/04/challenge-22-violets-lilacs-plums-oh-my.html due 4/29/11

more purses

2011-04-17T15:45:00.000-04:00

these purses range between about 6" to 9" across. the green one is the smallest. i have turned the flap up on some of them to show that there is a little storage space on the sides, and there is one on each side. there is a drawstring closure as well as a handle. these were a little complicated to sew, but they are well worth my effort.

the next bag is called an origami bag. it is about 9" or 10" wide. again, it is a little complicated, but the results were great. i am currently working on 4 more and will upload when i finish them.

did you know that i sew?

2011-04-14T22:10:00.004-04:00

i am on a purse kick right now...even though i would never carry a purse! these are my latest:

i lightened this flower so there is more detail.

my favorite (above)

i have made plenty of other purses, so i will have to dig them out and photograph them.

Tuesday Trigger: Porch Play due 4/17

2011-04-12T21:34:00.002-04:00

the inspiration

the interpretation

loved the red mirror, the color yellow and the flower. more info on this later.

350 Cards & Gifts Week: The Little Gifts Challenge due april 21 (continued)

2011-04-09T22:45:00.009-04:00

this is a box i haven't seen in awhile. i happened to have a template from long ago. this is the box.

and this is the gift inside. it is a book fob.

350 Cards & Gifts Week: The Food Wraps Challenge due april 21

2011-04-09T05:54:00.004-04:00

it's been a long time since i have seen one of these pyramid boxes show up.

while i was digging around the studio, i found a template i could follow, and this is what i made.

i filled the box with candy. i wish i had some jelly beans instead,

but the inside coordinates with the deep chocolate color.

this is it open wide.

this is a book fob that i had used to close the pyramid box. it is also a gift.

350 Cards & Gifts Week: The Little Gifts Challenge due april 21

2011-04-09T05:51:00.003-04:00

this is a paper mache gift box, where the box IS the gift.

or should i add a little something to the inside?

350 Cards & Gifts Week: The Gift Card Holder Challenge due 4/21/11

2011-04-06T17:07:00.001-04:00

this time, the challenge was to make a gift card holder. i wonder if we have to put something in it and give it away like the card set below. i'll have to ask. just kidding...i'm sure i can find someone who needs something. so, here it is:

moxie fab world is keeping me busy with these challenges and triggers. i am amazed that i am able to come up with so many ideas when i had been "dry" for months.

350 Cards & Gifts Week: The Card Sets Challenge due 4/21/11

2011-04-06T16:38:00.003-04:00

this challenge involves making a set of cards, something to hold them and give them away to someone special. come and play!!! http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/04/350-cards-gifts-week-card-sets.html

this includes 3 greeting cards, 3 gift tags and 2 gift insert cards (a little card/tag to put inside a gift box with a little note), and this is what i made:

this is a comment that i had left: i think i created a new hybrid - a cross between and tag and a card. it is like a tag in that it is smaller than a card and doesn't open, and like a card, because it can be slipped into a gift box or bag with a little room for writing a quick note. when giving a gift, we usually know who the recipient is, so the to-and-from isn't usually necessary.

moxie fab world: tuesday trigger due april 10; april 21

2011-04-05T22:19:00.006-04:00

the inspiration

my interpretation

i was drawn to the multitude of flower shapes. this is a wall hanging that can double as a card.

this could also apply to this challenge:

350 Cards & Gifts Week: The Home Decor Challenge

due 4/21

visit craft critique at this link to join the carnival fun:

http://www.craftcritique.com/2011/04/april-carnival-springeasterearth-day.html

moxie fab world: tuesday trigger due april 3

2011-04-02T18:16:00.002-04:00

(continuation of previous post of march 31st)

my interpretation 2

(the design is really orange vivid ink, which is very bright

and the bird is ultramarine vivid ink.)

the contrast between these two colors seems to make the blue bird hover over the page. cool effect!

moxie fab world: tuesday trigger due april 3

2011-03-31T00:14:00.007-04:00

the inspiration

my interpretation 1

(the design is really orange vivid ink, which is very bright

and the bird is ultramarine vivid ink.)

the contrast between these two colors seems to make the blue bird pop right off of the page. cool effect!

moxie fab world: tuesday trigger due march 6

2011-03-02T13:58:00.002-05:00

the inspiration

my interpretation

i didn't join in the challenge, but this was fun to do. i am on the way to making another book.

