Creations by Debbie

Week 2 - Weight Watchers

2010-12-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

Well week 2 has come and gone, but I left the scales celebrating again. I lost 2.2 lbs this week.

I was totally surprised, as you know we held the Scrapbook Crop and a weekend of scrapbooking means, munching on goodies and loads of caffeine. The more caffeine, chocolate, and munchies the better the crop. Have to have something to keep that mojo going so you can create those beautiful pages.

But I went into the weekend prepared. I knew we were going to have home made Vegetable soup so I left enough points so that I could have a bowl of soup and crackers. Along with a couple small pieces of cheese. Knowing that we would be munching on chips and salsa later in the day, I used some of my extra points for a serving of chips. Whew, made it through the first night. I drink water or unsweet tea. So drinks were not a problem. =)

With this new program that Weight Watcher's uses, you learn to eat what you would normally eat, but under control. So Saturday morning comes, the family wants pancakes. No problem I fix them and I have my 2 4" pancakes, with a little butter and syrup on it. All of that for 6 pts. See you can do it. I had a salad with vinaigrette dressing and Lasagna for lunch. And yes a slice of garlic bread. For dinner late that night(8:30pm), I went to Bob Evans and ate off of their reduced menu.

I also had fresh fruits and vegetables, and some wonderful peanut butter bliss bars from Weight Watchers and they were only 1 pt, they helped me through the week.

Sunday thru Monday, I followed the program close, and when I stepped on the scales Tuesday night, I was down 2.2 lbs. Very please with myself on how I had made it through my first hurdle. So knowing that, I knew I could make it through the next week.....THANKSGIVING!! I will be back soon to tell you how Week 3 went.

End of week 2: down another 2.2 lbs for a total of 10.2 lbs off. =)

Thanks for stopping by, and remember if you struggle with weight as I do, please know you can control it, not it control you. Hang in there.

Huggles,

Deb

Week 1 - Weight Watchers

2010-11-16T18:37:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken of me in August 2010. I couldn't believe it when I seen it.

One week of No Coke and No Fast food, I weighed in 7.6 lbs lighter on the scales.

So as I go into week 2, I am pumped and ready to face the scales next Tuesday. Has it been a easy week, actually yes it has. I just have to think differently about what I put into my mouth and keep track of everything. I know I have a long way to go, but with small goals I will make it.

So if you read this and think of me during your day, please say a small prayer and lift me up as I go from day to day on this journey of taking off what has taken me 8 yrs to put on. I am at my heaviest I have ever been.

I will report again in a few days, and will be sharing recipes of some of the "lighter foods" that I am trying on this journey.

See you in a few days,

Deb

2010-11-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas Open House and Crop
November 19-20, 2010
Friday night 5-11pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Fee: $25.00 which includes Friday dinner and Saturday Lunch, along with Door Prizes and "Make n Takes".

We will scrap Friday night and All day Saturday. If you like to Scrapbook or are interested in learning, then we hope to see you there. So call 618-204-0327 to Register. If you register by Nov. 6th you will receive a $5 Gift Certificate.

So Bring a friend, Bring a GROUP of friends, you will have plenty of scrapping room. There will be new products and even some sale items!! WOOT WOOT!!! (sorry Paula had to borrow your words there) =)

I am attaching the flyer if you would like to look at it, or maybe print it out and give to someone you know that loves to scrapbook!!

Please come out and help us raise money for our Missionaries in Africa. All proceeds will go to them!

Any questions just give Paula or I a call. Or call Carla Monroe at above phone number to Register and she can answer any questions you may have.

Hope to see you there!!!

2010-08-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

Taylor Travis
Our little Angel

Taylor went to be with the Lord on 8 -27- 2010
She is our Great Niece. We do not understand why. All we know is that we are hurting like we have never hurt before.
She came into our life and was here for such a short 4 mos. She brought so much happiness to our family. One of the happiest babies we have been around.
Her little smile would brighten up the room.
Taylor we don't know why you had to leave us, but we long for the day when we can hold you in our arms again, hug and kiss you again Sweetheart.

Love always,
Aunt Debbie

Western BBQ Fiesta Palooza Pages

2010-08-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

I did this page with my New "Old West" Cricut Cartridge. The letters and numbers are two layers to give them the shadowed effect. I also used the cartridge to cut out the brown and blue hat and saddle on my Cricut. YES I love my new cartridge. It was time consuming putting the letters, numbers, saddle, and hat together, but the end results are well worth the time!

This family seemed to be popping up in several of my pics so I decided to make a layout using them. The little guy was scared at first of Honey (the horse), but later he didn't want to get off of him. I love how this page turned out. I layered the tag together and really like it.

Since my Western MOJO was going full blast I thought I would try my luck at a couple tags. I hand stitched the Star on the brown tag and put a star brad in the center of it. The cute little cowboys are off some Vintage Cowboy Valentine's. I embellished them with star brads and stickers. Laced some vintage silver rick rack and ribbon through them. I can't wait to use them in my album.

Paula, over on Paula's Palace of Altared Art is hosting a Wild West Tag Swap. I have entered into this Swap and need to get busy on my tags for it. Visit her site and see some of the tags she has received already. Stay tune for my tags.

Love,
Debxx

Western Creations

2010-07-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

Look what I received in the mail today. A new cartridge for my Cricut Expression. My husband text me at work today that I received it in the mail today. It was like at 2pm and I didn't get off till 6pm. All I could think about was getting home to try out my new "Old West" Cartridge.

So finally after we had supper and visited with the youngest and his girlfriend, I finally was able to open the box and get to playing...Well after 10pm.

Here are the Cowboy Boots. I thought they were cute. I didn't have much time to play so I cut out a pair in 2 colors just to try it out. I kept the same color scheme for the night.

Then came the Cowboy hat. It was 2 steps. I had to cut the hat then the band and then to assemble. After I used my scrapbook adhesive tape I had the Wonderful Cowboy Hat.

Here are 3 saddles I cut them in different sizes, just to see the effects. I can cut from 1" up to 23.5 inches. I love my Cricut Expression.

Each die cut has small cuts in them to embellish the piece, with the stitches and folds, etc on each piece. If you do not have a Cricut you need to purchase one, you wouldn't be disappointed.

I will be using these on my Western BBQ Palooza pages. I almost posted a page tonight, but thought no, I don't want to post any yet till I get some more pages finished so that I will have good pics to display on here.

Well I need to call it a night, I have to work tomorrow. Oh I didn't mention, I am the Administrative Assistant at our Church now. I love my knew job. Sweet dreams everyone and God Bless! Love, Debxx

Cakes By Debbie

2010-07-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

I promised you I would be back with some pics of some of the cakes that I have decorated this past year. I haven't did many, but the one's I did have been for some very special people.

I also, had the privilege of teaching a very Special young lady how to decorate so that she could decorate the cakes for her Sister's baby Shower, for her first nephew. It was a blast! She has been very special to us for years. My son and her dated for 3-4 years, then she went to college so they are now just wonderful friends. So as her and I were decorating the cakes, Caleb pipes up and says "I can do that" and of course Jessi says "yeah right." Needless to say the competition began.

It was so much fun watching them to laugh and giggle at each others stars as they decorated the bear shape cakes.

I think they turned out really great! One cake was chocolate and one was white. They used M&M's for their eyes. Then used Chocolate Chips on the Paws.

While they were working on that I was working on a sheet cake to go along with them. They were having a large family shower. They just wanted it plain so I did it in the Blue and White, with his name and booties on each corner.

Here is a close up of one of the little booties.
These cakes were for the Family Shower one weekend, then the next weekend I turned around and decorated this cake with Handy Manny on it for the Friends Shower.

Ok, I will close with this one since it turned into a book and will post again soon with another cake.

I have been working on a Western Scrapbook with my Western BBQ pictures in it, as soon as I have it completed I will be posting pics on it also.
Until we meet again my friends, many blessing to you.
Love,
Deb

Yes, I am still alive!!!

2010-07-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

On June 6th we had a Western BBQ Fiesta Palooza at our church here in Mt. Vernon, IL. We had a wonderful time. As you can see Stormy is getting bigger all the time. He was 2 on May 7. We took him and Chuck's (my hubby) horse Honey to our church so that the kids could have horse rides. We had such a good time! I will have to get a pic of Honey for you later in the post. By the way, that layout above was one of my first attempts using my Photoshop program.

Another attempt with the Photoshop program. Yes both of these are digital!

Here are a few pics of the Palooza and events of the day. I hope you enjoy!

My Handsome Cowboy and Hubby Chuck with his 3 yr old Palomino Paint. She is such a Sweetheart, will let you do just about anything to her. She just loves attention, the more she gets the happier she is.

Chuck about to give one of our Youth a ride oh Honey. Doesn't she look like a natural on her back?

Some of the decorations from the Palooza!

I hope you have enjoyed these. I will be back again soon, with some pics of some of the Cakes I have decorated this year.

I have missed you guys, Deb

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-15T19:43:00.001-08:00

Wow, this is sad, has been so long since I have been on here, I had to reset my password. I am working on some Valentine projects and will be posting them. I have been so busy with life, my job, wow is hard to believe in a few months it will be a year that I have been working at the store. I work with some wonderful women. But I sure do miss my Blog friends. I have some knew pictures to post on here and will soon. I hope the New Year is a Great on for all of you. I am off next week Wed thru Fri so I promise I will be back and have some pics from life, the holidays, just stuff in general....

So since I wasn't here at Christmas time, I hope everyone had a Wonderful Christmas and I hope you have a Wonderful 2010!!!!!

Love you guys,

Deb

Hello Everyone

2009-07-29T12:41:00.001-07:00

No I haven't fell off the face of the earth. I promise I am back. I have been working on some ATC's this week, and when finished I will post pictures. The past year has been a strange one for me. I lost my job a year ago May. I found a job late May this year. I love it. I am working at the local Christian book store. I work with 4 wonderful woman. I will have to get pics and introduce you to them.

The end of April this year my husband was laid off. So that meant no income, so thus I go back to work. Its only part time so it shouldn't interfere with my art and posting on here.

My friend/sister Paula drug me to Red Lead Store the other day, I believe it was her way of inspiring me again so that I would start creating again. Well, Sis, it worked. =)

Ok I am going to post this and will be back soon with new pics.

Love,

Deb

Easter Obituary

2009-04-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

This says it all. You need to click on it so that you can read it. Its awesome.

Happy Easter!

Debxx

2009-01-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

go over and checkout the Happy Daisy Blog and look at the Project 365 that she is giving away.

Below she is describing the Kit of the Month.

"I have an extra Creating Keepsakes Kit of the Month: Project 365!!! It will be on it's way to me very soon and I'll be giving it away to a lucky blog reader/follower.

If you are signed up as a follower of this blog (you sign up over on the right hand side of the page on the sidebar over there --->) you will be automatically entered to win this kit. For obvious reasons, you must have a way to contact you in your profile and no anonymous followers can be entered as I won't know who you are if you win! :)

In addition to following this blog as a way to win, you can also receive an additional entry if you also blog about this contest and include a link in your personal blog back to this post. Then just come back to this post and leave me a comment letting me know that you blogged about the giveaway, included a link on your blog and leave me your blog address so I can come check out your blog."

Thanks for stopping by,

Debxx

2008-12-31T03:48:00.000-08:00

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Katharine!

You are a Katharine -- "I am happy and open to new things"

Katharines are energetic, lively, and optimistic. They want to contribute to the world.

How to Get Along with Me

* Give me companionship, affection, and freedom.

* Engage with me in stimulating conversation and laughter.

* Appreciate my grand visions and listen to my stories.

* Don't try to change my style. Accept me the way I am.

* Be responsible for yourself. I dislike clingy or needy people.

* Don't tell me what to do.

What I Like About Being a Katharine

* being optimistic and not letting life's troubles get me down

* being spontaneous and free-spirited

* being outspoken and outrageous. It's part of the fun.

* being generous and trying to make the world a better place

* having the guts to take risks and to try exciting adventures

* having such varied interests and abilities

What's Hard About Being a Katharine

* not having enough time to do all the things I want

* not completing things I start

* not being able to profit from the benefits that come from specializing; not making a commitment to a career

* having a tendency to be ungrounded; getting lost in plans or fantasies

* feeling confined when I'm in a one-to-one relationship

Katharines as Children Often

* are action oriented and adventuresome

* drum up excitement

* prefer being with other children to being alone

* finesse their way around adults

* dream of the freedom they'll have when they grow up

Katharines as Parents

* are often enthusiastic and generous

* want their children to be exposed to many adventures in life

* may be too busy with their own activities to be attentive

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Wow, its scary how accurate this Quiz is.....go and find out who you are?

