Just Daily Life!

It's a New Year, It's a New Day

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

Finishing up some old projects. I made this MR calendar, using G45 paper 2 years ago, but MR just came out with a replacement calendar this year. I love this small calendar, perfect size for my desk.

A 2009 Melissa Francis 6x6 tag Christmas mini, dug out of the pile and finished!
On a roll!

New Addition

2012-01-07T19:26:00.001-06:00

Sadly, we lost Tiki Dec. 15 after 14 great years. She will be missed and remembered.
Today, we found a new puppy to fill a missing spot in our life. We had looked at shelters and nothing tugged at our heartstrings in the right way.

We were meeting our kids in Waco for lunch and I just happened to read the classifieds. One 10 week old Maltese was there just waiting for us. A little ball of fur and fire, she is playing well with shenzi and holding her own. No name yet but I am sure it will fit this fun personality.

Stopped by Stamp Salado and white puppy met Chloe and as you can see, the meeting was very cordial.

HoHoHoHoliday

2011-12-20T22:58:00.001-06:00

We are on our way to the mountains for Christmas and today seemed to start out a little rocky. Shenzi ate nasty bread I had thrown out of the birds and being the glutton she is stuffed herself and the decided within 10 minutes into the trip to get rid of the bread. Most of it managed to hit the floorboard, dog bed and blanket on the back seat. Teysha decided she would develop allergies and snort and sneeze until we could find the nearest Walgreens. I braved the Holiday shoppers and came out armed with nose spray, allergy tablets, and Kleenex. Now we should be ready, the dog had a tums, I cleaned up the digested bread with baby wipes and kleenex,Teysha sprayed her nose and swallowed her meds and we continued on. We stopped at San Saba for pecans. Spent the night in the town of aliens, Roswell and continued onto Ruidoso.
Merry Christmas from beautiful snow covered Ruidoso.Evidently this post was buried in the snow for a week or so.

Spooky, Scary, Fun

2011-10-02T20:50:00.001-05:00

Janet, Linda and I took a super fun class at Crop, Paper Scissors taught by Jennifer Stewart. What fun! We died the orange Christmas Tree, glued broken mirror pieces, poked the eyes out of the old woman,(she lights up) tore up a fence, and stuck a skeleton in a box. I changed my last section a little, adding a wicked witch and a spider web. Thanks Jennifer, for a fun day and great class. Mine is decorating an apartment in College Station. Click on the pictures to see the larger image.

Bubble, Bubble Toil & Trouble & G45

2011-09-15T21:35:00.001-05:00

Kathi at Scrappy K’s in Winnsboro made this fun album using the new G45 Halloween album! Fun pages!!!

Always Remember

2011-09-11T08:41:00.001-05:00

Today, I remember and pray for all those precious lives lost, for their families and loved ones, for the emergency workers, heroes and all those touched by this senseless act.

God Bless the USA.

Wild Fires

2011-09-05T23:09:00.001-05:00

Austin has had a weekend filled with devastating wildfires. Over 525 homes have been lost and more to come. Thankfully we are North of this terrible fire. We have had high winds, low humidity, and no rain, a fire waiting to happen combination.

Cruise 2011 and album

2011-08-17T22:23:00.001-05:00

We just returned from a fun 7 day cruise. The weather cooperated, the hurricanes stayed away, and the trip was amazing.

I found this day planner binder at our local thrift store for $1 and it started out looking like this:and I added some paper and envies from my stash:Then came the fun part, covering the planner:I made journaling spots for each day and then dividers for each country. Now all I have to do is get the pictures printed and the album is ready to be filled with memories.I dug out my old foam stamps, acrylic paint, old Rusty Pickle number and lots of paper scraps!

Texas Rain Gauge

2011-07-31T22:40:00.001-05:00

We can’t even fill this one up! It is supposed to be way above 100 all week.

We need some rain, even the weeds won’t grow!

A Small Town, Gonzales

2011-07-30T20:19:00.001-05:00

is the home to the Craft Crossing. A super store with so many TH goodies, and tons of other new lines,it is a road trip waiting to happen.

These are some of the ladies Linda and I spent the day with, teaching the Celebrate the Season album. A great store, awesome lunch, and very fun, talented ladies. Thanks Pam for having me and I can’t wait to come back to Gonzales. Hoot!

I just had to have this bed spring wind chime from The Craft Crossing, made by Pam. It will love its new home at the studio!

A Classy Month

2011-07-21T22:18:00.001-05:00

This month was filled with fun classes. This was at the Rockin R Retreat. A great bunch of students and a great retreat!

This Saturday I will be at Scrapology teaching a Holiday album, almost makes it feel a little cooler around here.

Next weekend I will be in Gonzales teaching Celebrate the Season at the Craft Crossing.

After that we leave for a 7 day much waited for cruise!!!

It is really Hot in Texas

2011-07-09T16:28:00.001-05:00

‘nuff said!

Summer Things

2011-06-19T22:15:00.001-05:00

I love photos of the backs of kids in the water! Splashing around in Port A

shopping after a day at the aquarium in corpus.

a zillion steep stairs touring the USS Lexington and so Hot!

Lovin the water, sand and seaweed!

