Christmas Tree 2012

Merry Christmas 2012!!! 

 

 

I wanted to share pictures of our Christmas Tree this year.  Our Christmas Tree is full of the history of our lives.  Many of our ornaments tell a story of our children or of a special event.  I love the fact that the only theme that our tree has is our family.  There are home made ornaments that we made or ornaments that tell of milestones.  Ornaments from friends and family, some still with us and some that are gone. So as  I hang up the ornaments each year I am flooded with the memories of who, what , where, how and why!  I love the historical story of our lives that our tree tells   and how each year additions that add to our story become a part of our tree. 

And when we turn the lights on at night and all 1785 lights illuminate, it just feels so magical! 

 

 



 

I pray at this time of year that everyone is flooded with the memories of family and friends and if you are blessed to still have those people in your lives, that you hold them close in your heart and remember the moments that bring you joy!   

 

 

 

February & March 12 Tags of 2012

February's Tag was so much fun!  Being introduced to the honeycomb paper and all the fun things you can use it with.  I loved using the Texture Fades embossing folders with their matching stamps.  I bought all these when they came out and am so glad that I did!  The are amazing and you can do so many different techniques with them! 

 

March's Tag knocked my socks off!  You cannot see the detail in the photo, but the butterflies have a tiled look with grout.  This technique uses paper, glossy accents and concrete embossing powder.  I really really love this look and had so much fun doing it!  It really looks like a mosaic!

 

Sorry that I am just now posting these - I didn't realize that I never posted them.  When Tim started the 12 Tags of 2012 he began with February's Tag.  I have completed them all with the exception of August's Tag.  That one I really need to come up with a plan as I do not have the stamp set that Tim used and I really want to come up with something unique if I'm not going to use his stamps. 

Hanukkah Card 2012

Paper Craft Magazine had a great tutorial for creating an amazing Hanukkah Card!  I love to create different cards for my friends and this one is truly unique!  When the card is closed/folded it is in the shape of the Star of David.  When you open it up it reveals your sentiment.  Folding this card correctly is critical as you can see my edges to meet up perfectly and I used a metal sticky back sheet from Quickuts and it makes the folding difficult because the metal sheet does not bend.  I am going to make another one with a little more attention to the folding detail and see if I can find the Ranger Metal Sheets as I believe it is a thinner product.  I can't wait to deliver this to my neighbor with a plate of cookies!

 

November 12 Tags of 2012

 

Here is the November Tag for the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012!  Loved the resist embossing technique used on this months tag.  The wheat image is stamped with embossing ink and clear embossing powder used to seal the image.  The tag is then stamped and colored using both of Tim's Distress Stains and Inks.  Once you have finished with adding your colors to the tag, you iron - that's right - iron the tag to remove the embossing.  Of course you must protect your iron & tag by using a layer of paper - I used a newsprint type of paper - which absorbs the embossing from the tag leaving a smooth finish with no color under where the wheat was stamped.  I really love the Autumn feel and have it set out as a reminder to be Thankful for the Moments!  

October 12 Tags of 2012

Here is the tag for October that I created from the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012.  I really enjoyed creating this tag, however, my "Boo" is made differently then Tim's design.  I am not a fan of glitter - AT ALL!  I realize that there are times when glitter just adds the finishing touch.  I still hate using it.  Tim's design used the new Ranger Distress Rock Candy glitter dyed with Ranger Alcohol Inks - Pitch Black.  I used Ranger Black Diamond Stickles and really felt that I got great results - and there is not glitter all over my craft table!!  In addition I did not have any of the rubber stamps that Tim used so I improvised on my tag.  I also used Ranger's Dylusion spray for the tag background instead of the paint dabber that Tim used. I am really proud of myself with this tag as I will usually run out and buy the items that Tim uses if I don't have it, and this time I made do with what I had.  I love it and had a great time making it!! 