I hope you have a very Happy New Year!

Love,

Debxx

Happy Birthday Paula!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

Paula, I hope you had a wonderful Birthday! Go over and wish Paula a Happy Birthday!.

Love you Sis!

Deb

Very Vintage Christmas Swap

2008-12-15T03:58:00.000-08:00

Heidi over on Foxgloves, Fabrics and Folly hosted a wonderful Vintage Christmas Swap.
My wonderful Swap partner Linda, has an awesome blog: LBP Sews.
She sent me some awesome presents. I just love them all. Please be
prepared for a LONG post. =)

I opened my box, removed the packing and there they were. Presents never ending it seemed.
All I could see was present after present, I was like a kid on Christmas Morning.

Look at all these wonderful wrapped gifts. I am telling you I wanted to rip into
as soon as I took one out. But I knew I wanted a pic of them all together,
so I waited.

LOOOK!!! At all of those wonderful presents, my table is so full of goodies. I LOVE the ELF pillow. He has crystals hanging from the points on his shirt. He has an awesome smile, he is so Happy that its Christmas time.

I love this Vintage Cookie Book. It was printed in 1963. (that is actually the year I was born)
I love it. I have made some cookies out of it already. (that's another post soon)

She made this awesome Joy Banner. I love it.

Christmas cookie cutter, Santa toothpick holder, and a very pretty Cheese Ball Plate.
I can't wait to put my cheese ball on it Christmas Day. So pretty.

Look at these pretty Christmas towels that I can hang in the Kitchen..and a Green Rubber
Spatula.

I love homemade ornaments. They are so sweet I can't wait till I get my tree tonight and put
them on my tree full of homemade ornaments that my boys and I have made over the years.

I love this pewter Santa key. How I would loved to of had this when my guys were little.
We never had a fireplace, I had always told the boys that Santa had a special key to open
our door and come in.
The story that comes with the key, "Please don't worry -
If your house has no chimney,
I can still deliver your toys,
I won't ring your bell or knock on your door,
'cause I'd wake you with all of that noise.
If you'll hang this magic Santa Key
on your doorknob Christmas Eve,
I'll let myself in, deliver your
presents, and then I'll quietly leave!

Santa"

Here is a facial shot of the Santa toothpick holder.

Some vintage items: Vintage Postcard from 1908, A "vintage picture" with a magnetic calendar on it, and the Awesome Christmas journal/Recipe book. I love it and have started putting
our favorite Christmas recipes in it.

This very cute candy dish it has 4 different Christmas designs on all 4 sides: Christmas tree, Snowman, Santa, Reindeer. The dish was filled with mints.

I saved the best for last. I dearly love this Snowman. He is so CUTE.....hugging the little deer and has a snowflake in has hand. He has such a cute smile.

Linda I want to say THANKS...I love everything!.

Thanks for stopping by,

Debxx

2008-12-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay,here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Tag as many people as you want to....Tis the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper
2. Real tree or Artificial? we have had a real tree for the past 10 years
3. When do you put up the tree? the day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? First full week in January
5. Do you like eggnog? NO NASTY STUFF
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My beautiful Blue Swinn Bicycle- yes with a banana seat.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My Boys now that they are grown.
8. Easiest person to buy for? My husband
9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes I actually have 5 sets.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards. mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? a vacuum one year
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? National Lampoon Christmas Vacation
13. When do you start shopping? November
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes - Elephant Christmas Parties

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Moms Potato Salad, fresh fruit salad and Dad's Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

16 color lights on tree? white and color lights
17. Favorite Christmas song? Winter Wonderland

18, Travel at Christmas or stay home? love to stay home, Home to me is Mom's about 5 miles from our house

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? maybe
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? I have both, I guess it depends on mood when I put tree up
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We have always let the boys pick one present from under the tree on Christmas Eve, and then the rest of them on Christmas Morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? being rushed
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Vintage decorations
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? family dishes
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Family time - visiting -games- happy

I am not for sure who to tag, so if you come and read this you have been Tagged. =) So please fill out and link back to me and leave a comment so that I can come and read yours.

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!

Debxx

Butterfly Award

2008-12-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

I am just getting around to posting an award that I received from Donna over on Chookyblue Blog. Thanks Donna for the award!!!!!

And the rules are:
1. Post about the award
2. Link back to the givee.
3. Place the award on my sidebar
4. Choose 10 blogs that I think are cool.

A. Paula
B. Cat
C. Kathy
D. You Go Girl
E. WhiMsy love
F. Two Crazy Crafters
G. The Artistic Stamper -
and check out her Advent Blog Candy
H. Paper Pleasing Ideas
I. Dust Bunny Hostage
J. Daisy Cottage

I need to post some pics of my swaps, I haven't forgotten, but I cannot find my camera, so please all be patient, and I will have pics for you soon.

Donna thanks again for the award, and also for hosting our Christmas Swap.

have a wonderful evening,

Debxx

2008-12-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

Go check out the Artistic Stampers Advent Giveaways.

Jennie has been giving away some awesome things the past week, so don't forget to go there daily and see your beautiful tags and awesome giveaways.

Have you kept up with Tim Holtz and his 12 tags of Christmas? They are so AWESOME, you wouldn't believe how beautiful they are and then the awesome give aways he is having daily.

TODAY'S GIVEAWAYS:(winners will receive one of the prizes below)
1. paint dabber set (ranger)
2. $50 shopping certificate to scrapbook.com (scrapbook.com)
3. letter to santa stamp set (stampers anonymous)
4. storytime santa stamp set (stampers anonymous)
5. word keys, keyholes & ball chain (tim holtz idea-ology)
6. word keys, keyholes & ball chain (tim holtz idea-ology)
7. distress ink, distress embossing ink & powder, ink blending tool (ranger)
8. distress ink, distress embossing ink & powder, ink blending tool (ranger)
9. holiday type stickers & blackboard box (cosmo cricket)
10. holiday type stickers & blackboard box (cosmo cricket)

Daily December is continuing go and check it out. Ali is doing an awesome job with her journal.

Just a few of the many Christmas ideas to help you decorate and remember this Christmas, give the Artist a BIG THANK YOU..

Thanks for stopping by,

Love,

Debxoxoxox

29 Days of Giveaways for You

2008-12-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

Art by Christie - is having a giveaway also. She is giving things away for the next 29 days. Go and check out her blog and get involved. She is also having a special giveaway for those who spread the word about her giveaway.

Love,

Deb

2008-12-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Giveaways

Three great giveaways today. Look for a new December Daily post around noon pacific.

1. One A life well crafted, year long workshop at Big Picture Scrapbooking with Kolette Hall.

2. One 12x12 canvas post-bound Hollycheck scrapbook valued at $27.95 from Butterfly Kisses.

3. Giveaway package from Peachy Cheap, package valued over $100.00.

Go on over and post a comment on her site and hopefully you will win.

Love,

Debxoxo

More Blog Candy

2008-12-03T05:14:00.001-08:00

I keep blog surfing, and wow there are a lot of Blog Candy give a ways. Go check out Claire's blog over at CraftyC's Crafting Library. She has a bunch of goodies to give a way!

She's had over 36,000 hits in just over a year as to show her appreciation to all of you who visit, she is giving away some candy which has the following;

Small Caddy
MM Alphabet Stickers
Crystal Stickles
Rasberry Liquid Pearls
Basic Grey 6 x 6 pads - SULTRY - CUPCAKE - 2 SCOOPS
Doodlebug Brads
Woodware Ribbon
Doodlebug Flowers
Crystal Stickers
Minimum of 15 Stamped Images
STAMPS FROM SUGAR NELLIE, SARAH KAY, RACHELLE ANNE MILLER & MAGNOLIA.

To win the candy all you need to do is link her blog to yours and let everyone know about her candy and then post on this thread. she will ship worldwide.
Easy Peasy. You have until Sunday 14TH DECEMBER.

Tim Holtz has his 3rd Tag up for The 12 tags of Christmas.

Check out what he has for blog candy today:

TODAY'S GIVEAWAYS:
1. letter to santa stamp set (stampers anonymous)
2. distress ink trio & mini accent (ranger)
3. holiday type sticker book & blackboard box (cosmo cricket)
4. fa la la embellishment pack (making memories)
5. circle/oval fragments, philosophy tags, trinket pins (tim holtz idea-ology)
6. prima festive flower tin (prima)
7. tim holtz scissors (tonic)
8. holidays past stamp set (stampers anonymous

You must go and check out his tags daily, they are so awesome, he has come of the most unique techniques. I love his site.

Happy Day,

Debxoxo

December 2nd and more blog candy!

2008-12-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

Jennie of The Artistic Stamper, has another tag and more blog candy to give away. Go check out her site.

Jennie did another tag, this time slightly different, and of course there is the opportunity to win more blog candy!
This time Jennie used the baubles from the, seasonal grunge board(which is now on her website!) and embossed them through my Big Shot on a harlequin embossing plate. Then she wiped red brick and worn lipstick distressed inks over them , and highlighted the bows in gold stickles. She stamped the Merry Christmas in the same colour-red brick.

Go and check out her tag on her site. It is so beautiful.

Tim Holtz has tag #2 up for The 12 tags of Christmas. It is gorgeous also. Go to his blog and check it out, he also has blog candy daily.

Creating a December Daily Album by Ali Edward

December Daily is a way to celebrate the traditions and everyday blessings during the month of December. Check out the links for more details on putting together your own album. Look for more examples to come during the month of December.

Creating A December Daily Album: Part One

December Daily is an album that documents the month of December leading up to Christmas day (and sometimes beyond - that's completely up to you). It is a chance to reflect, to share, to celebrate the season in a manageable, in-the-moment way. The entire key to this album is to put it together BEFORE December. This is the first of a few posts on the process of putting together this album. In December I will share my finished pages each day

(I am just getting mine started, It would of been easier I think if I had found this earlier and could of been ready ahead of time. Mental note for next year :) Deb)

December Daily: Day One

So much of this project is about working with what you have set up for yourself (especially if you put the foundation pages together in advance). Each time I do this project I reminded how much I like setting it up ahead. I like having some parameters to work in - a bit of direction that takes some of that initial guess-work and decision making out of the way.

December Daily Album : Part Two

Now comes the fun part: selecting + organizing + numbering pages. One of the things I aim for in this album is variety: sizes, textures, colors, edges, etc.........

December Daily : Q & A
You can go here and find answers to some of the questions that you might have.

Click on the links and check out Ali's album, I believe its going to be a lot of fun.

Ok I am off to collect all my items so I can get busy..WOO HOO, I love Christmas time!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Love,

Debxoxo

Tim Holtz

2008-12-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

is sharing his expertise again and started a new set of 12 tags of Christmas.

Go check it out.

Deb

Advent blog candy EVERY DAY until December 25th!

2008-12-01T14:14:00.000-08:00

WOW, have you seen all the things out there to do for Christmas. Journal your Christmas - 25 days of Christmas - December 2008 photo-a-day....... I could go on and on....I love it!

Jennie over on the The Artistic Stamper is sponsoring the Christmas Advent below.

Christmas Advent

I thought it would nice to celebrate Christmas this year by giving away Advent blog candy EVERY DAY until December 25th! This will be a stamp or "stuff" or an ink pad or absolutely anything, and on Christmas Day it will be a BIG load of stuff, just for you!
So for just leaving a comment or becoming a follower, and if you can please link my blog candy advent giveaway on your blog today and every day up until Christmas day, you get the chance to win some blog candy. You might even win twice!
I have planned an alternative Christmas artwork for every day too!
Here is the first one.

Day 1

This is a large Chipboard tag with Distress inks, lightly spritzed, stamped with a Christmas Stamp sentiment, and a small Grunge board Holly, decorated with Ruby Slippers Stickles.

So, just leave your thoughts, and be in it to win!

I will be back on later with the others I have found.

Love,

Debxoxo

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

As Americans we have so much to be Thankful for. But everyday we take it all for granted. Take time today to STOP and think about all your Blessing and then Thank the good Lord for them.

I hope everyone has a Blessed Thanksgiving, enjoy and love on your family while you have them. Be thankful that they can spend the Holidays with you again.

Love,

Debxoxo

The Beautiful Couple

2008-11-27T04:46:00.000-08:00

After driving for 9 hours we finally made it to Akron Ohio. Wow, that was the longest drive I think I have ever taken. We finished decorating the hall and I finished the cake.

The Wedding has finally came and gone. The Wedding was beautiful, the Wedding came off without a hitch.

Mr. and Mrs. Clouse
They are such an adorable couple. They both were so happy, I wish them the best and a long happy life.

