Plan B

Card with Washi tape

2012-02-11T16:50:00.002-06:00

This is my first attempt at blogging from my iPhone 4S. This is my COTM for TN Stampers.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T06:49:00.000-06:00

This is my favorite card! Love how it turned out. Hope you got some chocolate today!

Robin

Happy Heart Day (one more time)

2011-02-13T16:47:00.000-06:00

The red/white/pink continues!

Robin

One more Happy Heart Day

2011-02-12T16:55:00.002-06:00

More PTI images. I like how this one turned out.

Robin

BIG Challenge

2011-02-12T07:01:00.000-06:00

Another day, another challenge at Papertrey Ink. Today is to make something BIG. I decided to go with a button flower as my focal point. We've got plans for today, so I had to get up early and make this card.

Thanks for stopping by,

Robin

Supplies: buttons and stamps from PTI

Tag Challenge

2011-02-11T18:33:00.000-06:00

Nichole is handing out challenges each day until the 15th. You only have 24 hours to post your project which makes a short time frame for us working gals! Today we were to incorporate one of the Fillable Frames with a tag. I love these colors - so springy! Which I need after this week of snow and cold here in TN.

Thanks for stopping by!

Robin

Supplies: PTI: tag die, frame die, ribbon, ink & stamps, Copic markers, Martha Stewart Crafts doily tag

Another Happy Hearts Day

2011-02-11T16:52:00.001-06:00

Another card I made. I have a new camera and I'm not sure yet that I like it.

Robin

Button Challenge

2011-02-10T17:44:00.002-06:00

The 4th anniversary celebration continues at PTI. Today Nichole challenged us to make a card using buttons in a unique way. I'm not sure how unique this is since I've seen lots of these on blogs, but this is the first time I'm making a card like this.

Here's a closeup showing the layering of the buttons.

Thanks for stopping by!

Robin

Supplies: white doily - Martha Stewart Crafts, all other supplies by PTI

Missing You Card

2011-02-10T17:40:00.000-06:00

Papertrey Ink started a new challenge series called "Make It Mondays". There is a video to watch and then you have a chance to try the challenge yourself. This week Erin showed us how she uses several sentiments on one card. This is my CASE of her card.

Robin

Supplies: paper, stamps, buttons, ink - all PTI

More Happy Heart Day

2011-02-09T16:44:00.001-06:00

I had lots of fun creating these valentines!

Robin

Happy Heart Day

2011-02-08T08:38:00.000-06:00

This one is a tent topper card - lots of fun to make. The saying is from The {Stamps} of Life. All other supplies by PTI.

Robin

Happy Heart Day again

2011-02-07T08:30:00.004-06:00

More hearts from PTI!

Robin

Happy Heart Day Countdown

2011-02-06T18:31:00.005-06:00

I created several Valentine's Day cards this weekend (and last). Amanda cut out all the hearts for me - THANKS!!! All images from PTI - Heart Prints.

Robin

PTI Challenge #4

2011-02-06T16:25:00.000-06:00

This card features an image from Lisa Johnson. I love her stamps! I used my Copics to add color.

Robin

PTI Challenge #3

2011-02-06T16:18:00.000-06:00

Yes, as you can see - I'm making cards instead of watching the pre-game of the Super Bowl! This is another card for the PTI challenge. The image is from Nichole Heady.

Robin

PTI Challenge #2

2011-02-06T16:05:00.000-06:00

When I first saw the words on this circle, I knew I wanted to create a wedding card. So many brides are having their colors be black and white - it worked perfectly. I added some bling to the flourishes.

Robin

Papertrey Challenge

2011-02-06T13:29:00.000-06:00

February is Papertrey Inks 4th anniversary. Nichole is having a challenge today where each of the designers created a circle tag image for us to use. Here's my card for Heather Nichols. I stamped the base of the card with Versamark ink using Heather's "Beyond Basic Borders" set.

It feels good to be blogging again!

Robin

GPP Street Team: Crusade # 42 - Strip Ease

2010-07-21T21:16:00.000-05:00

Michelle Ward posts a challenge each month on her GPP Street Team blog. This months theme is Strip Ease. Take your favorite papers, tear them, and make a journal page about them.

After working late today, I decided I needed some "play time" so I used a Tattered Angels stencil, Glimmer Mists and Maya Mists.

I tore the paper into strips and adhered it to my journal.

Then I journaled between the strips.

To finish it off, I stamped a leaf image from Donna Downey's "The Artist in You" stamps.

Thanks for stopping by!
Robin

PTI 2010 Anniversary Stamps

2010-07-08T15:43:00.002-05:00

Papertrey Ink has a program where you receive a free stamp set if you purchase 12 of their stamp sets during a year. Last year I more than met this requirement.

The set is called Round and Round and is not available for sale.

As you can guess, most of the images are either round or fit inside the round border stamp.

There's also a background stamp of dots surrounded by circle. I've stamped it on the bottom of each of these cards.

Today is my Moms birthday - so hope you have a great day Mom!!

Robin

New Stamps!

2010-07-07T15:25:00.001-05:00

I recently purchased some stamps from Donna Downey - the one above is from Insightful Meadow. Unity Stamp Co distributes her stamps as either mounted on their thin wood mount or cling mounted. She also has some foam stamps that I haven't tried yet. They are very tall - almost a foot!! She also has an inspirational video each Wednesday - sometimes she shows her art journal - very cool!

Happy Wednesday. Here's a quote from one of my birthday cards from last month - it cracks me up! And its an inside joke with my family about why I got this card....

"Happiness

is like peeing

in your pants.

Everyone can see it,

but only you

can feel its warmth."

Robin

My, How the Times Flies.....