The biggest fish. Tuck reeled this catfish in all by himself!

She caught it but wouldn’t touch it.

Keyto caught the most fish!!

Chillin and cooling in the pool!

14

2011-06-09T22:09:00.001-05:00

Its all about the phone and

the hair, even at the pool! Gotta love harmones!

Bay Fishing in Port A

2011-06-07T21:30:00.001-05:00

Tucker is ready.

7:30 am was a little early but we all made it smiling.

He ended up catching the largest fish.

Keyton was the top fisherman pulling in 11 keepers

She caught it but wouldn’t do the touchy feely thing!

Papa caught the first fish, but the red drum was too small.

I only caught 2 keepers, but I did catch this. The weather was great, the Gulf was calm and we had a great time!

Smash Book

2011-06-05T00:44:00.002-05:00

Yep I jumped on the Smash Book Band Wagon for this vacation.

First page! The first few pages will be for GASC and the others are for our trip to the beach and fishing.

Day 1: Eating at their fav hamburger place, seeing the bats fly, and

Shopping for fishing shirts and hats. I bought a Fuji Instax camera that is a revamp of the old polaroid, so we will see how those do. So far this has been so much fun, using up old stuff mixed with the new.

Mini Beach Album

2011-05-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

I will be teaching this 6x6 mini beach album,using Graphic 45 paper and embellishments, at our studio this week. Fun techniques and fun album.

Our new topsy turvy dove

2011-05-20T19:17:00.001-05:00

2 babies hatched Monday and Tuesday on the top of my tomato topsy turvy. I can’t believe how big they are and how close she will let me get!

Fishing is Hard Work

2011-05-14T21:05:00.002-05:00

But some one has to do it! Teysha is fishing , napping and sunning all in one easy motion. I am just fishing and the only one to catch a fish!!

After the big catch I needed to read and take a little snooze. Hubby is still really fishing just resting his eyes for a while. A great day at the lake, not much wind and not too hot!

ps. I caught the only fish in case any one cares

Pure Joy

2011-05-08T11:14:00.001-05:00

The Hawks won the playoffs. Brandan pitched a super game. Think Dad is happy?! Maybe Brandan is too!

Neighbor Challenge

2011-05-06T17:39:00.003-05:00

My online friend, Catherine has some new neighbors. Not wanting her to out do me, I had to post some colt pictures. They are so cute and so much fun to watch play and then plop down in the grass for a nap.

What to do….

2011-05-03T16:36:00.001-05:00

This dove has fluffed her feathers on my tomato topsy turvy. She also has laid 2 eggs and is very protective of the eggs. I can pet her tail feathers and get this close and she shows no fear. I just have to figure out a way to water my tomatoes since it is exactly where she is perched. I think I will opt for baby birds vs. tomatoes! Decision made, chirp on my friend.

Hello from Florida

2011-04-30T22:17:00.002-05:00

While I am at the Inn on the Lake in Sebring Florida teaching a class, a dove is making her self at home. She has made a nest on top of the famous tops turvy tomato grower. Actually it will probably grow birds better than tomatoes.

I am loving the girls here and the resort is fabulous. Those nasty love bugs are back again and some can’t see ‘em bugs .

We made ribbon flip flops tonight while sitting out by the pool. Tons of fun. Bed time for me, 3:30 am is really early!

Pin Cushion

2011-04-20T19:59:00.002-05:00

I made this pin cushion with a small terra cotta pot, some scrap fabric, vintage lace. I died the white satin lace and added a Prima flower. A new home for all my fun pins.

Our New Neighbors

2011-04-18T22:58:00.001-05:00

We have 6 new neighbors this spring. They are so frisky and cute. We love watching them play and roll in the grass.

The colt snoozing in the grass is a twin of the one standing up. She kept nudging the sleeping colt until…She had enough. So much fun out of our studio window! Welcome Spring!

Make and Takes + Shopping = Fun Day

2011-04-16T22:07:00.003-05:00

Janet, Linda and I spent the day at The Crafty Scrapper, shopping and doing these 3 adorable make and takes. The zipper flower was so much fun and Caroline was so helpful. The rabbit pin, precious! Big bottle cap was the cutest thing around.

Of course we had to have lunch at the Doves Nest and I love the button flowers that were sitting so prettily on a high shelf.

A great day of shopping and fun with friends is the best!

Buttons, buttons

2011-04-12T22:09:00.003-05:00

and more buttons for the Life’s a Beach kits.I love looking through all the old and new buttons, some are just full of history I am sure. The old photo corners that will hold some fun pictures in the album cost 10 cents way back in the 40’s.

Life’s A Beach

2011-04-11T22:04:00.005-05:00

We are having major kitage around here, getting ready to go to Florida at the end of this month to teach the Big Beach Album at a great retreat!

Tree moving and other moving

2011-04-01T22:15:00.001-05:00

We are moving to a larger studio this weekend and of course it came with prep work. The tiny flowerbed in front of the studio was overgrown with some big bushes. This is one of the 2 we removed. Also involved was another bush, trimming bushes and removing trash from around said bushes. I will post pictures of the new place in a few days but at least the the tiny flowerbed looks better. Now to plant some pretty flowers to view out my window!

