Sassafras & LuLu

Summer Stuff

2008-07-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

BABY IT'S HOT OUTSIDE....Hello All. It is certainly been summer around here, get yer fans out. My windows are loaded with them. Not giving into the electric company this year again, no A/C around here. BUT the good news is that this year we have the POOL to dive into which makes these hot summer days very bearable. Can't get much done in the house w/the heat, but then a quick dip in the pool can add some needed energy.

Summer here means some babysitting of my grand-daughter (that still makes me feel old, naturally) and a quick shot of my niece, grand-daughter, other niece and the 2 little ones all snuggled on the couch early in the morning. TV Zombies at the moment. This week is our Day Camp at our church, or vacation bible school. Ours is the longest around here, from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00p.m., and my 2 youngest girls attend w/my grand-daughter this year, and my one Daughter helps out and I am in the craft area again. So we arrive by 9:00a.m. and home by 2:45. Lots of catching up to do.....our day was longer yesterday w/an added doctor appt. for one child, chores, etc...and it happened to be my birthday. Yes, we have given up on adding actual years and are counting down. My oldest, 23, bought me some birthday PIZZA...yum. But, again, lets not talk about getting older shall we?!

Here some pics of items I made for the last swap I completed, Grimm Fairy Tale Swap from Lenna

This was a very fun swap w/images from, of course, Grimm Fairy tales & Alpha Stamps collage sheets. I have so many photos to download and update...some day!! Now I have to do the mad rush to work on and complete another swap from Vivian and get that mailed out by the end of the month but I should be used to this by now. Not very motivated, then all of a sudden it all comes together. I do think I am much more into crafting in the cooler weather as trying to craft in the pool is not gonna work out, LOL!! Happy summer to you, mine is going to fast, I want to hold onto my girls as long as I can and not let go!
Hugs, Carol

Happy Fourth of July

2008-07-04T17:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of JULY to you all. The above Strawberry Pie is no longer with us....it was finished off very quickly, nothing like a homemade strawberry pie!! So different than the store bought ones w/that artificial glaze stuff.... sorry to tempt you all. Made that the other week. We enjoyed some time w/family at a picnic today. Woke up to clouds and light drizzle and it finally cleared up enough for many hours to visit and eat and the kids to play. It began to rain steady when we were about ready to go home, around 7:00PM. We were determined to make the best of it either way as you cannot control the weather but you can control your outlook! Sounds like we are in for more rain this weekend (another picnic tomorrow in MD) hope your part of the world is sunny and you are enjoying the holiday. DH usually gets us some little fireworks and sparklers etc..from one of the many stands that they put up but w/the weather we did not get any yet. Maybe they will be half price tomorrow night.

I am still behind w/posting of photos for the other swaps I have completed lately. Here is what I made for my partner in the "cowgirl swap". I seem to do more of these wall hangings. I outlined the letters (cowgirl moon) w/glitter and embossed them so they sparkled really nice (I have to practice more w/embossing tho'). I made the stars sparkle w/glass glitter and the vintage-map paper worked out great for a background.

I have begun most of my work like this w/a sketch and then scan it (w/help of DH) and work from the image. On this cowgirl I wanted to try some painting as well as layering some of my scrapbook papers that I love for her clothes and tried to antique them w/the chalks as well as add some shadows. I drew in the lines for the rope then painted that. I also included some stamping w/decorative stamps.

In the end I added polka dot ribbon trim all around. I like to get to experiment each time with the different challenges that come w/the various craft swaps. The feeling of completing something from start to finish in a short amount of time is indescribable for someone like me. Without the deadlines I would never get stuff done. How wonderful to get stuff DONE.

We are all off schedule w/the summer but enjoying time w/the girls.
And this girl....just became an official "teenager" yesterday...Happy Birthday!!