2010-07-05T06:51:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe

but 25 years ago:

After working at the nuclear plant all day,

we got dressed up,

took the kids with us,

and drove to Overbrook, KS.

Getting everyone ready

took longer than we thought

and we were running late.

We finally arrived

at the very important place

but no one was there.

Luckily,

a Fire Station

was next door.

They knew exactly

who to call.

He was on his way!

Then we waited some more -

this time for my Aunt Peggy

and sister Rene'

Finally, everyone was there.

Then, we got married!

These are copies

of the Polaroid pictures from that day.

Bob

thank you for:

asking me to marry you over the phone

loving my children as your own

loving me unconditionally

listening to me whistle off key

telling me everyday that I'm beautiful

modeling a Christian life to me

inspiring me to be a better person

giving the absolutely BEST HUGS ever

being my husband

I love you!

Let's do 25 more!

Sorry this day isn't turning out like we'd planned (work got in the way). I'll make it up to you in Hawaii!! Love you! Mwah! xoxoxoxoxo

Robin

New Furniture

2010-05-13T16:20:00.000-05:00

I have been waiting for this day for a few months now! My new furniture from Sprintz arrived today. This is our first home with a formal living room. I wanted a contemporary sofa, one with lots of pillows. I fell in love with this one as soon as I saw it in the showroom.

Sorry for the blurry photo, but here's the detail of the sides and back - the piping really emphasizes the curves...love that !

I also got two side chairs. Keeping with the contemporary theme - wanted to have a geometric pattern. Hard to tell but the colors are cream, tan, gold, and a very light green.

They are so comfortable....can't wait to curl up with a good book! It was fun to pick out fabrics and imagine what they would look like on a piece of furniture. Guess I can remove the tags now!

I'm off to try out the sofa.....Robin

Flood Pix

2010-05-09T13:17:00.001-05:00

A week ago today, this is what our gravel driveway to the shop looked like. It's kinda hard to see in the pix, but it's completely covered by running water.

This is B emptying out the shop vac he used to remove the water in his shop.

This is a closeup of the water at the corner. It's not very deep but you can tell how fast it was moving.

Robin

The Art Mill

2010-05-08T13:09:00.001-05:00

I took a quick class (2 hours in the evening) at the Art Mill in Lebanon and painted these flowers. It was wonderful to spend time with a good friend and also create something! Scott and Caroline have a great setup. Their website has the monthly calendar so you can pick what you want to paint. I plan on doing this again.

Robin

Springtime Cards

2010-05-07T13:09:00.001-05:00

I actually made a few cards recently. The butterfly punch is from Martha Stewart.

This one is my Mothers Day card for my mother-in-law.

Loved this purple paper! Just realized this is the only one that I stamped on. This was sent as my Card of the Month.

Robin

Goin' to the Chapel

2010-04-24T08:56:00.000-05:00

We are going to a wedding this afternoon for a co-worker of B's. This is the card I made for them using PTI stamps. Their invitation was black/white/pink with damask designs. I incorporated that into the card.

Happy Saturday!

Robin

Fond Memories

2010-04-23T14:27:00.000-05:00

This month we sold our former home near Knoxville. Although it is a huge relief not to have 2 homes at once, it was sad to know it was no longer ours.

Reminisce with me.....

It was home to an annual Thanksgiving reunion with B's side of the family. Kids had lots of fun on the stairs.

And parking cars on the small space at the top of our driveway was always interesting.

It was home to several graduation parties that we hosted, including this one for Amanda's college graduation.

Being on a hill, we have some great views - here's a rainbow.

Here's the trees in winter (I always wanted to try and draw them).

This is the view from our front porch when the water was all misty....loved it like that!

And another time.

And one more.

B got this deer in our back yard!!

Even though they were really like pets.....I loved watching them out our back door.

Inside I painted several walls including this one in the dining room that I stenciled...loved how it turned out!

This house also was where I began my "love" of pears - here's the stamped kitchen.

And pantry.

B got his first work truck while we lived there.

And his tractor - he LOVES this thing!

It was useful to mow the steep yard.

I could go on and on.....

We are happy to pass you along to another family....it was sad to see you empty. THANKS for the memories!

Happy Easter!!!

2010-04-04T17:49:00.000-05:00

Today was another glorious...beautiful....sunny day here in Middle TN. Temperature was perfect for sitting outside on patio and reading the paper.

Here are some additional pictures from my yard. This is a plum tree. I've never had one before but B had one as a child and loved eating them off the tree. Lots of leaves (blooms are almost all gone). This is planted beside the swing set.

These are the blooms from our dogwood trees. This is one of the white ones. The pink ones only have small leaves, no blooms yet. But it won't be long.

Happy Easter!

Robin

Oh, what a beautiful day!

2010-04-03T15:07:00.000-05:00

This morning was filled with thunderstorms, but they didn't last long. Now it's absolutely gorgeous out!

This is a picture of my lilac bush - full of green leaves. I can't wait for it to bloom. This started as a shoot from my MIL's plant in Ohio. We also had one at our previous home and it was so pretty, but I left it behind.

Here is a Lily of the Valley bush (I think!). The blooms are clustered together and smell nice.

And this is my very first Redbud Tree - see all the blooms! I am so excited! I have always wanted a redbud tree since we moved back to TN 12 years ago. I love to drive down the road and see them nestled among the pine trees (purple and green are my favorite colors). Last year we bought 8 trees and only the 3 redbuds survived. We planted 4 dogwoods a few weeks ago - I hope they bloom this year!

Get out and enjoy the beautiful day - it is full of Gods creations. Tomorrow is a day of celebration - He is Risen!

Robin

Coloring with Copics

2010-03-23T08:16:00.001-05:00

Here's some of my in-process coloring with Copic markers.

More coloring. The stamps are from PTI - Year of Flowers: Violets.