Found Stuff

2011-04-01T08:12:00.000-05:00

My plain glass bottles are painted and I love the look. They will be moving to a new home soon

The bottles might live close to the café doors. I found these at a yard sale. The doors came from the kitchen doorway, built in the early 40’s, complete with many coats of paint.

My favorite thing found lately. This is about 6 feet tall and 3 feet with, with 72 drawers to fill with goodies! Love the drawers and the pull out shelves and the weathered oak, think I like all of this super find!

Bottles

2011-03-25T23:11:00.003-05:00

I love the painted bottle that start out looking like this and end up a beautiful new color, thanks to acrylic paint. They are soaking the gunk off, so they will magically change colors, hopefully, tomorrow. The bottles were free at a garage sale, yeah!

I added a page to my blog, Heart of Texas Studio, hopefully I can get more pictures and videos added to it.

We Love Our Job

2011-03-23T22:30:00.002-05:00

99.9% of the time. Today for about 30 minutes was an exception. Rich was in the laser room cutting and I was in my space( I have more space) on the phone. He kept telling me to come in there, but nope, I was busy. I hung up and walked in there to see what he wanted. Ummmm, his right arm up to above his elbow was stuck in the laser machine.Yes, it was! The machine was off so no problem, there. Somehow he managed to get his arm wedged under a 100 + pound plate and it wouldn’t come out. He was not hurt, just stuck, and I was laughing so hard. On your knees with your arm stuck in a 500 lb. machine is funny to some and not so funny to others, guess which is which. I turned on the machine and Z’d it so the plate would lift, and then ran for my life after snapping this picture. All in a days work folks! Your orders may be delayed a day or two, his arm is sore and I am sore from laughing and running.

Chipboard and Acrylic Summer Beach Mini Album

2011-03-22T07:50:00.000-05:00

I started this a few months ago and then hung it up and forgot it . I used G45 On the Boardwalk and May Arts Ribbon. The top is chipboard and bottom is acrylic shaped arrows in various sizes. I love all the layers and the colors in this paper. Fun way to remember our 09 vacation.

I died the white satin ribbon used to hang the album, using Glimmer mist and water, love the aged look and color.

Ride ‘em cowgirl

2011-03-21T17:35:00.003-05:00

Rodeo week seems to bring out the cowgirl in some people. Teysha tried her hand, and the rest of the body on this lovely mechanical bull.

Left hand up in correct position, spurs set, ready, set, go!

This is fun??? Brains and body being tossed around.

Still hanging on. At least the landing looks well padded.

Pluck, Haul, Hey Cupcake Day

2011-03-19T21:35:00.003-05:00

This was Pluckers new transportation mode. Love the chicken feet. Linda, Janet and I had a fun lunch of chicken wings, salad, and french fries.

Before lunch we were at the scrapbooking garage sale to end all sales by 9 am. There were not too many people there and we all made a haul! Hundreds of dollars of new, never used goodies for $30. We went to A’s to use our coupons and then to see Scrapology’s new location. It is an awesome new location

and you should check it out. To make the long drive worth while we had to stop at Hey Cupcake for some trailer food. I had delicious carrot, Janet had sweet berry and we took some home. ( it’s a long drive home and we might get hungry)This sign is so true, although I think we preferred to just lick the icing off.

Great spring Saturday, with fun friends, good food, and great shopping!

Guess what this is

2011-03-18T17:45:00.003-05:00

Give up? It is a reused TH adage ticket album.

I just painted, inked, ribboned and added some fun things for the front. Viola!! A fun and easy mini! I love dying the white May Arts silk ribbon. I used Peeled Paint and it became such a soft green with a hint of brown. I also dyed the bright green and white twine, just dulling the color a little. Found an old HS foam stamp, inked with saddle brown and the went over it again with some antique white acrylic.

I cut manila folders and attached them to the tabs at the top. I used TH edgies and cut the bottom edges.I sprayed the manila folders with Peeled paint, coffee shop, and simply khaki. Inked the edges with saddle brown. There were 12 tabs, I sandwiched the cut manila folders in between 2, so I had 6 pages.

This is the inside front. Added G45 Steampunk, and stapled adage stickers to the ticket cut out. Love all the flourishes in pretty green that were already there.

The inside back page. Used all G45 Steampunk, and a really old HS stamp.

Happy St. Patrick's Day and Aggieopoly

2011-03-17T21:37:00.000-05:00

All decked out in various shades of green and ready to kick our butts playing Aggieopoly. Will the Luck of the Irish hold out?

Yes, I do believe that the wearing o’ the green paid off for her.

Ink Storage Answer

2011-03-17T09:47:00.000-05:00

This was made by Napa Valley, but discontinued a few years ago. I found 3 in a thrift shop a few weeks ago. It is a holder for cassette tapes but works so well for the ink pads. Check the thrift stores and good luck!

Fishing Fun Spring Break

2011-03-16T21:32:00.003-05:00

Fishing on Lake Georgetown, fun time on spring break. We took friends and dogs on the boat today. The dogs were not too sure about this riding in the boat adventure.

