Ok, I was bad in the month of May. It was just a crazy busy month. I was crafty, but didn’t seem to have the time to blog. And, oops now it is June. I also had one trip to Atlanta for work. We had an amazing work event and blew the attendee numbers out the window. The event was hosted by an outside company and there were some logistically bumps, but nothing that we couldn’t fix with some duct tape. (My dad would be so proud.)
Card of the Day
Eiffel Tower – Thank You
I needed a thank you for a co-worker that went out of her way to make the Atlanta event a success so I made her this card. I cased this card cause I just thought it was simple and prefect!
Elements
Stamps: SU!: Merci
Inks: Memento: Black tuxedo
Paper (brands, colors & size): Gina K (card Base): Passionate Pink, 5 ½ x 8 ½ Taylored Expressions: Snow White 3 ¾ x 2 ¾ , SU!: Basic Black: 5 ¼ x 4 & 4 ¼ x 3 , DP: Sweet Always: 5 x 3 ¾ ½
Copics: Eiffel Tower: RV10
Accessories: SU! - Circle punches, Michaels Ribbon
It was a beautiful day today. The sun was shining and we were cloud free. Work was a little hectic, but overall a good day. Oh, and the Bruins one last night – a little shout out for my hometown team. Now they just need to win 10 more games and we can claim the cup. (Yup, I’m a little bit of a hockey fan)
Today is a short one, I need to go clean the kitchen!
Card of the Day:
Henry the Mouse – Happy Birthday
I love this stamp by Whiff of Joy. It was a co-worker's birthday yesterday so I pulled out Henry and made her a card!
Elements
Stamps: Whiff of Joy: Celebrating Henry
Inks: Memento: Black tuxedo
Paper (brands, colors & size): Gina K (card Base): Innocent Pink, 5 ½ x 8 ½, Taylored Expressions: Snow White 3 x 3, SU!: Regal Rose 3 ¼ x 3 ¼, Chocolate Chip: 1 x 5 ½
Today, was one of those days that I wanted to go back to bed before I got up. Nothing bad, it was just gray and rainy out. Hard way to start the week I finally convinced myself to get up and head into the office. Work was on the crazy side, but the happy part of it was that I only had one meeting. I think that is a record. I average 4-5 a day.
I am very sad to see the news about Nashville. Many of the areas that I was just at last week are now underwater. I hope all our friends to the south keep safe and dry. I promise to come back soon to help boost the economy which I am sure will be needed. I am also a little concerned that Ireland is talking about closing the airports again due to volcanic ash…Let’s hope this doesn’t happen. I am heading to London in June and don’t want to get stuck either here and miss the trip or be unable to come back.
Ok, enough rambling.
Card of the Day
Mama said there’d be days like this – Inspirational
I was just having one of those days and this sentiment said it all. And, then the turtle on its shell just seemed to work. It is very simple, yet I think it sums up many a Monday. Or just about any blah day.
Elements
Stamps: A Muse Artstamps: Mama said, Turtle, Stamps by Judith: H-198 Long Grass, Local King Rubber Stamp: Happy baa…thday (small outline)
Inks: Memento: Black tuxedo, Bamboo Leaves, New Sprout, Summer Sky
Paper (brands, colors & size): Gina K (card Base): Pure white, 5 ½ x 8 ½ (folded down to 5 ½ x 4 ¼ ), Taylored Expressions: Snow White 2 ¾ x ½ , SU!: Ballet Blue 3 x ¾, certainly celery 5 ½ x I ½
Ok, it was a busy week, but I am going to get better about posting. Work was crazy and I am getting ready for a business trip next week that always keeps me on my toes. I went on a minor shopping spree last night with a good friend from work. We hit Arundel Mills mall which is half outlet mall and half normal mall. I did well and spent a little more than I had planned, but oh well you only live once.
This morning I hit the Asian market and stocked up on veggies, chicken and shrimp. I love their food always fresh and so much cheaper than the regular grocery store. This week’s menu includes: Curried Shrimp, Chicken with Peanut Sauce & Lo Mein Noodles, and Grilled Chicken with Queso Verde Sauce.
Alright on to the card of the day – Which starts today. I am going to try and post a new card that I have created every day – Let’s see if I can do it!
Card of the Day: Sweet Indulgence – Thinking about you
Ok, I used the card HERE as inspiration. I changed up the colors a little and cut down on the embellishments. I do want to try and sew on my cards, but I need to master the copics before I take on that challenge. I am trying to “ground & shadow” my images. I am not there yet, but I think this was a decent first attempt. I am going to sign up for the Suzanne Dean Copic class I have heard a lot of great things and I am hoping it will help with my technique. The design of this card is based on the use of layers the only real thing that “pops” is the coffee mug in the left corner that I put on a dimensional.
