New Layout

Sarge, from February 2011

I worked in the store for Cathy a few weeks back. She had a family funeral to attend in Florida. After putting out inventory and working on crafts, I turned to making a few layouts to hang up. For me, it is so much easier to create a layout if I have photographs to work with. These two shots happened to be in my scrapbook bag, so out they came.

We are not that far away from the first anniversary of Sarge's disappearance and death. I am trying my best not to dwell on this. Those 15 days when we all looked for him are a blur in my memory. Some points stabbing in my heart, others I have blacked out completely. So I am going to do my best to just work through the entire month, one day at a time, hugging my babies along the way.

But. Yeah, but. I will never forget this boy. Never.
Linda

Windy Sunday

There are days that I feel I could use a swimsuit like the one above.....

It is cold and windy here in central Indiana. I would think that those brave folks who are trying the zip line at the Super Bowl festivities downtown will quite literally freeze their buns off. Ah, yes. Zip lines in late January, early February...

Today we have some tongue in cheek cards. The vintage graphic images are from an old sheet of Graphic 45 paper that I found in my stash. Got to love those bathing beauties. I plan on working on projects all afternoon. Been itching to try something new but not sure what that is. Ever have days like that? Last week that feeling came out when I suddenly baked three loaves of bread. Most of it went into the freezer.

The dogs and I are so ready for spring, even though this has been a mild winter. I took them for a walk yesterday, and we only made it for 45 minutes. Poor Jake was fighting to stay on the ground against that wind, so I headed back to the car. Gracie would have walked forever. My hearty little Aussie.

Enjoy yourselves today.
Linda

The Store

This is the primitive craft section of Allyscraps, what you see as you enter the store. The paper craft products are in the mid section to the back of the store. Cathy and I both feel there are still holes in the display, but we're working on it.

The green shutters were my Christmas Eve bargain. I found these at an antique/craft type store on old Route 41, south of Attica, IN. I have gone past this place for years, but never stopped. Coming home on Christmas Eve, I noticed it was open and pulled in. Glad that I did, because it turned out to be a treasure trove of items we could use.

I had already picked up several pieces when I noticed these shutters, which are not quite 5 feet in length. I wanted them, but I was about 60 miles from home driving a mid-size Ford. Hmmmmm. So I went up to the two young girls who were at the counter, and told them that I'd buy the shutters if they could help me get them in the car. Dang, it was windy that day. Sunny, bright and cold, and really windy. We had all four doors open on the car, and after a lot of maneuvering and laughing, we made it.

I then drove around town for 3 days with these in the passenger seat of my car before I figured out how to get them out by myself. Yes, I am nuts.

Have yourself a great day.
Linda

Moving right along...

Recipe Box that will be a class at Allyscraps

Love this new stamp

Love the new wreath stamp

I have a thing for circles...have you noticed?

Yes, I have been very busy. I am no longer questioning this rush of productivity, just moving on down the line and enjoying it. Anyone who creates anything in any medium knows that eventually you will hit a wall. A very large, brick wall, when your mind turns to mush and your energy level hits the basement. This winter, I am flying high.

Cathy wanted a class just a bit different for the store, so she gave me a paper mache recipe box to play with. This is what I came up with. Those wooden embellishments are from Kaiser Craft, and the photo doesn't do them justice. They really do look like mini antique utensils on the sides of the box.

The cards are just pure play. I pull out some papers, see what goes with what, pull out some stamps, and the process begins. Sometimes, not always, one ends up in the trash. It just takes a left turn and goes wrong. I have become pretty darn good at salvaging mistakes. As when you stamp on the base of the card, and the ink wasn't evenly distributed. Yeah, I have a million ways to cover that little mishap up. So the process is now easier. Whatever, I'm having fun.

On a side note: we are one week away from the Superbowl in Indianapolis. There is not a hotel room available anywhere. Parking is booked for miles. Lots to do in the city, starting tonight. I don't care, I am not a football fan. I am not a sports fan. If you are, great. I just don't have any interests in that direction. But I heard something interesting on the news yesterday. Our local news is nothing but Super City for the Super Bowl. The NFL is a not for profit organization. Therefore, any employees of the NFL that spend money in our state while doing business for the NFL do not have to pay any taxes to the state of Indiana. Because of this fact, it was estimated the state would lose over $220,000.  I understand the concept, someone in the universe needs to explain to me why the NFL has NFP status. Say what???

Thoughts to ponder. Have a great day.
Linda

Busy

New die cut - Friendship Jar

Thinking green, Spring, gardening...

I truly enjoy working on anything to do with flowers, gardening, warm weather, Spring. And believe me, I am counting down the days to the first day of spring.

It's funny, but once we get to the week of Christmas, I am so over doing any type of craft for that holiday. My friend and boss, Cathy, feels the same way. We are done by December 20th. Time to move on. But I could work on cards with a garden theme any time.