Her 2 younger sisters made their own cards and we have tried to let them have what they choose for dinner. Anticipating this, dd8 wrote the following in her card:

"Happy Birthday teanageer Maddie I love you Maddie.
for teanager Maddy
Have a happy birthday Maddie and a good teanager B day and for diner we mite go to Chicken felay (a fast food restaurant)
are you exscidid to go

I love you so much"

In her own spelling of course.
Priceless!! Good night all and God Bless. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Cowgirl Swap - My partner

2008-06-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all enjoying your summer so far! I am keeping busy w/kids & swaps. Above is a picture of what I recently received from my partner Lisa Mallette, we were to make something vintage/cowgirl. She made me a cool/vintage wall hanging out of an altered cookbook! I love the vintage picture and the "wood" like painting technique on the cover. Great job Lisa. Below is another photo of what she sent me....a handmade/bound journal.

Once again, she did a great job. I really like the fabric cover w/the photo and nice touches inside the cover and paper she used in the book. Not only did receive some nice artwork but met another friendly blogger!! You can find her at: www.studiorose.wordpress.com. Say "hello" and see what she is making.

Here is a little "thank-you" mini collage for the hostess...that I have to mail w/some other things to the many hosts in the past. It is hard keeping up w/swap projects alone..and then to send out thank-you's, I am just behind and should take a few hours to wrap that stuff up & send it all out at once. (before next year!!) I am some kind of "perfectionist" wanna be...that is my stuff has to be just right before I send it out, even if it takes soooo long & I need to stay up into the weee hours of the night. I say "wanna be" since I am so far from having it together I just dream of it. What would it be like if I did things in a timely manner instead of in the rush of the moment? Freeing I tell you. I keep trying to tell my mind that but my spirit and my mind are not connection of how things should be so for now I must continue to function on my "mindless" time zone of "Hurry-Hurry". I will post what I made for my gal later, as well as quick photos of what I got from the "birds/bonnets" swap that I am needing to post. I have been busy as well enjoying our pool....it is like having a resort in our back yard, or did I say that before??
Stay cool!!! Carol

Under Construction

2008-06-15T01:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of our pool under construction. As you can see, it is never too soon to enjoy the new pool! No need for life saving devices in a couple inches of water....

Please read the saga of our pool in the post below!

Pool Progress

2008-06-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is the story of our pool. An abbreviated version somewhat. And why I have been away from my computer for a bit of time once again.
We purchased our pool about 4 years ago at the end of the season on a special clearance. It was in a few boxes. We had good intentions figuring on set up the next year. The next year came and we found out through research that we needed tons more work on our yard to support our new above ground oval pool and through a few quotes found out the cost for that alone would be at least $2000. Our hopes were deflated and time went on another year passed and even one more after that. We just could not work things out for a long, long time financially. Another season came and with that some hope as we found someone to do the work on our yard, to flatten our slope and prepare it, for 1/4 the price. We had the work done and still even then it was not quite right. DH did a lot of work w/laser levels and scraping more dirt, etc....then mapping it all out and laying down all the track and some major pieces, only to find we were missing 2 major steel diagonal support pieces. Through many phone calls found the pool store closed and no luck w/any of the pool manufacturers either... By that time another end of season was upon us and we would wait one final year.
Enter 2008. With this new year, once again we hoped of a pool but did not want to get our hopes too high as anything can happen. We purchased the filter system, and located a steel company that could cut 2 pieces just so DH could fabricate them as needed to do the job, purchased sand and set a date to begin set up. W/ many wheel barrows of sand and lots of hard work we prepared the site some more. Actual set up would begin the weekend of June 6th. Just so happens the friends from church would not be available since that was our big Church Picnic and to top it all off, we began our first heat wave of the summer. We worked for many days in scorching temperatures, one way or another the pool was going up. Had a little help Sunday w/the liner but for the most part it was just the 2 of us. (no not the the "flippers" below..LOL)

The pool did get up as you can see. We filled slowly, it took 4 days as the first night of filling we woke up to find 4 walls buckling a bit at the top...DH figured out a fix and spent another hour or 2 straightening it all out. Then the next night was one of our biggest storms w/65 or so MPH winds and our pool survived. We ran into so many problems (& fears!!) but it is finally up and running. We will need to add a deck and ladder soon, when we recover and find time) The filter system just attached yesterday and filled to the top. I claimed a float, as all mommas need to do. We still cannot believe that there is this lovely pool waiting for us every day. It is like a little piece of heaven for our whole family and such a blessing as our family loves to be home, we are simple people. And the look on our youngest seems to say it all: We cannot believe we have our own pool now!!!!!

