Tea in the Parlor
Monday, September 19, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Tech Support with Mom
Mom click the Start button. The start button. It's in the lower left hand corner of your screen. Start. Did a menu come up? It's what happens when you click start. No don't click start again. Ok is the menu gone? Click start. START. Ok, now click Control Panel. Control panel. It's in the start menu. No don't click start again. You lost the back button? Why were you looking for the back button? *sigh* Click start. START. Hang on I'll be right over.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Little House Living Giveaway!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Searching...
There are millions of blogs out there; bloggers who write of everything from...well...everything. Some I read faithfully; some one or two posts never to return. I'm searching for a blog to read that connects with me at this point in my life. Why? I don't know. Maybe to see if I'm "doing it right." I'm a non-employed, frumpy, homeschooling housewife with two teenage boys in the home. What is my life supposed to look like? The only other IRL (in real life) person who homeschooled her boy who was near my boys' ages is no longer homeschooling her son. I feel deserted. I have no "little ones" at home now and feel like I am not connected IRL to anyone...nothing in common with anyone anymore. So, I search for blogs of moms just like me. Moms in the same situation, same season of life, same values, same same same so I can see if my life looks like it should look.
Crazy notion isn't it? I'm just not sure of myself. Not sure of what a middle aged, frumpy, overweight, homeschooling mother of teenage boys, mom to one married, adult daughter is supposed to do, say, look like.
I miss the years of cuddling on the couch reading a Five in a Row book with my little guys.Now they don't want to have any lessons. I miss that they used to wake early in the mornings ready to eat breakfast and then play... or play and then eat breakfast. Now they stay up too late and wake up too late. I miss that they used to beg me to let them help me stir the chocolate chips into the cookie dough. Now they want oreos. I miss that they wanted kool aid. Now they want gator aid.
I guess I didn't do a very good job of growing with them. And so I am searching.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Whatever you want to call the day, its meaning is the same: New Life. Talk about a day that promised HOPE! I know there are precious souls who do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah--the One who conquered eternal life in hell. But, what if they're wrong? My heart literally aches for the people in my life who do not have that assurance of eternal life in heaven.
Well what brought that on? Spring, butterflies, new life, it's Holy Week...all these things I guess. I took part in the Christian Paper Crafts Color Monday challenge yesterday and this was the inspiration photo. It made me think of eternal life in heaven.
Here is my entry.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Color Monday
Doesn't this bedroom just whisper serenity? Purple is my favorite color and I love the black and white background accents.
Here is my card design based on the colors and layout of the bedroom pictured above. I stayed with a very simple sketch of my own. I wanted clean, straight lines with some filigree as the focal point---just like that luxurious bedding. I used plain, crisp white card stock, a piece of lavender paper, a clear, filigree stamp (don't remember where I got it--I think it's Hero Arts but I'm not sure). Embellishments are vintage black silk seam binding (from my Mama's sewing stash--I tell you that stash is worth it's weight in gold!!) and a couple faux pearls. The silver initial "B" is actually from the jewelry-making department at Hobby Lobby that I originally purchased to embellish the cake knife and server set for my daughter's wedding. I think I'll give this card to my daughter and son-in-law...just because they are a wonderful young couple.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friends with Flair Friday!
I had a lot of fun creating this card. It's the most "elaborate" one I've done. I did the hat pin thing, I did the glitter thing, I did the flower thing, I did the brad thing... and I think it turned out quite nice. Sometimes you just have to have a challenge in front of you to make you step out and color outside the lines!
Stamp: Unity Stamp Company March Kit of the Month
Ink: Black Archiver's Ink
Paper: Silver card base from Archiver's; Rose and Slate Blue from DCWV mat stacks
Flowers: Remembrance Paper Flowers (found those at Michael's)
Colored Brads: Local Scrapbook Store "Crafter's Corner"
Ribbon, Floral Pin & Beads: From my Mama's sewing stash
This design just kind of came together as I went along. It's quite simple. It features lavender, blue and cream colored cardstock. Ribbon, the Unity Stamp I just love and some hand-drawn vines and leaves.
