I've Got Paper Issues This Halloween

Two words...Paper Issues. Well, maybe two more words...totally inspiring. This brand spanking new blog site is running a Halloween link party. And its amazing how fast the word's gotten out! I just packed up my terrifying trunk of Halloween goodies but I just couldn't pass up creating one more project. And this is how it started:



I wanted to fill this glittery shoe from Raz with a bouquet of spooky delights. Its going to my favorite Witchy Woman, my mom. I gathered stuff from SEI's Moonrise collection, a Tim Holtz stamp,and Versa Magic chalk ink.



Then I made a couple of paper toppers with Moonrise journal cutouts. One says, The Bewitching Hour, in My Little Shoe Box mini alphas. And its backed with more SEI which is edged with Orange Peel Stickles. The other has a clock stamped and trimmed out with metallic ribbon. Next, I was inspired by Mandy Kay's super simple pumpkin tutorial, so I made a few of those.



I drew the faces on to save time. Also added, stems made from cutting apart "X's" from foam Thickers and leaves made from Prima Rose Leaves that I cut in half because they were too big. Then I twisted orange and black pipe cleaners and glued on the pumpkins. Oh yeah, and more Moonrise.

Finally, I started assembling everything. Crumpled newspaper substituted for floral foam in the base of the shoe to anchor everything. Foam would have been MUCH better. Next a black feather spray, the paper toppers, pumpkins, a few silk leaves, black feather plumes, spiders, a Prima Winter Rose backed with more SEI, and to finish, I embellished the shoe buckle with a Prima Gypsy petal and another spider.




Time to pack up the terrifying trunk until next year. Thanks for stopping by.

">

A Little Moonrise

Sketch challenges are just the thing when your mojo is stumped. This week's challenge at Sketchy Thursdays was so easy to work with for the product I wanted to use. The product is from SEI's Moonrise collection.



I wanted a traditional look for this 2005 group photo of my husband's family. The photo was taken at the Petroleum Club in Fort Worth on Thanksgiving. Each year, after dinner, Mother would force us to pose for a photo. We did this as fast as we could so we wouldn't miss the Cowboys kickoff on the tube.

Thanks for stopping by.

">

Halloween Mini for Mom

It's a dark and dreary day outside. Boris Karloff is on the tube. Gotta love old black and white classics. Its the perfect day for chili simmering on the stove. And working on some scrappy projects. But first, here's a little something I made for my mom last year. At that time I didn't blog, so she let me borrow it for posting today.

I made this mini using lots of Pink Paislee Twilight (Adore with a capital A). I threw in a little Graphic 45 and a few other things as well. The title work on the cover, The Witch and Famous, was found in a little boutique. It was the spark my mojo needed to put this together.



Joan Crawford (for Mom, of course)



Lizzie Borden...shame on you, you bad girl



Cruella Deville...fashionista, I'm hiding my cat from you



and my personal favorite, Leona Helmsley



Have a great weekend!

Its Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas....please don't stab me

Part of my job description is decorating and I do enjoy it even though, at times, its really hard work. And I get to work with some wonderful merchandise which makes my world a glittery place.

We got a head start this year. Here is one of the two wreaths (for a double-door)we've made using a large, ordinary green wreath form, assorted plastic balls, and lots of glue. We mainly used "industrial-strength" glue pellets heated in a craft skillet for the extra bond and it sets faster than a regular glue gun. For the balls, we selected jumbo shiny and glittered balls (about 6). Followed by large-sized on down to small clusters. The monotone color was so much easier to work with, instead of trying to even out several colors. Just keep in mind, you're going to need a LOT of balls to completely cover the form, but if stored properly, this wreath will last for many Christmases to come. I'm sorry that I didn't photograph the process of putting this together, but my boss wanted me to finish it ASAP.

Here's some tips:
Use plastic balls. They look like glass and no one will know the difference. If you hang this outdoors, it won't tarnish like glass.

Be careful with the glue. Try not to get glue strings all over the balls, especially the jumbo ones.

Place the jumbo balls first. Alter the placement, some inside some out. Make kind of a nest and use a lot of glue. Apply pressure to get a really good bond while it sets.

