still here

Hi everyone!  I'm still here..........started work today on the new card series for 2016.  Information will be posted next week, if not earlier.

Have you heard about the "word for the year" plan?  Pick a word you want to focus on for the year.
It doesn't have to be monumental but something that will give you direction.  Well, I have been thinking about mine for the week.  I want it to be "DO" but I'm afraid it won't happen.  Isn't that funny?  I mean my word is suppose to give me a direction -  a focus -  and I'm already afraid of failure.........

Think of your word and don't be afraid.......

and now off my soapbox.  Our daughter was here for Christmas.  She wanted some unique to Tucson gifts for friends.  After shopping (and not finding too much that was affordable -  the turquoise is beautiful..)  I think we hit on something perfect.  Pictures soon.......

margie

Merry Christmas to All

thank you so much for visiting today and everyday.  See you after Christmas with new cards, ideas and fun!

margie

around the house

here are a few things from around our house........

what to do when your state doesn't have bottle/can returns

I used my Big Shot and a flower die, set eyelets, and used some fishing line to hang these on our fence.
When there is a breeze, they create a soft tinkling sound.
They will be staying up!

a few pieces of Christmases past

Dixboro General Store purchases

and a gift from the past

My final hand made gift will be a Make Along early next year.  Watch for it after Jan. 1.

Some pictures to grab your attention...........

 

I made this for a gift but I think I want one, too.  It was made using things I had.  It's a great feeling to use up pads of paper that have been patiently waiting for their turn.

We can make it together!

margie

paper information

Check out YourScrapbookSupply.com

they just received GR45 Children's Hour papers and the prices are very good.  This company is an online company that has warehouse sales a few times a year.  And, my Michigan friends, you'll be happy to know they are located in Ann Arbor.  You might want to join their mailing list.

I have ordered from them several times -  again great prices (don't forget to add the coupon promotion at the bottom of the newsletter- another 20% off), fast shipping, and very good customer service.
(would this count as shopping locally even if it is online?)

margie

great tags and free!

Free Holiday tags!
Go to the blog Just Something I Made and check them out.
I printed (and used) #7.  I swear some of these are my family!  Print them out on copy paper and glue them to cardstock-I used red and then cut them out with "photo edge" decorative scissors.

They would be very cute in a December Journal, too.

Enjoy!
margie

projects finished or almost finished.....

Christmas cards -  mailed

fun pair:  blog - thefeatherednest

can't forget the pets also from sewforhome (finished and mailed)

lost mittens also from thefeatherednest (not finished yet)

javelina gingerbread cookies!

the family's Christmas gift!

Can't show everything yet, but I will next week, after the packages arrive at their destination.  Today we decorate the house.

I have one or two more things to finish and then I start the next card series.  

Hope your day is a good one.  

margie

progress

rule #1 when making a "shirt apron":  always make sure you wash the shirt before beginning.  Don't assume the shirt is clean! 

rule #1  when using your iron on your kitchen counter:  always make sure to wash the counter top first.  Don't assume it is clean!

My apron turned out pretty darn cute!  It even has a ruffle on the bottom.  I may need to add a pocket.  I will know more after the shirt dries  (see rules above).

pictures coming!!

margie

productive day here!

inside card messages finished......
envelopes addresses  (there are over 20 letters in our new street!).......
outsides of cards glittered (and dried)..........
six mitten ornaments cut and stitched (tomorrow comes the embellishing).......
one snowman cut, sewed, stuffed and dressed..........
two pet snowmen cut, dressed and sewn up (stuffing comes tomorrow).........
one "courage/encourage" book for a dear friend started...........

it never got above 45 degrees.......the sun never came out........we need a day like this every once in a while, I guess!

Has anyone ever made an apron from a man's shirt?  That's on the agenda for tonight.........
margie

Get your supplies!!

It's here.  Time to get ready for the card tutorials happening next year.

supplies (so far!)

one 12 x 12 Graphic 45 Children's Hour Collection (not the calendar series)

one 6 x 6 Graphic 45 Children's Hour patterns and solids (something new and delightful for me!)

A2 white cards

And, because we will be using the 12 x 12 papers, you can also purchase individual sheets to make more if you want! The 6 x 6 pad has several sheets to use, so you are covered there, too.

I'm excited!!  Hope you will join me.  More information soon!

margie

greetings!

I'm still working on Christmas cards!  They should be finished this weekend so they can go in the mail next week.  They better in order to arrive at their destinations before the holiday!

I should also be getting the new GR45 papers for next year's card series.  As soon as I do, I will let you know what I will be using.  It will be similar to last year although I may throw in a few more things.  I am anxious to get started again!

I have a picture of our new Christmas tree

and a winter sunset from Tucson

back soon!

margie

go green

I have tried not to be too "MSU ish "  but after tonight I can't stop......
GO GREEN     GO WHITE!!!!!!!

back soon with more!
margie

what's been happening lately

not too much.  I have been playing with ideas for Christmas cards.  So far I have 6 just about complete and about 15 started.  I did send one out today.