Halloween Clock

Finally!!  Here is my Halloween Clock that I completed!  I have been busy trying to finish all these Halloween projects so that I can get to steppin' on my Halloween Card!  I really made this simple as I felt that to many embelishments would make it appear to cheesy.  I used Quickutz dies for the numbers and the bookplates behind the numbers 12 & 6 and a little black velvet on the edge.  Also, you can see the set of wooden books that a friend gave me.  I am going to jazz these up with creepy titles to display during Halloween. 

12 Tags of 2012 September

September's Tag was very cool to create.  I loved using the metal tape, alcohol inks and steel wool to create an aged industrial look to the background.  Adding all the epherma really completed the mechanical feel.  I am looking forward to using the old clock motor that you see in the background to create something amazing.  Tim always takes techniques to the next level and he really pulled out some great ones for this tag.  Can't wait for October's tag, even though I still haven't completed August's.

Halloween Configurations Box

Well here is my Halloween Configurations Box!  This was a great project and I am happy with the outcome though I would have liked to have done more behind the tree.  It was hard to find things that would fit and I ended up making the Ouija Board & Oracle and carved out the skeleton head so that it would light up.  The skeleton hand holding the eyeball was the last item added.  My next Configuration Box will be a Christmas scene.  I do love these boxes and I may make one for every holiday! 

12 Tags of 2012 July



July's 12 Tags of 2012 Inspired by Tim Holtz

Well here is July's tag for the 12 Tags of 2012.  This tag was a wee bit difficult for me.  A completely different technique than I have ever done. Tim used canned air, like what you use to clean your keyboard with. I never felt like I got the alcohol inks to give me the fire works effect I was looking for.  I really had a great time trying to make the inks look like fire works, but alas I must admit, they are sorely lacking.  I do love the patriotic feel to this tag, using our countries colors and an image that represents freedom, the Statue of Liberty!  Great job Tim, even if I couldn't conquer the fire works.   

Mixed Media - A New Frontier

She Knew She Could Conquer the World!

 

My First Canvas Mixed Media Project

Okay so I have officially ventured into the mixed media world!  This project is a style that Christy Tomlinson teaches.  It is called She Art, and it is soooooo much fun.  I took this as an online class, which I am beginning to love as you have all the time you need to get your hands inky and full of textures.  You can go to Christy's website, just type in Christy Tomlinson, and see all the fun online classes she offers.   For this project I used all kinds of hose hold items to create my background.  PVC pipes, bubble wrap, sponges and more.  I really enjoyed this style of creativity and look forward to playing more in the world of mixed media!

Happy 4th of July

I love holidays and so loved making this 4th of July card using some great papers by Pbebbles andAuthentique and the Tim Holtz Movers & Shapers Americana die, the Tattered Rosette die and the Tattered Banners die by Sizzix.  I love sewing on my projects and loved the idea of creating the Great American Quilt!

12 Tags of 2012 June

Here is my take on Tim's tag this month.  The photo I used is of my Dad as a kid holding my cousin.  I loved the technique this month of coloring part of a black & white photo and giving it a sepia look.  Lots of embellishments and inky goodness on this tag.  Really had a great time making this one.  Every month Tim comes up with a new technique and they get better and better!  Looking forward to July's tag as it's not only our Country's Birthday, but mine too not to mention my wedding anniversary!  What an awesome month!  Celebration time so make it extra special Tim!!!

12 Tags of 2012 May

Okay - so this tag had sooooooo many great techniques!  This one has to be one of my faves.  The paper roses are dipped in UTEE to give them a porcelain look; the tissue pattern paper is awesome on the tag; sewing the measuring tape; sanding the spool so it would lie flat.  SO MUCH FUN!!!!  I can't wait to see June's tag!!!

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

So here are quilts that my friend Patty and I are completing.  This has been quite an undertaking having never really quilted before and NEVER having made a Double Wedding Ring.  It was trial and error as we went along, trying to figure out how curved pieces fit together when you are sewing the opposite way.  All said and done we are very proud of ourselves.  We still have to bind the edges, but WE DID IT!!!!