a beautiful song by rufus wainwright

2011-02-21T09:08:00.001-05:00

Watch Rufus Wainwright Perform the Leonard Cohen Classic 'Hallelujah'

box card and bow

2011-02-16T07:45:00.002-05:00

credit: karen http://tinyurl.com/4cruugy

worthy blogs

2011-02-15T07:05:00.002-05:00

these all belong to the same person:

http://marie-lostbirdstudio.blogspot.com/

http://mariesfreebies.blogspot.com/

http://www.picturetrail.com/Marie29

flowers, bows and ruching ribbon

2011-02-14T18:12:00.010-05:00

bow-making: http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/

doing it to death: card-making at it's finest...more cards for mom

2011-02-14T07:26:00.001-05:00

i have so much paper that i decided to use up the smaller collections that i have. this is the third set. see previous sets below this post. all i have left is small pieces of the plain paper which i will throw into my basic grey folder. this is "lemonade" collection, and i forgot to use the matching brads and buttons. i have some of the 12" x 12" papers, so i will use them with that.

valentine tag project

2011-02-14T00:08:00.002-05:00

to my love, katie

doing it to death: card-making at it's finest...more cards for mom

2011-02-11T05:55:00.002-05:00

can you find the one that is upside down this time?

it never fails. or maybe i wanted it that way...yeah...that's it.

i am using up paper from small collections that i have. with this set, i used everything but a few tiny schnibbles that weren't worth saving.

more cards for mom

2011-02-09T19:23:00.005-05:00

the one on the bottom right is upside down. gee whiz!

i think i am finally done with this paper. it was nice when i started, and now it is over. tomorrow, i will tackle another collection. this is why i usually buy only one of each papers i use. there have been rare occurrences when i buy more. for example, the **entire** (or what i found of it) collection of "dear lizzy", made by american crafts: paper, fabric paper and ribbons. there are so many different products that i don't think i will get bored. here is one to give you an idea:

Pleat Flipping 101 The Basics and ribbon wrinkling

2011-02-09T08:44:00.002-05:00

info on wrinkling ribbon:
http://triplethescraps.blogspot.com/2010/06/tuesdays-tip-my-test-colored-seam.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/tool-product-talk-f128/wrinkle-ribbon-t493470.html

http://triplethescraps.blogspot.com/2010/06/tuesdays-tip-my-test-colored-seam.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO5oW2vTnTY&playnext_from=TL&videos=tO36KYKgQOY

more cards for mom

2011-02-04T00:22:00.000-05:00

"loads of love": su!

2011-02-03T03:40:00.003-05:00

this is the first time i have played with this set.

coloring technique: i used my marvy markers. i colored onto plastic, then i used a blender pen to pick up the color and put it onto the water color paper. i could layer the color to vary it's intensity. this is the first time i have ever used this technique, and it won't be the last!

i have created this for the stamping with markers challenge in the moxie fab world. you can play too by following this link: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/02/stamp-it-techniques-week-stamping-with.html and upload your projects by midnight EST on Monday, March 14.

for more challenges, go to the moxie fab world website: http://www.moxiefabworld.com

moxie fab world challenge

2011-01-27T01:17:00.003-05:00

this is the card i made for the next in a series of challenges. this is a monochromatic pink project. i loved putting the little posie together. of course it is too fat to stick in an envelope! but, it is a card none-the-less. (for this purpose, please disregard the blue print on the inside of the card.)

join in on the fun. see the previous post for details.

moxie fab world challenge

2011-01-26T05:17:00.005-05:00

i am really behind as far as this chain of challenges goes. there are 6. this is the first. they are all due by 1/31/11. i don't think i will get them all done, but i need the practice. this idea came to me quickly, so i went with it.

anyone can join in the fun. just visit moxie fab world. for this one, go here: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/01/color-inspiration-for-card-makers-week_15.html for the other, look on the right side bar, and click on the color combination to go to that post for directions and some samples.

these are pretty self-explanatory...the top left is the front of the card. i added a band, because it wouldn't shut all of the way. next to it is the full inside. on the right side are some pockets, and the next picture shows what the inserts say. when the inserts are out, the next card shows the happy birthday. finally, this is a full view of the front and back without the band.

i used su! blue bayou (it looks more dull and gray here, even though i had roughed it up to show it is worn) and su! dsp's parisian breeze and paper notebook. among others, i used su! office accoutrements stamp set. for inks, i used su! blue bayou and vivid taupe. how do you like that round coffee stain on the front???!!! these colors are as similar as i could get to the required colors of that day. alas, they will just have to be close and not right-on.

so, hopfully, i will be able to go on to the next day's challenge, and the idea will come just as easy as this one.

