Monday, March 27, 2017

Mailable Monday #187


Happy Monday! 

Are these little girls just too sweet! 

I was in the mood to color the other day. 

Dolls colored with Prisma pencils and markers. 

Greeting is Hampton Arts LOL stamps. 

Busy shopping day with my friend Kat. 

Going to hit the craft stores, and  new quilt store in the Medina area

that somehow I missed, and didn't know it was even there. 

Pot roast is in the crockpot for dinner tonight. Looks

like its a bit cloudy outside but its suppose to clear up. 

I'll be back tomorrow with photos from the Christmas Story house

that we went to visit yesterday. Had a blast. 

Stamping trails
Karen

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Hey Chick Altered Egg Carton


Back with another "hey chick". This

time I used it to decorate an egg carton. 

The carton I got in the dollar bin at Target. 

Birds are colored with Prisma color pencils. 

The fence is a Spellbinder thinlit. 

The birds and fence are mounted on  designer paper. 


Side view of the carton. I used Gorgeous Grunge stamp with

Soft Suede ink to stamp the outside. Since I the acrylic block was to

large to use in tight spaces on the sides and inside box I just inked 

the stamp up and kept it in my hand to stamp. That way I could

get in the corners and sides. (please don't look at the messy desk...mad stamper at work!)


Close up view. Love this chick! 


Here is an inside view. 

The kraft colored doilies I got at JoAnn's. I added 

a smaller white doily then scrunched them up to fit in the egg cup. 

I decided not to glue them together or to the bottom of the egg carton. 

This way if the person wants to remove them they can. 


You're a good egg was stamped on the same designer paper

I used on the outside. Little chick hatching was cut then popped 

on the panel. 


I plan to fill the cups with candy. 

Very happy with how this one came out. Sad

because I only picked up one egg carton. I may

have to make a trek back to Target and see if they 

still have them. 

Busy day today! Going to go to brunch with Sarah, and Kat. 

Then we are off to see the Christmas Story house. Should be fun! 

Stamping trails
Karen

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Bunny Bows


Some new clip art I made. 

I posted these on a FB page that I'm a member of. 

Lots of the members liked them, but I'm still on the fence about them. 

Made using SU bow builder punch. 

The ears were made with the small oval punch, and the inner

ears were hand cut just a bit smaller to be layered over 

the white ears. 

I used a little pom-pom for the bunny tail. 


The pink one is my favorite. 

So only a wake up till my friend Kathy arrives. 

Busy day tomorrow. I'll fill you in on that in a few days. 

Stamping trails
Karen

Friday, March 24, 2017

Hey Chick in Blues


Hey Chick! 

I colored the chicks with Prisma color pencils.

No framlits for these so the birds had to be fussy cut. 

No problem I love to hand cut stuff. Kind of 

relaxing for me....like washing the dishes. Am I

the only one who still hand washes the dishes? 

Okay I digress. 

I embossed the pool party cardstock with a barbed wire 

embossing folder by Cuttlebug. Layered that on black then 

added to the white base card. I like these colors together. 

Going to be warmer today so I think I'll go check 

out the local craft store. Haven't been to Pat Catan's for 

awhile and I'm starting to have crafting withdrawals. 
 
Stamping trails
Karen 


Thursday, March 23, 2017

Some Tags, and Roll Ups


Received this lovely tag from Shannon. 

We were in a Julie Nutting tag swap. 


Shannon also made this doll tag. Love it! 


And goodies! I have such fun with the swaps I join. 


So my latest go to lunch is sliced low sodium turkey

breast rolls. 


I roll feta cheese and sauteed spinach up in the deli meat. 


This feta is really good, and just 70 calories per serving. 
 
So its still be cold here, but my friend Kat is coming for a visit soon. 
 
I'm sure she will bring a little sunshine with her! 
 
Stamping trails
Karen 


Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Artist Trading cards Received


Just posting pics of some recent ATC 's that I have 

received. I went to Medina

yesterday morning for poll training. That

went well. I'm feeling much better about the

process now. Two of the gals I worked the polls

with at the November election were also there. 



I didn't do much the rest of the day. Was cold all day and

just couldn't get warm. I think I might be coming down with something. 

Hope not as my friend Kat is coming for a visit on her way home from PA. 


At any rate I was to cold to venture into the stamping studio to 

craft so I decided to post work that others have made. 


Hoping I'll warm up and feel well enough to 

get some crafting done today. 

Yesterday was the first day of spring and we still have snow

on the ground, but the birds are out. Skip filled the bird feeded

over the weekend, and they have been flocking to it. 

The squirrels are funny as they can't get into the feeder and

they sit below it waiting for the birds to toss them a few seeds. 

Don't feel to sorry for them, as I still feed them up on the deck. 

Stamping trails
Karen

Monday, March 20, 2017

Mailable Monday # 186


Welcome back to another mailable Monday. 