We had 4 tables of Decadent desserts at the Reception. Just about anything you wanted and it was there. If you didn't fill your sweet tooth, you didn't eat enough. LOL

I was so honored that I was able to make their cake and flowers. (flowers are shown on a earlier post.)

The cake table from a distance. I asked his cousins to help me decorate the table. They jumped in wrapped the ivy with the lights, and then took the pink tulle and made bows. I think it turned out lovely. Thanks sweeties, for helping me.

Congrats to the parents of the Groom who have a wonderful new daughter now. And a BIG congrats to the Bride and Groom.

Thanks for stopping by,

Love,

Debxoxo

Map Of The United States

2008-11-10T09:29:00.001-08:00

A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little
Girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like.

Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the
Map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby and
Said, 'Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This
Will show you our whole country today.'

After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly
Fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had
Finished so quickly. 'Oh,' she said, 'on the other side of the paper is a
Picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our
Country just came together.'

AMEN

I received this in an email, isn't it the TRUTH though!!!!

2008-11-10T07:56:00.001-08:00

Get this widget!

Making flowers for a friends wedding.

2008-11-08T15:26:00.000-08:00

I love making flower arrangements. I haven't had a chance to make any arrangements in along time. Both of my boys wanted me to make flowers for their high school dances, I felt so honored when they asked me too. My mother taught me how to make flower arrangements and I really enjoy it.

My best friend, Paula, my Sistuh, as she says. Her son Paul and Leah are getting married on Nov. 22ND and they needed someone to make flowers. I told Paula, I could make them if needed. So this is what I have been doing.

(front view)

This flower is for the Mothers and Grandmothers.

(right side view)

(left side view)

The flowers for the Men involved.

Two views of the flowers for the Bridesmaids.

The beautiful bride to be made her own bouquet, the basket for the flower girl, and pillow for the ring bearer. Thanks Paul and Leah for allowing me to be part of your wedding. I wish you both the best of everything and a LONG happy life.

Now I just need to get the Wedding Cake made.

There will be more pictures to come.

Love,

Debxoxo

God Bless America!!!!

2008-11-04T08:51:00.001-08:00

Did you go vote?

Today may be one of the most important days in our history!.....It is a day that's outcome will definitely change the direction out great nation is headed!!! So make "your voice" heard today!

It doesn't matter who you vote for, but it is your right to get out and vote. So please Go Vote !!!!! Your vote does make a difference.

God Bless America!!

love,

Debxoxo

2008-11-03T10:49:00.000-08:00

Go to this site and see how many have your name. I found out that there are 38 people in the United States with the same name as myself. When I entered my maiden name their were 110 people in the USA that has that name.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are

38
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Thanks for stopping by,

Debxoxo

2008-10-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

Wishing that everyone has a Safe and Happy Halloween!!!

Love,

Debxoxo

Tagged

2008-10-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Trish over on "This'n That" tagged me. This is awesome, Trish tagged me to get to know me better. I had to go and read her tag so I knew more about her also. Thanks Trish. I hope this helps. So now I have to come up with 6 Random things about myself.

1. I went to Wapato, Washington to the Yakima Indian Reservation. Our Mission team went there and did a week Teen Camp, two different Summers. We had a blast and many lives were touched. I spent a week in New Orleans to help with the clean up after Katrina.

2. I love to decorate cakes. I have done many birthday and celebration cakes. As of my last count I had decorated 27 Wedding cakes. The largest wedding cake next to my son's which had 8 cakes, was my baby brother's, his had 10, with the stairs and fountain. I started doing birthday cakes for my oldest son when he was turning 3. I have did both boys cakes since then. I also helped with my Oldest Sons' Wedding cake. The Bride's Mom and I went together and did their cake. We made their flowers and decorations. What a lovely wedding they had. (I will post some pictures of a few of my cakes in a later post.)

3. When my oldest son Curtis was in 2ND grade I was his Tiger Cub Scout Leader. From there I followed him into Boy Scouts. At the same time I was my youngest son's leaders also. I helped with many Summer Day Camps and Webelo's Camps. I was the Round Table Commissioner for 4 or 5 years (District Position). We had many fun times. Husband Chuck was Cub Master for a couple years.

4. I love to have a vegetable garden and then can the rewards for the winter months. I can what I can put into jars, and then freeze also. I make homemade jams and jellies. Also fresh breads with Zucchini.

5. I am the oldest of 6 children, I have 2 set of twin sisters and one brother. My Mom has 6 siblings, one being a twin. My husband has 6 siblings and his Mom has 6 siblings with a set of twins.

The rules:
1. Link to the person or persons who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Cat on Cupcakes and Coffee
Jennifer on Dust Bunny Hostage
Hels on Ink on my Fingers
Jennie on The Artistic Stamper
Heidi on Foxgloves, Fabric, and Folly!!
Paula on Paula's Palace of AltAred Ark

Ok my friends you have been tagged. Have fun!!!

Love,

Debxoxo

2008-10-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

100 facts about myself

1. I love…fresh warm bread/rolls.
2. I have been...raising a Painted Colt for 3 months.
3. I have…two wonderful sons.
4. I like…kitties/puppies.
5. I'm scared of…snakes and spiders.
6. I don't like…the long Grey winter days.
7. One of my favorite shirts…is Lime Green
8. I don't shop in the mall unless…Paula is with me. =)
9. I am…outgoing
10. I like/dislike making lists; because…(dislike) I do things on the spur of the moment type of gal.
11. I like making people…home made items.
12. My sense of humor is…sarcastic sometimes
13. I ALWAYS cry when…I think of my sister that I lost to Cancer.
14. I hate when people…do not pay attention to me when I am trying to tell them.
15. I'm not necessarily…a frugal person
16. I like to draw, but…I can't
17. I don't have any living…grandparents
18. I like/dislike to save stuff…(like) because I might need it for something later.
19. I recycle…seldom
20. I like toilet paper…put on the roller with the paper coming over the top
21. I love candles that smell like…apples and spice, pumpkin, or cider
22. I've worn glasses since…I was 37 years old
23. The oddest thing I have eaten…frog legs
24. I eat salad…every time we go out..
25. Scary movies are…not for me, do not like them
26. One of my pet peeves is…People who use the Lord's name in Vain
27. Another pet peeve is…people that drive 45 on the highways
28. I make my bed…almost everyday
29. My memory is…not that good
30. I dislike socks with…that are made out of wool.
31. Books are…great sources of information
32. I like to imagine…that someday I will have a home instead of a trailer.
33. I eat when I'm…stressed/bored/or watching movies.
34. If I have a lot to do on…Monday's
35. I broke my…pinky toe once when I stubbed it on a heavy coffee table.
36. I get bored when…I can't get to my craft room.
37. I like to write…my thoughts
38. I had my ears pierced when…I was 12
39. I have a hard time…leaving Coke and Lay's Ruffle Chips alone.
40. My closet is organized by…search and find....needs some help.
41. Being busy makes me…Happy
42. I am a...Christian
43. I have…2 set of Twin Sisters, and one Brother.
44. I get…excited when I can help others
45. I avoid…Wal-Mart
46. I'm sensitive to…cigarette smoke and disapproval.
47. I sing in the…in my craft room, the car, at home
48. I do not get…to visit with my family like I should.
49. I drink…Coke and Green Tea
50. I wear…jeans and t-shirts
51. My favorite holiday is…Christmas.
52. I'd rather be…crafting then watching boxing/wrestling
53. My hair is…auburn but is lighter now that I have to keep it colored.
54. I like gifts that…are surprises or made by my kids
55. I like buying things for…my kids/hubby
56. I would rather sleep in than…hand wash dishes
57. I'm an emotional…wreck sometimes.
58. I am… a Happy Mom
59. I will never…let a animal go hungry
60. I don't mind…helping people.
61. I’m sure…that I'm going to heaven
62. I think it’s easy to…come up with a pattern when I want to make something.
63. Sometimes I think I'm too…sensitive (I know I am)
64. I tell…people what's on my mind
65. I hate being…sensitive!
66. I drink coffee…daily
67. I love teasing…Chuck and my Son Caleb.
68. I like when I have a specific…plan for the day and it happens.
69. I wish my life was more…exciting
70. Board games are…wonderful
71. I have lived in…Illinois almost all of my life.
72. Sarcasm is…a part of who I am
73. I have been to… The Grand Canyon.
74. I'm a…Country girl.
75. I enjoy teaching…crafts to others.
76. Cats are…good for mouse control.
77. I do not have…a lot of money.
78. My favorite color is…blue
79. Meal planning is…something that I am not good at.
80 My biggest fault is…that I like to shop and spend money that I don't have
81. Painted toenails make me…happy
82. I get embarrassed…when I have to talk in front of people.
83. I’m pretty good at…Decorating cakes and floral arrangements.
84. Walking is…is something I Love to do, but do not do enough of it.
85. I'm not very good at…saving money
86. My first memory is from…me being about 4 and living in Little Rock.
87. I keep friends for…a long time.
88. I am learning to…Let go of things.
89. I enjoy smelling…spices, good food
90. I believe in…God
91. I love…walking in the Fall.
92. My favorite cookies are…Snicker doodles
93. I'm married to a...Wonderful Husband.
94. I’d love to live in…the Mountains.
95. I’ve been to Disneyland/world…Disneyland
96. I really enjoy…spending time with my family and friends.
97. I love to eat…anything off the grill.
98. I’m getting…tired.
99. I'm very…Cold at the moment.
100. I wish I was less...plump.

Michelle was sharing things about herself, go and get to know her. If you would like to finish these statements out about yourself please link back to my blog.

Thanks for stopping by,
Love,

Debxoxo

Missing In Action

2008-10-22T13:08:00.001-07:00

I am sorry I have been away for so long. But I had to help a friend of ours clean, paint, shampoo a 2 story 4 bedroom house. I have never cleaned and paint to many rooms and floors at one time. OH MY GOSH...She is 8.5 months pregnant and I thought we would ever get it all finished. And would you believe she still hasn't had that baby.

I will be back tomorrow for a post of some of the Halloween things that I made (well before this cleaning started).

Thanks for stopping by,

Deb

2008-09-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

Good evening everyone,

I trust that everyone had a wonderful weekend!! What a wonderful one it was for us. Hubby and I had a great time on Saturday, and we spent Sunday at Mom's helping her. So a lot of family time, and cool weather. Couldn't ask for anything better =).

I would like for all my wonderful readers to go and check out my friend Paula's new online store:

WELCOME TO ART IN SEASON!

Greetings, dear readers!

Well, at long last I have a goodly portion of my shoppe items posted in a format that you can now browse and peruse. However, due to circumstances FAR BEYOND MY CONTROL, (tech issues...believe me when I tell you I am sparing you the horror of the gorey little details) prices and such are not on the blog. So when you find a piece and/or kit you are DYING to purchase, please email me to get prices and shipping costs.

SO, without further adieu, I give you Art In Season. Remember this blog is a temporary format until my shop opens officially with Lollishops. Meanwhile, enjoy!

Thank you all, dear readers, for your amazing show of support and enthusiasm for my little shop!

Update to her shoppe:

Just a quick note to let you know I've updated my shop with a few non-holiday home decor items. I've also added prices on the web page for your convenience. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to comment here or email!
Thanks!

Paula,
Paula's Palace of AltAred Art

Thanks again,

Love,

Deb

Gypsy Mermaid Witches Cupboard Halloween Swap

2008-09-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

Sarah over at Gypsy Mermaid Life hosted the Gypsy Mermaid Witches Cupboard Halloween Swap. What a wonderful time we have had making things for your Partners. My partner was the Wonderful Stefanie from Germany has two wonderful blogs. One she displays her art and collections on, the Other her lovely cats and dogs, garden, and decorations. She is a sweet lady and mother of 3 children. I have really enjoyed making a new friend.

As I opened my gift from her, I found this wonderful Ghostly napkin and a Fall Napkin with leaves on it.

I removed the napkins, and found this postcard showing me where my gift came from. Look at all of the wonderful gifts in there. Orange witches hat, ATC, those awesome leaves..You can see the veins in it, and looks like it is made of thread. The green package is a package of Halloween Kleenex. So sweet.. Teddy Bear...( I love Teddy Bears =) )

Here is everything taken out of the box. I love the black and white wrapping paper. They were wrapped so beautifully I didn't think I would open them. HA HA NOT!!! I couldn't wait to see what goodies I would find.

Look at all these wonderful things. A Witches Recipe Journal, Magic Box, A wonderful China tea cup and saucer, "Olive/Pickle thongs, a Silver "Cauldron", Vintage buttons, and some YUMMY Chocolate from Germany. Close Ups follow.