2011-01-23T19:09:00.003-05:00

these cards go to my mom, as usual, although we do keep a few for our own purposes. here, i used stampin' up! elements. i stamped the fern and the flowers with a clear watermark ink. then, i poured on the clear embossing powder. after that cooled, i got out the twinkling h2o's and went to town with them. mostly, i used two tones to achieve a marbled effect. h2o's are watercolors, and like watercolors, it is sometimes necessary to let one layer dry before adding another. this is something i need to practice with - not only the technique, but the waiting. i cut the elements down to the embossed lines and adhered to the card front. some of the flowers are popped up once and some double to give different levels to the look. i particularly like the pink flowers and the ferns from the others. next time...

i know, joyce...time to clean the scanner bed...

sharing my mail...the good stuffs

2011-01-23T04:18:00.005-05:00

look at this bunch of goodies i got from the paper flea market (http://www.thepaperfleamarket.com/) this past friday. this store has plenty of one-of-a-kind items for art or whatever. check it out.

from the left, there are about 10 books of instructions for adding machines. in the middle, there are sheets of paper for bridge card games, a dime-saver book, a keyboard paper for a typewriter and an a & p sewing needle pack. on the right top are two sheets of trading stamps. below that is about 30 library catalogue cards, key punch cards and a bit of a dress pattern instructions that was used to wrap the library catalogue cards. it was tied in a bow. everything is in great shape. i got all of this for less than $20.00 including shipping. this was such a fun bunch of stuff that i just had to document the event! think of the library cards and the invitations i make for my mom's book club. every year, i need a new idea, and these will certainly come in handy. (see http://rush8888.blogspot.com/2010/10/book-club-invitations-for-my-mom.html)

i might as well tell you what else is in the picture. it's my studio. on the left is double metal file box for 3" x 5" cards, and next to that in another double file box for half-sheet card stock. i got these at the thrift store ages ago. the stuff on top of the small one is part of my collection of vintage and antique sewing notions, and behind that is a huge box full of paper scraps. i have to make some decisions about that. maybe i will force myself to do some thing with it when i don't have any ideas going through my head.

on the right-hand side is my industrial shelf unit that is 8' tall by 4' wide by 1' deep. i have three, and i have never regreted grabbing those at a thrift store. what you see there are jars and jars full of fun supplies for use in my art - wood, plastic, glass, metal and more. the second shelf down in the foreground is more vintage and antique sewing notions. i have no idea what is in that vintage canister right off hand. maybe i will take photos of my whole space when i get it clean and add more artbin cubes with drawers. more and different useful storage. i am not holding my breath, but it does sound fun to share my space with whomever wants to see it. i love seeing other people's spaces...not the kind with matching everything and everything put away, but a wonderful conglomeration of storage solutions. my favorite magazine right now if "how women create" by stampington(?). lovely publication...and expensive. i know that the storage cubes and bins will be effective, but by no means it is the kind of storage i really want. the house is just too small to spread out, so stacking with these is the only way to go for now. when we get a bigger place, the cubes will probably be delegated to the sewing and fabric space. who knows what will happen. we have so much stuff. my partner, katie, and i enjoy some of the same things, but then we have our separate interests. so much stuffs!

sharing my mail...the good stuffs

2011-01-23T03:36:00.001-05:00

how cool is this??? this little darling measures about 3" x 1 3/8". all of them are alike except for the numbers, of course. there is a perforation in the middle between the stub and the comsumer's receipt. i think there must be as least 50 pieces. i have two others that i received from an earlier date. they came from someone in a yahoo group to which i belong called "snagging stampers". this group passes scrapbooking, stamping, etc. supplies between each other using a point system. if this sounds interesting, search for it or contact me in the comments, which are moderated. anyway, wouldn't some of these look natty as a skirt for an art doll? but really, the possibilities are unlimited with this little gem.

discovering new blogs

2011-01-16T06:31:00.003-05:00

http://jtcardmaking.blogspot.com/

gray: the new black?