I'll eventually cut these out to use on a card.

Knitting - Square #9

2010-03-22T20:16:00.000-05:00

I finally had time to finish my next square in the Great American Afghan series. This one was fun to knit - loved the bobbles.

Baby Hats

2010-03-13T08:12:00.000-06:00

Baby hats are such a quick knit and SO FUN!!! I made this one with the leftover yarn from the baby blanket for my co-worker.

And if you make one, you have to make another - they're addicting!

This cute pink/purple one is for my soon-to-be Granddaughter. Once I heard P & A were having a girl, I had to buy some pink yarn (yeah - like I don't already have a stash of that!). Can't wait to see this on her (although she'll probably be a toddler before it fits!).

Have a great day!

Robin

Art Journaling

2010-02-22T19:12:00.000-06:00

These are some images I was playing around with in my Art Journal. I used wooden flowers as masks then used my Copic airbrush system to color them. Love how they turned out!

Clean & Simple Cards

2010-02-21T08:09:00.001-06:00

I did these two cards for a Clean & Simple sketch #79.

On this one, I used the SU ornament punch to make the vase (just cut off the bottom to make it flat).

Baby Blanket

2010-02-20T16:01:00.000-06:00

This blanket is for a co-workers new baby boy. The colors they picked out were black and white. I decided to do mostly white with a few black stripes.

This picture is of it all folded up.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T07:01:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas! I hope you're enjoying the day with family and friends...we are. Remember to count your blessings!

JOY

2009-12-24T19:06:00.000-06:00

The picture is kinda blurry, but this is beautiful in real life. The red paper on the left is flocked! Love it! All items are from SU.

Christmas Decorations

2009-12-17T19:02:00.000-06:00

My color scheme this year is blue and silver.

Fingerless Mitts

2009-12-16T19:07:00.000-06:00

It is cold where I work. My solution....knitting me some fingerless mitts! I used a pattern from Vicki Howell.
Yarn is Cascade 220. Love them!

Pink Christmas

2009-12-15T06:58:00.000-06:00

This card is made with another stamp set from PTI. I decided to do a pink layout just to be different. I love how it turned out!

Blue Christmas

2009-12-14T14:14:00.000-06:00

For this card I used a tree stamp from PTI, stamped in Enchanted Evening ink. I then added blue and silver stickles to the branches.

More Knitting - Square # 3

2009-09-19T10:19:00.004-05:00

I'm on a roll - finished 2 squares this month! Of course, both of them have been in the works for awhile. I got behind last month when I was working so much overtime. I missed last months class and will also miss the one for September. I'll have to stop by after work one night and get the directions. I really love the color of this yarn and can't wait to begin putting the afghan together.

Robin

Gift Bag Tag

2009-09-17T14:30:00.002-05:00

Today I thought I would try my hand at making a gift bag tag. I used a manila tag as a guideline and cut out one from white cardstock. I then stamped it with an image from Damask Designs from PTI. I love this set from Dawn McVey - so elegant looking.
I needed a gift card holder also and decided to incorporate it into my tag. I scored the bottom 1/3 of the tag, then glued the top section onto Sweet Blush cardstock. You can see the bottom piece hanging off in the photo above.
I bent the bottom section around to the back and glued down each side, forming a small pocket that's perfect to slip a gift card in.
For the front, I added Sweet Blush and Black ribbon and stamped the initial and circle image using my Just Rite Stampers.
I used a piece of the leftover Sweet Blush to create a quick card to include in the bag. The sentiment is from In Bloom.
Here's the finished bag, ready to be delivered. The gifts inside are all wrapped in damask tissue paper I purchased.
This bag will be going to a good friend at work who's birthday is today.

Robin

Square 16 - Leaves

2009-09-15T14:10:00.000-05:00

Here's the completed Square #16 - it has really cool leaves and acorns on it. It was fun to knit because the leaves had so many extra stitches, then you knitted 5 together at once to bind off.

Projects from TN Stampers Retreat

2009-09-14T14:17:00.003-05:00

This past weekend I attended a stamping retreat with my on-line group: Tennessee Stampers. About 25 of us spent the weekend at Garner Creek in Middle TN. It's a beautiful place and the weather was very nice.

We didn't have specific classes and projects this year so it was very relaxed. We had several demo's done by Brenda and Lorraine. Brenda has a stamp store in Fairfield Glade - Stamping on the Plateau.

Lorraine taught this technique using alcohol reinkers dripped on glossy cardstock, then blown about with a can of air. It was so fun and I love how my cards turned out. These images are from Magenta Stamps that I borrowed from my friend Cindy. THANKS!

This cute Frankenstein is a treat bag created using the SU top note die. It's filled with chocolate. Boo did this as a Shoebox Project.
This is Nancy P's Shoebox Project. She also organized the retreat - thanks Nancy!

Robin

Playing with Buttons

2009-08-02T06:33:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of cards I made using the Everyday Button Bits from PTI. Sorry for the bad pix - I was trying to not get so much glare.

There are several fun images in this set - you add buttons (or punched circles, flowers, etc) to complete the image. These are way fun to play with. I'll be sending one of these to my COTM.

Robin

More Knitting!

2009-08-01T15:59:00.003-05:00

I spent the morning at Knit Happy, working on square #16. As you can see in the photo, I did manage to find a few items to purchase. Ha!

This week, I started a knitting class at Haus of Yarn with my good friend, Marie, from work. We're making a swirl shawl using lace weight yarn and the lessons last for 3 weeks. This is my first foray into lace and I'm still a little nervous. I admit that one late night this week the above items were slung across the room in frustration. I had to start over 3 times! Knitting with a small piece of thread tests your patience.