I'm a sucker for anything sewing, corset, or dressmaker themed. 

Found this single stamp this weekend while out shopping at 

JoAnns. 

The lace embossing on the side is a folder made by SU.

The buttons across the bottom is from a folder by Cuttlebug. 

Didn't put a greeting on this card. Going to leave it blank. 


Here is a photo of the stamp. 

I'll be heading out this morning to take a class at the Election office. 

They asked me to be the manager at one of the polling locations

again, so I need to go take the class. Which is a good thing because

I didn't get to do that the last time. I just got a quick overview and

had to read the materials. So doing the process hands on will be 

much better for me.
Stamping trails
Karen

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Bunny Girl


I made this cute Easter tag yesterday. 

Love how she turned out. 


Here is a closer look at the bottom of the tag. 

Made the little bunny with different punches. 

The fence is a thinlit made by Spellbinders. 

Little eggs were done with a small oval punch by SU. 

I decided not to add a bow or ribbon at the top. 

Thought that would take away from the focal point of the tag. 

I did add a stand in the back so the tag could be displayed. 


It was snowing yesterday afternoon. Winter isn't finished with us 

just yet. It does look pretty. 


Now here is a sweet treat that I have been enjoying. 

Pretty low in calories, and so satisfying when I've craving some

chocolate. I don't like the sugar free Hershey's syrup. It has

an artificial taste to it, but I do like Hershey's simply. Made with

less sugar. Since I only add 1 tsp on the yogurt its only 15 calories. 

The 1/4 cup of light and fit yogurt is 27 calories.

So that is a pretty sweet deal! 

Stamping trails
Karen

Friday, March 17, 2017

Wearing of the Green ATC


Happy St Paddy's Day! 

Here is a little lass I made for a "Wearing of the Green" atc swap. 

Love the little pom-pom trim at the bottom. 

And of course I couldn't resist adding some

freckles.


Here is one lucky dog! Top hat, and bow tie are stamps

and matching thinlits made by Tim Holtz. 


This lovely tag I received from Janie. We were in a swap with

the Swappers Corner group.

I was going to post it earlier, but wanted to wait till the 17th.

The doll's name is Nicki. 

Hope everyone enjoys St. Patrick's Day, and don't forget to wear some green!

Stamping trails
Karen

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Washi Tape Book


Recently I was in a washi tape swap. 

The requirements were to send your

partner 12 inches each of 25 different washi tapes. 

I've been in swaps like this before. Normally 

the tape is wrapped around playing cards. Because

the cards are coated the washi tape can easily be 

removed to be used. 

I never once thought to do the swap like the

washi tape book I received from my partner! 

It is so cool! She laminated the pages, and covers. 


We both decided to send each other 24 inches of each

tape. What can I say we are both crazy for washi! 


There are lots of great tape to use in my book! 

Thanks so much Theresa! Just love it. You did a great

job presenting the tape! 


I couldn't resist going on  the back deck yesterday afternoon to

take photos of icicles on the eves of the house. 

So pretty. 


Here you can see some snow on the roof. 

Yesterday was so cold and windy that the buzzards that

are suppose to return to roost at Hinckley Park reservation didn't return.

It was to windy for them to fly. Hopefully they will get to come back today. 

Skip thinks all the snow will melt over the weekend. Hope so! 

Stamping trails
Karen

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Lasagna Soup YUM


Well what to do when its cold and you are in the middle of 

a snow storm? You make a pot of lasagna soup! 

This was soooo good! 

Here is the recipe just in case you would like to make some. 

1 small yellow onion chopped
1lb lean turkey sausage, or you can use 1 pound lean ground turkey
4 cloves garlic minced
1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, I used the kind that has basil and oregano in it
1 tablespoon oregano 
5 cups low sodium chicken broth
8 oz lasagna noodles broken into 2 inch pieces 
2 cups low fat mozzarella cheese

place chopped onion in pan and saute till tender. I don't use oil to do 

this just cooking spray. Add the turkey sausage and cook till no longer pink. 

Add minced garlic and cook another minute. Drain
 
In dutch oven add the sausage, broth, crushed tomatoes, and oregano.
 
Stir well and bring up to a simmer. Add noodles. Cook according to package 
 
directions. I cooked mine for 14 minutes. Add the cheese and mix in till melted. 
 
After making this I thought 2 cups of cheese was a little much so the next 
 
time I make it (and there will be a next time as it was that good) I'm 
 
only going to use one cup of cheese and just use a little on the top for garnish. 
 
You can also use Parmesan, and fresh torn basil for garnish. 
 
serving size 1 cup, calories 189, fiber 3, protein 21
 
this recipe was taken from Recipe Diaries. I found it on Pinterest.   
 
Beware the Ides of March! Ides were ancient markers. Ides referred to the
 
the first full moon of every month. Normally which fell between the 13th and 15th. 
 
