tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65745564341668589952024-03-15T02:53:27.777-07:00Polka Dot PineappleA Blog About Things That Matter To MeArlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.comBlogger343125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-3791800884312071972012-10-26T19:31:00.000-07:002012-10-26T21:18:07.094-07:00Living LifeThe smell and taste of hot coffee in the morning is one of life's sweetest pleasures for me. I find it to be an immensely soothing way to start my day. <br />
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Setting up a beverage station was a guilty pleasure that my heart desired for a very long time. The idea of corralling everything into one place for easy access was very appealing. I just didn't know exactly what I wanted to do until I saw <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyn-ZpjK0WQ&feature=plcp">THIS</a>. While you're there, I recommend that you check out her other videos. Nikki definitely has great decorating sense and style.<br />
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I am using The Brisbur Cabinet from Pier 1 as my beverage station. I have been on a hunt for a cabinet or table (or even a dresser as I was getting pretty desperate) for quite a while, until I came across this beautiful piece. It is both elegant and functional and fit my needs to a tee. It's height, width, and length was the perfect size for the little corner space in our dining area.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7_DOFvWbc4mdSNnHvg0x8cDqPDK5HOaXbtDjY1yJUhqHqS0KxLSd_zzcRiPaN2M9TbRT8_13p68XTvDPnet_Y2fa6mDsHK7apnfOfc8tyXzpHt9eZg22o7qhmN_H8O04uunH9KDMdII/s1600/IMGP7406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7_DOFvWbc4mdSNnHvg0x8cDqPDK5HOaXbtDjY1yJUhqHqS0KxLSd_zzcRiPaN2M9TbRT8_13p68XTvDPnet_Y2fa6mDsHK7apnfOfc8tyXzpHt9eZg22o7qhmN_H8O04uunH9KDMdII/s320/IMGP7406.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I am currently using a sheet of plexiglass to protect the top surface of the cabinet. It makes clean-up very easy and removes any fear of causing damage to the wood.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgmAJ3wwowkNa4_rNxdyAwRIzKOKh33vHHelf5fJhlPinKymoL4AjWAyevl5uWPVmWZUtm_LACN91vcFxSnIm696vHYlK3sajkGcN8g5Uqv3EpP4cxtHBMOfNTXxZiY7ZaBc66APzhzo/s1600/IMGP7308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgmAJ3wwowkNa4_rNxdyAwRIzKOKh33vHHelf5fJhlPinKymoL4AjWAyevl5uWPVmWZUtm_LACN91vcFxSnIm696vHYlK3sajkGcN8g5Uqv3EpP4cxtHBMOfNTXxZiY7ZaBc66APzhzo/s320/IMGP7308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There are three drawers in the upper part of the cabinet where I keep Vue Packs, creamers, and sweeteners. I love how easy everything is to access.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xUzLB8vBxJG04PCGGr_Uzo7UFCsyEMT5nlRuOMKKgpHxy3FWEnDp5_99hGWnegcOKTUm8AI9Rhcmi0rO-4xurfylVyqLvI7arcSJ7hFAB5ASVJLRDEUiiVBlZncxw4Mpyu-uwA83btI/s1600/IMGP7275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xUzLB8vBxJG04PCGGr_Uzo7UFCsyEMT5nlRuOMKKgpHxy3FWEnDp5_99hGWnegcOKTUm8AI9Rhcmi0rO-4xurfylVyqLvI7arcSJ7hFAB5ASVJLRDEUiiVBlZncxw4Mpyu-uwA83btI/s320/IMGP7275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There are shelves in the bottom of the cabinet where additional supplies are being kept. The brown canvas bins were purchased at Target. They have a hard inner core, are very sturdy, and I am very pleased with them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzqW16z5JD2HphKwizLpj-hBHOtoXrz2wED8tydM5aWL-9coIvKBJJhw68FILUDVL3g573KsJla3okCxbBq8D4kfzwCzhEfTvlbj3tVGZ4AgydCxasPXR_BszcgSM-awYJogw7-xieIU/s1600/IMGP7344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzqW16z5JD2HphKwizLpj-hBHOtoXrz2wED8tydM5aWL-9coIvKBJJhw68FILUDVL3g573KsJla3okCxbBq8D4kfzwCzhEfTvlbj3tVGZ4AgydCxasPXR_BszcgSM-awYJogw7-xieIU/s320/IMGP7344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My goal is to keep the surface of the beverage center as uncluttered as possible. There you will find the Keurig Vue (adore this machine), mugs on a mug tree, a container of snacks (for a quick grab and go), a small trash can, and a towel for quick wipe ups. <br />
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You wouldn't believe how difficult it was to find a mug tree. I was so happy when I finally found one (almost threw a party) at Bed Bath & Beyond. I am certain that it is because mug trees are kind of passe, clearly out of vogue, and while I'm at it, probably oh so 70's too. Blah!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1XL5tsctqrMnxEpGZz5Dv-zi7YfjIVZteam7rsstJvUwumvRyu_LfDTKKj7VkoSLdGRPsXRxPau0IX22-4oXfE1LAFU_fRc0jZvGKRxhyphenhyphen3Sr9GtWk2KmzBUf8UAAi56Z9RvksAxPRM8/s1600/IMGP7271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1XL5tsctqrMnxEpGZz5Dv-zi7YfjIVZteam7rsstJvUwumvRyu_LfDTKKj7VkoSLdGRPsXRxPau0IX22-4oXfE1LAFU_fRc0jZvGKRxhyphenhyphen3Sr9GtWk2KmzBUf8UAAi56Z9RvksAxPRM8/s320/IMGP7271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The wall hanging is actually a photo holder. There are small coils in the backs of each of the leaves that you can place pictures into. The coils act as veins in the leaves when viewed from the front. I probably will not be using it for pictures, instead, will opt for a cleaner, less cluttered look. This was also purchased at Pier 1.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61SgSgZoF0viJjN6WmzsGUFvm49IVik7bWYLZThWHT6cxb3VvHZ9V4CNaK_lQaUz9mmYfbYIt5k4O_1bnb_Wq9XmkOmNM6UySzuxhyoQW3AOMWFm1Nms6DqkuGo_ECoX6M_iANUhCcac/s1600/IMGP7382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61SgSgZoF0viJjN6WmzsGUFvm49IVik7bWYLZThWHT6cxb3VvHZ9V4CNaK_lQaUz9mmYfbYIt5k4O_1bnb_Wq9XmkOmNM6UySzuxhyoQW3AOMWFm1Nms6DqkuGo_ECoX6M_iANUhCcac/s320/IMGP7382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Many of you have probably wondered about the meaning of mousechirpy at the beginning of my blog address. It is a combination of our pets names. This past year has been a very sad one for us due to the loss of both of our pets.<br />
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We lost Chirpy, our love bird, this past November. He was old and lived a long life. After having him for so long, I could usually understand the differences in his chirping and what they meant. The one that I miss the most is the sound of his chirp (actually, more like a screech) when he saw me for the first time each morning and knew that he'd soon be getting fresh bird seed. He expected so little, but gave us so much.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxycHLtaBCW2HmlD7EMowgveu4zlqIiXf7I73BbZ8IxhCKjp7ytDwb2_-310dc2ivnEDkFtqTGEhJb0TllmGbNAskBQX50RvFvq6j4jk1PFzvLeg5aYP9ibgeM3MyJjRf0Wf7WiiPrBO0/s1600/IMGP1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxycHLtaBCW2HmlD7EMowgveu4zlqIiXf7I73BbZ8IxhCKjp7ytDwb2_-310dc2ivnEDkFtqTGEhJb0TllmGbNAskBQX50RvFvq6j4jk1PFzvLeg5aYP9ibgeM3MyJjRf0Wf7WiiPrBO0/s320/IMGP1534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Mouse passed away in March of this year. I still cry for him, like I am doing as I'm typing this. He was my boy and I miss him dearly. For those that don't know, he suffered with a kidney problem for several years. His treatments were very stressful and took a tole on my spirit. He, too, lived a long life and was usually by my side in the craft room almost every day. My craft room is still filled with his presence. I find it both comforting and sad at the same time. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPu-U8_3vPlFoSckqeUfe5cUgrKQEqXStf3BtJ7_JHjiVBHCuctKR3eAeEPy-406hJK3igleXu6FqZh-ResT02HrDR2nP1iRaGEmBKiMloWEHxozOUdTiW-8yrSjz8T1ZLXSGzSNDuH8/s1600/IMGP7853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPu-U8_3vPlFoSckqeUfe5cUgrKQEqXStf3BtJ7_JHjiVBHCuctKR3eAeEPy-406hJK3igleXu6FqZh-ResT02HrDR2nP1iRaGEmBKiMloWEHxozOUdTiW-8yrSjz8T1ZLXSGzSNDuH8/s320/IMGP7853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A few months before Mouse's passing, this bright eyed, bushy-tailed little bundle of energy came into our lives. He belongs to my son and his girlfriend.<br />
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This is Marlee, a dappled mini Dachshund, who has taken over the reigns as keeper and protector of our castle. He keeps us all on our toes, and has brought so much joy to our home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WwrD8y2NgR8hh92P-D_4Ldhdv1dP4jmRituTMFPpYUIqGA-z0Uu54DhKpKX4qi3PhViB3qd2rYW3BqwTcHt0l9WKSyogliCQ05SJia9I5zKfUB0YKZVrL_J9o6d4pNckdd54hy1oOvA/s1600/304264_279581178722780_100000127008048_1324072_5501995_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WwrD8y2NgR8hh92P-D_4Ldhdv1dP4jmRituTMFPpYUIqGA-z0Uu54DhKpKX4qi3PhViB3qd2rYW3BqwTcHt0l9WKSyogliCQ05SJia9I5zKfUB0YKZVrL_J9o6d4pNckdd54hy1oOvA/s320/304264_279581178722780_100000127008048_1324072_5501995_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I haven't been sewing very much of anything lately. My poor sewing machine is slowly growing cobwebs. What I have been doing is making handmade mini albums and journals and that has been keeping me quite busy.<br />
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This is the cover of me and my hubby's album. Once completed, it will reflect a progression of our lives from past to present.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7FzTBikmAS1_3nYm-_IcHUT4KVraNI2ponk2-oQUvaU34DO9wjVgG7teJLlILcj6b7Iz3dkihe0r1B7rx9n_S8-ws5xRGIrvI9iTSSLBAF38e3-uTzj2vXmGMNU4Mj4KEthiu3HUzro/s1600/IMGP7427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7FzTBikmAS1_3nYm-_IcHUT4KVraNI2ponk2-oQUvaU34DO9wjVgG7teJLlILcj6b7Iz3dkihe0r1B7rx9n_S8-ws5xRGIrvI9iTSSLBAF38e3-uTzj2vXmGMNU4Mj4KEthiu3HUzro/s320/IMGP7427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A 1/2-inch margin along the spine between each page allows this album to accommodate bulky embellishments without distorting the pages. It will end up being quite a thick album.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWPaROm6GgY0MnsboxRINPCXVBAsh4j45mPwS9vusWqzRIfri5M-m0nBWhS9FoxISSLvgtCSj7naQgd6u5akv_oGT5DeYh-KhO-7tGOCX2oRHVIKGm0kUULds21At-fmAYIZxmcqR1GI/s1600/IMGP7421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWPaROm6GgY0MnsboxRINPCXVBAsh4j45mPwS9vusWqzRIfri5M-m0nBWhS9FoxISSLvgtCSj7naQgd6u5akv_oGT5DeYh-KhO-7tGOCX2oRHVIKGm0kUULds21At-fmAYIZxmcqR1GI/s320/IMGP7421.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I chose to do some over-the-top embellishing on this album as my usual style is pretty simple. I think that I have achieved this goal because this album is as gaudy as I will ever allow myself to create.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa1g6qq7Qw3fAC5vOw2j4mjsWVKGf6fd_WmETIZ4aXBxOQsd78uxkEHlYUSbp4PWd8oUZeDVYUYaoJGhcJ-0m-gBfurB-GyrIMkKfo2632OYww-JPV10WFTtxE2T-p62brbfuP1690P0/s1600/IMGP7418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa1g6qq7Qw3fAC5vOw2j4mjsWVKGf6fd_WmETIZ4aXBxOQsd78uxkEHlYUSbp4PWd8oUZeDVYUYaoJGhcJ-0m-gBfurB-GyrIMkKfo2632OYww-JPV10WFTtxE2T-p62brbfuP1690P0/s320/IMGP7418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have also learned that creating a handmade December daily journal is a fun concept, and one that I will be repeating again this year. This is the front cover of last years journal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPj6fSwHGzooVsaH-OBcRPpLRl1zoTfJPpYwsGEIhNJBl3xu015fTtKsowgdrnRnq2sY6BgVFo7C3SrFjZXP_P5NIq0JTOGOeQucP69myWze9pKZZBH7Z6lJgsbbbJquArZfUHCdvIWE/s1600/IMGP7438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPj6fSwHGzooVsaH-OBcRPpLRl1zoTfJPpYwsGEIhNJBl3xu015fTtKsowgdrnRnq2sY6BgVFo7C3SrFjZXP_P5NIq0JTOGOeQucP69myWze9pKZZBH7Z6lJgsbbbJquArZfUHCdvIWE/s320/IMGP7438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There is a lot of work involved in chronicling a full month, but it is very rewarding at the same time. It was fun bringing it out this year and looking back at the day-to-day, somewhat mundane things that we did.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SdjnizOvpJd7fBek6WmlXg7JlUrvB4aJwCnIRJY3HgQ0kOxNt5bxtozNMkZO912X5YOsG7oyJuzLXjnhF4srHhqrOWV3UZ-qt0q73CTX15nKq1pK8DKk1YL4P4tAXXyo-EiOJSkD9jw/s1600/IMGP7445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SdjnizOvpJd7fBek6WmlXg7JlUrvB4aJwCnIRJY3HgQ0kOxNt5bxtozNMkZO912X5YOsG7oyJuzLXjnhF4srHhqrOWV3UZ-qt0q73CTX15nKq1pK8DKk1YL4P4tAXXyo-EiOJSkD9jw/s320/IMGP7445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Although it is a very time consuming thing to take pictures every day and then journal about it, I wholeheartedly recommend it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV4TdVvdcS3Xlx_Zlsf4E0do8MFqJ4Ap5BHqp5luvnmPRKTnf-soUuXIlZeiLz7KxFzXHQuhRn0tCyzqltAZExcC18aEAsu6Jj_J6lSMKau_8AoXhyphenhyphenHjJ9kNxt-Cz0sE4tmxFre-6k54/s1600/IMGP7449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV4TdVvdcS3Xlx_Zlsf4E0do8MFqJ4Ap5BHqp5luvnmPRKTnf-soUuXIlZeiLz7KxFzXHQuhRn0tCyzqltAZExcC18aEAsu6Jj_J6lSMKau_8AoXhyphenhyphenHjJ9kNxt-Cz0sE4tmxFre-6k54/s320/IMGP7449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I hope that all is well with each and every one of you. I apologize that I haven't been around to man this blog and I am very sorry for being so out of touch. Unfortunately, it takes motivation and commitment to run a blog and sadly, I seem to lack both of those things at this time. At this point, I am uncertain about what the future holds for Polka Dot Pineapple.<br />
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Over the past year, by choice, my life has slowed down quite a bit. I have grown to enjoy it that way. I chuckle at the thought that the only quandary that may possibly exist in my day is whether to have Italian or French Roast coffee in the morning, and then, what to have for dinner in the evening. <br />
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At this juncture, my life feels complete the way it is. I have been keeping busy in my home, doing things for myself and for my family. It is really amazing how acutely aware you become when you have the time to slow down and tune in to all that surrounds you. I hear and see things that I never did before and I appreciate everything so much more too. I am enjoying life and I wish the same for you too.<br />
Take care!<br />
