Daisy Maisie Journaling Momma

Frosted Designs Numbers Challenge

2012-03-02T04:44:00.000-08:00

It's Friday! You know what that means.... It's time for another Fabulous Friday Challenge at Frosted Designs! This weeks challenge was: NUMBERS. I decided to make some bookmarks for some special people. I was inspired by Jen Cushman's Article, A Chic Read, in November/December 2011 Studio Somerset.

I have had some Sari fabric lying around that I have been dying to use for something. I knew it would be great. I love Sari fabric. I like the way it frays when you cut it. It's just so pretty...frays and all! I also used some scrap muslin.

Supplies:

Sari and Muslin Fabric strips
Pliers
Misc. wire
Charms by Susan Lenart Kazmer-Industrial Chic
Jump rings from an old necklace in my costume jewlery stash
Old Keys
Vintage Metal Numbers
Crop-A-Dile (for punching holes in metal)

I took various strips and tied them together in a knot in a couple places. I then added various keys and charms to the ends. I took wire and wrapped it around the strips at the various links along the length of each bookmark.

I hope this inspires you to use up some of your misc. items lying around your studio. You can make some cool bookmarks to give away, or sell them pretty quickly!

I hope you will play along with us at Frosted Designs!

Blessings,

Michelle

Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge

2012-02-24T05:31:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! I hope this finds you all well. I am so excited to be a part of the Frosted Designs Team. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone, and meeting new people out in blog land. This weeks Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge was entitled "Shape it up". You are to choose three shapes and repeat it on your page, layout or card three times. I chose to make a lace sampler, and use the heart as my shape.

Frosted Designs Challenge Lace Sampler

I have a huge box full of vintage lace dresser scarves, doilies, handkerchiefs, etc. I was dying to make a lace sampler. I thought it would be perfect way to use up some of the beautiful items in my stash. The main body of the sampler is a vintage lace dresser scarf. I cut it to the size I desired. I then cut a piece of muslin for the back and sandwiched some batting between the two pieces. I pinned it down and sewed around the scalloped edges, and free motion stitched the entire piece with white thread for added texture. I had a brown wool skirt that I had been saving and freehand cut three heart shapes. I then attached a vintage doily to the center of the panel. My focal point of the sampler is a scrap card. I layered vintage sheet music, muslin, and lace. I added brown stitching for color contrast. I hand stitched old buttons from my stash. and added pieces of lace and ribbon. I stitched various scraps of lace to the borders. I am really pleased with the way it turned out. It's a great way to use up scraps that you have lying around your studio.

I hope this inspires you to try something new, and use your scraps in a different way. I hope you will play along with us over at http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/.

Create Art!

Michelle

Frosted Designs Design Team

2012-02-16T05:29:00.000-08:00

I have such exciting news....I can hardly contain myself! I am the newest member of the Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Design Team! I am so honored to have been chosen from all the talented designers worldwide. I hope you will stop by and check out Frosted Designs at http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/. Frosted Designs has three challenges going on all at the same time. I hope you will link up your amazing projects!

This weeks challenge was to create a card, layout, or project using the word "Love". I am addicted to making scrappy cards lately. I decided to use one to create a card. I love scrap cards. It's a great way to use up all your leftovers!

I hope this inspires you to create a card for someone you love!

Michelle

Recent Vintage Finds

2012-02-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

On Friday, my husband and I spontaneously decided to head out to the local auction house. We had never been, but have heard lots of good things about it. We had a lot of fun, and came back with a couple things. I fell in love with this neat old box. It obviously came out of a man's shop as it was full of remote control toy parts. It was very dirty, but a little elbow grease and.....Voila! Cool old box for my bits and bobs!

I also found this precious picture of a little girl in a really awesome frame.

I visited the local Salvation Army and came across these really neat finds. This old iron was only $1.55. It has all the parts and the original owners manual and box.

Who could resist a bag of old wooden spools for only $4.95? I know I can't!

Happy Treasure Hunting!

Scrappy Cards

2012-02-05T04:17:00.000-08:00

I am always so inspired by Ruth Rae. http://www.ruthrae.blogspot.com/ She has created a great way to use up scraps of papers, fabric, and lace bits. I decided to start making some of my own.

Here is my pile of bits....As you can see my scrapbox is way to full! It was time to do something.

I have so many pieces of lace that I find at garage sales.

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to mass produce, but not duplicate.

Here is what I've created so far.

Be sure to save the bits and pieces from your projects. You never know when you might need that little bitty piece of paper for a tag, card, or some other small project.

Now CREATE!

Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge-RECIPE

2012-02-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

It's time for the Fabulous Friday Challenge at http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/ This weeks challenge was a recipe using:

3 patterned papers
2 buttons
1 Word Title

Growing up I loved paper dolls, Holly Hobbie, and Raggedy Ann. I was inspired to make a PAPER RAG DOLL! I used sewing pattern tissue, newspaper, and painted under paper for my doll. The dolls dress is made of newspaper that I gessoed. I then cut a piece of painted under paper to attach to the front of the dress. The bottom trim of the dress is pleated newspaper. The collar is newspaper. The bow is made of pattern paper and painted under paper with a button. The apron is made from sewing pattern paper. The flower on the apron is layered newspaper and painted paper with a button center. I cut and sewed a paper doily to use as trim on the dress. I used paper doilies as pantaloons under the dress. The heart is made from painted under paper. I sewed it together and stuffed it with polyfil. I then stitched it by hand to the doll.

Daisy Maisie Paper Rag Doll

The trick was lots of layers of the papers. The body is made using sewing patterns. I stuffed it with polyfill.

Close up of face

I love my sweet Daisy Maisie Paper Rag Doll!

Working on my canvas this week....

2012-01-28T06:01:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest peek.

I LOVE Liquitex Acrylic Ink!

On My Desk.....

2012-01-26T05:18:00.000-08:00

Currently working on a mixed media canvas. I collaged the background. Added some acrylic ink. Stenciled hearts using modeling paste to add texture.

Stay tuned!

Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge

2012-01-24T19:45:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law, Lydia, is a designer for Frosted Designs. http://www.kiwimumscraps.blogspot.com/ I was visiting their site and came across their challenge for the week using vellum, acrylic, or transparency on a card, layout or project. I was inspired.
www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/2012/01/winter-wonderland-blog-hop-fabulous.html I was sitting at work today and had this idea pop in my head. I couldn't wait to get supper, errands and my workout done and get creating. I needed to send a few cards, so I decided to make a couple. Here is what I came up with:

I had a few left over inky file folders from a previous project. I used them as my background for each card. I stenciled a few hearts on the background of one. I then outlined each heart using my Permaball permanent pen. I used a Bic White Out Pen to write "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." I then cut a transparency to size and sewed it onto the background. I used a scrap of ledger paper to make the main focal heart pop. I added some circles with a stamp using StazOn Jet Black Ink, and colored them in on top of the transparency. I then sewed an inky tag on it. I cut out a heart and collaged some scrap pieces onto it. I then inked the heart and sewed it on the front. I stamped a greeting "Thinking of You", and glued it on the top with my favorite glue stick UHU. Voila! Greeting card!

On the second card I used another inky file folder as the background. I used a sink drainer mat I found at the dollar store as a stencil. I like the squares! I colored in random squares with my Pitt Pen onto the background. With my Bic White Out Pen I wrote random words: love, joy, peace, patience. I collaged random scrap papers, a paint chip and an inky tag. I sewed a transparency to the background. I then stamped a heart onto a piece of the inky file folder and sewed it onto the background. I added the greeting "Get Well Soon!"

Use what you have laying around your art studio or on your desk! Make a card to send to someone! It will make their day!

Doodle Watercolor Journal and Embellished Planner

2012-01-21T05:48:00.000-08:00

I am in the process of a couple projects right now. First, I thought my planner for the year was just a little too plain for me.

I am working on jazzing it up.

I have this crazy obsession with different Type fonts. I used the DCWV "The Timeless Type Stack". I sewed around the edge. My husband bought a pair of jeans the other day. It had this cool Roebuck & Co. tag. Of course, I had to keep them to use! I sewed it on the front.

I also cut out squares of random papers to glue on the inside of each month. I will be adding tabs on the outside to indicate each month as well. I still have lots to do, but it's coming along.