Isn't the Tea Cup and Saucer, The Silver Dish, and Thongs beautiful. I just love them.

The Witches Recipes Journal, I love it...It is so beautiful!!!! I love the Mushrooms she put on the front. The Wicked witch and Velvet flower and trims..so awesome. She also sent me a Pumpkin Bread recipe. I have some recipes that I will start putting in it this weekend.

I love the leaves, I am not sure how they were made, but it looks like a bunch of woven threads, you can see the veins of the leaves, so cool. The miniature orange Witches hat with spider webs. I do not think I have ever seen a Witch hat that small, it is so CUTE. The napkins are wonderful also, leaves with smiling faces and ghost on them The Halloween Kleenex are cool, I love Teddy Bears, And this Teddy Bear is holding his Pumpkin.

Check out my Witches MAGIC box, it had many treasures inside of it. The beautiful Fall bracelet, Vintage buttons, and some WONDERFUL chocolates.

SHHHH!!! Some Sneak Peeks for Stephanie, please do not tell her, I haven't heard if she has received her box of goodies!

Everything so pretty in Orange, White, and Yellow...I hope she enjoys.

Ribbons and glitter everywhere, silvers, oranges, and blacks.. hummmmm

More blacks, purples, orange...wow wonder what they can be.
These little things looks spooky, Saying BOO and a Cute little Witch Tag.

And here is my Witch ATC that I made for Stephanie from Vintage Crepe Paper and some Vintage Rick Rack.

I hope Stefanie will enjoy her goodies that I made for her. We are going to have another ATC swap later, I can't wait to get started on them.

Thank You Stefanie for all the goodies, and laughs we exchanged. Keep in touch my friend.

Love,

Debxx

2008-09-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Blog Candy, Jennie over on The Artistic Stamper, is having a Give Away. She will draw on Sunday for the winner. Go sign her post for the chance to win.

Here is a copy of her work.
So go on over to her blog and sign up for your chance to win.

hugs,

Deb

My Sweet and Sinister Halloween Swap Package arrived Today!!!!!

2008-09-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Wow! Was I ever Surprised today when I went to the door and my Package was here!! Sherrie did a wonderful job on my Awesome Items. I opened the box and found my gifts wrapped in this scary black material. And below here is the gifts outside of the box, wrapped and tied with a beautiful orange reversible ribbon. Trees on one side and tombstones on it.

Here is the packages with the black material off of them.

Wow look at those packages I wonder what they are?

My Beautiful items that I received from Sherrie. She did a wonderful job!!!

A close of Witchy Women. I love it, it is made in a old cake pan...how clever

I love these bottles..They are so adorable...

Thanks Sherrie, I really am enjoying my gifts, you were too sweet.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Love,

Deb

2008-09-17T07:10:00.001-07:00

Mad Hatter Tea Party Winner is:

Well actually the Jester said there will be 2 winners, and everyone else will get a prize also for commenting during the party.

I would love to thank everyone that visited, commented, and had Tea and Cupcakes during my celebration.

I am sorry it took so long to post the winners but I had to wait on the Jester to get back to the Kingdom from a prior engagement.

So now it is time to announce these lucky ladies!!!

Anna M. said...

What a fun way to celebrate your 100 posts - congratulations! Thanks for sharing your tea and cupcakes with me...yum yum! =)

September 12, 2008 8:32 PM

Anni's Art said...

Love Alice in wonderland and the tea party, came to your blog from MMM, Congratulations on your 100th post.

September 11, 2008 12:10 PM

Anna and Anni if you would email your address to me I will get your goodies in the mail. Thanks girls.

Love,

Debxx

Halloween Banners and Swap Items

2008-09-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

I made this Halloween banner from Halloween Paper, Letters were cut on my Cricut. Various Halloween characters and stickers. The garland is homemade. I made it out of two rows of Crepe Paper. The Banner takes up the whole wall in my front room.

This is the first third of the banner, it says Trick. I had to break the banner in thirds so that I could get pictures of it. There is also the crepe paper garland hanging from the tips of each triangle on the banner.

Here is the center of the banner, saying "OR" Ghost and spiders on these banners.

The last third of the banner says, Treat. Looks so pretty in the orange and the black, with glittery stickers and embellishments.

Here are a couple of the letters so that you can see them close up.

Spooky Apron Swap
All my wonderful goodies that I received from Tammy. I love the apron, pot holder, and Trick or Treat Bag. Then she sent me extras: Pumpkin Candy Pez Dispenser, Pumpkin Candle, and A Can of Candy.

Beautiful Fall Pumpkins with trims of fall polka dots.
The reverse side has Witches brooms, Hats, Boots, and stars also trimmed with the same fall polka dots. Soooooooooooo lovely, I just love the apron with matching potholder.

She also threw in these Wax Fangs and Pumpkin Pez Dispenser.

This is the coolest candy gift container that I think I have received in a long time. It was filled full of Chocolates and various candies.

I will not reveal how she filled it just yet. I am going to give it to some others.

Next will be some sneak peaks of Tammy's goodies, can't show the pics yet because I have to wait to hear that she has her package.

Here is her package all wrapped up. I hope she enjoys everything. I had a blast getting it all together for her.

A couple sneak peaks. I hope I haven't gave too much away!!!

Sorry for such a long post, but wanted to get all of this posted.

Thanks for stopping by

Love,

Debxx

Witches Cupboard Swap

2008-09-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

Everyone involved with this Swap needs go and give Gypsy Mermaid some love and support! I just found out the devastating news about IKE taking everything they had. Her and the family
are safe. But please go and give her some love. You can read about her story here.

God Bless you Sarah, you are in our prayers!!

Love,

Debxx

Witchy Ribbons

2008-09-15T10:55:00.001-07:00

This couple are enjoying their Harvest dance under the Moon! I used a vintage picture, Halloween garland , added ribbons hanging down, and a ribbon hanger.

Mama Witch on the front side. Vintage picture, ruffled crepe paper, orange glitter, and torn Crepe Paper for the "ribbons", Rick Rack for the hanger. Turn the ribbon over and you will see....

Little Witch, she is decorated the same as the front. She has black and orange glitter around her.

The Old Wicked Witch and her black cat. She is a Vintage picture, black glitter, ruffled crepe paper, and torn crepe paper for the "ribbon" hanging down.

I will be posting the winner for the Mad Tea Party later today.

Thanks for stopping by,

Debxx

Beware of Haunted Houses

2008-09-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

This is the what my Haunted house looked like before I started painting and decorating it. I purchased the paper mache house at Micheal's. I have 2 others, just do not have them finished yet. I spray painted the house black. The color on the eves changed 3 times before I was happy with it. I started out with red, wasn't happy with it, then purple, it still didn't Pop, so I got out the glitter glue, and tried the purple glitter glue. And between all the colors, that's what I liked t he most. Same with the window sills. red to light blue, to purple, to the glitter glue purple, I love the affect it gave them, almost looks periwinkle. Then painted the door knob with silver glitter glue. This is my take on a Haunted House, we had a tutorial over on the Sweet and Sinister Halloween Swap, Gina of Lily*s of London*ish came up with the cutest haunted house ideas.

We enjoyed her tutorial:)

Then I started decorating. I used black card stock behind the opened windows. I wanted to use yellow, but that just wasn't right, so went with the black and it looked more realistic. There is a ghost coming out of the upstairs window, with eyes watching you. A ghost flying in front of the house. Two scary Jack-O-Lanterns with feet sticking up behind one of the Jack-O-Lanterns. There are legs hanging out of the roof, is some one trying to come out or go back in? You decide. There are two black spiders one is hanging from his glistening web on the front, Look at his scary red eyes!!! The other hanging to the left of the house. Then you go to the roof and their is a scary witch watching you and a Bat flying around.

On the Left side you see Skeletons, Ghost , and Whose eyes are those? Oh wow, I am scared, I do not know what or whom they may be....Oh My GOSH LOOK at that HUMONGOUS purple SPIDER on the roof, I am out of here I tell you.

Now we have walked around to the back of this scary Haunted house, Oh my Goodness there is a Skeleton laying in front of an Old Headstone. Bats and Ghost flying around. That's a big spider web in the eve of the roof, I am not waiting for that spider to show up. Let's go!!!!

Oh my goodness, not on this side of the house too!! Look at all those eyes staring at us in the upstairs window. Ghost flying out of the downstairs window along with a Skeleton shaking his bones at us...There's that bat and I hope the Old Witch again, Shhhhhh maybe she won't see us.

Well we made it to the front again, now lets run down the street and get out of here.

Thanks for going to this Haunted House with me.

Love,

Debxx

I've been Crafting

2008-09-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having fun helping me celebrate my 100th post. Please go to the previous post and have some tea and cupcakes with the Mad Hatter!!! Thanks for visiting and all your wonderful comments.

This crazy Owl is wondering what that was that just flew by him. The Wicked Witch is searching for her next victim, wanting to put a spell on someone or something.

I made this Hanging Artist Trading Card using Vintage Black and Vintage Orange Crepe Paper, the Orange Rick Rack is Vintage also. I tore the black into and adhered it onto the orange crepe paper. Of course I adhered the witch and her pumpkin on top of the Crepe Paper. Took 2 pieces of black and 1 of the orange, cut them with my decorative scissors glued them all to the bottom of the ATC, topping with the Vintage Rick Rack. I used my Crop-a-Dile and punched holes in the top corners and inserted the checked orange ribbon.

Hanging Artist Trading Card #2 is on orange scrapbook paper, with a picture labeled "Chums". This is a Vintage Picture. The scared little girl is hugging her cat close as they go Trick or Treating. I adhered her to the scrapbook paper. I again cut the Vintage Crepe Paper with my decorative scissors and added the black dotted ribbon on top of the Crepe Paper. I used the Crop-A-Dile to punch holes in the top corners again and added the Black Star Garland for the hanger.

This little Pumpkin guy and his cat is scared that something might get him, so he is hiding behind the tree. The picture is adhered to card stock and trim added to the top and bottom.

Thank you for stopping by!!

Love,

Debxx

2008-09-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Party! It's a mad hatter tea celebration!

The party will continue throughout the weekend. So go tell your friends and bring them back for some Tea and Cupcakes!!!

Come on in!

We're here celebrating my 100th post!

Ooooooooooooooooooooh. Look at all the goodies!

Cookies! Cakes and Donuts!

And Fruit Bouquets!

And Cupcakes! Look at the Dreamy Cupcakes! YUM!!

And eeeeeeeeeeeven a coffee bar! WOOHOO! SOMEBODY POUR ME A CUPPA THAT STUFF! (Chocolate Mocha please)

Help yourself to the buffet! Have another cup of tea!

And leave a comment on this post to win a wonderful surprise!

Thank you celebrating with us!!

Thank you to all who have supported me and commented on my blog!

Love,

Debxx

2008-09-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

OK so I can't add. So I will make another post today, and then tomorrow will be the 100th party post!!! Woo Hoo!!!!

If you are looking for something ELSE to do I know of two Ezine projects going on. You can see their blinkies in my <------side bar.

Wilna is having a Cupcakes and Coffee online Scrapbook Class. Her classes are awesome and loads of fun. You will come away with many new ideas, and she gives you LOADS of downloads...Its really awesome.

Teresa is having a Halloween Ezine, I took her Summer Journal Ezine. Oh my gosh, it was so awesome. She will give you a new project 3 times a week. They are always good and challenging, so inspirational. You will love her Ezine.

Go check out their sites...and I will see you tomorrow for the PAR-Tay!!!

Love,

Debxx

Mom how did you get in my Sewing Room and 100th Post

2008-09-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am sewing today trying to meet my Swap Dates. I reach for my scissors and I just froze. Everything looks just like Mom's sewing area. My scissors are right by the machine, then my pin cushion, everything lined up just like Mom's right down to the CUP OF COFFEE!!! The projects laying right there in reach so you can go to the next projects. Trims laying in reach just in case you wanted to dress something up. OH MY GOSH, Mom how did you get into my sewing room......

My Mom was so wonderful and patient with me when it came to showing me how to sew. Being the oldest of 6 kids Mom had to have someone to help her with the sewing. I had 2 set of twin sisters and 1 brother, he was born between the twins. So Mom and I would sit and sew outfits for summer, Christmas, winter, whatever was coming up one of us was at the machine around the clock. My Mom made all the dresses for my wedding. She is so wonderful!!! I am glad that I turned out to be like my Mom...I LOVE YOU, MOM!!!
I realized last night that I am about to Celebrate my 100th post. Wow, and to think I didn't even think I could do this. My dear friend and Sister in Christ, Paula. Kept telling me that I needed to start one. So this past March I started my blog, I have had so much fun with it, and have made some WONDERFUL friends in blog land. I want to thank you all for visiting and commenting on my blog.