In the above cards, the watering can, gloves, and utensils are cut out separate, then stamped. The same technique is used for the mason jar in the "Thank You" card. Having lots of fun doing this. Can you tell?

Life is good.
Linda

Still bored...

The hearts are on pop up dots

And Gracie is still bored with it all....

Made this card today, after seeing a design that sparked something in my brain on Pinterest. Got to love Pinterest. It is a sea of inspiration. Also highly addictive.

I feel bad for the dogs because we are not going for the daily long walks. Either it is raining, snowing, or damp/cold. I don't do well in the damp and cold. We did walk yesterday, but not the long walk we are all used to. Going to try my best to get them out later today after work. A tired dog is a good dog. A bored dog digs holes and rearranges all the throw rugs.

Thanks for stopping by.
Linda

Bored

Hey Moms!

Do you hear this in your home? "I'm bored. There's nothing to do.....". Trust me. When dogs are bored, you are usually in for a mess. The mess is in my backyard. What is left of the backyard. The kids with fur have been digging. Everywhere.
And then it will rain.
And then the holes fill with water, which someone with a tail likes to play with. As in sticking his paws into the muddy water and swishing it around. I swear, this dog is half cat, the way he uses his paws.
Then, after picking up every molecule of mud that exists and making sure it is adhered to their paws, they enter the house. I spend a lot of time cleaning off dirty paws, then cleaning the house in general. A never ending battle.

All if forgiven when they snuggle next to me on the bed to watch television. Or when Jake drapes himself across my lap, sighs, and immediately goes to sleep.

How can you not love them?
Linda

Brrrrrrr!

New card

Good Morning! Or afternoon. It is cold with a thin layer of sleet over all of the sidewalks, deck, and the streets inside our subdivision. Oh, joy. But I really, really have nothing to complain about. This winter has been an easy one, for the first time in years. Mild temperatures, little or no snow and sleet, and we've been able to walk almost every day. Not today, though. Too cold and slick. Spring is 2 months from today. I am one very happy woman.

Been going through old scrapbook papers that I could not part with when I was cleaning out my supplies. I'm having so much fun matching colors, trying new designs. With these sometimes bleak days this makes the hours fly by. I hope you enjoy them. Have a great day.
Linda

More Cards

Front

inside

front

inside

front, inside is blank

I have been following a free kick in the butt series, entitled Jump Start. You receive an email every day, click on a link, and watch a short video from a variety of artists.  This was the brain child of Natalie Kalbach, so some of the artists are in Europe, some in Canada and the US. I'm not sure if it is just the fact that I am participating in this, or that the subliminal message is percolating in my brain cells, but I have been in THAT room doing something each day.

And really enjoying myself. Finding a level of satisfaction that I have not felt before. I don't want to jinx this. So I'm not going to examine it too closely. Just do.

Yeah. Life is Good!
Linda

We're Off to see the Wizard

Cathy found these little (about 5x8) wooden boxes at one of the dollar discount stores. We immediately saw the possibilities of altering the box to be a frame. It takes but a few minutes to slap some paint on the wood. I warn you, if you try this, the wood is soft and will soak up the paint. A tip: let the wood dry completely, preferably overnight, then lightly sand with a brown, paper bag. Most groceries don't hand these out anymore, so I always have a stash of brown lunch bags on hand, and just tear one in half. Brown paper has just enough "tooth" to it that it will remove the little nubbies that the paint raises on the wood, leaving the surface very, very smooth. Works like a charm.

So I have a few of these painted and waiting for some paper, embellisments, whatever strikes me. They are fun. I wanted to do another Wizard of Oz creation from Graphic 45, because the small canvas I did last summer sold. Sometimes simply is best, and I know when to stop. Other times I want everything in the studio on the canvas or in the box. Slap me. Perhaps it depends on how much chocolate I've had? Who knows.

Have a creative day. Enjoy yourselves.
Linda

And the Winds doth blow..

Front of card

inside

Front of card

inside

Ahh, yes. January in central Indiana. We awoke to thunderstorms, lightning, power outages, and a backyard full of rain water and muddy spots. Paw prints are everywhere. I think I'll just stop trying to make the floors look good until the ground freezes or dries up. The temperatures are diving, the wind is absolutely howling, and it's a great day to stay in and make stuff.

I am once again trying to stock pile cards to sell. One aspect of card making that I adore is that you can use up all of your old papers and embellishments. And that is exactly what I've been doing. Good for the soul. Good for the money situation as well.

Thinking of mashed potatoes and pork chops for supper. Something hot. Something that gently says comfort and home. Have a great day.
Linda

Busy, Busy, Busy

A Tim Holtz inspired collage

Garden large tag - thinking Spring!

New card

inside of card

Good Morning! I have been in a whirlwind of making stuff. Lots of stuff. I am cleaning out the backlog of product in that room, using up whatever strikes me. Been having a lot of fun, and the more I work, the more inspired I become.