I'm also in the process of making a journal out of my watercolor doodle I created in Traci Bautista's class last week. See previous post. Here is what I have done so far. I love the vibrant green, blue, purple and pink combination. I just need to do the pages and sew them in. In this new year my word focus is "Faith" and "Grow". It's time to get rid of the old yucky baggage that is holding me back and trust the Lord...try something new and grow! That is the theme for this journal.

Front Cover says "What you sow does not come to life unless it dies." 1 Cor. 15:36

Flower close up- I used my free motion sewing foot. I also have had sewn french knots in the center.

Back Cover says "Faith of a mustard seed"

Close up of free motion doodle flowers on back.

I hope this inspires you to try something new. Do something creative today!

Doodle Unleased-Session 2 with Traci Bautista

2012-01-14T06:08:00.000-08:00

I am having fun taking the Strathmore workshop with Traci Bautista. http://www.strathmoreartist.com/workshop-reg.html

Just playing around with some watercolors this morning. I will probably use it to make other things out of it.

Doodle Unleashed Painting Finished

2012-01-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my painting. What a fun process! Be sure to check out Traci Bautista's Doodle Unleashed Workshop. It's FREE! http://www.strathmoreartist.com/workshop-reg.html

Doodle Unleashed with Traci Bautista Painting in Progress

2012-01-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

I was super excited when I found out that Traci Bautista was having a free workshop at http://www.strathmoreartist.com/workshop-reg.html. Seriously people! Free! What a gift! Last night I started my first doodle with paint. I am using a canvas pad from Dick Blick, various acrylic paints, and Portfolio Oil Pastels. Here is my doodle painting so far. I hope to finish it this afternoon. Hope this inspires you to get some paper out and doodle with paint.

Have fun!

Michelle

So This is Christmas...

2011-12-30T06:30:00.000-08:00

I have struggled this year not to give in to depression. A rollercoaster of emotions, really. Christmas is so different the older I get. Our family is separated by many miles, and even continents. It was a different kind of Christmas, but still JOYFUL! We stayed home for Christmas. It was the first time since Troy and I were married that we won't see my in-laws. It's sad! I miss them dearly. I forced myself to get the house decorated, as it's just not Christmas without the decorations all up, inside and outside.

Outside Decorations

It's been a restful week, and I have enjoyed a much needed vacation. My mom came to celebrate with us. She helped me get everything together, and even made her crescent rolls. She hasn't made them since dad died almost 15 years ago. It really meant alot to me. She and Maisie had fun rolling out the dough and making them.

We had some friends over for Christmas this year, since our family was unable to get together. We went to church, and then enjoyed dinner and the traditional family Bingo. We ate and laughed, and ate and laughed. So fun!

I have enjoyed trying to squeeze in some time to art journal. I am taking Dawn DeVries Sokol's, Doodle 12.31, Holiday Art Journal workshop. http://www.dblogala.com/ I am really behind, but I am plugging away this week. Here is a sample of a few pages:

So this is Christmas....A small taste of our wonderful Christmas celebrating together. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from our house to yours!

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year." -Charles Dickens

Art Room Mayhem

2011-12-03T03:43:00.000-08:00

This is what happens to my art room during the creative process! I sure had fun! I got my Christmas journal pages ready to be bound today. It will be cleaned up by night fall.

A Peek of my Christmas Art Journal

2011-12-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

Here's what's on my desk today....

I'm in the process of getting my Christmas Art Journal together for Dawn Devries Sokol's Doodle 12.31 class. http://www.dblogala.com/ I still need to bind it. Here's a page I completed today.

Hope you are having a great day!

Blessings,
Michelle

Fall Art Journal Continued

2011-11-16T17:44:00.000-08:00

I started adding pictures to my fall art journal this week.

I am really not thinking about it too much. I'm just grabbing what is within my reach at my desk. It's coming together.

I still have a lot to add to it. I just thought I'd share a little bit with you. Hope you are having a great week.

Michelle

Random Fall Journal Pages

2011-11-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of random fall journal pages.

Freedom isn't Free

2011-11-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Veterans,

Thank you for defending my freedom. Thank you for the tireless hours you spend in grueling weather. Thank you for the sacrifice that you give in putting yourself in harms way. For those who have been wounded as a result of service, I am truly in awe of your courage and devotion. Thank you for the time you spend away from your families to fight for me. At times, those of you who miss the birth of your children because you are fighting abroad. The many holidays that you spend separated from the ones you love. And to those who have lost their lives for the cause of freedom words can not describe my humble gratitude. Thank you American Armed Forces past, present and future. I am eternally grateful for your sacrifice and recognize that my freedom isn't free!

With Love,
Michelle

Christmas Art Journal Peek

2011-11-06T04:28:00.000-08:00

Last year I took Dawn DeVries Sokol's, Doodle: 12.31, Christmas Art Journal Workshop. I just signed up again yesterday. I had so much fun reminiscing old memories and documenting new ones. She is still taking registrations. http://www.dblogala.com/blog/2011/11/4/early-bird-pricing-extended.html. She taught us how to put a book together last year. This year you have to supply a prepared book ready to go. I am diligently working on mine. Last month, I went to an estate garage sale and found an old Bozo the Clown children's record album that was falling apart. I decided to use it as my book. So far, I only have the cover done. I am still in the process of picking out the pages of my journal. I will be painting some Fabriano papers to stick in here and there amongst the scrapbook and vintage papers.

I found a worn out Twas the Night Before Christmas Pop Up Book last year at a local antique store for a $1.00. I couldn't resist it. I will be incorporating the pages of the book randomly throughout my journal. I first gessoed the cover, then collaged a vintage piece of Twas the Night Before Christmas sheet music to it. I also used a snowflake stencil and added modeling paste to give the page some texture. I then covered the raised snowflakes with Modge Podge and sprinkled them with glitter for texture. I removed the backs of some snowflake brads and glued them randomly over the page for added bling. I then began creating the "window" I glued the page of the children's book to a transparency and allowed it to dry. Once dry I placed another transparency over it and zigzaged three sides. I added the fake snow, stars, and sequence inside. I then sewed the top of the "pocket". You can shake it around inside the pocket. It reminds me of the snowglobes I had as a kid. I took red ribbon to create a "window" around the transparency. I added Snowtex to the outside of the window. I embellished the front with a bargain bin snowflake, and gessoed, painted and added some glitter to some chipboard letters I already had. I collaged the backside of the cover with Christmas papers that are a variety of vintage and scrapbook papers. I am still trying to decide how to bind the book. I was thinking about tackling the kettle stitch, but not sure I am brave enough. We'll see...

Happy Creating to All!

I'm still here....

2011-11-02T05:24:00.000-07:00

I apologize for neglecting my blog this past month. Life has just been too busy. I literally had no time! I have managed to do a few crafty things. I started my fall art journal book. You might remember my art journal peek I posted back in September. http://daisymaisiejournalingmomma.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-art-journal-peek.html I had no goal in mind, but to use what I had lying around. I still need to add the pictures yet. I like the rawness of the book. It's simple.

I covered the cardboard cover in gesso and scraped various fall colors with my credit card on it. I then added a bit more gesso for texture and stamped brown leaves on it.

I created a hidden pocket using an old photo envelope that was Grandma Gilmore's.

She had written "Keep" on the envelope under the flap.

I sewed some strips of paper to tuck special things into the book. I stuck the brochure to the Great Pumpkin Patch here. I also taped the purchasing card to the left that one uses to check out at the Great Patch.

I have some great papertowels from wiping up ink and paint while creating other pages. I thought this one was cool and turned it into it's own page.

It has a long way to go, but I lack time. I will get it done eventually. If not, oh well. :) I am also in the process of making my Christmas Art Journal. I love to document the holidays. Stay tuned! Happy Fall Y'all!

Fall Art Journal Peek

2011-09-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

Papersack Flowers and Recycled Paper Bows

2011-09-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Just having a little fun today making papersack flowers with left over sacks from the envelopes I created the other day.....These can be used as gift toppers, gift sack embellishments, cards, etc. The skies the limit really!