2011-01-16T01:17:00.001-05:00

i made this for the moxie fab challenge here: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/01/gray-is-new-black-challenge.html Upload your projects by midnight MDT on Monday, January 24.

in order: front, inside, inside with "rainbow" contents spilling out.

partridge and pear tree tags

2011-01-16T01:06:00.000-05:00

these are some tags that katie and i made.

HO! HO! HO!

2010-12-25T14:51:00.002-05:00

this is my wonderful christmas crap...uhhhh...craft. i will show you how to create your own.

to make this approximately 4.75" wreath you will need the following:

approximately 19 biodegradeable packing peanuts in a chunky "S" shape
human spit (this has not been tested using cat spit.)
1 kleenex-brand facial tissue measuring approximately 8" by 8.25", preferably clean

start with two biodegradeable packing peanuts. lick one and promptly adhere it to another, as seen above. the biodegradeable packing peanut will allow only one lick, so it had better be an accurate stick. you can't go back. lick and stick until all of the biodegradeable packing peanuts have been used. adhere the beginning to the ending biodegradeable packing peanut to form somewhat of a circle. once the wreath has dried, lick the front of the biodegradeable packing peanut wreath in the spot where the tissue will be placed and press tissue into that spot. the tissue could be formed into any shape - mine is just an example. use a length of white string or perle cotton as i have used in the example to make a hanger. hang over a small nail, brad, tack or hook.

in the memorable and scratchy voice of santa as played by john belushi on saturday night live, i bid thee a

HO! HO! HO!

more bridge cards for mom...

2010-12-21T05:39:00.004-05:00

katie and i made these cards.

the bottom right is upside down.

the bottom right is upside down, too. gee whiz! i guess this is what i get at this early morning hour.

sometimes plain is the only way to think (top right).

here is another bunch: http://rush8888.blogspot.com/2009/11/bridge-cards-for-my-mom.html

"thank you" card or hanger

2010-12-09T23:57:00.000-05:00

this is a "thank you" card/hanging that i have submitted to moxie fab world challenge. if you would like to take part, Upload your projects by midnight MDT on Monday, December 13. this is the link: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2010/12/card-creations-favorite-occasions-week_03.html

winter tags/ornaments

2010-12-08T04:13:00.000-05:00

separated for easy submission...

ten tags

2010-11-29T06:11:00.011-05:00

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these are mine, and the last one is my favorite.

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these are katie's, and the last one is my favorite.

more cards for mom...

2010-10-14T01:57:00.001-04:00

these look alot like spring...
i took out a bunch of su! stamp sets. i wanted to use chalk. here is what i came up with.

book club invitations for my mom

2010-10-12T06:56:00.022-04:00

every year i make invitations for my mother's book club. and, every year i have to figure out another theme.

i happened to see the banned book list in the aarp monthly magazine. i reworked it a little. i folded it in half, stuck it into the folder, and it peeks out nicely.

this measures a-2 size. the first picture shows the folder closed.

i put "reading list" on the file folder with the dymo label-maker. i had to staple it because the sticky on the label wasn't doing it's job - probably really old. hay...it adds to the cruddy look of the folder.

on the front is a blue post-it note that i cut down to fit the stamp, and the stamp is from stampin' up! i don't know the manufacturer of the other two: "rush" and "first class".

on the inside, i made a "memo", which is the actual invitation. the stamp on the left side is another one from stampin' up!

i used one of those fasteners (the kind used for doctors' or lawyers' notes). who knows where i picked those up...a thrift store probably. glad to use them here.

i sign my cards, so what better than to use a self-stamping "rush" stamp for the back. i added 10/10 for october, 2010.

"books give you wings" is stamped on the front of the envelope, and "to be read between the lines" is stamped on the back. (i don't remember the maker of these stamps.)

now, i have to make a book for my mom to give in the book exchange. maybe i will follow the same theme...or not. last year's is around here somewhere: "not the beginning...and never the end". you can see it here.

[cool... i learned how to link!]

notes on my mental state:

2010-10-04T04:34:00.002-04:00

bipolar sucks; depression sucks more.

cards for mom...

