My Tribute to MJ June 27, 2009

Its all in the news on every station. Even here in Portugal, every station seems to be paying tribute to Michael Jackson. I heard the news 315am on June 26th when I woke up to do some work. The news was shocking and sad for me. My heart always went out for this “poor” man that I have only met through his music.

It all started when I heard the song “Beat It” as a child. I would listen to the song over and over. Back then it was just a song being song by Michael Jackson, a pretty cool looking guy by my standards. We did not have cable tv, so I am sure it was just a photo of him that I saw. I never knew how I would grow to love his music and his dance moves.

Well, now he is gone. But his music will definitely live on in my world, like many of my other favorite artist, such as, Bob Marley, Al Green, Barry White, Luther Vandross, just to name a few-too many.

MJ, I pray that God’s angels and saints welcome you with open arms, no strings attached. Rest in peace, Michael.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY May 10, 2009

Happy Mother’s day to all of you mommy’s out there that are celebrating Mother’s day today. Last week was mother’s day here in Portugal and it was a lovely day. So then, I am celebrating two weeks in a row, hehehe!!

Happy Mother's Day

Today I made this card for all of you that are reading this blog. I love how it turned out and thanks to my friend K, who gave me the idea to coordinate the base CS (card stock) and and the DP (designer paper). I stamped the flower on white CS and then stamped again on another piece of white CS. I cut out the sides of the flower and popped up on dimensionals. One of the leaf was done in the same way. Next, I used my 2-way glue pen on the edges of the flower and a leaf, and then sprinkled the glitter. I made sure to cut the DP in and area to capture the flowers. Each strip of paper is cut to 2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″. The ribbon was tied to the lower portion of the stamped flower strip. I used Scrapbook adhesives Ez-runner to apply the DP strips to the green base CS. The entire stamped flower strip is popped up on dimensionals. And Whalaaa! A beautiful card made for you.

Happy Mother's Day

Ok, the card is a 6×6. I used DCWV DP (Spring ’09 Glitter stack) and CS (Metallic Stack).
Stamps set is Bodacious Bouqet from SU (Stampin’ Up!)
Inks: SU Summer Sun (flower), Certainly Celery (stem), Bashful blue (for inking the edges)
Chalk: Pebbles Inc Pearlescent Chalks for chalking the flower background (love this stuff!)
Ribbon: American Crafts
Glitter: Stampendous ultrafine glitter

Thanks for looking. Bless!

Happy Easter Message April 12, 2009

Easter Lily

Hello Dear Reader,

Just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Easter!  For me this is a wonderful occasion to celebrate.  In my Catholic faith, this is what it all boils down to.  Jesus dying on the cross, and 3 days later rising from the dead to be our Saviour.  And boy, do I need to be saved!   If you don’t know who Jesus Christ is, or just have not been giving him the time of the day, look him up, it might just be that missing piece of the puzzle that will make your life complete. 

Be Glad for He is Risen!

Cuttlebug Challenge April 8, 2009

Thinking of You Card (Before)

 

Good Day Readers,

I decided to do a Cuttlebug Challenge today. If you are not familiar with challenges, they are simply motivational and inspirational ideas or projects to get your creative juices flowing.  Now there are some awesome bloggers with really cool ideas that set up these challenges,  so you can search for card challenges and I am sure you will find some great ones. 

Check out the Cuttlebug Challenge I participated in today.   The criteria for this Cuttlebug challenge, well was to use the Cuttlebug machine, black, white, and craft paper and to keep the card CAS “clean and simple” . 

I used DCWV pattern paper and Cardstock and Inkadinkaddo Stamp set, with the Cuttlebug folder.  Honestly, I am not too happy with the way it turned out.  Will probably redo. 

Okay so I made some alterations by adding the sentiment on a white oval CS, chalked the edges with gold chalk, added 2 flowers at the ends, and added 2 rhinestones on the flowers.

Now I am contented.  🙂  Thanks for looking.

Thinking of You (After)

ZERGmoney.com Logo I designed

Hi Y’all, 

Yesterday, I designed a logo for ZERGmoney.com. I emailed it to Cameron (one of my Twitter friends)  and he actually posted it on his site.  I simply can’t believe it,   I feel quite honored.  After I checked out his website, I see that the competition is ON!!  A bunch of other logos are also competing to be the official ZERGmoney.com logo.  There is even a voting poll.  How fun!  Anyway, check them out, and the logo you see below is the one I created, except it is showing a bit different on his site, so I will try to resubmit.  I was trying to embed the image here so you can see, but for the life of me I could not figure it out.  So click on this link to have a view:     ZERGmoney.com Logo

and you can visit http://zergmoney.com/ to vote on the   #4 logo I designed.

There are some good ones I must fore-warn you, so even though I want to win, (hehehehe) I also want the best design to win.  Vote for the best!!

Thanks a bunch.