Papersack Fringed Flower

Supplies: Papersack, Costume Jewelry Earring for center of flower, FabriTac Glue

Fringed Flower with Rosette Center

Supplies: Papersack and Security Envelopes, FabricTac Glue

Paper Shabby Flower

Supplies: Papersack, misc. ribbon, paper and lace scraps, thread pieces left over from sewing projects, cheese cloth rosette and earring pearls

Recycled Bows

This past week I learned how to make paper bows. I have always wanted to learn, but never took the time. I don't think I will ever buy another bow! You can use any paper you have around the house. Check out the Spring 2011 issue of, Greencrafts. Jennifer Jackson has a great article entitled, "Fun and Frilly Package Toppers". Tracie Lampe (http://www.radicalrecycks.com/) and Maya Donenfeld (http://www.mayamade.com/) have great instructions on making paper flowers and bows.

Garage Sale and Thrifty Finds

2011-09-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

It has been so crazy this past couple weeks, it's been hard to find time to create anything. However, we didn't have much going on this weekend, so we were able to visit a few garage sales in the area. I found a lot. Troy wasn't so lucky. Here are a few of my finds:

A lovely ladies costume jewelry!

Great collage fodder...A huge stack of Eagle Stamp Saving Books.

Two Scrabble Board Games. Everytime I see one I buy it for the letter tiles.

My husband spotted this spice rack for me. He thought I could benefit from it while using my spray inks. Genius!

This great little metal box with alpha dividers, a basket for my desk to store items that I use often like rub-ons, Dominos, a little black book from 1899 that has prayers in it.

An old fraternity suitcase from Bradley University. I am going to use it to store my costume jewelry.

My favorite children's board book, Barnyard Dance, by Sandra Boynton.

And last but not least, a board game called, Life Stories. It will be fun to play during the holidays. (i.e. if I don't use it for journal prompts first.)

Looking forward to next weekend. There are tons of sales in the area. My mom's coming to visit this next week, so it should be a fun time. Happy Treasure Hunting!

Papersack Stationery

2011-09-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

I have had a big stack of papersacks sitting around since the little paperbag scrapbooks were popular. I was kinda tired of looking at them. There are so many possibilities with papersacks. I made a papersack journal as a gift recently. I was inspired by an article in the Autumn issue of GreenCrafts. Love that magazine! Cynthia Shaffer, created paper bag stationery. www.cynthiashaffer.typepad.com/blog I was inspired and decided to create some cards and envelopes. I used the large lunch sack. I was able to make two envelopes from each sack. I made a template on cardboard using an envelope I already had. Life has been a little busy so I have only had time to make a few. I don't know that I will ever buy a card again....Well, maybe because I have a card and paper fettish! Here is a taste of what I have made so far.

More later!

Today I am Inspired By.......

2011-09-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

Just think of the possibilities people! *Happy Sigh*

Art Studio Weekend Makeover

2011-09-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

My art space just wasn't working for me anymore. I had to do something! Our whole family is creative, and we desperately needed to have more work space. Since we had a three day weekend, we decided to dive in and get it done. I have now taken up half the basement and the closet under the stairs. It's constantly evolving, and I am sure it will change again over the coming months.

Art Studio Before

Recently, we were given two old tables that were in bad shape. Troy had the tops sanded at a local woodworking shop for only $30 dollars. They had a 36 inch belt sanding machine. It would have taken Troy lots of hours with a belt sander to clean them up. Troy worked his magic and refinished the table skirt and legs.

Table Top Before

Table Top After

They are so beautiful! I am so grateful!

Studio After

Stair Closet Storage

I am so excited. My girl has a place to craft with me now!
My goal was to use what I had around the house. I didn't want to buy anything. We only spent $40 total. $30 for the table refinish, and $10 for the bulletin board for my frame. I need to get stuff on my bulletin board for inspiration.

Time to get busy and get creative!

Have a great week!

What's on my desk today?

2011-09-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a while.....

2011-08-27T04:26:00.000-07:00

Hi All!

It's been a while since I have had a chance to post. Life has been crazy! I've been too busy to even post that I was taking a break. Oh well... It's been a hectic end to the summer, but I am thankful that school has started. It's nice to have somewhat of a routine again. I am currently training for the women's biatholon. So, between work, biatholon training, getting kids back to school, school activities, other extra curricular activities and maintaining the house not much time left to blog. I have managed to make a few things here and there over the past few weeks. I finally finished my Mixed Media Mayhem File folder journal. I highly recommend you take Roben Marie's workshop! Check it out at http://www.robenmarie.com/ .

I decided to donate it for the Junior High Silent Auction at church. It turned out amazing, and I can't wait to make another one. Here are a few pics.

Front Cover

Back Cover

Hope you have a great weekend.

Mixed Media Mayhem Art Journal Peek

2011-07-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

I am having a blast taking Roben-Marie Smith's Mixed Media Mayhem Workshop. Check it out at http://www.robenmarie.com/workshops/. She is amazing! I have been busy creating this week. Here is a little peek....

I will post the final creation later.....Have a great day!

Blessings,
Michelle

Our 19th Wedding Anniversary Celebration: St. Louis Style

2011-07-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Troy and I dream of going to Paris, France together someday. We would love to go next year to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We couldn't go to Paris, so instead we decide to head to St. Louis, MO. It's a French settled city, right? That counts! LOL! Wow! It's hard to imagine we have been married nearly 20 years. The Lord has seen us through so much. We are truly blessed.

Our first stop on our agenda was the Missouri Botanical Gardens. http://mobot.org/ Such a beautiful place! It was a 100 degrees, but still worth every minute.

Entrance

Glass sculpture chandelier just inside the entrance

Climatron

Orchid

Home Garden (check out the size of the cabbage)

Coneflowers

Center for Home Gardening annual bed

Boxwood Garden

Founder of the Garden

Henry Shaw's Country Home, Tower House

Henry Shaw's Mausoleum

Gladiolas in the Bulb Garden

Rose Garden

It was so hot! We were melting so we left a little early, and headed to our B&B. We stayed at the Park Avenue Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Historic Lafayette Square.

Park Avenue Mansion is a beautiful Victorian style townhouse built in 1874.

Courtyard and side view of building

They even had a goldfish pond

Our lovely room! Lafayette Suite

We had a view of the arch from the Lafayette Suite.

Our innkeeper thought we were coming on Monday. He and his wife miscommunicated. She was on vacation in Wisconsin, but he was awesome and upgraded our room at no charge. In fact, we got the nicest suite. Troy wanted to reserve that room anyway, but it was $160/night+. Out of our price range. He made up the room While we waited we went down to the Park Avenue Coffee shop for a cool drink. I got an Iced Mocha, and Troy got an Iced Thai Latte. They were so refreshing. It was such a quaint neighborhood. They even had a canine hitch on the side of the building for man's best friend. So cute!

So much more fun than the franchise hotel! It was such a delightful place, so warm and homey. Elegeant and special.

We got dressed up for dinner and headed out to the French Bistro, Vin de Set. It was a upscale bistro. We had indoor rooftop dining and a lovely view of the St. Louis Arch. Their food was amazing. We ordered cheese for an appetizer. They had lots of cheese to chose from, but we chose Delice d'Bourgogne (cowsmilk, buttery sweet like Brie) and Bellavitano (creamy, raspberry ale soaked).

It was served with Strawberry Chutney, Mango Chutney, Mustard, Red Wine Olives, and Pickled Brussel Sprouts (very tasty), and bread. They also brought out bread served with Olive tapanade, olive oil and some sort of butter. YUMMY! Strawberry Chutney is to die for! I must make some of my own with the strawberries from our patch. We had a lovel salad with mixed greens, caramalized onions, sunflower seeds and gouda cheese served with the house vinegarette. Troy ordered the 12 oz Pork Chop with mango salsa and seasoned vegetables.

For my entree I ordered the Steak au Poivre, grilled beef tenderloin medallions with yukon gold mashed potatoes, seasoned vegetables and brandy-pink peppercorn sauce. The picture of my plate was too dark, and didn't turn out well. I think our waiter thought we were nuts, cause we kept taking pictures. We don't normally celebrate this extravagantly, but it's fun every now-and-then. Troy always has a camera in his hand. It's a Gilmore family thing!

After dinner we wanted to walk along the riverfront by the arch. It was such a hot night. It was probably still 98 in the shade even at dusk. We were walking up and down the riverwalk trying to find the best place to take our picture. We couldn't find one. The sun was going down, so we just snapped a photo while Troy held the camera.

We drove around downtown St. Louis. We loved the St. Louis City Hall. What an amazing piece of art.

The moon was rising over the arch on our way back to the B&B.