2010-10-04T03:40:00.014-04:00

happy birthday, mom!!!! oops! scratch that...

happy birthday, sister crystal!

when we went to columbus in august, friend joyce, who has a big shot and nestabilities, helped me to make these scalloped circles. i thought they turned out quite nicely. joyce had better watch out...i just might send her some paper!

i sent the card on the left to my mom for her birthday. my favorite is this blue one with the glittery gold thread and the dragonfly brad.

although the bottom two are a little plain, i thought they looked sweet with the purple bows.

i like to stamp over printed paper. it is unexpected!
i will have to do more of this.

i give up! i have messed with this for about 2 hours, and i still can't get it to look the way i want it to. the top two pictures should align at the top. that's what the "preview" screen shows. this screen is new and is a wysiwyg. ha!

lung transplant anniversary card for friend, sue

2010-10-04T03:17:00.002-04:00

our friend sue celebrated her lung transplant anniversary. yee haw, sue! we had lung-shaped cake, chicken livers and gizzards (the closest peggy could get to lungs!) and other kinds of snacks.

2010-07-18T12:55:00.001-04:00

Your secret from Jean-Sebastien Monzani on Vimeo.

the "-z" ending, and yard sale fuss...

2010-04-25T17:38:00.009-04:00

when new products come out, they seem to push out some of the old ones. for example, "fibers" were THE embellishment for cards. it has been replaced with rhinestone swirls and paper flowers. that's about the same time the "-s" turned into a "-z".

my fibers were not the ordinary, run-of-the-mill yarn-age. it was DIFFERENT... sparkly, soft, furry, unique, multi-stranded, etc. the closest i got to ordinary was "eyelash".

so, what to do with the "fiberz"... i suppose i can knit with them. after all, that is why they were invented, i guess. i would have to take up a new hobby, and i don't wanna. maybe i could just use them for what i had intended... to use on cards. i have to spin it in a new way, and i don't think my brain is up for that just yet. ideas: some people crochet flowers, use the wider stuff in place of ribbon...

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we are cleaning and clearing out! we had a flop of a yard sale yesterday. the threat of rain kept away our shoppers, i hope. also, we neglected to get the signs out earlier in the week. we weren't really into the sale itself. i was really into cleaning the house and ridding it of excess. i did fine with the set-up, but when it came to the sale...

the reason for the clean-out? we are having family and friends over for girlfriend-katie's graduation. yes... there will be a doctor (Ph.D) in the house!

katie and i are taking a few days to recover. our bodies are achy and bruised. then, back at it again. of course, the two rooms i left for last are not the ones that i like to clean. i should have done them first, but i know that there wasn't much to get rid of. the studio... stuff needs to be put away...getting rid of anything in there? forget it! and the combination computer, acquarium and studio spill-over... nothing much to get rid of there, but there is lots to clean up after listing on ebay for about a month. most of that went out to the yard sale.

well... it's off to a third round of contemplating my navel...

another worthy blog

2010-03-29T03:44:00.008-04:00

"frost it pink": http://frostitpink.com/blog/?p=655 this is another website that i will be following. not only do they have neat ideas and goodies, melissa phillips is there, too. i love her work, so anything she does, i want to see! so, check it out!

here's another: http://avintagechic.blogspot.com/ i was drawn to it for the blogs on the side bar.

i wish everyone had an option to follow by email. this is the only way for me. if it's in my face, i read it; if it isn't, chances are i won't go to my blog list, feeds, etc. i guess i had better add a way for folks to follow by email, huh? on my list of dumb-junk-i-gotta-do....

http://karolakraftuje.blogspot.com/

http://www.gadaboutmedia.com/ looks like a nice place to play...many different categories

cards - favorites

2010-03-24T13:15:00.003-04:00

this is the first time that i embossed an image over patterned card stock. i like the effect, and i will definately make more. the cards need so little extra embellishment. i like keeping it simple.

cool video!

