My Two Latest and Greatest Finds....

I found these two great finds at a local thrift store (Foothills Hospice Store). I have seen the idea of the spice rack several times, just didn't want to spend the money on it, but ran across this one the other day while shopping with a dear friend. It took a lot of cleaning up, as it still had spices in the bottles (old spices, I might add), but was totally worth the work. I have filled it with embellies (16 bottles). I still need to label the bottles.... the other is of course a coffee mug holder, but is perfect for my book rings, and my SLICE Tagmaker metal rimmed tags. I love special finds...but more than that, I loved the time spent with my good friend and the fact that my spendings went for a good cause. By the way, together, the two were $5.00 total. However....that's not all I bought...shhhhh!!!!

Finished projects

In the top photo, to the left is a "spool" book. Just a fun kind of thing I saw in a book. I sewed papers together, making a one long piece, glued one end to the empty thread spool, and wrapped it around the spool. I attached an eyelet and a "4 " elastic" band (7 Gypsies) to hold it closed. It is a time-line book, of the year that I was born, having information/happenings throughout that year. To the right, of the spool book is an "envelope" book. The cover is handmade (including the paper). Inside (the following pic) is a look at the inside, which is made from envelopes, sealed and cut on the opposite end, with others aattached to make the pages. I inked, spritzed (Maya Road, Tattered Angels), created the embellies using my Cricut machine and had a blast!

The next pics are of a "Book in a Tin" themed "Autumn". The pages are accordian and easily fold out and back in. The only problem I had was keeping the pages simple to remain flat enough to fit into the tin. If too heavily embellished (including photos), the tin would not close as it should. All three projects were time consuming, but definitely worth it.

Two of my many faves...

No one here is spoiled...??!!??!!

There he is! My partner in creativity! I am doing a little cleaning today (obviously, he wants no part of it), so Bis is taking a comfy little break. I love this dog....did I tell you that I love this dog?!? Well just let me tell you again, I love this dog! He is so full of love and just happy to be....such an inspiration.

Natural Beauty

Need I say more?... Do we ever really stop and take in the true NATURAL beauty in things, especially in the "little" things among us that we take for granted. Not just the leaves in fall, but the the tree itself that bares the leaves, the stem of the pumpkin ( we always want our pumpkins to have a "nice" stem). And the sky, with the shapes of the clouds whether "big and puffy" or simply "streaked". No makeup...just natural beauty!

Feeling really blessed

As I sit here, right this moment, I have this overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment at the fact of being SO blessed. My three heartthrobs(my husband and sons), not only my immediate family, but my extended family as well. True friends, the best there are. Wonderful memories of family and friends that have gone on to be with the Lord, but that I miss so, so much. Two precious dogs, so full of unconditional love, my health, my job, my art and creative time, my abilities,(so often taken for granted), and my daily walk with God. Thankful and blessed beyond measure! I thank God and praise Him for my bountiful blessings. A little early...but....Happy Thanksgiving!

Vintage Flair

The vintage in me just had to make this beautiful bird. I saw one similar to this one in a book that I bought a few days ago. I saw it and immediately knew I had to take this project on. Using grungeboard and my Cricut machine (Storybook cartridge), along with a few odd- and-end beads, buttons, brads, flowers, (the flower on the left I made from felt) a little tinsel glitter, ink, and some patterned paper, I "flew" right in on it! As of now, it hangs beautifully from the door pull of my china cabinet....but I am seeing it adorning my Christmas tree this year somewhere near "front and center". Amazing how the simple things in life can bring you so much joy, and put a smile on your face and an extra little beat in your heart. Simple is good!

All About Me

This is an "All About Me" book. Contains family(roots),school/college, marriage, births, faith, friends and some advise. Another keepsake to hand down. This book was created using a Bo Bunny "Naked Binder" which comes with the chipboard tabbed divider pages. I added cardstock pages in between the tabbed dividers. I really like the Eustachian plate and knob (7 Gypsies) on the front cover and the big brown and white polka dot ribbon (Maya Road). This was a fun project with lots of reminiscing. Made me laugh, cry, and be thankful. I am blessed!

"Bits and Pieces"...

This handmade chipboard book has "A Few Bits and Pieces" of my life that I wanted to record for my boys as a keepsake. Kind of an "All About Me" book. It has lots of texture, color, and 3-D stuff added to it along with a lot of distressing, crackle paint, fabric and rub-ons. It is held together with beadchain (pullchain).

Hugs and Kisses

This book was created to record all about Biscuit's adoption. Contains photos, records and thoughts.

Flag book

This was a fun little book to make. I haven't decided yet what I will do with it, probably fill it with photos and journaling though, maybe even favorite recipes...

Welcome Fall...

I love Fall!!!!! So glad it is here. Love the color of the leaves, the beginning of so many warm and cozy holidays, time with family and friends, the smell of apples and cinnamon, and pumpkin and spices, the taste of apple cider, apple dumplings and iced pumpkin bars. Football and sweater-weather, pumpkin carving, and the open windows letting in fresh air! NEED I SAY MORE!?? HAPPY! HAPPY! HAPPY!

Have had some fun Saturdays lately with some great friends of mine...getting together to do some fun "artsy" stuff. Just the time together is a blessing, but put it with a little "creative play" and of course some good food and, man! .... it's the best time ever!

I have been spending more time lately on getting some art and scrapbooking done, and spending time with my family and friends, than blogging. PRIORITIES first. So happy! Loving life! Very blessed! God is good! And Bis, right here at my feet....perfect!!!!!

More "Quick and Easy" Layouts....

"Quick and Easy" Layouts