We were so full from dinner we didn't have room for dessert. We decided to wait and go to Bailey's Chocolate Bar in the Historic Lafayette District. It was very much out of our normal comfort zone, but it was very romantic. Troy had a Blonde Brownie with Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce. I had a Cocoa Pumpkin Bar with Cinnamon Ice Cream. It was YUMMY! It was very strange to see people coming to the bar for "dessert" in limos. However, they were probably there for the drinks. Not me...Don't drink. We had some yummy fancy dessert though. It was a magical evening with my awesome husband.

The next morning we got up to enjoy our morning coffee in the library.

We opened our gifts.

Trying to guess what was in the box.

He even wrapped it special, cause he said I would. :)

It is the cutest little set of Windsor and Newton Watercolors. I just love it!

Troy's wrapped gift.

He is so silly. He had to take pictures of the gift wrapped. This was a special handmade gift to celebrate and mark our 19 years together.

I painted a canvas for our special memory. He liked it. It made him cry. This picture is not good. I will have to post another picture later. I used Christy Tomlinson's tutorial techniques for inspiration. http://www.christytomlinson.typepad.com/

We enjoyed a lovely breakfast prepared by our innkeeper.

The meal was delicious. It was a puffed pastry stuffed with Cherry filling and nuts. topped with cinnamon and sugar, drizzled with syrup. Served with two sausage links and a slice of cantaloupe with yogurt and grapes. We checked out and went to do some antiquing.

We started at Cherokee Row in St Louis, but it was a bust. Everything was closed on Monday. We decided to head to Alton, and drive up the Scenic Riverway. We did a little antiquing, but again not too much was open. We still had a great time. We enjoyed just being together. We ate lunch at My Just Desserts.

They are famous for their chicken salad. Troy enjoyed a sandwich and salad. I enjoyed the Chef Salad with poppyseed dressing. It was a quaint little "country" restaurant in an old warehouse.

They served their water in a mason jar. It was fun! Reminds me of when I was a kid and my brother always drank his tea in mason jar.

We made one last stop at the Pink Elephant Antiques on I-55 on our way home. It was such a great time being together. It was nice to not have an agenda, and to just take it as the day unfolds. I look forward to growing old with you. I love you, Troy. Thank you for a special weekend!

Scrappy Quilt Journals, Pattern Paper Mailers and Gift Bags

2011-07-08T05:04:00.000-07:00

I found this quilt panel at Salvation Army several months ago. It was a remnant maybe meant for a valance, but I'm not sure. I didn't have anything in mind particularly when I purchased the piece, I just liked the colors. I also purchased several craft paper journals in the dollar bin at Michael's the other day. While I liked the heavy chipboard covers, it wasn't what I needed for my scrappy quilt book covers. I will use the other covers to make some repurposed journals with my own papers inside. I used my thrifty find to create the covers. I embellished them with various papers, lace, and scrap fabric pieces. The craft paper journals already had holes punched in them. I used an awl to poke a hole through the quilt cover. I then used my husbands leather punch to enlarge the holes. This was necessary to allow a ribbon to hold the journals together. Here are my latest creations.

They are all gifts for someone. I can't wait to give them away. I wanted a special way to package each gift. I remembered a tutorial I had watched from http://www.robenmarie.com/. She is so inspiring, and a great teacher. She has an amazing tutorial using old pattern paper to make gift bags. http://vimeo.com/17040170 I decided to make my own. I also made a mailing envelope. http://vimeo.com/17040170 It's such a great way to use up scraps, but to personalize a gift for someone special. I hope you will try it for that someone special in your life, too.

Gift "Bag" Package

Mailing Envelope

Happy Crafting!
Michelle

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

AMERICA! I salute you! Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do for me and my family. I am grateful!

Love,

Michelle

Finding Balance

2011-06-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Journal Artista Stencil Saturday Challenge

2011-06-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

Last year, I came across the Stampington and Company Art Journaling magazine. I loved all the ideas in it, but wanted to know more. I decided to search art journaling on You Tube. Who knew there was so much out there? The first search resulted several amazing You Tube videos taught by Journal Artista, Paula Phillips, on the topic of art journaling. www.youtube.com/user/JournalArtista I watched them over and over again, scouring to learn about tools of the trade, tips, and techniques. Wow! I am forever grateful for her willingness to share her knowledge. This is exactly what I needed. I used to love scrapbooking, but bored with it easily. I hated my pages as I was such a perfectionist. I needed more paint, inks, crayons, etc. Art journaling has become an important part of my life. A form of self expression. I follow Paula's blog at www.journalartistaart.com/ She is a gifted communicator, and always willing to answer any question that you have.

Twice a week, she works her magic creating the most amazing backgrounds live via Ustream. www.ustream.tv/channel/journalartista. It's fun to chat with people who have the same interest. Everyone has been kind to share tips, products, and a word of encouragement. I look forward to getting to know them a little better. Every Saturday, she focuses her attention using stencils to create her page. In her blog challenge she wanted us to use stencils of our choice to create a page and link it to her blog. She is giving away Crafter's Workshop stencils to the name drawn. I hope I win!

For my first page I chose to make my own stencil from a free daisy clip art picture. I cut it out on a transparency using an exacto knife. Last weekend Paula used a gingko leaf stencil on her page using light modeling paste to create a raised effect. It was really cool! I had purchased some Golden Modeling Paste at Michael's the night before with my trusty coupon. (Got to love coupons!) I decided to give it a whirl. I did this spread in my ledger journal.

I first stamped a daisy all over the background with my Black Staz On ink pad. I covered it with green acrylic craft paint in several colors. Added some gesso. I then used the stencil and painted on yellow daisies. Covered it with more craft paint. I don't remember how many layers in all. I added the photo of Maisie when she was little. It was one of my favorites her Dad took of her when she was just a tike. I then took the modeling paste and created the white large daisies. Paula said not to use a heat gun on modeling paste, so I allowed it to dry overnight. I then painted the daisies with white acrylic paint. That night I added various stamped images, rubon's, and some random sequence waste circles. I then used my permaball pin to doodle around the outside of all the white daisies and around the edges. I used my Neocolor II's to fill in the outside scalloped doodle. I also added a little Portfolio watersoluble oil pastels around the page for highlights. I love the way it turned out. My sweet Daisy Maisie!

I was feeling inspired so I created a second page inspired by Chris Tomlin's song "Let Faith Arise".

I used several stencils, diecut scrapbook letters, SEI Tumble Die ink, Adirondack Color Wash ink, Portfolio watersoluble oil pastels, acrylic paint, Permaball Pilot pen, paper gaffers tape, Dr. Martin's Calligraphy Ink, and a hot air balloon stamp from the dollar bin at Michael's.

Garage Sale Finds Father's Day weekend

2011-06-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

It wasn't the greatest weekend for garage sales (weather wise), but we ventured out anyway. The junior high youth group at church was have their huge garage sale to raise money for Just Add Hope Africa. We hit that one first and found a few things. Beverly from our old Sunday School class had placed this on the sale, and I was happy to find it for $.50. I will use it with my spray inks for backgrounds.

It folds in half so I can take it when I travel too. It's really heavy duty plastic. I actually tried it out last night and it's awesome! Love it!

I also found a bundle of lace to use for various projects. Great find!

Maisie and Troy found a couple things as well. Then we headed out to some of the neighborhood garage sales. Our first stop was a young couple who had a typewriter. I said out loud, "Ohhhh! It's a typewriter!" (It had $5 on it) The seller said, "Yeah, not too much use for them anymore." I said I would use it in my art. He said, "It's yours! Take it home!" I said, "Are you serious?" He said, "Yes, it was my mom's. If you will use it, it's yours." "For free!" I said, "Thank you so much. I will use it to make my mixed media art. Thank you!" Blessing! I found a vintage typewriter not to long ago at a local antique store. The guy offered me $50 for it. It was in prestine condition. I didn't have my money on me at the time. (Seems like that always happens to me). I went back the next weekend to see if he would trade some vintage records for it, and he had sold it. Man! My luck. It wasn't meant to be. He sold it to the other guy for $98. He said he would have traded it for the records too. Bummer! Oh well.....

So we moved on to the next house and the lady there was a big seamstress. She had this box of misc. laces and trims. $4. Yippee! Snagged those up.