A little history about the quilt, because all quilts should tell a story. This is a quilt representing 12 years of our Girl Scout Troop.  We started as Brownies in September of 1994 and graduated in May 2006.  Of the eleven girls that Bridged to Adult Girl Scouts (graduated from the girl program) three were there from the very first meeting.  During our tenure we had girls come and go due to relocation or sports, etc.. but to have eleven Senior Girl Scouts in our troop is a testament to the program.  We camped and had fun, traveled to Savannah, GA for our pilgrimage to the birthplace of Girl Scouts and Bridged from Junior Girl Scouts to Cadette Girl Scouts at the birthplace of the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon-Lowe.  We had all eleven girls complete their Silver Award and seven girls earn their Gold Award, the highest award in the Girl Scout program.  We traveled to Europe completely paid for with funds earned entirely by the troop, and Bridged from Senior Girl Scouts to Adult Girl Scouts at Pax Lodge in London England where the Scouting program began with Lord Bayden Powell and his wife starting Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. It was an exciting adventure with many memories.  The quilt is comprised of 16 circles or rings. Inside eleven of the rings is a piece of work that each girl in the troop created, representing something about themselves, their name and birth date. The girls that completed their Gold Award are circled in yellow (gold) and the remaining rings are grey (silver) representing the Silver Award. The inner connecting points of each circle are green representing the well known Girl Scout Junior uniform.  The back of the quilt is brown representing the equally well known Brownie Girl Scout uniform.  My quilt binding will be in dark blue representing the not so well known Senior Girl Scout uniform.  And lastly, there is light blue mixed in my backing representing the Cadette Girl Scout uniform.  Our troop was never a Daisy Troop so I did not represent the Daisy uniform, however some of our girls were in a Daisy Troop before they came to our troop and may choose to include that in their quilt as each girl was given a set of everything that they need to create their own quilt top.   I am very proud of this troop of girls! We have college graduates, some with Bachelors Degrees some with Masters Degrees.  We have a Peace Corps Volunteer serving in the Ukraine and three Girl Scout grand babies, one born just a week ago.  We have celebrated weddings and continue to celebrate great accomplishments. I am so grate full to have been a part of the lives of  each of these young ladies. 

Pysanky Goose Egg

I love this egg!  It is my pride & joy!  There are a lot of boo boos on it, but it was my first goose egg pysanky and I just love the blues against the white!  One day I am going to take the plunge and do the Ostritch Egg that I have!  It is absolutely HUGE!!!! 

Configurations Project

Tim Holtz 2011

This Configuration cabinet was an awesome class that Tim Holtz taught in May 2011.  Two glorious classes in two days taken in the sunlight of an awesome crafter. Again, Tim is a fantastic teacher - had all the embelishments bagged up and you could choose what you wanted to use or not use to personalize it.  We actually were given pieces of old window screen, toy cars & tickets that Tim found while shopping at an antique store.  How cool is that!  Tim thinks of everything!  I have almost completed a Halloween that I did on my own.  Still looking for a couple of perfect embelishments for it!  In addition I am starting on a Christmas one too.  These are so cool to display and you can fill them with all kinds of little mementos! 



                    Tim Holtz Patchwork Class May 2011       

This is the final result of my class that I took with Tim. Tim taught an assortment of techniques for this project, and yes - each one of those squares is a diferent peice of grung.  There is no way to completly finish this project in the alloted class time, but I had such a great time and Tim is such a awesome teacher.  Of course you can't forget about Mario and how hard he works during these classes.  Mario - we love you!!!  (look in the lower corner of the patchwork and you will see that Tim signed my project).  Thanks for a wonderful, educational and fun time!



April's 12 Tags of 2012

Here is April's tag for the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012!  I really love doing this, but hate waiting a whole month for the tag release!  There was something very exciting about a new release every day for twelve days and the challange to complete them when we did the 12 Tags of Christmas!   But I understand the pressures of the holidays!  I am still hoping for the 13 Tags of Halloween!  That would so rock!!

Please check out the link on the side bar to the Tim Holtz Blog and you can follow the step by step directions from Tim to create your own 12 Tags of 2012!  Join me!

Where in the world is my Vagabond?