So Please come back tomorrow I will have a Party and a Give away for stopping by and Visiting.

Thanks again,

Hugs,

Debxx

2008-09-06T04:19:00.000-07:00

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER

by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say . . . 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. . .
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

Pretty is as Pretty does... but beautiful is just plain beautiful!

I wanted to share with you. I read it on Jennifer's blog, go check her blog out!!

2008-09-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Look at the beautiful Thank You gift that I received from Heidi over at Foxgloves, Fabric, and Folly. They are a Thank You for entering her Very Vintage Halloween Swap. Her Daughter, Holly, made them for her Mom, Heidi, to send to all of us.

Thank you Heidi and Holly for the beautiful tags and the thought is so sweet.

Love,

Debxx

I can post Swap Items now. =)

2008-08-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

Cupcake Swap

Here is the Cupcake Pin Cushion and Banner that I made for Heidi over on Foxgloves, Fabric, and Folly. What a lovely lady and new friend. We have enjoyed getting to know one another. I am also in her Very Vintage Halloween Swap. The 3rd pic shows how the banner was wrapped in the box I decoupaged, and the 2ND pic is the cupcake pin cushion wrapped. The cupcake pin cushion was made out of felt, and beads, and placed into a plastic cupcake holder. The banner is a demo curtain from Wal-Mart that I used to add the cupcake with Heidi's name on it, beads and buttons with lime green pompom trim. On each tab I had crocheted flowers, they are sewn on with a button on each one. On the bottom corners there are Yo-Yo's with buttons. It also says YUM sewn on with tiny buttons.

Cupcake tags with different size cupcakes on them in her favorite colors: blue, brown, and white.
I also made her some Halloween Tags, some with candles, some without. The rick rack on the Halloween Tags, All Cupcakes, and Tags were cutout on my Cricut. (Hey Paula, I have a Cricut. secret joke. ha ha) There is single cupcakes, cupcakes with candles, and border cupcakes.

I cut the die cut out on my Cricut, and then used chipboard letters for her name, that has stickles on them, then they were added to a envelope. I cut the Cupcake and candle with the Cricut. The One Candle on the card that I made represents that she was my FIRST Swap Partner.

I hope Heidi enjoyed her swap items as much as I enjoyed making them.

Blooming Apron's Beat the Heat Halloween/Fall Apron Swap

This is the front view of the apron I made for Annie over at AnnieOakleaves . She has a really awesome blog, she is a very sweet lady and another new friend. I love making new friends through these swaps.

Closer view of the bottom half of apron.

Close up of the embroidery on the front and the beads that I embellished with. Below is the apron wrapped and ready to go. I crocheted the Orange flower, and made the 2 Halloween tags.

Here are the 2 fall hot pads that I made for Annie. I made them out of Halloween fabric, quilted them, and trimmed them with vintage seam binding. Below are the hot pads wrapped and ready to go.

The card I made for Annie.

I hope you enjoyed your swap items Annie, I enjoyed making them for you.

Thanks for stopping by, have a WONDERFUL 3 day weekend!!!

Love,

Deb

Promise Yourself

2008-08-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

I love visiting Kathy's site she always has such wonderful art projects that she has made. They are so beautiful. She had posted these words from a site she visited, they had touched her, and now have touched me. I need to try to live by these words daily. If only everyone did, what a better place this world would be. Thanks Kathy!!

Promise Yourself-
To be strong so that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Oh what wonderful words to promise ourselves.

Love,
Debxx

From Crepe Paper To Halloween Wands

2008-08-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

We have searched high and low and cannot find the orange and black or black and white crepe paper garland. So I decided I was going to try to make my own. As you can see in the following pictures I was successful, it actually was fun making it.

Here are my takes on the Cat Wands for Tutorial #4 for the Sweet and Sinister Halloween Swap hosted by ArtsyMama. We have had some awesome projects to put together for Halloween this year. Jennifer Lee of Outrageous Afternoon has a wonderful tutorial for us to make this adorable vintage black cat wand. Be sure and visit her blog and etsy shop for more Halloween goodies.

I used printed paper cut into 2 circles outlined with silver glitter, glued the Black cat with his Black glittered witches hat on, added the paper ribbon banner with Happy Halloween. Placed him onto a white painted dowel rod tying ribbon around the dowel and pushed upward under the banner. The ribbon has black and orange beads on the tips of the ribbon.My 2ND Wand I decided to add a Witches face, stickled her had and ribbon paper. I used an old ribbon spool, added old beads inside of spool, gluing paper onto the spool and making a shaker, then assembled as the above Wand. I used the black and while crepe paper garland that I made around the empty ribbon spool to fill it in.

I used another Cat face to make my 3rd Wand. I used the black and white crepe paper garland on the cats' hat and then around another empty ribbon spool. With ribbon tied around the dowel rod and under the banner. Click on the pics and you can see a close up of each pic.

Thank you for stopping by,

Debxx

Even Tri-County Outages couldn't stop me from crafting

2008-08-22T07:27:00.001-07:00

I was wanting to work on projects for the Sweet and Sinister Halloween Swap today. About the time I get my things together the power goes out. Storms have hit Southern Illinois for the past two days. Well I am not wanting to go back to bed, I was to CREATE.

So I start going around the house gathering candles. I have 5 on my table that I am working on, and 4 others around the room, pulled the curtains open. And a crafting I go. =) I almost had my Vintage banner completed when the power came back on 2.5 hours later. Shows, "that when there is a will, there is away!!!!" Pictures will follow as soon as I have completed the banner.

Thanks for stopping by,

Debxx

Sneak peaks of swap items

2008-08-21T12:24:00.001-07:00

I received my Halloween Apron from Annie. I had entered Booming Apron's "Beat the heat July Halloween Apron Swap." We had to make a Halloween or Fall themed apron and embellish it.

She had it folded so cute and wrapped in seam binding. Her cute card with her info..such a cute softie she had made on the picture, her info is on the back. And the cute card she sent me.

Orange side of apron. I love it!!!

The Halloween side of the apron. It is so cute...My 19 yo old son was so sweet to wear my apron so that I could get some good pictures of it. THANKS ANNIE!!!! I love it.

Here is the card that I sent to Annie.

This is the apron that I made her wrapped up. I can't show to you yet, I haven't heard if she has it yet. She should, but I don't wanna ruin the surprise. =) Also 2 Halloween tags that I made and added to the wrapped gift. I made the crocheted flower that is tied in the center of the package also.

I also made her some potholders. But the same thing, can't show it yet.

Annie, I hope you like your gifts as much as I did mine. I love my apron, can't wait for Halloween to get here so that I can start wearing it. WOO HOO.

I also entered the Cupcake Swap over on Sharon's blog also. I posted awhile back what I received from Heidi over on Foxgloves, Fabrics and Folly!!

I am very pleased with the way her card and envelope turned out. I put one candle on top of the cupcake. And on the inside I wrote (well typed on computer) that the one candle signifies that she was my first swap partner. I cut the die cut with my Cricut added her name and then uses stickles on both her name and the die cut. The paper is from Making Memories, and both are glittery. Some of the wonderful paper that I received from the wonderful Wilna.

Part of Heidi's swap items is wrapped in this box... I hope she likes it. I had a blast putting it together.

Her cupcake pincushion is wrapped in this tissue paper and tulle . First one that I made, but it was fun.Then I made her several cupcake tags. Her favorite colors are blue, white, and brown. So I made some cupcakes in those colors. I also made some with the Halloween theme. Of course I used my lovely Cricut to cut everything out. Such a lovely machine.

As soon as I get confirmation that these ladies have received their goodies, I will show pictures of everything.

Thanks for stopping by,

Debxx

Having fun making Halloween ATC's and Tags

2008-08-21T10:52:00.001-07:00

ATC's

I have had so much fun making these ATC's for Halloween. I used the idea from the Halloween Banner. I painted the white polka dots on the ATC's then added various Halloween characters.
1. Every witch has her black cat. I added the pumpkins and the Black Cat. I applied black glitter to the cat to give him texture.
2. This young Warlord is dreaming how the young Witch will respond when he gives his gift of a new black kitten...oh young love....
3.I had so much fun with this card. I drew the picket finch and painted it onto the black card stock. Then drew in the details to make it look realistic. I added the picture of the flying witch, cat, and pumpkins. Making a Halloween Night scene. Using black glitter around the outside edge of the ATC.
4. This little witch and her cats are sending you Halloween Greetings. I also glittered the glue dots behind her.
5. This Witch is telling you to "Come here my Dear!" Beware of the spell she may cast on you.

You may recognize these 2 ATC's I had used these as a prompt on Hel's sight for a Halloween prompt early this spring.
1. I added the black glitter dots around the young man going trick or treating.
2. I also added glitter to the little witch and her friends.

Resale Halloween and Craft items

2008-08-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I went to the Resale shops and I found some goodies to use for Halloween and other crafts this fall. If you click on these pictures you can see them better.
These items I will be using for the Sweet and Sinister Swap that ArtsyMama is hosting on a private blog. I am going to paint the little house black and see a haunted house. I love the 3 candle sconce, might paint it black add crystals how "sweet and sinister" would that be? I see a black spider web being made also. The orange box and basket I know will turn into something really awesome, I am sure.

I love the pumpkin bowl, I think I might clean it up and use it as a candy dish. The candle holder I can see a little guy sneaking through the house scared to death of seeing a Goblin in a dark corner or chasing him down that hall. Some old orange crepe paper, a jingle bell, and match box. The tiles will have something painted or rubbed on them.

A close up of the "spider web" doily, and a pumpkin garland. The black cord runs through the stem on each pumpkin.Look at these cool vintage doll heads, body, and arms. With a little make-up and a softie body I am thinking of a Witch or two. Some of these came from the old Ben Franklin store that use to be in town here. That store hasn't been open since I was a young girl, I believe I was still in grade school. I found these craft items, I am not sure what I am going to make yet, but I will use them on something.I love these Vintage Alphabet cards.

I fell in love with these orange mushroom Macrame beads.

I have been searching for the right book to use for my Halloween journal. I have it now I seen this photo album, its sorta ratty and torn in places, the color has faded. All of that adds to the character of the album. I know it will make an awesome Halloween journal.

Thank you for stopping by and looking at my finds, I had a wonderful time finding them. I couldn't believe I found it all for under $10.00. I love going shopping, coming home with 3 bags full of items and only spending a little.

Have a Great Weekend,

Hugs,

Debxx

I love receiving gifts!!!

2008-08-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

I received my RAK from Paula from Paula's Palace of AltAred Art. What a cute bag of goodies I received. I opened the "decorated"box to find a bag of candies, some cards to make ATC's with or to use on altered art projects. The "bag" that my candies were in was decorated with a
Halloween theme, so cute...and had mini-pompoms on it.

When I opened the box this is what I found in it.....

I love the goodies box with the crow, moonlight, and mini-pompoms. Along with all the fibers and ribbons, with a cute Halloween tag. Then I finally opened the goodies box and found some yummy candy inside of it.You must click on this picture and look at the cards. I love the vintage card with the two women on it. It says "We're not old, we're Vintage"....isn't that great!!

Thanks Paula, what a wonderful RAK my friend.

Love,
Debxx

What should I make today?

2008-08-10T03:55:00.000-07:00

Cari over at what should we make today blog. Recently had a give away, all we had to do was comment on what we would do with some Vintage Halloween flash cards.

My comment was: I would use them in Halloween decorations, make a mini tag album, in a scrapbook, so many different things I could use them with. Thanks for the give away. Debxx

And this is what I won. I can't wait till they get here, I am so excited about having Halloween
Flash Cards. Thanks for the give away Cari!!!

Have a wonderful Saturday!!!

Debxx

2008-08-09T18:32:00.001-07:00

Elf Donna over on Chookyblue Blog is hosting a Secret Santa Christmas Swap. We have 128 secret Santa's. So Elf Donna says enough is enough. Following are the rules for the swap. I can't wait to get started.