And this box of colorful bias tapes and trims! Got those too $5. Yeah Boy! Made out this haul!

Another view...

We also found a brand new umbrella with comic strips on it, which was handy since it was pouring. Maisie needed an umbrella for camp. Worked out great. We had a lot of fun, but didn't stay out long. It was too stormy.

Father's Day Weekend Celebration

2011-06-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

Troy and I started out early Saturday morning by enjoying coffee and breakfast together. We made a delicious egg scramble with peppers, onions and mushrooms. Yummy! We all decided to head over to the church to check out the Just Add Hope Garage Sale. Found a few things, but then headed to a few other area garage sales. More on that later. It was a terrible day for a garage sale. Rained all morning!

We were celebrating Father's Day early. Troy wanted to go to Jacksonville to Grierson Day's Civil War Reenactment. We got to Jacksonville and the eastbound lane was closed due to flooding.

We headed in to town and again got stopped by flood waters. They directed us to the South Jacksonville exit. We made our way to the park, where they hold the Civil War encampment. There was water in the entire field. There were children that were using an inflatable mattress as a raft in the middle of the park. They were so muddy, but having a blast. Too funny! The canceled the event that morning, but we didn't know that. Troy was wanting to go shopping at the Civil War Sutlery. Oh well, so we proceeded out of town, but again got stopped by high water. That was the only other route we knew of home. Thankfully, there was a state worker in a big orange truck already writing out maps on post it notes to give to people. Whew! He said the only route back to Springfield was through Beardstown. This was 45 minutes out of our way. It was the only option, as we had to be back by 1:00 pm.

Oh well, Maisie got a great nap in.

We enjoyed a lovely night at home after working our commitments, and had some grilled chicken are the Bar-B-Que, salad, rice pilaf. Just watched a little TV, and packed Maisie.

Sunday, we got up early to head over to the University of Illinois ISYM Senior Orchestra Camp. We had to check in at 9 am. It was a bit overwhelming for Maisie. There were 5 camps going on at the same time, so it was a bit chaotic. Parents were not allowed through registration. She got her paperwork, key, and signed up for her audition time. We took her stuff to her room, and got her cello. She was very anxious and nervous about auditioning. Sweaty palms, sick stomach. Very nerve racking, but part of the process. They have to audition for 10 minutes or so. They play 4-6 scales, prepared audition bits, and a piece of music of their choice. She chose Sonata in C Major (can't remember who it's by). She also had to sight read a very difficult piece of music.

We arrived at the audition room to find this sign.

Too funny! The little birdie is holding a trumpet. Too cute! This is a top notch camp, and I am so excited she got to go. She has been to numerous music camps, but this one is big! We waited outside, and prayed for her. She came out with a big smile on her face. Of course we asked her the normal question, "How did it go?" She said, "The only one in there was Amy!" (LOL! She was so upset, but when she had gotten into the judging room it was her cello instructor!) Amy told me I did a great job, and played all the right notes. I had to sight read a really hard piece. She told me it really was pretty good.

We drive to Champaign nearly once a week to take cello lessons from a professor, as there isn't anyone in our area that instructs at the level in which she is able to play. We are so fortunate to have Amy as an instructor. She is the most patient person I have ever met. She really inspires Maisie. We are grateful.

We got her all settled into her dorm room. Her roommate hadn't arrived yet. We attended the parent meeting and took Maisie to lunch at Subway, as that is about all we had time for. Maisie met her roommate while we were at our meeting. Her roommate was from the Chicago Suburbs, and plays the double bass. Maisie said they had lots in common: music, love of Pirates of the Carribean and Harry Potter, and reading. They were the same age, and neither had been to the camp before. I was thankful for that!

We stopped for a photo op for Father's Day.

It was a different kind of Father's Day, but we were together! We missed going to church today, which rarely happens. But, it was a great day. We said our goodbyes, and Maisie went on her way. Troy and I came home and just hung out. Maisie texted us around 4:30 pm and said she made 4th chair. Which is huge! There are 15+ cellos, and when you think she is one of the youngest players. I was so proud of her! Troy and I went to Texas Roadhouse for a sandwich. He had a burger/salad, and I had a grilled chicken sandwich/salad. Finished up the night be watching True Grit.

Happy Father's Day Troy!

50th Anniversary International Carillon Festival

2011-06-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

Rees Memorial Carillon, Springfield, IL

Last weekend we went to the last night of the Carillon Festival. It's a Gilmore family tradition. We always get KFC, and have a picnic on the lawn.

These traditions are so important to our daughter, and she so looks forward to it. The festival is really amazing. It's a time to slow down, enjoy great music, and time together. It's very informal. For those of you who aren't familiar with a carillon allow me to explain.

(Excerpt taken from the Historic Carillon Book 2011)

The carillon art has roots which extend back to the Chinese dynasties of 2,000 years ago. However, although the bells were cast and tuned in foundries, Chinese musicians rarely performed on more that two octaves of these bells. The more recent placement of bells in towers originated in Europe in the Middle Ages. The area which is now claimed by the countries of Belgium and The Netherlands was the center of development of the carillon as a musical instrument. In the thirteenth century the bell shape was con verted from a convex beehive to a concave form. This modification allowed for a much more musical bell tone than the previous shape. Towers in The Low Countries each had a large bell used for striking the hour and warning citizens of fire, flood, or invasion. Eventually, smaller bells were added to strike a few notes before the large bells sounded. These early chimes were dependent upon good tuning and distint tones.

The distinction grew between carillons and chimes, the former being a concert instrument of chromatically tuned bells and the later any group of these bells fewer than 23 in number. That distinction is still made today. A few of the first records of true carillons are those listed in Mechelen in 1384, in Gent in 1452, and Haarlem in 1431.  Musicians in these towns allowed for the expansion of the smaller groups of bells into a full keyboard instrument. Later, a pedal board was added.

Bell quality suffered from 1790 until 1900, as old founders died and their formulas for casting and tuning were lost. It was not until the beginning of the twentieth century that bell casting was revived enough to allow for a true-emergence of the carillon as a concert instrument. Today there are six foundries active in casting tuned bells for complete carillons-five in Europe and one in the United States. With the exception of the mechanical improvements, technical changes on the instrument have remained at a minimum for the last three hundred years.

The Rees Memorial Carillon is the gift of Thomas Rees, publisher of the Illinois State Journal Register from 1881 until his death in 1933. After Rees had visited numerous carillons in The Low Countries, Rees determined to provide the funds for the building of a large concert carillon in Springfield. As a result of his gift, the Rees Carillon is one of the largest and finest of the world's carillons. Within the open tower hang 67 bronze bells, covering a range of 5 1/2 chromatic octaves. The carillon was cast by Petit & Fritsen, Ltd., in AarleRixtel, The Netherlands. The total weight of the bells is 73,953 pounds; the largest (bourdon) bell, a deep G fat, weighs 15,000 pounds, while the smallest weighs a mere 22 pounds. The Rees Memorial Carillon has attracted innumerable tourists from every locale. The world famous International Carillon Festival, held each June, draws thousands of music lovers during the week long event.

At 7:00 pm we enjoyed the performance by Andreas Schmid. Mr. Schmid is the Carillonneur and Cantor at the Stadtkirche Unsere Lieve Frau in Eppingen, Germany, since 1993.

He played:

1. FANTASIE I                                                                                       Staff Nees
2. CHORAL FANTASY ON "O Jesu"                                           Andreas Schmid
3. CARILLON                                                                       Georg Frideric Handel
4. SONATINE II                                                                           Sjef Van Balkom
5. VENI SANCTUS SPIRITUS                                                  Georgorian Chant
6. PRELUDIUM QUASI UNA FANTASIA                                        Jef Van Hoff

and more

As we listened Maisie and I enjoyed playing Connect Four, as it was the only game we had in the car. I let her beat me once.

The music continued with another performance at 7:45 pm featuring a Carillon and Classical Guitar Concert by Wim Brioen (guitar) and Karel Keldermans (Carillon). Wim Brioden is renowned as one of the most talented of contemporary guitarists. Karel Keldermanns has been the Carillonneur for the Rees Memorial Carillon since 1976.

The picure above shows the keyboard used in striking the bells. Obviously, they don't allow people up during the concert, but the have the soloist displayed on a jumbo tron screen. The sound can be heard throughout the entire park. It's magical!