Here's a close-up of the hexagon. Only about 80 more of these to go! The teacher was so funny - she said we should have 16 of these done before our class next Tuesday - uh, I don't think so Dave. I did buy some Addi lace needles today - maybe that will help!

Robin

Want a chance to win some great stuff?

2009-07-26T10:22:00.002-05:00

Melissa is giving away a bunch of cool stuff (including a SLICE) to celebrate her blogiversary! Good luck!

Robin

Berry & Pink

2009-07-25T17:59:00.003-05:00

My friend Libby gave me a card making set for my birthday. The cards already contained images, so I only needed to add a few things to finish them up.

They matched the Berry Sorbet ink from PTI perfectly.

Sorry for the glare on the pictures - the cardstock is glossy and picks up the camera flash.

I had fun making these quick cards. Hope you're enjoying your Saturday!

Robin

Score!

2009-07-23T19:49:00.002-05:00

Earlier this month, during the countdown to the release of new stamps by Papertrey Ink, I won one of their prizes! It includes a stamp set and two color collections (ink, paper, ribbon, buttons in blue and red).

My package also included the items I ordered this month. I can't wait to create with them - hopefully this weekend.

Robin

Happy Birthday Rene'

2009-07-20T07:11:00.000-05:00

I know this isn't your Ford Mustang convertible, but it's as close as I could get using my stamps. Have a wonderful birthday!!!

Robin

Sketch Sunday

2009-07-19T12:32:00.004-05:00

My friend Becky is having a sketch challenge. Click here for the link to her post.

Here's the sketch and you're challenged to use scraps.
Here's my take on the sketch. I used the Everyday Classics set from PTI again.

The weather is still gorgeous here in Middle TN - we're going for a walk! Enjoy your day!

Robin

Thoughts on Saturday

2009-07-18T17:14:00.003-05:00

These are my new Skecher shoes. I bought them last weekend at the outlets in Pigeon Forge. I love them! They are so comfortable, but mostly they're just totally CUTE.

Here are a couple of cards I made using images from Everday Classics from Papertrey Ink.

My husband and I spent an enjoyable morning at the Cedars of Lebanon State Park. We rode horses on an hour long trail ride. The weather was absolutely gorgeous - nice breeze and not hot. I'm sure we'll do this again.

Happy Saturday!

Robin

#100

2009-07-13T12:51:00.004-05:00

I wasn't sure I would ever make it this far, but I've reached my 100th post - yippee!

While we were in Pigeon Forge this past weekend, I found this shirt that I had to have - it expresses my thoughts on life perfectly.

This post will contain some random cards I made today. This is my day off work and I'm relaxing and playing in my stamp room.
This is made from an image I'd had for awhile now - I believe I made it in Stamp Club - using perfect pearls over versamark. It's very metallic IRL.

Another image I pulled from my stash this morning. I used it with the Basic Grey paper pack I bought this weekend at Scrapbook Superstore. It's from their Euphoria series - love the pastel colors!

This last one is a Stamping Bella image I colored with copics and is for a knitting friends birthday this week.

Enjoy your day!

Robin

More Butterfly Art

2009-07-09T07:52:00.000-05:00

Awhile back while surfing the web, I ran across a card using this concept: multicolored butterflies forming a rainbow on a card. I've been meaning to give this try and finally had time to make it happen.

I was going to have a tree branch or something in the bottom left-hand corner to "ground" the butterflies, but decided to go with these text stamps instead. I used Martha Stewart's classic butterfly punch and a rainbow mat stack from DCVW.

Here they are framed in simple black frames.

I'm very happy with how they turned out. These would make quick & easy gifts.

Square #10 is finished!

2009-07-08T19:48:00.004-05:00

This square was fun to make since the cables appear to not be in a straight line. Now I'm onto Square #3!

Happy 4th of July!!!

2009-07-04T08:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, America!! Enjoy the cookouts, fireworks, and being with family.

Butterflies for a Cause

2009-07-03T08:26:00.001-05:00

The Holocaust Museum in Houston is trying to collect 1.5 million butterfly images to remember the children of the Holocaust. Since the grandkids are visiting, we decided to join in the fun. That's Ryan (age 6) above. He decided that butterflies weren't his thing and painted a building and rainbow instead.Here's Tessa (age 13) in the midst of painting.
This is Brianna (age 9) in the midst of creating her artwork.

And here are all 3 showing off the finished masterpieces!

Brianna

Tessa

and Grandma Robin. What a joy it is to create with grandkids!!!

De-Stash of 2009

2009-07-02T09:25:00.000-05:00

I was on a mission: organize ALL my yarn and put "like" things together so I didn't have to go through EVERY bag of yarn to find something! To turn bags...

and bags...

into piles like this: Fun Fur

fuzzy yarn....

assorted acrylic yarn....

wool yarn!!!....

sock yarn.....

fabulous Noro yarn!!!...

cotton yarn....

and assorted specialty yarn. Now - what to do with all of it???

These two big bags are going to my church for their charity knitting projects.

and the rest now resides in the closet, looking like this....

and this. It sure feels good to have them organized. I also hope this will keep me from buying additional yarn as I have plenty to keep me going for a loooonngg time! (But who am I kidding???) Yarn fever is impossible to resist.

Doodling Fun

2009-07-01T11:07:00.000-05:00

While cleaning/organizing my stamp room, I ran across these zentangles that I did a few months ago. They can be addicting!

Art Journal: Butterflies

2009-06-30T16:38:00.001-05:00

Using color mists with my stencil.

Although this one looks messy, it was a happy accident. After preparing the page with gesso, I used my butterfly stencil and sprayed it with Radiant Rain. Instead of sticking to the page, it began to puddle and run. I grabbed the heat gun to dry it. There were some large wet places, so I pulled the stencil off. When the blast of air hit the liquid, it ran across the page (similar to the guy on You Tube who paints with the leaf blower! There are others, but this is the only one I could find right now). It's very sparkly and iridescent IRL. Oil pastels outline the butterflies.