The rules are simple

Don’t tell anyone who your swap partner is please. This is a secret swap shhhhhhhhh!!!!!! A different person will be sending to you……….
You have to be willing to post internationally
You need to have an active blog …....posting a couple of times a month…….. so your partner can sneak a peek and get ideas of what to make for you and they know you are active……………therefore existing
You can make whatever you want eg, bag, wall hanging, softies, stitchery, table runner - whatever it is you love to make………send something you would love to receive…..
Sign up deadline is when I have toooo many people (last year I was going to leave it open for several weeks but had to shut it within a week)
Swap partners emailed out mid to late August
Sending (not before 10^th November) deadline is 25^th November to ensure your partner gets their present before Christmas (remember reason for swap)

· Please don’t sign up if you are not prepared to send, non-senders!!!! will be named and shamed

· Make sure you "thank" your Santa – very important

· If you are difficult to contact you may be dropped from the swap………..several times between now and the deadline I email out and you MUST reply………so if you are going away for a week or 2 just let me know

· If everyone can follow the above it will make for another very successful SSCS………..

I am really excited about this swap, I can't wait until I get my Swap Partner so that we can get started on our gifts. Thank You Elf Donna for putting this Swap together.

Thanks for stopping by,

Debxx

Sweet and Sinster Halloween Swap

2008-08-09T14:23:00.001-07:00

Tutorial #1 {Halloween Tag Garland}

Our first Tutorial was hosted by the wonderful Laurie of Happy As a Lark Designs.
We made this fabulous Halloween Garland. You need to go and check out her blog and visit her Etsy shop for more of her whimsical work.

We used chipboard, printed papers, stamps, glitter, and ribbon. Painted the houses and then painted polka-dots on the houses.

Artsy Mama, is hosting a wonderful Sweet and Sinister Halloween Swap, with several known artist that are hosting tutorials for to us make Awesome Halloween Projects.

I want to thank all of you for your time and efforts that you are putting into this. We are having a blast.

Thanks for stopping by.

Debxx

I won!!! I won!!!! In the Sweet and Sinister Swap by ArtsyMama

2008-07-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

I won the first give away on ArtsyMama's Sweet and Sinister Halloween Swap! I won 5 pieces of vintage crepe paper in each of the following colors: autumn gold, black, orange, Halloween images and stone wall. These are all old and in good condition. Also included was a piece of Black Ribbon. I can't wait to use them in a Halloween project.

This was one of the first give-aways for her Sweet and Sinister Swap and The Sweet and Sinister Blog. Her swap filled so quickly she decided to open a Blog so one's that didn't want to do the swap could still do the Halloween projects. At the time of this give away I was on the Blog site, doing the projects and then was lucky enough to get a swap partner, and I am very EXCITED. I have a wonderful partner, We have several of the same interest, just like it was meant for Sherri and I to be together. There was 3 winner's from The Blog and from The Swap!

Kari, thanks for these great blogs. We are having a wonderful time. And THANK YOU for the wonderful Vintage Crepe Paper!

Thanks for stopping by,

Debxx

2008-07-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

My little guy turned 19 yesterday. Just seems like it was yesterday that I was in the hospital holding him. I can't believe the years have gone by so fast. He has graduated from High School this year, has a great job, and is going to go to college soon. Wow, its all so hard to believe.

On our 7 Anniversary I was in the hospital having Caleb. What a wonderful anniversary present he was. The good Lord blessed me with 2 wonderful boys. I am so proud and honored to be their Mom.

So last night we went to Applebee's had a wonderful dinner and of course had to have the waiters and waitress' sing to my "baby" for his birthday.

I don't know if I want to know what he was thinking at that moment. I know I will pay for it later...he always has a way of getting even....such a cutie...

My husband Chuck and I, we celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary yesterday also. I have some handsome men in my life.

Thanks for stopping by.

Debxx

Scrapbooking and Craving Ham and Beans

2008-07-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

The past two days (Thursday and Friday) have been a blast. I spent them with my nieces and we scrap booked till 9:30pm on Thursday. I loaded my goodies into my Jeep then headed to Mom's. Mom and I set and had coffee and talked a while. Then on Friday the girls came over to my house and scrap booked for about 3 hours. They are going to come back soon. (And I didn't think to get a picture one from Friday while they were here.) ;(

I decided it would be A LOT EASIER if they came to my house from now on. Whew, just didn't know for sure what to take. So I took almost everything.....not really, I have a room dedicated for my crafts.

This is my sweet niece Corissa. I went over to scrapbook with her and give her some pointers. We had a blast, laughing, throwing comments back and forth at each other. Constantly, reminding her that journaling is VERY IMPORTANT, and embellishing the Heck out of her pages. Corissa did really good . She had made about 8 pages that day I believe.

Later in the morning my sweet niece Helen joined us. She had never really scrap booked either. So I got her started on 12 X 12 sheets and I am going to get her a scrapbook for her birthday. She did really good, made about 6 pages after she got to rolling. We had pictures taken of us working on our scrapbooks, but I didn't get pictures of our Layouts, I am sorry I will have to get some and post pictures later.

I know you are wondering what "Craving Ham and Beans" has to do with Scrap booking!?! Well Thursday my son Caleb text me and told me to get ahold of my Mom - his Grandma. And tell her that he was hungry for Ham and Beans. You haven't had Ham and Beans until you have had My MOM'S. They are wonderful I am telling you..And her cornbread is to die for....oh my did we eat well for supper that night.

Well Grandma couldn't make them on Thursday, so he had to wait till Friday. But by watching him eat, I believe they were worth waiting for. YUM YUM Mom, you did wonderful again. We Love you...Thank You!!!!

Have a wonerful weekend dear friends!

Love,

Deb

Cupcake Swap goodies

2008-07-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

What a surprise when I came home today and found a box sitting on my front porch. Actually I had 2 boxes, the one was some sewing, embroidery, and crocheting books...The books were nice and exciting but nothing like the 2nd box.

The 2nd box contained my gift from my Cupcake Swap Partner, Heidi, over on her blog, Foxgloves,Fabric and Folly. She has a beautiful blog, with incredible artwork.

Sent sent me beautifully wrapped goodies. Each prize was wrapped so beautifully.

I received a Cupcake book, a Cupcake, tags, die cuts and ribbons, and some beautiful flowers on my ribbons. Also enclosed was a beautiful card and envelope.

Isn't my Cupcake just darling....I love the blue with the little "sprinkled" beads with a Cherry on top. So CUTE!!!!

The cute little tags even have cupcakes stamped on them....

There is 3 beautiful blue ribbons and some die cuts also. What a Bunch of wonderful exciting gifts. And a tag with my name on it...

Heidi, thank you again for such beautiful gifts. I dearly love them.

Hugs,

Debxx

day ten: Telling Tall Tales

2008-07-16T05:26:00.001-07:00

For day 10 we were to "keep our readers guessing". We were to create a layout telling 8 truths and 1 lie about ourselves. I glued scraps of papers down the edge of one page, painted a border on both edges of the pages. I doodle painted over the borders. Glued a piece of material to the lower left edge of the left paper that I had pinked with my pinking shears. I drew my banner on painted and added the title into it. A picture of the girl was added, and a lot of her features were outlined in a darker color.

I painted doodles into any open spaces that I had. Now you are suppose to guess which are the truth, and which one is the lie...Good luck!!! Post which one you think is the lie, thanks.

I cannot get the photo link to open, so I will list the 8 Truths or 1 Lie here so that you can read them.

1. I love Gingham material. 2. Springtime is my favorite time of the year. 3. My family loves my home made biscuits. 4. I love vintage buttons and trims. Once I purchased 12 lbs. of buttons off of Ebay. 5. I enjoy long walks with my husband and our dogs - Hollie and Kylee. 6. I love living in our trailer. 7. I hate retro- shag carpet (especially gold) 8. I enjoy camping with the family. 9. I have a new Cricut Expression Machine.

I typed them like they were written into my journal. At least you won't have to read from page to page.

Thanks for stopping by, Have a wonderful weekend,

Debxx

16 Weeks Challenge

2008-07-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a 16 weeks challenge over on Barb's Blog. I haven't posted any of them so I thought I had better start posting some so that she knew I had been doing them. Here is a bit about the Challenge:

16 Weeks Challenge
Starts Saturday, May 3rd., and ends Aug. 16th. One layout a week for 16 weeks. I will post a prompt each Saturday. To get in for the prizes, you must do a layout for each week.

Week 1 Prompt - Awake/Asleep

Awake Layout

For my Awake Layout I decided to use some of the beautiful Spring Flower pictures that I took this Spring. I had several to choose from. "I love the first signs of Spring, It gives us hope for a New Beginning." Just like our Lord always gives us. I am so thank for such a caring Savior.

Asleep Layout

For my Asleep layout, I also used pictures that showed the Earth asleep. No signs of life when these pictures were taken. We had an Ice Storm hit southern IL in March. My son and I were driving around and seen the sign in the middle of my layout. We live in "Kell, Illinois" and the storm hit in "March" and Kell and March were the names on the Road signs. SO I had to have a picture of them. =)

Week 2 Prompt - Likes/Dislikes

Likes Layout
For this prompt I picked some of my favorite things in life. I love spring flowers. Making beautiful cakes, especially Wedding cakes, A Fresh blanket of Snow, and my Mom's sense of humor...Yes my Mom's Christmas Tree is hanging from her ceiling...She is such a nut. I love you Mom. =)

Dislikes Layout

For the Dislikes layout, I used pictures and letter die cuts that I didn't like. I do not like it when my pictures turn out blurry, when the cakes I decorate turn out ugly, When I am stopped by trains when I think I am in a "hurry", and The ice storm that hit our area and blocked the roadway to my house, and destroyed many of the trees in our area.

Week 3 Prompt - Clean/Messy

Messy Layout

I wanted you to see the Messy Layout first, so you would appreciate my Clean Layout. My poor Scrapbook room was terrible till I finally got my shelves and organization. Everytime I would purchase new products they would lay on the table or my desk because I didn't know where to go with them. Or if I needed something that was in one of the 10 totes under the long table, it would get threw on the table. Frustration would set in, then it wouldnt get put up, and I couldn't scrap or do anything. So it was always a mess. Then one day I had it. I boxed everything up, set them outside of my room, told the hubby lets go, we went to the shed I got the shelves out of shed cleaned them up and that was the start of organizing my Scrapbook/Craft Room. YEAH!!

Clean Layout

This is my CLEAN Scrapbook room I am so proud of it. My desk stays so nice..well except when I am doing something. But now I can put the supplies up as soon as I am finished with them. They have a home..=) The first pic is of my desk, 2nd is my new Cricut Machine...so wonderful, and then one of the Shelves that I put in my room. I have organizers with drawers that helps alot with the organization. There is another set of shelves beside this one that I keep my sewing supplies on, yarn, material, crochet thread, and ribbons. I also have a cabinet with my sewing machine and supplies in the other corner. But couldn't get the pictures of the machine and the shelving unit on this layout.

Week 4 Prompt - Fire, Water, Earth, Wind (had to pick 2)

So I choose Water:

I picked beautiful pictures of people having Fun In the Sun at the beach. There isn't any thing prettier then the blue water against the sandy beach. So thats where my mind went when I seen the prompt for Water.

I also picked Fire:

These are some of the fireworks from our local 4th of July Celebration. The 4th of July is one of my favorite Holidays. Even as a kid I couldn't wait till the 4th of July to get here. The firecracker in the middle of the page is made from cardstock, yarn, and fibers.

Week 5 Prompt - City/Country
(I am really sorry about the scan on this one. I have tried different ways to scan it and it just will not turn out. I guess its because of the light paper that I used to scrap on.)

For the City Prompt I have pictures of Motels, Tall Buildings, Villas, and heated indoor pools...then I commented, " Everything is way too close together. I need breathing space like in the ----->"

Country Prompt

Here I used a picture of my son at a Go-Cart Race in a friends pasture, my sisters dog swimming in the horses water, a long beautiful path that one can go for nice quiet walks, and of course the beautiful wild flowers that one can see on those walks. "Country - A lovely place to Live"

I hope the long post wasn't too bad, but I wanted to get these posted so Barb could see them. Thanks again for the challenge Barb. I have really enjoyed working in it, I will post some more soon, I want everyone recover from this long post first. =).

thanks for stopping by,

Debxx

day eight: windows to my world

2008-07-14T04:02:00.000-07:00

I believe this project was one of my favorites. I loved everything that we done in our journal. Each project was new and exciting to me, so each adventure was a lot of fun.

This layout was decorated with scrap pieces of paper from my stash, journal boxes, flowers that I used "My New Cricut" to cut out flowers and leaves and brackets. The window is "plastic" from a package of new product that I had purchased. The "window" was cut into 2 pages, the plastic and window dividers were sandwiched between the pages.

I also drew lines across the page to make it appear as if there was "siding" on my "house". I put a window box and flowers with small jewel centers.

The 2nd layout of this project we were to decorate with journal boxes, grids and connect the pages together some how. So I made a large swirl that went from one side of my window to the other page.