The sun went down and the excitment began to increase. The Lightning Bugs lit up the sky in all their glory. Children feverishly flitted around trying to catch them. Laughter was everywhere. Troy busied himself taking pictures, which he enjoys.

We captured one of him!

On Saturday and Sunday, they have fireworks after each performance. This year they had a light show before firing off the fireworks off the top of the carillon.

The fireworks were not as abundant, but it didn't matter. It was more about being together, and just enjoying life. Thank you to the Springfield Park District for a lovely evening!

Happy Father's Day Troy!

2011-06-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

Troy,

It seems like yesterday we became parents. It's hard to believe we are soon to have a high schooler. Thank you for being the most amazing Dad! You are a fine example of what the Lord meant for a father to be. I am grateful that you keep our family rooted in Christ. Thank you for leading us with excellence. We appreciate your service at church, the long hard hours that you work, the extra side jobs that you work to provide for us, all the loads of laundry you wash, cooking supper when you are home before me, taking Maisie to the doctor when I can't, for running Maisie to-and-from her activities, for being silly when we need it, assisting with homework, keeping our family traditions and festivals priority, for your amazing creative genius, being able to fix or make anything, for being able to whip out last minute costume requests with ease, and most of all for always being there and being involved in Maisie's life. I know this is just a small list of things you do for us. Thank you for making us the most important thing! I love you with all my heart. Happy Father's Day!

Love always,
Michelle

Mixed Media Canvas Painting Experiment

2011-06-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

I have had a canvas pad that I bought at Dick Blick over Christmas. I have been dying to experiment with them. The canvas pad has 10 canvas triple-primed acrylic gesso sheets that are 16 x 20. They are suitable for use with any medium. I finally found time this weekend to experiment. It was so much fun. I will definately be creating some more. These are really cool, and may even sew on some collage as they are thin enough to sew on a machine.

Supplies used: heart doily, Portfolio oil pastels, gesso, acrylic paint, stencil, sequence waste, Adirondack spray ink

Remembering...

2011-05-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

Today I remember the sacrifice of those soldiers past and present who fight for my freedom. It is with humble gratitude that I salute you. Thank you for your service.

Sincerely,
Michelle

Rainbow Connection

2011-05-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

I have always had a special "connection" to rainbows. Such promise in a rainbow! I was inspired by my sister-in-law the other day, as she had created a cute card using ribbon in rainbow colors. http://www.kiwimumscraps.blogspot.com/ I decided to create a page using rainbow colors in my ledger journal. I used my Portfolio Water Soluble Oil Pastels for the background. They are so full of "smooshy wonderful goodness". Not always easy to write over, but they have such blending capability. I heard this quote the other day on the radio, and it really stuck with me. Every now-and-then, I need a visual reminder for myself! What girl doesn't! I collaged a few random pieces of scrapbook paper and vintage children's book over the background.

I also used gesso (black and white), sequence waste, Prima Mask for photo frame I won from Miss Arts Paper Crafting School (love it!), Tim Holtz Visual Artistry Stamp, Stream Adirondack Spray Ink , Caran d'Ache Watercolor Crayons, masking tape, and red ink splotches, Portfolio ball point pen (actually wrote over the oil pastels!) and Pitt Black Brush tip Pen. I was pleased with the way it turned out!

This Weekends Garage Sale Finds

2011-05-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

This was a huge weekend for garage sales in the area! I got off early on Friday to spend some time with Troy, so we decided to hit a couple garage sales while we were out and about. We didn't find a whole lot Friday, as most people weren't open for business. I did find this sweet very old nursery rhymes book.

Don't you just love the artwork?

It has no cover, and it is a bit rough. However, I think it will make great collage paper. The art work was so detailed and colorful!

I had received an email from the Springfield Art Association that someone was getting rid of a ton of art supplies. Maisie and I decided to check it out before we headed to Champaign for cello lesson. She had some nice stuff, but was selling it all in "bundles". Strange! $60 for an entire Rubbermaid stackable drawer that was taped shut so you couldn't see what was in it. Crazy! So Maisie and I drove around the corner and happened on another sale. I was going to drive on, but Maisie said we should check it out. Boy am I glad I listened! First, I found some miscellaneous chipboard albums.

misc. tins, clear stamp blocks, and a rectangle chipboard album cover.

Then..I found a Heidi Swapp New Orleans double sided alphabet stamps set $3, a complete alphabet/number/shape set in it's own little box $4, another script alphabet set $3, and some decorative flourishes that will be great for stamping backgrounds in my journals.

A close up of the alphabet stamp in it's own case.

A close up of the large alpha set by Heidi Swapp. They are foam, but I love the font!

Another alphabet stamp set called "Ransom" in it's own little case.

As far as I am concerned one can never have too many alphabet stamps. You never know what you will be in the mood to use. :)

Miscellaneous Papers....

These cute little library pockets that have pull out cards for 25 cents (original price $2.99 each)

Letter masks, and different rub ons.

More rub ons....

Lovely lace trims, and eyelet trims.

A 30 slot paper rack! I have been wanting a nice heavy duty paper rack, but they are too expensive. There was a price tag that said Scrapping Bee, which was a store in town that went out of business. I think these ladies must have been owners of that store. This is a great find for a bargain price of $30. There was a lady that came up right after I told the guy I was going to purchase it. She was willing to pay more, but the man graciously said it was already sold. The lady was really mad. I had to run to the ATM as I had to get more cash, and the was nice enough to hold it. When I got back the man told me that the lady was looking for me to offer more money to me than I paid them. Of course, the answer would have been NO! I am so humbled by this find. They are REALLY expensive to buy direct.

I also needed a paint storage carousel, and found this one that holds 160 paint bottles. I love it! $8. I also found this cool metal book rack $1. I have my journals on it. (to the right of the paint carousel.)

I recently found this antique very old postcard rack. I keep my vintage postcards on it, so then I can make color copies and use the image for whatever I am working on.
Here is a closer view, but it's kind of dark. It's a bad day for pictures, cloudy, cold and rainy.

Fun stuff! The Lord blessed me this weekend! I am so grateful!

I am looking forward to creating something with all my new finds. Here is the latest view of my desk. Right now I am working on a new layout using rainbow colors. My sister-in-law created the cutest card using rainbow colors and inspired me to do something using ROYGBV. Check out her blog at: http://www.kiwimumscraps.blogspot.com/

A view of my sewing desk. Check out my thread! I only had a few colors before, but I was at an antique store last weekend and found several bags of thread for $2. Thread's outrageously expensive! It will be just fine for what I use it for creating mixed media, even if it is old. I found some cute wooden spools too. I have an idea for something with those. More on that later.

Here is a view of my studio to date. Really not much different....but always something fun!

Hope you all have a great week. I am hoping it is sunny tomorrow so I can plant my container gardens.

Take care,

Michelle

Butterfly Beauty!

2011-05-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

I love butterflies! Lately, everywhere you look in stores everything has butterflies on it. They are truly a masterpiece of art created by God. Maisie and I heard this quote by Maya Angelou on WIBI on the way to school Friday. It was inspiration for my most recent art journal page in my ledger journal. I love my ledger journal, as it was a Christmas present from my husband, Troy.

Removeable Fabric Cover Journal

2011-05-08T04:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

Life has been busy with all the usual spring activities: school projects, spring concerts, mowing, pulling weeds. Spring has been holding on this year. It is nice to enjoy the cool weather instead of going straight into summer.

I haven't had a lot of time to be creative the past few weeks. I did have fun creating a gift for a friend who had twins a week ago. They were born early, but continue to grow and gain strength everyday. They are so sweet, and so are their parents. I made my friend a removeable fabric cover journal. I made a scrappy quilt and sewed it to the front. I found the idea via http://www.robenmarie.com/ who led me to these fabulous instructions:

http://mylifeonebitatatime.blogspot.com/2011/03/removable-fabric-journal-cover-tutorial.html

It was super easy to make, and turned out so cute. It is fitting for this Mother's Day. Here is to you mother's....Celebrating you! Motherhood is the most challenging job, yet most fulfilling job I have.

Proverbs 22:6

inside view

Have a great day!-Michelle

Fabric Pouch with zipper and more

2011-04-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a good week. It's been kinda wacky this week. I have been hit with this weird allergy cold thing. I think it's viral! Just plain annoying really, but I am trying not to let it slow me down. Looking forward to Easter weekend.