This page started with gesso, then added dark blue acrylic paint. I used the stencil again with aqua paint then hand painted the vines, leaves, and pink flowers.

Here's the final look - whimsical, but that's what I was going for. I addd oil pastels and some Pitt Pen.

This is a different butterfly stencil using green paint on white gesso. I was going for a clean, uncluttered look- like a specimen tray.

Here's the final look with oil pastels added. Hope you're inspired to open your own Art Journal and throw some paint down!

Playing in my Art Journal: Step by Step

2009-06-29T14:00:00.006-05:00

While on vacation this week, I had plans to play in my art journal. Step 1: gather supplies. I want to use my different sprays.

Step 2: cover pages with gesso - I could only find my tan, so that's what I went with.

Step 3: choose background paints - acrylic yellow and periwinkle. Slather on page and dry with heat gun.

Step 4: use stencil - I recently bought some chipboard letters and this is the scrap that was left once the letters were all punched out. I thought it looked cool and decided to use it over the background.

Step 5: spray with color! I used Adirondack color wash in Wild Plum - yum!! Love the vibrant color! Dry with heat gun. See below for picture with stencil removed.

I love how these colors turned out.

Step 6: use butterfly stencil. I used the yellow acrylic paint again, but the colorwash mixed in with it, turning it a dirty beige.

Step 7: add some oil pastels in random spots.

Step 7: Finished! I also used my Pitt Pen to add some definition to the butterfly. It sure feels good to create art again!

Finished Square 14

2009-06-29T09:21:00.005-05:00

Here it is completed. Now onto # 10. Oh, the purple blob turned into this:

a cute little bear! The yarn is super soft. I'm on vacation this week (woo hoo!!!) and hope to get some art time in as well as knitting.

Update on Square #14

2009-06-20T10:43:00.005-05:00

The knitting mania continues! Here's the update on Square #14. It is coming along nicely and I hope to finish it this weekend. Even though it's so hot here in Middle TN, I continue to crave wool in my hands! I also started another project.

Any guesses on what this blob of purple yarn is going to be? It's something I've NEVER knit before. If all goes well, this will also be completed this weekend.

Knitting Progress

2009-06-02T09:52:00.000-05:00

I continue to work on a block a month for The Great American Afghan. Above is block # 18. As you can see, it still needs to be blocked. This one started in the middle and was knit in the round.

In fact, I've already completed the block for this month - this is # 20.

Some of you know of my obsession with Vera Bradley bags. This is the Jewelry Book, all folded up.I found it was the perfect fit for all my KnitPicks options needles and cables! The purple cables matched the purple pattern perfectly!
One more view. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Flowers in our Yard

2009-06-01T09:43:00.004-05:00

This one also shows the cool blue "tiki lights" I got for my birthday. They look really cool when they're lit at night.

When I was in KS recently, I found these blue globes that matched the tiki lights. I love the butterfly on top!

I'm beginning to come out of my "slump" and finding the JOY in life again. Hope you enjoy the flowers along the path of your life.

Spring Postcard Swap

2009-03-30T08:08:00.000-05:00

One of my on-line group is having a spring postcard swap and this is my creation. Here are the bases, stamped in Ripe Avocado ink with the vine image from Beyond Basic Borders from Papertrey Ink.

I then ran them through the cuttlebug and added silk flowers on top.

Here's a closeup where you can see the embossing from the cuttlebug folder.

Knitting Update

2009-03-22T09:39:00.003-05:00

I've been knitting. Our church has a knitting group that meets each Tuesday. Unfortunately, I'm unable to attend since I work fulltime. However, I am participating in their charity knitting program. This is a simple diagonal baby blanket.

Here's another view. This is my first Finished Object (FO) of 2009! Yippee!

I've also signed up for a monthly knitalong (KAL) at my LYS Knit Happy. We're making The Great American Afghan. I am not using the fall color scheme as shown on the book. Those colors were much too boring for me and I selected fuschia and pink. I will alternate these two colors into a checkerboard pattern. There are 25 squares in all, so this is a two year commitment!

Here's the detail of the pattern, which is Square #8 in the book.

Happy Spring!!

2009-03-21T17:05:00.003-05:00

I am SO READY for Spring!! Finally, it's here. Now if it would only warm up and actually FEEL like spring! Here are a couple of cards I made that remind me of spring. Enjoy!!

Monogram Notes

2009-02-15T17:26:00.005-06:00

Yes, I'm still on the monogram kick (will probably be for awhile since I love the elegant look of these notes!). This project will be sent to my COTM (card of the month) partner for my on-line group. First, I stamped the bottom of a stack of 1/4 cardstock pieces.

Next, once again, I used a timeless template from Lauren Meader that you can find at Papertrey Ink. This one is called Desk Top Organizer and is the perfect size for creating notes for someone. This is what the template looks like before assembling.

Here's the opposite side where you can see theblack ribbon accent I've added that will be across the top when it's completed.

Partially completed - note the red line tape on one side that I still need to press down.

And voila - here's the final product. I love it!I decided the top needed some extra "bling" - here's a close-up. I hope my COTM partner enjoys her gift.

Card Tote

2009-02-14T13:39:00.002-06:00

I've been following the Papertrey Ink blog all month as they celebrate their 2nd anniversary. So many fun things going on!! Today the challange is to use one of Dawn McVey's color combo's to create a project. I decided to use Chocolate and Raspberry (although mine is more a light pink color) on Lauren Meader's timeless template - The Take Along Tote. This the front and back of the template, before it's put together. I'm using Basic Grey paper - Sultry - love the colors in this pack!