Saying a "good night and God Bless" to you all,
Carol

Some of my little cowgirls too

2008-06-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of my little babes when we went to a craft festival and they had pony rides w/hats to top it all off. That was last fall. I am dreaming of fall already. I am trying to type at the bottom of this post but now I have the lovely problem of the computer underlining things for some reason....so I will finish up here. What in the world makes it underline all of a sudden?

O.K. I just got past the underlining ghost...all clear at the moment. Have a wonderful night. Will posts pics of the beautiful lovelies I received from the "birds & bonnets" swap next.
Carol

Cowgirls

2008-06-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

It seems I had found another swap to join and another friend to make! This is the "Cowgirl Swap" from Tina Wright I really enjoy challenging myself w/different themes. Here are some photos to go w/the theme of "Cowgirl". A Cowgirl Rooster. (lovely door stop don't ya think)

Some Pink Cowgirl boots and last of all part of my Swap that I am working on and need to finish up over the weekend. Posting some more "country pics" too. I am uploading pictures from "picasa" and found that I could do 3 pictures at once but having trouble manipulating them and don't know how to add more to this from there. Does anyone else know how to post more than one picture at a time any other way? This is such a different world and so not me.
Carol

Keeping busy

2008-05-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some images of the panels that I completed for Karla & Beth's "birds & bonnets" swap. It was fun using the images that we received from them & Vintage Workshop for use in the project. We needed to make 4 panels 5" high & decorate front and back using at least one image from their collection (Vintage Workshop) and send them off to be hole-punched and then off to the many swappers.

It is great to have themes for the swaps as so many times I have no idea where to start crafting and a theme gives me a starting point.

I am trying to post quickly as a storm is coming upon us and I don't want to lose all of this. I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend. We had nice family time, however there was an incident w/a close member of the family and I hope that clears up soon. There is no sense is families holding grudges or being unforgiving. There are many out there who have not even talked to each other for years. What is the point of that? You have the family God gave you and families are blessings. They teach us how to love and yes even FORGIVE and be FORGIVEN. How short life is. And how I know that in a blink of an eye any one of us can wake up tomorrow and things could be totally changed. So, remember to love each other. Speaking of loving, I am loving meeting all of my friends out here in this new world (well to me anyways) and meeting new friendly gals in another swap. You can tell when you have met another friend by their kind words and emails.
Have a great night. Hugs, Carol

Mermaid Swap

2008-05-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

So where was I? Wow, I think this is the longest I have been away from my post, but it seems the best time to upload pics and write is when kiddos are in bed at night and by then, unless my mind is super motivated which lately it has not been, I am too tired. I just have to realize that there are times when I cannot be here as often as I like. The photo above is of some beautiful flowers from my friend at our women's CBS class. She gave these lovely gifts to a handful of us. She had also sent me a card w/lots of thoughts typed in. Receiving letters and cards in the mail can really lift your spirits and make you feel like a kid again, awaiting that special surprise in the mail. That is the fun of Swaps too. Not enough letter writing any more..mostly emails!
Speaking of swaps....Ahhhh, the feeling of completion. I finished my project for the "mermaid swap" and not only that, but a week ahead!! We were to make something "mermaid" and I made this wall hanging. Above was my first sketch.

This was fun as I added some different techniques that I never tried before. I wanted some shine and sparkle for my mermaid girl. I painted her tail then used a sparkly paint, then cut is apart w/scalloped scissors & glued all the pieces down one at a time. When dry, I coated it w/ "paper glaze".