I have been wanting to make some fabric pouches to store my art supplies when I am out and about and traveling. Sometimes I just want to do a little art journaling when I am sitting in the waiting room, waiting for Maisie, at a restaurant, or traveling with the family. Sarah Whitmire has a great online workshop called Jet Set Journaling. The workshop focuses on building the perfect travel kit. I always pack way too much stuff when I travel, and sometimes less is more. I have learned some great tips and really enjoyed it. You can find out more about it at http://www.souljournaling.com/. I found this great You Tube video on how to make a lined, zippered pouch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EICadoBCC1s . I am not much of a seamstress, but I am improving! I love fabric! Last month I went to a fellow crafter's "Destash Extravaganza" and got some amazing vintage fabrics, tablecloths, etc.

Here are a few of the pieces I picked up:

Crewel Embroidery Panel

This one is fun! Have an idea for a heritage recipe journal with this one.

Love the colors in this one!

I really think this one is cool!

I was so excited to use them, and decided to use a piece of bark cloth for one of the pouches. I embellished it a bit, and viola!

The black and white fabric was a remnant I found in the bin at Joann's. It is so me. :) I hope to make some more. I had so much fun, and trying something new.

Happy Easter! Michelle

Recent Placemat Journal Entries

2011-04-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more placemat journal entries that I have done over the past month or so...I haven't had a lot of time, with the busyness of spring activities and the addition of yard work. But, I manage to squeeze in a little time for journaling here and there.

Chalk Pastel Fun

2011-04-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law Jessica teaches preschoolers. They recently did a chalk pastel art project. She inspired me to dig mine out and play around. I drew this picture Friday morning before work. I love spring!

Craft Store Haul....

2011-04-02T15:37:00.000-07:00

So I had a little fun shopping clearance at Michael's. I got some pretty cool things. Some for me, and some for my sister-in-law, Lydia, who lives in New Zealand. I really love the vintage circus line they have at Michael's right now. For a $1! Yes! $1! I also picked up a few cute Mickey Mouse paint samples from Home Depot. Just love those! I have been wanting the typewriter stamp alphabet for a while. It was on sale. 50% off. I knew if I waited long enough it would be. Loved the dried pressed flowers. I think Lydia is going to love those. At least, I hope she likes them. The white flowers can have ink, chalk, etc. added to them. Lydia is going to love those too! It was a fun shopping day! Might be a fun shopping night too, hmm, haven't decided yet.

Also had fun shopping at Prairie Art Stamps. I found some cool Graphic 45, October Afternoon, House of Three, and 7 Gypsies papers. The pictures don't do them justice. I am excited to do something with those.

Some of these are heading to New Zealand too. Actually, I may need to go get some more. They are just too cool. I really love all the vintage circus stuff. 7 Gypsies had a line too. I got this one, but may need to go get the others. Hmm? Thinking about some things I could do first!

Coolest Billboard Ever!

2011-04-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

Red Gold Tomato Billboard

Closer View

This billboard is just a whole lot of creative AWESOMENESS! It's right here in our town! Hats off to the designer. I don't think I have ever seen a three deminsional billboard with this much creativity, at least in Springfield. We kept trying to figure out what they were making as we drove by. We all had lots of guesses. Honestly, I thought it was a billboard for Jeffrey Alan's. I was wrong! Tomatoes! Who would have thought tomatoes? It's been up now for a month or so. It makes me smile everytime I see it. *Happy Sigh!* I know I am amused with the simple things. But, who can deny that this is some awesome creativity. I want to eat Red Gold Tomatoes, so I guess it's done it's job! LOL Art is everywhere, and in everything. You just have to take the time to stop long enough to look at it. Love it!

Treasured Moments That Melt Your Heart

2011-03-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back when we went to bed we found this sweet pillow nestled amongst all the bed pillows. A note was resting nearby that read:

Mommy and Daddy,

Home will always be where you are!

Love,

Maisie

Manila File Folder Journal

2011-03-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

I was so inspired by the article in the January/February 2011 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors by artists Heidi Sekovski and Karin Winter. I just had to make my own file folder journal. I forced myself to use what I had around the house.

Front Cover

The spine of the book has sturdy paper covered with a piece of fabric. I love all the colors and textures. Each pocket has a pull out journal card.

Pages one and two. I love the picture of my Grandma on the right. She used to work as a bookkeeper for an airline company when they lived in Alaska.

I used several different papers in the journal. I found an old college typing manual from 1975 a while back at antique store in Petersburg. I also used a couple pages from a graphic arts book I found at Salvation Army, in addition to some vintage photos, misc. material, and scrapbook paper.

Page 4 and 5

If I were to make another one I would try using legal file folders. The extra height would make for a larger journal. I was really pleased with how it came out. It inspired me to think of many different ways to use file folders as a journal. I might even put several together to form a journal for one month.

Back Cover

#5 Tap a Maple Tree on my list of 39 Things

2011-03-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

After church today we ate a quick bite, and loaded up to head out to Lincoln Memorial Gardens for the Maple Syrup Tour. It was a perfect day for tapping a Maple Tree. Yesterday it was so cold and snowy, and today temperatures are in the upper 40's! That is prime weather conditions for the sap to flow.

Lincoln Memorial Garden is such a gift to our community. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places. Jens Jensen, a landscape architect, and associate of Frank Lloyd Wright designed and planted the garden as a gift to the City of Springfield. For more information check out www.lincolnmemorialgarden.org.

After a brief introduction about the history of Maple Tree tapping we headed out into the garden to tap a tree and collect the sap from the last 24 hours.

Native American Birch Bark Maple Syrup Collection Basket

It's fascinating that something that is 97% water can turn into something so amazing. The whole process is just intriguing. Sugar Creek in the Springfield area was a prominate trading community for maple syrup and Raw Maple Sugar in Central IL. We used a hand drill to drill the hole into the tree.

Then drove the spile into the tree.

The Liquid Gold began to flow. It takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup. That is a lot of sap people! Not only that... they only have a three to four week window to collect the sap before the trees leaf out. No wonder the syrup costs so much!

We collected the sap to take to the "Evaporation Station".

Liquid Gold!

We spotted a beautiful Bluejay Feather on our way back.

They cook down the sap to a certain level, and then finish it in the kitchen.

It takes a lot of firewood to cook down the sap.

Tasting time! It was a little fuzzy, but they wouldn't give me another sample to capture a better picture. Bummer I know!

We had a lot of fun. It was nice to get outdoors for a little bit. Now, I feel like eating some pancakes! Where's the syrup?

Spring has Sprung!

2011-03-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

Spring is in the air. My crocus popped up in the yard over the weekend. I am so excited to be able to work in my garden. I didn't get to last year, since I had hand surgery. I missed it so much. I can't wait to get outside and get the flower beds cleaned off. I have a lot of work to do. Troy did a good job tending my flower beds while I was out of commission. I need to divide my Hostas. Always a big job!

Crocus

Embellished Planner....

2011-03-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

Several months ago I came across Lisa Super's blog, www.anartsygirl.blogspot.com. She also had an article in one of the Stampington and Company magazines. I can't remember which one right now. The title of the article was "Prettyfied Planner". I am forever trying to find the perfect planner each year, and never find it. I tought this was perfect for me. The only thing I wish I had was a pocket to store papers. I have an idea to add a postal envelope to the back cover, or to use a manilla folder to create a pocket for storage on the back flap. I just haven't taken the time to do it yet.

I purchased a monthly calendar at my local office store.

I cut scraps of paper the size of the squares and randomly placed them on the calendar. This is a great way to use up your scraps. I embellished the front cover with some found objects, photos, and misc. emphemera

I used 3M Sticky note labels as index tabs to label the months.

I know this may seem old fashioned to a generation that is so intuned to there electronic devices to inform them of their schedules. I never use my calendar on my phone. It takes me longer to save the date in my phone than it does to write a little note on my calendar. I am a visual person, and I have to see it and "feel it". I know it's weird too many, but that's me. :)

I love it!

Altered Placemat Journal with Doodle Stitching

2011-03-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

So here is an update on my altered placemat journal that I started the first part of February. I finally completed my doodle stitching. It's nothing fancy, but it was a lot of fun.

