Hello Friends

Hi All! It has been so long since I have posted anything on here, that I almost forgot about it. Since my Masters Program is keeping me very busy, I have not had the time to do very little crafting. Especially card making! I have been using up the cards I had made last year and the year before.....and, on occasion, buying cards....gasp! Oh well.

I am loving this program that I am in......when I graduate next December, I will have a Masters in Education with an emphasis in Historical Interpretation. What that means is that I will be able to educate the public about historic sites and people, natural areas, etc. My love is flowers and gardening so, I am hoping to be able to work somewhere historical that has a garden. We shall see.

In my spare time, I am learing to sew period dresses and bonnets. This photo was taken this summer at Wilson's Creek Battelfield just outside of Springfield, Missouri. Yes, that is me in a sheer dress with a silk parasol from the early 1850's.

Thanks for taking the time to look. I think often of the friends I have left behind with crafting but, don't worry, I will be back!

Cindy

Where Am I?

Well, I have not forgotten you friends, really! I working on my Masters in Education and I have no time to do much else than research, write papers and study. I will hopefully be able to have some time this summer for crafting again.

In the meantime, take good care of you!
Cindy

Unfinished Board Book Dilemma

Okay.....can you believe it, I am actually posting on my Blog???? I can't go into any details right now about what I have been doing but, I will later.

For now I need your help. I am trying to figure out how to finish these board books as quickly as possible.

Hubby and I have 9 total nieces and nephews. Now, not all of them are recieving these books at this time. Only 4 are. The other 5 we are either Godparents or are just being nice to one family because of their financial circumstances.

The 4 we are going to give these books to are 11-15. One child is musically inclined, one is highly artistic, one is incredibly talented in sports and one is into the theater (the only boy of this group). So, my question is this....can I get away with just decorating the front, a few ribbons on the ring, some journaling tags and either some photo corners and/or double sided tape? I had thought to just put "My Favorite Photos" or "Photos I Love" on the front.

We do not usually give to these children because they are not our Godchildren.....that is the rules of the family I married into. But, this year we feel a bit more generous and I was crafty earlier in the year.

I appreciate your comments as always!

Cindy

Dad's Artwork

Good Morning Friends! I promised to show you the painting Dad did for me quite a few years back. He took this from a little print that I had hanging in my first house in my previous life (meaning, married before). I always loved the floral still life with the huge variety of flowers.

Dad, not being a flower painter, took each flower and created it on watercolor paper, then cut it out and applied it to the already painted vase and scarf. Then he applied a fine rice paper, crinkling it ever so slightly. This photo does not do it justice. The print itself is 25 x 19 and hangs in my living room; it is one of the first things you see when you walk into our house.

When he gave this to me about 3 years ago, he also gave me all the drawings of the flowers and leaves. My Dad was extremely talented, had great creativity and good eye for color and proportion. I like to think that is where I get my talent from......I was so blessed to have him as my father!

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!!

Cindy

Valentine's Day at the Zoo and Hope Cards

Good Morning Friends! Yes, it has been a week since I last chatted with you. I have been busy, of course, working on my studies (first exam tomorrow), working on taxes, taking care of Clark's issues, always (big care plan meeting on Friday) and working on cleaning up my desk. Which means the parts and pieces of stamped cards that I never finished.

Oh, you know you borrowed a set and stamped off a bunch of images but, just ran out of time or lost interest in that project. Well, that is me (raising my hand) on both accounts. I have so many projects that I want to do or have in the works that I forget that I have other responsibilities that have greater priority.

Like on Valentine's Day, Wayne and I really had nothing planned except to spend the day with each other. Well, then you really can't spend time working on your crafts can you. It was a fun day spent a good portion in the frosty cold watching some of the penguins get to waddle out of their cages for a bit. This was the first time we had seen this. So, it was fun! The rest of the zoo animals were pretty much non-existent except for the ones in the heated houses. We are zoo members and love going and walking around one of the last free zoos in the country.

Then we went to Whole Foods for some dinner fixins. Made a couple of nice grilled steaks with baked potatoes, huge tossed salad and ice cream for dessert. We were stuffed....kind of looked like those penguins! LOL! I was such a pleasant day to just relax and not think about the other things in our lives for just a bit.

Wayne and I have been very fortunate that we have not had anyone in our family or known any friends that have had breast cancer. Known folks, including Dad, with other cancers. But, which ever form it is a terrible disease to have to suffer under. My thought is that you have to give up your will to God but, still fight the disease. I had Ovarian Cancer so long ago I can't even tell you how I felt at the time.