The black framed collage is something I've wanted to do for a long time. This frame comes from the Paper Studio, with each opening 4x6. I used an older Graphic 45 paper as the background, and cut up several pages from the Tim Holtz Lost and Found paper pad. I laid it all out, then set it to the side for a day or two, letting it perk in my brain. Finally decided on the final placement and glued it all down.

The garden tag is a Maya Road large tag from the album packet. I like to break up the tags and use them individually. Base paper is an old K&Co. The seed packet, fence, and stamps are from Papertrey, the flower from Prima. Think Spring, people. Work with me, here. (smile)

Last, the card is a very old Cosmo Cricket paper that I found in my stash. It was double-sided, so I used the flip side for accent. I wish they still made papers like this, because the colors and vintage look just appeal to me. Bling is from K&Co. I borrowed a stamp from Cathy for the front of the card. She has brought all of her personal stamps into the store, and we've been making cards. Enjoying this immensely.

Thanks for stopping by.
Linda

Thinking Spring

Bunny for sale at Allyscraps. No, I didn't make it.

I didn't do it, mom. Really.

Mexican standoff. Jake is holding what is left of a toy.

Tomorrow I plan on rearranging the bunnies and anything else that says SPRING in the store. Even though we have had an exceptionally mild winter, I am so done with it. Wishing for really warm weather, with no chance of snow. Just not a winter person. But first we have to get through Super Bowl. I am also not a football person. It will be an interesting week, from a point of observation. Far from the stadium.

The balance of who rules in the house has shifted. I am surprised, because I never thought Gracie would give up her number one position. She was the alpha dog when Sarge was with us, and certainly when Jake first came home from the shelter. But as he has adjusted, she has let him rule a bit more.

The piece of red fabric in the photo is what is left from a stuffed penguin my friend Melissa gave the dogs for Christmas. Jake loves stuffed toys that squeak. Gracie hates the squeakers. So she rips the toys apart and removes them, usually within 15 minutes. Poor Jake played with the penguin about an hour, then Gracie snatched it and removed everything inside. A war ensued. Hence, this is what remains. Oddly enough, the red piece is still in existence and they will play tug with it.

My yard is a field of pieces of fabric, from pull toys, stuffed animals, etc. Whatever makes them happy. Have a great day.
Linda

Pick a house, any house

Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC

Folly Beach, SC shot in b&w

This was the view from our balcony as a storm moved through the area

Can you imagine a house that size? They were all beautiful, all well maintained. After leaving Asheville, NC in early May of 2011, we drove to Charleston, staying at Folly Beach.

When we travel, we like to do short tours, like the historic tour of downtown Charleston, or a ghost walk at night. I am not one to sign on for a busload of people that stay together. To get the local history and flavor, to me, the tour guide should be local. And Pat and I like to roam around and take photographs. You can't always do that in a group. Wait. Let me restate that. I assume you can't always do that because I've never done the group thing.

We also like to shop. Always. You have to go home with something.....

Our winter weather has been incredibly mild so far, and I am now getting the itch to go on vacation. Have to think about this. Thanks for stopping by.
Linda

More Year in Review

One of the balconies at the Biltmore Estate

View from the roof tour

Dude!

Detail on one of the enormous flower pots

Pat and I left Avon early on the morning of May 1st, 2011. I drove to Asheville, NC. It was a slightly stressful trip for two reasons: we drove through the mountains and foothills of eastern Kentucky, TN., and northwestern North Carolina, and it rained. Now, there are different degrees of rain. This was the type that, at times, you were lucky to see your hand in front of your face. In the mountains. With big trucks all over.

I'd to it again in a heart beat. I do have Pat's permanent finger prints embedded in the leather dash of my car, but still, I'd do it all again.

We had always wanted to see the Biltmore Estate. It was wonderful. Asheville is a beautiful area, a little isolated gem in the south. The thinking and attitudes of the locals is not typically southern. We did a night ghost tour, walked the historic downtown area several times - all of it uphill, never down - and ate some great meals.

If you plan on touring Biltmore, please consider the roof tour. It was an additional $18, but our thinking is this: are we going to come back to this place? Are we going to leave with regrets for not having done something? And that settles the question of whether or not we do something. Works every time.

Thanks for stopping by. I needed a break from working on crafts and cards. The creative juices have been kicked into high gear this past week. I need to steer that drive towards my photography once again.
Linda

A Year in Review

Gracie and Jake, right after I brought him home from the Shelter.

Out of the chaos...

What a beautiful dog he was.

It has been a really good year, and a terrible time. Terrible because I lost Sarge, the dog I had adopted, the anxious little Sheltie. This canvas was created during the 15 days he ran, with everyone in Hendricks County looking for him.

In so many ways, it was a really good year, too. I discovered what great hearts my friends have. The support they gave me was wonderful. The true nature of people was revealed to me. And in some instances, it blew my mind. Had it not been for losing Sarge, I never would have gone to the Hendricks County Animal Control, and found Jake. Little Jake. Pure joy and happiness. We love him a lot.

More to come....have a healthy and happy New Year.
Linda