Tiki settled down on a blanket and spent a nice day napping. Shenzi on the other hand wasn’t too sure she cared much for the wind in her face and strange surroundings.

The girls just enjoying the time fishing, snacking, and visiting.

Can you tell she absolutely loved holding the fish she caught!! I pulled it out of the live well, showed her how to hold it and after 2 tries,and the threat of drowing, we snapped the picture. Mr. Bass had to go back and grow a few more inches. Our one and only fish, but lots of fun!

Ink Holder

2011-03-02T21:07:00.002-06:00

I found this fabulous holder for my ink pads! I love that it hangs and holds so many ink pads. Now just to find all my ink pads, even though I don’t have enough to fill this.

Final Soccer Album

2011-02-26T22:12:00.004-06:00

A few pages of the final album of 11 years of soccer. This simple album documents her Freshman year on Varsity Soccer at Concordia University.

I used all of the soccer paper and embellishments I had accumulated during the 11 years of soccer to wrap up the years of soccer.

A bittersweet ending to 11 years of soccer.

Vacation Chipboard Album

2011-02-13T21:47:00.003-06:00

I have been working on a new 11 1/2 by 11 1/2 chipboard album. this is the start of the cover. I used Bo bunny Paper, TH film strip and knob, so far. I still have a little more “stuff” to add.

This is the inside cover. I used Bo Bunny rub-ons,buttons, MR goodies, TH film strip ribbon, LYB travel stickers. I found the parking stub from the fair, and used the TH tiny attacher to staple an old 1984 Texas license plate renewal sticker. This has lots of different shapes and I have lots of fun pictures to add to it.

Can't Spell Texas without HEB

2011-02-06T16:14:00.003-06:00

Love this commercial, make you want to scoot your boot! Whoop!
Grocery store chain in Texas and their Super Bowl Commercial.

Snow angel Instructions...

2011-02-05T08:58:00.007-06:00

You want me to make a snow angel??? But its cold out here....

Maybe if I stick my nose in it she will be ok....

roll on my back and do what???

My legs are a little short for this trick

I am so done with this snow angel business....bye!

Snow Day in Red Oak

2011-02-01T18:50:00.001-06:00

This is what Red Oak looked like this morning. A small amount of snow but lots of ice and wind! The chill factor was below zero and things came to a standstill. Took Brent about 25 minutes to get the ice off of the windows and unstick the doors on my frozen car. I drove home and 2 1/2 hrs later the snow and ice were still on my car. This was enough of winter this year but I don't think Mother Nature know it!

Recipe Album

2011-01-29T08:28:00.002-06:00

I really like making recipe albums. Not to crazy about the cooking part, but the albums certainly do look pretty. I used Little Yellow Bicycle paper and embellishments, (loved it)some bakers twine, and May Arts silk ribbon. I added a few pages from an old cookbook.
Heading to Red Oak tomorrow to spend a few days with son and grandkids while my lucky DIL is at CHA with The Crafty Scrapper.

Sweet Thing

2011-01-24T20:29:00.004-06:00

I love the Prima Paper and flowers, so I made my own version of HS kit I purchased.
Used the large AC die, binder, cardstock,May Arts silk ribbon, Prima paper,pebble and flowers.
You can Sweet Thing, plus wonderful stamps, at Stamp Salado,

Cotton Bowl 2011

2011-01-10T20:35:00.005-06:00

This was one fun day! It is impossible to describe how massive and amazing the Dallas Cowboy Stadium is unless you are there.Tickets were expensive.Food was expensive. Nachos, $9.00,bottled water,$5.00,Papa Johns pizza $8.50 (the best deal).Parking was expensive, probably never get see your car again section, $40, 50-50,chance of getting to drive it home $60,walking to the Cowboy parking lot and getting in your car $100. Watching the Aggie band up close and personal, great. I know we played, Not so good, but the overall experience...was priceless!

Whoop!

2011-01-06T18:31:00.004-06:00

We are going here tomorrow with these tickets in our hand....

to watch A&M Whoop LSU's butt!! Cotton Bowl here we come!!

1.1.11

2011-01-02T09:37:00.003-06:00

I hope that everyone had a nice, calm, eat your black-eyed peas New Years Day.

Black-eyed peas are supposed to bring you good luck throughout the year, right? We can check out how accurate that "old wives tale" was yesterday.

I ate a lot of black-eyes, not just for luck, but because I do like them with cornbread and ham.

My neighbor found 2 dogs running loose and he had to leave so we agreed to take the dogs in, do the neighborly thing, post signs and to the message board that we had these 2 dogs. We played with and fed the dogs and 2 hours later, no one claimed the dogs. 4 hours later still no dog owners. Finally, the phone rang and they were rounding up their 3rd missing dog and would come get these 2. The white dog was on the sofa with the puppy, Tiki and me. For some reason she decided to go after Tiki and the puppy. When I grabbed Tiki out of the dog fight, yep, the white dog (Pearl) bit 2 of my fingers. One was a puncture wound and let me tell you dog bites hurt!! The owners showed up, the dog has her shots, thankfully.

I am so glad I ate all those extra peas....it could have been so much worse!