I also used some beads, shimmer paints, a few rhinestones, crepe paper, and ribbon too. It is good to challenge myself and even better to finish a project!

Little Mermaid baby tag came along too. Remember, it is so fun to do tags as you can only add so much stuff to them because of your space limitations! I finished up the Birds & Bonnets swap, will post another day. Hope you all were able to feel the joy of completion.
Hugs/Blessings....Carol

Speed Bumps

2008-05-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we are moving right along and focusing (well, o.k., kind of focusing, how people like me try to do) on what our goals are. Full of energy and determination. Then those little speed bumps come along and knock us off track a bit. That is how this week was, appointments to dentists (kids, & on the way home dd12 is still not feeling well from the fluride stuff and begins to get sick during mom's coffee run...it was my lucky day..she packed her lunch in a plastic bag and you have never seen lunch go flyin out of a bag and onto the mouth of a child so fast, and actually that was my lucky day as I have never had that kind of luck before, normally it would be all over the car..ugh. So while dd still feels unwell, I am goin on and on about how wonderful to save the day w/one of those plastic bags & she wonders if that is all I care about since she has just gotten sick! LOL...oh, is this a run-on sentence?)

Now where was I? This week I just was not accomplishing much in the way of the organization plan or anything else. My days went astray w/all kinds of unplanned things...bumps. Add PMS and that spells trouble. The "I am never gonna win this battle who am I kidding" kinda blues...can you hear that song. So I am just going to crawl out of it. Still exercised/walked. Added some "peanut chews" & "swedish fish" to the mix (chips & dip may be coming up yet, I cannot tell yet). But hey, I finished my project for the "Mermaid Swap" from Bella-Enchanted Just have to add finishing touches and mail out Monday..another one due out end of week. Will take photos this weekend.

I remember when all I could post was these lovely vintage pictures and could only hope to post my own stuff, crafts, family, fun finds. I have more to upload this weekend maybe adding yard sale finds once again if it does not rain in the morning. Last weekend I found some really great things again, including a tripod for my camera that I have to try out. I like posting my treasures but had no time lately. Hope you all enjoy your weekend. I hope to get back into my forward motion of getting my home in order and posting regularly. There is always another day isn't there? Some nights I can feel like I am so defeated and then comes the morning full of hope.

Goodnight & God Bless
Carol

Gone Fishin

2008-04-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

The lilacs are blooming - it's amazing how flowers make you feel

And, they smell wonderful

Hello and how was your weekend? Ours was fun. No deadlines this time. Just enjoying the weather. Last Friday one of the girls also had a school trip to the zoo that I was able to go on. Followed by Chinese food for dinner for us all (minus a dd12 who went away for weekend w/friend camping).

The girls were happy to go fishing.

But.....this was what happened when the fish were no where to be found. It's the Sad Puppy Dog Face, oh no!
So,
we went for water ice
That helped.

Saturday was YARD SALES Too. AND we love yard sales.Picked up a few treasures.

A few wonderful books and some pictures

A wire/wicker shelf for craft supplies (remember, we are organizing our stuff)

I hope you had a great weekend too. It is Monday again, so soon. Dd-12yr. happened to play soccer w/bare feet while away. We know what happens when we do that don't we?? Yes, we hurt our foot and had to go to the Dr.s today...just bruise/swelling...
Is anyone else organizing, cleaning out? I am happy to say that I am getting rid of things here and there almost every other day. We will not quit. We need a place for everything. It is time for positive thinking. Can we do it? Yes we can. Oh sorry that was from a kids show.

Gotta go, signed up for 2 more swaps. Must continue w/our creative energy in the midst of life. AND swaps demand that I fulfill my commitments and create! Have a great night.
hugs, Carol

Only a Year?