I decorated the "room" with paper stash scraps of paper, painted the background. I made a curtain from a scrap piece of material, tied it back with twine. I used the space below the swirl as a journal box.

I have my little girl, who looks out the window and appears to be praying. I also journaled in the swirl underneath the little girl. I will journal as the summer goes when there are more memories to add.

Another wonderful project from Teresa McFayden for her Summer Journal E-Zine.

Have a wonderful Monday,

Debxx

day nine: distorted sketches

2008-07-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

"Grab a pencil with your least dominant hand. I am left handed, so my pencil goes in my right hand. Now, look around you and find something in your immediate surroundings. Zero in on it with your one good eye. Squint...stare...study the lines and shapes.

"Fixate that squinty eye on the top left (or right) of the object. Draw it on your journal page. Slowly. Very slowly. Study those lines...where are they going? Slow down and study them and map them on the paper with your pencil. Here's the kicker: don't pick up that pencil. Ever. Well, pick up the pencil a couple times if you must (I did) but try your absolute darnedest not to look at your sketch while it's in process. For if you do, you will become stupefied and upset....enjoy this process and look forward to the end result. It will be quirky....you can bet your bottom dollar on that!

After you've given your sketch color, add some shading now. I used that ever popular charcoal pencil and mostly shaded the right edges of the sketch.

Let's move on to the other page now. Add a few snips of paper, or doodles and spritzes of color to pull things together. Company's coming for crying out loud...we gotta clean this mess up! I left room for journaling. Hope you do, too."

This was a lot of fun. I had never did anything like this. Was really pleased with the sketch, especially since I did it all with my left hand. I am right handed. Thanks Teresa.

Have a great day!!!

Love,

Debxx

day seven: title page and pretty post

2008-07-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Now that we are half way through our Summer Journals, it's time to create a title page. In this post we will be going backward and also forward a bit...but worry not, it's all good!

So now that our Summer Journals have a sense of style and personality about them, it's high time we move to the front of the journal and create a title page.

A title page serves as an introduction to the entire book. It gives the book definition and an introduction. It's typically clean and simple--lots of white space.

You create yours as you like. I chose to stay with that clean and simple notion. Some of the elements or techniques we have covered to date were incorporated into this title page. It helps us use those ideas again, and reinforce them a bit. It also can serve as a way to change them a bit, now that you've tried them once.

For this title page, I did the grid background and

built up from there. First a light pink wash of acrylic paint

was applied and then a grid was penciled in.

Next, I added a phrase: THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF A WONDERFUL STORY. This is one of my all time favorite titles.

I doodled a framed label, placed on the left page, with my

Initials inside of it Viola!

Close up!

Full View.

What a fun journal this has been!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Debxx

Pay It Forward

2008-07-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

PIF, standing for Pay (or more recently Pass) It

Forward is based on the concept of the movie “Pay it

Forward.” Where acts or deeds of kindness are done

without expecting something in return, just passing it on,

with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness

will do the same.

I want to say THANK YOU to NICKY over at The Altered Inker,

I received my PIF from her today. Now I have to honor my

word of Paying It Forward.

How it works:

If you haven't seen this in blogland before now,

it's simple.

1. Be Attentive: So the first three people to leave a comment

on the blog offering the PIF, stating their

intention to join the fun.

2. Do something nice for someone you do not know:

will get a gift which may be

something handmade or shop brought.. it's entirely up

to the blog owner.

3. Spread the word: In return, you agree to post

the "Pay It Forward" message on your blog.

4. Pay It Forward: Now you do the same for the first three

people who comment on your blog.

A really nice way to show "random acts of kindness."

So let's make some one's day.

Remember the first 3 people to comment on my blog

will receive a PIF from me.

New Pictures added - Post long overdue

2008-07-08T04:40:00.000-07:00

Back in March I attended a Altered Art and Scrapbook Retreat. We stayed in a beautiful cabin near Pinkneville, Illinois.

At this Retreat we made art muses. I was recently reminded that my friend, Paula, hadn't seen my muse. So I will post now for all to see.

This is my Faith Muse.

I am sorry the pic is alittle dark, but I believe if you click on the picture it should open so you can see it better. Here's another picture of it.

We took foam board and cover with tissue paper and then scrapbook paper. After everything was covered to your liking, we embellished the muse. I choose to add different embellishments that represented my Religion to me. I love looking at her hanging above my desk.

Thanks for stopping by,

Debxx

What brings tears to your eyes?

2008-07-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

Weekend Wandering, by David McMahon, over on his blog authorblog is wanting to know "What brings tears to your eyes?"
Please answer today's question on your own blog, any time until next weekend. Just link to this blog (or to this post) so I can follow the progress of the discussion.

The question is: What brings tears to your eyes?

1. If someone in my family is hurting.
2. Watching my son and his track team, them trying their hardest, the effort they put into their performance..I don't know why, but it just chokes me up at every meet. (they are a great team, 1st place in sectionals, and several went to state this year)
3. Weddings make me cry.
4. Onions
5. A good sermon at church.
6. Sad movies
7. Commentaries on TV about People or Animals being mistreated.
8. Families of disasters...seeing what they are enduring on TV, breaks my heart. I helped clean up after Katrina in New Orleans, and I still cannot talk about it...Was so terrible to see what everyone lost, they their whole life and throwing it to the curb for the trash companies to pitch it away. Losing their homes, cars, etc...was so devastating.

So post what tears you up, and link back to David's Blog.

Thanks for playing along.

Debxx

Deck Of Me cards

2008-07-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

Thought I would go ahead and post the other two cards that I have completed for the Deck of Me ATC's.

"My Happy Place" (front) card was made form Basic Grey Mellow Series, Settle Down paper. With Making Memories Bubble letters. Distressed with Quick Quotes Mocha Momma Powder Puff.

"My Happy Place" card (back) was covered with the Mellow series, Equinox paper. I then used the die shapes for the boy, girl, and "dachshund" puppy from the Mellow Series. Aren't they just cute...I love them. I used embroidery floss for the leash that matched the pups collar. Which says. "our walks". I enjoy our walks and just spending some quality time with my husband and the our dogs.

Week 20 - Home is....... I used some scrap brown papers and papers from my stash to make my house. I took one of my stamps from my stamp craft "quilt" stamps - the windows are actually a quilt block, but I turned them upside down to make the curtains and window box, colored them, then drew and colored the flowers in the "window boxes". I drew flowers on both sides of the doors. The doors are closed in this picture. (front)

Same front view with the doors open, here I also used the "heart" stamp from the quilt series and stamped the heart inside of the door in red with my StazOn. (front)

"Home is....." (back). I stamped Home is Where with my snap together stamps. Used the same heart stamp from the front. Because that is the center of any home: is one's heart, love..without them it isn't much of a home. Then I just started writing things that I would use to call a house a home...family, memories, pictures, traditions, together, meals, pets, flowers, children, parents, love, happiness, family night movies, etc....many different things could be listed there. Background paper is from my stash. Distressed the edges.

Have a Blessed rest of the Weekend...I just wanna take the time also to THANK all who have made it possible for us to have our freedom.

God Bless,

Debxx

Deck Of Me cards

2008-07-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

I am sorta WAY behind on my "Deck of Me" cards, so I have been busy working on them. I am not going in any order now, just going with the one that I have the most MO JO juices flowing for as I am going thru the list of 27 now, which will be changing shortly I know.

So here is my take on Week 4 Deck of Me ATC - 3 Words describing myself. The words I choose was "Goofy", "Free-Spirited", and "Creative"...which I think they all apply.

I hand stitched the 2 layers together then decorated with stash letters and embellishments. Or used my scrapbook markers from Creative Memories.
Week 7 - Talents I want to use. Actually I would love to just sharpen what I have.
(front side)Back side. I listed different "talents" that I feel the Lord has blessed me with: sewing and crafts, decorating cakes and floral arrangements, altered art and scrap booking, cooking and baking, embroidery....I thank the Lord for the "talents"/ skills that He has given me. Using my sewing machine I stitched different borders and dividers from corner to corner. I used my stamps on this ATC also.

More to come....Thanks for stopping by.

Debxx

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-05T04:52:00.001-07:00

HAPPY JULY 4TH!!!! Here's hoping you had a wonderful Forth of July!

I have some friends that just moved to London and I know they didn't get to see the fireworks last night. So I took pictures and wanted to share them with them...They have found them a home finally, I wish them the best and that their transition goes well. Love you guys Cat. God Bless!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Love,

Debxx

Theme Thursday

2008-07-05T00:28:00.001-07:00

This weeks Theme Thursday is "Winged People" Use a person with wings in your creation this week! Use collage images, photos, rubber stamps, fancy paper , embellishments or any other art supply to give your creation a ”winged person” So here is my take:

I took this tag and painted it gold with acrylic paint, then stressed it with Rangers Tea distress pad. I stamped the hearts with the Studio "g" stamps and hand stitched the glass beads on the bottom hearts. I used my Stamp Craft markers to color the hearts in . Added the beautiful young lady from my stash and then added the fibers. I distressed the edges with the Ruby Cats Eye.

I took a paper from my stash drawer and made a tag. Distressed the edges with a Ruby Cat's Eye. I used the darling little girl from my stash collage kids. I added Vintage lace and tissue paper garland. Added a little pink flower and ribbon to the tag.

Thanks for stopping by,

Debxx

Sunday Stamper's Challenge

2008-07-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

This weeks Sunday Stamper's Challenge is "This old heart of mine." Here are my takes of using heart stamps.

Meet my handsome wonderful son, Curtis and his beautiful bride, Cassie. That is a picture from their wedding. I hand stitched the birds and branches onto the page. I stamped the hearts using red StazOn. The "leaf" hearts are Stamp Craft stamps, the larger hearts are from the Studio "g" series for Kolette Hall. The photo corners and die cut are stickers from "The Love Card stock stickers" from Flair designs. Then I added the pom poms and vintage rick rack.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Debxx

The Artistic Stamper

2008-07-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

The June Challenge for The Artistic Stamper was Animals. I have finally finished mine, I was afraid I was late, and then seen that they extended it for people like me that's running behind. hehe

These are pictures of my beautiful Dachshund, Hollie Girl. The pictures were taken this Spring, she is 2 1/2 years old. I used my Stamp Craft Stamps to stamp the dog with bone and the paw prints onto the background paper with brown and black Stazon. I used my Stamp Craft markers to color the dog and bone in. The papers, vellum, embellishments, and stickers are all from Markings, by C.R. Gibson Collections.

Thanks for stopping by,

Debxx

Award

2008-07-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

I feel so honored I was given an award. From Jennie, who is the owner of The Stamp Connection and a manufacturer of rubber stamps. She is also one of the host of The Artistic Stamper Challenge.

So I must follow these rules:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.

2. Link the person you received your award from.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls/guys you've nominated.

So I nominate the following blogs for this award:

Kari

I hope you enjoy and please pass it on.

Debxx

Afternoon Walk

2008-06-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hollie and I went for an afternoon walk. Was such a Gorgeous afternoon, 76 degrees, just had to go.

She spotted a grey squirrel, it drove her crazy that she couldn't get to him fast enough. So around and around this tree she went, and then would look towards me, like as if to say, "Where did he go?" The whole time he was in the tree barking at her. Just wouldn't set still long enough for me to get a pic of him.

The clouds were just beautiful. Was like someone put cotton balls in the sky. Well we know who did, he is such a AWESOME GOD!!!

Another picture of beautiful clouds.

The main reason for the walk. I knew where there was a patch of the Gorgeous Tiger Lillies. And I HAD to have some...they are so Beautiful.

And they look so pretty in my new pitcher on my new table....ahhhh a bit of heaven. Doesn't take much to make me happy.

Thanks for stopping by.

Debxx

I am expecting

2008-06-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

Now that I have your attention. I am expecting delivery of my colt on Nov. 8th. He will be 6 months old when we get him. I will get to train him. I can hardly wait...I have wanted a horse for along time. He is a Painted Pony. So Beautiful....

Meet Stormy. He is almost 2 months old here. (over look the wind blown hair please.)

Here is a full view shot. He is such a handsome young guy. So gentle once he got to know me a bit. I had him eating out of my hand, it was so cool.

Stormy with his Dad - Friendly Fire. Daddy is very protective also. If one of their other horses would even think about getting close, He was between them and let them know not to come any closer. (Mom in background)

This is Stormy and Mom - Comanche. She kept an eye on me the whole time I was playing with her baby. (Sorry such a dark pic, but it was starting to get late, by the time I took this pic.)