Aloha,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-45691654407017196922011-10-05T22:23:00.000-07:002011-10-06T02:17:05.930-07:00Desktop Picture HolderHello everyone! I am sorry that I haven't been around lately. The longer that I stayed away from my blog, the easier it was to stay away from my blog, if you know what I mean. At this point, I am not sure how often I will be posting as I haven't been working on any new projects. I would like to thank you all for your comments and emails over the past several months. I literally have thousands of emails of all kinds to sort through and it is going to take me a while. I haven't been spending much time at all on the computer and I'm afraid it is going to be that way for a long while to come. <br /><br />I am in the midst of cleaning and sorting through all of my craft stuff. A large portion of it has already been donated. The one thing that I cannot wrap my mind around is how much fabric I have accumulated over the years. Finding storage for it has become a real problem. I hope to live long enough to use it all and I certainly will give it my best try. For now and possibly forever, I am on a self imposed fabric buying diet. <br /><br />All kinds of foolishness has been going on in my life but I won't bore you with the details. My family is intact and functioning well just in case you were wondering. In between it all, I have been working hard on getting my entire house in order, digging through decades of stuff, brutally tossing, organizing, and just trying to create a well functioning home once again. <br /><br />The following is the original project that I put together for the I Am Roses contest back in May of this year. After much thought, I decided not to enter the desktop picture holder because of it's simplicity and entered my ring box instead. These pictures have been sitting in my computer since that time. Because I haven't been crafting at all over the last four months, I thought that I'd share them with you today.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefAi8inVRBH1PHjUoBcTvVdnRkTbOr3G8vkv3PcWIgsSM-WNHf9Z4ySaGXqqJPq380oT6n3HtZjACKZAVn7Eoh4Ls9k_TVuAbmhHU33o3Mn9pqdCw4rVueqr51Hs0eHaiRGLwWvEEsk0/s320/IMGP6120.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660256631822600386" /><br /><br />For this project, you will need several mulberry paper leaves and roses, A Versamark Watermark Inkpad, glittered embossing powder and heat gun, gold 28 gauge wire, assorted small beads, a 1/4-inch paper punch, acrylic paint and paint brush, gold foiling paint or gold acrylic paint, a small flower pot, a small weight to weigh down the flower pot, small piece of styrofoam, cardboard, and cardstock, and a hot glue gun.<br /><br />To begin, dip random parts of the mulberry leaves into a Versamark Watermark Inkpad.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfQrDt8Hj7CSqg1JmeviFhwGL_XSLLkS12CfVwKrlpM4-0V79AgMBISzDvGPYmy32gh2IbOaz7qHWo1p_xY59TiyAi1XmpWfxtFlN-84PE2pvbZ8gee_SPPUaYMI2Fm9KwOUHLziywBI/s320/IMGP6000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660256281051059970" /><br /><br />Dip the leaves into the embossing powder.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDVCFP6PexkeTNHFTvTjDuMgt8nfjpVcT2w_-NLUK8ooh_KF14hbR4xZk_MS8gzPQJh2wDGsqJVJU2UXB2dJRnRIA37ZmZcHLKJE-ZMi5FyrCX5cDlDLqpzYWY0KocNv2bYmz9eqHKys/s320/IMGP6010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660256062209456818" /><br /><br />Dip the tips of the rose petals into the ink pad.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQr4wOwvvheauIHFaGDMDK1PDnYa5yyAP0EpytFUs27it853GBIrH8SOh2ryrZeHFKjSxXoV3wzCZuiyraC-kXzSmRTOulc5OQc_m1JahLaPPmCzT11r_rg2PKI4Er1m2NPcJSzePmZHA/s320/IMGP6015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660255741639211922" /><br /><br />Dip the roses into embossing powder. Use your heat gun to heat emboss.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfcwZVpEbRJrvvyH1wP4We2dCYmj66INqJocDG0vdysUmb8VqaQWLuq9pjPaz4ppMKWJTnGA02GHFf-Y5R0qu7StqsmbxBlDBJ8DVQ-t6YtQs79ZHhTZr0TFJgOS6pqvkzHcmkGE0rDA/s320/IMGP6017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660255500733975058" /><br /><br />I used a gold foiling pen to color the flower stems as they were originally green in color.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGGauZ_Dmeu0_a_wUM0QxmTTjqAXeHeWU_HcLA_QFWkCkcP627jsE23sH8oDNkCHEhUc_oa7bJ21R4mMnKfFyj1cFg1QhWNct0xrcD49r0d4nzfIBOmWuyw46E9kONOFIh7z_Vts4Kg4/s320/IMGP6022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660255048766268338" /><br /><br />Using a length of wire anywhere between 2-1/2 to 4 inches, poke one end into the base of the flower alongside the existing stem.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79WBeTOzfgdRhKi7HcF1WonvpF-QR4N_3pkvsUF6Q5uP0vWY9tV9ilO-aYFE9nysa7w-X_LoUJzf4ViN7rgqg5FXHmnBkixQJ8ZWWfTdiFBBDgd0HQsTKmNi-JSrgnLDQBp7B9XlCAX0/s320/IMGP6042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660254575066380498" /><br /><br />Twist both wires together. The additional wire will lend more support to the rose stem.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwVO8WD_Qx9kwLjAarsAawfM1Zw30fWU7cHmWttjIBfHbl2_5PjVpfH7n2It0CFRQze04h4ZtbJr1ku706msliuv6QoV8Qm8ZFVPBMePXbASQy7y-tPovvel4zGbWx84yIa2s9ah6txo/s320/IMGP6038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660254288180538770" /><br /><br />To make the picture hanger, take a piece of wire about 5-1/2-inches and bend the upper third into a 90 degree angle.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2PadM4OaDqZD-4kxzbmbQrswouQC4P59vikyR-CUF8Pzo5r2zu6btND6FXop5LGEH3KXH7E0wzipIwjHWtAUZo5s06wrAIFpmESfdYhdmxK6NVqOy2ZN-f7Ru849HCaho0g5moQCIG8/s320/IMGP6028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660253526657480210" /><br /><br />Curl the short end of the wire into a swirl.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPH_EFc0uicxIekvUJHAF9UrW818rYn0boulMChGdcA8rFC5Iy-6xsc9xe59YovMyimMch08_1pGMiDDD8xF7sgo_SQxv51fe2RKxY7jdbfMo6Fujx4uRJKVqC_8eQwHSuYjSWBxhvGs/s320/IMGP6031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660253261538359202" /><br /><br />The wires used in this project measured anywhere from 5 to 8 inches. Add a bead to the center of a piece of wire.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGWQhcKhBjv4ucHra0CCum5IVtTNvelVj4p9VnBEoveDf7-Mm653z0A3V6_dLUYo3ghhkjU1TEdNJkUxXNVTHAjb3o-FMyKyiE-u8Dae4wcCDt_oZw_DNbyw_-gYShWE8tGXr0GlUTUE/s320/IMGP6049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660252752296584482" /><br /><br />Twist the wire tightly to secure the bead.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0M1wigZy9vx0sFhbQ3B_Ul5d49qThzxUXnklZ71RFt39UId-WxOrtA2XfceyzPXyNeyFpl75JqyLwf4ne4PU-nv793IHfmjWl4a6yeRs1cKyrySYDKHVTGeG23FKKVI1iCvi8JZTICo/s320/IMGP6077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660252452520119074" /><br /><br />Create a flower and leaf cluster by twisting a couple of leaves around each of the roses.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDgHKkNweU6AhluY20qeNJma0dcVbTl8y4BM_OWngxrHlG_rjfLyzmdqfh2u1FjQRpsvqRUIT_OYyAg8DvVwcWEpyZTSXuvlBhPiZgb8GKzVDdYlIm1ShX6Jny5sq__j97KamsNkFAn4/s320/IMGP6081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660252172445872722" /><br /><br />Cut a piece of styrofoam that will fit snugly inside the pot. Cut a round piece of cardboard that will fit on top of the styrofoam (to hide the ugly styrofoam). Choose a weight of some kind to give some heaviness to the pot to keep it from tipping over(small rocks are good). You can use whatever small, weighty item you have laying around the house.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSYgHCuPozekjjRo9Lid6zsozQOuosPzgCkswFq2znBEJLKBeYiN1jOIMIi4VUdYRD8isi9DLkVZBtfyqfZLXVD3nLXwRdZx0rKGinfHzQVWb1kkmI7IBP3rLIJlLoincSMZoCKqK_Jw/s320/IMGP6052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660249957574910178" /><br /><br />Paint the outside and a small portion of the inside of the pot with acrylic paint. <br />Glue the weight to the bottom of the pot using a hot glue gun. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDH_a9PMGGKF_qyghhQaWDDFVhgjrNAgQBTlxHem-UGzB1uqsGwgM3X0RKTCG0DsNugeOunTYGyLvDH0cbCLYDWHa0930CwHdgaaH0W8ro4IxFE2WI1DKaydWkN6xNr4cNkmOZm-tTYw/s320/IMGP6057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660249511728338210" /><br /><br />Decorate the outside of the flower pot. I've chosen to keep it simple with just woven ribbon glued to the outside rim.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc-dtQF9VV1IYj6q362ZjFYawn3i0qVCtr03ZuEd59VZX6AGbyS8TdGa9N1QIN8ah5CZVYL2rqyKE47PjURugxUxDiX-bpPExKQDjMlQH-hB6nhTi2e9wbKb_YoPxUOuQJp2YVePWY28/s320/IMGP6167.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660249163516641970" /><br /><br />Cut a circle from cardstock using the cardboard circle as a template. Glue the cardstock to one side of the cardboard circle. Punch a hole in the center using a paper punch. Glue the cardboard side of the circle onto the styrofoam.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXfAGJ6rJYcuxd5GtIr57h4neNcZgLeUAyhzor82w1yxYaBeFLxwVBu-lH1JNTeAsh9DXqkJ1VWp0GIsmSsn-fj8uuNUuSE3-i2QB2wsyovmMehZvKCsN7eA_NJ9fT7WhFfuZrQtFMAI/s320/IMGP6090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660248556523226034" /><br /><br />Gather all of the stems together, taking care to stagger the height of the flowers and beads while at the same time, arranging it in a pleasing manner. Glue the stems into the hole.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11p0gUBarVDO9u-0ZDKyOvMetZosk4ItHl2iZNv6g2eJxy-AUn8WGJPF9F0VWD5m1-NeL88AeY9TvPgJJ0TJac1CzQtQZJt1NCQCKSni5MqITbcuoEt9uhAyyDzUoqgFHAtMYRUWSZuU/s320/IMGP6096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660248082280153074" /><br /><br />Here is a closeup of the flowers. They remind me of porcelain flowers. Well, sort of.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF-Vxrg009BvVdsgbSstg0e5RWu-dEec3hUXpnl3H_jTUY2id-leg8XTAaxCtQdURrw9VoRjoEeFgc_I2qQHlpchzKmWr85uMJCw74nEzdc0RY-O4vRlbFQJTNQozhG0BVgfRj0E0az8/s320/IMGP6174.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660247849787799826" /><br /><br />Here is the completed project.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ws7Qs_aXyyYUHUXdSwPTH442eEN0duR6EqUhJJhO07pYkLVIqKScIPRWBC7SMwHaq2T6c5IekRhPcLaQ8olC5_-PVCZtPE6WfQzCB9UtjZPEja6BKU-VmrEMjhyphenhyphenYwI1-1d_AXVTeUYI/s320/IMGP6187.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660247607580517234" /><br /><br />The ring box and the desk top picture holder complement each other nicely.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDaA24g9XMi0w5sz6ciG8ckCtbuRKRmWipRytughizh-N5GduJPqCGjjsRNA33RuhzSYSf0DdXsLE-nYgTfcmCnyIylHHQDGzEDo50bGHfB3N8wxGgONtS9wumwuKMEGRMhP605GPMe8/s320/IMGP6200.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660247325163178498" /><br /><br />I hope that you enjoyed this project. Until we meet again, take care, my friends!<br /><br />Aloha,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-39340160594464950222011-05-30T16:02:00.001-07:002011-05-30T17:22:47.083-07:00I Am Roses Creative Contest EntryHi everyone! I thought that I would share my I Am Roses "In the Garden" contest entry with you. The contest is being sponsored by I Am Roses, a company that sells gorgeous mulberry flowers. <br /><br />Please click on the video to watch. Oh, and if you have a YouTube account, please leave a comment over there. This is my first YouTube video so please be gentle. Can you tell that I was scared out of my mind recording this? I’m looking forward to hearing from you!<br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/37Q8xUcQMGs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />I don’t do product reviews or hauls very often unless it is for something that I am super excited about and/or I believe may be of some interest to you. I recently received my order from I Am Roses after watching haul after haul video on YouTube about these amazing mulberry paper flowers. As you all know, flowers are my weakness so I finally caved in and bought me some.<br /> <br />I just have to say that I am truly blown away at how amazingly beautiful and detailed they are and how much I love working with them. <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK08dFuba0rGVFMaEReThjhOUnkdpMI6S5oUziQaqLhKwDi-IbwE7ms-iHCzoV_MB07vclctdeFIldqi8ANyNNXxqQbVWS7j2BSaPzS9TplK9PFQ0tLez8QaEEKNkgVzqXy1gvg1uMYgk/s1600/IMGP5756.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK08dFuba0rGVFMaEReThjhOUnkdpMI6S5oUziQaqLhKwDi-IbwE7ms-iHCzoV_MB07vclctdeFIldqi8ANyNNXxqQbVWS7j2BSaPzS9TplK9PFQ0tLez8QaEEKNkgVzqXy1gvg1uMYgk/s320/IMGP5756.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612651106241315938" /></a><br /><br />Bunma, the owner of I Am Roses, offers excellent and personal customer service. Her prices are extremely economical and are far better than I could ever find in my stores. <br /><br />It is evident that extra effort was made to ensure that I received the product in perfect condition. <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-Ji1_66saU6uyoCY1sHLqmXW6Svl2Yk2C75vMa_PTWhhK_vqb2rhViVL5icbo-Hnv993yj9O2xXmpzt7xzSnX7EI8R-LOg2kgJeckvb-pYxNkEWcJ4TQ1_CLJ7DvEAZF8yiMpCj_aFI/s1600/IMGP5746.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-Ji1_66saU6uyoCY1sHLqmXW6Svl2Yk2C75vMa_PTWhhK_vqb2rhViVL5icbo-Hnv993yj9O2xXmpzt7xzSnX7EI8R-LOg2kgJeckvb-pYxNkEWcJ4TQ1_CLJ7DvEAZF8yiMpCj_aFI/s320/IMGP5746.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612650899737171090" /></a><br /><br />I Am Roses is a company based in Thailand. I am in Hawaii and received my package in well under 2 weeks. If you would like to enjoy these flowers too, you can find her website <a href="http://www.iamroses.com/">HERE</a>.<br /> <br />A HUGE thank you goes out to my son, Evan, who helped me make this video. You are the cat's meow, kiddo!<br /><br />Take care, everyone!<br /><br />**Music: Kevin MacLeod of Incompetech Royalty Free Music <br /><br />**Victorian image courtesy of Magic Moonlight Free Images<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-21958590531200061162011-04-26T16:56:00.000-07:002011-04-27T17:14:43.656-07:00Altered Dress FormOver the last couple of years I have been watching the altered dress form craze from a distance, always wanting to try my hand at it, but never really diving in. Well, I am happy to say that I have recently changed that. The creation of this dress form was an ad-lib project put together on a whim late one Sunday afternoon. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pUxQVoDRcDCb3eC-1dx_wCwAUSZsJNUJxNTBI2e440iiqd2xHCpjyADfYdJXLoXmIWrs7mlRWv6DDZM_pphngiJDyDAiHPqLAJUvyNice-f6knJ3PJWSpMVgoKau4sgmoLOz1o2-NBM/s320/IMGP5827.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600420952898404210" /><br /><br />The dress form is hand drawn and cut from chipboard. The trunk is painted in a soft muted shade of peach and a rich chocolate was added to the base. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pyGb0NY7AacIDwWumNSpfAsjCnV4yYYX6k7GgSC5I1UGv3qIDyZWj7ghZujTLDhMK7SKruD6ZUZ8nIJ4giAO4TE9zYcFLHcX7oyAeeGZ1StKGHeXoOVu9GU50HNotWGVCUFGiYL85iY/s320/IMGP5657.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600049806378518370" /><br /><br />A big thank you goes out to <b>Valita</b> of <a href="http://valitasfreshfolds.blogspot.com/">Valita’s Designs and Fresh Folds</a> for providing the bosomy bodice tutorial and also for providing the inspiration for this project. You can find the bodice directions <a href="http://valitasfreshfolds.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentine-heart-punch-couple.html">HERE</a> along with many of her inspirational designs. This gal is a creative genius and I am certain that you will agree. Thank you again, Valita!<br /><br />The fabric that I used for the extra full bouffant skirt is called <i>Peacock Collage</i> and is from a line named <i>Proud</i> by Keri Beyer for <i>In the Beginning Fabrics</i>. I have been holding onto this fabric for quite a while, hoarding it like a crazed fabric junkie and afraid to cut into it because I love it so. Beneath the skirt is a flouncy tulle crinoline in a medium shade of mango. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfWxPjod76fLvT03ghXAwb70-Dmrh8Q430cWwgtpwVh0UAqNpIhFb5kkxK4eIfk9N21q7wxrvtLrpXwGlR46Ub0gfxzauUFYmwhgb5uUtHdFfqSNpJRh5FQwALBvbZ8-Dvt8cwykiO0A/s320/IMGP5779.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600050275801579362" /><br /><br />The addition of miniature paper flowers, ribbon, and rhinestones provided the perfect finishing touches. