Christmas Cards

Hello Friends!

How are you? Are you finished with your Christmas shopping?  Me?  Not even close and Christmas is around the corner. Yikes!

Anyways, I'm stopping by to share some super simple Christmas cards that I made recently.  And I do mean simple, which made mass production a breeze.

I used a large stamp that includes all these Christmas sentiments and embossed them in metallic silver powder.  Then I added a few sequins as a final touch and called it done! :) 

I love how the embossing reflects the light but made it a bit tricky to photograph.

The card on the left wasn't embossed.  I just used white ink, which I liked as well (but lacked the pizzazz).

(Supplies: cardstock; stamp- Stampendous; versa mark ink; metallic silver embossing powder- Zing; embellishments; hot gun; glossy accents)

I also used a blue background with the silver embossing.  However, those cards were mailed off before I could photograph them. :)

I'll be linking this to Muse: Christmas Visions (Challenge 90- Festive "free for all") 

Thank you for stopping by and I wish you all a joyous holiday.

Health & Happy Crafting,
Angie

Introducing the New Family Members

Hello Friends!

Boy, these past couple years have been a struggle to post content.  But then again, rebuilding my health has been my top priority.  

Anyhow, in the summer I mentioned that I was going to be an aunt again, and a sweet reader, Lisa, suggested I post pictures of my new niece.  A few months late, but here she is: Aeylahni (pronounced Ay-la-nee)!

She arrived ready for braids! :) 

However, I also need to mention my other adorable niece who is 9 months older than Aeylahni.  Introducing, Amani!!

This little one entered the world ready to run!  

I just LOVE & adore these babies.  Our family is truly blessed with these precious cuties.  

Thank you for stopping by.

Health & Happy Crafting,

Angie

Kindness Cards

Hello Friends!

So how is your summer treating you?  I am so ready for Fall because that means cooler weather.  But I do want time to SLOW down. ;)  

Well, today I am sharing a few super simple cards with some simple touches that give them a bit of pizzazz.  :)

I added glossy accents to make it look like the watering cans are dripping.

(Supplies: cardstock, stamps- Unity Stamps Co., colored pencils, glossy accents, gray & black ink pads)

I added faux stitching with a gel pen.

(Supplies: cardstock, pattern paper, stamps- My Favorite Things & Hero Arts, black ink pad, gel pen)

Love the "sunset" colors in these.

(Supplies: cardstock; stamps- Stampendous & Hero Arts; distress inks in picked raspberry, mustard seed, spiced marmalade, & peacock feathers; gray ink pad)

I love how the pattern paper looks like a little cafe table cloth.  The other side has an ocean design.  

I added glossy accents on the marshmallows.  They can also be ice cubes in an iced coffee drink (minus the steam).  ;)  

(Supplies: cardstock, checkered pattern paper- Graphic 45; stamps- Fiskars; colored pencils; glossy accents; black stamp pad) 

That covers it for today.  I hope you find time to unwind, take a deep breath & surround yourself with peace.

Wishing you LOTS of health & happy crafting.

Angie

(Psm. 119:116)

Crocheted Cocoon

Hello Friends,

I hope you had a relaxing weekend.  I am EXCITED because I will be getting a new niece today or tomorrow!! :D  My brother, the father to be, texted me pictures of crocheted baby items (i.e. cocoon, sandals) a while back and asked if I would make something for the baby shower.  Well, these projects were out of my "expertise," but I was willing to try one of them.  

So today I am sharing my first crocheted cocoon, a ladybug cocoon!  I used a pattern by Red Heart, however, I had to modify it several times because my cocoon turned out to be big enough for a DOLL.

 Bottom side:

Back side:

Front side:

I decided to make a beanie, also, to create a ladybug set.  :)  

(Supplies: Simply Soft Caron yarn in Harvest Red and Black, crochet hook size US H, beanie pattern by Paula Daniele)

I included the book, "Ten Little Ladybugs" as part of the gift set.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of all the items together.  

This is all for today, friends.  Take a moment to breathe deeply and have a wonderful day!

Health & Happy Crafting,

Angie

(Psm. 119:116)     

Golden Grad

Hello Friends,

My health has finally taken a turn for the better and I thank God for that!!! Glory be to Him!  It's amazing how our quality of life declines without our health.  It has been a LONG journey, and now I will work on the recovery and strengthening phase.  But I can begin to focus on living instead of ENDLESS medical appointments, which truthfully, feels awkward.

Anyhow, I am sharing a graduation layout of my oldest niece.  I recall changing her diapers, her kinder year, and now she is entering college!  Oh, time, you are so cruel with your speed.

I kept the design clean and simple because I wanted to focus on the journaling.
I wrote the name of her high school on the gown sticker with a gel pen.

I don't know why my camera makes my layout appear curved.  Any ideas?