Large balls are next. I grouped them three at a time, kind of like a jigsaw puzzle, to begin the thick coverage. Fill in with smaller balls, etc. And there you have it.

A Quick Trip to Connecticut

Connecticut was a blast. Seeing all the family and meeting my new nephew made me spin like a top. Their home was so welcoming and the improvements they've made since my last visit are just awesome. I can say with certainty that Griffin is going to be a great big brother.

We mainly just hung out at the house. Decorated the front porch for Halloween. Watched baseball. Went to soccer practice (although it looked more like a cluster of confused 4-year olds).

The last day we were there we did the "touristy" thang. Went to Mystic for lunch at a great restaurant overlooking the bay and the draw bridge on main street. The food was divine.



Then we headed to Old Lyme and the Florence Griswold Museum. I was in hog heaven. They're currently featuring an outdoor scarecrow exhibit.



Artists created 33 scarecrows based upon famous artists or artworks. It was so over the top fun. Each scarecrow was so clever. The details and creativity were simply fabulous. I only wish I had more time to spend there. I must have taken over 100 photos (yep, there's a mini coming, fo sho). Here's just a few....

Vincent Van Gogh


Peter Maxx


Frieda


Thanks for stopping by and Happy Halloween

Season of the Witch

No fashionista witch is complete without her wand. Its absolutely a must-have accessory. She can't leave home without it. Here's what you're going to need for your wand:

Dowel rod
Wooden star (at least 1/2-inch thick)
Drill
Glue/gel medium
Sandpaper
acrylic paint/crackle paint
black ink
paint brush
patterned paper
ribbons/trims
embellishments



Step 1
Apply black acrylic paint as basecoat to dowel rod and the outer edge of the star. Allow to thoroughly dry.

Step 2
Paint with Tim Holtz Distress Crackle following manu directions. Tip: The thicker the application, the larger the cracks. Crackling is enhanced if heat gun is used for drying process.

Step 3
Distress slightly with black ink. Don't overdo it, a little goes a long way.



Step 4
Glue patterned paper to both sides of the star. Trace the star onto paper and cut out. Use adhesive of choice (I used gel medium) to adhere paper. After completely set/dry, carefully sandpaper the excess paper and glue from the star.



Step 5
Drill hole in the bottom of the star for the dowel rod. Squirt a little glue in the hole and insert the dowel rod. Tip: I was able to simply carve out a opening using a small screwdriver because the wood was soft. Just be sure that the hole is level so the dowel rod & star are straight.

Step 6
Embellish the star. Anything goes. I used packaging from Jenni Bowlin bingo cards, MME kraft die cuts, Making Memories puffy letter, and Pebbles Glitter Candy Dots.

Step 7
Attach ribbon/trims at the base of the star. Tip: Vary the lengths for interest. I tied two "bundles" with one skinny ribbon and glued the bundles at opposite sides for fullness.

Have a Happy Halloween!

It all started February, 1995

Last year for the entire month of October, Making Memories featured personal stories from breast cancer survivors. I was honored when my story was included. Well, its Breast Cancer Awareness month again. I don't tell my story as often as I used to. I don't sit and ponder about "those days". Life goes on. Thank God, life goes on. Occasionally, I get a phone call from a friend or acquaintance asking me to share the story or give advice to someone that was just diagnosed. And it brings back, vividly, those days. Also, it reminds me why I've been given a second chance at life. This is my heartfelt gift I want to share with everyone. MONTHLY SELF EXAMINATION WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE. JUST DO IT. DON'T BE AFRAID, BE PROACTIVE & REACTIVE.

Here's "My Story" as it appeared at Making Memories:

October is such a special month to me. I've always loved Halloween – the decorations and the change of seasons. It’s the time when everyone gets a jump-start doing crafty projects for the holidays. I think it’s so appropriate that Breast Cancer Awareness month is in October. Breast cancer (or any cancer, for that matter) is so scary. And dealing with it can be a jump-start to life changes.

I was 38 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995. No family history of breast cancer, not a smoker. I convinced my primary physician the year before that I needed my first mammogram due to chronic soreness on my left breast from my armpit along the side of the breast area. My mammogram was clean as a whistle. Never in my life did I do self-examination.