Projects done

2010-12-29T21:28:00.008-06:00

This is an ongoing project! I bought this Roladex wooden card holder years ago at GASC and it sat until this month. Still not sure what to put on the front, but am loving using up some bits and pieces of my stash.

This is finally done. A Button Farm Kit I bought at GASC using G45 paer. Love how it turned out!

One more kit ....done! This was from Nanas booth at GASC. Cute little puppy album.
These three can be scratched off my list and I have 3 more project I hope to finish by
Jan, 2,2011

On the way to Ruidoso

2010-12-26T22:05:00.008-06:00

Bepto Pepto tagged along for the week.
Nothing like a little love on a road trip! Notice the necessary cell phone and pillow!

San Saba Texas, pecan capital of Texas. Cracked the pecans while you wait. So good!

Texas gold!

Another type of Texas gold.
Jill,shows rivers,lakes,and greenery in our part of the country, but drive through West Texas and it all turns brown. That brown grows cotton and causes nasty sand storms!

River Crossing Take 2

2010-12-26T10:10:00.002-06:00

'
Teysha and Shenzi tried crossing the cold water in the Rio Ruidoso, sometimes with success, sometimes not so much.

Cozy in the Mountains

2010-12-24T13:07:00.008-06:00

Our little cabin in the mountains. We love its rustic, cozy appeal!
The snow moving in! A beautiful, windy view.
Big, soft snowflakes, just enough to cover the ground, but it's snow in the mountains for Christmas!
The bears are still here because it hasn't been that cold here, at least for the bears. There are carved bears everywhere , these are just down the hill from us
Chief Sitting in the Pine Needles.Piles of the pine needles up and down the streets.

Aliens

2010-12-22T21:57:00.002-06:00

Roswell aliens are alive and well. We picked this cute one up while we were there today.

We visited with Krista at Imagine that scrapbooks and of course had to take our picture with the pink and green aliens.

Settled in our cabin, had the warning about bears, saw mule deer down from our cabin, loaded up firewood, and T and I warmed our toes by the fire tonight. We are still waiting on the snow 30 % chance tomorrow.

Jingle Bells with the goats

2010-12-19T08:57:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Coat Shopping

2010-12-13T20:57:00.004-06:00

Heading for the mountains and colder weather means warm coats, not just for the humans traveling but the 4 pawed ones that will be hopefully romping in the snow. I thought dog coat shopping would be a cinch, but there are almost as many dog coats as human coats. We finally decided on these adorable fleece coats, and as you can tell, they were jumping for joy when we put the coats on them.

Shenzi was very interested in figuring out a way to get the coat off , but, ha, ha, she couldn't. Good for Martha Stewart, she out thought this dog. We don't feed our dogs on the table but this was just waiting to be put down on the floor so Tiki could eat without interference.

It's Almost Time

2010-12-08T18:59:00.003-06:00

for Santa!
We don't have snow for Christmas in our part of the world, so we are heading to New Mexico. We rented a rustic cabin (well almost rustic) in the mountains and hoping that it will be snowing as we sit by the fire and sip hot chocolate!

Forking Bow and Our House Retreat

2010-12-05T21:41:00.003-06:00

Janet B and the other Janet B, Debbie, Linda, and I just returned from a 4 day retreat at Our House in Milford. This is the best place for a fun, relaxing, and great "girls" weekend. The retreat was mixed with Scrapbookers doing beautiful projects and Quilters busily creating one of a kind masterpieces.
Janet gave a mini lesson on how to tie a bow using a fork.Check this out!!

We made 4 "necessary" trips to Crafty Scrapper in Waxahachie,and Carolyn was doing a fun make and take tag!
Thanks,Janet for the great lesson!

Horses Butt

2010-11-18T18:30:00.002-06:00

I don't know why I found this horses' tail hanging out of the trailer so funny. We had just had lunch in Jarrell sitting next to 3 real life cowboys, complete with bhats, boots, spurs, and chaps, then this, just so fitting down I35 in Texas. Doesn't take much to entertain me riding down the interstate, but it was a very shiny, well groomed tail.

Christmas Album

2010-11-15T07:09:00.004-06:00

Spent the weekend finishing up some projects. This Christmas Album was at the top of the list. I used Bo Bunny Noel paper, deco snow, glitter, the beautiful ribbon that goes with the paper, die cut icicles, and MR envelope.

Baby Powder and Other Fun Stuff

2010-11-08T15:41:00.010-06:00

We drove to A&M land this weekend to spend some fun time with T and do a little(lot) of shopping. We hadn't seen her apartment since she had it all decorated and the dogs need a challenge of climbing 3 flights of stairs several times a day.
We were walking up the stairs to her apartment and saw this:

and promptly had to do this:

Baby powder gone, we did some serious Aggie clothing shopping for everyone including Tiki and Shenzi. We ate some good fun, visited with some great people and the Aggies won....great weekend!

Zoolicious

2010-11-05T09:49:00.000-05:00

A few pictures of our Zoolicious 9x10 album, designed by my friend, Karen Lambert. I was also lucky enough to use her awesome zoo pictures. I used lots of Tattered Angels, Maya Mist,some TH dies, and wooden beads.

Jack-O-Lantern Album

2010-11-03T10:05:00.001-05:00

I love the colors of Halloween, so much fun to play with.

