sweeping away the cobwebs

I've been away from my blog for so long! Over the last few months, I've thought about blogging again and have even made attempts at "a first post", I didn't know where to start or what to say. How does one jump back in after being absent for almost 2 years?

I haven't been blogging for a combination of reasons, the biggest is that I started my blog without a clear direction, actually no direction at all, and a feeling that I had nothing of interest to say, soon came upon me.

While I was trying to figure all of this out, an email landed in my box from the Scintilla Project. Perhaps this is the way to sweep the cobwebs from my blog. Maybe this project will help me discover my blogging voice, so I signed up right away. Here I am now posting about the commitment I've made to give blogging another try.

What is the Scintilla Project you ask? Click on the badge in the sidebar for all the information and to sign up. There's still time!

CCC #6

I'm back! And I LOVED this challenge. When I first started altering things I bought lots of items on eBay ~ which was great, but really do you want to continually use the same pieces over and over? This was a fun and simple way to change up things that I really do love. Both the heart and the bar at the top of the piece above are metal made to look new and fresh. To find out how I put this together check out page 66 of "A Compendium of Curiosities" by T!m Holtz. To see more about the challenges, check out Studio L3!
I enjoyed putting this piece together. I've had these photos for more than a year, and found them to be perfect to use with this challenge.
I'm hoping to fill my 7 Gypsies receipt holder with all kinds of fun pieces.

Small Confession: I did try to complete the last two challenges, however, (big sigh) I don't know how to emboss!! I'm so ashamed! No worries, my buddy Studio Rose to the rescue, she's coming up next week and has promised to teach me!

Journaling with Teresa McFayden

I've long wanted to find a form of art journaling that I could do on a regular basis. I think maybe I've found it! I totally lost myself putting together these pages together.

I spent a few hours today prepping and painting pages that I can journal and doodle on while I have my morning coffee. I have to say the prep work was much fun! I finished several sets in no time.

Here's a closer look at the left page - yes, I put the holes on the wrong side, but I'll work that out with some ribbon or something once I do a title page. I used two white pens, one a uni-ball signo and the other an Inkssentials. Both worked well.

A closer look at my second page. Such fun!!

I have a question for you - I journal first thing in the morning about the previous day, because obviously, not much has happened that early! Do I date it the day it happened, the previous day, or do I date it the day that I journal it, the day after it happens?

I can't wait to see what Teresa has in store for us tomorrow.

More Tim Holtz in CCC #3

I had so much fun with this challenge! It was messy, inky with oh so cool results! You can find the details in Tim's book, "A Compendium of Curiosities" on page 51. To join in on the challenges's click on the link and visit Linda's blog.

I'm not sure if you can tell from this picture, but I used Tim's Texture Hammer on the corner brads. I've wanted one of those hammer's since I first saw them in his book and yesterday Michael's had them on clearance for $6.99! What a deal!

I was able to incorporate this weeks challenge into the book I am making by using it on the cover of a little Field Journal I stitched into the back of the file folder. (See last post for the cover.)

The pages are actually kraft wrapping paper that I found at Michael's. It's not as heavy as a roll of kraft shipping paper, a perfect weight for journaling or even adding photos or other embellishments. (I have the pages clipped together as they still want to roll up!)

Just so you can see the spine of the original folder where I stitched in the little journal. Now, to work on Claudine's class at BPS and hopefully be all set for tomorrow's challenge!

Thank you, Linda, for hosting, I'm having such fun!

Happy 4th of July!

Everybody Loves Tim Holtz!

It's been so long since I've posted to, or even visited, my own blog I had to log onto blogger to remember how to get here! Shame on me. Anyway, my BFF, StudioRose, talked me into joining the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge hosted by Linda, on her blog, Studio L3.

Getting off to a good start, I'm jumping right in with Challenge #2! (Okay, I admit I tried the first challenge, I was awful! I'm going to give it another go, so watch for that!) Challenge #2 was Fragment Basics, following is my attempt.

This is the first fragment I made using Paper doll pARTs stamp set, Basic Grey paper and Distress Inks from Tim Holtz. The fragment is attached with a Tim jump ring and then tied on with the same thread (colored with distress ink) that I used in the stitches across the bottom and at the corners of the pocket.

While I was waiting for this to dry I noticed a small round fragment that looked to be the same size as the smallest stamp in the set and made this next.

I attached this tiny little fragment using a Tim jump ring and a mini clip that I slid into a pocket.

I gave a lot of thought on how to use the finished challenges, some are making tag books, and I really liked that idea (StudioRose!). In the end I thought I'd use mine in the projects I was working on. That way I thought I'd not only learn the technique but how to incorporate it into my own work. We'll see how it goes! This is the front cover of a folder/book I'm working on.

The next challenge will be announced on Monday! Check out Linda's blog!

Here comes the sun. . .

We've been busy around here since thawing out. Maybe not Jake so much, unless you count chasing patches of sunlight to stretch out in.