I punched holes in the center of the velum flowers and set a light blue eyelet in each one. I think this is one of my favorites.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Color Monday
Christian Paper Crafts' Color Monday challenges are definitely a challenge. I've not created a design based upon a color scheme from a living room but this was a lot of fun. Here is the inspiration for today's designs:
Here is what I came up with for a greeting card:
The sentiment is one of my new Flourishes stamps from the Birthday Pennants set. It says, "So happy for YOU!" and I think this would be a nice greeting card for someone who has received good news or has accomplished a goal. The cardstock is from DCWV's various mat stacks.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Clean and Simple Saturday
And while you're on the 'net, why not pop on over to CPC and follow the links to see what others have done with CAS (remember: Clean and Simple) Saturday. Perhaps you'll be inspired to get crafty too.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Welcome! It's Friends with Flair Friday
This is a birthday card I made for my cousin's daughter. She will be three years old. I used the ice cream cone trio Unity Stamp and cut apart the image after stamping so I could stagger the ice cream cones. I used a piece of cream colored card stock and cut a piece of "Funky Stripes" by Paper Pizazz Hot Off the Press, Inc. to fit the front. I love those stripes. They are cheerful and remind me of ice cream! Three 1x1 inch squares in pink, blue, and green are the background for three polka dot buttons. I used embroidery thread matching each button and the ice cream cones were stamped using Dew Drop inks in pink, blue, and green. I embellished the ice cream cone tops with coordinating miniature brads.
On the inside of the card I continued the funky stripes and then stamped the sweet sentiment on light yellow patterned paper. This birthday girl is a girly-girl who loves pink, polka dots, and ice cream. I think she'll be doing the happy dance...especially if I include a gift certificate to her favorite ice cream place!
A few days ago, when I received my March Kit of the Month Stamps from Unity, I was so eager to use them. I love all things mid-century/housewifey so I knew exactly what I was going to do with my new stamps. I created a fun card for a friend who has just had one thing after another smack her head on. (Mama said there would be days like that!) She really got a kick out of it and it cheered her up... Here it is.
Please let me know what you think of my Ice Cream Trio birthday card! Have fun on the rest of the blog hop.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Mama Said There Would Be Days Like This
So The Shabby Tea Room girls have a fun challenge on their blog. I took the challenge--and I'm a "go big or go home" kind of girl so I worked to get all 9 of the embellishments on my card design. Here is the "bingo card" I worked from.
Here is my finished design:
I managed to get all nine of the embellishments on this card. Let's start with brads. I have miniature blue brads acting as raindrops. Lace is acting as the window valance. Gems are brightening up the tie backs for the curtains. Two tiny yellow flower shaped buttons are enhancing the lace valance. I hand drew a bouquet of wild flowers in a mason jar sitting on the picnic basket. I used sparkly Mod Podge to add some glitter to the conversation balloon which is from a punch. Gold heat embossing is used to make June's (a Unity stamp) belt buckle, bracelet, buttons, and earrings stand out. And the red checked ribbon is the perfect picnic cloth... now, if it just wouldn't have rained! But, "Mama said there would be days like this." (That's what's in the conversation balloon but it's kind of hard to see in the photo.) This was a fun challenge and it took some work to get all the elements to work together.
Happy Birthday
The "Happy Birthday" is actually hand written in a really neat embossing pen ink which goes on clear. Then I sprinkled some embossing powder over it, poured the excess off and used a heat gun to set the powder. Heating the powder kind of melts the powder particles together. It's really a neat technique. I did the heat embossing on the He Is Risen card featured here on the Scripture and the three cross image. I would like to invest in some more colors of embossing powder because right now I only have gold and purple.
He Will Rise!
I have found an amazing source for Christian stamps! Our Daily Bread Designs offers beautiful images and sentiments as well as Scripture stamps for card making. The company also holds card design contests (Oh how fun!) and I have entered their latest one. I used the 2011 Easter collection and used two of the stamps for this card. I used a sketch from CPS (that's Card Positioning Systems-- get it? Instead of GPS it's CPS! I thought that was clever!! LOL). Ahem... Okay so anyway, I am able to enter this one card into two separate design contests. Is that considered multi-tasking? I'm sure I could find a few more contests for this card but my family needs clean underwear and I'm behind on my college history class essay. So... ta ta for now.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
We all scream for ice cream!
Here is another card design I made today. This one is for a sketch challenge hosted by Verve Stamps. It also qualifies for another Stamp Something's "Sweet Challenge." I'm hoping to win a challenge soon because most of them give new stamps to the winners! Since I don't have any Verve Stamps (yet) I used the ice cream trio from Unity Stamp Company. The red "cherries on top" are miniature paper fasteners called "brads." I really like the sketch for this challenge. I love the vibrant colors in the card stock on the first layer and it was fun matching the subsequent layers with the colors in the base.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Chocolate is the answer...
Stamp Something is a weekly stamping blog which offers inspiration, tips & techniques, sketches, and PRIZES for card designers of all skill levels. I've entered my "Chocolate" card suitable for birthday or just because. I used Afternoon Tea printed paper from Chloe's Closet on a background of deep brown. I don't have too many stamps (yet!!) so I'm rather limited in what I can stamp onto the cards. For this one I used "have a special day" from a six-stamp sentiment collection I bought at Archiver's several months ago when I was first thinking about making cards.