When we were in Florida, Linda and I took a class from Cheryl Mezzetti and made this cute album. Love all the CI papers and painting we did! Jack-O-Lanterns don't last very long around here once they are carved, but this one will last a long time. We have the die cut and can't wait to make some fall pumpkin albums out of them.

Please, VOTE

2010-11-02T12:10:00.004-05:00

Please, VOTE.
Girl Power.
This is the story of our Mothers and Grandmothers who lived only 90 years ago.

Remember, it was not until 1920 that
women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.

The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote.

And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.'

(Lucy Burns)
They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air.
(Dora Lewis)
They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack.
Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.

Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right
to vote. For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their
food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.

When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.

So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?

(Miss Edith Ainge, of Jamestown , New York )
All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote. Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.

HBO released the movie on video and DVD . I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a little shock therapy is in order.

(Conferring over ratification [of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution] at [National Woman's Party] headquarters, Jackson Pl [ace] [ Washington , D.C. ]. L-R Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Mrs. Abby Scott Baker, Anita Pollitzer, Alice Paul, Florence Boeckel, Mabel Vernon (standing, right))

It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy.

The doctor admonished the men: 'Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.'

Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to all the women you know.

We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.

(Helena Hill Weed, Norwalk , Conn. Serving 3 day sentence in D.C. prison for carrying banner, 'Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.')
History is being made. Honor these women and VOTE.

Luminaries

2010-10-31T21:34:00.002-05:00

Halloween is so much fun. I love the colors, the pumpkins, and the costumes. We don't have a trick or treater here to pilfer through her sack of candy, and we do miss that....er her:)
These sacks are just as good, if not better, no calories. I hinted and whined enough that my sweet friend Linda made 4 using TH Dies. They look so spookily cute sitting on our mantle. Happy Halloween!!

Dropped cell phone calls

2010-10-11T21:04:00.003-05:00

This is the sight we see around sunset everyday. Is is any wonder, we have "dropped" calls. Turkey Buzzards love this tower!

Baseball Saturday

2010-10-02T21:25:00.005-05:00

Brandan had his first official road trip Friday. He drove from Red Oak to Georgetown all alone and made it just fine. He played in a baseball tournament today and we had fun watching him play.

As any normal 16 year old he is forever hungry so we ate at PeiWei last night. He had he first Edamame and decided they were great. T was also home for the week end and she had crab wontons and loved those. We also had burgers at Mighty Fine and BBQ at the Salt Lick to keep him from starving today.

The first game was in Round Rock and they lost, but think it was due to a lack of attendance. For some strange reason they had this sign posted, but we ignored it and became a spectator:)

The last game was in Manor, in the middle of no where, with no concession stands, just across the road from Hogs Eye Road. This game was a winner 5-2, and that entitled us to be there at 8 am tomorrow for more spectatoring:)

Orlando, Florida

2010-09-20T22:06:00.003-05:00

Here we come! Linda and I are leaving Thursday for hopefully sunny Florida. I am teaching these 2 classes at the Collins Show. It should be a lot of fun and work!

Bubble, Bubble, Toil, and Trouble

2010-09-02T12:04:00.002-05:00

Our fun 91/2 x 11 Halloween album. Tons of room for spooky Halloween pictures! I used Grapic 45 papers!!

Beach Babies album

2010-08-26T20:54:00.006-05:00

Since I have a big black boot on my foot, I have been hobbling around this week.

Janet and Linda were so nice to show up at the studio door and pack 50 kits for me. This allowed me to sit with my foot elevated and work on this album. Love the Graphic 45 paper for this album!!

Somebody to Lean On...post-script to Note to Self

2010-08-21T18:05:00.004-05:00

My Note to Self to check out the stairs vs. elevator needs to have a post-script. Yesterday I was coming down the stairs at our house and either missed a step or slipped but went tumbling down the stairs.That is a scary, no control over the situation feeling. Checked my body out and it seemed in one piece, with some massive bruises showing. An hour later, my 4th toe was turning black and blue and hurting. I went to the doctor and I now have a crushed joint on my toe and have an appointment to see a specialist in a few days. Meanwhile I need somebody to lean on!! Post-Script to Note to self...pay attention when you go downstairs!

Note to Self

2010-08-19T19:58:00.004-05:00

Always, always, check when you child moves to an apartment complex, even the same one she lived in last year, that if she lives above ground level there is a way to get to necessary floor other than STAIRS! She moved to a studio this year in a different building, same complex. Last year was 4th floor, complete with elevator. This year 3rd floor, minus elevator. Climbing 3 stories in 100 degree heat, lugging "stuff" is a near death experience! We survived, the end result for her was worth it, and the Aleve company is prospering!

Compliments of the Season

2010-08-17T21:33:00.004-05:00

Where has the summer gone? T is moving to College Station tomorrow, starting her sophomore year.

I have been working on the Compliments of the Season class at the Collins Show, in September. This is a sneek of the fun Holiday tree using Graphic 45 paper, canvas and acrylic.

Sand Castle chipboard album

2010-08-03T21:41:00.004-05:00

Fun mini album using Bo Bunny Papers and pictures from Mike Lambert. Love using the Mudd Puddles sand and shells!!