I was just 18 when I found out. I was stunned and really did not know what it all meant at the time. That was in 1976. And at that time the treatments were okay but, not like today. So, I agreed to have a total hysterectomy to save my life. It was tough for quite a few years dealing with that removal.....the loss of hormones and the never being able to have children. I think it weighed heavy on Dad for a long time (he told me this later).

Today, I am healthy and have an adopted son. I am grateful for each and everyday I wake in the morning and put my two feet on the ground. I know that there is hope of a brighter tomorrow for all of us......whether we face that disease or another one.

Thanks for looking at my cards (these will go into my stash and some will get donated) and listening to my story. I appreciate your loyality to my blog even with my absences. I hope you have a great day!
Cindy

• Stamps - SU Hope Is
• Paper - SU Whisper White, Pretty in Pink CS, Basic Grey DP and SU DSP (retired), Creative Cafe Notecards
• Ink - SU Basic Gray, Pretty in Pink
• Accessories - SU Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, MS Lacy Scallop Punch, Buttons

Wild Raspberry Love Card

Good Morning Friends! I am still working with the chipboard hearts this week. Actually, I made these all in one day I am just now posting them in hopes of attracting more attention to my blog. I guess unless you are a demo for CTMH or SU or a designer for some company you are destined not to get many folks looking. It's a bit dissapointing but, that will not get me down in the dumps, I will just keep going.

I love this combination of colors together and the vintage feel. Whomever from these paper companies that design all these wonderful papers are truly brillant! I think that is something we cardmakers and scrapbookers take for granted.

I put this card on one of my Grandmother's quilts she made. My Grandmother, Mom's Mom, was not a quilter all her life, she learned late in life. In fact, she learned out of spite you could say. She was wanting a quilt to be made for my Mom and Dad when they got married nearly 54 years ago.

So, she went to the church in her area of Illinois that was doing that on a regular basis and was told that it was over a year wait. Grandma got mad and said she would just teach herself. Most folks at during that time knew how to sew already, it was the quilting that was different. This quilt is called Snowball because when you open it up, the white sections look like snowballs.

Thanks for looking and hope you have a very happy crafting day!!
Cindy

• Stamps - SU Baroque Motifs, Stampabilities Sentiment
• Paper - SU Very Vanilla, K & Co Wild Raspberry DP
• Ink - Ranger Archival Black Ink, Tsukineko Brillance Pearlescent Biege
• Accessories - SU Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, SU Gold Cord, Unknown Rhinestone, Rusty Pickle Chipboard Hearts, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Sanding Tools, Sponges

Wishing You a Wonderful Christmas

Dear Friends, I am so sorry that I have not posted in a long time. I have been very overwhelmed with life. While that is no excuse, I just have not had the time or energy to make much nor post what I have made. Hopefully after the New Year, I can get caught back up on life.

In the meantime, know that I value all my friendships and followers that I have gathered along this year. I hope and pray that your Christmas with family and friends is truly blessed. And I hope and pray that 2010 is a better year for you and your family!

God Bless you all!
Cindy

PS Since my blog anniversary is coming at the end of January, I want to offer Candy....so, check back after Jan. 2 for more information!

No New Cards Today

So sorry, no new cards today. I have been busy working on some Christmas gifts for school and home (where my son lives) staff. My hope, when I am finished, to be able to post my first tutorial. Now, don't expect anything fancy because I sure am not an expert at doing that sort of thing. But, I was not able to find anything out in blogging land to help me. So, I adapted.....and thought you might like it too.

What is it that I am making, you ask? Well, I adapted someone elses 2 bottle Frappuccino Carrier into something I liked a bit better....shorter and more narrow. I like the Frappuccino okay enough and don't mind buying it when it is on sale. I have stashed away about 12 bottles. But, I find that I will need about 9 more bottles.....and this week our grocery store has the 4 packs on sale for $4.99. I have enlisted the help of my DH to drink some of them.

I will post pictures when I get them finished....still have to find some great ribbon about 1" wide to accent the boxes. Tomorrow afternoon, I will stop at Michael's and Hobby Lobby (with coupons in hand) to see what I can find.

Talk to you later and Happy Crafting always!
Cindy

Freedom and Garland

Happy Saturday Friends!

First let me preface what I am going to say with an apology and a warning. I am going to say things that may or may not be something you want to talk about or that may offend your sensibilities. I love that you come to check out my crafts and that you leave me feedback.....and I know that I may be risking your friendship by speaking my mind.