"Beware the Ides of March" was written by William Shakespeare for

his play Julius Caesar. And of course we know what happened to Caesar. 

So why am I bringing this up. No reason really except that I happened to 

notice the date that this will be posted on and I always remember the Ides of 

March from my English class in high school.

Stamping trails
Karen
 
 

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Spring Flip Bag from Kathleen


Look what I got in the mail yesterday.....


this cute Spring themed flip bag from 

my crafty friend Kathleen. 

Love the yellows. Just screams Spring. 


This bag has some surprises. 

The front flips up. She put a message for me on the inside flap.



Here is a side view. 


She even put a pocket on the back! How clever! 


Lots of goodies! Love all the die cuts she put in a file folder. 


Shaker tag. 


Stitched flower card, and  designer panels to use for layers. 


She also sent me the dies to make my own bows! 

Thank you my dear friend. I also have to say that she did

all of this while sick. Hope you get better soon Kathleen! 

Sending you cyber hugs!

We got a snow storm last night. Skip got his snow day. He is a happy fellow! 

Stamping trails
Karen

Monday, March 13, 2017

Mailable Monday #185


Happy Monday. 

Still cold in my neck of the woods. It hasn't been any warmer 

than 24 degrees the whole weekend. 

So today's card featured Nicki in a peasant dress. 

The coloring was done with Prisma colors. Shoes

were highlighted with clear wink of Stella. 

Greeting is from Hampton Arts LOL stamps. 

Her dress was done with Julie Nutting designer paper. 

I'm hearing that "blush" is the new neutral color for Spring. 

So what did I do? I bought a blush peasant blouse while we

were out and about on Sunday. I'll have to take a photo and post, but

its to cold to wear it yet. 

Sending my sympathies out to my friends. Kat who lost her

grandma over the weekend. Lisa who lost her brother-in-law, and

to my hubby who lost his Uncle Don. 

Sending hugs my friends. 

Stamping trails
Karen

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Flower Pot Elephant



We were out at Petitis Garden Center a few weeks ago. 

They had this very large elephant made from plastic 

flower pots. 


Here is a side view. They had it hanging up from the ceiling. 

I thought it was pretty cool. 

What I'd like to know is who called for more Winter? 

Its so cold this morning, and snowing just a bit. 

BRRRR. 

Don't forget to set your clocks forward tonight. 
 
We will lose an hour of sleep but it will be worth it 

to have the days longer. 

Me and hubby going to the movies, and out to lunch. 

I also need to do some shopping. Going to have to 

dig out my hat and gloves, as I thought I wouldn't

need them any longer......I should have known better! 
 
Stamping trails
Karen 


Friday, March 10, 2017

Bunny Rosettes for Spring


Hip, hop goes the bunny! 

These turned out so cute! 

The rosettes are made with 1 1/2 strips. 

I made one in white. Then.....



I thought it would be cute to use designer paper. 

The bunny looks like its wearing a dress. 

The face and feet were made with different punches, and

the ears I just hand cut. Didn't even draw a pattern I just

winged it. 

I didn't take a photo of the back, but I did put

a white pom-pom on the back of each one for a tail. 

Hey a bunny is nothing without that white fluffy tail.....right? 

So it go colder last night and its suppose to snow today. Joy! 

Winter still wants to hang on even though Spring has been knocking on the 

door for a few weeks now. 

Glad its Friday. Me and hubby are going to see the new 

King Kong movie tomorrow. Can't wait. Love John Goodman and 

he is starting in it. 

Stamping trails
Karen

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Prima Doll Mirror and Pouch


Look what I made!

Found several small hand mirrors in the drawer I keep 

metal things in....doesn't everyone have a drawer that holds

misc stuff that can be altered? I can't be the only one! 

Anyway....the mirrors are white. I stamped the doll

with Jet Black StazOn then added color with Sharpie markers. 

After everything was heat set with the heat tool I added

a sheet of red sticky adhesive. Next came the clear micro beads. 

Love it! But wait.....if I'm going to be carrying this mirror in my 

purse I want to make sure its protected. 


I made a little case to keep it in. Quick and easy

stitching on the sewing machine. I used pinking shears around

the edges so I wouldn't have to mess with turning the raw

edges to the inside. Along the strip that I attached to hold

the flap closed I added some fabric rose trim. 


LOVE it! 


So yesterday I though the house was going to blow away.

It was warm, but so windy out. Went out for coffee with Skip, and

I had trouble getting out of car because the wind was so strong

it was pushing car door.

I got a letter from the Board of Elections yesterday. 

They want me to be a manager again for a special election being

held in May. So I'm going work the polls again. Class will be held this

month. So I'll need to attend that. Which I'm happy about. The first time I 

worked the polls it was an last minute class and I didn't get to work

with the polling machines. So this time I'll feel more prepared.

Stamping trails
Karen