Another Thank You!

Lynne  commented on my last post about Cindy Adkins…… She didn’t realize she was next. J So Lynne, Thank you for posting my blog button too and sending me comments on my projects.   I love all your creations. They are so romantically beautiful and I can't figure out how you can get so much done. Check out Lynne’s blog here for inspiration and just plain ooooohs and ahhhhs.…..

ADORN

BTW.... I can't figure out how to embed the link into the pictures so..... if someone could let me know. :) Thanks Everyone for indulging my little thank you’s. I'm not finished yet. 

Second Day of Thanks

There are a ton (well, not a ton) of people that visit my site and I must say when I look at my stats, one person’s blog stands out  above them all as a referring and traffic site. That's                   

 Cindy Adkins Whimsicals Musings.

She was the first person to display my blog button and I was sooooo excited that someone who didn't know me would be so kind. She has some wonderful seminars (FREE) to increase your traffic and teach you some tricks of the trade. Please visit her and show her some appreciation.

 I thank you Cindy! again and again.

My Days of Thank You!

I thought I’d start the end of the year (start the end????) with a blog full of thank yous to everyone who has help me in getting this adventure rolling. I’ve met (via the blogworld) so many kind people that have offered advice, provided support and creativity for me to succeed!
In addition…… To all my friends and family who have listened to:
“Look at this, What do you think of this?, Can you make this?, Can you get this?, Would you buy this?, I’m looking for….. be honest, do you REALLY like it? And for putting up with my forever changing mind as to what direction I’m heading.

Thank you ALL for your patience.

       PLUMROSE LANE 

My first Thank You goes to Sharon @ Plumrose Lane. She took my ideas and created the most perfect Blog I could have ever dreamed of. When I look at it, I truly say it’s EXACTLY what I wanted. She then went on to create my business cards which are adorable. I hope to continue my friendship with Sharon as I move forward in this little dream I have. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE…… visit her for your graphic needs. She is an amazing artist and she has free stuff too!

Thank you Sharon!

                                                        

Missing in Action!

Hi friends.
Well, since the holidays always keep me busy and a bit crazy, I haven't been able to blog. Yes, I have been crafting but I can't show them online because they are gifts and well, maybe, for one of you! :) . Also, my laptop is infected with nasty viruses and it's in the shop now. Hopefully, I'll have my stuff back and can posts some projects soon. In the meantime, I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season and gettin' your crafty on!
Happy Trails!
Kim

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

Just a quick little post to say Happy Holidays. No crafting for me today. It's a time to spend with ALL my family. It is a huge event at my Aunt's home this year and I'm looking forward to relaxing and visiting with everyone. Oh.... but don't worry, we are a "normal" family. There WILL BE DRAMA! As always. :)
Wishing you all a safe and thankful day!And maybe a nap after Dinner.
Kim

Easy Peasy Gifts

Thinking about gifts for the holidays? Check out Cindi's blog at MusesandDreams. She has a great tutorial on tiles (coasters). I've made a few myself and they are so simple and I love how the alcohol inks create a unique background for each one. If you don't have alcohol inks, Try stamping on raw tile and embossing. They are just as pretty.

My supplies

Alcohol Inks and various stamps

Tiles

Versamark watermark pad

Ranger black embossing powder

The tiles are so inexpensive and if you look around, you'll find open stock at Lowes and Home Depot. I know that Hobby Lobby carries the cork but I'm looking around for a better price.  

There are so many colors of alcohol Ink, the possibilities are endless. Have a great weekend everyone!
Kim

It's Official!

I'm a scrounge! And I'm proud. But don't tell my kids. I was cleaning Kathryn's room and I found a old pair of tennies and dropped them in the Goodwill Box. Wait just a minute....Goodwill wouldn't want these anyway and what's all that bling? That's the same stuff I BUY at the craft store.

So..... I hunted down my pliers and removed the pearl and rhinestone brads and those cute little black rhinestone crown buckles.
Viola! I have a set of cute little blingy embellishments for free (sort of, I bought her the shoes). Now that I think of it, maybe I should say I have a expensive set of rhinestones.

Keep your mind opened to re-purposing. You may surprise yourself on what you find you can use in creating Art.

Happy Trails and thank you everyone who came over from  Debbiedoos Newbie Party. AND.... A special thanks to Cindy at Whimsical Musings who shared it with everyone so we could connect. It generated a lot of traffic for me. She is so helpful to all us young (Ha!) bloggers.

Kim

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Quiet Blues and Browns



Hi Everyone!  Even though a chill is in the air and I’ll have a fire tonight, the weather is just beautiful in Lincoln (CA, that is).  I have a family friend who found out some bad news about her health recently and although she is still processing and really would like to be alone, I wanted to send her a card just to let her know I’m thinking of her. I love the blues and browns together. It seems like such a calming color combination.