I like these challenges because it gives me a starting point. For this particular challenge designers are to create something "sweet." Now, that's quite open to interpretation--it could be a "sweet" thought, a "sweet" image, a "sweet" treat, or the word "sweet." Lots of room for creativity there! When I was thinking about my design for this challenge I just happened to be mixing up some brownies for dessert tonight. So, my inspiration came right from my kitchen.
I also like these challenges because the company sponsoring the challenges often offer stamp sets or other tools of the trade and I think that's a fine way to grow my stamp collection. If you get a chance, head on over to Stamp Something and take a look at the other entries. There are many, many talented people creating cards. I have so much to learn but the nice thing is, everyone is quite supportive and helpful.
I'm still figuring out my new camera. I don't think I have the settings just right or perhaps it's the lighting in my home but the colors of the card are not showing up as vividly as the card is. The colors are brown, cream, raspberry, and pink...it kind of reminds me of these.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A First for Me
I'm Blog Hopping!
Anyway, if you'd like to see what some of the design team members and customers of ODBD have created with ODBD stamps and other paper crafting products just start here. It's not hard. You'll start at the beginning on ODBD's blog and then simply follow the instructions. You just need to leave a comment and then go to the next blog (you'll be linked..so it's only a click away to the next hop)...view the artwork, leave a comment for that designer and then hop to the next blog which is linked for you, view the artwork of that designer, leave a comment, and hop to the next blog. Get it? Easy peasy and you'll be blessed by the Scripture and your creative side will enjoy all of the variety of layouts, color choices, embellishments and fibers. Enjoy. Oh, did I mention Our Daily Bread Designs is giving prizes? That's always fun.
Ok-- go hop.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Happiness Found
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Simple Woman's Daybook
From the Front Porch Swing...
I am thinking about True Wisdom. Pure Wisdom. The Wisdom that comes from heaven. The Wisdom that is peace-loving and considerate. The Wisdom that is submissive and merciful. The Wisdom that produces good fruit from my soul. True Wisdom that is impartial and sincere. I want that kind of wisdom, Lord.
I am thankful for the warm sun shining on my face. You know how bright the sunshine is when you "look" at it from behind your closed eyelids? Yeah. That bright sunshine. I think that is what the earth will look like all over when Jesus comes again to claim me. I think that bright sunshine that we see behind our closed eyelids is just a glimmer of God's Glory. I'm thankful for so many things: for good neighbors who share the front porch swing with me. For precious daughters and their husbands who are loved like sons. I'm thankful for rose bushes that need trimming and grass that is eager to become green. I'm thankful for "old elm trees" because they too have some worth. I'm thankful for birds and their singing...even the ones that sound like they are gargling earthworms. I'm thankful for boys who still play with Legos and tells silly jokes and for boys who tell me they like sushi even though I think they want to like sushi. I'm thankful for husbands who adore their wives and for wives who still believe their husbands are their knights in shining armor. I am thankful for the Word of God because it is what leads me safely through the mountains and valleys of this earthly world.
From the learning room we are plugging along with our unit study of the Revolutionary War. This next week we will focus on some of the major battles and put it all into perspective when we wrap up this unit by adding everything to our Book of Centuries.
In my kitchen breakfast dishes still litter the counter but I'm thankful for that because it means we have food to nourish our bodies. I've got pork chops in the oven and hoping for some left over pork in order to make green chili because I want a green chili slopper and last time I made them I wasn't hungry at the time...and the men in my house slicked up every last bite!
I am wearing my good jeans...my "church jeans," a spring-ish sage green blouse, warm and fuzzy socks, and an apron. I'm praying I remember to take it off before I go to worship... ahem.
I am creating more ATC's. Surprise!
I am going to work on compiling a list of items that we can purchase that are MADE IN AMERICA. I know this will have a great impact on the scrapbooking supplies that I buy for my projects as well as many other things but that's ok. I'm still going to find things that are made in the good ol' USA and make a list and try to support those companies.
I am hoping for a weekend away with my dear husband.
I hear Jorja growling at a bird fart or something she supposedly hears or sees outside the big window in the living room. She thinks she is big tuff stuff. Ha!
Around the house I see things that belong to my Mama...and it makes me feel close to her even though she is 50 miles away. I adore her teacups and saucers, her tchotchkes, her motif* jars, and her vintage treasures.
A few plans for the rest of the week--I just want to greet each day with joy. School projects and assignments for both the boys and me need attention and Scout needs to go to the vet. I have Bible study on Wednesday and want to get together with Bev and Val to scrapbook.