(Supplies: cardstock, pattern paper & stickers from my stash, adhesive, gel pen)

Some of my favorite layouts are quick and simple with room for a big message of love.  
Have a wonderful weekend and take time to focus on you.  Because self-care is a necessity, NOT a luxury. 

Health & Happy Crafting,
Angie
(Psm. 119:116)

Baby Bibs 2

Howdy Friends!

I hope you are staying cool.  I know many look forward to summer but not me. Summer is like living in a HOT oven in my town.  Well, I recently created some baby cards, so I'll be sharing those with you today.

I created a boy set and a girl set.  These came together quickly using "Bundle of Joy" from Echo Park.

 (Supplies: brown and green cardstock, bib die- My Favorite Things, Sentiment stamp- Hero Arts, safety pin stamp- Fiskars, die cut machine, pattern paper & stickers- Echo Park Paper Co.)

The panda stamp is actually holding a flower.  So I masked it off using a post it note and stamped the bottle instead.  I added faux stitching using a white pen and some glossy accents on his nose.

(Supplies: cardstock, pattern papers from my stash, panda & carriage stamps- Untiy Stamp Co., bib die- My Favorite Things, bottle stamp- Fiskars, die cut machine, white pen, glossy accents)

Thank you so much for visiting.  

Peace, Health & Happy Crafting,
Angie

Crochet Projects

Hi Friends!

I'm on a roll with this blog at the moment, but it will be a short post.  I'm just stopping by to share more yarn projects as I try and keep my hands busy.  I'm grateful for this therapeutic outlet.

These caps were made with Caron Simply yarn and a G hook.  The pattern is from "Crochet Hooks You" youtube channel.

Thank you for stopping by!  

Peace & Health,
Angie

Chemo Caps

Hello Friends!

Yes, I'm still around.  Thank you, Lord!  I'm still battling for my health, so there are days when I'm drained and crafting takes too much effort & energy from me.  However, at times I need to keep my hands occupied.  Therefore, I've been doing some knitting and crocheting.  I'm definitely NOT an expert in this area, so I mainly repeat the same design. :)  And I can only knit using a loom. ;)

While I've been off of work and concentrating on my health, I decided to knit caps for children battling cancer.  This is a cause that's near and dear to me.  I knitted 30+ beanies in baby to teen sizes.  Some of the beanies were made using 2 different colors of yarn.  Here is a sample:

(I apologize for the wrinkled background and bad pictures.  Overcast today.)

(Materials: Simply Caron yarn in various colors; round knitting looms, loom hook)


The following chemo caps were crocheted using Simply Caron yarn, and a J hook.  These are adult sizes, and I used a pattern by Sandra Huffines.  I have a friend battling cancer, so I made her some caps, too.

Friends, this is all for today.  Wising you LOTS of health and peace.

Happy Crafting,
Angie

Baby Bibs

Hello Friends!

Thank you for your kind words on my last post.  I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Well, today I am popping in to share some baby cards.  Since we are having a baby shower for one of my sisters soon, I thought I would create a quick & simple card.  But since I had my supplies out, I made 2. :)  

I used a baby bib die with faux stitching and pattern paper from my scraps.  I added some safety pin stamps, sequins, and "stitching" with a gel pen around the border and called it done.  See?  Quick & simple. :D

(Supplies: cardstock; pattern paper; die-cutting machine; bib die- My Favorite Things; stamps- Fiskars; sequins; gel pen)

I will be adding these cards to the following challenge:
My Time to Craft: faux or real stitching

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Crafting,
Angie

Baby Boy Carriage Card

Hello Blog Friends,

I know I sound like a flake because my last post stated that I would be more active here.  However, I also mentioned that my health was "taking a nose dive."  Little did I know how bad it would plummet.  Consequently, these months have been spent in MANY medical appointments.  Needless to say, I haven't had time, energy, or health for much else.
But by the grace of God, I am slowly healing.  This will most likely be a long road to healing, so I'll pop in when I can.

Fortunately, I have a little project to share. :)  My husband needed a baby card for one of his coworkers and here is the result:

I stamped the image onto cardstock and again on scrap paper.  I then fussy cut it, colored it, and adhered it using foam tape to give it some depth.  I sponged on some "dirt" and the sky using distress inks.  I also added ink around the sentiment strip.  I added "stitching" using a gel pen as a final touch.

(Supplies: cardstock; pattern paper- My Mind's Eye; distress inks in Antique Linen & Peacock Feathers; stamps- Unity Stamp Co.; gel pen; colored pencils; sequins)

I will be adding this to the following challenge:
Scrapping 4 Fun Challenges- Anything Goes

Thank you for spending some time with me!

Happy Crafting,
Angie

Commit or Quit

Hello Blogland!!