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qi2TRsZswkjy3XbDkxxhajG_FHzdq_ljaNTZlMLxKgxwk9eY5ww9JPRLr0Tit0GU2EHMuL3fQb6Sz9qlSG0UGIZOSTrPTJz7qa5n-wU52OaRZOcTtfozd_-PGDAPvFND8T-W2EUgDm0/s320/IMGP5791.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600056395996632770" /><br /><br />I hope that you enjoyed seeing my version of an altered dress form. <br /><br />Take care!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-17934406867825785202011-04-14T18:55:00.001-07:002011-04-14T23:42:36.300-07:00Carrot Patch Money HolderI am always looking for fun and unique ways to give the gift of money, especially when the recipient is a young person. Since this gift will be for a 2-year old, I knew that it would be destroyed as soon as she put her hands on it. Because of the outcome, I knew that I wouldn't be spending enormous amounts of time and energy on it. At the same time, I wanted it to be cute and something that I felt good giving away.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKXfSGNUXo4Kt8a0RK0FktHCKAJH_zZMeexLUKKDdn2B-Z4FKhXk9eDzu311VU_zL1mGb7XtPR3baH18UTkQq49pjSREW_gb4dh4x8Fuv9om7aRIWRnOO3ziyTCVBR3mUyu10mCSyywY/s1600/IMGP5573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKXfSGNUXo4Kt8a0RK0FktHCKAJH_zZMeexLUKKDdn2B-Z4FKhXk9eDzu311VU_zL1mGb7XtPR3baH18UTkQq49pjSREW_gb4dh4x8Fuv9om7aRIWRnOO3ziyTCVBR3mUyu10mCSyywY/s320/IMGP5573.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595633013963267602" /></a><br /><br />I designed the Carrot Patch Money Holder to fit a single, tightly rolled U.S. dollar bill. I know that there are templates for carrot boxes out there but I didn't want to search for one and then have to manipulate the pattern to fit my needs. The rule that I set for myself was that it had to be super simple to make without using an actual pattern.<br /><br />I found that an 8-1/2-inch salad plate was the perfect template needed for this project. Trace the template onto patterned cardstock and cut out the circle.<br /><br />Cut the circle into 4 equal pie-shaped pieces. Each circle will make 4 carrots. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilabNCk44D23mn2nLQP_C3C9UD_i1c-uuU1sZ4qMLVhNRe0H8XuBRpCE_6_waOJedbntd-RhoXil3PQf6cefMNXW73CiZWhwpnaiC5XsMjYdbERnPOfDLXzWMU6TxmlPejeQIcNm_41c/s1600/IMGP5561.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilabNCk44D23mn2nLQP_C3C9UD_i1c-uuU1sZ4qMLVhNRe0H8XuBRpCE_6_waOJedbntd-RhoXil3PQf6cefMNXW73CiZWhwpnaiC5XsMjYdbERnPOfDLXzWMU6TxmlPejeQIcNm_41c/s320/IMGP5561.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595631870836174002" /></a><br /><br />Make a 1/4-inch cut into the pointed end of the triangle. Trim 1/4-inch off of one side of the triangle (just eyeball it). You should get what resembles a lopsided fan.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJMsbjZjYA31_SlVMEJw6otr-RM3rLRTnuWKUOHZbPLtbzXcjiqssYF9OPK2mj4dSvJQuJaWTrHFLK2CWXHpwCLIOJD1WB7rQB1nt-qijGdwFZz-DHRz9CYuWDHgB4geNkjqA-LrwugQ/s1600/IMGP5563.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJMsbjZjYA31_SlVMEJw6otr-RM3rLRTnuWKUOHZbPLtbzXcjiqssYF9OPK2mj4dSvJQuJaWTrHFLK2CWXHpwCLIOJD1WB7rQB1nt-qijGdwFZz-DHRz9CYuWDHgB4geNkjqA-LrwugQ/s320/IMGP5563.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595631336547286578" /></a><br /><br />Take the side that has been trimmed and bring it over to the opposite end, leaving a 1/4-inch margin. Crease the fold sharply. (The margin will eventually become a tab which will be used to close the box.) <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsq2xMiQiewLWzF7_cJdLh5rGmQn5oNDHWk2s1PhegrvgMBjq7n2HR9fG2LaVvPmAbJgujM5X439Kctyd1tE092EteII0DtDB0nKNKRffsJEkW7yGUTA7Yeu_C31ito2M8C2jcum2iEF4/s1600/IMGP5503.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsq2xMiQiewLWzF7_cJdLh5rGmQn5oNDHWk2s1PhegrvgMBjq7n2HR9fG2LaVvPmAbJgujM5X439Kctyd1tE092EteII0DtDB0nKNKRffsJEkW7yGUTA7Yeu_C31ito2M8C2jcum2iEF4/s320/IMGP5503.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595630932943617586" /></a><br /><br />Fold over again and crease the fold sharply.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88vvBAG7XNCAAVmAmslyH1p73kg7Vu9pukluKNNO051cUYT-nEbjdWJF4LEHx-upA5Mj3JiM5-JF9jCx7Q6qTYfS1oH9NW-INo0YVow8s1-D76VN8HpIgdbEZ5fF7WN2o6dzMK4W-0NA/s1600/IMGP5510.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88vvBAG7XNCAAVmAmslyH1p73kg7Vu9pukluKNNO051cUYT-nEbjdWJF4LEHx-upA5Mj3JiM5-JF9jCx7Q6qTYfS1oH9NW-INo0YVow8s1-D76VN8HpIgdbEZ5fF7WN2o6dzMK4W-0NA/s320/IMGP5510.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595630793432886706" /></a><br /><br />Trim the pointed end of the tab at a slant.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMF2ktZeJqL0ryABgg5Tn59QX30fm0V1It3NHSxojJBe6lssMrtqLNuJ6eKhaRbEp0C_sS5jRdHxNZdc_vClHk5XRdPeAvmVmtAFSZkV6ni777K-zQVUE_Shpp_rguJMIsCt7X4C2gBE/s1600/IMGP5518.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMF2ktZeJqL0ryABgg5Tn59QX30fm0V1It3NHSxojJBe6lssMrtqLNuJ6eKhaRbEp0C_sS5jRdHxNZdc_vClHk5XRdPeAvmVmtAFSZkV6ni777K-zQVUE_Shpp_rguJMIsCt7X4C2gBE/s320/IMGP5518.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595630579273941090" /></a><br /><br />Form a crease in the 1/4-inch margin to create a tab which will eventually be used to hold the carrot together in a cone shape. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatAa1ewJmR3fwl0GbEnGQVaQzdiu7PQU1veOX11k-pTPg4zR4GmR9NFA_wkvIYAGdVF4LQjVeX3jUFgrFybWowt3X4UQq_iSxFlGrSo1EwPvHtQCBT6Qtbp1ZF0XA-vjgnKtHOb4p94Y/s1600/IMGP5512.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatAa1ewJmR3fwl0GbEnGQVaQzdiu7PQU1veOX11k-pTPg4zR4GmR9NFA_wkvIYAGdVF4LQjVeX3jUFgrFybWowt3X4UQq_iSxFlGrSo1EwPvHtQCBT6Qtbp1ZF0XA-vjgnKtHOb4p94Y/s320/IMGP5512.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595630267669182594" /></a><br /><br />Mark 1-inch from the top of the triangle on both sides.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tWaFW4u-Z-piVJJqzmyHTmUuoRG8vH-XSVOwGKGTA1KhNVA37orLtyStklMAgaRONcLu1gkNfo9tC2YHBDtYg5zwbara-1T3sWuwUgh_vAo2uMUplm2OBTe2L5pMGcsfQ732tv2cpKI/s1600/IMGP5524.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tWaFW4u-Z-piVJJqzmyHTmUuoRG8vH-XSVOwGKGTA1KhNVA37orLtyStklMAgaRONcLu1gkNfo9tC2YHBDtYg5zwbara-1T3sWuwUgh_vAo2uMUplm2OBTe2L5pMGcsfQ732tv2cpKI/s320/IMGP5524.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595630052932646050" /></a><br /><br />Trim both sides of the triangle using the 1-inch marking as a guide. (Again, just eyeball it.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp3kxkaqksgqLA8w8ReX2wDk3_3BAiWqslkEYObhMYE-_JbxHX0x-0xrxkocBJQbxalNL6T_mtYVgAQoM7YiCYTKW33QZWkRF3iPhmhPctH3yQ5okUYS4pe3gOzWt34nQp5G9P46wvmk/s1600/IMGP5530.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp3kxkaqksgqLA8w8ReX2wDk3_3BAiWqslkEYObhMYE-_JbxHX0x-0xrxkocBJQbxalNL6T_mtYVgAQoM7YiCYTKW33QZWkRF3iPhmhPctH3yQ5okUYS4pe3gOzWt34nQp5G9P46wvmk/s320/IMGP5530.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595629648134401506" /></a><br /><br />Fold the top down using the 1-inch mark on either side as a guide. Crease well and unfold the entire triangle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t1azN8UtrBztar2VsDBUi-8m6Q3ZJLxARt6exK59O3f3EcVZ9KtGhJVhnmCSFr881Khn2IMxFS4-N0fzMvILTN79-mpjs8p0uzgWluNAXzV3NFOF-iQ1l98TXd9NwVYxVz0uaNVhBoA/s1600/IMGP5533.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t1azN8UtrBztar2VsDBUi-8m6Q3ZJLxARt6exK59O3f3EcVZ9KtGhJVhnmCSFr881Khn2IMxFS4-N0fzMvILTN79-mpjs8p0uzgWluNAXzV3NFOF-iQ1l98TXd9NwVYxVz0uaNVhBoA/s320/IMGP5533.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595628916031659922" /></a><br /><br />Add glue to the right side of the tab and glue the tab to the inside of the box.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx0t2SNk5Rl_VaXM-lk7bt6j1SgAmYZKStECeUs9KhqGXWqgzg_udhbJC05sXXcjpFRzk6WIGvjNG8AVtTZSezPOUhMVB1m-prI3mw1d1D8i6Kh-l1VoIEyC-2xZnyTYSbKXSVhImKwY/s1600/IMGP5537.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx0t2SNk5Rl_VaXM-lk7bt6j1SgAmYZKStECeUs9KhqGXWqgzg_udhbJC05sXXcjpFRzk6WIGvjNG8AVtTZSezPOUhMVB1m-prI3mw1d1D8i6Kh-l1VoIEyC-2xZnyTYSbKXSVhImKwY/s320/IMGP5537.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595628516491442738" /></a><br /><br />Add a tightly rolled up dollar bill tied with ribbon to the inside of the money holder. Glue or tape the flaps closed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-2X0UUl1vFT4dv9tVyhogty5i_g58Mb7fDHktTvP1rmeSebdB6G8aTNMTnPgj8Z8s-RozUl5MbIwnRO9REuMyRppi4reiOkJtoYw3AXn8nsDnv8Q1Napo6X-8dQhvWuvDAF7VT6bzEY/s1600/IMGP5540.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-2X0UUl1vFT4dv9tVyhogty5i_g58Mb7fDHktTvP1rmeSebdB6G8aTNMTnPgj8Z8s-RozUl5MbIwnRO9REuMyRppi4reiOkJtoYw3AXn8nsDnv8Q1Napo6X-8dQhvWuvDAF7VT6bzEY/s320/IMGP5540.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595628181068858978" /></a><br /><br />To create the carrot leaves:<br /><br />You will need a 1-3/4-inch by 1-3/4-inch piece of cardstock and a 3/8-inch by 8-1/2-inch strip of paper. Run the square piece of paper through a paper crimper if you desire.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTwhlo1zCK81XXev5ji6mgHh7eVKxzjSH_xPkN2w8Sko92A8T-XeMjv4sYNH65DauVfok_P90xERWj4_EJaMiSZQ1EXNkOgEMsWDowJ7mlvjk1SS99ONT7KoCKYihCWDC1YggzF4Ahfk/s1600/IMGP5615.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTwhlo1zCK81XXev5ji6mgHh7eVKxzjSH_xPkN2w8Sko92A8T-XeMjv4sYNH65DauVfok_P90xERWj4_EJaMiSZQ1EXNkOgEMsWDowJ7mlvjk1SS99ONT7KoCKYihCWDC1YggzF4Ahfk/s320/IMGP5615.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595627549406417250" /></a><br /><br />Cut thin strips into the 1-3/4-inch square to create fringe. Be sure to leave approximately 1/4-inch at the base uncut. Glue the strip to the uncut side of the fringe approximately 1/4-inch from the edge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFRp2yvQLz97160FAQBt066Hm-j2FR8zrTUYRWby4GpKC9hzMUM-U_f0Mh_4QF3xjfl8LYCgEpVgigug51DvekxO_yUgjL07lw-_OH2WoA12J_nTpTUIKRwctyTVo8IwW5CRPE1NAYEY/s1600/IMGP5616.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFRp2yvQLz97160FAQBt066Hm-j2FR8zrTUYRWby4GpKC9hzMUM-U_f0Mh_4QF3xjfl8LYCgEpVgigug51DvekxO_yUgjL07lw-_OH2WoA12J_nTpTUIKRwctyTVo8IwW5CRPE1NAYEY/s320/IMGP5616.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595627035158094354" /></a><br /><br />Begin rolling with a quilling tool or a skewer at the base of the 1-3/4-inch square and ending at the end of the strip. Glue in place.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_crYavWbWHzYvXHb3vBfO7Wyd44NVLCc3KHZ3LiLJ28xgUour54JqjhK8MgWCkWh8WT9-u1p7JyCt_YC6T4MtLo-qRp0rPMJcE9bwccpcrt-qf_i0fxnD-e-W0I8pQcAX0T9USZS5bg/s1600/IMGP5623.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_crYavWbWHzYvXHb3vBfO7Wyd44NVLCc3KHZ3LiLJ28xgUour54JqjhK8MgWCkWh8WT9-u1p7JyCt_YC6T4MtLo-qRp0rPMJcE9bwccpcrt-qf_i0fxnD-e-W0I8pQcAX0T9USZS5bg/s320/IMGP5623.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595626167974261986" /></a><br /><br />Glue the leaves onto a 1-inch paper scallop.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8-lWpi9v6T4um2F64dwW24Iz8UJ8oWv8nDnrGtUMD_wxRMvY6Cv4BA_lVmkyL5T4pzSBz415BQVqiI_Hfg-AT8CxkQk-m_x4R0Z6zslutS6DZnVJfCUg7LUUtT_WgPj3iXmgrA2695U/s1600/IMGP5634.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8-lWpi9v6T4um2F64dwW24Iz8UJ8oWv8nDnrGtUMD_wxRMvY6Cv4BA_lVmkyL5T4pzSBz415BQVqiI_Hfg-AT8CxkQk-m_x4R0Z6zslutS6DZnVJfCUg7LUUtT_WgPj3iXmgrA2695U/s320/IMGP5634.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595625389552688610" /></a><br /><br />Glue the unit to the top of the box.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWfQ-KHrt-MbHfdRe4EHG8rUvwSanPtmbpdamR9rMBTIEVbTR4aHQ1hLxY1AZE-HT0nxGHgYumKCcENFmBKxqQFUUbDx9gs9yFnHcwsrxF_Z0t5ZCwrNgO9LpOElUl6pRaJiIqQObH_0/s1600/IMGP5555.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWfQ-KHrt-MbHfdRe4EHG8rUvwSanPtmbpdamR9rMBTIEVbTR4aHQ1hLxY1AZE-HT0nxGHgYumKCcENFmBKxqQFUUbDx9gs9yFnHcwsrxF_Z0t5ZCwrNgO9LpOElUl6pRaJiIqQObH_0/s320/IMGP5555.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595625069718894066" /></a><br /><br />Make one or make more. I happen to think that a grouping of multi-patterned carrots look cute together.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje38B-jH5yEPR6TBzYqoajOmaB9Gz315cOtsPwphyIlTFJuPvFa8lvIzuhYb3ID_ObwbaaOjAAdIh9ywd6pL13L9cRPicXCKGuagMM7SApLRjpR2RbL_wohPPW_7QDnwvWv9cN61xPKjM/s1600/IMGP5572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje38B-jH5yEPR6TBzYqoajOmaB9Gz315cOtsPwphyIlTFJuPvFa8lvIzuhYb3ID_ObwbaaOjAAdIh9ywd6pL13L9cRPicXCKGuagMM7SApLRjpR2RbL_wohPPW_7QDnwvWv9cN61xPKjM/s320/IMGP5572.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595624037276851570" /></a><br /><br />The carrots were tucked into a paper basket along with some wispy paper shred. I'm sure that many of you will remember these woven paper baskets from your elementary school days. Embellish the basket with a cluster of pretty flowers for a fun Spring look.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CFRmobeoiC4jLfqXsHmYH92rwNyu9M-B3OPwJEjKx-ql54iYKGd8Fn4C3shweazoeKDSe2GErutjrTJvTqkDH9DCbGBnlMrpcjwBMP6QjAYwcNjycvdwDqXc_FXqiF4DVVx5AQK0zbU/s1600/IMGP5600.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CFRmobeoiC4jLfqXsHmYH92rwNyu9M-B3OPwJEjKx-ql54iYKGd8Fn4C3shweazoeKDSe2GErutjrTJvTqkDH9DCbGBnlMrpcjwBMP6QjAYwcNjycvdwDqXc_FXqiF4DVVx5AQK0zbU/s320/IMGP5600.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595623377974920146" /></a><br /><br />Despite the lengthy instructions, this is super simple to create. Once I had the pattern configured, I was able to complete 8 carrots in about 45 minutes. I hope you give it a try!<br /><br />Happy Easter, everyone!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-37155515862526069332011-04-14T12:18:00.000-07:002011-04-14T14:04:00.388-07:00Easter TreatsThese sweet treats have long been favorites of local island keiki (children). Although they aren't a traditional Easter treat, their "almost conical" shape reminds me of a carrot. I know, crazy imagination, right?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzeX9ahYOzNXQ3yYrimVfu3-_xtlMZheKo7GSdpw1D_5vI6y1rlH_UdTfF1-ADr8LLzZpm5sd4D5qxztDVx3xt1o3wyHxO7aplve3gddw8UIjD-Arl8Vz3vdlA9GvsOyWkiH9aPbJnyI/s1600/IMGP5446.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzeX9ahYOzNXQ3yYrimVfu3-_xtlMZheKo7GSdpw1D_5vI6y1rlH_UdTfF1-ADr8LLzZpm5sd4D5qxztDVx3xt1o3wyHxO7aplve3gddw8UIjD-Arl8Vz3vdlA9GvsOyWkiH9aPbJnyI/s320/IMGP5446.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595524453769083602" /></a><br /><br />So....a carrot patch of confectionery goodness was born.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTL_JJ1_b3Xn7TpSiy8B6hI-MTcE4pWoSBvOYc3hs8zRtHtgZh-fN5_WHT0QHSXW11C8fIZmMvydD1Mk1eGIJa8rZFQqjzKsVkA1oRYfQTwK8KTAQFAffHS21UFthyCwk1KXyAf3oruSI/s1600/IMGP5611.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTL_JJ1_b3Xn7TpSiy8B6hI-MTcE4pWoSBvOYc3hs8zRtHtgZh-fN5_WHT0QHSXW11C8fIZmMvydD1Mk1eGIJa8rZFQqjzKsVkA1oRYfQTwK8KTAQFAffHS21UFthyCwk1KXyAf3oruSI/s320/IMGP5611.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595526157012846818" /></a><br /><br />I created a paper wrapper to cover the outside of the container. Decorations were added with embossing and rubber stamping prior to being adhered over the wrapper.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9L0cGHgEX8cUvOOJaR6rz8T_E8LSBrKnGpA9Xlmbz-_pjdKzEY1wIIbz8Erp78InOOCwBixCj9TGuYmE4JLdCX57BP6RkENnop7nfFobgbYY1IxSSEaA7MeTBvxM-wLri0N-ArCcHK8/s1600/IMGP5456.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9L0cGHgEX8cUvOOJaR6rz8T_E8LSBrKnGpA9Xlmbz-_pjdKzEY1wIIbz8Erp78InOOCwBixCj9TGuYmE4JLdCX57BP6RkENnop7nfFobgbYY1IxSSEaA7MeTBvxM-wLri0N-ArCcHK8/s320/IMGP5456.