While on a weekend trip, I noticed what looked to be a bruise on the side of my right breast. At first glance, I wasn't alarmed because I had twisted my ankle and fallen a few days prior. Then I touched the area. Yes, there was definitely something there. I worked as an administrative assistant at a large medical facility. Monday when I returned to work I had one of our nurse practitioners exam me. She didn't like what she felt. She walked me in the back hallway still wearing a paper gown to the general surgery area. There a physician immediately took a biopsy saying they would call me when the results came back. I went home that evening and told my dear husband that I was worried but didn't want to jump the gun.

Two days later, the surgeon's nurse called me to say that the doctor wanted to see me before I left the office. He told me that I had cancer. He told me that I would be having a total mastectomy in six days, that I needed chemotherapy and radiation, and that’s about it. I had been working with this man for seven years and had total confidence in him. I didn't feel a second opinion was necessary. I remember feeling like "Alice In Wonderland" shrinking and alone in that examination room.

Somehow I drove home. Told my husband the news. Told him we had to go to my mother's house to tell her. We had just gone through the experience of losing my stepfather to liver cancer two years before. I dreaded this conversation.

So began my journey. My surgery went well. I recovered at my mother's house. She needed to be with me as much as possible and my husband was fine with that. As soon as possible, I saw an oncologist – actually two. Each one had a different plan for me. Both telling me I had a 50/50 chance of survival. I had a stage III tumor and stage I in my nodes. Trying to choose the "right" treatment was one of the scariest things I've ever done.

I chose the more traditional treatment with three rounds of chemo. I would finish a six-month round and my doctor would say, "You've tolerated this so well, let's just do it again." I also had radiation treatment five days a week for six weeks. Radiation was harder on me than chemo. It totally drains any energy you have. The burns didn't occur until the very end of treatment. All in all, I was very fortunate. I tolerated my treatment with less nausea and discomfort that many. I was able to continue working throughout the whole ordeal with exception to the radiation.

I became very active with the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen foundation. I wanted to preach the importance of self-examination to as many women as I could. I joined the speaker’s bureau and told my story. I was also asked to serve on the Survivors' committee for our local Race for the Cure, which I did for three years. My friends and coworkers have enlisted me to talk to patients about treatment as a means of words of encouragement and hope.

Just another day at the office

There's one thing that keeps me on my toes at the office. I never know what I'll be doing from one day to the next. Not such a bad thing, really. Today, we (I work with my Mom)did some party decorating for my employer. This time its for a female 60th birthday. We only had to decorate the dining room table and make a wreath for the front door, so this was definitely easy peasy for us to knock out. We used decorations from Raz Imports, their "Party Animal" line and some nylon net flowers from Hobby Lobby.




The day of the party, three floral arrangements will be included on the table. One low arrangement in the center (inside the paper maiche box) and two on each end. Those will also have a hot air type balloon topiary on top. This will add much needed height to the table. Serving platters loaded with party food will surround the centerpiece further filling up the table and votive candles will be scattered around. Sorry that I don't have a "completed" photo. But our job is finished the rest is up to the florist.

I made the wreath using the same decoration elements, styrofoam base, lime green feather boas, streamer ribbons, and I used a Cricut to cut out 60 on black cardstock. This was one of the fastest wreaths I've ever put together.



This type of wreath is my favorite to put together. Its fast, easy, and it's gentle on your manicure. No grapevines or artificial pines to scratch the be-jeez on your hands. I suggest using a medium large wreath form otherwise you'll lose the shape to the fluffy feathers. I think this one took about 6 boas, but you might be able to get by with four. I simply wound the boas around the form, pinning occasionally with floral pins. Then just embellish. I've also used this technique on a heart shaped wreath using maribou feathers at Valentine's. Give it a try sometime. It definitely makes a statement on your front door saying, "Hey, the party's inside, come on in!"

World Card Day

....was yesterday. However, I'm still playing today. This is such a good way to use up all those bits and pieces. All of these cards are 4.5 x 5.5 and they are going to be sent to Operation Write Home. Cassie shared this site with the Scrapgal crew and I'm so glad she did. Here's a few finished cards.

