Smile........It's Friday....

Normally I revel in the fact that today is Friday and tomorrow starts the weekend.  But for me this just means I am one day closer to going back to work.  

Let the craziness begin.

I love my job, love the people I work with, and love my students, but as I have mentioned before it's the mornings that kill me.  Trying to get everyone out the door on time is a challenge! I am sure once I do it  for a week or so will get me right back in the swing of things!   ;) 

So before my whirlwind starts I am posting a card that I think is peaceful.

 Think "Zen." 

I loved creating this card using an image from Crafty Secrets because I got to color with my Inktense pencils, listen to music, and drift off in my own little world.  

I wanted the flower to stand out here, so I used lots of white layers with a subtle embossing for texture.  I added a sentiment on vellum, and adhered a few sequins here and there. 

Kyle starts school on Monday, so this weekend we are spending a bit of time as a family.  We are spending Sunday at the Arlington Race Course. Never too young to start  "bettin' on the ponies," right? ;) Cort loves horses.  Many years ago she used to ride horses at a special therapeutic riding center. I am sure it will be a fun day and the weather is supposed to be beautiful.

Have a great weekend my friends!

Minecraft....

My nephew, Alex turned 8 last Friday.  He is a total Minecraft junkie! 

So I thought it only appropriate to make him a Minecraft card for his birthday. 

I chose various shades of green, for this character (Who's name escapes me at the moment!). His "face" was done in black and glossy accents was added. I used dimensional foam circles to adhere them for added depth. I had asked my son if this "character" came with any accessories.  I was all stoked to add a Shrinky Dink charm to my black twine.  I was told under no uncertain terms that this character had NO accessories. 

Bummer.

So I added my sentiment across the bottom.....and snuck in a few rhinestones.

Much better.

:) 

And just in case you wanted to see the birthday boy....here he is. (Although I'm cheating because he was only 7 in this picture!) HA!

There is just a little family resemblance huh? ;)

And I am off to start my day.....

Lots on the "to-do" list.....

Have a fantastic day my friends!!

Thank you for making me a part of your day!

A Rose by any Other Name.......

Quoting Shakespeare on a Monday morning......it must be getting close to the school year! ;)

I have been so busy with life stuff that my crafting time has been sort of pushed aside lately.  But when I don't feel like "creating" per se, I like to at least color.  Then when I'm in the mood at a later time, I'll put together a card. I have been coloring a lot with my Inktense pencils.  I truly love playing and experimenting with these pencils. 

Today's card uses a digital image from Crafty Secrets.  It is part of the Digital Garden Memories set.  I colored it in using shades of red and pink, and yellows and greens for the leaves.  Once the rose was completely dry, I added a bit of black to the shadows.  The beauty of these pencils is you can use them wet like a watercolor, or completely dry like a regular colored pencil.  

All of the papers used here are by Crafty Secrets.  I just layered them, added a doily peeking out from the main image, and lots of satin ribbon to tie it all together. 

This is my last full week off, and I still have lots of loose ends to tie up....like getting brakes and an oil change today.  I always hold my breath when I take my van in.....because you just never know what else they will find! Fingers crossed that it is a painless visit to the Toyota dealer. 

Hope you all have a great day!

Thank you for stopping by!

A Little Birdie Told Me......

I am truly addicted to purchasing cuts from the Silhouette Store!  I love finding cute little boxes and such. I created this little guy for absolutely no reason at all. Just because.  He's so cute I want to just pinch his cheeks! 

(Yes, I do realize birds don't have cheeks, I was speaking metaphorically) 

;)

This cardinal is a box.  The top half rests inside the bottom half.  And of course I forgot to take a picture of it apart, so you'll have to trust me on this one!

It is perfect for little trinkets or candy to brighten someone's day.  

I added glossy accents to his eyes and a bit of string to his wing.  

I just adore his 3 dimensional beak!  

Hubby and I are in our once a month golf league tonight, in which I like dressing like a golfer rather than play like one! LOL! 

We are heading to the mall this weekend to do some back to school shopping for the kids, both have literally outgrown everything they own. 

Kyle's been "waiting for the flood" for the past month and I keep telling Cortney to "suck it in" when I button her pants. ;)

Have a great weekend my friends!

Summer in a Jar....