I met with my landscape designer yesterday to go over her plan for my front side yard. It's beautiful! I cannot wait to see it finished. We'll probably start the end of February or the beginning of March. Everything she's chosen is native to our area, will do well in the Florida sunshine and droughts. Just about all the plants have something special about them, in that they attract birds, bees, and/or butterflies, some have berries, most flower - I think it's perfect! The flowers are all white - Oakleaf Hydrangea, Walter's Viburmum, Bridal Wreath with a little pink - Pink Perfection Camelia and Twist & Shout Hydrangea. There will also be blueberries and a thornless blackberry. Under our Cypress tree she's planning to put Variegated Algerian Ivy, which I love! Very excited!

I've also been fine tuning my studio - reorganizing, purging things I know I'll never use, finding better ways to store what I will use and most of all, trying to get rid of ugly clutter! I can't create in all that clutter! I've been in the room for 2 years now, and have a pretty good idea of what works for me and what doesn't. A redesign was in order. I ended up with a new desk and a new shelf which are now in place. I'm thinking I'll use my old desk - actually half a table - as a sewing table. I'm getting close to finishing up, as soon as I do, I'll post pictures.

My neighbor invited me to her knitting group last Tuesday - Loved That! Very nice group of ladies, very warm and welcoming. I've been knitting ever since and have even pulled out a couple knitting books to plan my next project - using my stash, of course!


Hoping you are enjoying your day!

The weather outside was frightful . . .

. . . but the fire was so delightful!

We have had historically cold temperatures here in Florida - hard freezes lasting several hours for more than a week. Granted other places have had much worse weather and snow to go along with it, but this is Florida! We aren't prepared! We don't own warm clothes! And boots? Forget about it! Okay, cute boots maybe, but nothing to keep your feet warm! Some homes don't even have central heat! No, I'm not kidding!

So what does one do? I for one, did as little as possible! I aimed my space heater at the comfy couch, curled up in a quilt with Gracie and Jake and started reading Stephen King's, "Under the Dome". When that got too scary I started watching "Sex and the City" on DVD - I made it through all 6 seasons AND the movie!

We've thawed out now, so to speak and I'm off the couch, but there's laundry and shopping to be done. I'll be back later this week, I just wanted to check in and thank all of you who have left comments - I love it when you do that!

Stay warm!!

This little chair.

This little chair has sat in the corner of my living room for years! We bought it at an antique shop because we liked the leather seat and back and it's really comfy. I moved it into the dining room when we put up the Christmas tree and I've sat in it more in the past month than the last 2 years combined. It's the perfect place to curl up and read.
It's right by the fireplace, so it's warm and cozy.
(Yes, our stockings are STILL hung by the chimney with care!)
And even though I put a little bed next to the chair for Jake, the second I get up, he makes himself right at home!

My Writing Table

Murph and I bought this little writing table, probably 10 years ago at a little antique shop in our neighborhood that is no longer open. We both love how it fills this little spot in our living room. When we started redecorating the room, we thought we might replace it as it's got a few bumps and bruises. We've been looking since June and haven't found anything we like nearly as much as this. Then we found a simple little chair!
As soon as we saw these little black chairs (yes, there are two of them) we knew we were painting the table black - the next day we were at Home Depot and within a few hours it was finished!
I love the little details on this writing table!
These little chairs are so sweet! The cane is in great shape on both of them and they are nice and sturdy.
Look at the little flower! My new favorite find!
This is the second chair, which is now resting in my dining room. Not sure it will stay there once the Christmas decorations are down, but for now I like it.

One Little Word

"B" is also for BETTER.

My one little word for 2010. I chose it to remind myself to try and be better, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend. I also want to try and do better, better at blogging, better at completing projects - just better all around!

Previous Years Words:
2007 Grace
2008 Accomplish
2009 Peace

Christmas in January?

If I remember correctly, it was January of 2009 when I posted our 2008 Christmas tree pictures. At least I'm consistent! This year we had a late Christmas as Bryn's leave was over New Year's. As long as he was able to come home, we were happy.

I used the ornaments I bought last year, just added a few more in the same colors and some garland. I found the nutcrackers at TJ Maxx.
Love the clip on birds, too!
Love the early morning sunlight shining in.
Our Christmas was lovely, I hope yours was, too!

Welcome 2010

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Choosing Paint - Not for Sissy's!

My family and friends can tell you how I agonize over paint choices, it can literally take me a year to decide on a color. I know it's said that paint is cheap, but really, it's not! Okay, relatively speaking, paint is an inexpensive way to improve the look of your home. However, when the paint for one room of my home costs more than $100, I can't say that it's cheap. Not to mention the time it takes to actually paint the room! We've painted 3 rooms of our home since June of this year and I've gained some confidence in choosing paint, still it isn't a job for sissy's!