I'm a Halloween Freak

My favorite holiday to decorate is Halloween. The costumes, the change of seasons, the memories. Its just a fun time. I've got an attic full of Halloween decorations. We get lots of trick or treaters in our neighborhood which makes me so happy. I usually dress up to pass out candy. We put up a graveyard made out of huge pieces of 8-inch thick styro that are 3-4 ft high. Dead flowers from my florist friends. You get the picture.

Here's something I made recently using Graphic 45 paper and alphas along with loads of ribbon and lots of assorted spooky embellishments. I was in hog heaven when I made this little monster because it was 105 degrees outside and I was in my air conditioned house with all my Halloween scrappy goodies strewn all over the place. Seems like a long time ago now.



Large silk mum
Cardboard circle w/hole in center (I used an empty ribbon spool, appox 6-in)
Glimmer Mist (Black Magic) optional
Acrylic paint (black) optional
Glitter glue (dark purple, the cheap stuff not stickles)
Quick dry liquid glue
Hot glue gun
Stapler
Patterned paper (Graphic 45)
Tulle strips (orange & black)
Mini pom poms (optional)
Ribbons (at least 4 types varying in width, color, etc)
Tim Holtz grunge cut outs (optional)
Pearl garland strand
Assorted spooky embellishments


Step 1
Distress the flower. Place mum on empty ribbon spool and lightly spray with Glimmer Mist. Allow to dry.


Squirt black acrylic paint across work surface and spread to a thin layer with plastic card. Carefully "kiss" the flower to the paint. Allow to dry.



Repeat the "kiss" step using purple glitter glue or just apply from bottle. This gives the mum some glitz which will make it stand out better.


Step 2
Make the flower base. Deconstruct the ribbon spool. Make patterned paper points, approximately 16. Cut 1-inch strips into 4-inch pieces. Fold into points and staple to base. Then attach the mum using staples or hot glue, doesn't matter.



Make tulle "clusters" (approx. 16) Using tulle ribbon, cut 7-inch pieces. Take two and twist together in the middle. Pinch together and staple to the other spool circle. Do this in a semi circle. If you look at the finished photo you'll see that ribbon streamers will hang at the bottom, therefore tulle isn't visible, not necessary. Glue a few mini pom poms for more umph.



Step 3
Attach ribbon streamers to the bottom of the "tulle base circle". Don't be wimpy. Go crazy with your streamers. I used notted black tulle and glued store bought glittered skulls into the folds. There are Graphic 45 alphas spelling out SPOOKY glued on striped Maya Road ribbon (with extra orange trim glued on the sides). Organza ribbon. Purple tinselled ribbon with distressed grungeboard keys tied on. Orange and black polka-dotted grossgrain w/mini pom poms attached. Pearl garland. You get the idea.

Step 4
Punch two holes 3 inches apart in the upper portion of the "tulle/streamer" circle. Run some floral wire through the two holes to create a hanger. This thing can get really heavy, keep this in mind making a hanger. Next join the two base circles together. The tulle circle and all the stuff will be sandwiched inside between the flower circle. Hot glue, staple, I did both. Just make sure its secure. Allow hot glue to dry.

Step 5
Embellish the flower. I added a spider in the center. Glued in more silver glittered skulls. I even glittered up some old greenery filler with regular purple glitter and tucked it into the flower.



Hope this conjures up some creepy, creative mojo for you. Happy Halloween and don't let the bed bugs bite.

I Need A Nerd

Yes, I definitely need a nerd. A long time ago, after returning to work from a leave of absence, my boss had replaced my "slave" computer (I'm sure there's a better term) with a PC. She welcomed me back to work, smiled and said, "Time to learn how to use a computer". I'm self-taught, don't know an html from a modem. So this is going to be a learning process, oh wait, I meant to say adventure, whatever.

All I know is I love scrapbooking, crafting, reading, cooking, and creating. I've made some great friends in cyber world. And I love the surprise of seeing something new and creative just surfing around.

So, friends, wish me luck.