Sun bathing in sunny Florida!  Sizzix, the maker of the Tim Holtz Vagabond is asking the querstion "Where in the world is your Vagabond?" While I would have loved to have taken it to the beach for a bikini shot, I didn't want to risk sand going where it shouldn't.  So we are out in the yard amungst the flowers and butterflies soaking up the warm Florida sun!  PS the Vagabond, for those that do not know, is an electric die cutting system!

My Special Monkee Memories

This is a very special picture of Peter Tork and myself after a30th Anniversary Monkees Reunion Concert in 1997.

Good Night Sweet Prince, from a Daydream Believer

It is with a heavy heart and tremendous sadness that I sit here tonight with more tears than I can imagine at the loss of Davy Jones!  The Monkees as a group and as individuals have had such an impact on my life. They were a salvation to a sad childhood for me.  From way back I can remember watching the television show and enjoying them so much, but then my brother bought their greatest hits album and I was hooked.  I would listen to that one album for hours!!  My favorite Monkee has always been Peter, but Davy was always very special to me.  How could he not be, he was so beautiful to look at!!! A very long time ago I ran a Monkees Fan Club and Davy was always so helpful in keeping us posted on what he was doing.  This was back when we typed up everything, before computers (and spell check - I was horrible) and the internet.  Davy and his wife would send me information to print in our newsletter.  He was always so wonderful to his fans and appreciated them so much!  Then in 1987 I had the pleasure of seeing Davy and then again in 1997 back stage at a reunion concert.  He was so genuine and cared so much for everyone. I just can't imagine the world without him. Tonight my heart is with the Jones family, his daughters, wife and grandchildren.

Valentine's Day

I wanted to share a great technique using Tim Holtz Valentine's Texture Fade from Sizzix and the Valentine Silhouettes stamp set from Stamper Anonymous.  These products work amazing together to create this great embossed look/feel to your cards and tags.  Tim has designed many of these sets; Halloween, Thanksgiving; Seasonal; Valentines and Americana Silhouette stamps and the corresponding Texture Fade folder.  I also used Tim's Rosette Die from Sizzix and the Movers & Shapers Mini Hearts dies for this project! 

A Happy Day!!!

Yesterday I opened my front door and found a package from the wonderful folks at Graphic 45 with the prizes that I won!!!  These awesome items are from their new release and contains a paper package of the incredible Kraft Reflections Collection.  These papers are just darling and can be inked to fit in with any project.  It also contained the new Antique Typewriter wood block set, which are going to be such fun to use and three packages of their new staples; metal butterflies, metal brads and metal clothespins.  I can't wait to get to crafting with my new products.  Thank you Graphic 45!  You guys ROCK!!!

I

I love creating Ukrainian Eggs - an art called Pysanky!  This art is a wax relief process that is like magic when you remove all the layers!  These are actual egg shells that have the insides carefully blown out. Some of these are traditional designs.  Others are just fun, like the pumpkin which I hang from a Halloween tree during Autumn.  Love love love this!!!

If you are interested in learning more about this craft click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pysanka to read more.

Tim Holtz

Loved taking the Tim Holtz class when he was teaching in my area May 2011.  The class was awesome and Tim is a super person and a great talent!

CHA 2012

How exciting! CHA 2012! The posts have been awesome - the videos, amazing! There are so many awesome items being released.  Tim Holtz has new stamps, dies, elements and best of all - Distress Markers!  For all of you who love to use Distress inks like I do, these are the new babies in the Distress family!  Markers that you can color with, journal with and best of all, stamp with!  And staying true to the newer Distress products, an opaque white that works great on darker papers, just like in the Distress Stains line.  These markers work just like the original Distress ink pads.  They react to water and have an awesom effect!  Stay tuned for these sweet babies to make it to your local scrap book store!

12 Tags of Christmas Day 12

Designed by Tim Holtz
Created by Karen Linkogle

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12 Tags of Christmas Day 2

Day 2 Tag

                                                                      Day 2 Alternate Tag
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12 Tags of Christmas Day 1

Designed by Tim Holtz
Created by Karen Linkogle