So now you know what I am expecting....I am so excited about getting him. So be expecting to see More pics soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

Debxx

In My Pocket Challenge

2008-06-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

Over at Ink on my Fingers - Hels new "In My Pocket Challenge" the theme was Buttons. You have to draw and make sure your pocket is 7"long X 3.75" wide. The only other rule is that you have to HIDE the theme inside of the pocket. You fold your card over at the 3" mark, and that's your pocket.

This is the front of my pocket. I took Quick Quotes Powder Puffs Bloody Mary and distressed and colored the background of the card stock. Then with Stazon I stamped the whole card with my Paris Moments Collage Stamp, from Hampton Art Stamps. I then colored them in with Derwent watercolor pencils and Stamp Craft Markers. I had some Vintage Wallpaper that I cut the stitching off of for the front panel, I used Prima paper flowers and Making Memories Brads. The tab and Charm are held on with the Brads

The inside was also distress and colored with the Powder Puffs. I also used the Paris Collage Stamp to stamp the background of the inside of the Pocket, then colored the stamp in with the same pencils and markers. I distressed the post cards, envelope, letter, and couple with Powder Puffs. Paris is from the Vintage Wallpaper, is also distressed with Powder Puffs. The collage papers are from Red Lead Paper Works - Mica Charm Collage Image Sheets. I used the Prima flowers on the inside also, along with Vintage Buttons from an Estate sale on the inside of my flap.

Hope you are having a great Sunday!

God Bless,

Debxx

My new present

2008-06-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

I guess I have been a good girl. I was asked to stop by my friends house. And look what I came home with. She knows that I am wanting to go cottage style decorating. And its in my color...I love blue. The Quilt is so beautiful.
Close up of quilt so that you can see the color and detail.
Here is the full view of the quilt. I really love it....I might have to straighten it some and leave it on my couch.
Meet my little buddy, Hollie, She thought it was her new blankie....First dog I have ever seen that LOVESSSSSSSSSSSSSsss to lay under blankets all the time...she is so precious.

Well I am finished rambling, I will close now. Hope enjoyed looking at my new quilt as much as I do....smiles

Have a Super Sunday.

Love,
Debxx

2008-06-28T04:20:00.001-07:00

Go over to Arty Party NI: Blog Candy Give Away: . She is giving away blog candy for reaching over 2000 hits....Wow that's awesome. She makes some beautiful cards.

"Now to enter I would like you to leave a comment and also post a link from your blog telling everyone about my candy.
As it is coming to the end of the school year here in Northern Ireland, I would like to know what your most memorable moment of school was.The closing date for entering this candy giveaway will be Monday the 7th of July 2008 and I will get Kelsey to draw out a name of the winner. This candy is open to international bloggers also, so please don't be shy tell us your most memorable school moment!!!!"

Good Luck!!!

Debxxx

Seeing wildlife

2008-06-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago after coming home from a going away party for a dear friend of mine. I was almost home when I seen a Fawn in the middle of the road. Of course I had to stop and try and get pictures. Well not only did I get pictures I even petted the little guy on the nose and between the ears. Isn't he just the cutest thing ever. I keep saying "he" "him", I am not for sure which it is, but "he" is still darling? He could hardly walk. He would wobble a few steps and then lay down...was so precious.

For those of you who are worried because I touched him. He is doing just fine. I have seen him a couple times since then and is twice the size he was.

This week we have been in VBS all week, one night after church hubby and I went to yummy McD's for supper. After we left there, we stopped at a home near McDonald's and took these pictures of baby skunks. They were so cute. Their stink glands are not active at this age...

I took this little guys picture....look how he has the white patch on his forehead, the only white that is on him. He was starting to get aggressive with me, I had messed with him long enough. He was letting me know enough was enough. The next picture is of him only from the side, he is all black.

These two were playing up by a house across the road from the other skunk. They were just a few steps from the front porch of this house.

This picture is of one of them by themselves. Looking at me.

This next picture is showing one of them after they went under the "deck" at this house. He is looking back at me from under the stairs through the lattice work.

Here is one of the skunks right below the front porch by the guys golf balls they had left outside. The people were not home, so had no clue the little guys were any where around.

This picture shows the 2 walking away from the crazy lady with the camera.

After we left here, we hadn't gone 2 miles we seen a red fox and another deer. We couldn't get stopped in time to get pictures of the deer or red fox.

The funny thing is the skunks, the red fox, and full grown deer were all seen within city limits of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Within a 3 mile range.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Love,

Debxx

2008-06-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Look at the cool Swap that I found. I love aprons, and making a Fall or Halloween Apron sounds like so much fun. The info follows and go check out her blog if more info is needed. Her blog is dedicated to those of us that LOVE Vintage aprons...I love it.

"Come Join BoomingAprons very first Apron Swap!!!
Long hot summer! Lets do some cool down aprons, Lets think Fall Halloween!
Some Idea's
Fall Leaves , Pumpkins, Crisp Air, some really cool
Costumes , yard decorations.Cauldrons, Frankenstein, Dracula and anything you can imagine for a Halloween Apron .Funky Wigs, teeth,Halloween candy, Kids trick-or-treating , Frightful M&M'S ,Character from your favorite Halloween movie ,
Remember Halloween also brings with it the start of the Holiday Season, pumpkin patches, and that warm fuzzy feeling that winter is on the way. Many families celebrate with a huge bash for friends and family and even the neighborhood kids. Bobbing for apples, yummy goodies, and dressing up in ( our Aprons !!) costumes are just some of the fun to be had.
Come and Join Us: Here all you do!
Leave us a comment here, Letting us know you want to join *Then*
Email us your name, Mailing Address, Email Addy, Your blog or web site.
mailto:boomingaprons@yahoo.com
Place our Beat The Heat July Halloween Apron Swap logo on your blog or web site
Deadline to commit to the swap
June 13 th to June 30th sign up*Sorry after June 30th no more sign ups is allowed*
*Updated:Partners announced June 30th*
When is the apron due? Aprons must be mailed out by July 30 at the latest.
We will collect all the names, swap them out, and Post them here on BoomingAprons
We also will send you a e-mail listing along with your partners information.
Please indicate if you are willing to ship internationally or not Anything you want your partner to know such as color dislikes, size, or some such info.
Email us your name, Mailing Address, Email Addy, Your blog or web site.mailto:boomingaprons@yahoo.comPlace our Beat The Heat July Halloween Apron Swap logo on your blog or web site

Update :June 26, 2008 BE SURE to check and see if you name is in the right hand column,If you do not see your name, email me right away and I will add you boomingaprons@yahoo.com
WhOooo only 4 more days until partners are assigned!! 42 sign ups !!
Update : June 23, 2008..If you do not see you name in the right hand column
please email me right away and I will add you..
Remember:Included with your Apron should be Halloween or Fall Card!! *Update is : Only if you want to, Inside your card, Place a favorite Fall Halloween activity.. or recipe*****************
also you do not have to have a blog to join our swap. *****************
Sign ups for swap is http://boomingaprons.blogspot.com/2008/06/beat-heat-july-halloween-apron-swap.html "

Pocket Sewing Kit

2008-06-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

I have wanted a Pocket Sewing Kit for awhile now. So today when I was posting "The Ten Things" and I posted a picture of my material. I thought "hey I can make one using some of the new material I purchased.

I cut 2 pieces of material about 10 inches long by 4.5 inches wide. I cut a piece of quilt batting the same size. But trimmed it down on the sides before I stitched around all four sides, leaving a small opening for turning. I had also pinned some Pom Pom fringe along the top edge, so it would be out when I turned the material. I folded the bottom up to make a "pocket", I top stitched both long edges, catching the folded edge to make the "pocket".

Then I started embellishing it with Vintage rick rack to hold the scissors and needle bottle in place. Inside of the fold I pinned safety pins and placed a piece of card board with different colors of thread wrapped around it inside of the pocket. I sewed a small piece of rick rack on the scissors and snapped the rick rack to the inside of the "pocket kit". I tied buttons on the inside of the flap so that when needed they could easily be removed. Then to finish it off, there is a snap on the inside of the flap to hold it close.

I think it turned out really "cute." Couldn't think of another word for it.

I also think this will work for Hels new "In My Pocket" Challenge. With this challenge you have to hide the "theme" inside of the pocket. And the theme this time was BUTTONS. SO I am going to summit my piece and see what she thinks.

Well it's past time for bed, talk to you all tomorrow.

Hugs and good night,

Debxxx

Ten Things

2008-06-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

ten things I am loving right now:

1. Loving the Spring Wildflowers that have bloomed.
2. Watching my Hubby, Chuck, play the role of the Rabbi, in Synagogue School at Vacation Bible School this week.

3. I am loving watching the children at Vacation Bible School, learning new rituals and crafts .

4. My roses are just full and beautiful this year.

5. I am enjoying my sewing again. I have made approx. 45 outfits for Vacation Bible School this year. We are using the program from www.goup.com/vbs "Groups Holy Land Adventure". This year we are visiting "Jerusalem Marketplace- Where Jesus Walked to the Cross." The outfits that the children above and the Rabbi are wearing, I made those out fits.

6. The clouds have been just beautiful after VBS on the way home. We stopped on the way home Monday night so that I could get these pics. This is only 2 of the many that I did take, others will be seen soon in a new post.

7. I am loving the time Chuck and I are spending in the Hot Tub.

8. The long walks we take with our pets, Kylee- German Shepherd and Hollie- Dachshund. We love our pets.

9. I love working on my Summer Art Journal that Teresa McFayden is teaching this Summer.

10. I love anything crafty. I made this cute box for the Monday Mix Media challenge a few weeks ago.

Thanks SouleMama for the challenge. You can go over to her site to see what she listed. What 10 things are you loving right now.....Tag Paula its your turn.

This was fun, thanks for stopping by.

Love,

Debxx

day six: good griddins

2008-06-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

Good griddins was the 6Th project for the Teresa McFaydren's e-zine.

"Bringing order to chaos is easily achieved with the help of grids on your journal pages. This technique is also a super one to use when you feel like journeying, and again fearing white blank pages.

It's also great fun to do--sorta like a puzzle! Let's give it a go and see what happens. Keep in mind that this is the technique to try today--but you are always welcome to adapt the technique to your liking. Variations from the path foster growth--so if you feel like changing things a bit, do it! Be sure to share your pages on the Flickr site so we can admire your pages!"

Page one of my "griddin's" pages. I divided this page into 6 grids, "the take time to smell the roses" is a picture of one of my ATC's that I made.

The second page is also divided into 6 grids. I the lady in the top row, center grid is the back side of my ATC. The rose picture is from my garden.
I love the little garden fairy that I used.

This procedure was completed by using stippling with a paint brush.

Thanks for stopping by.

Deb

Day 5: It's a Summer Breeze

2008-06-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

A Summer Breeze was the title of Day 5 for the E-zine from Teresa McFayden.

Two great techniques for you today. So, relax--sit back, have a look see and enjoy the cool summer breeze. Yes, we have a double dose today! 2 fun techniques to share. First the visual one, then the journaling one.

This was a fun technique called Pointillism. We used the "pointed" end of a paint brush.. the tip of the handle. We would press it onto the stamp pad or into paint the "dot" it onto the canvas. Was a little time consumming but a lot of fun.

If you pay attention to just the Capital Colored Letters, and you would see that they spell out Summer Memories. So each letter represents a memory from summer's past.

Thanks Teresa, and everyone that stopped by.

Debxx

Please be in Prayer

2008-06-23T03:47:00.000-07:00

As you know, several of our blog friends have been sending cards and prayers to Canada for Lois a friend of artist Wilna. Lois was fighting Cancer, on the morning of Saturday June 21, at 4 in the morning, our friend Lois went home to be with Jesus.

Please be in prayer for Wilna, her Husband, Robin and children. Wilna said Lois had no regrets and was feisty and funny up till the end. She knew she was going home to be with Jesus. God Bless and comfort them during this time.

In His name,

Debxx

Blog Candy up for grabs

2008-06-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

Go over to Becky's to win some cool blog candy.

"There is no reason for this blog candy, it's a "Just Because..." kind of thing! Up for grabs is a brand new Fiskars stamp press with love and marriage themed clear stamps included. The stamp press allows you to repeat card designs easily, perfect if you are creating invitations etc... and measures about 8" x 8".To be in with a chance of winning the stamp press and stamps all you have to do is leave a comment here telling me what your last craft purchase was and leave a link to the candy on your blog, once you've done this you are in the draw which I will do next Monday Morning, everyone who has entered by 9am Monday 23rd June GMT will be in with a shot!!Good luck everyone!Love Becky xx."

So I hope you hop on over and win you some goodies, wait wait...I want to win...Maybe you will be nice and check her blog, tell her how nice it is.

Hugs,
Debxx