I started with a Close to My Heart 6x6 diecut card and envelope and painted the top, edges and back with Robin Blue craft paint. Then I used TH distress ink in Tea Dye and antiqued the edges of all the paper. The cardstock and lace on the front is from Fancy Pants-Happy Together Line.  The flower print is a transparency laid over the top of the sentiment.

 

 The butterfly (Jenni Bowlin Studio) was glimmer misted with pearl and juniper and then edged with the tea dye. I used my Glimmer Mist stencil and distress ink to create the flourish. I liked that look.

I used a Bo Bunny cardstock from thier Et Cetera Line and again my stencil and tea dye for the inside of the card and envelope.

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend.

Kim



Cowgirl's Crafty Table

Finally finished. Well, sort of. I’ve finished the top of my craft table. As some of you know, my kids both moved out at the same time to go away to college so I’m turning one of their rooms into a craft/bedroom. I’m still hoping they’ll change their mind.  :) I wanted to somehow show my love for the vintage cowgirl, cowboys, western movies (somehow, I think everyone knows this) and came up with this idea. I had a ton of pics I’ve collected over the years and found more on the internet. 
Can I just say..... This makes me smile.  No one else may like it but it is my pride and joy.

I also just love Roy Rogers. My Dad looks just like him so, of course, I had to have Roy and Dale all over the table too. I was planning on using some sort of resin to cover the top but I think that may not work out. I’m going to have a piece of glass cut and I’ll have a smooth surface to work on.

I spray painted the table with Krylon Barn Red, bought a yard of material for the background and then just started decoupaging all my pictures. I did scan them and print them on photo paper so I didn't ruin the originals I did have.

I wish I could share all the pictures but you might get bored. I can't wait to sit at my craft table and be surrounded by all my favorites.

My favorite Cowboy and Cowgirl. They've been on horses since this age. What was I thinking?

  TRULY, HAPPY TRAILS!



Trash to Treasures Giveaway

Hey Everyone:

Check out Lynn's Blog:  Trash to Treasure Art  Giveaway.   It's her anniversary and she has some fantastic prizes.... Here's just one. Isn't it beautiful? I love her style.

When I'm Feelin' Blue.....

All I have to do,
is take a look at you.
Then I'm not so blue.......
How melancholy is that song?
 I just didn't have a good day so I turn to what makes me smile..... My kids. I decided to make Kathryn a little card to tell her how much I miss her. I like to tell people she is doing so much better away at college than I want her to. :)

I ran this through my cuttlebug for the texture and then used Tim Holz Distress in Tea Dye and Brick so it took on a leather look. I used Helmar's 450 to attach all theJolee embellishments.

I love this look on her face. She's up to some mischief.

Hope you all are enjoying this wonderful weather ( here is Lincoln, Ca).

Thank You Gingersnap Creations!

I just wanted thank Gingersnap Creations for honoring me as a Ginger Gem. I was really thrilled and humbled AND EXCITED! :)

Please visit them for tons of inspiration at: http://www.gingersnapcreations.blogspot.com/ -  Don't be afraid to enter some of the challenges. Everyone is very supportive. Take it from me, I was a big chicken!

Those Fashionable Flappers

I know, I know…. But I love making these cigar boxes. I plan on making a bunch for my family for Christmas. I’m going to pick out a theme for each family member and fill them with old pictures of themselves (Thanks for the idea Marla!) I try and make a little something for everyone in the family. My mom’s family gets together on Christmas Eve and it is a chaotic, but great night for all of us. We are all very close (aunts, uncles, cousins) and I wish I could share the craziness with everyone. Yea, we're not perfect, we argue and get mad at each other but we are ALWAYS there for each other and I love every crazy one of them.
So here we go…. My supplies:
http://www.g45papers.com/products/  Graphic 45 Fashionista Collection
http://bobunny.com/etceteracollection.html Bo Bunny et cetera collection
http://www.sakuracraft.com/ 3d crystal lacquer
http://helmarusa.typepad.com/blog/450-quick-dry.html Helmar 450 glue
Vintage pattern pieces (for background)
Americana midnight blue paint
Zipper, timepiece button, old key, rickrack



I ran a bead of Helmar 450 to attached rick rack, old key and button embellishments. It's stuck!

I used a glue gun create my first zippered flower. I need a little practice. I used Helmar 450 to attached the timepiece button.  I also used the 3D lacquer on the Bo Bunny flourish. You can't see it but I also 3D the clock with the lady and I really like the way it, well, created a 3D look.

The inside of the box was lined with more Fashionista paper and I 3D the clock again.

I love this face. So romantic........
Have a great weekend everyone!
Happy Trails
Kim

Hi Everyone

I've been crazy busy working on my craft table. I didn't realize it would be so much work but I'm almost done. I took a break today to FINALLY start cleaning my 21 year old's room. Some of you know he transferred to Chico State and moved out. I swear I don't know who raised this child. The garbage I found. Blah!!! Who taught him he could throw candy wrappers and just about everything else under his bed. I can't even post pics. SO.... I better start thinking of all the wonderful things he does and not dwell on the one little thing! You know it was actually fun looking at all his stuff. He saved everything. I'm packing it away so he can show his son someday. Awww tears..... :) 

Here he is trickriding...... crazy guy!. 