Here I've adhered the front and back together and added pockets to both sides of the inside. You're looking at the middle of the project - there's a pocket on the left and a pocket on the right.

The pockets are going to hold a set of cards. Here's one of them. I used the stickers that came in the pack for the sentiment.

Here's one more.

Here's a shot of the front of the finished project - I'll be giving this to a friend for her birthday this week. This was a fun, easy project to do.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2009-02-14T01:30:00.000-06:00

This is a postcard I made for an on-line swap for the TN Stampers group. Hope you have a great day and get to enjoy chocolate in some form!

Valentine's Day Gifts

2009-02-11T08:00:00.002-06:00

This is a sheet of Avery Address Labels. I stamped them with one of the images in Limitless Labels from Papertrey Ink, and added the heart in the middle. The ink is their new Raspberry Fizz color, which I love!

The labels fit perfectly around the Hershey Nuggets candy.
These cute tins hold a dozen of the nuggets perfectly. I made several of these for my kids and grandkids.
I included valentine cards, also. It's such fun to make gifts and send them through the mail, brightening someone's day.

Quick Baby Card

2009-02-08T13:30:00.001-06:00

There's a new baby in our church - Kate. This is a quick card I made to send. Yes, I'm still into the monograms!

Papertrey Ink Sketch Challenge

2009-02-07T13:09:00.003-06:00

It's Papertrey Ink's 2nd anniversary and Nichole is hosting all kinds of fun things on her blog, including sneak peaks and fun challenges. Today is a sketch challenge - do a simple dot to dot exercise to reveal the sketch, make a card, and post it on your blog. Here's my version.

Post It Note Holder

2009-01-06T20:54:00.005-06:00

Last year I saw the cutest Post It Note holder at a friends house. Of course, I immediately got all the needed supplies and did - NOTHING. Well, tonight I pulled everything out and decided to finally make one. Wow - these are so easy! Besides paper and post it notes, I bought some acrylic frames that are 4 x 6, with the holder being on the longest side.

Once again I used my Just Rite Stampers to create a personalized monogram - using the "from the desk of" circle. I also cut a 3 1/4" square to use as a guide to place the post its.

Here's the finished product - just put the paper into the "frame" and place the post it notes on top. The paper is from DCVW - All Dressed Up. It's hard to see in the photo, but the holder is at the top and keeps the notes on an angle for ease in writing.

Monogram Stickers

2009-01-05T10:31:00.001-06:00

I participate in a "card of the month" program in one of my on-line groups. I decided to do something a bit different this month rather than my typical card - bookplate stickers.

I stamped them on paper from the Urban Prairie line, punched them out, and ran them through my Xyron. I cut them apart and placed them in a glassine envelope that I put inside a library pocket.

Here's the card I made to send them in. Hope you enjoy, Connie!

Basic Grey - Urban Prairie

2009-01-04T10:18:00.002-06:00

Sometime within the past year, I ordered a pack of the Urban Prairie paper from Basic Grey. I got the coordinating rub ons, brads, and buttons too as well as the 6x6 pad of paper. I anxiously awaited its arrival, then promptly forgot about it as soon as I placed in the closet along with all my other paper.

Tonight I decided to pull it out and see where my muse took me. I completed several cards.

This is another rub on.

Here I used some flower punches.

It feels good to finally USE some of my stuff!

Just Rite Stampers

2009-01-03T09:53:00.001-06:00

When I saw this ribbon at Big Lots in the holiday section several months ago, I knew that I wanted to use it on a monogram card.My LSS began carrying the line of Just Rite Stampers which are perfect to use on monograms. New Years Day I was able to "play" the whole day, never getting out of my PJ's. I created a few cards for a friend.

So Long 2008!

2009-01-02T09:36:00.003-06:00

It's been awhile since I experienced a year that I was more than ready to see sail off into the sunset, but 2008 was that kind of year for me. So much CHANGE:

Moving: what started out as looking for land in Middle TN to eventually build our dream home on when we retired turned into falling in love with a house on 5 acres, buying it, and moving NOW.
Job: since we moved, I had to quit my job of 19 years and begin the search for a new one. It took several stressful months.
Insane hours at work: new job required extremely long hours, 7 days a week during the fall (thus no blog post for months!).

Pix above is my new blackberry storm phone which I love. I can keep up with my email and text with my grandkids. Here's to hoping 2009 is a fabulous year!

Fall Weather

2008-10-19T17:16:00.002-05:00

Fall is definitely here in Middle TN - the cooler weather has brought out lots of wildlife to our backyard. This is part of a herd of turkeys (there are about 30 in total) that roam around the neighborhood.
They are fun to watch - I didn't know how much they love to roll in the dirt, throwing it up over their back. Also, at night they nest in our tall trees. They start running in the woods, flapping their wings to get enough momentum to fly to the tree top.

Don't forget to vote: early voting began last week. The news is reporting record breaking turnouts.

Joyce's PocketFULL book

2008-10-18T08:30:00.004-05:00

The background is painted in blue acrylic paint, on the left is anaglypta type wallpaper, covered with various colors of ink. The right is a white sticker. Image is from a current magazine.
Joyce included several "pockets" to use in her book. I used the felted yarn one since I love to knit. The gold butterflies were purchased at "the store around the corner" in New York last winter.
Keeping with the butterfly theme, this is part of an image I purchased during my Europe trip.
I placed a small glassine envelope on the back of the tag and inserted this glass "picture". I'm not sure what it's called, but it reminds me of the old slide show projectors and the round thing on top where you placed each picture.

This is the last book for this round robin. I will miss seeing everyone's art on a monthly basis.

Christmas Countdown!