Splash Chipboard album

2010-07-28T21:33:00.003-05:00

These adorable pictures are of my friend Karen's grandson, Drake. Love the last page!!I used Bo Bunny paper,glass beads,and bound the album using the Cinch.

Peace Out Album

2010-07-27T20:37:00.003-05:00

Here is a look at one of the classes I will be teaching at The Collins Show in Orlando the end of Sept. Gotta love the 60's. Can you spot me?

Vacation

2010-07-25T09:34:00.004-05:00

Celebrated #19 in Memphis! Aggieland will never be the same.

Buffalo watching!

The Peabody Hotel, Mallard ducks actually live in this fountain during the day.

Living room at Graceland.

Our 55 Pink Caddy limo ride to eat in Memphis.

Oh My! Why did we decide to go to Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky in July??

It was a great vacation but hot and steamy in TN. and beautiful in KY, but the speed limit on the interstate is 55 and believe me they go by it.

We had so much fun in Mempis, a VIP tour of Graceland, Beale Street, BB Kings great BBQ and shopping. Nashville was a little bit of a downer, things have really changed since the flood.

Both dogs and child travelled well, with only a crisis or two.

As always good to be home and back to work!

Texas Flag Album

2010-07-08T20:02:00.004-05:00

Mark,Dead Beat Stamps, designed this chipboard Texas Flag Album. My friend Linda did this fantastic sample using TSS metal for the star,MR resist, and Paper Loft, Old Town paper. A fun quick album for a class project, or great for a Texas day trip.

Puppy Love

2010-06-28T22:15:00.001-05:00

Almost 6 weeks later, the shy, do nothing dog has turned into a puppy schooled almost well behaved dog. She plays ball, shakes, and best of all gives puppy kisses!!

6 x 6 Beach Chipboard Album

2010-06-25T11:15:00.004-05:00

A new mini beach chipboard album. All the beautiful photos are by Mike and Karen Lambert. I used Bo Bunny papers, MR resist ( neat stuff), and Mudd Puddles sand and seashells.

Crazy Shapes Album

2010-06-12T08:54:00.003-05:00

Fun album using different fun shapes. Just rite stamps and TH flower die cut. Another sample on its way out of town.

We have had some hot muggy weather but along with that came much needed rain.
I had a great time at the Copic Certification class last Sunday, my table mates made it much easier. Our instructor was amazing, she could draw anything, upside down!!

Shenzi

2010-05-26T23:41:00.003-05:00

This little rescue dog has made her special place in our hearts and lives. T went to the animal shelter 3 weeks ago and picked out Shenzi (Shin-Z). She looks like a hyena, ( the hyena from Lion King had this name) but is the sweetest little dog. Shenzi is about a year old, housebroken, and just a fun little dog. She must have been mistreated by a man, but slowly and surely is warming up to all of us. Will play ball all day and is going to obedience school. She will leave in August to spend her fall with T at college but for now we love having her here. Even Tiki tolerates her:)

Dad's Day Album

2010-05-24T14:44:00.002-05:00

Scrapology is teaching a class using the Big Dad album and awesome Graphic 45 papers!!

Big Mom Album

2010-05-11T07:08:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day. This is a Big Mom Album I did, featuring my Mom. Putting each picture down was a great memory of her and her unique style in the 1940's. Paper by Graphic 45, and I loved making the rolled flowers out of the same paper.

Peace Out

2010-05-06T09:52:00.004-05:00

This funky, fun Peace album was made by Cat at Cat's Creations . Love the paper by LYB and all the extras Cat added!!

It a Tough Life but

2010-04-26T19:20:00.004-05:00

Someone has to step up to the plate. We have a new studio and this is one of our views from the front porch area. The Bluebonnets are beautiful and the horses and their new colts are adorable....so each day we struggle through this view!!

It's all in the pocket

2010-04-20T20:47:00.003-05:00

This is the first album I will be teaching at our new Studio. What is more fun that a gently worn jean pocket, metal, canvas, burlap, paint and a great little bandana flower. So if you are interested just let me know and I will give you the details!!

Texas Cowgirl

2010-04-16T17:06:00.002-05:00

A new 6x6 mini Texas album. Can't believe this little cowgirl is almost 19:) Used old jeans, canvas, burlap, pink bandana, and some pearls! Creative Imaginations paper and embellies.

Bluebonnet surprise

2010-04-08T15:20:00.004-05:00

The bluebonnets are so beautiful this year! Linda and I decided to check out the cemetery behind our studio and what a wonderful discovery. This is on a gravel road and owned by a Catholic church. They do not allow plastic flowers, only planted flowers. This was such a peaceful and calming spot, with a fountain and wildflowers growing everywhere. There was an area for infants under an oak tree filled with windchimes, behind that was a beautiful prayer walk with flowers and benches. We were amazed at the mass of wildflowers growing there. If you live in our area, this is a side trip worth taking.