If you'd like to join the fun of The Simple Woman's Daybook, then click here to get to The Simple Woman's Daybook blog and follow Peggy's directions. Have fun and let me know if you're participating...I'd love to read your entry. If you'd like to join the fun of The Simple Woman's Daybook, then click here to get to The Simple Woman's Daybook blog and follow Peggy's directions. Have fun and let me know if you're participating...I'd love to read you entry.
Friday, March 4, 2011
What's the Purpose?
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Art Therapy
It's been nice just to play and create. Calming. Peaceful. Geeze... this sounds like an ad for bubble bath or something! Well, it has been relaxing for me. I've posted pictures of the Artist Trading Cards I've made on the side bar. Enjoy.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Artist Trading Cards!
During our time of fellowship I completed my "F" page for my Scripture Scrapbook. I used a bit of the homemade paper and was so thrilled with how it turned out! Then, I promptly set about creating my miniature masterpieces! I used an ugly, bent, worn-out (or you could use a brand-spanking-new) playing card as my base. You can purchase ATC blank card stock "canvas" but I like the idea of using up those cards that have seen a few too many hours of canasta. Besides, I usually don't play with a full deck so re-purposing playing cards makes me feel ... um.... green.
I carefully tore a piece of the homemade paper into a rectangle roughly the size of the card. (I think there is some rule against using scissors on homemade paper, but I'm not sure.) I glued it to the card and then added some fabric scraps. I stamped a small piece of card stock with a quaint saying and brushed some ink around it and smudged the ink a bit. On purpose. Then I added a metal disc with an "r" on it. (I made this one for my friend Rachel.) I put some paper in a complimentary color on the back of the card because I didn't want the king of spades to show. I signed my creation (as all artists do) and admired my work.
Wanna see?
I made one for Janeen before she left (I didn't get a picture of that one). I'm looking forward to starting my own collection of ATC from around the world. I think I will buy one of these to display my collection as it grows.
Kinda neat, huh? Wanna trade with me? Leave me a comment and we'll make arrangements to trad ATC.
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Simple Woman's Daybook
Four Generations~September 4, 2010
For Today: Monday, February 21, 2011
From the front porch swing I watch two doves in a nearby tree.
I am thinking I am so blessed to be celebrating another birthday today.
I am thankful for my Mama and Daddy.
From the learning room we are reading Johnny Tremain.
From the kitchen I see clean dishes and clean counter tops.
I am wearing my favorite jeans and a brown long sleeved T-shirt with lace.
I am creating a scrapbook of Bible verses.
I am going to have a houseful of family tonight for supper and Mississippi Mud!
I am reading Keepsake Crimes.
I am hoping I can keep up with my college classes.
I am hearing Eli enjoying Cap'N Crunch cereal.
Around the house I see so many things that need dusting.
One of my favorite things watching black & white classic movies.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Enjoy the company of my sons each day. Hit the library for some research materials. Compile my Household Organiser and move some favorite recipes to my Recipe Book. Make St. Patrick's Day and Easter valances for the dining room. Have tea in the parlor with my daughter.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Date Night!
It's funny how you think you'd like some time to talk with your husband...and then, you get the time and have no idea what to say. It really didn't take that long to fall into the easy conversation that made us friends from the beginning. We talked about my college classes and the boys' home-school. We talked about the concert the boys are at and the concert we are going to next week. We talked about compression shorts, the chatty lady at the next table and foreign policy. We talked about church and his training as a "sound man" for the praise and worship music. We talked about company coming for Sunday dinner tomorrow and how we enjoy having guests in our home. We talked about lemon cookies, our daughter and our son-in-law; we talked about his parents and mine. We talked about how blessed we are.
Porch Therapy
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Simple Woman's Daybook
I am thinking I should be making supper instead of blogging.
I am thankful for strong pastoral leadership at church.
From the learning room we are focusing on the Revolutionary War era.
From the kitchen I see groceries that need to be put away. Thank you Lord.
I am wearing my favorite jeans and a long sleeved T-shirt with lace.
I am creating a haven for my family in my childhood home.
I am going to Denver to interview an elderly woman who taught at Camp Amache.
I am reading Amache by Robert Harvey
I am hoping for spring!
I am hearing my husband's deep, comforting voice.
Around the house there is a bunch of stuff that needs to be put away.
One of my favorite things is having tea with a friend my parlor.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Finish putting away scrapbooking stuff, continue research on Amache, continue teaching about the Revolutionary era, a trip to the city with Ethan, organizing the pantry, hanging a vintage screen door.