2008-04-15T18:16:00.001-07:00

Yes, you too can have an organized life. Who would have thought that even though most of my life (no I am not sayin how many years) of chaos could be changed in one year? I keep telling my husband that I can't wait, I only have 11 more months until I am completely organized, LOL! Yeah it does sound good. This is what I have been reading and I have not read at bedtime for a while. I do like to have a good book and have not had one for some time. Reading at bedtime really does help me get sleepy, that nice kinda dozing off sleepy....that my DH gets every night and I do not. It takes me quite a while to fall asleep, but reading seems to get me to relax, I need to keep up with that. In my never ending quest for sanity and organization, a dear friend had led me to this latest best seller (One Year To An Organized Life, by Regina Leeds). I have been tired of my CHAOS. And it sounds like I have some friends who are going through this in life too. This is a very good book, I hate for it to end...but I guess it does not really if you try to keep going over all the helpful advice. AND I am for helpful advise.

When you live in total disorganization it effects everyone around. I have always thought I could never be organized, that it was for the chosen few. But that is not true and it is what we tell ourselves over and over. Well, today (actually weeks ago) I can be organized....just for today as it goes. I will share with you some of what I am learning as I get time.

Being organized takes time and motivation and quick decision making doesn't it?
If you have any tips along this journey please feel free to share them. Being organized will let me bloom in the garden of crafting....I could not create and enjoy crafting time when I NEVER got anything done (my rule was: upon completion of all my chores, only then could I craft..WOW) AND I could not find all of my stuff, as it was all in little PILES everywhere. In fact, right now I cannot even sew one stitch on my sewing maching because it is covered and surrounded by STUFF. That is on the list too, but I am not onto that little room yet. BUT I will be.

Being disorganized makes me STRESSED and late for things. AND I only complete things half way, as I do not know how to manage my time correctly. You can follow me on this journey. It is now a journey of crafting, blogging, making new creative friends, and organizing and working on my home each day!! I am so happy as I have already thrown out and donated some stuff! yay!
Hugs and Blessings,
Carol

Taking Time

2008-04-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

Taking time... I went away this weekend, overnight, to a mini women's conference for our bible study. There was a speaker there who talked about "leaders" taking time for themselves and "filling up" their own tanks before depleting completely as they pour out what they can into others. His title was "Dead Leader Running". A leader can be lots of things. You don't have to lead a ministry or bible study or be a manager of a company. You can be a wife/mom too (either with or without the above titles). You can be helping to "lead" your family in every way. So this can apply to just about everyone. I am wondering. How are you? Are you running on empty? Have you taken time to invest in you and then your family so that you can be effective in all that you do or want to become? Think about it. He said he was told to take a piece of paper and make 2 categories....one for "what fills you" and the other "what drains you". To find what fills you, he (Wayne Cordeiro) said to think of this: What am I doing, where and with whom am I doing this...that when I do this, I feel most alive and full. That is what "fills" you.

Some of what fills me is creating. Below you will find 3 ATCs...Artist Trading Cards, that I created. Awhile back I noticed on Lori's blog
that she was giving away a lovely ATC type card and the only catch was if chosen to receive one that you requested you had to create 3 of your own to give away.These three are available for giveaway. The one above is "Once in a Blue Moon" w/a moon made out of beads.

The next ATC is called "French Farm" and is embellished w/some rhinestone jewels at the bottom.
Lastly, a card titled: "Awaiting Love"
If you are interested in any of these let me know and it can be yours. Remember they are just little works of art, the size of a playing card..but fun to make as you only have so much room to obsess over..LOL
And my rules are more relaxed...if you cannot make 3, just make what you can to give away. I am no expert as I only ever made one before.
Take care and don't forget to take time for YOU somehow each and every day.
hugs,
Carol

The Easter Basket Swap

2008-04-01T18:16:00.001-07:00

I am now posting pictures of the Easter Basket Swap hosted by "Bella Enchanted" (bella-enchanted.blogspot.com). This was very fun and my partner was Lolly (lollysnestegg.blogspot.com). She did a great job and her basket was full of surprises...glitter, scrapbook stuff, Easter treasures, a nest w/eggs, some cute tags that she made, a bunny scrubber for dishes/hand towel, some embellishments and more. That was my first basket that I can ever remember even as a kid as my parents changed religions and stopped celebrating the holidays as we know them when I was probably in 1st grade. So it was so fun to do this!!