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595523167555505570" /></a><br /><br />A 3-inch paper scallop was adhered to the top of the seal.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjKZ6NX_cRWQXY_Etl4LyGEtqLy8c-cK_rmKK5lQYXpBwkjIdhw791MknNnTViZ4BvTHpBpFdFxgzuVxSBeX7tJeN7NgYIKer70_yTXuoFmusWyQjOlw1yh29NnrnafBfLmIEv6r1vFo/s1600/IMGP5461.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjKZ6NX_cRWQXY_Etl4LyGEtqLy8c-cK_rmKK5lQYXpBwkjIdhw791MknNnTViZ4BvTHpBpFdFxgzuVxSBeX7tJeN7NgYIKer70_yTXuoFmusWyQjOlw1yh29NnrnafBfLmIEv6r1vFo/s320/IMGP5461.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595522695726081058" /></a><br /><br />To make the carrot top base, I used a 2-inch paper scalloped circle. I scored two parallel lines down the center of the scallop and folded both sides upward on the score lines (like a flat-bottomed taco shell).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rvXSi7mL3rZz7DcZP1ut4pTtn1YyFry3opatqRaTkvuymOHMo7XxdPibZf8DNrGnE1x-fefE3LGYHwbGWHmVZTDZwNJ5qbHKY6OYCozjzrD6vsFIldfM6YC0CgvomcBZO_-lUtbHTFo/s1600/IMGP5452.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rvXSi7mL3rZz7DcZP1ut4pTtn1YyFry3opatqRaTkvuymOHMo7XxdPibZf8DNrGnE1x-fefE3LGYHwbGWHmVZTDZwNJ5qbHKY6OYCozjzrD6vsFIldfM6YC0CgvomcBZO_-lUtbHTFo/s320/IMGP5452.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595522116398695378" /></a><br /><br />I used a Sizzix die to create some frilly leaves. I sandwiched the leaves into the "taco shell" and brought both sides together and glued it into place.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCciZltUreStDrM7_xOMaJUHsOy8bD3WYW0yaDTGo9nn0yG4jyjGSz2efkLxbn6RkZAeKGE7zrY7XabEBWWoUAax35LtzV_z_BxccPtjHAevDsFw8wlvxp-Rx8rkgjvS0OErCbeoj6xY/s1600/IMGP5465.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCciZltUreStDrM7_xOMaJUHsOy8bD3WYW0yaDTGo9nn0yG4jyjGSz2efkLxbn6RkZAeKGE7zrY7XabEBWWoUAax35LtzV_z_BxccPtjHAevDsFw8wlvxp-Rx8rkgjvS0OErCbeoj6xY/s320/IMGP5465.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595521902578230850" /></a><br /><br />Glue was added to the base of the carrot top which was then glued onto the center of the lid. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbl0Y5gw4vVN7RIBE9n7YOPicA4eCYgD7pRUS47w3x1_mA_NQkw8Sc3nmr4wvHV5kxW-lWtA7oJ6zoIhGyMl5-nmrwyDwHtnt4wzrqicaBXmtPAeKKM0P29XegQoyHp0KtQrtVoK6JPc/s1600/IMGP5489.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbl0Y5gw4vVN7RIBE9n7YOPicA4eCYgD7pRUS47w3x1_mA_NQkw8Sc3nmr4wvHV5kxW-lWtA7oJ6zoIhGyMl5-nmrwyDwHtnt4wzrqicaBXmtPAeKKM0P29XegQoyHp0KtQrtVoK6JPc/s320/IMGP5489.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595521663739822386" /></a><br /><br />This fits the bill for a quick and easy Easter treat. I don't care to put too much energy into what I consider "throw away crafts." The kids will rip right into it, eat it's sweet contents, and in minutes the wrapper will hit the trash can. This way, I won't feel like too much of my hard work went into the trash can along with it. <br /><br />Thank you for dropping by my blog and for your sweet and encouraging comments. I apologize for not being very attentive to my blog lately. It isn't because of any specific reason, just laziness I guess. I hope to do better in the future.<br /><br />All the best to you.<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-37825646322483107362011-03-10T19:35:00.000-08:002011-03-10T21:14:04.654-08:00Las VegasShe is still as sparkly as she can be and as exciting as ever. The grand old gal, Las Vegas, never seems to disappoint. As fantastic as Las Vegas is, I don't know how anyone manages to live there. The stimulation alone would kill me. I am glad to be home.<br /><br />I hope to get back to work on the drawer unit this weekend. I can't wait to get the project wrapped up, not just because it is an amazing piece, but because my craft room is a mess and I simply cannot be creative in there. The one thing that I have come to realize after working hour after hour on the unit is that I really hate fixing anything, especially something so large. If given a choice between fixing the unit or going to the dentist, I sincerely believe that I'd opt to have my teeth drilled if it would mean that someone else would fix the unit!<br /><br />I managed to complete an entry in my art journal this morning. Although insignificant, it fulfills my need to create.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8IUHVg1tg1cgizrYAew0qJB8F4O0JH7SaPMgencVgZHGlFJsyXU4H5PbPx3e5T6uuMbb5A87uo-2tKHCh_rR0ZI5nMieDxDDmWiw9Hx_Hryrd5WWsq_GUluS9YT2R-7qhK-hNiAkE3c/s1600/IMGP5435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8IUHVg1tg1cgizrYAew0qJB8F4O0JH7SaPMgencVgZHGlFJsyXU4H5PbPx3e5T6uuMbb5A87uo-2tKHCh_rR0ZI5nMieDxDDmWiw9Hx_Hryrd5WWsq_GUluS9YT2R-7qhK-hNiAkE3c/s320/IMGP5435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582665029850361938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydsY9B6_vEyEJh81FQZmnXvUi16YULb_b_pCp1gruT_p3z_QRnU0W8SaRk3Phl_01chQahY6fiyTGauYyWeaI2UJVIp9j4_G4TuBWp1OLGK2Oq3H4KJqPTaY-PikeizgvYU9JEYHLEZc/s1600/IMGP5444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydsY9B6_vEyEJh81FQZmnXvUi16YULb_b_pCp1gruT_p3z_QRnU0W8SaRk3Phl_01chQahY6fiyTGauYyWeaI2UJVIp9j4_G4TuBWp1OLGK2Oq3H4KJqPTaY-PikeizgvYU9JEYHLEZc/s320/IMGP5444.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582664324259014386" /></a><br />I may still add to it in the future if the inspiration hits me, but for now, put a fork in it as I am calling it done!<br /><br />Thank you for the wonderful comments that you continue to leave me. I hope that you have a fantastic weekend. Take care!<br /><br />Aloha,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-34082375025838657992011-02-15T13:04:00.000-08:002011-02-15T15:05:50.262-08:00Rested and Ready!Hi, everyone! Sorry for the long absence. This was my first really lengthy departure from blogging and I needed it more than you could imagine. <br /><br />I spent most of January cleaning my craft room and reorganizing it and trying to get my creative mojo back. The newly organized space invigorated me and brought me out of my funk. <br /><br />It is interesting the things that you find once you start moving furniture around. I found this partly made felt donut pincushion this morning. I make so many things that when one goes missing, I don't even realize it.<br /><br />Just look at those dust bunnies clinging on for dear life.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOTtqEgdLN9V1k6kUrrnEpexZARIu8_ytMiUpmqQPwcuNo4pG9Qx4TCT5ijU_1E5yoS4HslqChLGa4EkvELD-uyNJrFguSJi3IxfVVnA1rd4cZSFsnqhXGzNYFHO_TUhy8J0Pv-gwZSA/s320/IMGP5386.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574046961542697186" /><br /><br />Just in case you were wondering, the donut is supposed to look like this in it's completed state.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfFbTf-WmmfHv9ArTV8HEdX3n_JVitbvIhmQHnORjOad7RovfQQvDi-5l_A3NHAk-WKBkb5EnLBwMNO9xCO3YG6_2M4O_zxKGcMBI697xC5nLJ0ZwYm2HG4XPIXnB6TUvDutUZ4iApzc/s320/IMGP0721.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574048700269462322" /><br /><br />I have always wanted to start mixed media art journaling, so I spent most of my free time doing just that. If you aren't familiar with art journaling, do a quick search on YouTube and you too may be inspired to start a journal of your own. Art journaling is very much a personal journey since it is basically an illustrated diary. There are no limitations, therefore, it is very enjoyable. It gives you the creative license to lay down your feelings in a medium that can be combined with words. I am a beginner, a newbie to this art form, but I am truly enjoying the journey. <br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JgQS7AG65A4gsyqaZjgWq59JQ_RRkPXTIC-3fqhFIHH_3ZcaCWoGgXy0pE8ekDXUM4exKcJPw1Tk97YHGARiWhq6c8XoaXhpzVJCx9e30dekTR7KLzX7fokYRbqDeo2Jna8T4lKeDmc/s320/IMGP5378.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574039534993744978" /><br /><br />It was smooth sailing into February until I got my hands on this piece. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO38JMb5c-9XjmGaB1civqC3esBxfF-ORKZT3OirX3mMfI0Q7zMhV5lfpePUJYkDhZ6aviX205XzlMwEM_3ceelf-oL_zFqprKBK_DCdLg046XmC9ueYe1_62-s8zMZXFoOwt1RbZu_Q/s320/IMGP5362.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573773333635275778" /><br /><br />I know that it doesn't look like much in it's current state, but trust me when I say that it is going to be the <I>piece de resistance</I> of my craft room. I am so excited at the prospect of having 40 drawers to use for organizing my craft supplies. Needless to say, my craft room is once again a disaster zone as everything is being shifted around in order to make room for the new kid on the block.<br /><br />These types of drawer systems were once used by schools as mailboxes for teachers. The office personnel would place the perspective teachers items into the drawers from the open back that faced the inside of the office. The teachers would open the drawers from the front and remove their items. I am unsure if these kinds of systems are still in use today, but they were standard fare during my school years.<br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_voSKd7TAbAuTbc7MitN3uYMLaLZieJ6AQvYJGdpMm2k39-QdEs-dn3dtqsmXkrDaSYzd9fThlonUaFeF5oj85IgUftD4kcTnp14G3PuH8v1ak7ONH8xZv1GXq2qGcBQJ52LUl6si0c/s320/IMGP5382.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574042798601985026" /><br /><br />I purchased this piece through a private seller. I have no idea of it's entire history but it is old, I can tell that much. The current paint job is a mess and it was let to fall into disrepair. Approximately a third of the drawers need fixing. It is in my garage until the repair work can be done and a brand new paint job can be applied. Until then, my craft room will remain upside down and virtually most of my free time will be spent in the garage.<br /><br />I will admit that during my absence I did have thoughts of closing my blog. Several years of anything can lead you to stop and reevaluate what you are doing. Because creating is such an integral part of who I am, and also wanting to leave a part of me behind for my family, the blogging will go on. <br /><br />Thank you to all that have been concerned about me and my lack of posting. I am fine. Even though it is often left unsaid, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kindness that you have shown me over the years. You are my true creative inspiration and I am very blessed to have you all in my life.<br /><br />Have an awesome day, everyone!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-47854878492298354082011-01-05T15:49:00.000-08:002011-01-05T17:12:02.918-08:00I'm Exhausted. Are You?The holidays have gotten the best of me and I am seriously exhausted. How are you all doing? <br /><br />Thank you for your kind comments and holiday wishes. The same back at you, my friends.<br /><br />I am once again in the process of cleaning and reorganizing my craft room (someone came in and blew it up again...hehehe!). I don't know about you, but I cannot create in chaos. My creativity comes to a standstill (like now) when my To-Do List gets too long. Anyway, January is the month of renewal and rebirth so I'm going to start it off right with a clean craft room.<br /><br />Since I do not have any projects to show you, I thought that I would share a few of my favorite Christmas presents. I have been wanting these since I took an interest in paper crafting and now I have them in my hot little hands. <br /><br />Coming from a mostly fabric background and familiar with mostly fabric related tools, these "new things" will finally bring me out of the Stone Age as far as paper crafting goes. I know that this may be old hat to paper crafters, but I know that they may be new to my fabric loving friends. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZEXmu_dlx_nbpR-qVYTo7GHOmf1926MdXXHnaoTMMux97P19cnEABIw_c5SX5SRuu9Lcx2Yz4zrSm8cX2q80flvrw3pLOKRLAHE7n0eOmpfC2J90Y48c0_Yxz57Kk4bB8LBPgOA3zPw/s1600/IMGP5323.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZEXmu_dlx_nbpR-qVYTo7GHOmf1926MdXXHnaoTMMux97P19cnEABIw_c5SX5SRuu9Lcx2Yz4zrSm8cX2q80flvrw3pLOKRLAHE7n0eOmpfC2J90Y48c0_Yxz57Kk4bB8LBPgOA3zPw/s320/IMGP5323.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558855221831911698" /></a><br />I have seen the Clip It Up used for organizing so many things. Since it spins, everything is easily accessible. There are dividers that come with it to separate each category. They also have a dust cover available for purchase to keep your items in good condition too. I haven't gotten very far with mine. For now, some of my scrapbooking supplies have been haphazardly clipped onto it. The dividers are not yet in place, but I'm getting there.<br /><br />The Clip It Up seems to be a very versatile organizer that can be used to organize all sorts of things. One very creative gal clipped her folded fat quarters onto it . Can you say, amazing, colorful, and pretty?! Of course, you have to be a fabric lover like me to see the beauty in it. And then there is a gal who organized all of her recipes on it and keeps it displayed on her kitchen counter. This is a wonderful idea if you have the space for it. Check out the calendar idea that was posted this past October. Geesh, I think that I'm going to need a couple more organizers!<br /><br /><b>*Please note that I am not affiliated with this product (or any others) in any way, shape, or form, other than knowing a good product when I see one and wanting to share my excitement about it.*</b><br /><br />Here is a link to the <a href="http://simplyreneeinc.blogspot.com/"><b>Simply Renee</b></a> product blog. It is filled with oodles of mind-blowing organizational ideas. I bet you won't be able to stop reading it if you are an organization junkie like me. I practically lived there when I first came across the site.<br /><br />Another product that I can't wait to use is my adhesive gun. This should make applying tape to my projects go much faster. As you can see, it is still unopened and in it's original box due to lack of time. I salivate just touching the box. If it is as good as everyone says it is, I know that I am going to love it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBPXz5Z2dWJAxQAQ9PQ5iFUvvdKq2bMkqzFCeHq751xI7kLktaJqisbxbrT1UnhqqyavGm0FM5fxufvGKbtnXiPl0W2oC1kpBSq8IKLYPYsHLMNILVSAbYHvnKcNj8H5sAidKNkEx2EQ/s1600/IMGP5293.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBPXz5Z2dWJAxQAQ9PQ5iFUvvdKq2bMkqzFCeHq751xI7kLktaJqisbxbrT1UnhqqyavGm0FM5fxufvGKbtnXiPl0W2oC1kpBSq8IKLYPYsHLMNILVSAbYHvnKcNj8H5sAidKNkEx2EQ/s320/IMGP5293.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558855086977390770" /></a><br /><br />I also received a Big Shot Cutting and Embossing Machine. I haven't used it yet, but again, I can't wait to try it out and make some pretty paper projects with it. Fabric lovers will be pleased to know that this machine will also cut shapes from fabric too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfz2mo5XD50AQjn0Gla8WhQWR-qc5z0l_eeT-mYqceg-qf9xY9EiNMSojqinPrHt0ZBmsqPv3qj1xhEEoP82LblvUvApD3shzNc0OfFtdbBDJl0seUkMEiCVyX3jk4IgTE_GMKWJAPNuM/s1600/IMGP5306.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfz2mo5XD50AQjn0Gla8WhQWR-qc5z0l_eeT-mYqceg-qf9xY9EiNMSojqinPrHt0ZBmsqPv3qj1xhEEoP82LblvUvApD3shzNc0OfFtdbBDJl0seUkMEiCVyX3jk4IgTE_GMKWJAPNuM/s320/IMGP5306.