Elements
Stamps: Taylored Expressions: Sweet Indulgence
Inks: Memento : Black tuxedo
Paper: Gina K (card Base): Vibrant Violet, 5 ½ x 8 ½ (folded down to 5 ½ x 4 ¼ ), Taylored Expressions: Snow White 3 ½ x 2 ½ SU!: Whisper White: 5 ¼ x 4, DP: Sending Love Specialty 5 x 3 ¾, DCWV: DP 5 x 3 ¾ (for Cupcake Wrapper)
Just got back from spending four days in my favorite city – Nashville - as always had a great time! Started Wednesday with a Bon Jovi Concert at the Bridgestone arena, Dashboard Confessional open and were great. Bon Jovi was AMAZING; they rocked the roof off . It took until Saturday to get my hearing back in my right ear. (That may have to do with two nights at the second fiddle on Broadway, but I’ll get to that in a minute). Here is the playlist. They hit all the big songs and a few that were old alum cuts that you don’t hear as often, but still know all the words. The only song that they didn’t play that I would have liked to hear is Bed of Roses, but maybe they will play it in London.
We went down to Lynchburg, TN on Thursday to tour the Jack Daniels Distillery. Here is the picture of the whole tour group. I am hidden in the back and I am ok with that. :) We had an awesome tour guide names Bettie. She was great and had a wonderful sense of humor. Walked around the cute historic district which I think had a total of 10 stores. Then headed back north to Franklin, TN. Walked around Main St and saw some great little shops and had dinner at a Mexican restaurant called Sol. It was great and the guacamole was made table side which I always like.
Thursday night was night 1 at the Second Fiddle. The band that was on stage when we got there was Brandi Thornton and she is a great singer that knows how to engage the crowd and keep their attention. I would go see her again. The 2nd group to come on was Barefoot Justice and I have to say I wasn't impressed and was sad to see that they were on again on Friday when we went back. Luckily they were the early band on Friday was they were off the stage by 10:30 and then the Shawn & Hobby band took the stage and they were also good. I look forward to seeing if any of these groups make it big. You never when you hit the bars on Broadway, they could be the next big thing...
Friday during the day we toured the Belle Mead Plantation which was very cool. I had never toured a plantation before so I got a good dose of history while there. We also drove by its sister’s house West Meade which is just a mile down the road and still family owned.
After having to check out Saturday morning we headed down to the Factory in Franklin.
It has a lot of local artists which is nice. A little too nice as I managed to buy two paintings. One by Deborah Gall.
This one is by Becky R. Gholston. I also looked through the window at Deann Hebert ‘s work, but she was closed. Next trip I will be heading over to see her.
After that it was time to head home. Once again Nashville, you made it hard to leave...Next trip is for work. Atlanta in Mid May!!! Until then I am off to Craft. :)
Packing, my least favorite part about travel. I love the planning, love the flying, loving being there and even coming home is nice. Packing and unpacking - that is what i hate. Airport security, checking in, hotels, rental cars - piece a cake. Packing so not my idea of fun.
It is really an art form and I do have it down to a science, but it is a science that occupies my mind for days before I leave. What are we going to be doing on this trip, do i need day and night outfits, business and fun? Shoes - that is a whole other issue. Comfort or style...Seldom do you get both.
Ok, so I need to pack leave on Wednesday for Nashville. I love that city and have tix to see Bon Jovi. So I am going to need day and night attire. Along with some comfortable and stylish shoes...I think there may be a need for some shopping! :)
WOW. It has been crazy Saturday. Had to drop the car off this morning for an oil change, got home did 4 loads of laundry, changed out the winter and summer clothes and then made a batch of brownies. Tonight is our SU! Demo’s monthly workshop and I am the host this month so snacks are brownies.
I am also on the lookout for a cheap rental car for Nashville this week. Heading down there on Wednesday and staying til Saturday - looking forward to a fun little getaway with my favorite travel gal.
So with all that going on I still had time to sit down and make a card. Last week I went to the Queen’s Ink (http://www.queensink.com/) in Savage mills and was amazed by all the different mediums they use. I bought a few different things, but was most intrigued with the 8.5x11 colored tin sheets by Ten Seconds Studio. (http://www.tensecondsstudio.com/)
The card is simple, but the paisley background is what I am excited about. I cut the tin down to a large background layer for my card. I picked a sizzix embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot. The tin then takes impression of the folder. I took a sand paper and sanded the raised impressions to remove the color from the raised tin. Leaving the pink in the background and the silver shining through – I think this is going to be new favorite technique for awhile.
I see a lot of people posting about their craft space. I thought that I would do the same. I live in an apartment so my dining room doubles as my craft room. And, If I were to tell the truth, 90% of the time it is a craft area and only do I move the stuff if I have to feed people at the table. If I can get away with dinner on the couch I do it.
The space isn’t huge so I have to be careful on what stays out and what gets put away. I tend to keep my cardstock, DP, copics, brown & Black ink out along with my cleaner. Stamps come and go between the table and the plastic drawers I store them in. (which are in a large walk in closet in my bedroom)
I have recently done a clean out and upgrade of my crafting items. It started with the purchase of copics which cause the upgrade in cardstock and ink. That leaded to the want of new stamps and finding many new stamp companies. I had been only using stampin up stamps with Michael’s cardstock. Now I have bought several different stamps sets from many companies. For Cardstock I am using Taylored Expressions for white layering, Gina K for bases, and Stampin up paper for layering.
So, while i don't have a lot of space I still find the space to be inspired.
I think the title says it all. I love to travel and I love crafts. Oh, and live music, but that normally goes along with the travel. I have recently taken my crafting to the next level and feel like I can start sharing it with the outside world. I my goal will be to post several times a week about crafting and then when I am planning a trip post about that as well.