2010-03-07T13:50:00.002-05:00

found here: http://papierenavonturen.blogspot.com/

beat it to death! card-making at it's finest

2010-03-04T02:30:00.003-05:00

february/march: more cards i made for my mom.

cards for my mom: january

2010-02-28T03:17:00.004-05:00

i have been busy doing other things, so here are cards from way back in january. i made them for my mom, and i haven't sent them yet.

the paper is cosmo cricket and stampin' up! the stamps are mostly from stampin' up!

update

2010-02-26T00:25:00.003-05:00

oooo...look what i did...added numbers to the top of my piece. my project has moved forward ... slightly. tomorrow, i am off to michael's for a clock hand or two. i also have a working title which i will reveal when this is complete. see this previous entry: http://rush8888.blogspot.com/2010/02/update.html

[how DO people embed a reference? something to put on my dumb-junk-i-gotta-do list.]

i won!

2010-02-26T00:02:00.004-05:00

a free book from craftside: http://craftside.typepad.com/craftside/ they introduce books (from http://www.quarrybooks.com/), provide a review and rate different craft products. now, i don't want you to go and sign up for their updates...that would mean that there is more competition for the freebies {wink}. it's a wonderful, entertaining and informative site.

i won this book some time ago from the folks at craftside and forgot to brag about it.

happy spring???

2010-02-25T23:59:00.004-05:00

katie found these growing out in the front yard a few days ago. how cruel mother nature is ... today, it was spitting snow. ok ... i will take what i can get ...

update

2010-02-19T20:13:00.005-05:00

yep...it has been a month...

i am a little further along.... see the 1/20/10 post: http://rush8888.blogspot.com/2010/01/it-isnt-like-im-sitting-here-twiddling.html

the picture on the left shows the elements i have collected up to this point. (i will still use the angel. it briefly hid itself on my table, but is home again with the rest.) since last time, i added the word "H O M E" using scrabble letters and attached them with self-made links of heavy copper wire, because this is what i had. next time i am at the home improvement store, i must get a lmedium guage. the tag is a piece of copper stamping that i purchased somewhere along the way. i cut out the heading from my old postal laws book and positioned it inside this tag and filled the recess with dimensional magic. this tag and the pocket watch dial are not yet adhered. i have a large watch hand coming, and i will try that out on top of the dial. perhaps that is the final element. so until next time, i will be thinking about this some more.

mojo monday challenge

2010-02-02T22:16:00.005-05:00

http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2010/02/mojo-monday-125-contest.html ends 020710

and

http://vervestamps.blogspot.com/2010/01/tags-tins-and-treats-day-1.html ends 021410 lots to see in the "parade"!

challenge: posh designs and gingersnap

2010-01-24T21:57:00.005-05:00

http://poshscrapbookstore.blogspot.com/2010/01/pdss-sketch-challenge-6.html

this has been "our" theme song for a long time. i found the image of the sheet music on the web somewhere. i added a bow tie and a garter .... romance....

also submitted to gingersnap: http://gingersnapcreations.blogspot.com/2010/02/gc41-chestnut-challenge-romance.html ends 2/28 the theme is "romance".

be my valentine?

2010-01-22T02:22:00.009-05:00

i jumped on the bandwagon and decided to try a valentine. the biggest problem was that the paper wasn't as heavy as i would have liked and needed for all the manipulation i did. the sentiment is a little crooked, but maybe no one will notice. i think i will try this again when i can figure out how to make this particular paper heavier. this is the paper i want to use. i will figure it out....

i entered this in the caardvark's "red heart challenge":
http://caardvarks.blogspot.com/2010/01/red-heart-challenge.html there are plenty of wonderful samples made by the design team.

it isn't like i'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs...

2010-01-20T23:41:00.009-05:00

UPDATE: still sitting there looking up at me: sunday, 2/14/10. i have to admit that i have been busy with other things, and i have run into this project a few times. i am still drawing a blank. after i get the studio cleaned and workable, i will pull this out again and make it sit with me until one of us decides what to do with it.

i have been thinking about and working on this project for about a week. some things come easy to me, like making cards for my mom; others become painfully difficult. i am a little envious of those who can visualize a finished piece by knowing what they want and where to find it. i can find stuffs, but i can't put it together in my mind. i feel inadequate. this happens alot, and it is irritating. i know i can't push the creative process.

the first element i made was the center "card". it was easy to decide on the papers to use for the top and the bottom layer. it was a little difficult to make that bow, but deciding on the ribbon was easy. using this machine stitch was a good choice, along with the thread color. then what??!!!

the card has been sitting here for 5 days.