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558854943253325170" /></a><br /><br />This labeling system looks promising and can be hooked up to the computer for even more versatility. I'll soon be a labeling fool, I tell you. And a neat one, at that. No more handwritten labels for me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fOtz523yNZAdZiQJz06_BW6DZF9exFNL88HW3h5wnMTkvNMfP_xJr8fVuRxTnHYsJoRFeArkXwlSOPD6cmnVmqlGgcHjeFiVZaDnFMu0pvjCFGskLNPRRDtWu57qZtQd90z65VHXhVM/s1600/IMGP5284.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fOtz523yNZAdZiQJz06_BW6DZF9exFNL88HW3h5wnMTkvNMfP_xJr8fVuRxTnHYsJoRFeArkXwlSOPD6cmnVmqlGgcHjeFiVZaDnFMu0pvjCFGskLNPRRDtWu57qZtQd90z65VHXhVM/s320/IMGP5284.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558854649575184738" /></a><br /><br />Did you receive any must-have crafting supplies this Christmas? I would love to hear about it.<br /><br />This year, I am going to be good to myself and not set too many goals. This just means that there will be a much better chance to succeed, right? How about you? Any new plans and goals for the new year? If so, I wish you much success in completing them. <br /><br />Have a happy day!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-49494862039491810332010-12-23T12:58:00.001-08:002010-12-23T13:13:03.784-08:00Mele Kalikimaka!May the blessings of the season fill your hearts with peace, joy, and love.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWdvp4xpTPf44_NCmzs3ywvOP4gjcaxNBAQtdj2yx37ypWk57sG_x9X11qOgg8CVC2S5bOvCRgXRUtlTUgJ1cEK4Noo_60xiXgbfaAaNbs6YAJPvIM6fPq0PA2SkblpM4UfUbfww-QkM/s320/IMGP5272.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553985112111556530" /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-9291609965366385282010-12-07T11:39:00.001-08:002010-12-07T17:37:13.737-08:00A Forest of Christmas WhimsyA colorful collection of paper Christmas trees adorned with tiny snowflakes will brighten up any holiday table. Won't you join me in creating a whimsical grouping of Christmas trees of your own? <br /><br />Begin by making the support system. Four cones made from graduated sizes of cardstock half-circles are needed for each tree. The easiest way to make half-circles is by first making a complete circle and then cutting each in half. Done this way, each circle that you make will provide you with support for 2 trees.<br /><br />Cut the following circle sizes out of cardstock:<br /><br />2"<br />2-1/2"<br />3-1/4"<br />4"<br /><br />Make a notch in the center on the straight edge using a hole punch. This helps the cone to fold over neatly. To form the cone, overlap the straight edges approximately 1/8-inch and tape in place. You can use glue to close the cone if you wish, but tape is so much faster and does not show in the final product.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLj9t3QJmue4eVram9IT_5-soTc5EYV94qQ6t_WLQkbxjRQpzbjfkfXcAcKtTsuSSVKNeEvAgd8pUXU-CITdDk3V4NPehISF4uL4mpLI_CwsP0tX-92zyFu-xw7SJSjBfav7IzRe71rSA/s320/IMGP5142.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548032813166359810" /><br /><br />You will need the following strips of cardstock for each tree:<br /> <br />6" x 1-1/4"<br />8" x 1-5/8"<br />10" x 2"<br />12" x 2-1/2"<br /><br />Score each strip at 1/4-inch intervals.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qZCbzCQVTvLyOwmEK1VsR8NBbxCP3DiQwm4LOcD0ni3pRGUYylmBHW8xvjxupUfWilyURbVUog5gVroeRDOK1aHqrebEffTytrCW0umPLTwev24d8nj7NAzwbJwbp4BgsyEboINSbfw/s320/IMGP5021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548031883251351186" /><br /><br />Pierce the paper strip using a needle tool about 1/8-inch in from the edge. Try to keep the holes centered between each score mark. Do this on one edge only.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp7IiDRM_V8dx9LMqoRWvmSLObXbWTW-HtBYuSBzvQfvkV44Izg-DERQUA_Q3Lxn9rhQHG8icaDx0HkPKlud1oNcWjCLYdNeRUGdV3FVA-OcPWExvO9XXfeycwevTcZjuUKlXWGCV-tE/s320/IMGP5127.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548031475771901986" /><br /><br />Accordion fold the strip of paper. Glue both short ends together with tacky glue to form a tube. Load a sewing needle with strong thread and run it through the premade holes.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8p07G4njPXdF2Bwilo2ddmARWowb1Qwz-P4NSbu1lb-uHfkBVrVOQp0P9gEo2QG2j1NlUrFmnLhO7zF5Xf9MWRN1SGpjxYJ02eAtQ_-1Qe7xmGOBilWIN0MenJK_XrSPr418IKB3OWo/s320/IMGP5132.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548031080989522162" /><br /><br />Pull the thread tight to form a pleated cone. Tie securely in a knot before cutting thread.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimp7cUAZ2Zj157NUvVZikyG6kd3OB__4JJgyEwBPj-N8PBl4pbP4utnzoxXKkNfUTfp4fn8y3SVTfr0DYqQA8UzucrsIIlyrNf4xRiVrFPvXrMwDKvxDEz0qOfPTKpEZPJ9QJpv-Yn0DQ/s320/IMGP5133.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548030846093190898" /><br /><br />Add tacky glue to the outside of the support cone. Place the support cone into the pleated cone as far up as it will go. Hold it in place for a few minutes until the glue gets tacky and holds both pieces firmly together. Complete these steps with the remaining 3 cones.<br /><br /><b>**Please note that going through the extra effort to make the holes and sewing each of the strips of paper may not be necessary for everyone. If you are able to glue the pleated circle around the cone with ease, then please consider doing it that way instead. It will save you a lot of time. No matter how much I try, I cannot make this method work, even while making flat rosettes. So, out of necessity, sewing is my preferred way to do it.**</b><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_a6WjEmqcCU6K-J6gKv9Jr1_g0d5N8ZREax6u3aOfpPKpfCECEjDfnK2dUA8Vbkw5lAaTKiQdDTeVWlfYqCn8ILcvF9vXDacCqmOrTeO94XkAZCsQmSbmD-IM3lhaRRiYPAwevJP3ygE/s320/IMGP5140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548030322325986258" /><br /><br />Start at the base and begin stacking the completed cones in ascending order to complete your tree.<br /><br />The white tree is the basic tree. If you'd like to give a fancy edge to the tree, use a decorative scissor or border punch while the paper strips are still flat. A decorative scissor was used to create the scalloped border on the printed Christmas tree. A snowflake paper punch was used to create tiny snowflakes. The snowflakes were glued onto the trees with tacky glue.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfSfVU5_jMxmp-ZgTmKgf5gkGyjso5OTa9z6kP5xa1hdstu-9cN7eczAg0uUIg-NRJYdrNWSMlRBXMR7VCEsevSKv6yR9zIdJg1r9UBqBlD0ErD6RSPwFuksbo3x6_wFxPwCUj5qPRGg/s320/IMGP5198.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548029965208550834" /><br /><br />Okay, now for the fun. These trees are interchangeable, meaning that because the individual cones have not been glued together, you can arrange and rearrange them to your hearts content. I love the look of an almost solid tree with just a punch of color on the third layer. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hTrpbjYVWss-yKPaK8A-Cr0RiaftS4R-mKJJnuNJHyeKI5Yo8Gm3aLp5GbFugGyfoFxrGBaM-a2tZpZuf3uTMRvXx4002zWN5_sdyKFdFyPm8E_qXbzn8fAU6B4QdtT7G-r1fYXF3HQ/s1600/IMGP5207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hTrpbjYVWss-yKPaK8A-Cr0RiaftS4R-mKJJnuNJHyeKI5Yo8Gm3aLp5GbFugGyfoFxrGBaM-a2tZpZuf3uTMRvXx4002zWN5_sdyKFdFyPm8E_qXbzn8fAU6B4QdtT7G-r1fYXF3HQ/s320/IMGP5207.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548029704688220034" /></a><br /><br />If you get tired, just change it up again.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVDq7CpyThsSihsJ5WS6tQWfQtDHSIdAcc1jFly9VbYQVodYYpLe-tzkz6r8xqzDiXZYULqD9710ANdsCioZoe_50SO33yZ7Fp9vRtEPDwK77D8xZvyq3UIs7M3SsOcDR8Qoe5TY3b2U/s320/IMGP5200.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548029530471380578" /><br /><br />Create a unique winter wonderland of your own.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCLTO4I690eNONUaZP693Qo8bDzH8MmK0A0ZymugCn-PVcS-P-_juA8URSNqRjJbhK-gb09PnrGf5eSslVVNJLXJsIM6v6qkuCjMynWiAxSSYK4ZIt4MRq2OhDjFh4iDS9NunJcFGrqY/s320/IMGP5191.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548029185699437810" /><br /><br />You can use a border punch on one side of the paper strip for a lace edging. You will need to compensate by adding additional width to the strips of paper depending on the type of border punch you are using. You will lose between 1/4" to 1/2" of the edge depending on how much the punch takes away. Experiment on a scrap piece of paper first.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hByA1Rrk8PId1CqPfrj2PUi4iKvRgBtNtNe2kzw2qR6GZwz6MBXKuFFiET0N80iZW85RY-o9Is1el6hzawF7RYiyWjubMVFyd4tY_FIhgf4_-u1-4NX_4FoRwzbDrbrsrZM17QZXSdM/s1600/IMGP5041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hByA1Rrk8PId1CqPfrj2PUi4iKvRgBtNtNe2kzw2qR6GZwz6MBXKuFFiET0N80iZW85RY-o9Is1el6hzawF7RYiyWjubMVFyd4tY_FIhgf4_-u1-4NX_4FoRwzbDrbrsrZM17QZXSdM/s320/IMGP5041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548028516678233362" /></a><br /><br />A colorful gathering of lacy trees. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUpgNjzOT6GEL0nAznAtpQXAI3MxiiBwZR1_btW4hxeOUskVJjw25KJSBc0E87I3wfYpoeURpJRCBTSIyKTyycjnAo6qVhvb30GqSBXfJisMaZbzpXLY4khWSyTQYwLrZMgiuYqxB0S4/s320/IMGP5165.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548028230133814130" /><br /><br />Add snowflakes if you wish or leave it plain.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgXQGcmzftN4YCG82HFDtJPiyd1gJwSOhNVcuhOI-FPE4F3O6vXcwwNNVlh9dgwc4lFlnfIdUkNH_GfrDSAJDZyTKJQKrK_hJpyzRk4divIbamssghd1K_OSf2GB9It7gP-povd_wbd0/s320/IMGP5218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548028030659080898" /><br /><br />You can mix the colors for a two-toned effect.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HKj5RMDbKzH1kcTAA02BzvxV7A4hUeNKoj9yB2CZGC_8-LS446_cHRRRDTrzGbvIGshyphenhypheniOXxrRDAMiW48dTRsQ2rBFlWNw3dlFyRqSlpXmriz2HsUeuOsXTBa29bL163rWp1k3pGn7g/s320/IMGP5242.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548027771289856082" /><br /><br />Mix it up again for a patchwork look. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ow7jpUiM2mMt7k7yOR9f4bRpCRUlbF7Z5e_pFbaAmrijtYfyxQ7qk4k3cx-WeE7ZDOGcaOUPRNi5lTL4LC1_FGvrfIekui-4ySeqKDYbLMZxSMmdGf88LD6zER2a7uuNof1hVWXS3Do/s320/IMGP5258.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548027528219222114" /><br /><br />Have fun with this tutorial. I'm off to make a few more printed trees. <br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-61480273836992917542010-12-06T13:33:00.001-08:002010-12-06T14:46:13.176-08:00It's That Time of Year Again!While the holiday season moves full steam ahead, I have fallen way behind the pack. I've managed to get our tree up this weekend but that is about it. Most of my shopping has been done but another trip to the mall is still in order. I keep telling myself not to stress, but you all know how that goes!<br /><br />Amongst the chaos, I did take some time to make toffee. It tastes divine, if I may say so myself. You can find the recipe <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Toffee-Ever---Super-Easy/Detail.aspx">HERE</a> if you'd care to give it a try. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7lTQctoSHMEfExoSt5RlFKezoY5sDRFZ-rOolg33lLWQ8duMuaoSTqrfGquZa5WIGGBR4Ki9ae4YGWpY1XVhaLtl0sT2wk703vb2nk3xUmMZtfJgY3oMfqg3sXGIOkttRU-eah6xxzQ/s320/IMGP5150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547686587065980706" /><br /><br />I am currently in the process of organizing my craft supplies. I have managed to accrue quite a bit of scrapbooking related items this year and my craft room is about to explode. I have decided that it is time to get rid of some of my old stuff in order to make room for the new.<br /><br />This is my paint in it's before state. Over time, I have managed to collect over 300 bottles and it was taking up way too much space.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7q4z_jUKmzW8E6udMVQzibqO46N0BZH0pMu_oDXsaBgjH8X4VD94OA09bDtbboOEaiIYIMGw-6SynqRuu7Wq6cEPHD7hw02iAp32BTCjqbFAu3_TaXRdiv3OzNl2wVxFDu6R9zmJGZA/s320/IMGP5063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547686362171557362" /><br /><br />It is much lighter now after tossing over 100 bottles.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaHVZZcotZhCkAwDnBGjm5sBGdUOId6WIjKvqZF93e_-KfxXeqc9WyqxJ9a5PpGoi9Wf2uZCoJsUtdj4bM3woGuVIbW0ax4TqvXXSQAkh3dke80GDMMNXrEKBjz-d8BTsH7pMONLQjIA/s320/IMGP5081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547686237977193858" /><br /><br />I have taken all of my glitter and placed each of them into clear glass salt and pepper shakers. I've placed all of the shakers onto a lovely silver platter.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhZeUIvAezVae6fDRBKEZwdVA6LXJGvhaJ213OAFbfaXH7FDakFOdUPe1feT42hx3um0zL3QQZykVmJ1Mu9j1wiCbxXMdJ6OOWtqC1V0Hc6KsacXadTuNPTNmHolanexyAqZW7eo3AIs/s320/IMGP5091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547686088885660402" /><br /><br />I love the reflection of the glitter against the shiny glass and the silver platter. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomm48F2v9rb7uxAT4lALrht0OXscRi5cV_XVpmP1a9OpRXqJ_2YrpJOUsvodkp1ba-Gh2hv-NrPICPMBsemK6BsXIeI_mkAiN9u7mwGuJmtXX1Pkshhm6N6wDyjZQnBrO9O-quTcCMIQ/s320/IMGP5102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547685945477448242" /><br /><br />There is still so much more organizing to do. My goal is to have it done before January 1st. Nothing like starting the year with a clean slate, or at least a clean craft room.<br /><br />Thank you, everyone, for stopping by and for leaving me such sweet comments. I hope that you are all doing well and aren't stressing too much over the holiday hubbub. I'll be back soon with a holiday-themed tutorial!<br /><br />Take care!<br /><br />Aloha,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-11382509168810951292010-11-25T13:57:00.000-08:002010-11-25T14:11:59.810-08:00HAPPY THANKSGIVING!<b>May your tummy be filled with all things yummy!</b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtD4qKVzep692yqMAhFYBKHJAOneSumDdaDPDtN8vYSvtNJl8gZqZj-sNDd4GBXcH9sI8wLfbaXw1Wpz6vfGpHgbiYfzgbbKjdulwCq9mJ2mruclg7jOIpI2H7Do4uFJaSRq0uwITN7o/s1600/IMGP5110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtD4qKVzep692yqMAhFYBKHJAOneSumDdaDPDtN8vYSvtNJl8gZqZj-sNDd4GBXcH9sI8wLfbaXw1Wpz6vfGpHgbiYfzgbbKjdulwCq9mJ2mruclg7jOIpI2H7Do4uFJaSRq0uwITN7o/s320/IMGP5110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543610015836013762" /></a><br /><b>Have a good one!</b><br /><br /><b>Aloha!</b><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-89204283636503983732010-11-24T10:16:00.001-08:002010-11-24T12:07:00.084-08:00Rosette Gift TagsIt has become very clear to me after doing several rosette projects like <a href="http://mousechirpy-polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com/2010/06/magnetic-christmas-countdown-advent.html">this</a> and <a href="http://mousechirpy-polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com/2010/05/oh-so-sweet-cupcake-party-favor.html">this</a>, that if I wanted to continue making more, I would need to find an easier way of doing so. The old ruler and stylus scoring was getting old and tedious and took way too much time. I just couldn't see going on this way.<br /><br />While doing some Internet shopping, I decided to order the Martha Stewart scoring board. I had hoped that it would be a dream come true for a rosette lover like me. And it was!