And then I decided to send her this white basket w/hydrangea trim on the front and included some treats/scrap paper stuff/collage images/white furry & ribbon trims/pink cookie sugar/vintage apron/doily/note cards w/"L" on them etc.... it was as much fun filling a basket for her as it was to receive one!!
I included this Easter Card that I made...It was fun as I figured out how to make an egg and have it open w/another egg inside that had these vintage Easter images on them as a removeable tag. I was in the creating mode and I hope it continues...but I guess I gotta find time again.
Oh, goodness where does time go? Time to visit w/my Honey. (and dream of entering more swaps...yeah that's the ticket..zzzzz)
hugs, Carol

Catching up

2008-03-31T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hello out there! I have some catching up to do. Below you will find the rest of the "Hippity Hop" swap items that I received for swap.

Day 8: A lovely hanging picture by Stephanie Rojas. (we all hope she has a site for us to visit one day soon!!!) It is very nice w/a vintage pic w/layers of paper and pink tinsel at the bottom...and sparkly embellishments! (the photo has a lovely was finish)

Day 9: from Dolly (www.frommycherryheart.blogspot.com) She made this beautiful vintage looking box w/glitter accents on the top..just the right sparkle and some candy treats inside! Go visit Dolly's blog, she is a sweatheart! (most of you know of her by now!)
Day 10: Brought to you by Jessi at scrappyjessi.blogspot.com.
It is a lovely collection of colorful cards..they remind me of ATC's. w/Easter embellishments and
pretty ribbons!
Lastly...Day 10 was from Bristol (cottagebythe river.typepad.com). She made a cute easter basket w/the handle wrapped in pink ruffled ribbon...the basket has glitter all over it and a vintage pic on the front...inside is a very cool egg!
I want to say a big thank you to Heather (www.boobyfish.blogspot.com) for hosting the swap and also to Donna (undertheredroof.typepad.com) for helping organize and shipping out our stuff. We had such a great group of girls, so fun, sweet, and talented! Thanks a bunch!
and since posting/uploading pics takes soooo long, I must be on my way....ttfn
and goodnight for now Carol

Easter, the Son has Risen

2008-03-23T19:45:00.001-07:00

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL!!

He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed! (I saw a great saying..it is not about the bunny, it's about the LAMB)

I stayed up way too late again, but had to complete the decorating and baskets for Easter. We had a nice church service. Followed by: Our second Easter egg hunt outback...which included 2 of the youngest and granddaughter

Why were these children trying to climb the garage walls? (the stone faced walls that Honey just put up end of summer...that may become loosened by egg hunting climbing girls)

Because "Honey" thought it would be great to watch the kids wonder how to get them when they are up so high...they will try anything!

My oldest, granddaughter's mama...watches on

Some more...2:00 AM Easter decorating

Loved the blue chickies in Easter baskets...cool colors

And yes, we colored eggs this weekend

What did you do today? We had an early Easter dinner with my brother and his son. Ham, potato casserole, pineapple bake, corn, applesauce, rolls...yum. We did not make dessert as we were going to my sis-in-law's for dessert later.
After dinner we got out "Ressurection Eggs" (decided to complete them, as some pieces were missing, and will do them with the family each year as the little ones are getting older...sob,sob)
It was nice to have brother there to take part...as he is not familiar with them at all. (Ask me about how to make them if interested) You have 12 eggs and open one at a time with a different item/verse in each one about Easter....the last Egg is the best...it is Empty......He Has Risen!!!!