I painted and collaged Fabriano Artistico paper and bound them in with linen thread. I used Vintage family photos, misc. emphemera, and scrapbook papers as collage. I will collage more as I go. Here are a few examples of the pages that I have collaged. They are ready to be doodled and decorated.

I finished this page today. I am really pleased with how it turned out. I hope this inspires you to try something new.

Creation Station!

2011-02-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my Creation Station!

I promised my sister-in-law, Jessica, that I would post a pick of my studio. Of course, it's not my dream studio...but, it's mine. My little oasis! A place I can leave behind the stress of the day and just CREATE. I don't get a lot of time to create, but cherish the little times I do get to spend time here. My space is constantly evolving. My art table was made by my husband Troy. He actually made it on the stoop of the first townhouse we rented. That was nearly 15 years ago. Lots of love went into that table. I just can't part with it. My chair is a garage sale find. I keep the top of my table protected by using painters tape to adhere craft paper. I love to reuse the painted craft paper in projects. So many awesome colors and designs. The black divided cabinet is used to store miscellaneous papers, ephemera, and embellishments. I found it at Habitat for Humanity thrift store last year. I actually Modge Podge some papers to the outside of the cabinet, as I didn't like all the black. On the shelves I store various material, buttons in jars, ribbons, lace, old books used as collage papers, etc.

A little closer look. You will see all my supplies are close at hand. Paint, pens, watercolors, etc. I have several resource books and magazines nearby also, in case I need inspiration. One of my favorie storage items is an architectural blue print storage unit given to us by a friend.

I use this to store my art stamps, large papers such as: watercolor pads, Fabriano Paper, and canvas pad paper. On the top I have my large cutting mat, and my antique paper holder. I buy butcher paper from Sams to protect my surfaces.

Next to the storage container is my trusty old JC Penney sewing machine I got when I was first married. I am not a seamstress, but I like to dabble with little projects.

Last but not least....My awesome new craft hutch my husband repurposed for me. Last year I purchased the Michael's organizer cubes. I hated the way the sat on the floor. I found four table legs at a flea market last year, and had been saving them for a project. Troy built a box, and added some trim to the top. It's fabulous! He is still putting the finishing touches on it. Below I store my scrap paper cart. I found the rolling cart at Salvation Army for $2. Troy painted it white for me, and I added the hanging folders to store all my papers by color. I also have miscellaneous vintage fabric stored in my Longaberger Picnic Basket.

Thanks for stopping by my place. Hope you enjoyed the tour. Have a great day! Happy creating!

Early Valentine's Day Present

2011-02-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

The Quilt Before

My renaissance man has been busy creating again. I told you he could make anything. Everything from sewing a bag to building a house. It really doesn't matter. I am so blessed. I found this little velour crazy quilt at Salvation Army about a month ago for $3. I told Troy I wanted to make an art journaling bag for times you journal "on the go". I just loved the colors in this quilt. He said, "Can I make it for you?" I wasn't going to argue with him. Honestly, he sews way better than I do. He used some black velour fabric leftover from making Maisie's Harry Potter Halloween Costume cape for the sides.

The Creative Process

So, this was my Valentine's Day present. It's perfect! I love it so much. I will treasure it.

View with open flap

It comes complete with an outside zipper pocket.

Inside view. He used the back of the quilt to line the inside of the bag. It has two divided pockets, and a small inside pocket for pens.

Thank you Troy. I love you.-Michelle

Button Button Whose Got the Button....

2011-02-12T15:24:00.000-08:00

Making Button Bouquets

Just hanging out today having some fun. I really wanted to finish a project today, so I decided to make a button bouquet. I have quite a few vintage buttons. I have made a few for gifts, but decided to make myself one. I found this amazing treble clef note vase a few months back, and I have been dying to make a bouquet to put in it. I finally got the time to do it. Yay!

I found the idea originally at: http://tparty.typepad.com/the_tcozy/2007/10/index.html . She has a fantastic tutorial on how to make them, and a wealth of ideas and inspiration. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop!

I love it! It makes me smile. The colored buttons I used are not vintage, but I loved the colors. I found them at Hancock Fabrics. The white ones are vintage, and I found them at a local thrift store a few months back. The doily was one of my grandmother's.

39 things!

2011-02-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by Mary Ann Moss once again. http://www.dispatchfromla.typepad.com/ She had created a list of 48 things she wanted to do before she turned 49 this year. So, I created my own list. This will mark the end of my third decade. Yep, BIG 40 this year. Ok, well, I am getting started a little late on this list. I will be 40 in September. I am not sure I can squeeze 39 things in by September. However, I can try. Here goes my list of 39 random things (not in any certain order) I WANT to do this year:

1. Take a photo walk at Lincoln Memorial Gardens during each season.
2. Make Kayla's Bierocks recipe.
3. Go camping at Jim Edgar Panther Creek Wildlife area. (in a CABIN!)
4. Take the Brussells Ferry on the Illinois River to pick peaches in Calhoun County.
5. Tap a maple tree.
6. Go eagle watching
7. Plant holly bushes
8. Make Orange Marmalade
9. Visit Quad Cities and visit art museum on river
10. See a live performance at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis
11. Attend a Symphony at the outdoor amphitheater in Millinium Park Chicago
12. Ride a bike along Lake Michigan in Chicago
13. Ride Ferris Wheel on Navy Pier
14. Take a carriage ride down Michigan Ave in Chicago
15. Go "thrifting" in St. Louis
16. Take road trip down Route 66 through Illinois
17. Go on 100 mile garage sale
18. Eat ice cream with the family on the square in front of Old State Capitol.
19. Go to the Apple and Pork Festival in Clinton
20. Reorganize Craft Studio
21. Take an online art journaling class
22. Make Easter Sugar cookies
23. Pick and Freeze Blueberries
24. Go to Farmers Market as a family on Saturdays
25. Try my hand at running
26. Ride bikes more often
27. Read Bible in 90 days
28. Take an architectural photo walk of Springfield
29. Make May Day baskets and give them away
30. Read more
31. Go fishing
32. Take a drawing class
33. Explore a nearby small town
34. Go hiking at Lincoln's New Salem.
35. Make a heritage recipe book
36. Go walking in the rain with Troy
37. Have a pillow fight
38. Paint a room Turquoise Mist
39. Take a Sunday drive to buy melons around Havana

Like I said... This is a long list. Some of them, I have already done this year. Many of them are family traditions we do every year, but some of them we haven't been able to do for a while. Maybe since I wrote it down, I will get some of them done.

Hello and Welcome

2011-02-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

Creating a blog has been on the top of my list of things to try for quite some time. So, here goes....My family is my joy. I love to do things for them, and create things with them. We are all crafty in our own little way, and I love it. Troy, is the love of my life, and quite possibly the most creative person I know. He can make or build anything. I mean anything! Our sweet girl has inherited many of her dads creative abilities. I hope to inspire you to get crafty, but most of all enjoy the small things in life. Slow down, and savor each moment. Even those moments as mother's when you feel like the daily grind will never end....

Blizzard 2011

Happy Ground Hog Day! I think if Puxatawny Phil lived here, he wouldn't even bother leaving his den to see his shadow. Too Cold and Snowy! We have been snowed in here since Tuesday. They haven't plowed our road yet. The final snowfall total was around 18 inches (give or take). I am lovin' the time to do some things I have been wanting to do. I made homemade egg noodles this morning. Planning on cooking up some beef and noodles for supper. You got to have comfort food when you are snowed in. Right?

They don't look like moms though....But, I am sure they will taste good. Oops! I got busy working on my blog and just burnt the frozen pizza.... LOL! I guess I need to work on Plan B.

I have been busy working on several projects this week. I finished up a travel journal for a friend using Mary Ann Moss's Remains of the Day technique. You can check her blog out in my blog roll. It turned out nice. I am making another one for a gift. Here is the outside cover. I especially like the cheery fabric.

I love her class. It allows me to use up many of the scraps and incorporate things I wouldn't normally use in my art journals. I can't wait to get it finished. I hope to do that today. I found a book this past week called, Doodle Stitching, by Aimee Ray. I love it. I have been doing some freehand embroidery on a placemat I found at a local thrift store. I hope to add some paper inside and make a journal out of it.

I will show the finished product later. Well, I better finish winding my embroidery floss. Look at all the pretty colors. Can you imagine a world without color? I can't!

Hope you have a great day! Remember take the time to do something creative EVERYDAY!