<br /><br />I adore this thing. It is so easy to use and makes very straight and even score lines which is an added benefit to making pretty rosettes. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonKuJAN356u0aIMbnAHzLRYUOjTjJtG-19mru7FZtsMjicecqO4ZoC2gxSujQ96Th2ErpRNuh8Ph6RHtjCwxiZUpenKrXzqDMF3GagYrukHLVyyKWsrO5IkdBdPYY4fmMg79NQou-M_o/s1600/IMGP5021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonKuJAN356u0aIMbnAHzLRYUOjTjJtG-19mru7FZtsMjicecqO4ZoC2gxSujQ96Th2ErpRNuh8Ph6RHtjCwxiZUpenKrXzqDMF3GagYrukHLVyyKWsrO5IkdBdPYY4fmMg79NQou-M_o/s320/IMGP5021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543186556904895602" /></a><br /><br />Here are my gift tag prototypes that I put together this morning. With a little polishing of my technique and changing things up a bit, I can see that this is going to work out great for me. <br /><br />If you are wondering, the big white space in the center of the berry on the left is going to be used to mount the gift recipients photo. I thought that this would be a fun way for them to identify their gift. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjChajm88EpRajgdF9uKtCGADOzCEk1ZdB9-W4G0bUzuekwabPHw0E6-mBMx71d7k3srVi8yofvpfEcd9TUayXRNSDJBY7u6QamUrzrmx8hmKBfJ40UXjBMwurgNDTjFNmdyV0AYzrpA/s1600/IMGP5046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjChajm88EpRajgdF9uKtCGADOzCEk1ZdB9-W4G0bUzuekwabPHw0E6-mBMx71d7k3srVi8yofvpfEcd9TUayXRNSDJBY7u6QamUrzrmx8hmKBfJ40UXjBMwurgNDTjFNmdyV0AYzrpA/s320/IMGP5046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543186212887470610" /></a><br /><br />The use of a lattice paper edger adds a lovely, frilly border to the rosette. The edger was used after the lines were scored.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzNdqXfSL-EsIa9zLKou7OAZ0SVqdOvx6aEzEpXY8DD_uwf17_YAil01RdPsGNNPUmRFopD3JqToFEOcdWIP5-11ANbrYUQqccQlu7Ok4ZwHgecs8kV4JjWTy4p_I4rGsDDWNYPWB2Sw/s1600/IMGP5041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzNdqXfSL-EsIa9zLKou7OAZ0SVqdOvx6aEzEpXY8DD_uwf17_YAil01RdPsGNNPUmRFopD3JqToFEOcdWIP5-11ANbrYUQqccQlu7Ok4ZwHgecs8kV4JjWTy4p_I4rGsDDWNYPWB2Sw/s320/IMGP5041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543186354008329410" /></a><br /><br />Here is a glimpse at the backs of some of the tags. They are very simply done with the aid of a scalloped paper punch, rubber stamps, and ink.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdi5Ajb1IWMYQiL9DnIpwUSbRQQRpQwaekSTB502F-5jc-ufBChAuZmb5wUt8188QFjrzIhYnkszc_iazBga8MgzMPI6deX3kOZftesuFTAd2NgP4IhTtIC5SRkj_Tubtm4cxOi-tZKN8/s1600/IMGP5051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdi5Ajb1IWMYQiL9DnIpwUSbRQQRpQwaekSTB502F-5jc-ufBChAuZmb5wUt8188QFjrzIhYnkszc_iazBga8MgzMPI6deX3kOZftesuFTAd2NgP4IhTtIC5SRkj_Tubtm4cxOi-tZKN8/s320/IMGP5051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543186037662171762" /></a><br /><br />I just love it when I find something that makes my life a little easier and really does work as the product advertises. <br /><br />Over the past week, I have done quite a bit of Internet shopping for craft supplies. Because shipping can be costly, I was wondering if I should just wait until the early part of next year to continue my quest for more supplies when I visit Las Vegas. I am wondering if anyone knows of any good craft related shopping in Las Vegas that is in the vicinity of Downtown or The Strip as I would be accessing them by taxi. I would love to get my hands on some of the Prima and Tim Holtz product lines and also see them in person before buying.<br /><br />Thank you for dropping by. I hope you have a fantastic day!<br /><br />Aloha! <br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-13936584046410753242010-11-20T16:45:00.000-08:002010-11-21T19:51:44.649-08:00An Interesting AdventureAfter months and months of actively looking at photos on the Internet of well organized craft spaces and finding out that many of the organizational pieces used were old items found in thrift shops, I decided to venture into the world of thrift store shopping.<br /><br />At the end of the day, I walked away with 5 interesting pieces. After a thorough cleaning, I was very excited at the possibility of incorporating these pieces into my craft room.<br /><br />When I found this piece, I knew that it had a definite function in it's first life. There are holes that were once used to organize something and the top level spins. Hubby thinks that it was once used for holding test tubes. Of course, thinking like a true crafter, I thought that it once held craft supplies. Either way, it was in tip top shape with little sign of wear. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEZ8lwvxUmAmSq-qfwBAHACKFcplnS6zSWOJKWavY7vqa5rNmDpsSLHwMPRkrGgF9iiYaONb8TJxK-x1f3b3S2_TgX1XzJwIbtMJioMBLVEz5rfMAxtwVcO3EHKVOVyELYd4YPRk3Aqg/s1600/IMGP4938.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEZ8lwvxUmAmSq-qfwBAHACKFcplnS6zSWOJKWavY7vqa5rNmDpsSLHwMPRkrGgF9iiYaONb8TJxK-x1f3b3S2_TgX1XzJwIbtMJioMBLVEz5rfMAxtwVcO3EHKVOVyELYd4YPRk3Aqg/s320/IMGP4938.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541822819530950706" /></a><br /><br />The next step was to figure out what to do with it. Even though the investment of $2.99 was minimal for this piece, I knew that it had the potential to be of huge organizational value to me. So, there it sat on my table for a few days while I thought of every possible item that would fit into those 7/8-inch holes. <br /><br />A couple of years ago, I emptied my collection of small beads into these bead organizers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILxsglEBlMM46SgDrjQoh05lzOpJYnodr82emnpRDbFsHGPj8iZCvuWboemVgOXKhLuH_iQPbqKY_1cwadNRvhMZ2zpRVnozeBUiGlQAP3nDR_oKEYKZMVw5XpMLvwMEOrWI-d7KoMMI/s1600/IMGP4950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILxsglEBlMM46SgDrjQoh05lzOpJYnodr82emnpRDbFsHGPj8iZCvuWboemVgOXKhLuH_iQPbqKY_1cwadNRvhMZ2zpRVnozeBUiGlQAP3nDR_oKEYKZMVw5XpMLvwMEOrWI-d7KoMMI/s320/IMGP4950.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541822372017976962" /></a><br /><br />I was left with a slew of empty bead containers. To my delight, they fit perfectly in the holes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXFF7F7ndysFA_TJHPDgNHEu9Qo7YF06YeUi0PyliLTxm8osCVymwqgVLy1SFj7dPrCiEw5unSnPE6IbTNAEOg3Tw8cAL9xspvX0HRf2N4eDLwgQwpm_4Ah7TC_gdoQtl-jlSOV4VQVE/s1600/IMGP4940.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXFF7F7ndysFA_TJHPDgNHEu9Qo7YF06YeUi0PyliLTxm8osCVymwqgVLy1SFj7dPrCiEw5unSnPE6IbTNAEOg3Tw8cAL9xspvX0HRf2N4eDLwgQwpm_4Ah7TC_gdoQtl-jlSOV4VQVE/s320/IMGP4940.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541822613756615458" /></a><br /><br />I slowly developed a plan to pretty up my newly acquired organizer. I wrapped the tubes in pretty scrapbooking paper to hide the labels that were securely attached to the tubes. I used ink on the edges of the paper to give it an aged feel, and tied ribbon to the holes in the top of each of the tubes. Since the handle of the organizer was black and teal and was made of rubber, I knew that I couldn't paint it without the paint eventually chipping off. Ironically, the colors of the tops of the bead tubes were teal and lavender. So, by default, my color scheme was born.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZvn7ub9Cg2kwDPtcolRmiGn8BMVQiF40HEaduz0wkdLE0fnWTUhUHVxKD9UrNL9gLtO6WQxQKA6VbUR0GkLMjLXEZ5nbxNlICaUYGv1EzM9Ez8RoRIkqcla8R9R_rT6Uod6oN4IyV9o/s1600/IMGP4954.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZvn7ub9Cg2kwDPtcolRmiGn8BMVQiF40HEaduz0wkdLE0fnWTUhUHVxKD9UrNL9gLtO6WQxQKA6VbUR0GkLMjLXEZ5nbxNlICaUYGv1EzM9Ez8RoRIkqcla8R9R_rT6Uod6oN4IyV9o/s320/IMGP4954.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541822201504329746" /></a><br /><br />This is the base of the unit. The plan was to paint it and to give it a crackle finish. Although I haven't painted anything in more than a decade, I think it turned out pretty well. <br /><br />Going for a vintage look, I inked a paper doily and decoupaged it onto the center of the base. Ink and shimmer stained lace glued around the perimeter of the base seemed to be the perfect addition and completed the look perfectly.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZ4FISVVkSw2_LYBHt8Ti8vfWAUa6VxCdkdnt8NM_zQTKarvI2MZ7I6TO5znPE6gdHhSY2SnTkV_Ncna9pViMRcq_9UR_16r6QZ4KNrlv4R2KRcVJH2UmPzqcGyJo8G-85kPo-OVr4qY/s1600/IMGP4960.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZ4FISVVkSw2_LYBHt8Ti8vfWAUa6VxCdkdnt8NM_zQTKarvI2MZ7I6TO5znPE6gdHhSY2SnTkV_Ncna9pViMRcq_9UR_16r6QZ4KNrlv4R2KRcVJH2UmPzqcGyJo8G-85kPo-OVr4qY/s320/IMGP4960.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541821991534920514" /></a><br /><br />I am sure that you already knew what was coming. Flowers, of course. I decorated the top of the unit with handmade flowers and embellishments.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9pFaWYMNIFMxOWHKPclcZQj9jAS38gc2f9GrDKnxyZjN_Ggly2sg66HJlD7koHrKQb3UB6wUnl6-jzXbO0uFrD33UKyz-3MqDHsHnPghchp91nKpxe41zt42tkr50tcvZNITrMXFJCk/s1600/IMGP4967.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9pFaWYMNIFMxOWHKPclcZQj9jAS38gc2f9GrDKnxyZjN_Ggly2sg66HJlD7koHrKQb3UB6wUnl6-jzXbO0uFrD33UKyz-3MqDHsHnPghchp91nKpxe41zt42tkr50tcvZNITrMXFJCk/s320/IMGP4967.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541821763950757842" /></a><br /><br />I used lots of ink, shimmer mists, and a gold paint pen to add color and highlights to the flowers. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicevy3_zezuBqjejTbBqCzTLWljaHTwCPdA_hUsIVAac-p8r0q_vNyYFW0glpJpVoa4LiQqMol4xnCfJSByaB3jMP8y78ihSWmRvi1k04xQlGPVmxU6Lh8cXHDp4epurB4Q9HA3Lh0icg/s1600/IMGP4984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicevy3_zezuBqjejTbBqCzTLWljaHTwCPdA_hUsIVAac-p8r0q_vNyYFW0glpJpVoa4LiQqMol4xnCfJSByaB3jMP8y78ihSWmRvi1k04xQlGPVmxU6Lh8cXHDp4epurB4Q9HA3Lh0icg/s320/IMGP4984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541821557311275250" /></a><br /><br />I love the bright, luminous effect of the shimmer spray on the flowers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsC4zhDOiybLDtnzvPkMrk2JEBvIiOg2xFnL1sbJyTSBsa1KJ4TvtWCjwSKF6UU-hEdcMG-DkgED0zSkrmXzrFwsgssYy-l6sxuP7eOrBJTY5UXXvxPLddbu6O2BuSbbmJCgZzLBYuhY/s1600/IMGP4973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsC4zhDOiybLDtnzvPkMrk2JEBvIiOg2xFnL1sbJyTSBsa1KJ4TvtWCjwSKF6UU-hEdcMG-DkgED0zSkrmXzrFwsgssYy-l6sxuP7eOrBJTY5UXXvxPLddbu6O2BuSbbmJCgZzLBYuhY/s320/IMGP4973.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541821362781142882" /></a><br /><br />This is the finished piece. It turned out even better than I had imagined it would.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDLMW6HzYcuk2ug9DBxNYFL1HSmKJyr3d4RAoPqoUtXnGjqVKq1CYfscz7w-zDItT7WGzgNdY8yVe65n59h3JWyMvxzDg3BsKYS_Mf_TdujptchCH7lB_KG-Hh5OsiVOcc4TCENMNCrE/s1600/IMGP4987.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDLMW6HzYcuk2ug9DBxNYFL1HSmKJyr3d4RAoPqoUtXnGjqVKq1CYfscz7w-zDItT7WGzgNdY8yVe65n59h3JWyMvxzDg3BsKYS_Mf_TdujptchCH7lB_KG-Hh5OsiVOcc4TCENMNCrE/s320/IMGP4987.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541821158022216226" /></a><br /><br />Now, to figure out what to put into each of the tubes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9NqrkY1cVQZCxYKHkqV521wSkddDvfmIf_c1QyIUvsvjoggvwxW_CTsL-ehUOMgnihgOMv0ShvvcyslBMZWO_fpobw0bf198D5lCGYsz2E_lqAVfVz5dUk9QcfxYDU06FGZJbu2TTnw/s1600/IMGP4988.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9NqrkY1cVQZCxYKHkqV521wSkddDvfmIf_c1QyIUvsvjoggvwxW_CTsL-ehUOMgnihgOMv0ShvvcyslBMZWO_fpobw0bf198D5lCGYsz2E_lqAVfVz5dUk9QcfxYDU06FGZJbu2TTnw/s320/IMGP4988.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541820987385489490" /></a><br /><br />Hmmmm.....I think that this may be the perfect organizer to hold my embossing powders and Perfect Pearls. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhHFAxWijQJzrDL563tnX5lcMrM-nWHHJZ6-jI_977-7vPKoya_IarN7wH8wAu1wyPEgZ6X75BMLwTdK98EBfMQJUhrWBu1NoL6LctD5NTHOM1c_2FrEWgEJtVp_WT9T2SRCxGaTDXwI/s1600/IMGP5010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhHFAxWijQJzrDL563tnX5lcMrM-nWHHJZ6-jI_977-7vPKoya_IarN7wH8wAu1wyPEgZ6X75BMLwTdK98EBfMQJUhrWBu1NoL6LctD5NTHOM1c_2FrEWgEJtVp_WT9T2SRCxGaTDXwI/s320/IMGP5010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541820768957063234" /></a><br /><br />Something tells me that this organizer was originally made to hold these bead tubes as they fit so perfectly inside the holes. <br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />I hope that you're having a fantastic weekend!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a><br /><br />Post edited on 11/21/10 at 5:51pmArlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-67147980641924379702010-11-08T07:29:00.001-08:002010-11-08T07:56:06.058-08:00Almost ThereHello my friends! I do hope you all have been doing well. I am still here. I haven't combusted (stress!!!) and disappeared into thin air yet. Just one more week until this flurry of making things is over. The Pineapple workshop has been progressing at marathon speed. I'm overwhelmed. Calgon, please, I beg you, take me away!!!!!!<br /><br />Containers are being stacked in every place possible. Hubby is very kind and never complains about it. Gotta love him!<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWL86_LmlYA61ogGyA1NcBKw0sv5hxO6MZDoMuidInC0fczDG5gI6mgjB1Eb1OC7KzxQDGwNz6FHqhDAPgezZOiyb2Jq-MVajMpuUKFjt876yrAdLn-azdlnKFwsFygTq3OYiHPVvrAcE/s320/IMGP4927.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537201465398074610" /><br /><br />Here is a bin of hair pins that I've recently completed.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiYWVSK0U6PYjAOlMP9f3VZGCQMnS6qAegQWSh1cukILdUJuyJ6kiF_TfdGSMP4a5AsRoIPDQ_-JBQk2jiIb8EdgczCzPcXsH2sln9DNHreH7aXO9sWxGZHFwdu8IUTsErUYX-TMdDlw/s320/IMGP4888.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537201963043036178" /><br /><br />Yummy yo-yo key chains. A colorful feast for my weary eyes.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ah85b8Lwnpw8P5plViUG1LoOSdDcgYrVn7JqmORWqv80BsMZaQzmDjfXAQ_IZbtujriMIxe6SnR92Og_AyjVueA02QJJTGeOPsvviAu7TBTCMwi6t6leWV_SKp1JanSLcjPpAEt2WK0/s320/IMGP4917.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537201730970009090" /><br /><br />Sorry for the quality of my pictures. I am in a rush (not unusual) as I am expecting my nieces baby to arrive any minute. Baby sitting is very trying when you're busy-out-of-your-mind, but that is just how it is sometimes!<br /><br />Have a wonderful day. See you soon!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-12645585087402934632010-10-26T14:59:00.001-07:002010-10-26T15:11:08.718-07:00ProgressJust finished putting the final touches on my fabric tissue covers a couple of hours ago.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzylhg7_hyphenhyphen4KwXjWZutiX-t30JRPnKWJiTc50twqe92eIDd7I3wLBz_GereSxNXZZ10vVgrhs9AJ3AoyCHfLNV7zv3b8tzBbRH0jFGrkZwB18BTV7g-ZYYO-FxIstltFa-L9_cDwjsyE/s320/IMGP4894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532478245372863842" /><br /><br />They're all stuffed full of tissue packages and are ready to go.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_G8yx7mKorbPUFIKq20dx70l912xAVJDbOoAOqcOX7Ic17KVq3m4vXjoZweDnMtsA5tvmfMshSjMN191vGp9nbbzk3gRkLZiwdwx3X3gCu1frsEW78pX9eVNZvBRmGyjTroFFkSgEvIM/s320/IMGP4899.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532478113627763490" /><br /><br />One more down and it's beginning to feel like I am finally accomplishing something!