WOW.  I can't believe I've been gone for SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO long!  I can't believe this little, old neglected blog is still running.  What caused my absence, you say?  Am I still crafting, you ask? ;) 

Well, long story short, life has gotten in the way.  Part of it is that I got burned out on the photo taking, photo editing, & posting.  But the other major reasons are that we didn't have internet for MONTHS; I was working beyond normal hours and not giving myself crafty time; we spent the holidays visiting family members in the hospital; I lost my grandma and uncle within 2 weeks; we had 2 funerals in less than three weeks; and now my health has taken a nose dive.
Consequently, there hasn't been much crafting going on.  But I have done little things here and there.

I debated on quitting the blog & asked myself if it was worth continuing.  I decided that my main purpose for the blog at the moment is to share my family's memories.  I'm the documenter in the family, and I LOVE having my scrapbook pages of our memories.  The problem with that is that my family doesn't always get to see them.  Besides, I'm sure I'll be sprinkling in other projects here and there.

No, I don't have any projects to show at the moment.  (Hopefully, soon!)  But why don't I leave you with links to some awesome blogs?

A Mermaid's Crafts

Snippets of Mendi

Becky Higgins

iheartorganizing


Hope to see you soon!

Peace & Health,
Angie

Pantry Party!

Howdy Everyone!

I hope you are enjoying your week and are staying cool in this heat. 

Those of you who have visited here before, know that this blog is about my crafty endeavors (although, those endeavors have been very few lately).  But I also have a passion for organizing.  Being organized helps me breathe and brings a sense of peace in my daily living and work life.  BUT I've had a difficult time trying to organize and condense our little abode.  When my husband and I got married, we crammed his 3 bedroom home and my 3 bedroom apartment into a 2-bedroom apartment.  I try not to hyperventilate when he's nearby. ;) 

Anyways, last year I stumbled upon an organizing blog, iheartorganizing, and I was HOOKED. :)  I check it almost daily for the ah-MA-zing inspiration and for the fabulous eye candy.  So when Jen, the author of iheartorganizing, tossed out a challenge (wait-no-more-challenge), I was motivated to participate.
Then life got in the way and time slipped out the door.  
However, I was forced to tackle our pantry in the last days of the challenge due to unexpected and unwanted pesky guests: ants!!!
Now, I must warn you.  First, these pictures were taken with my IPhone, so they may not be the best quality.  Second, I'll be keeping it real.  I'm embarrassed to have company if our home isn't in pristine shape.  So, I'm already sweating about showing these to the WWW.  



Let's begin with a before pic.:
Yep, disaster zone!  No, I don't keep the Ant & Roach spray in the pantry.  That was my temporary holding place.  

These 2 next pictures display what was on the empty shelf above.  

(Again!)

Since my husband was living in the apartment before we got married, I rearranged and organized this area, but it became chaotic again real quick. 

After 6 hours of spraying, wiping, cleaning, scrubbing, and tossing this was the end result:

 LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that I can see all the cans at the same time, which helps with my grocery shopping.

I shopped for containers at the dollar store and Target after analyzing my needs.  And I busted out my loved-yet-neglected label machine. :D  

What a HUGE sigh of relief!  This is my favorite little spot at the moment.  The next day I kept walking in there every 15 minutes to soak it all in.  This has already made a BIG difference in our menu planning and grocery shopping. :)   
Yes, we have quite a bit of spices, thanks to my hubby (And they are alphabetized.  Instructed hubby to keep them that way). The small, blue basket at the top holds doubles of ones already on the shelf. 


This project gave me the motivation to tackle the cabinet under the bathroom sink.  I'll be sharing that later on. ;)
Thank you Jen for the challenge and inspiration.  I have other areas that are on my list now.

Thank you kindly for taking the time to stop by!

Happy Organizing,
Angie

Health History

Hello Y'all!

Happy 4th of July!!  Got any fun plans for today?  Since it's SUPER hot (102 degrees), I'll be staying indoors. :)  

I know it has been a while since my last post (again).  But I've been having a hard time getting inspired.  I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that part of my craft room is residing in my living room.  By the time I've finished gathering my supplies from both areas, I'm out of inspiration, energy, & time.  

Well, today I am sharing a layout that is quite personal.  I've had this idea in mind for about a year: to document my health (or lack of it).  So I created the images with my Cameo and then put them away because I wasn't sure how to design the layout.  I finally decided to just tell the "story," so this layout is not fancy or brilliant. 

Here it is:

I added some distress ink around the edges to "grunge" it up a bit.  This picture wasn't taken during one of my ill moments.  Thank goodness, because who wants a picture in one of those one-size-fits-all hospital gowns?! ;)

(Supplies: cardstock; pattern paper- BoBunny; Cameo; stickers- October Afternoon)

I actually tried to blur the journaling, but then realized that it's part of my journey.

I'd like to add this to the following challenge:
Scrap-challenge-Yourself: Anything Goes

Thank you kindly for stopping in.  Wishing you a safe and HEALTHY holiday.

Happy Crafting,
Angie