Soon the kids will be back at school..off tomorrow yet. So sad and hard to get back into routine (I know..what routine? I try, honest, somehow). Just had to stay up late one more night (it is now midnight again..if these photos would load quicker..that is what takes me so long for each photo..any tips??) to say Happy Easter and show you how we celebrated our day...Even took a nice walk w/honey tonight too!
HAPPY EASTER FROM THE CAMPBELL'S

May you know the joy and hope that Easter brings as I leave you with this:
"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but no abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the Life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

More Hippity Hop Swap Gifts

2008-03-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

Our Swap countdown continues with
DAY -4- By Nola Wedlake (she doesn't have a blog..but she needs one!!)
It is a lovely mini bag scrapbook w/lots of pretty color, glitter and Ribbons!

Day -5- A precious bunny box w/bunny & eggs on top and lovely pastel colors & yes, topped w/glitter, another fine addition
by Jennifer (acharminglife.blogspot.com)

Day -6- was pretty necklace w/a sweet stitched bunny on one side (you cannot see, but the top is raised like a jewel on this side!)

With this on the back...great job Michele
(lifeonthisgoodday.blogspot.com)

Day -7- was my turn, my banner creations....I barely made it since I obsessed about colors of eggs and designs and must have cut out 100 or more ovals to get them just right. I made my first pattern and then tried to scan all the little bunnies and birds and "Happy Easter" banner separately and had to touch them all up along w/making each bunny dress painted different and bowl and background and you name it...why can't I just do simple???? Maybe because I was artistically deprived for so many years....(i went ga-ga, yeah that's it) But it is always nice to create for other true crafters!

And here they are, well there was 11 altogether and so worth it all to receive in return the art and talent of others

Be sure to check out these gals blogs and see more treasures.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

AND even somehow fit in this little gals birthday party on Sunday.
oh, can't they stop growing so fast, they are breakin my heart!

Good evening and God Bless!
hugs,
Carol

"Hippity Hop" Easter Swap Countdown & More

2008-03-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

I am still struggling with how to get these photos placed where they need to be! I thought I had it figured out how to move them around and now they are jumping like some kinda bunnies! How fitting for these swap photos.
As you can see (wherever these things show up) I opened my fun package last Thursday and waited until Friday to begin. Yes, it has taken me this long to get through the weekend w/b-day parties attended and to be given (1) along w/sleepovers and what-nots.
Seeing all of these treasures suddenly made me have difficulty waiting and there was a day (or two) when I simply could not control myself and had accidently, slightly ripped open a package and had to finish that, to reveal another hand made gift.

DAY -1-
Wrapped so nicely w/a pink polka-dot and brown bow (had to hold back dd12 from stealing said ribbon) was A wonderful papier mache bunny from a vintage-style chocolate mold from Cathy Nash, complete w/hand made easter grass from crepe paper,

and sprinkled w/some mica glitter (we love glitter)

along with glittered leaves & vintage paper flowers. Thank you Cathy!
(tadpolesandteacups.blogspot.com)

Day -2- Brought thise nice little two-sided charm from Amy.

It has vintage Easter pictures on each side.

It is very delicate and nice! Can't wait to hang it somewhere w/some pretty ribbon.
You can find Amy at: craftingbycandlelightblogspot.com
Thank you Amy!

Day -3- has brought a sparkly easter bunny by Teresa.
You can find her at plumwatercottage-evansville.blogspot.com
This sweet bunny is made out of papier mache and pastel colors.

And yes, we LIKE glitter. (we could just roll in it sometimes!!hee)

And so, stay tuned the next few days for more "swap" fun. I had actually vowed not to do another swap w/more than one day attached to it, but really, I TAKE THAT BACK (don't tell my hubby). It was worth every minute of obsessing about those hundred eggs that I cut out and color matching for each project and detailing each little bunny girl and painting all those bowls for the eggs and glitter everywhere and birdies and more glitter and a banner too and.....well you know, we just can't help ourselves. Creating is just flowing in the veins of us all indeed. Can't wait to share more of others works. But you must as it is not 12:25 and we are not talkin lunchtime here girls. These photos were hoppin so much and I was editing "undo" so often that I cannot think anymore (well to make sense that is). If I have learned something it is this: for now on I am not putting more than a couple photos on a post until I ever learn all the tricks to keep yer sanity.
night, night bloggies.....and hugs!
Carol

So many things to do, so little time

2008-03-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

Here is what I have been doing...creating, worrying some, getting through illnesses and car troubles and crafting...oh and we have to fit in a birthday party for Cassidy this weekend amidst nonstop appointments and life in general..So, I made some quick invitations too!