<br /><br />Have a nice day!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-74631042221905768092010-10-26T10:04:00.000-07:002010-10-26T10:14:01.815-07:00Hmmmm........The possibilities, endless. Who knew these little orange knitted pieces could be so versatile. Smurf parachutes, baby bonnets, golf club covers, nose warmers, booties, Peruvian hats, jock straps, sling shots, gnome hats, cushions, and baby blankets. Whew, the one thing that I can say, hands down, is that creativity abounds in Blogland!<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp17ZqjpyPNuCNl5TNnOsmhlz0T2ocnaq2lKZkMSfXXWCTtHubGvQjLogNrHXsXSIXAxBbRqWqu4hGvJeX-r8aoWiYVjnM0tf4MQn6z_emnk2tOPFhf_580zFSfQk0AwnZgci2Vy7ZrbQ/s320/IMGP4780.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532386413129707026" /><br /><br />Used as a golf club cover, one would never be at a loss in determining if the clubs belonged to you.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4iMT1ZnDqcI7RVl1M3D3PULXyVxtzav9Xl5iqevdp8JgNPj238Zp4hXD-EI9uekQMPcdNvNTrJkewspAXeRPV-fzqGw6Yi508VoC_kkGKGOs_CoR86Rq3l4GUxvfzz8a5xSYnpYuccs/s320/IMGP4866.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532382920008834866" /><br /><br />I think they look better when viewed from the other side.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEZ7-I2B8sZUiTdEGMhL9H2dPWOYKp8XcQ_MpbGm_Ts9DEsVilaEAxj-5L1j-5UUoVZRVO9S3elCBzuzzi0u_S_Z-Mne8MFUt7Dd8lkhL6RefgdFp5PSDxZAEbyS2gndilzzg2yeRSzw/s320/IMGP4867.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532382584753928338" /><br /><br />Cute, but something isn't quite right.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8WR7G-2Xsaq1Mg813ywzRsq8Lw9B1M1izGZLiz9qavSP4dHFMl8vqxNJrjtVEbTl1lvDX9WrfY5vIkkLYYRwDC6HNJFDwLizpSZ4OFMMhnmqwwWUCVdsujS-sxUSd8JeRL2uQEupXck/s320/IMGP4820.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532382189679169154" /><br /><br />A view from the side...I'm not diggin' it.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMwMTzkL-X16DLhjCSwZ_WfDhyphenhyphenIhMvbyQOJ-5xudC-21h3c3KMjC6oBCiEz_4qF2d2tuSQBXAYCxobiABwEygR4gfyftzu1Qw62ffJkPwCsG0e4w-3IxVYfmfY7DdGdOxDAQCwxkF9HU/s320/IMGP4822.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532382023982462146" /><br /><br />Kinda reminds me of the leather football helmets that were worn in the early 1900's, but with a fluorescent 60's kind of flair.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Otx-yjtzsEuil2D2EuMAtmEooDJahdDtVFG1jd6wDZpSmzpghTIkzq2xbl4dNz1g8TIzsC2JydSGfuJ4j1BSJTMp2JAAouEdSi23UB2e2y9KWKqfPN7WhezzyARb_ddLLVeG4d1zivs/s320/IMGP4825.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532381811793235554" /><br /><br />Nose warmer. Maybe. Along with your nose, there is enough room left over to fit your compact, a tube of lipstick, and an afternoon snack.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFq2upbbFfY6bBGRQviyql8MjFUj81L4kY9O0WhhHECxqVLLl6ajJ8gWBp_apPh-k6m98pENU3Zr-P0SW4GuYuYOaNmWcR5ENCNfeEzYbL5zT96JpFBnlXkO1vTx8Z-NPoqCHA4Gmxvg/s320/IMGP4870.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532381275554963138" /><br /><br />Jock strap. It kind of gives me the itchies just looking at it.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SXibi9888XSuFONP1do4iqqTvxqmx7qaPDbFDSxkCE_M-54kOUyfTdquwiQvOgnOIvtpVozMl-GFXycJDLJRDHxUomZHRHHPfQGI6LQDWdAYdrYI421xZ8ICSEuH3CtPyRoG8DXYd5g/s320/IMGP4842.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532383452872413810" /><br /><br />Uhmmm.....NEXT!<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwgv-q5uWRfM2n5gEoSphqDQoGrf-9Qb-pMSXWpbOHmNQLZqrAyfddz2na23Zyg4bdUmX5cLBy84af-52S7ypygBv2tvi_4pMD3RYVljZAccrS6nHwlHCJ80cx5o2-18hyphenhyphenmtijButh5U/s320/IMGP4845.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532383215172099666" /><br /><br />Cushions...baby blankets...a very good possibility.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_KJhPMgYpzSMk4ufomMCB-Ann_P3VzdFe14LcPyE_c3rm0UhfxBbgC4Cx59FsZAAjOuD9dt3KsH8BbXffHn-XJDI_y2o4OlSmRKUvCZ7_nf0aX-fbYLH1dE_PvvEFrHlSfSHwJCE8zg/s320/IMGP4854.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532384674021885394" /><br /><br />I don't care for how high the leaves are raised (approx. 1-3/4"). Kinda reminds me a bit of the dorsal fin of an orca in captivity. You know, kind of slumped over and floppy. I must say that this has possibilities though.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS6TWLUM-UR213LbtteJYI0hdlG6HJWGfQ1s1-rWu-sJfGh21A25VvIgauxCpbd8PErUgT5A8U0QykvWWe2jlhO-In9cddvCLNfuAu7Iz0Pd5M7tlYkSGeRtCgB-a8R3PQfxRM_zwuWI/s320/IMGP4855.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532384491101422418" /><br /><br />Thank you to everyone, everywhere, (including the wonderful women in the care home) for your creative suggestions. You have saved twenty-two people from humiliation. I mean, wearing a fluorescent orange bra in 2010 is so, uhm, 60's! <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkGUgT21vvv5hssHRfj8liJe_6_IT5-eoiEtJUKrITGx1sLUqX2u6Qk6830dg8MZRWkGcB9r3sKSu63d6fvX4CMCCDER_ZCovpN6EBnN-qOBKlqmTvNKHJJC5vrVbp3nNmQPyGNwsJzs/s320/IMGP4833.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532382396242016690" /><br /><br />Sorry that I have been missing in action lately. I have been working my fingers to the bone, but yet have so little to show for it. I stare daily at random piles of fabric pieces that end up overwhelming me. I can't seem to concentrate on any one task to completion. Harumph!<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkpV-z8B8T36PB7uGLIPOUnD_BIBenvjSiGlJhf7ZYVjKVBI6fWt5xBQ12m6ig3jEG6sjlaPjLdwg0e-AZduces-NedWFN18Wv4vppesk0k5RTzVV_5c1RM5rl4Piz2UUIPo_J_dTN3M/s320/IMGP4810.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532384025758055602" /><br /><br />A finished project. One down, so many more to go!<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmZ705H69fc0F-Fx-DV_rqENV_nQWxTGRD3fOH0JcKp2CFjcc2uQknE_vabiqjEVaqLFQNxxDlndInFrEfBLbqMMVWGKkfpPtIzupCFzP1Kdr-WTqOi-lX-HXV2iwwRsVCnvVD-Zs-FY/s320/IMGP4888.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532385780953073634" /><br /><br />Have a fun-filled Autumn day, everyone!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-90191335128111740572010-10-12T08:39:00.000-07:002010-10-12T10:16:24.087-07:00Mystery Orange ThingsI recently acquired these bright orange knitted pieces. They were passed on to me along with a huge bag of yarn. The owner is unknown as they were originally purchased at a yard sale. There are 44 pieces in all.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvXIMTij9lkeIdqhJW5TDJ0qSmhitPiblJhgeo634UsNhgFNJGTfBye3ZXCZozAwqMtPfOWlIKiZ-NfkDAa0kubrLos6AESIjie8mkpjE_OrwRNxKywF5mz3WIBoFP2FqoXUL3ZVDbEY/s1600/IMGP4780.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvXIMTij9lkeIdqhJW5TDJ0qSmhitPiblJhgeo634UsNhgFNJGTfBye3ZXCZozAwqMtPfOWlIKiZ-NfkDAa0kubrLos6AESIjie8mkpjE_OrwRNxKywF5mz3WIBoFP2FqoXUL3ZVDbEY/s320/IMGP4780.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527200018698334626" /></a><br /><br />I have tried to piece these together in every angle imaginable but they amount to absolutely nothing recognizable. One edge of each piece has been left open. It looks as if they either need to be joined together or be joined to a another piece (which I don't have). <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNSYKsPbwFmJkTFRmqXOuJ0UE58Z8Xiyu3y7Dwxl0ziq3SEGkj9l1gBL2-MA3fHdz3kqsfEMKR3QnTl4vGE3TZq9OfWK70YwN8L0ZU_qQbnciPYE56YgpmNt14iDB5OVm7xlm24lIeq0/s1600/IMGP4785.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNSYKsPbwFmJkTFRmqXOuJ0UE58Z8Xiyu3y7Dwxl0ziq3SEGkj9l1gBL2-MA3fHdz3kqsfEMKR3QnTl4vGE3TZq9OfWK70YwN8L0ZU_qQbnciPYE56YgpmNt14iDB5OVm7xlm24lIeq0/s320/IMGP4785.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527202167498982770" /></a><br /><br />I'm sorry, but all I see when I look at these are tiny little bras. Do any of you recognize this pattern? <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcMLtWjxgQIxHHJrvkj61gxX7CiAr3aJi7xFH49_ElruHYp4MGUQwfzyYOzhUtqeFXnEl4nuN81ZPUj8RD94xWE7ZNvPIFtc6I6nK0RRrcDwByruajYVgnaq2h1WaWqKuM7LHtUyIb-E/s1600/IMGP4798.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcMLtWjxgQIxHHJrvkj61gxX7CiAr3aJi7xFH49_ElruHYp4MGUQwfzyYOzhUtqeFXnEl4nuN81ZPUj8RD94xWE7ZNvPIFtc6I6nK0RRrcDwByruajYVgnaq2h1WaWqKuM7LHtUyIb-E/s320/IMGP4798.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527200431078600322" /></a><br /> <br />Going by the color of the yarn, it looks as if it could be from the 60's. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3Oh6pxNk2_B_mmy6C6hjA1KAd5HaFRAflChwL7bTjpOkb0r2FZAonYocMXk_w6dyFU4zSNe7fIvpJmPjX5WVKlSS6g9FAQ64F-9FIWnscq5RXLlICUhFYugeiWM3f4oJpDEWnzD9BP8/s1600/IMGP4790.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3Oh6pxNk2_B_mmy6C6hjA1KAd5HaFRAflChwL7bTjpOkb0r2FZAonYocMXk_w6dyFU4zSNe7fIvpJmPjX5WVKlSS6g9FAQ64F-9FIWnscq5RXLlICUhFYugeiWM3f4oJpDEWnzD9BP8/s320/IMGP4790.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527201072920549570" /></a><br /><br />The recycle-happy person in me does not want to throw these way. I mean, just look at the effort that went into making it. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_KBHBxpWnFsS5l_OV6IF5xnPVPj0GHtxwX0staYHfPrdKLhh3ww222Wlb7LE2HkxwlMS3mnC87dpKCvEW-w1_7MLMJ5GOWjKntlqCYolzfNe3DUwwJWmMi4vvL7tVz7mzQTobNaRhVA/s1600/IMGP4794.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_KBHBxpWnFsS5l_OV6IF5xnPVPj0GHtxwX0staYHfPrdKLhh3ww222Wlb7LE2HkxwlMS3mnC87dpKCvEW-w1_7MLMJ5GOWjKntlqCYolzfNe3DUwwJWmMi4vvL7tVz7mzQTobNaRhVA/s320/IMGP4794.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527201312817454402" /></a><br /><br />It has sparked my curiosity so much that I am on a quest to find out what pattern this is. <br /><br />So, my fellow hobbyists, do tell if you have any idea what these are. If you have a guess, that would be great too otherwise my next quest will be to find 22 tiny breasted people who are interested in wearing little odd-shaped orange bras. Ha!<br /><br />Take care!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-64258089171875526522010-10-01T15:27:00.001-07:002010-10-01T16:22:05.028-07:00Stamped Flower PinI am always on the lookout for rubber stamps with clear and distinct images of flowers. (I know, you're shocked, aren't you?) Aside from using the images in cardmaking or scrapbooking, I like to use it in pin making. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklDHJ0aOIDQA6xSSUlnsdMbcmVt-caq1bSpN7cD0rMHrTw8K0XdxHGN-hNmltaEVAhmReHaFoYowJzcVjHKOE72cb7CR4tduT1EUTE0O1l1AG7SGcjhg-hFTEMLwOQCr0avNNrEcBVsI/s320/IMGP4771.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523208124476725922" /><br /><br />This flower is made from rubber stamped images that have been stamped onto fabric. A few miscellaneous embellishments, and a pin is born. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJJZv6-kSIadfveoUwVvQd9gDFizwXmqN165fjYNtXi_9AlD0L1K_Z0Q-6vtZnJ-bqcYOPutJ-9DXIn7K2PTUVMdtpKdYQ3KTCns82NiXwhU7ilLNDFvVJSDoc6xhBlfTt0nCC7faf3o/s320/IMGP4773.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523207986611752082" /><br /><br />I am still mega busy, secretly wishing that I weren't, so that I could pay more attention to my blog. As I survey my sewing room, I see nothing but piles of fabric pieces that need to be sewn. The plan is to spend most of tomorrow at the sewing machine. So much to do, so little time. <br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a><br /><br />P.S. Please note that I am not endorsing the use of rubber stamped images in items that are being made for sale. Please check with the individual companies who own the images to see what it is that you can do with their products.Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-17346948695860234362010-09-24T15:26:00.001-07:002010-09-24T20:37:36.285-07:00No Time to Stop and Smell the RosesIt is amazing how fast time goes by when you're busy almost every minute of the day. Please accept my apology for being so scarce lately. I've decided to stay away from the computer as much as possible in order to build my inventory. <br /><br />While waiting for my glue gun to heat up, I decided to try my hand at making a satin flower. I'm sure that you've seen these before as they seem to be all the rage lately. It was a lot of fun to make, but I clearly need more practice. I kept catching the fabric on fire as I formed the petals. I guess it will take some time to learn just how far away from the flame the fabric needs be held.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1ZhARC29HDg_ArIW4Rg5-u9Dw1K-eCQR1MoRAbd0JdKOiBbhi1mYFlIYqp6XlNNwtXZ_wcpHkhrWqE-PaoY8Kb0Zn-D786Z5xaplFuUoJq-QuMK6MAoOgz5fbmGRiM4YBq0MuNjcNvE/s320/IMGP4755.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520610238321533778" /><br /><br />I'm so ecstatic that Fall is now upon us even though it will probably remain pretty warm over here until sometime in November. Thank goodness for air conditioning or I would be a total slug. I don't function very well when I'm uncomfortably hot. <br /><br />I hope you have a wonderful weekend, everyone. <br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-60459218051204210492010-09-17T09:19:00.000-07:002010-09-17T12:39:10.011-07:00'Peppermint Swirl' Ornament TutorialToday is Friday. I actually thought that it was Thursday until hubby told me otherwise. Silly me. Evidently, I have been so busy that I've lost track of the days of the week. <br /><br />My intent was to bring this to you earlier in the week but each attempt at writing up the tutorial was futile. Each evening I'd sit my notebook on the arm of the recliner (big mistake) and attempt writing up the tutorial. Close to midnight, I'd wake up with my notebook still balancing on the arm of the chair with hardly a sentence written. This scenario took place 3 nights in a row. It is now Friday morning, and I have decided that I need a new strategy to accomplish this task. So, with coffee in hand, I am now going to write up this tutorial; once and for all. <br /><br />This is a smaller version of the <a href="http://mousechirpy-polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com/2010/01/simply-peppermint-pincushion.html">'Simply Peppermint' Pincushion</a> that I made back in January of this year. Ever since making the pincushion, I have wanted to create Christmas tree ornaments just like it. Well, since I was making a prototype, I thought that I'd drag you along for the ride. <br /><br />This can be made as large or as small as you would like. You could make a miniature ornament all the way to a gigantic pillow by adjusting the size of the circle.<br /><br />The supplies that are needed for this project are: fabric, paper and cardboard for pattern, scissors, Heat 'n Bond Ultra, an iron and pressing surface, felt, fiberfill, button, needle and thread, and sewing machine.<br /><br />Begin by creating the triangle swirl pattern. Fold a paper circle into 8 pie-shaped pieces. For this project, I used a 3-1/4-inch circle. With a ruler, draw a 1/4-inch border around the straight edges of one of the triangles. This will allow you a 1/4-inch seam for sewing. With scissors, cut out the pattern piece from the circle.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwxvibbyw24y7zDwOxB_hA-v2UkbCKRo-ACmeInbEHcwonmq4SNk3zvwNj5JRXGe-bILtHHtKgMjEMBrJC4vfoWAQR-MGkMEVeoygieAvWX9S4cXJ3RO79n9Zaxto-jfn1u6V4eSU834/s320/IMGP4685.