Anyway...... (I love Ellen's line), I spent a great Sunday morning at the Antique Trove's Peddler's fair. Picked up a few things I can wait to alter. I'll post pictures of everything just as soon as I finish that bedroom!

Going Pink For October!

I'm borrowing the line from Sharon @ Plumroselane and I am proudly displaying one of her badges on my blog.  Go visit her! She has created some amazing badges for your blog to promote the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.    This is such a great time for all of us to reflect on the importance of getting our boobies squished. Ewwww.  So.... please..... Head on over to the website. There is a ton of information and many ways to show your support. I'm going to make my appointment this week, I'm behind on getting my exam done. No excuses! DO IT!

Quick Travel Journal

Hi All:
I’ve been busy working on my craft table so I haven’t been creating anything else. I did want to share a fast project with you. My friend is jetting off to Europe with her daughter. They will be traveling light (backpack only) so I wanted to give her something small that wouldn't take up a ton of room. Good luck on that packing light business. I couldn’t do it! I purchased a notebook at Target for $6 bucks and added a few embellishments. I didn’t want to go overboard so it was quick and easy. She can add to it when she gets home. Sometimes, you don't have to go overboard (like I usually do) to create something functional and cute too! I hope she uses it to create some lasting memories.  Enjoy your week.

I bought the book "as is". The picture was already there and it was perfect for her trip. I added a place holder and few chipboard pieces with, of course, Helmar's 450 glue. I wanted to make sure she had pockets to tuck stuff into so she could keep things organized and the rest of the book was just pages to write her thoughts.

Just a few tags and paper to write notes on. I thought it would be a good idea to create a little stack of date sheets (bottom right)  for quick notes. I just used some alpha stamps and a lined stamp to create them.



Vintage Fun with Cigar Boxes

Hi Everyone!
I hope everyone has great plans for the weekend. I am hoping to finish up my craft table and start in on the new finds I purchased last weekend. OK.....I need to stop buying stuff to re-do, I'm falling behind.
So here's my latest project. Do you know cigar shops will usually give you (or for a small fee) their empty boxes? They are so cool, I hate to cover them up. But I did! I didn't feel THAT bad.


I stamped the swirled images with Versa Mark and used  a coat of UTEE before I distressed the sheet music. I decoupaged the sheets over the entire box and then started adding my fun stuff. Aren't those  some cutie kids? That was a little postcard that was given to me.



I used a ton of Tim Holtz products on this piece such as distress crackle paint, distress inks,grungeboard and Idealogy embellishments. I used Helmar's 450 to attach the handle and the buttons and it held great. In addition, Mod Podge (I'm hung up on it right now) and UTEE and crackle accents along with a bunch of other "stuff". I also entered my project in the Gingersnapcreations Challenge GC119:  Shared Moments and Challenge CCCB#75: Take Note  @ City Crafters.

This shows the Tim Holtz embellishments. I used his buttons and timepieces glued together with Helmars 450 to make the handle on the box. I covered the fleur de lis with distress crackle but I forgot to shake it up. I liked it, then I accidentally tore it and I liked it more. :) The word "home" came from Teresa Collins Thankful line.

Buttons I bought at the bargain bin at the fabric store and again, Tim Holtz grungeboard frame.

It's hard to photograph boxes.

Dang it!

I can't seem to get my creative mojo back this weekend. I have a few unfinished projects that I can't piece together. Boo. I also ran out of paint tonight so I'll try and finish my scrap table tomorrow. I like the way it's turning out.

I think I'll share another couple of my finds since I don't have a project. Years ago my father was "yardsaling" and came across this fantastic pair of old chaps. Now obviously, you all know how much I love my western memorabilia so when he gave these me, I just couldn't believe my luck (really his luck!). They now have a place on my wall with my all time favorite saying cut out of vinyl with my awesome Pazzles cutting machine.

This last weekend I went to my friends yard sale and found these adorable chairs. I loved the cowhide seats.  Her kids are grown and decided it was time to get rid of them, soooo.....Nooooo!!!!! I took them and they have a place in my cowboy room till her kids have kids and then I'm giving them back! :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

My new find.....

Happy Friday Everyone:
I'm thrilled with my new purchase at Borders. Not that I'm happy they are closing their doors but I got a great deal ($80) on a table and shelving for my new craft room (Sorry Nick).  I had been looking at these expensives antiques and wondered how I could incorporate, but really couldn't afford! :)

So I started sanding it just a bit and painted until it was too dark to see.

My plans are to cover the top of  table with cloth and pictures of vintage cowgirls with a clear coat of polyurethane,  so I'm trying to decide on material..... Any thoughts? I need help on this one.

Hopefully, I'll finish it this weekend. Have a great day everyone!