To your right is a beautiful "ATC" type creation that I received from Lori from Faerie Window, I am now supposed to make 3 cards to give away myself....that will be in the near future! Stay tuned for that! Lori does such lovely work, very vintage and romantic.

And, here is a sample of some works for the "Hippity Hop Easter Swap" that I so happily completed. We made 11 items (well one for me too!) and shipped them out and soon ours will arrive and we will do the countdown w/our treasures. I will work on finishing my "Easter Basket" Swap this week.

Wow, how long have I been away. Too long, I wonder what all of my blogging friends are up to? now I will have to visit you all and let you know I am here once again. I was so busy I did not get to post older pics. Here is some of what I had done for Valentine's Day, a Card. I have lots of beautiful vintage images and stuff that I had not had a chance to play with yet.

How have you all been? Probably busy as me! I don't like having such full schedules w/parties,Doctor Apt.,activities..and Stress. Daylight Savings now, here anyways. Maybe I will get more done? (sure)

Tagged - and weird things

2008-02-18T19:43:00.001-08:00

Well, Yes I was tagged by my friend Lisa
to actually tell you 7 more weird things about myself.
They were almost 10 angry things since this goofy blogger thingy is giving me a hard time and was not doing anything it was commanded to do! ARGGGH.
But back to weirdness....(what? those 7 other things about me in the past were not weird enough for ya?). Here goes:

1. I too have cut my bangs before while waiting for hair appts. but I have not stopped there (hold yer ears you perfectly coiffed chicks), oh no. I have done the sides and, well yes the back a bit and the length. How is that done so perfectly? Does she have eyes behind her head like her kids think? Only her hair dresser knows. (maybe that is why I don't have a steady hair-do gal.

2. One of my favorite books was "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey (don't worry, I am still the same but just thinkin about changin up a bit here and there. AND, in hopes of that all, my husband had purchased the next in line book..."The 8th Habit"--"From effectiveness to Greatness". Maybe some of that book will rub off on me.

3. I have a terrible memory.....which leads me to the fact that I must re-read "7 Habits" book again before even trying the "8th" or I may not move so easily into "greatness".

4. I don't like the dark. I mean pitch black dark, no night light, no street light, no nuthin. As in that big sky you all have out west that I was once so lucky to see. (and I thought the sky was only a portion of what it really is, guess these buildings and power lines been foolin me all along!) (and I never knew there were so many stars!!!! beautiful!

5. When I eat my dinner, it is one group at a time. (no special order) Like usually all the potato, then the next thing, etc..my husband just loves this quality... what does it all mean?

6. I like the barbie's to be dressed in their lovely outfits, preferably gowns. I once helped my girls out and dressed them all so lovely only to find them half naked the next day! (I know somewhere out there is a therapist just waiting to meet me) Don't worry, I have not made it a remember? I am going to re-read the "7 habits")

7. Hmmm, I know there is more weird stuff but when you live with yourself this long, it just seems natural, until a family member is over your shoulder eager to fill the world in on your weirdness (better save some for next tag, don't wanna overwhelm ya). I like to save some pretty tags/cards/labels/scraps of stuff/pictures/fabric/trims/glitter/paper--just loving the colors and thinking I was weird. Apparently there is a name for it...I am an Artsy Kinda Girl!

Oh my, now I gotta go off to dream world. No more chatting....I may be actually sleeping while writing this...