I wanted to make something for July 4th to decorate our home. So many other holidays get decorations that this one needs it too. I also wanted to remind friends and family how important our Freedom is....this is where I stand on my soapbox and say....

I am not happy with many of our current members of Government and I am afraid that a good deal of our freedoms may be in the process of getting taken away. If we do not stand up and let our feelings be known, by talking to our legislators, we may end up in serious trouble 4 years from now and we will only have ourselves to blame. I believe that we have been heading down this road for many years so, it is not something new.

As I watch events unfold on TV about our country (the incredible amounts of money being spent, the bailouts, continued loss of jobs, etc.), I am reminded of our Founding Fathers....what they faced to stand up to King George....what they risked! They loved their native country, England, but, they could not stand by here in the colonies and be dictated to....and taxed to death. So they not only revolted once but twice!!

If this Cap and Trade (Tax) Bill passes the Senate you can expect our taxes to go up to the tune of about $3,000 a year! How do you think government will get the money to fund all the things they want to do? Now, I do not know about you but, I think I pay just enough taxes already!

What I am asking you to do is be informed about what the real truths are about what is going on in our country and what our government is trying to accomplish....mainstream TV does not give you the complete answers, please try to watch Fox News. They are fair and balanced! And no I do not get any kickbacks for saying any of this!! Call or e-mail your legislators and tell them you are mad as hell and not going to take this anymore! If they do not hear from you then, they will think you are okay with the status quo.

Thank you friends for listening to me I just need to speak up and say what needs to be said....I love my country very much, I would not want to live anywhere else but, I am not willing to lay down and let them walk all over me and my family!! Here are some links to find your House of Representatives and Senators
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

• Stamps - None
• Paper - Moxxie, Creative Imaginations, Graphic 45 DPs and SU Confetti White CS
• Ink - SU Creamy Caramel
• Accessories - Cricuit, SU Rough Edges Wheel, Dimensionals, Metallic Pipecleaners, K & Co Glue, Grungeboard Letters, Colorbok Chipboard, Basic Gray Sanding Tools, Assorted Ribbons and Fabric Strips

Have a great weekend (off my soapbox for now)!
Cindy

More Father's Day and a Lovely Surprise!

Spent part of the morning with Clark has his home. The day before Clark and I worked on his gift to Dad, a Chili Grill. You hollow out Jalapeno peppers, stuff them then set the whole thing on the grill. Wayne loves hot peppers!! Anyway, I had this stamp of the grill and that is what Clark chose to make the kraft paper wrap and the paperbag card. Not very sophisticated but, Clark thought it was funny. I you notice something weird about Clark's teeth, he had been drinking blue Gatorade!

After time with Clark we drove to the cemetary to see Dad's plot. When we got to his section and started looking for his number, I was so surprised to see that his headstone was there and grass had started growing. In fact, it made me cry.....well, maybe it was because it was Father's Day and I was missing him. That look on my face was me crying.....asked Wayne to take another, he did and it was worse.

We spent part of the evening together, no one cried but you could feel the tension. Everyone is trying so hard to be supportive to each other but, there are already some hurts happening because of things that have been said. All I can do is pray for guidance for each of us to be strong and know that Dad is okay.....and so will we.

Hope you had a nice weekend! Have a great day!

Cindy

Leisurely Sunday with Mom

Yesterday my Mom and I went to the Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion in downtown St. Louis for their 19th Century Ladies Crafts Day. The original farmhouse that was on this spot was built in the 1840's by Henri Chatillon. It was sold to Dr. Nicolas DeMenil in the mid-1850's and was completed to look, as it does today, in 1863.

The Mansion was saved by an association who bought it from the State of Missouri Highway Commission who was going to tear it down to build Interstate 55. It is one of the only remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in St. Louis.

We toured the home inside and was amazed at the beauty of the architecture and details. The ladies that were showing off and demonstrating crafts and that would have been done during the time period around 1850 included White Work (a particular embroidery), Crocheting, Spinning, Ribbon Work and Doll Making, Knitting (this gal was really talented, she was making socks), Hairwork and Cameo Carving, and Wet Plate Photography. There were also two ladies that were preparing to play period parlor music. It was nice to chat with all of them.

We left to have lunch at Bread Company....Pannera in other parts of the country. It was nice to have a day alone with Mom. She is doing her best to get life going again. All I can do it pray for her, offer to help her with various things and just be there when she needs to talk.