2008-10-12T18:24:00.004-05:00

Only 74 days! I started last month designing and making my Christmas cards. Here's a sneak peak.
All stamped and die cut. The tree is from the "Believe" set from Papertrey Ink.
All colored in using my Copics (the Memento ink doesn't smear or run).

Coloring with Copics

2008-09-23T22:54:00.002-05:00

Here are some images I colored with my Copic Markers.I have to show a pear, of course!

The Bella image has gray around the outside of the image. Plus, I used the blender pen to make small dots on her dress (sorry the picture doesn't really show the detail).Another butterfly image.

One more, this one also outlined in gray.

More Retreat

2008-09-22T08:00:00.003-05:00

This is a quick pamphlet stitch book we did at Retreat. Allison taught the class. Meg was kind enough to let me use some Basic Grey paper for the cover as well as the matching fibers. I love how it turned out!
This tin was another class at Retreat - taught by Lori S. She provided the paper and embellishments to complete it. Here's a close-up.
The tin is the perfect size to store all my Copic markers! They were a bit hit at Retreat and I spent some serious money at Brenda's store. Thanks to Becky P. and all her helpers for the great Retreat - can't wait for next year!

Retreat

2008-09-21T18:38:00.002-05:00

I spent last weekend at Camp Garner Creek attending the Tennessee Stampers annual retreat. I hadn't attended for 2 years and it was great to see old friends and make new ones. This year, we had a Sister Sister swap. This is the first card I received - love the purple flowers - two of my favorite things!

Card 2: I'm also very fond of pear images, so this was right up my alley!

Card 3: Another purple and green card.
Card 4: This card is colored with Copic markers and has blue "water" drops falling from it - too cool!

My Secret Sister was Janet J and she did a great job. All the cards had something inside them. Here's the stash of presents I also got. I was very spoiled. Thanks, Janet - you rock!

Poppy Flowers

2008-08-24T16:41:00.006-05:00

I love flowers. They speak to me, brighten my day, and make me feel good. So naturally, I enjoy making cards with flower images. The stamp set used here is from Papertrey Ink, the Remember set by Lisa Johnson. The ribbon and red cardstock is also from PI - their new Pure Poppy color. The look of the "doodled" flower overlay is my favorite aspect of this stamp set.
I liked this layout so much, I tried it in several different colors from PI: above is Berry Sobet ribbon and cardstock. Flower image is inked with Sweet Blush, then "kissed" with Berry Sorbet around the edges, Spring Moss for the leaves.
Above is Summer Sunrise ribbon and cardstock. Flower image is inked in Summer Sunrise, with Berry Sorbet around the edge. All images were cutout and layered using my Nestibilities dies through my Cuttlebug - so quick and easy!
The above card is for a dear friend who's going through a rough time. I hope this brightens her day!

Copic Markers

2008-08-23T13:29:00.004-05:00

I finally took the "copic" plunge and bought some of the sketch markers that everyone on-line is talking about. I wanted to try them out and see if they really would be different than using my SU markers to color an image. The flower image above was created using B21 (Baby Blue) as the base, coloring all the image. Next, I outlined with B34 (Manganese Blue), going over all the black lines. I followed that with B32 (Pale Blue), coloring over everything again. The picture doesn't show the blending very well, but IRL you can still see all 3 colors. The flower image above is colored with SU markers: first I used Bashful Blue, then outlined in Brocade Blue, then colored all over with Ballet Blue. The colors didn't really blend, just layered on top of each other. You can't see any of the Bashful Blue that I started with.
Here's the final card that I created with the Copic Marker image. I did the leaves in 3 colors also: G02 (Spectrum Green) as the base, outlined in G24 (Willow) and then colored all over with G21 (Lime Green). I'm pleased with the results.

It's a sickness...

2008-08-10T18:38:00.002-05:00

OK, I admit it - I'm a marker HOG! I love bold, bright colors and markers "speak to me"! I can never have too many. I've been (trying) to organize my Stamp Room (yes, this is a never ending task) and ran across a big box of Marvy Brush Markers. I use these to color in silhouette images or bold stamps. My obsession started when I couldn't get enough of the pear stamps from A Stamp in the Hand.
Then I found a big box of Sharpie Markers, both fine and extra fine tipped.
One of my on-line groups mentioned that some people store all their markers, pencils, Copics, etc by color family. I decided to give it a try. This storage unit is from Pampered Chef. I placed my Marvy's, Sharpies, and a few other markers by color family in it. (No, this is NOT all my markers, not even close!) I think it looks very cheery and inspiring! Hope it brightens your day.

Random Sunday

2008-08-03T12:35:00.006-05:00

Kathy nominated me for the Wylde Women Award. Here are the rules:
1. You can give it to one or one hundred or any number inbetween - it's up to you. Make sure you link to their site in your post.
2. Link back to this blogsite (http://http://www.tammyvitale.com//) (so Tamy can go visit all these wonderful women.
Purpose of the Award: To send love and acknowledgement to women who brighten your day, teach you new things and live their lives fully with generosity and joy.
Thanks, Kathy! We recently spent a very enjoyable day shopping and getting caught up. I'm still pondering on who to pass this along to.

Here is some artwork created by Kathy that she shared with me. Love the vibrant colors!This is another piece that Kathy created - a small wooden house. The numbers on top correspond to our new home address - how clever!
I participate in the "card of the month" in my TN online group. This is my card for August. Paper is Club Scrap. I love the blue/brown combo.

More Pocket-FULL's

2008-07-08T19:29:00.002-05:00

This is Karen's cute little book (I love the small ones!). Her theme is Imagination.
This is the pocket art - a vintage postcard image from Paris.
I like this quote and included it on the back.