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517927707101521986" /><br /><br />For this project, I used a 3-1/4-inch circle for the body of the peppermint. Cut 2 circles from fabric. Cut 8 triangular pieces from fabric, 4 for the outside and 4 for the lining.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMH_EzXzagQWNlilmSrGVaOkiBNnAHE6kiWK3uWPPBrz8Rq22pYFvDkWObf1FRn7ARoniflVxZHQ_V7OM5QOa0KS_Bl828u3Bi2xsUlrIa2QmWzWEjXLlnNVnYR3puRwRq7ZLpKLYuiUQ/s320/IMGP4688.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517927392554377714" /><br /><br />Pin one triangular lining piece and one outside piece together, right sides facing each other. Sew along the straight edges of the triangle, leaving the rounded edge open for turning. Repeat this step with the remaining triangles. Trim each seam close to the sewn edge. Turn right side out. Press flat.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB7GerRuY61Cf0eP-OuEL_gk0CqIDmd2rEsG4nXBUU1oOln5WKrSci9gLY-zzzbaufA1J9SYFxkqAtbjTIKw0w1bvCypa0dN40hV7tqf8i59XtdZX2yesLo2P2bFuGDypgn0vmcVfTF4/s320/IMGP4696.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517927177086320514" /><br /><br />Place one fabric round, right side facing up, onto a flat surface. Place one triangle, right side facing down, onto the fabric round. Sew this in place using a 1/4-inch seam.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgNgPSihsyYAoK1TtR9S4A6i4JuMCBra9w4H5aFml5iW_bIikBh1QRXX6As7ZwIfVClVqUNvjeoduL1O2nO22mhjEv2PZM6fu5ItdUFT8E3EaqjUz9SELzZCi4Sb67DdtYe4SfqesIOE/s320/IMGP4705.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517926987131153442" /><br /><br />Pin the remaining triangles, right sides also facing down and spaced evenly apart, onto the fabric round. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOQk75tsJBaLL5rGtVSIFAZ-T-brfM0iV1y60u3-O12BSp5sFLhsvM3a_hHgvfUGQvB0O0gHX9nKLbS13Yy8QoVj80JOfQf90uH41UYMpROtOQv5spQBAuvBmhtvF9m6prO-4TNY6wkA/s320/IMGP4709.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517926730019546690" /><br /><br />Place the remaining fabric round over the triangles, right side facing down. Pin in place. Sew around the perimeter being sure to leave a small space for turning <b>above the previously sewn triangle.</b><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX8fZ_tnKRbxGs7Y1klT42X2FXBBNfUORoh-XhDw7eOPkpuxDCWwzPTKFJRDPMXq5wU19ntEVA904yy_2oG00DJXSDoRjLctYrchu5sd6SI0qqKvQjxEUNNZMdgQgUAXWYiw6skG5N_s/s320/IMGP4714.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517926449889311090" /><br /><br />A close up of the area that is left open. Again, please note that the area that you are leaving open for turning is above the triangle that had been previously sewn into place. Failure to sew the triangle into place ahead of time will result in a loose triangle that will need to be hand sewn at the completion of the project.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgT1ePmiBUaLZpQmnAw420_gSf2Rq5aRr9QTs5_Xt-YCAMouSr9buAJwGH85FuBqOu4vb3_7VnRhKkB7isvmRvBx92UJ76ZVg8mdnkcv4CqrfAL-64kyDpeGHC8NqbIa6EH5zhUDOibvw/s320/IMGP4715.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517926236622045298" /><br /><br />Turn right side out and stuff with fiberfill through the opening.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0ckeGk0zutpNqprpqWWuz48Yq8MaHHfyNWGuPkKqtvOHZpNgIXOYFmFWO2zxxg_DgO5OOTPLEv6-Trm3YS6IX_mdx6QUmefLggxkrf8j26__h6jQCTIh4UkxjHj-SclDgV42tShL7B4/s320/IMGP4721.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517926071406285506" /><br /><br />Hand sew the opening closed. This seam will not show as it will be covered when the triangles are anchored into place.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHA7diNGgOvW72H3LGs5plK40HIyu9ZRq84xC35mN0Y0PDdQ3t2xZm773bFiYxcsmelgeFgiw1DfKMdkve08v4uVIdIbvQ5_Z2a7KlcEUYvkY3Zw3VRzkxkuMtqS4eB3aIj5KuFetm0TM/s320/IMGP4723.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517925880830669586" /><br /><br /><br />Create the holly leaves:<br /><br />You will need 3 holly leaves for this project. To create the leaf pattern, start with a rectangular piece of paper the desired size that you would like your leaf to be (approximately 1/3 of the size of the body of the peppermint). The holly leaf shown in the diagram is for a 2-inch leaf. The holly leaves that were used for this ornament started off with a rectangle 1-inch in length. Divide the paper into three parts as shown in the diagram. Draw a holly leaf shape within the space as shown. <br /><br />Cut the shape from the paper and transfer the shape to cardboard. This will become your holly leaf pattern.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrQC3AzcJvU8s_8_eUCI96xhtwhyphenhyphenyGZKbMB0H5CaMJvwf0s6DvhnzweCPOpLGRy-7aTxWFxurbn0Am1MKBZbVrPobiRzv7ADcAROlZM98CvO4T-VXnZagry-mauxUD3wWMBxlKbpTP3M/s400/IMGP0664.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408194980396727314" /><br /><br />Trace 3 holly leaf shapes onto the non-glue side of a sheet of Heat 'n Bond Ultra. Iron the Heat 'n Bond onto the wrong side of a piece of green fabric. With scissors, cut out the leaf shapes.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMpAuotN3rEJcmnjiI5djmQx6HpA9n4iUSUrAf-75sWwHHryiRvjX2RG6hCNe0RbIBX3nCrBDSAytACQ15TbC4frz9Vcg15uVh-7t4Ty6pkMaRo1gNjht6Irqo0yvkfDpf4RjxfgLAyU/s400/IMGP0694.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408194627695919234" /><br /><br />Remove the paper backing and iron the holly leaf shapes onto white felt, being sure to leave a minimum of 3/8" between the shapes.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wuFKtZGQrWDr7hKXs40TVMkwVAWbn3UMvVerwq2HkU35EKcS-WcbimIsTSgrBQfJDbnWWNY9rliVFURB0XpocWzedE4p0zqLdWDluQGDlmf_7V9mUB9_iC3WyEzrHYVY50OfKU-8xFc/s400/IMGP0699.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408194407229604434" /><br /><br />Cut around each leaf shape leaving a scant 1/8" margin of felt around the edges.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-FXbx_qYAGkD0VnHPI3WTriSoTiv6GLAWxZ3ibbcRvmWp_8h6nQK2y6PMgGKqRsZbeouXYciUd_hRR4MKsm5s526UQYPN3fQie_pMqjQ-jHW_t07Q66fvPY720MqLC0Xgw5n6UrJnx0/s400/IMGP0709.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408194156427393250" /><br /><br />To complete the ornament, bring all 4 triangles to the center and tack in place. To create a tufted look to the piece, bring your needle up and down through the center several times. Secure with a knot. Before cutting the thread, sew the holly leaves and a decorative button to the center. Add a loop of thread or fishing line for hanging.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JPAP8prlI1hT5YwWNlgB_A4Xdd5dxXJ95NWQUmM6aHwREz7NK2lQCLDIlOpi7e3KNHWzWQmyff-LBgfYybxzLnih614PJ3p_0n2XYYjDLfPA-T6NTeaGbwAWoFJoFXrmawIZzFWeyG0/s320/IMGP4737.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517925695680968434" /><br /><br />I hope you enjoy making this project. Start now and you will have a tree full of peppermint goodies before the holidays.<br /><br />It's back to the sewing room for me. Take care, everyone!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-44420050826590257382010-09-10T11:59:00.000-07:002010-09-10T13:25:12.615-07:00B-U-S-Y!It is quite overwhelming when I think about everything that still needs to be done. If only I had the stamina to work 24/7, I'd have it made in the shade. <br /><br />I continue working at piecing fabric hexagons.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdttGOJvdkEbStvlJUiD02fXHX1AqRxBJSJOT45RHn25xsZt-b0AfcL52_7Equzs-dO0wh9QSGKdBQzFCQfC3FiFc7hi3PsT057GPCPHhRNlx4NdqElOJUk-6QqDkpbYY92v5sWKYCos/s320/IMGP4669.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515367865832636914" /><br /><br />They were originally slated to become Christmas tree ornaments. Now I am not so sure of their final outcome.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAavKgto3pG3a_yCEKOx8mcl_MUThzsva5YXJdFvWf-TupOFuz6ot6q-14BJLN_AY-CAv3mdfIJn0HjOTxP2mHriTbou2vYLc2KXh46xjqXtODfgZBJPybqvbh_ElBaKrP9fRkdzACtk/s320/IMGP4675.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515367747397751266" /><br /><br />Either way, I love these petite patchwork pieces. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xl6jMXUO0nqgD2RaHdJcKG2PSJU-k8B_YtSz-hS1DrvgEVTtmFYO7HZQpW_KGYdkTpYBML_f2yR9jWweb97vps3-aB30tEyOCn9FYKjJbSmwsr5ir3GKT7IeDQ2f32Nr3jzFjAKhfY0/s320/IMGP4679.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515367610861166434" /><br /><br />I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your sweet comments and for stopping by and hanging out with me. I know how busy you are yet you still make time to visit my little home on the web. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. (((HUGS))) to you, my sweet friends!<br /><br />Oh, and before I go, I have one more addiction to tell you about. It is for something my hubby jokingly calls "kiddie candy." I believe that you know what he is referring to. It is the overly sweet and colorful sugary morsels that usually satisfy children. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOI8emVS9rEU0pT_-c2G5ulYGlMmtnHgvzeKPAv9O5Rx9hhKlStXue1ka8VTQbA_cIhDOTU6IA-gb6bicXU2nN9UY84Ujx4_FuuO1oMWZ90h7dc0n5f8TKGXxZU9ObR1YrXET6vNogIg/s320/IMGP4596.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515365985069696530" /><br /><br />I guess this just proves what I've been thinking all along. I am just a big kid trapped in an old persons body. I do enjoy living this way, although it does get a bit difficult to see with my head stuck in the clouds! Ha!<br /><br />I hope you all you fabulous people have the most wonderful weekend ever!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-47448808748115953432010-09-08T09:59:00.001-07:002010-09-08T11:18:13.625-07:00Addicted!Here I sit with my cup of coffee (addicted) planning out the course of my day. I have an overwhelming amount of things on my <i>To Do List</i> and it is the reason why I have been so scarce lately. As many of you have speculated after reading my last post, I am hoping to do a show this holiday season <b>IF</b> I can build my inventory to a respectable level.<br /><br />Here are some of the Quick 'n Easy Flower Hairpins that I have been working on this week. You can find the tutorial <a href="http://mousechirpy-polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com/2010/01/quick-n-easy-flower-hair-pins.html">here</a> if you'd like to make some for the little girls in your life.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXX4dP6g77Y68YgtTdE2qYS5CE3zIWrvEWqFqXiamvXgCV59DZpDgkwucO2kYXpr9dKn7jC2gXweATnjifZWCjsmHmjTtSHWg4uJWcvOycRHdL3ItKCuwDNXBE2pIaweT4lkOh1RMm_GQ/s320/IMGP4595.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514588944604456034" /><br /><br />You all don't know this but I have a strong penchant for candles (addicted). I had to force myself to stop purchasing more because I couldn't burn them fast enough. <br /><br />Part of the reason for not burning candles too often is my fear of causing a fire. About a year ago, I purchased a warmer and that seems to have quelled my fear. I know what you're thinking. She's afraid to burn candles yet she keeps buying them??? (I see you shaking your head in bewilderment.) <br /><br />As you can see, I still have quite a collection and this is only half of them. I counted 55 votives in this one bin alone.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynqzzr-KU1xQAM7yBLhSwS2qDFBcrIMzsq2v33korvJzvRb_uK9pgweqNOUeKb10QqFZGg6xo75M8qnDaoPfjMLWaSnte2N3Uulc4-pWnOxutHcJXFCclWIHTNIW7jm06huwiti69Gj0/s320/IMGP4581.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514588756940635650" /><br /><br />This week I have started melting the Autumn scented votives in my candle warmer. The delightful scent of cinnamon, pumpkin, and cloves have begun to permeate my craft room and I am happy to declare that I am officially in the mood for Fall. Bring on the cooler weather and I am good to go.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQf4SV8IvaDrwoBPS2eV8OWsZ57uelp4a5qOz5zHS4BE1sDjJcIaGQtR9qmOR6yFx3_7CxhfD_JoCZIUTVB5ONIITJRKEKnWdUkLDdkLw3Xmv18Rk7_ZnU7Cys9IIYSQ6I7-Zn-WKRTjg/s320/IMGP4583.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514588611663793778" /><br /><br />(As soon as the candle has melted down, I remove the wick and sustainer base with a pair of tweezers.)<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCcJ29mQ8zCR5e16MgQz8wSbzG3EwdGQLrLIClPtspUNgdm_oD4EmYVP2-00tef6amoLN9qqzQLeCCfyRQ8zA9N9nvfqswiQjkdyLSEDNhWMvzcMO2M_q4mIf1lwH_arRTgywlTfcEdc/s320/IMGP4587.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514588472127606658" /><br /><br />You already know how much I adore fabric (addicted). I have recently begun collecting paper crafting/scrapbooking/cardmaking supplies with a vengeance (addicted) but that's another story for another day. <br /><br />I guess you could say that I have an addictive personality. Thank goodness it is mainly for all things crafty or I would be in big trouble.<br /><br />Have a wonderfully creative week, everyone!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574556434166858995.post-10786346285422448152010-09-02T09:56:00.000-07:002010-09-02T10:15:25.698-07:00Got Flowers?A mountain of puffy petals.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BY0VpMSZSJTOHZHgiD15l4VfWijuVwrNnVqaSKZAGTjvh5rNSk6WtLnFGxYbI9cLKyQd9yLWDt6mw4YkyIP_PPWa-VpwmlKgLRN4G6B2zo5KJbWs9rWvN5_oJ-3mqsvSdJtq95RzM08/s320/IMGP4560.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512362290906155234" /><br /><br />Come together to form a bevy of colorful blooms.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6caRbbiFsU6y-4ZLPxOpvC2r61_qXEhG4wAPi5gPHotvXLoBvnswzejWrwXEzE_rS6icmc_JRiRsSJU7-OS5ylN2-kxLZdEQ089Rswyw6r1x6DDvr96JhHNqNPiIcjrVsIXX_Tp8B1s/s320/IMGP4564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512361972149314658" /><br /><br />An assortment of decorative buttons for their centers.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDicBfe7g5UTTSeYx13dlAY-JKFe7N-0DzJSf-qjqfkd5pFHwASEOkPL8XjkrmpjPXh6K-P3RYApAlWzv_aYqTq3iZchE-B2IhzPlPXu8Cn40g9KXFK6IeSIi8Zr9PB1U8lMouibL8y3U/s320/IMGP4568.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512361967203947634" /><br /><br />Flowers make me happy.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSvY7RPlh1e80Upu7njmYwsUHxECuBlvGRKt0aOzmKWDlBVXqHla_Q4YjKJaDgsf_nOIi3fCKYNqboAMtpRigiosZhyWyWYHSDjo7hhl7N2PRJoKwS3CF51YtqSsib5tiV8DB-Jso81o/s320/IMGP4570.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512361956201345794" /><br /><br />I love looking at them.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHK9gaoQ2cWYKeqXde1i6MC0w-pEKT1B0UmFxBSYGGdGSV7ni9cPf9FLmy-m3cVd2nPNDB40A5MdwWQFh8axCPJw-2VuomSPpJpxXm3b_3rsezCtVHVTBC35tbpOOO00ubiPPwgega8k/s320/IMGP4572.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512361946773185970" /><br /><br />They still lack their pin backings but that's next on the agenda.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnE2MI3m1YYLS53Q7pG6jNU5NF0uugdAOrOyaqQTgyXJna4qdZftGAm_FGBzBoIsjo_VYSg5quZIulO13R6KCBwvnycnzAa9iJUYk_zUr11CtjmRKBSdryKuhvLs2qD_o_Kl0tiZ5WSY/s320/IMGP4576.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512361939002375810" /><br /><br />Have a happy, flower-filled day, y'all!<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/106/1733DFF04DF5443B84C5257F4893A5DE.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Arlettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539325996669591505noreply@blogger.com27