Now Selling on ETSY.com March 22, 2009

Hi Ya’ll, what better to write about today than to share with you exciting news in my life.  On March 19, 2009, I took the plunge and opened an online store selling my hand-made greeting cards on Etsy.com .  I am gradually listing some cards that I have made and will be listing a bunch more.  Please click on the following link or on the blue button on the right hand side of the screen that says: BUY HANDMADE ETSY.  This will take you to my Etsy store showcasing what I have available.  At the moment, I am only shipping to the United States.  As I become more familiar with online selling, I will expand my shipping options.  If you need shipping to another country, please let me know by emailing homegrown07@yahoo.com.

The reality is that I need to support this addictive hobby of mine.  I am sure you can think of a couple people to send a greeting card to.  If not, buy it and send it to me because I have not heard from you in a while! J  Yeah, I am thinking right now, I should have taken some marketing classes in college.  Please be so kind as to lend any expertise you may have in this area, by leaving a comment for me.

I am quite excited and looking forward to all your support and doing business online with you.   Have a productive week!

Straight Up Digital Scrapbooking March 14, 2009

 

Self Portrait

 

Okay, I am being quite brave to profile this digital layout (LO) of my self portrait. I am looking so girly in here.  PINK, PINK, PINK, and swirls and flowers.  I love them all!  

 

This is a 12” x 12” LO that was created using Photoshop Elements 5.0 (PSE).  One of my favorite places to stop by for free digital kits is www.twopeasinabucket.com.  Please note that they have everything to ease your scrapbooking pains, but be careful not to overdose. The free kit I used was JSpragueFlowerGirl.  The fonts I used were downloaded from www.scrapnfonts.com.  The one I used for the journaling is appropriately called CK Journaling, and is one of my favorites.  For the life of me, I can’t figure out which font I used for the title.  Yes, I am a fontaholic too, but there are so many cute fonts available!  What can I say?   

 

So as not to reinvent the wheel, there are many helpful videos available on www.YouTube.com. Here is a PSE tutorial that can get you moving in the right direction.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFJrYYhh4PE.  If you like to read directions, some kind people at The Shabby Shoppe has put together a brilliant tutorial for you also.  Check it out at http://www.theshabbyshoppe.com/tutorials/first_LO_in_PSE.html.  They also have some free digital kits you can download for your personal use at www.shabbyprincess.com.  Yes for FREE-who does not like free?

 

 

Now don’t delay any further, create something fabulous about You today for your children and grandchildren to look at.  They will go, “Ahhhhh!, that is my mom, and she did this just for me.”  Well you get the picture I hope.

Being featured on Craft Critique February 16, 2009

Hello Crafters,

Just wanted to share my excitement.  I got an email alerting me that one of my blog post was being featured in the latest Carnival at http://www.craftcritique.com.  Right away, I went to their website to see for myself.  Yes, it was true.  Instant fame…, well I felt famous and special!

So thanks a bunch Craft Critique, this means so much to me.  Since this is a new blog, you have sent a lot of viewers my way. So crafters, if you are ever curious about crafting products, please check out www.craftcritique.com .  They will give you honest straight up reviews. 

Sending love back at you Craft Critique.

What inspires me… February 10, 2009

Hi Ya’ll, had to take a little break there and do some house cleaning.  I finally got around to organizing and putting away the stamps that I was using for Christmas cards.  I have some small plastic containers that I use to sort strips and scrap paper into.   So I put away all the bit and pieces that I can still get some use of.  I try to save every penny in that respect, and save some trees at the same time while accomplishing that mission.   My desk is so clean, but I’m sure before the day is over cardstock (CS), pattern paper (PP) and what’s not will be all over the place again. I will be taking stuff out to make some V-day cards.

Okay, on to what gives me inspiration.  Well, I love to make embellishments, so I also have some smaller containers (from Chinese restaurant) which I use to sort the embellies by color.  When I need inspiration, or a color combo, I simply grab stuff that I already made ahead of time, try them out and see what works. This method works for me because sometimes I don’t feel like making a card, or I don’t have time to make embellies and a card, so I have to work in small time blocks.  I also find that I start with one project in mind and finish with a completely different result.  It all depends on the treasures I find in my hand -made embellies containers.

There is always SplitcoastStampers.com too.  I have spent countless hours browsing cards talented people have uploaded to SCS.  Then I also have some blogs that I visit often to see what’s new and fresh in the crafting world.  If all else fails, I resort to online shopping at my favorite stores.  Since I can’t afford to keep up with all their new products, I try to recreate what I see, with stuff that is in my collection.

Please leave a comment and share what inspires you.  I would like to hear.

Blessings!!

What An Awesome Blogger I Am February 8, 2009

LOL!!  I am so proud of myself.  I have learnt quite a bit over the weekend so far.  I might just be capable of pulling this off. 

I was getting Widget happy here.  Just about added every widget in the widget section, not knowing what each was for.  Just wanted my page to have some content. 🙂  Now some have been deleted, and others customized.  Thanks to the generous tutors on www. youtube.com for contributing in this learning experience.  I have been able to rearrange the widgets on the sidebar and  insert an image within my post.  Hurray!  You might start seeing some of my work finally.  Thanks for being patient.  Have a  safe and blessed Sunday.