Hope you had a great weekend and hope your week goes smooth!

Happy Crafting!!

Cindy

I am still here!

Good Thursday Morning to you! Yes, I am still here....though not working on making cards right now. So, I have nothing to show you. But, I can tell you I have been working on some sewing projects and crocheting more flowers. I hope to show those to you in a couple of days with some watercolor cards.

But, I think I have just been feeling out of sorts these last 2 weeks. So much on my mind and plate that I have hardly had time to sit and create. The job I was excited about was not what I expected. It was about as much fun as watching grass grow! So, I quit it....with an appology to the owner of the agency....the day before I started. I was asked to work 2 weeks until they found someone. I will be out of work again on Saturday at 5pm. It's okay.

This experience has left me feeling like a fish out of water.....I don't know what I want to do when I grow up! Do you ever feel like that? Okay, I have 2 college degrees....don't want to do either of them that I trained for. Part of me knows it's okay and the other part wants to slap my face and say, "snap out of it!" Yes, that sounds like I am being hard on myself and I shouldn't be.
So, I guess I need to keep doing more soul searching, praying for guidance and relax more. Oh...yeah....and eat more chocolate!!

We will talk again soon!

Happy Crafting!!
Cindy

A Quick Note

I just wanted to let you know that I have been very busy and that I have not forgotten you. But, sadly, I am not posting anything but this today. Clark, our son, is in the hospital with Pneumonia and I have been spending all my time there. He is doing a bit better yesterday evening...sleeping at least....which is the best medicine for him!

I have been working on challenges, Mojo and SYFTT, in spurts. But, I am so tired that I just cannot get much headway. Hopefully, this weekend I can get them finished. They will be my Easter cards so, I have to get them done!

Hugs to all and Happy Crafting always!!
Cindy

Organization and Stashes

Thanks to those of you who commented on my blog so far, I do appreciate you!

Well, I don't have a photo to post today because I don't have anything new made up yet. But, I have been gathering ideas and I am about ready to dive into the new papers and ribbons I picked up a few weeks back. I have to get my Valentine's cards made and want to do something cute to decorate our front door, hutch and table too.

Wayne has finally gotten the word that he will be working in Phoenix for the next month. He is an IT consultant for a firm in San Francisco. So, I will have 2 weeks that I will be able to work on things and not be interrupted. Though I will miss him terribly, I always do.

I have been organizing my craft area again and for a good reason. I had stashes of stuff everywhere!! Stuff that I did not even know existed or, until I got it out, didn't know I had so much of. For instance, chipboard.....love it.....and everytime I see some new chipboard at my LSS (For Keeps Sake...shameless plug, they are so good there!)...yup you guessed it, I buy it. Not to mention Stampin' Ups flowers and frames. And I save all the templates from letters I have used up...you know just in case I need that shape again! I know I am not an isolated incident, I know there are others just like me out there!!

Well, now I have to get creative to find ways to contain it and more importantly...use it!! But, I only have so much surface space to display jars. So, maybe what I need to do is try to use a bit of it on everything. Yeah, right.....right along with the hardware, ribbons, scraps, etc. that I am swearing to use.

But, back to the organizing......I decided that January is a really good time to sit down and take stock of what I thought I had to have in October and November to get ready for Christmas gifts. I have enough Christmas paper and trims to make gifts for this year!!!! I am making my list of gifts now and starting to prepare.....it is never too early!! I just ordered nugget tins and plastic jars for Denise's Lotion. It may be too soon for decorating the nuggets but, at least I can get the tins ready. And the lotion can be made up ahead of time too...it will be great for all the teachers and therapists at my son's, Clark school.

Maybe later today I will post a photo on the really great cabinets my Wayne made for me to store my stamps and Iris cases. Who knows, maybe I will even get some Valentine's day pretties made up to post as well!

Happy Crafting friends!!

My New Adventure

Hello and Welcome to my new adventure! I decided, after some prodding from my husband, Wayne, to start this blog to share my crafts and maybe bits of my life. I hope that doesn't sound too boring because I am not a boring person. Rather chatty most would say and that's okay.

I have been crafting and sewing from a very early age. My Dad, who is also very artistic, put me on his lap and taught me how to throw a pot. My Mom taught me how to sew....though I think she just put fabric, needle and thread in front of me and off I went making doll dresses. My creative abilities include sewing, quilting, cardmaking and papercrafting in general, floral design and gardening.

My hope is that you will visit my site occasionally and take away some tip or idea to use in your life or to give as a gift perhaps.