 

A Card in a box!!  These are so much fun to make!  Stamps, dies, punches and some favorite papers I have been hoarding for years.  Time to put them to good use.

Several multi-dimensional cards that are very mail-able!  I used Prima's Victorian Christmas.

And a few more using techniques that have intrigued me for some time.  And, of course, a few of my favorite sizzix dies!

I leave you with pictures of some Thanksgiving "guests"!  Javelinas out and about on Thanksgiving evening.

They can be a little intimidating, especially in the dark.

margie

the snow made me ........

I heard there was a blizzard of sorts somewhere and it got me back to the craft table for some holiday fun.

proto-types in the making......

milk carton ornies with little scenes
3 dimensional stars

and this easel card!  and oh my gosh -  what fun is re-positional adhesive!!!  my first time using it.

now I have to take it apart, write down the measurements, distress the edges and put it all back together again.  Add some embellishments and it will be ready to mail.  Yes it is mailable, too!

Saturday we watched a few cyclists race through downtown Tucson, about 7000 to be exact!  The streets had lanes completely blocked off for their safety and police were everywhere, on motorcycles and bikes to help out.  It was quite a sight.

we stood at this monument and watched

and later we watched a game that had us jumping up and down again.  even bad santa got in the act.

have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

margie

go green!

Get Ready!!

Good news!
Graphic 45 has announced their new year-long series.  And you know what that means, right?
Time to get ready for 2016 card making.
Next year's monthly card tutorials will start as soon as I can get my hands on the papers.
Want to join me?  Get your papers, too.
I will be using the 12 x 12 paper pad, along with the 6 x 6 patterns and solids pad this year.  That will give me a few more options and paper for a few more projects.

In the meantime, I have three new card design tutorials ready for purchase.  These include step by step directions for cards and a fun mixed media project. Pictures and hints along the way, too.
You can even use your own favorite papers, however I will let you know, in the tutorial, what papers I am using so you can purchase them if you wish.  I also have limited sets of these papers for purchase, too.

The first set includes four cards and a fun calendar, perfect to start the new year!

The second set includes four cards and a paper bag book.

The third set also includes four cards and a wonderful Springtime banner (not your thing, then you can turn them into cards, too!)

Cost - $10 per tutorial
Paper kit - $5 plus shipping (four 12 x 12 double sided decorative papers and a few extra fun things!)

Leave a comment here or email me if you are interested or have any questions!
thanks!
margie

fun project time!

      

Check out the Prima site (ustream).  There is a cute project that takes about an hour from start to finish.
A crate!

It measures 5 inches long, 3 1/2 inches wide and about 3 1/2 inches deep -  large enough for cookies or another favorite treat.  It looks cute as a card holder, too.  Think Christmas!!  I added the removable tag. Right now it is ready for Thanksgiving but with the change of the tag, it will be ready for Christmas!
You can make 2 from one sheet of 12 x 12 cardstock.  Have some fun.  This is a great project when you want to make something but need a little inspiration.

And here are some teasers for my next card design tutorials.  They are all set to go, I just need to get moving and finish up their presentation.

  

 

Coming soon!!

thanks for stopping by.
margie

All Souls Procession

We read about it.  Googled it.  But still didn't believe it was going to be what it was.......

One huge gathering of people (estimated at over 100,000!).  The procession began in the 90's by a small group of artists and has grown each year.

The beginning......

And then they just kept coming.......

painted faces, costumes, signs of remembrance, the boxes in the back light up.  They show pictures of loved ones who are to be remembered.

this went on for over an hour.  People walking together through downtown Tucson.  some carrying signs, others photos, walking.........

We stood, amazed by it all.  The people, the costumes, the music, the crowd.

They continued down the road where a huge fire was lit to remember loved ones.  We put several names into the containers that were passed along the route.

We watched the procession, walked back to our car and were home in 10 minutes.

 Amazed.

enjoy your day.  thanks for stopping by.

margie

A Victorian Christmas: Cards and more

Hello there,

Happy November!

Tutorials are ready for A Victorian Christmas and there are a few options for you.
All cards and projects were completed using Prima's A4 paper pad, 3x4 journal cards and the wood embellishments.
The cards and mixed media Tree can also be done using the 12 x 12 sheets from Prima and some matching cardstock if the original papers and supplies are not available to you.
The Matchbox ornament needs a little adjusting (that will be given in the tutorial).
Other supplies include white cardstock, adhesives, glitter and a few more embellishments

Option Number 1:
tutorials for 4 Christmas cards - suitable for mailing - $8

Option Number 2:
tutorials for 4 dimensional Christmas cards - extra postage required but can be mailed - $10

Option Number 3:
tutorials for 3 dimensional projects - matchbox ornament, mixed media art, countdown journal - $10

   


Order Options 1, 2 and 3 together and your price will be $25.

Option Number 4:
Individual dimensional card kit:  directions, decorative papers, embellishments - $7

    

Merry Christmas Pop up Card

Noel Pull out Card

Christmas Easel Card


I hope you aren't confused!  If you have any questions or would like to make a purchase, email me or leave a comment here and I will get back to you asap!
Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for the 2016 plans.  They are in their final tweakings!
margie