Our son, daughter-in-law and grandkids are staying with us this week (they're on vacation!). This is Tessa, Ryan, and Brianna playing Disney Sorry. Grandma played with them. We're having alot of fun, even though I started my new job on Monday. This picture reminds me that they're growing up so fast (oldest will be a teenager in December). Take time to enjoy your family!

Sweet Dreams

2008-07-04T16:51:00.004-05:00

This is my artwork in the latest book for our Pocket-FULL Round Robin.

This is Kim's book and it's so small! I love the size. Her theme is "o joyful child". As I was looking through my images, pondering what to do, I came upon this darling angel image. I immediately had a vision of what I wanted to create. It turned out better than I imagined.

I included a short story on the fold-out tags. It says "She was known simply as the "Sweet Dreams" Angel. She traveled the starry night looking for little children who wer having trouble falling asleep. She would gently caress their forehead and sing them a soft melody which helped them drift off into a peaceful sleep."

After I took these pictures, I went back and drew in stars among the words. Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Worldwide Knit in Public Day

2008-06-14T14:38:00.002-05:00

Today's the day! Did you follow through on the assignment? I did. But I forgot my camera, so can't share the 8 other people that were also at the small gazebo on the town square in Watertown. What a cute town! But, don't be caught speeding there, because they take it very seriously (our realtor got a ticket while he was showing us land in the area).

You still have time to participate - go forth and Knit!

Cards from scraps

2008-06-13T08:32:00.001-05:00

I've been yearning for a card-making day! Plus, I've been meaning to get back to using up some of my scraps.Both these cards use acrylic stamps by Technique Tuesday. I love the floral images! I stamped the flowers onto scrap paper, cut them out, and layered them on the cards.
It was a quick and easy way to get rid of some leftover paper.

Sue's Pocketfull

2008-06-12T19:25:00.003-05:00

Sue's pocket-full book is so cool! The pages are all arches which Sue has sewn from brown paper bags - so much fun to paint on! Her theme is Angels and Icons. Here's the artwork I made for the pocket - picture of angel, highlighted with oil pastels. It's glued to the back of a Paris postcard.

Here it is in the pocket.The back is a page from a Paris calendar, showing Napoleon's grave. An angel image is glued over the top, highlighted again with oil pastels.

Cards from friends

2008-06-12T13:08:00.000-05:00

I celebrated my Big 5-0 birthday this last weekend and I've been receiving some wonderful handmade cards from my friends. The pink one is from Jeanine - full of bling!! This pretty butterfly is from Dean, done in twinkling H20's. This cool pear (I'm crazy about them!) is from Patty.Marilyn sent this green and purple card made from a cuttlebug embossing folder!

Sandi did this awesome technique I'd only heard about - using a tag punch to make a flower. Love it!
My friend Cindy in Ohio made this cute pastel card - so bright and perky!
Steph used a neat butterfly stamp that I hadn't seen before. Her color combo of red/black/green really looks good together.
The card from Sue is much prettier IRL - the punched flowers are all metallic and really shine.
Lori made this cute pinwheel flower card.Trisha made the pink/green card below - this color combo really pops!
Peyton made the tag card below. The tag pulls out and says "50" on the back.
Thanks for making my birthday and the whole birthday week so special! I am blessed to have good friends and family who care about me. Now I'm off to live the next 50 years of my life!

My new space

2008-06-03T17:39:00.003-05:00

Finally took time today to unpack the boxes that have been sitting in my stamp room since we moved in. Although it's still terribly cluttered, the boxes are gone and you can actually see the room. Here's my computer setup.
This shot shows the wonderful view of our front yard that I get to enjoy each day. The boxes used to cover all the space in the corner and around the table.
My wall of iris carts. My goal for the summer is to sort through the drawers and reduce the number of items I just "have" to have.

This is the closet. The purple/white stack of drawers are for my stamps. I hope to add additional shelves.

Dierks!

2008-05-29T10:16:00.003-05:00

Well, it didn't take long for cool things to happen to us when we moved to Middle TN! When we opened our bank account, I noticed they were having a drawing to attend an interview session with Dierks Bentley! We listen to country music and he's one of my favorite artists, so I filled out the form and WE WON!
The interview was held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and from the minute we walked in, we were treated like VIP's! There was a line of people waiting to get in, but we got to walk right by all of them, through the door, down the steps, to the FRONT ROW! It was awesome. The interview was 2 hours, with Dierks playing two songs during it. He is such a nice guy and so cute! After the interview, he was hopping on his bus to drive to Kansas City for his concert tonight.

Graduation Day

2008-05-21T15:59:00.004-05:00

We spent last weekend celebrating our daughter's graduation from Kansas University.
This is the building where she attended her classes. Here we are at the reception following the Journalism graduation ceremony.

The day before, we got a little crazy decorating for her party. She wanted me to help her make huge cut out letters of "KU". After we had cut the letters out of cardboard, I mentioned how we had a great stencil from the leftovers.
Here's what we did with it and spray paint.
It was alot of fun!
This is the scene on Sunday when they held the outdoor ceremony for all graduates.You can never have too many pictures with celebrities - here they are with the Men's Basketball coach - Bill Self.
Peyton and her friends right before they walk through the campanile and the traditional "walk down the hill".
Like the cake says - WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

Pocket-FULL Art

2008-05-04T13:18:00.006-05:00

In the middle of constantly packing boxes, I did manage to finish Andi's pocket-full book. She used file folders as the base of her book. I covered the folder with this great aqua tissue paper.

This is the tag pulled out of the folder. The background is paper I made a few years ago at Art and Soul in Dallas in a class with Tracy Baustica.
Not sure you can see it well in the picture, but the sunflower theme flows over to the back of the page on the hats. These are playing cards I picked up on my trip to Europe in 2006. I love the simplicity of them. We're moving next week and I look forward to life returning to some kind of "normal".