My summer is quickly coming to a close.  I've been "in school" for the past 3 days doing curriculum mapping.  I look forward to the start of the school year, but I have to admit, I could hang on to summer just a bit longer.  This summer has been somewhat bitter sweet for me.  My lil' family is growing and changing. My son started his first job, and  Cort turned 18.  We've had to do all the legal things to ensure that she is protected.  Things that are positive, necessary, but tug at my heart. 

I love looking at this picture of the 4 of us just 3 years ago.  I can see the changes in my kids, how much they have grown up since then. 

It makes me smile when I remember that day. That vacation. That together time we had. 

This jar was published in the Northridge Cricut's June Magazine. I used the Seashells CCR exclusive to create all of my shells. The jar was a Prego jar that I had cleaned well and then spray painted the lid. How's that for recycling? ;) I added a bit of burlap, filled it with sand and simply placed all of the other elements inside.   

Thank you as always for stopping by!  I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your visits and comments! 

Have a great day!!

Crafty Secret's Design Team Challenge, Linky Party, and Tutorial!

Good morning!  Today is Crafty Secret's design team challenge and linky party! 

I have a mini tutorial also to share with you. 

I created this fun garden boot card from the Garden Style Digital collection using Photoshop.  I will show you how to "color" it in using your computer.  I even changed the boot itself from black to brown. ;)

I also added some Shrinky Dink Charms.

And a flower using a digital paper and my Spellbinder's die. 

I use Photoshop Elements 11.  You can open up multiple files, like I did here.  I opened the designer paper and simply clicked and dragged the boots right on top of it.  You can size it as large as you want. 

I clicked the eye dropper tool to "select" the pink color of the designer paper to fill in some of the flowers.  Then click the bucket and fill it in. 

You can also select colors by clicking on the color box in the lower left hand box, and you will get a zillion color choices.  Just use your eye dropper to select the color you desire. And once again fill in the areas you want to color. 

One word of advice, be sure the area you are filling in is completely closed in, or the fill bucket will fill outside of the desired area.  If you have an area that is not closed, simply click on your pencil and draw the line closed.  I usually zoom in really close, so I can see what I am doing.  

Here is what it looked like when I printed it.  (8x10)  I hand cut it, scored it down the middle, and my card was created!

Be sure to visit the rest of the design team to see their beautiful creations!

• Vicki Chrisman Team Leader
• Michele Kovack 
• Darlene Pavlick
• Melissa Bove
• Rebekah Faries
• Sheila Rumney
• Kathy Clement
• Elizabeth (I love rubber) on Splitcoast

Nothing Crafty.....But do Have a RECIPE to Share!.

Good morning!  It is a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, and I am heading out for a bike ride with a friend and stopping at the Farmer's Market.  Many of you know that Cortney has struggled with GI issues her entire life.  We have made the decision to switch her to gluten free and also eat healthier as a family. In doing so, it has required a bit more planning when it comes to meals.  We aren't as quick to just "order out."  Already we have seen changes. Cortney has been having fewer and fewer GI problems. My husband's blood pressure has dropped significantly, and I just feel better all the way around. Andy my 16 year old? Well, he's been a bit tougher to get on board.  He is still sneaking his occasional soda and Doritos. But I have noticed he has been drinking more water and making himself smoothies for a snack. 

So today, I have a delicious and easy recipe to share with you.

 My sister gave me beautiful zucchini from her garden and I made zucchini boats.  

You scrape the seeds out and place the following in side:

1. Pesto

2. Pizza Sauce ( I used gluten free)

3. Sliced tomatoes

4. Salt/pepper

5. Mozzarella/ Parmesan cheese

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30-35 minutes! That's it!  Super easy and delicious!

I have been playing here and there with my new camera.  (Nikon D7000)  It has secretly been a dream of mine to be a photographer.  I know it won't ever happen, and honestly, I am happy to just do it as a hobby.  So I just practice on my kids.....my dogs......flowers.....food.  Whatever my lens can capture! ;)

Here is my 18 year old gal.......

And my Dorito eating, soda sneaking, 16 year old! ;)

I will be back tomorrow with the Crafty Secret's Design Team challenge and linky party! I will be sharing a tutorial, so be sure to pop on over!

Have a beautiful Sunday!