Last week we had our 'roofing system replaced'. We thought we were having our house re-roofed, but it turned out to be more of a renovation. Our roof is new from the rafters up - oh wait! Some of the rafters are even new! The fascia boards are new and some of the siding was replaced as well. This means we need to paint!

Here's a "Before" shot of our roof -

I know, it's not the greatest picture, but I didn't think to take an actual "Before" of my ugly old roof!

Here's an "After" -
We had thought once the roof was finished, we'd have a landscaper come in and help us with the front yard. We'll still do that, but after we paint. Which brings us back to choosing paint. We live in an historic district, and while they don't have strict guidelines, or any at all really, most of the homes are painted colors that blend into nature. I've been walking the neighborhood, looking at houses and the colors they are painted. I noticed there are A LOT of soft yellows and creams, and decided I wanted something different. I've never been a fan of green, but I found a house with a paint scheme that I really like and headed to Home Depot for samples and paint related reading material.
Much of yesterday was spent with the ott light on the table as we looked at different colors together, trying to narrow down the choices so we could buy samples to try on the house. These are the first two selections we'll try.
Kind of a greenish blue with an antique white trim and red doors. I really like red doors. I am also influenced by paint color names - the darker greenish blue is called 'dragonfly' and I like that!

The white across the top is for the fascia and soffits, which we are going to do in vinyl. (Note: Until last week, I didn't even know what fascia and soffits were! Now I know what they are and that it's a good idea to do them in vinyl.)

If these turn out to be the paint colors we use on the house, I'll have made a HUGE break through! Stay tuned. . . .

I'm a Winner!

I have been enjoying Bookreporter.com's newsletter since they were a part of the AOL community. Every Saturday morning I sit down at my computer with a cup of coffee and spend an hour or two with their weekly newsletter. I started out making my reading wish list in a small notepad I could carry with me when I went to the bookstore. After a year or so, I graduated to a PDA. Today, I head to Amazon and send a sample to my Kindle. How times have changed!

No matter how I make my list, Bookreporter has pointed me in the direction of many wonderful authors I may never have found on my own, Lisa Tucker being one of them. Imagine my surprise to learn that I had won a copy of her latest in their monthly drawing! Also included in my package were:

have a little faith, by Mitch Albom

The Last Song, by Nicholas Sparks

Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey Niffenegger

The Promised World, by Lisa Tucker

An Echo in the Bone, by Diana Gabaldon

I'm looking forward to reading all of these, but especially Her Fearful Symmetry, as I loved her first novel, The Time Traveler's Wife. I've only read the first two of Diana Gabaldon's series, but now that I have the latest one in hand, I think it's probably time to catch up!

I hope you all have a great weekend - if you need me, you'll find me curled up on the couch with Jake and Gracie reading!

Is anyone still here?

It's been forever since I've posted, I know. I wasn't sure I would come back to blogging - the longer I was away from it, the harder it seemed to get back into it. I didn't intend to take such a long break, or any break at all really. Things just seemed to get busier than I'd expected. Murph went back to work and Bryn came home from Afghanistan (safe and sound). Then we decided to do a little remodeling/redecorating, that turned into a lot of remodeling/redecorating - it just got away from me!

Things are rather back to normal again, at least for a while! Brutus has moved to NC with Bryn.


Murph drove a U-Haul up with all his furniture, the pool table, things for his kitchen we'd found him, his surf board - all his goodies, a week or so earlier. Once he was settled he came back for Brutus and his bike.He looks pretty happy in the passenger seat next to his buddy, doesn't he? Bryn said he was good for the entire trip - about 7 hours. He's settling in nicely.
This little guy was dropped off in our front yard at the end of June. He had a note on his collar, "I am a good boy. I need a home and love." I wonder how long they watched my house before they realized what a sucker for dogs I am! LOL! We've named him Jake and after a few rough patches he's fitting in nicely and getting along with the girls.
This is the only piece of artwork I've managed since April! I can't believe it myself. I collaged two chipboard pages from a chipboard book by Maya Road. It's the first time I've tried some of the layering techniques here. Since I made it in early September, I went with kind of a school theme.

Yeah, the theme becomes more apparent on the insides!
And the back - I love that little girl with the HUGE bow in her hair!

Thanks for checking back - I'm sure I can do better at posting on a more regular basis!

Of Birds and Books

I've been working on this for a while now, and while it wasn't hard, I kept getting distracted by one thing or another. It's a short children's story about sparrows - in a bird shaped book.
From the side. (The little bird cage is a candle holder I found at Michael's.)
Close up - don't you love vintage millinery flowers? And tulle - I'm a big fan of tulle!
Flower frogs are pretty cool, too. (Did I not give this guy an eye? Oh my!)
Vintage rhinestone buttons.
And a photo of Bryn when he was a little guy.
Little birdies on a wire.
Love that pink button. (That's Murph in his high school football days!) ETA: See the small silver frame on the left, sort of behind the cage - that's Murph!
Gotta have a little bling.
All babies fly the nest sooner or later!