four days ago, i cut out the backing form from heavy chipboard. i didn't want it to be square or rectangular this time. later the same day, i adhered the light turquoise and red paper to one side. it sat for a day.

the next day, i decided to put some kind of book page on the other side. so, i brought out my trusty, ancient postal worker's manual and found a page that i liked, and i adhered that.

two days ago, i found the angel form, painted it gold and toned it down with a wash. it sat for a day.

this afternoon, i pulled out a pocket watch dial and sat it on the layers.

the four pieces are just sitting there. i don't know where this piece is going, so i can't adhere anything permanently. so, it is just sitting there staring up at me. i can't figure out where this is going, so maybe i need to put it aside for now and make cards for my mom - mindless, quick, sense of accomplishment....

while this thing is sitting here, take a look at the two most recent pieces below (january 9th). they took the same journey as this one, so maybe it will be ok.

blog candy...i won!

2010-01-14T20:35:00.015-05:00

a big thank you to su! demonstrator rachel brumley! i won a su! gift certificate valued at $25! it took me a little while to choose, and here is what showed up at my door. ( http://www.stampingbyrachel.com/ )

the first picture is of the box..."tea party" dsp, a package of real red cardstock and 3 markers in the colors that i use most when making stampin' cards - so saffron, almost amethyst and certainly celery.

the picture on the right is a photo of the packing paper. it starts at one doorway and through the room. the other picture is the rest of the paper going through the second doorway and way across the living room. i think su! should get appropriately-sized boxes, but i would never have had the opportunity to see this:

spot's kittie nest.

off in a new direction...

2010-01-09T16:50:00.022-05:00

i finally figured out that our camera has a "macro" setting which allows me to focus in on specific elements. i always wondered how people did that! did i read the directions that came with the camera? nooooooo.... i'm good now...

onto the project...for some time, i have admired the creativity of melissa phillips (of LilyBean's Paperie: http://lilybeanpaperie.typepad.com/lilybeans_paperie/). she has inspired me to experiment, so i have! this has been such a fun project that i decided to make a second. i can see making more, and the ideas are flowing. this project is pretty self-explanatory.

about the flowers: red and green tissue paper and "dimensional magic". sticky fingers!

beat it to death! card-making at it's finest

2009-12-31T17:12:00.002-05:00

stampin' up's tea party dsp:

beat it to death! card-making at it's finest

2009-12-31T16:19:00.006-05:00

my girlfriend, katie, has joined in!

do it to death: card-making at it's finest

2009-12-21T06:40:00.008-05:00

i made this gift card holder for my daughter, jawnna, and her husband, jerry, and my 7 grandchildren. $100!

i got these free gift cards from "my points". ask me how!

then, i decided to do it to death and made 8 more using the same paper and theme.

paper: cosmo cricket: mr. campy (plus a few plain others)
rubber stamps: "are we there yet?" by inkadinkado (k and company)
alphabet "GO" - magnetic stamps by pixie press
alphabet "get lost" by g studio (clear stamps)
compass - rubber stampede
small and large brads
bit of string
torn map
twill tape

more cards...

2009-12-01T23:37:00.009-05:00

the top one is one i made for my mom's and step-father's anniversary. usually, they come down to see us on the way to hilton head, but not this year. i miss them.

this card was made for my friend, ken, who used to be our neighbor when we lived in columbus, ohio.

bridge cards for my mom

2009-11-28T05:48:00.011-05:00

my mom usually gets what she wants! she is an avid bridge-player who plays with other avid bridge-players, so this kind of card will come in handy.

this was a joint effort. my girlfriend, katie, and i may have run out of ideas...but, we will find more later, i'll bet!

talk about a "play" on words!!! gag!!!

my new book

2009-11-28T04:38:00.021-05:00

now, THIS is more my style....

although it is for my mom, she will be trading it with her book club group members. my mom doesn't especially appreciate this style, but i insisted on doing in MY way this time.

the trade works like this:
a number is chosen for the first person to start. that person chooses a book from under the tree. then, the next number is chosen for the second person. this person either chooses a book from under the tree or takes the book from the first person. when everyone has a book, the first person either keeps or trades the book.

for the last two years, one person has received both books. i wonder what will happen this time.

here is what was keeping me so busy....

2009-10-26T01:58:00.003-04:00

making birthday cards for my mom!!! (with help from my assistant/girlfriend, katie!)