Austin Word Album Class

2010-04-04T10:42:00.003-05:00

Saturday, April 24, I am teaching this Austin Word Album at Scrapology , Austin's newest scrapbook store. Come take this fun class using a lot of techniques, using jeans, an adorable boot banner and using some Deadbeat Designs stamps, and check out the great new store! Contact Karen at 512. 609.8188 for more details

New York Word Album

2010-03-29T21:07:00.002-05:00

A New York Word Album, I used the QK skyline on top of the letters, painted black and coated with Crystal Lacquer. Love the chipboard die cuts that I used in the album

Amazing

2010-03-28T09:00:00.006-05:00

DIL, Kerri is an amazing person and does amazing things, but we found out she does have a hidden talent. We were having dinner at the Catfish Plantation in Waxahachie. This historic house is home to 3 spirits that live in the restaurant.

Enough of the history, all of our drinks (all tea, coke and water) came with cherries. The conversation came up, who could tie the stem in a knot with their tongue....only 1 person raised their hand....the mother of my grandchildren, the Crafty Scrapper employe, wife to my son ,can do the tying the knot in the cherry stem in her mouth.

The busboy with the fancy tatoo on his neck stood speechless and totally blown away while Kerri did this.

The boys however impressed, were more intent on getting the last appetizer.

A fun day,a baseball game,a little CS shopping, and fun dinner, filled with talent.

Jean Pocket Denim Album

2010-03-24T13:31:00.004-05:00

This adorable mini album was made by Cat at Cat's Creations , using our new jean pocket denim album. She used Adorn Its new paper and look at the worm!! She covered one of the tags with 10 Sec. Metal.

This album has 3 chipboard pages, an acrylic page, the denim pocket, and 3 tags to put in the pocket!

I love seeing what store owners come up with, thanks Cat this is super!

The red door

2010-03-22T20:55:00.002-05:00

First coat on our barn red door, thats why the handle is missing. The sign man was putting up our sign and he broke it but this temp. one will work until it is replaced. Our little studio is almost ready, I hung a plant today, makes me feel much better with a little green growing inside. Actually we are working hard inside its just not quiet ready for classes:)

Fixing old Sizzix dies

2010-03-19T23:48:00.005-05:00

This is really a great tip!! I am going to dig some of my old ones out and see what happens.
Fixing Sizzix Dies
I also read that you could use the old red sizzix with the black sizzlit adapter for your CB embossing folders. I tried it with our chipboard, sprayed it with some TA or water and they embossed so easily running it through the old red sizzix!

The Best Texas

2010-03-16T21:13:00.006-05:00

Sugar cookies you will ever eat! Sherri at Scrapbook n Such in Longview made the cookies to sustain us during our day long class. Isn't the Texas shape and the tray great! Linda and I had a lot of fun and she was such a big help.

Silver Lil made a new friend in Longview.....we had checked into the hotel and the person at the desk is just like me, left and right directions confuse her. She told us to go one way and Jill said another. We followed the desk clerks left turn and it turned out we were going the wrong way. After Linda went into a Quick Stop for directions, we pulled out and Silver Lil did her thing. She batted her little round eyes and flashed her Tail lights at a highway patrol. He was very impressed and decided to follow with his red and blue lights flashing back. SL wanted to pull over and chat with the black and white car, all the while I was telling her he was not her type!! Luckily the driver of the car with the flashing lights thought she was pretty cute too and only issued a warning. I personally think the cute driver just wanted more info on Silver Lil:) After this fun interval we arrived at Boomtown in Bossier City, LA. I had forgotten how smoky a casino could be so we stayed about 1 hr and headed back! Took one less turn than we should and had to redirect to the hotel.

The class Saturday was so much fun. I realized how much I had missed teaching and met some great ladies with lots of talent! After class 9 of us went out to eat Mexican food...delish! Karen had 2 of these cute aprons hanging in her office and I loved them. She was so sweet to give me one Sat. night....Thanks, Karen.

Linda and I left early Sunday morning and stopped in Powell, Texas and bought the best pecan pies in a spot in the road store!! It is always good to be home from a fun weekend!!

Hots

2010-03-12T07:36:00.000-06:00

The 2 that guess were correct...painting a color called Whitened Sage. The reason behind all the work is we have moved to a larger studio, and will be open limited hours for retail sales. I am excited that I will be teaching classes along with some of our local favorite teachers. In the near future will post some class information and the store hours.

Silver Lil and Big Texas

2010-03-11T16:09:00.004-06:00

My little silver bug is getting Spring Fever and needs some exercise. She got her nails and hair done, drank plenty of fluids so she will be hydrated and is ready to jog down the highway. Linda and I are leaving early tomorrow morning while it is cool and stopping at Scrappin Good Time . After resting and cooling down from that run, Silver Lil is heading for Scrapbook n Such in Longview. We are spending the weekend at SNS teaching this. I know we will have a great time with 20 fun ladies.

Friday night Silver Lil may have to jog over the Shreveport, LA to check out a casino or two, she might even find a friend to hang with!

First comes paint then

2010-03-05T16:09:00.003-06:00

comes gridwall!
What could be next?
Some businesses offer certification in metal, pens, and spray, which all wonderful, so.......
I am thinking of doing a chipboard, paper and glue certification class. It would be reasonably priced,we would furnish the chipboard, you furnish the paper and glue. No experience necessary:)